("1 Newsletter

Volume 33 Number 2 Spring 2016 Swedenborg the Mystic - Part 1

by Paul Cressman

Emanuel Swedenborg may well exem- is an expanded level of perception such adults of his day. In his later life he plify the man of the future. A master that the recipient feels he has encoun- wrote: scientist who had a longing to discover tered an all-knowing Intelligence. “From my fourth to my tenth year the soul, his philosophical delving into An absolute conviction of the I was constantly engaged in thought the spiritual world eventually led to him immortality of the soul forever van- upon God, salvation, and the spiritual receiving the gift of a higher state of quishes the fear of death. In addition, experiences of men; and several times consciousness. there is an elevation of the moral char- I revealed things at which my father This state is thought by many to be acter and an added charisma to the per- and mother wondered, saying that an- the next step in mankind’s evolution. sonality of one who has had such an ex- gels must be speaking through me.”2 Dr. Richard Maurice Bucke, a turn-of- perience. Swedenborg’s keen interest and the-century Canadian psychiatrist, talks Illumination comes more readily aptitude in the sciences prompted him of mankind evolving towards a state of to one who has lived a life conducive to to go to the Uppsala University. After “Cosmic Consciousness.” Bucke cata- a healthy evolution of the brain. The graduation in 1709, he traveled to Lon- logued the experiences of many famous attributes a person must have or culti- don to further his knowledge in math- people throughout history whom he vate are a sound heredity, good health, ematics and science. From there he believed had reached a state of illumi- a life of service to mankind, and most toured the continent, staying with nation. He documented them in his importantly an upright moral nature – craftsmen and learning their trades. classic investigation of the evolution of compassion, a respect for Truth and a Not being one to rest content with the mind in Cosmic Consciousness1. More love of the Divine. theory, Swedenborg tried to remain as recently, a continued organic evolution Swedenborg possessed these traits practical and as down to earth as pos- of the brain has been thought respon- as few others ever have. He was born sible. He became proficient at book- sible for states of genius and mystical in 1688 in Stockholm, Sweden, and binding, watch-making, engraving, experience. It is believed the great mys- grew up during the beginning of the manufacturing mathematical instru- tics and geniuses of the past were “spo- “Age of Enlightenment,” a time when ments, and glass grinding for making radic manifestations” of a state that is reason was beginning to sweep away lenses. His scholastic accomplish- mankind’s natural heritage. many of the traditionalDale Pondways of think- ments included a table giving dates of The characteristics of an experi- ing which had been established by the future eclipses of the sun and moon, a ence of cosmic consciousness are so Church. The leading intellectuals of the plan for a submersible ship, similar to unique that they cannot be confused time dissociated themselves with most the modern day submarine, and a plan with those of any other state of mind. things having to do with religion or for constructing canals and lift locks by The event comes suddenly and without mysticism, yet Swedenborg took an in- which ships could be raised to any warning. In most cases there is a sense terest in these matters from an early age, height of being immersed in flames or brilliant and they formed the underlying moti- After several years of touring Eu- light, and there is often the presence of vation for the greater part of his works rope, he returned to Sweden in 1715 to internally perceived, incredibly beauti- in later life. continue his investigations of science. ful, tones and music. A feeling of great His comprehension of spiritual He published many works in chemistry, joy and ecstasy is always present. There matters went far beyond that of most metallurgy, astronomy, and navigation.

INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 1 An interest in mining eventually led to activity. Swedenborg’s outstanding possible that they can be explained his appointment as an Assessor in the brilliance placed him almost two centu- or comprehended by any of the Swedish College of Mines, a post he was ries ahead of his own time. known laws of motion; such in- to hold for 30 years. His varied inter- After the publishing of the final deed is our present state of igno- ests not only led him to become one of volume Philosophical and Mineralogical rance, that we know not whether Europe’s most highly regarded scien- Works, Swedenborg’s interest turned to the motions by which the soul op- tists but later served as a valuable foun- the more philosophical spiritual aspects erates on the organs of the body be dation for his spiritual works. of life. The concept of the human soul such as to be reducible to any rule Throughout this period he mystified him, and he set out to try to or law.” stressed that he was interested in knowl- identify the soul’s location in the human During his anatomical studies, he edge, not for his own sake, but for the body. gained a considerable amount of use he could put it to in the service of He wrote three major works deal- knowledge about the nerves and mem- his country1. This was typical of ing with this: Economy of the Animal King- branes, but the blood held the most fas- Swedenborg’s attitude and was in ac- dom, The Animal Kingdom, and The Wor- cination for him. He believed an “es- cordance with the rules of life he had ship and Love of God. The translation of sential vital principle” was contained in laid out for himself: the original Latin from which “Animal the blood and he described it as a “First: Diligently to read and Kingdom” is derived is really the King- “spiritous fluid which is in immediate meditate upon the Word of God. dom of the Anima – the soul. In The connection with the soul.” Second: To be content under dis- Animal Kingdom he states that he in- At this point in his study, he still pensations of God’s providence. thought the soul was organic. He per- Third: To observe a propriety of ceived the brain as having a relationship behavior, and preserve the conscience with the “spirituous fluid” similar to that pure. of the heart’s relationship with the Fourth: To obey what is com- blood. He believed the pulsations and manded; to attend faithfully to one’s vibrations of the brain drove out the office and other duties, and in addition spirituous fluid into the nerves and to make oneself useful to society in gen- fibers of the body. He eventually con- eral.”3 cluded that the center of the soul’s ac- In the years to follow, Swedenborg tivity was the brain, which he saw as became more and more interested in “the boundary at which the ascent of philosophical speculations about the the life of the body ceases, and the nature and origin of things. The culmi- boundary from which that of the soul . nation of this portion of his life’s work . . . begins.” He saw the soul’s opera- was published in 1734 as the Philosophi- tion on the body as that of a provider cal and Mineralogical Works, a three vol- tended his study to encompass an ex- of the more ennobling characteristics of ume set of which the first was entitled amination of the entire anatomy of the human mentality. “The Principia.” In this volume body, both physically and philosophi- Swedenborg’s works enabled him Swedenborg put forward his theories cally. to arrive at a better understanding of the regarding cosmology (the study of the There are many who feel problems involved in identifying the origin of the Universe), and the compo- Swedenborg’s efforts lacked direction soul. The more deeply he investigated sition of matter. The former was until he decided to investigate the soul. the problem, the more the soul seemed known as the nebular hypothesis and He passionately believed that discover- to evade him. He began to realize that explained the origin and motion of ce- ing the essence of the soul would be the without some kind of spiritual inspira- lestial bodies by means of hypothetical crowning glory of his studies. This tion science might never understand the whirlpools, a notion similar to those motivated him to return to Europe to hidden mysteries of the soul. developed in the twentieth century. His receive training in human anatomy. His reason for wanting to learn theories regarding the composition of Between 1734 and 1743 he gathered about the soul was deep-rooted. He matter were even more remarkable, for large volumes of material for his works. had a profoundly spiritual nature and they anticipated modern science’s be- Swedenborg was well enough deep faith in the Divine, and was ap- liefs that atoms are actually knots of versed in the ways of science to realize palled at the growing tide of materialis- energy or fields of activity. Swedenborg that the methods he had used in his tic thinking that characterized the Age came to the conclusion that there was earlier investigations of the physical of Enlightenment. Many believed God an activity in the roots of matter which sciences would be of little use to him in and the Soul were nothing more than caused discharges from particles. More his study of the soul. He writes: abstract ideas carried over from the than 150 years later, his theory was sub- “In respect to the soul and its vari- Middle Ages. Swedenborg remained stantiated with the discovery of radio- ous faculties, I do not conceive it one of the few intellectuals in this

2 INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 period who considered the existence lived his life by, and a love of and long- The next night he had one of the of God “a necessary truth.” He was de- ing for the Divine, as witnessed by his most profound spiritual experiences of termined to convince other people of search for the soul. his life. After having dozed off to sleep this by scientifically proving the exist- Beginning in 1743, while working he heard: ence of the soul. He writes: on The Animal Kingdom, Swedenborg “ . . . a roaring noise as of many “ . . . these pages of mine are writ- began to have very unusual experiences. winds rushing together, and was ten with a view to those only who These were indications of the changes immediately seized with a powerful never believe anything but what which were about to alter his life. Be- trembling from head to foot, and they can receive with the intellect; cause the sensations and experiences he felt the presence of something consequently who boldly invali- were totally unlike anything he had ever “indescribably holy” which shook 7 date, and are fain to deny, the ex- encountered, Swedenborg did his best him and threw him upon his face.” istence of all super-eminent things, to study himself as a scientific observer, The words of a prayer were placed sublimer than themselves, as the detached as much as possible from his on his lips. Later: soul itself, and what follows imagination. He recorded his dreams “I then prayed for grace and love, therefrom – its life, immortality, and observations throughout his two- since the work is . . . not my own . heaven, etc. . . . For these persons year transformation in a personal diary, . . Every now and then I burst into only I am anxious; and, as I said The Journal of Dreams. His accounts de- tears, not of sorrow but of inmost before, for them I indite, and to tailed many of the symptoms Bucke joy, that Our Lord has been willing them I dedicate my work. For believes are characteristic of cosmic to show such great grace to so un- when I shall have demonstrated consciousness: the intense joy, the sub- worthy a sinner.”8 truths themselves by the analytic jective light and sounds, the expanded From then on, Swedenborg expe- method, I hope that those debas- perception, and the moral elevation. rienced incredible dreams and visions ing shadows, or material clouds, In April 1744, his first mystical and “extraordinary lights seen and which darken the sacred temple of experience occurred. He dreamed one voices heard.” Most of his visions came the mind, will be dispersed, and night of conquering a temptation and during the night, often accompanied by that thus at last, under the favor of afterwards experienced a feeling of in- physical sensations—violent tremors God who is the Sun of Wisdom, credible bliss: and sweating. During these visions he an access will be opened, and a “I had in my mind and body the slept for incredibly long hours, some- way laid down, to faith.”5 feeling of an indescribable delight, times ten to thirteen hours per night. Up to this point in Swedenborg’s so that had it been in any higher Yet throughout much of this time life, many of the characteristics Bucke degree the whole body would have Swedenborg states that “no one could describes as prerequisites for the been, as it were, dissolved in pure in the least perceive any change in me.” achievement of cosmic consciousness joy. In a word, I was in heaven and were present – a healthy intellect, as heard speech which no human Part II of this article will appear in the witnessed by his performance as a tongue can utter, with the life that highly respected scientist, a solid moral is there, with the glory and inmost Fall 2016 edition of this newsletter. 6 nature, as witnessed by the rules he delight that flow from it . . . “

Gopi Krishna’s Life Story: A Quest

Author Teri Degler has been working on course, his story as it is told in Living him I knew that I was indeed in the ICR’s Gopi Krishna Biography Project with and Kundalini: The Evolu- presence of greatness. Beyond that I intermittently for several years. Recently she tionary Energy. These are, however, knew I was in the presence of a human traveled to to meet with and interview autobiographies. And by their very na- being who had reached a stage of members of Gopi Krishna’s family. ture autobiographies are limited. An enlightenment that was – at least until A few years after Pandit Gopi author, in writing about his own life I delved into his writings – virtually Krishna died I started thinking about and experiences, cannot very well extol unimaginable to me. how important it would be – both for his own virtues or lay claim to his These two aspects of him – hu- history and for those of us alive today greatness. This is especially true of a man being and enlightened being – – for a biography to be written that writer as humble as Gopi Krishna was. fascinated me. And I found myself as told his life story. We already have, of But from the first moment I met intrigued with one aspect as much as

INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 3 the other. One of the things that cap- Kobelt, the woman who had been got off the ground and the winning tivated me most was his social justice Gopi Krishna’s secretary for many party dropped it. work. Although he mentions this in his years. At that time I stayed with her for At a symposium in 2003 called autobiographies he really glosses over several weeks and recorded 30 hours “Science and Beyond: Cosmology, some facts that are really quite extraor- of interviews. Consciousness and Technology,” Dr. dinary. For instance, he was a man who Shortly after this I got involved in Singh described Project Conscious- was working passionately for what we raising a family and my only work on ness and commented, “It has always would today call “women’s rights” as the project was an attempt to find struck me as tragic that we in India, with our early as the 1940s in ! volunteers to help transcribe the tapes unique spiritual and intellectual background This work interested me so much – an effort complicated by the fact that in this field, should still be lagging behind. that in 1977, when I was part of a group Margaret sometimes spoke German Had the project continued over the last of over 200 Canadians who went to when answering my questions. quarter of a century, we could well have India to hear him speak, I obtained Little else was done on the project produced the first Nobel laureates in the field special permission to visit the secure until two years ago when, aware that of consciousness research.” enclosure that had been built under his time was passing, several ICR mem- Interviewing people like Dr. Karan auspices for the protection of aban- bers began to encourage me to start Singh, meeting with the family, and doned widows and their children. To- working on it in earnest and the ICR seeing the deep love, admiration, and day in Canada we’d call this a shelter Board of Directors voted to create a devotion they have for their father and for abused women – but the first project fund that would help alleviate grandfather has brought home to me shelters of this kind weren’t started some of the expenses involved in the both how honored I am to be working here until almost three decades later. project. on this project and how important it is The more I thought about it the Since then I have spent time with to get it done. more I realized these and other stories Gene Kieffer and interviewed George Individuals of Gopi Krishna’s stat- about his life needed to be told from Tompkins – the two most dedicated ure generally have – and should have – the perspective of a biography – a life-long supporters of Gopi Krishna’s not just one but many books written literary form that presents as accurate a work. I have also begun to interview about their lives. It’s exciting to know picture as possible of both the subject many of the Canadian volunteers who that people like Gene Kieffer and Gopi and the impact he has had on his time spent time with Gopi Krishna in India Krishna’s grandson, Rakesh Kaul, are and place in history. Unfortunately, the furthering the work of the Kundalini planning to write memoirs of their thought also eventually came to me Research and Publication Trust. experiences with him. It is my great that I – as a fairly well established Most exciting, however, has been hope that the biography I am working writer who’d been intensely interested meeting with Gopi Krishna’s family. on, in concert with proposed projects in Gopi Krishna’s work for many years During a trip to Boston last year and like these memoirs and the two autobi- – was probably the most likely candi- the one that I have just returned from ographies we now have, will provide a date for taking on this project. to India, I have met with his daughter, record that will not only help secure the I say unfortunately only because a Regina Kaul; his two sons, Jagdish and place in the history of the 20th century project like this has to be a labor of Nirmal Shivpuri and their lovely wives, that Gopi Krishna deserves but will love. Literary biographies, unless they Mohini and Chuni, and one of his also underscore his incomparable con- are about very famous people or pro- granddaughters. During the trip to tribution to Western understanding of vocative personalities, rarely sell at all India I was also able to interview Dr. , kundalini, and the transforma- well or attract publishers who offer Karan Singh. Born a crown prince and tion of consciousness. advances. This means the author of the son of the last Maharaja of Jammu- Volunteers are still needed to such a project often spends years writ- Kashmir, Dr. Singh – still an active transcribe the Margaret Kobelt ing, researching, and traveling that all member of parliament at 84 – is one of tapes! Although the primary need go uncompensated. the most widely respected statesmen in is for people who speak German, As a working writer I knew it India. When he was Minister of Health there are also sections of the tapes would be years – if ever – before I in 1976 under Indira Gandhi’s govern- which are in English. Please email could tackle such a labor of love. Still, ment, he launched “Project Conscious- [email protected]. Great the idea of the biography pestered me ness” – a research study essentially thanks goes out to volunteers Gene and in 1990, with some generous help based on Gopi Krishna’s “Kundalini Meyer, Helga Schroeder, and from ICR on my airfare, I went to Hypothesis”. Regrettably, Gandhi’s Regina Stemberger for the work Switzerland to interview Margaret government fell shortly after the project they have done so far!

4 INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 ICR’s 31st ANNUAL CONFERENCE and RETREAT Kundalini: The Role of Sexual Energy in the Transformation of Consciousness

Gopi Krishna. Michael is a long-time evidence to the contrary, particularly Mystical experiences have often been board member of ICR, and is a practic- among mystics whose experiences par- described as erotically charged and ing Vedic astrologer. allel certain kinds of sexuality, in par- sometimes sexually suggestive “unions” ticular those of an orgasmic nature. My with the Beloved. Some ancient texts How Soma gives Immortality In the talk will suggest that when sexuality and explain this phenomenon in terms of Rig Veda, Soma is a nectar which gives spirituality are blended, each empowers the awakening of Kundalini, the trans- liberating knowledge, and this refers to the other and together take conscious- mutation of sexual energy into spiritual an internal process by which self be- ness to a more profound level than energy and the union of the divine mas- comes identified with the one, death- either by itself. In my own tradition, culine and feminine. less consciousness. This process is de- Judaism, there has been a rift between scribed in the Upanishads and the the biblical notions of sexuality which This year our program includes: Yogic and Tantric texts where attention were romantic, bold and earthy and the The Role of the Reproductive Sys- is turned inwards and consciousness is post-biblical notions which downplayed tem in the Kundalini Process. Ac- pointed towards itself, rather than to- the primitive in favour of the so called cording to various esoteric traditions in wards external objects. The sublimation aesthetic and theological. Unfortunately, India, Kundalini Shakti is the control- of desires, including that of sexual en- this rift in Judaism continued into Chris- ling and guiding principle behind all ergy enables the inward focus to be tianity, and Islam as well as penetrating forms of spiritual transformation. Its maintained until the process is com- secular society. In other words, in the goal is to upgrade the brain and nervous plete. This presentation will highlight Hebrew Scriptures, sex was natural and system of the body so that the individual various classical sources, from the holy and given by God as a fundamental can experience a new faculty of percep- Vedas to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, aspect of what it means to be fully tion—cosmic consciousness. In order which describe this process of self-illu- human. Post-biblically, it left its moor- to achieve this goal, Kundalini Shakti mination. In the initial self-veiling, im- ings and was too often perceived as attempts to modify the body so that a mortality sacrifices itself to become something to transcend and overcome more potent form of psychic fuel is materiality, temporality and mortality. in favour of a so-called higher purpose. produced and sent to the brain via the The final unveiling is called ‘The death The “higher purpose”, as I see it, is to spinal cord. The primary source of this of death’, revealing immortality, or integrate sex and God in a holy unity fuel is the reproductive system. This Amrtam. Dr. Pankaj Seth, ND is a that promotes the expansion of con- presentation will consist of a brief over- Naturopathic doctor, yoga/meditation sciousness. Kundalini is one path to view of the concept of Kundalini, fol- teacher and filmmaker based in To- achieve this goal and if one looks at lowed by an explanation of the subtle ronto. His clinical practice focuses on certain aspects of Hindu art, some of body and its energy conduits (nadis), as Ayurveda, Pranayama, Meditation and which is presented in the Kama Sutra, they are described in some of the eso- Acupuncture. Pankaj’s upcoming film, there is support for what is being sug- teric traditions of India. This model will Soma: The Yogic Quest, due gested in my presentation. Jerry then be compared with the descriptions to be released in 2016 is a meditation on Steinberg is a rabbi, psychotherapist of the Kundalini process given by Gopi the mystical aspects of Yoga. and author. He was previously with the Krishna in his various writings. In par- www.doctorseth.ca • Federal Government of Canada as a ticular, the essential role of the repro- www.somatheyogicquest.com Consultant in Yoga, Meditation & Al- ductive system in spiritual transforma- tered States of Consciousness. His most tion will be highlighted. Michael Sexuality - The Hidden Dimension recent book is “Rogue Rabbi - From Bradford has been involved in research of Spirituality My presentation will Seminary to Ashram and Beyond.” on Kundalini and the nature of con- address the interface between sexuality (ECW Press, 2012). He is currently com- sciousness for almost 40 years. In 1977 and spirituality. For far too long the peting two manuscripts – “Amelia - A he travelled to India where he spent six western religions have struggled to rec- Novel on the Interface of Spirituality & years serving as a volunteer worker for oncile these two energetic forces, often Sexuality” and “The Unlikely Nature of the Central Institute for Kundalini Re- suggesting that sexuality gets in the way God - A Kabbalistic Perspective”. search, founded and directed by Pandit of elevating consciousness. Yet, there is

INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 5 Open Forum Discussion on the Con- public speaker, she has taught work- cal but also arduous. This presentation ference Theme Facilitated by Myrna shops on creativity and creative writing though is mainly from the angle of my Filman. Myrna’s interest in Kundalini in the United States and Canada. The spiritual inner call, the mystical core in spans more than four decades and be- Divine Feminine Fire is also available in me. At a young age, from inner mysti- gan with a profound personal experi- German from Aquamarin Verlag. cal experiences, I made a commitment ence in her early twenties. She has a long with The Divine to devote my life to career as a nurse and currently works in Kundalini and the Sublimation of serve the change from a mundane ori- mental health as an advanced practice Sexual Energy. This presentation is ented to a mystical or spiritual oriented RN. She lives in Northern California. about how KUNDALINI has been society. The Journey of my life - how the power Tai Chi with Gwendolin “Gwen” of Kundalini has completely pervaded Open Forum Discussion on the Con- Goodwin. : My spiritual journey didn’t and sublimated my sexuality and given ference Theme Facilitated by Alf consciously start until relatively late in birth to Cosmic Conscious experiences. Walker. Alf has been involved with the my life. Strong events pushed me unto It has also guided me from within to Kundalini movement of Gopi Krishna the path I am on now and probably will reveal what I call Quantum Chakra since 1975. He volunteered at the be for the rest of my life. During those Meditation, which then also gave birth Kundalini Yoga Research Project in difficult times the practice of Tai Chi to a philosophical model that from Dehra Dun in 1982/83. Alf retired as a was one of the ways I kept myself within was named Cosmoholism Captain from the Hazardous Material grounded and healthy. For about 40 (www.cosmoholism.com).I had very lit- Unit of the Toronto Fire Department, years now this ancient art is still part of tle information about this natural but as well as from his practice as a psycho- my life and a joy to do indoors or outside often dramatic phenomenon until 1987 therapist in 2014 to pursue his life-long in Nature wherever I may be. when I visited India for the first time interest in Spiritual Evolution and the and found a book about Kundalini that work of Gopi Krishna. He lives in The Sacred Roots of Tantra Say the clarified what spontaneously, and at Toronto and Nobleton with his partner word “Tantra” these days and people times very dramatically, had happened Miriam. think “Sex!” Images flood the mind of to me throughout my life from a very Quantum Chakra Meditation with the Kama Sutra and weekend work- young age. Even though I have lived a Bi-Ma Anden. A way to support a shops for couples that focus on pro- spiritual life, it took me about 40 years natural non-forcing Kundalini awaken- longing pleasure and reaching ecstatic of experiences until I found authentic ing that unfolds Cosmic Consciousness sexual states. But is this all there is to resources of information, including through sublimation of the sexual en- Tantra? Or does it even have anything to documented life-stories and ancient ergy. do with true Tanta? This talk will delve scriptures, which profoundly con- into the ancient, sacred roots of Tantra firmed to me the natural phenomena of Mystical Poetry – The Shroud of – both the right-hand path where the Kundalini and the full relevance of my Knowing Facilitated by Dale Pond. union of the masculine and feminine own experiences. Amongst the re- Usually every year at the ICR confer- was seen as symbolic and divine and the sources I found were Gopi Krishna ence we have a session that is a loving left-hand path which corrupted these and ICR! One of the greatest difficulties sharing of special music related to the teachings into the dark search for power associated with having Kundalini expe- theme. However, this year we decided and personal gain. More importantly, riences is their unfamiliarity to most to do something a little different. Since the talk will explore the deep meaning people within our modern society. Yet the topic is about how sexual energy is and relevance that Tantra – as the trans- today, there is nothing in my life more related to the transformation of con- mutation of sexual energy into spiritual beneficial and healing than my awak- sciousness we thought that it would be energy – is not just for our spiritual ened Kundalini and the extent to which of value to have a session in which we growth but for the awakening of kundalini I allow and acknowledge it to be natu- would have different Spiritual/Mystical and the transformation of our con- rally present. Kundalini has been my poetry read aloud. Throughout the sciousness. Award-winning author Teri inner guide to reveal the Quantum world various descriptions of this inter- Degler, has ten books to her credit Chakra Meditation – which can be nal experience of transformation have including “The Fiery Muse: Creativity worthwhile for supporting a Kundalini been given through the art of poetry. and the Spiritual Quest” (Random process in a balanced way to experience And, if the reproductive system is in- House, Canada). Her most recent book, the Divine role of the Sexual energy in volved in this process then we can un- “The Divine Feminine Fire: Creativity the Transformation of Consciousness derstand why the descriptions of this and Your Yearning to Express Your in human life. Bi-Ma Andén was born deep spiritual experience have an al- Self” (Dreamriver Press, USA) has been in Sweden in April 1946. As she says: most erotic theme or quality to them. an Amazon.ca #1 Bestseller in two spiri- “When I reflect about my life, my life This experience grows love within us tual categories. A widely experienced story seems like a fairytale, very magi- continued on page 8

6 INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 Frederick Jan ‘Tontyn’ Hopman – “I Renew Myself in Silence”

Frederick Jan “Tontyn” Hopman, was Institute in Zürich) and arranging a 1952 type of primal life and conscious- born April 5, 1914 in Genep, Holland meeting with the Kashmiri mystic Gopi ness and unity: in the unfathomable and passed away on February 8, 2016 in Krishna. one consciousness; the idea that Cambridge, England, just two months Prior to this meeting, Mr. Hopman everything is present in total equi- shy of his 102 birthday. Among his described in his autobiography unusual librium. Outside is nothing.... many accomplishments, Mr. Hopman experiences of (nonsexual) orgasms of Gopi Krishna explained to Mr. had served as secretary, editor and pub- his heart, accompanied by vivid dreams: Hopman that his experiences were the lisher for Gopi Krishna. The ‘orgasms’ occurred frequently result of Kundalini. From his autobiog- In his youth, Mr. Hopman studied now, sometimes as soon as my raphy Mr. Hopman quotes Gopi architecture in Holland, graduating at head touched the pillow. The Krishna: age 18. There he met his future wife, dreams become vivid, some pleas- This was an autonomous transfor- Clara Quien, an artist. As a young man ant, others ominous,… or a deep he was influenced by eastern literature mation process, which would and philosophy, especially the work of eventually lead to a higher state of Harold Fielding Hall and J. consciousness. … it is a process of Krishnamurti. His interest prompted becoming conscious of your real them to motor from Holland to Kash- divine state. This of course is an mir in 1935. (They were the third Euro- evolution the whole of mankind pean vehicle to successfully complete has to go through. We are all des- the journey.) tined to realise this goal. Kundalini, They stayed in Kashmir where Mr. when it awakens, itself guides you Hopman oversaw a large carpet factory. in the right direction, which is al- Both he and his wife continued their most like a knife edged path be- artistic endeavors: Mr. Hopman draw- tween death and madness. You will ing and painting and his wife painting have many visions coming to you. and sculpting. Their three children, Arius, Don’t fix yourself on them. Just Conrad and Rhea Quien were born in note what is going on. In time the Kashmir. experience may fall in place. They lived in Kashmir until com- Mr. Hopman continued: pelled to leave by the Indian-Pakistani The experiences sometimes cer- partition conflict of 1947. Evacuated by tainly were staggering. I remember the RAF, they were forced to abandon when cycling along Dal lake, sud- all their possessions. Nevertheless, they denly everything behind me, from continued to live in India, staying until a vertical extending plane, which 1952. He would later describe their time went through my ears, there was a in India as the most important period in joy filled me. I started to have vi- complete void. Before me, every- his life. sions around the creation theme, thing was ever. But behind me was During this time Mr. Hopman met which expressed itself in numbers a frightening nothingness, a gap. James Hillman. Their deep friendship and geometrical shapes, later also When I told Gopi Krishna about lasted until Hillman’s death in 2011. In in colours. I become fascinated this, he grinned and said: “If that his autobiography, Mr. Hopman states with this play of unconscious, and happens again, just turn around “the Hillmans played an important role realised that numbers are not just your cycle... in my life, over the coming decades, and quantities, but in fact laden with in- were most affectionate and support- formation about creation on the Mr. Hopman and his family left ive.” Two roles were significant: intro- archetypal level. I had a vision of a India and moved to Switzerland in 1952 ducing him to Jungian psychology disk of light in a deep midnight for his children’s education. He re- (Hillman later directed the C.G. Jung blue. This was number one, arche- sumed work as an architect and even-

INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 7 tually became employed by Swissair, de- visions, which he painted - producing worldly things.” signing and supervising office construc- almost 100 watercolours from this pe- His daughter Rhea states Mr. tion in the Middle and Far East. His un- riod. In 1985 he became a Buddhist and Hopman had no fear of death. He en- derstanding of eastern culture and lan- was initiated by His Holiness the Dalai joyed retelling a dream he had while still guages made him especially suited to Lama. living in Zurich. He dreamt he was in this task. Among his other good works, his flat, enjoying an afternoon cup of Mr. Hopman stayed in contact with Tontyn sponsored the education of a tea, when someone knocked on the Gopi Krishna and, with the help of an young Tibetan monk in India, Dakpa door. He rose and opened the door, old friend in the Indian government, Senge Senge, who now lectures in a and there stood death. Tontyn invited was instrumental in bringing Gopi Vihara near Varanasi. For several years death in, and asked him to make him- Krishna to the west. Later, in Switzer- Tontyn sponsored a small hospital con- self comfortable at the table, while he land, Tontyn edited and secured publi- nected with the Krishnamurti school went into the kitchen to make a fresh cation of Gopi Krishna’s first book, near Varanasi. pot of tea. He brought in the tea, sat Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man. He is survived by sons Arius and down in his chair opposite death, and, He also acted as a secretary for Gopi Conrad and daughter Rhea Quien, who leaning back said : “Now, how is life?” Krishna in Zurich for many years and cared for him the last several years of his He awoke roaring with laughter. continued to assist with editing and life. His artwork on numbers and geom- publication of his books. Some final thoughts on Kundalini etry can be seen at: http:// In retirement, Mr. Hopman learned from his autobiography: www.adhikara.com/tontyn-hopman- astrology and enjoyed an active astro- “Today, coming to think of this number-and-geometry/sitemap.htm logical practice. He stayed in touch with experience, it is clear to me, that changes Donations may be made in his his many friends at the Jung Institute. In took place in the brain, which enabled name to the Woodland Trust his eighties he regularly went on silent me to be aware of the fact that we not (Woodlandtrust.org.uk) retreats in his beloved Tessin, the South only live in this material world, but then of Switzerland. The up to three weeks simultaneously there is this immense —Myrna Filman of silence during these retreats led to consciousness, which is empty of

continued from page 6 [email protected]. If you For more information or to register and moves us into a place of oneness do not feel comfortable presenting the online go to www.icrcanada.org/ with the Mystery of Consciousness. To poem you have chosen or cannot attend store or mail payment to ICR c/o contribute to this poetical experience the conference we can have someone Pond, 165 Valley Cres., Markdale, please email a copy of the poem that you else share it on your behalf. Please send ON N0C 1H0. would like to share with everyone to or email your submission by June 30th.

NOTES and NEWS The Thomas G. Howe Publishing Honorarium was es- ing to review submissions, please refer to our website tablished to encourage and support those researchers and au- www.icrcanada.org / Research / Honorarium / Evaluating ICR thors who write and submit articles to ICR that further the Honorarium Submissions.Qualifying authors will be acknowl- Institute’s research related to Kundalini. To be considered, the edged each August at ICR’s Annual General Meeting. completed article must be a minimum of 4,000 words in The amount of the Honorarium will come from the in- length, and be submitted to the Article Review Committee by terest earned on the endowing funds. We invite you to send us May1st each year. your submission or contact us for further information at For detailed information on the criteria ICR will be us- [email protected].

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8 INSTITUTE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS RESEARCH NEWS SPRING 2016 Iain Carstairs - The Dignified Altruist

On April 21, 2016, one of our dear website, it will certainly be well worth painting – using the method like friends, Iain Carstairs, journeyed on it. As Iain wrote: Michelangelo and others had done in into his next adventure. “I have a great interest in both sci- the past. He painstakingly learned Knowing him as we have, it will entific advances and the beauty of re- through trial and error how to come be an amazing one for sure. Iain was a ligion, and created the website up with the right formula to create man that was inspired by and protec- www.scienceandreligion.com about beautiful fresco paintings on the front tive of the good in the human race. 15 years ago with the aim of finding and sides of buildings for all to see. He expressed his fearlessness of pur- common ground between the scien- One of his motivations was to paint pose and strength of integrity and tist and the believer, and to encour- scenes of nature that would turn inspired us to constantly be better age debate between the two sides.” people’s heads away from technology people through his sharing and un- Iain was the kind of person who so that they would feel the essence of ending expressions of creativity and loved to learn. He became a writer the “peace” that nature had to share love. and shared much on his blog - no with them. He was thrilled when Iain created an amazing website doubt helping many people in many teachers would bring their kids to see that is both inspiring and thought ways. He also became a painter, which the one that he had painted on the side provoking. It is an honorable legacy turned out to be a passion of his. Not of his house and one on a Bedford of a man’s search for truth. If you have only did he do oil paintings on canvas Cafe. Below are a couple of his won- a chance to read through some of his but he took up the lost art of Fresco drous Frescoes for all to enjoy.

Iain said that he would live his life “…death was willing to sit back…. was an artist, which was an incidental promoting the works of Gopi Krishna, He was never pushy. He hovers about fact of his life - though the one that who proposed that there was a bio- our life ‘as night hovers among the pine reminds us of his power - but because logical process, called Kundalini, that trees’ as Emerson said. Most he was an over comer of impossible was responsible for the evolution of importantly, he has that superhuman hurdles, a hardened realist, a man who consciousness. Iain fought valiantly gift - patience - willing to wait, because loved life and used every day to the for the last few years against cancer he knows the last dance is his. Death, absolute limit, and a great thinker: and remained optimistic, with dignity eventually, is our friend - who can ‘If life hath pleased us, then death, and humor intact throughout the pro- begrudge someone who has waited a from the hand of the same master, cess. lifetime to embrace us? I admire him should not displease us.’” Iain’s recent comments concern- from a distance! I like Michelangelo’s ing death: words best of all, and not because he Iain will be dearly missed.

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