According to the lecture “Waiting For Your Second Birth” by Robert Moore, harnessing the strength & wisdom within ourselves is a profound journey often symbolized in mystical poetry and age-old teachings. Recalling the imagery of Jesus on a lean donkey, we’re reminded that controlling our baser instincts is not just a lesson from spiritual texts, but an everyday struggle to maintain balance & integrity in our lives. Just as the donkey can transform into a dragon if unchecked, so too can our raw energies overwhelm us if we lack self-discipline and awareness.
Embarking on a path of personal growth means recognizing the two distinct births in our existence: the physical birth that introduces us to the world, and the ‘second birth‘, an awakening that many cultures and sages emphasize as critically important. This deeper awakening brings us to the threshold of true wisdom—enabling us to construct an inner sanctuary where intention, intelligence, and compassion form the pillars of our strength. Like King Solomon, whose wisdom transcends stories and religions, we must strive to channel our abilities not just for personal gain, but for the generous and empathetic advancement of our communities.
Key Takeaways
- Mastery over the instinctual self is akin to taming a powerful inner beast, crucial for personal and communal harmony.
- Recognizing and nurturing a ‘second birth’ is essential for spiritual and psychological maturation, paving the way to an enlightened self.
- True power is accompanied by a sacrificial nature, important for the well-being and safety of society.
Symbol of Mastery
In speaking to you today, I cover the intrinsic need to govern our base impulses adequately. Consider the image of Jesus riding a humble donkey, symbolizing the necessity of a robust spirit; neglect this strength, and the docile creature may transform into a formidable adversary.
Reflect on your life’s initial phase, analogous to the creation of a vessel robust enough to contain the magnificent vitality intrinsic to our existence—a vitality stemming from our ancient lineage. However, the journey doesn’t conclude with this initial phase. It progresses into what is understood universally, not merely in a narrow cultural context, as the second birth—the evolution within, the edification of the inner temple.
Allow me to convey a poetic illustration by Rumi, titled “The Far Mosque”—a narrative illustrating that true reverence is grounded in deliberate thought, enlightened discourse, and, most paramount, acts of compassion. Each element echoes the intelligence of the whole, representing a sanctuary of the heart—a sanctuary beyond mere physical description. It is in this sanctuary that wisdom, akin to Solomon’s guidance, blossoms through actions suffused with generosity.
It is imperative to realize that without this second birth, a man might remain ‘unfinished,’ posing a potential threat to the societal fabric, and ultimately, to the cosmos itself. This process encompasses not merely the formation of a ‘cup’ to contain one’s primal energies without succumbing to destructive impulses, but also the construction of a robust self—enabling the navigation of life’s challenges without inflicting pain upon others.
Nonetheless, every ascent is accompanied by its shadow. As one garners strength and vitality, becoming more potent in an array of faculties—from aggression management to the pursuit of desires—there arises the potential for a diluted sense of self, reminiscent of the Tower of Babel narrative. This ancient tale, echoed across cultures, warns of the perils intrinsic to power unchecked.
Ancient wisdom points to the correlation between great power and sacrifice—the notion that to maintain a world safe and inhabitable, certain rites, such as the horse sacrifice, were deemed essential. Our ancestors recognized these ‘horses of power’ and understood the profound question of sacrifice for the greater good—a concept resonating with the profound idea of transformation, a thread running through the fabric of humanity’s spiritual and ethical consciousness.
The Inception of Being
Contemplate the essence of your instinctive nature and the necessity to steer it with resolve. Picture yourself with the fortitude of a figure like Jesus, riding atop a meager donkey, demonstrating the mastery we must exert over our baser selves. Allow weakness, and this donkey may transform into a formidable dragon.
Envision a rebirth, not of flesh but of spirit, akin to what wisdom from across ages and cultures embraces—far from being an exclusive thought of a single ideology, it’s understood as a vital transformation within. It’s a journey towards nurturing an internal sanctuary, one made not of tangible materials, but of intents and acts of heart and understanding—an abode no less real for its invisibility.
Recognize that your potential for ascension isn’t merely about cloaking yourself in power, but about a balanced harnessing of primal forces that must not be squandered or repressed. In the forging of a self that can competently embrace life, realize the importance of crafting a robust identity, not as a fortress but as a chalice capable of containing and channeling life’s vitality.
Let us not forget, however, that every strength carries its shadow. With the accumulation of personal power comes increased responsibility to the community—the untempered strength, like unchecked flames, may harm those around us. Reflect on the narrative shared by cultures worldwide, that of constructing towering ambitions only to witness their downfall. These tales serve as reminders of the inherent danger in unchecked self-aggrandizement.
Your emergence into full being is intertwined with the ancient concept of sacrifice, a ritual repeated across cultures and eras, often symbolized by the horse—a creature emblematic of formidable energies. The act of sacrifice is embedded in our collective consciousness, a notion that certain relinquishments are essential for the security and harmony of the world.
As you journey through your awakening, consider the ubiquity of these themes in human thought—the sacrifice’s capacity for transformation, the horse’s emblematic strength, and the delicate balance needed to ensure that this newfound potency serves not only you but the larger cosmos.
Significance of Renewal Through Inner Rebirth
Crafting the Psychic Vessel:
Every being carries innate, significant energies within themselves; energies that are part of a legacy spanning millions of years. It is essential for you to forge a vessel sturdy enough to harness and channel these profound forces. Comparable to constructing a robust self, this psychic container is not merely defensive in nature but a foundational part of your growth.
The Second Birth:
Across cultures, the transition known as the second birth has been deeply acknowledged, transcending narrow views often held by modern societies. This transition embodies the transformation from your primal state to one of refined spirit and wisdom and is evidenced not only in action but also within the realm of inner development.
- Inner Transformation:
- Shaping a resilient spirit in the likeness of enduring figures like Jesus
- Recognizing and redirecting instinctual urges to prevent them from overwhelming you or evolving into something uncontrollable
Molding the Inner Temple:
You must focus on constructing your inner temple with intention, wisdom, and profound dialogue. This process mimics the assembly of a place of worship, where everything is connected and communicates in harmony.
- Components of the Inner Temple:
- Purpose intent
- Enlightened thinking
- Meaningful dialogue
- Compassionate deeds
Rising Above the Ego Structure:
Attaining power and presence is important; however, unchecked, it risks turning into hubris. There’s a proverb about the constructs of grandeur like the Tower of Babel that serves as a cautionary tale. Your energy, when discovered, must be wielded with restraint and generosity to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance that pose a threat to communal harmony.
- The Dangers of Unbridled Power:
- In the absence of a second birth, an individual may become perilous.
- This risk extends to personal relationships and the larger cosmic order.
Sacrifice & Transformation:
Throughout history, the concept of sacrifice has been pivotal to human understanding. It reflects an innate knowledge that for growth and the safety of the community, certain powerful elements must be willingly given up. This principle has manifested in the physical world through practices such as the horse sacrifice, symbolizing the relinquishment of raw power for the greater good.
- Sacrifice in Human Consciousness:
- Archetypal significance across various cultures
- Relationship with concepts of scapegoating and social structure
Your journey to awakening and embodying a responsible and secure individual is intrinsically tied to these principles of inner growth and conscious sacrifice.
The Inner Sanctuary and the Distant Place of Worship
The essence of your discipline mirrors the image of Jesus traversing on a meager donkey, encapsulating the necessity to harness your primal essence. Fortify your spirit in the likeness of Jesus; frailty here allows the decrepit donkey to morph into a formidable beast.
Your journey thus far has encompassed the striving for a robust vessel capable of containing the exuberance of existence—the vibrant energies that are innately yours, reminiscent of a two-million-year legacy as per Jung’s perspective. Today’s discussion pivots to your second genesis—far from mere reiteration of a biological birth, it transcends the narrow views of contemporary Western thought, drawing on the profound comprehension of our ancestors worldwide.
This concept of a second genesis isn’t bound to fundamentalist belief systems; it’s universal, symbolizing an inner sanctuary. When convening later, remember to touch upon the sacred Grail themes. You may find yourself somewhat muddled, but Rumi’s words about the “Distant Place of Worship” can anchor your understanding. Solomon’s temple, made for adoration, wasn’t of earthly make but crafted from intentions, sagacity, mystical dialogues, and empathetic deeds. Each segment radiates awareness, interacting with impeccable harmony—the tapestry yields to the broom with respect, while the knocker and door operate in concert like skilled musicians.
This sanctuary of the heart certainly exists, though its essence defies simple articulation. Solomon sought it daily, dispensing insights not solely through words or melodies but through the most profound teachings manifest in actions. Indeed, even a prince—or in our tale, a king—is but a notion, until actions rooted in magnanimity bring him to life.
Reflections from prior dialogues recall the grandiosity often associated with masculinity—an inflated sense can leave one hazardous to their community, partners, progeny, and even to the world’s fabric, should this second genesis be unrealized.
Your task at dawn focuses on the creation of a crucible strong enough to harness instinctual forces without surrender or repression. This necessity aligns with psychological constructs of developing a resilient ego or a ‘good enough’ self structure, ensuring that life remains manageable, particularly for those around you. The shadow aspect, though, is as inseparable from emergence as from any process—a man burgeoning with newfound strength, brimming with cognitive, aggressive, and passionate capacities, can become a perilous figure as his power consolidates.
Voices from your ancestry echo tales akin to the Tower of Babel, narratives spun by myriad cultures, alluding to the inevitable encounter with one’s capabilities. In your endeavors, you observe individuals endowed with extraordinary potency, those aptly named after primal forces, who experience the zenith of human aspiration but remain escorted by an undeniable peril recognized by ancient societies.
Amidst your musings, you contemplate the esoteric concept of sacrifice—an intuition deeply embedded in human consciousness, as Jung explored with intrigue. This ancient motif, often expressed through the act of sacrificing horses, suggests that to foster a safe, livable realm, some form of relinquishment is vital. Grand priesthoods arose around such rituals, which calls into question the relationship between sacrifice and the cultivation of a spirit that society dares to set free.
Guidance from Rumi and Insights from Solomon
Reflect on the symbol of Jesus riding the slender donkey, a portrayal of reigning over the primal self. Maintain strength in your spirit, akin to Jesus. Should this aspect falter, the feeble donkey may transform into a formidable dragon.
Embrace the concept of a secondary genesis, the awakening of your inner self. This notion is widely recognized, transcending cultural boundaries and the narrow views of Western superiority. It’s the internal sanctum’s rebirth, unconnected to simplistic dogmatic beliefs.
The revered sanctuary described by Rumi, named the distant place of prayer, wasn’t structured of earthly matter but crafted from purpose, sagacity, profound dialogue, and altruistic deeds. Each section resonates with intelligence, harmonizing with the others. The fabric yields to the broom in unity; the knocker and portal sway together in concert. Strive toward this heart sanctuary, though words cannot capture its essence. Pursue Solomon’s example: his mornings spent dispensing wisdom not just via speech, but through melodic chords and actions that convey profound teachings. Leadership remains an empty role until it finds expression through acts of generosity.
You may encounter individuals embodying considerable strength—men of capability with a pyramidal construct of self, akin to the fabled tower. They may exude immense energy, yet this very power, if unchecked, can veer into perilous terrain, threatening the harmony of the world.
The ancients spoke of immense dragons. Learn why such beings are deemed perilous when the vessel within isn’t fully formed. Consider the masculine tendency toward grandiosity and the vital need for internal growth. The creation of a receptacle—a psychological ‘cup’—to safely contain these potent, instinctual forces is pivotal. This process forms a capable ego, not in an Eastern spiritual sense, but in a psychological framework, enabling sufficient defenses against life’s inherent chaos.
Acknowledge the human instinct toward sacrifice and the role it plays in harnessing these formidable energies. Throughout history, cultures have practiced various forms of sacrifice, reflecting an intrinsic human awareness of its necessity. Explore these rituals and the discourse around them, noting how they are innately tied to a man’s spiritual maturation and the safety it promises society.
In conclusion, consider the stories throughout ages that convey the power of symbolic sacrifice. Delve into the ancient practice of the horse offering and the wisdom of our predecessors who understood the need for balance and the potential costs of unchecked power.
Harnessing Instinctual Energies
Reflect on Rumi’s metaphor of Jesus riding a humble donkey, representing the need for strength of spirit to reign in our primal tendencies. Just as a donkey can transform into a dragon when left unchecked, so can the untamed parts of our nature. It’s essential to recognize the transformative process of our inner growth, akin to the second birth that our ancestors across various cultures deeply understood.
Recognize the peril when this process is absent as individuals can become harmful to their community and, broader still, to the cosmos itself. The creation of a vessel – a psychological ‘cup’ if you will – to safely hold and integrate our instinctual urges is vital. This isn’t an act of severance from these primal parts but a sophisticated alignment and synchronization, much like the cooperation portrayed in Rumi’s far mosque metaphor where every element works harmoniously together.
Acknowledge that through the accumulation of power, these instincts can amplify. As men power up, they can build vast reserves of energy, aggression, passion, and will. Yet, consider the cautionary tale of the Tower of Babel, a parable known to many cultures, that speaks to the hazards inherent in unchecked power accumulation. When this power becomes overly centralized, the bearer becomes a risk—a dragon, capable of great destruction.
The concept of sacrifice, deeply rooted in the human psyche, as explored by minds like Carl Jung, resonates with the notion that to harbor a habitable presence in the world, some form of sacrificial act is necessary. This age-old idea transcends mere ritual; it’s a call to thoughtfully calibrate the powers within us. It is a recognition that to live in harmony, there must be measured release of these forces, much like the ancient tradition of horse sacrifice, which symbolized the renunciation of unchecked power for the greater good.
In summary, harness your energies with wisdom and intent, so that your strengthened spirit can create an internal sanctuary where every action you perform resonates with understanding and compassion. Only then can you ensure that the vessel you build stands firm, beneficial not just to oneself but resonant with the safety and harmony of the wider world.
Hierarchical Self-Construction and Cultural Heritage
You must develop your inner self with the same resolve and strength that Jesus exemplifies. When this aspect is neglected, your base instincts can morph into destructive forces. Consider your personal growth as a kind of “second birth,” something many ancient societies valued far more than modern Western cultures. This second birth is not limited to a religious concept but is a widely recognized stage of inner evolution.
Your ancestors had deeper insights into building an internal sanctuary — a space made not from tangible materials, but from purposeful living, insightful thinking, and actions borne of compassion. This realm of wisdom is open to everyone, with guidance available from wise teachers like Solomon, who impart lessons through parables, music, and meaningful deeds.
Empowering yourself brings great responsibility. Enormous strength, cognitive ability, and control over your passions and desires are commendable, yet without the right guidance, they can be dangerous. The acquisition of power is like constructing a pyramid within the self — a strong foundation for the enormous energies you harbor.
Various cultural tales, including the Tower of Babel, illustrate the risks of unchecked power. Similar to riding multiple horses of immense strength, failing to manage such power can pose a threat not just to yourself, but to the larger cosmic balance.
Throughout history, the concept of sacrifice, as observed in the rituals of many cultures, has been pivotal. Recognizing that certain elements must be relinquished to achieve greater harmony has been crucial to societal development. This understanding extends beyond theoretical musings; it’s deeply ingrained in human consciousness, from ancient horse sacrifices to the symbolic offerings in religious traditions.
Ultimately, true awakening for a man involves not just realizing his potential, but also understanding the importance of personal sacrifices — ensuring that his empowered self actually contributes positively to the world. Recognizing and respecting this inner journey towards wisdom and societal safety is essential for living harmoniously.
Insights on Authority and Ritual Offerings
You find yourself reflecting on the teachings that recount the wisdom of ancient tales—a lean donkey, a symbol urging the strength of spirit like that of Jesus’, for fear that if weakened, it may turn into a fearsome dragon. The narratives of your predecessors across the globe have long emphasized the crucial nature of an inner awakening, often akin to a second birth, shedding light on a deeper knowing compared to the sometimes overconfident notions of Western civilizations.
The significance of this second birth lies in the creation of an inner sanctuary—a place akin to the Far Mosque, as described in a poem, constructed not of physical materials, but intentions, wisdom, and the threads of mystical dialogue. It’s an invisible, yet omnipresent abode where each aspect is intelligent and interacts with others in a delicate, yet powerful harmony. Your guidance finds echoes in the melodies of King Solomon, who teaches through both words and inspired acts of generosity.
In this journey, you also consider the force of instinctual energies and the indispensability of harnessing them responsibly. Creating a psychological vessel or, in more linear terms, developing a robust ego becomes essential to living a life that doesn’t spiral into chaos for oneself and others. However, each strength carries its shadow; as power intensifies within a person, so does the potential for peril. The imagery of grand dragons and their masculine associations comes to the forefront, as does the parable of the Tower of Babel, illustrating the hazards of unbridled power.
You are reminded of the ancient stories that talk of the necessity of sacrifice—often symbolized by the horse in historical rituals—exposing the human intuition that some greater power or force calls for offerings to achieve a harmonious existence. These sacrifices, understood by many wisdom seekers, including Carl Jung, represent a significant, archetypal human cognizance, pointing towards the transformative power of letting go. Across cultures, you see repeated the conviction that without some form of sacrifice, the world cannot remain a safe place for all.
The conversation extends to thoughts on scapegoating and its correlation with the concept of sacrifice, a topic much debated in ethical and feminist theories. The recognition that growth, especially in spirit, and the safety of its emergence into the community, may well pertain to these ancient sacrifices. Acknowledging the ‘horses of power’ our ancestors revered leads to an understanding that to maintain a world hospitable for all, there lies a sacrifice that must be undertaken—an act that has historically been the backbone of many a spiritual doctrine.
The Dynamic Between Authority and Spiritual Maturity
In addressing the spiritual dimension of leadership, it is pivotal to understand the fine balance between the innate energies that embellish our existence and the guiding principles that ensure their beneficial application. In reflecting upon the spiritual bastion within, one must grasp that it isn’t a structure crafted from tangible materials; rather, it is built from the virtues of intent, insight, and compassionate deeds. Each component within this inner sanctum is attuned and responsive to the others, establishing a coherent whole.
Solomon, an archetype of wisdom, habitually visits this inner realm, offering guidance, not through edicts but rather through concordant acts and the art of harmonious living. It is a lesson in leadership—one must transcend the superficial trappings of power to foster genuine magnanimity.
Furthermore, the analogy of the lean donkey, symbolizing the baser self that must be managed, illustrates the cruciality of internal strength. Without this fortitude, the uncontrolled self can morph into insurmountable challenges. Similarly, the notion of ‘second birth’, a concept widely appreciated beyond modern Western paradigms, is not merely rebirth in a literal sense but signifies the emergence of a person into a more profound state of being, where they are no longer a threat to societal harmony but a contributor to it.
Such an ascendance is indirectly linked to the ancient and universal human intuition surrounding sacrifice. Archaic cultures tap into the motif of the horse as a vessel of enormous potency, a totem of sorts, where its ultimate sacrifice is seen not as an act of violence but rather a necessary concession for the greater good—a concept steeped in the necessity to temper power with responsibility. It is a recognition that to contain and direct these formidable forces within us, sacrifice is needed to ensure that we do not endanger the world with unbridled might.
The implication of this wisdom for you is twofold: on one hand, it proves critical in self-development, creating a psychological vessel or ego that can withstand life’s vicissitudes. On the other, it serves as a caution against the shadows cast by such constructions of self. For a leader, be they monarch or mentor, to fully harness their capabilities and emerge as a true benefactor to their community, a transformation akin to the fabled horse sacrifice is essential. In essence, only when one has tempered their power with the humility of this ‘second birth’ can they safely step into the role of a sage leader.
Cultivating Inner Strength and Ensuring Community Harmony
Let this serve as a guide to reinforcing your inner discipline, resembling the resolve of historical figures famed for their fortitude. Like a donkey directed by a sage rider, your primal energies must be steered by unwavering spirit to prevent them from becoming uncontrollable forces.
This dialogue is centered around the notion of a profound personal transformation—often recognized by numerous cultures as a renaissance of the inner self. Such is not reserved to any particular belief but is a universal pivot towards inner sanctity.
Table 1: The Components of Inner Sanctuary
| Intangible Element | Function |
|---|---|
| Intention | Serves as the foundation for spiritual growth |
| Wisdom | Guides the process of self-discovery and transformation |
| Mystical Conversation | Fosters depth and connectivity within the self |
| Compassionate Action | Translates inner growth into outward benevolence |
Your journey of personal development is akin to the construction of a vessel that harnesses life’s vitality. Iconic psychologist Carl Jung depicts this as our multi-millennial heritage. The concept of the “second birth” signifies a pivotal phase in self-actualization; it’s the emergence of a mature individual who proactively contributes to societal well-being.
The Peril of Unchecked Power: Without this crucial rite of passage, undeveloped personas can become hazardous, undermining the safety and stability of communities. Potential harm extends from the immediate social circle to a more universal scale, threatening the very fabric of the cosmos.
Constructing the Psychic Cup: Constructing a ‘psychic cup’ entails the capability to contain and direct primal impulses without repression, avoidance, or destructive outward expressions.
Crafting a Robust Self:
- Forming adequate ego defenses or a good enough self structure is a necessary undertaking for harmonious existence.
- Life becomes arduous, especially for one’s community, in the absence of a well-formed internal chalice.
The Power of Generosity: A true leader is one who marries his internal development with external acts of benevolence—a lesson in balance and purposeful living.
Your journey to self-discovery and societal contribution involves comprehending necessary sacrifices, echoing the ancient practices that symbolically represented transformative power. These longstanding rituals, such as the horse sacrifice, encapsulate the essence of renunciation for collective harmony.
The Sacrifice Motif: Humanity has long grappled with the concept of sacrifice, intimated in cultural lore and religious practices. This notion is critical to awakening a spirit that becomes a safe, nurturing presence in the world.
Source: This is an exclusive recording of the 1997 Minnesota Men’s Conference.
