Prologue: The Firing Process

The Firing Process is a metaphor for Process of Spiritual Transformation.

The words contained herein are meant to point to the Firing Process. This is an Alchemical metaphor for the process of spiritual transformation and growth. The Firing Process enables us to fulfill our potentials – accomplish our Life's purpose – achieve self-actualization. The Firing Process is the matrix upon which this transformation occurs. The purpose of this book is to reveal some of the codes to this matrix. These codes represent the inherent processes that are at work in the self-actualization process.

We can fight these processes or ride their Wave. If we fight the codes, we risk aborting the Firing Process. Our Life is tainted and bitter. As victims of Fate, we might even die an early and miserable death, both psychically and physically. If we attune to the innate forces of the transformation matrix, Vitality is increased and we fulfill our Life's purpose – achieve our Destiny. We catch and ride the Wave, instead of being pounded and drowned in the surf. The Firing Process is successful and we attain the Tao.

On top rather than underneath, we are able to laugh at the glory of the sunset, marvel at the flavors of food, and lose ourselves in the sound of music. In short, the Vitality enables us to fully experience Life's many joys. Some call this flowing with the Tao; others call it being at one with God. Either way, understanding the code of the transformation matrix helps to stay on the Path rather than veer off onto destructive side paths that threaten health and vitality. The code of the transformation matrix could also be called the Tao of the Firing Process.

Two Components of Firing Process: Flame & Cauldron = Mind & Body

The Firing Process metaphor is based upon casting raw metal into a finished product. There are many components to this transformational process. Two of the essential components are the Cauldron and the Flame. The interactive synergy of these two essential ingredients constitutes the Furnace that cooks our Life, transforming our raw materials into a finished product.

The Cauldron is the container that holds our Life. As such, it is associated with our Body, our material component. In Chinese five-phase theory, the Cauldron is Earth. The Flame is Life's energy or vitality. It is associated with Mind. In Chinese five-phase theory, the Flame is Fire. We apply mental energy to our body to fulfill our potentials. The Flame is applied to the Cauldron to cast the metal.

Purification & Transformation vs. Pollution & Stagnation

The Furnace has two functions – Purification and Transformation. These two processes happen concurrently. They represent an ongoing feedback loop - each augmenting the other. The opposite processes are Pollution and Stagnation. These two mechanisms also feed off each other. Each path is possible at any time. The more we choose a particular path, the more likely we will choose it again. If we frequently choose the positive cycle, we are more likely to choose it again. Each event or experience slightly nudges our Behavior Probability vector towards the Path or away from it.

If we choose to embark on the Firing Process and it is successful, we realize our potentials – fulfill our Destiny – attain the Tao. If we don't choose to undertake the Firing Process or it is unsuccessful, our potentials are unrealized. We become victims of our Fate. Our mundane life is very difficult.

Importance of the Purification of Polluted Mind

Pollution is a primary threat to the successful completion of the Firing Process. The Flame must be hot enough to cast the raw metal into a finished product, perhaps a beautiful piece of jewelry. The Flame is a metaphor for mental energy. To maximize the intensity of mental energy, Mind must be as pure as possible. A Pure Mind also produces True Behavior. If Mind is polluted in any way, it certainly doesn't operate as efficiently. Mental energy is diminished and the possibility of corrupted behavior is increased.

Corrupted behavior, by definition, leads us off the Path. The further we proceed on side paths, the more likely we will make destructive choices that are detrimental to fulfilling potentials. True behavior, by definition, keeps us on the Path or returns us to the Path. When we are on the Path, we are more likely to make constructive choices that maximize the potential for self-actualization.

The Disturbing Emotions of the Polluted Mind splits Attention

Under normal circumstances, even the Polluted Mind can remain in a state of relative equilibrium. However, Life's circumstances inevitably evoke disturbing emotions from the Polluted Mind. This upsets the balance, increasing the probability of corrupted behavior. In contrast, the Pure Mind is much less likely to respond with the same destructive emotions.

The resulting emotional upset splits or interrupts Mind's Attention, the source of mental energy.

Split Attention threatens Firing Process: Full Attention enables Complete Experience

When the Attention is split, the Flame of Transformation is dimmed or goes out altogether. Either alternative threatens or kills the Casting Process. Further, Split Attention disables our ability to have a complete experience.

In contrast, when in a state of emotional equilibrium we are better able to give our full Attention to the task at hand. The full Attention provides the mental energy that maximizes the power of the Flame. With mental energy operating at peak capacity, we are able to experience Life's many joys more fully. With the Flame at full intensity, the Casting Process is also more likely to succeed. Self-actualization is the result.

Polluted Mind's disturbing emotions result in Polluted Body

The Flame of a pure Mind is required to provide sufficient mental energy to enable us to maximize our personal potentials. In similar fashion, a pure Body is required to provide sufficient physical energy. The Cauldron must be strong enough to take the heat of the Flame. Body and energy work are required to strengthen the Cauldron. Body purification is an essential component of this strengthening process. The disturbing emotions of the Polluted Mind also pollute the Body. A Body that is storing emotional energy or is full of obstructions does not transmit mental energy as efficiently. A Body that is polluted with emotional residue impacts Mind's potentials. Due to the destructive nature of upsetting emotions, it is imperative to purify Mind of polluting influences.

Deconstruction of Verbal Reality purifies the Polluted Mind

Both Mind and Body must be Purified. Practicing self-cultivation is the method. Body purification occurs through physical practices, as the Body is physical. Mind purification occurs through mental practices. The primary mental practice is uncovering misconceptions and underlying assumptions. This is known as Deconstructing the Verbal Reality. This is one of the major preconditions for spiritual growth and transformation. It is the main topic of this Book. Read on if this interests you.

 

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