An Imaginal Vigil

Key topics and themes included in this session:

1. Introduction to the Exercises and Their Significance

• 51 and 53 exercises were performed
• Small different possibilities follow these exercises
• Encouragement to ask questions for clarification

2. Gratitude for Participants’ Work

• Acknowledgment of the special effort made by participants
• Thanks given for the work done

3. Reflection on the Previous Discussion and Exercises

• Overflow of the pouring subject and its embodiment
• Invitation to practice exercises instead of ruminating on personal history
• Concept of growing a second body as a commitment to self-development

4. Vesna’s Musical Interlude

• “Hymn for Good Friday” played by Vesna

5. Overview of the Day’s Rhythm and Theme

• Shift in activities and rhythm due to Good Friday
• The global Christian practice of commemorating Christ’s crucifixion
• The cosmic balance affected by collective prayer and remembrance

6. Discussion of Cosmic Redemption and the Christian Mystery

• The theological claim of Jesus’ crucifixion redeeming the world
• The metaphysical perspective versus a feeling-centered approach
• The necessity of atonement in Christianity

7. The Cost of Human Arising and its Cosmic Implications

• The traditional view of human sin causing the fall from perfection
• Challenges to this view from scientific discoveries (e.g., evolution)
• Reimagining the story with the cost of arising as a cosmic issue

8. Jacob Boehme’s Vision of Creation

• Boehme’s revelation of how form arises from formlessness
• The division into affirming, denying, and reconciling forces
• The emergence of consciousness and sentiency

9. The Role of Craving and Love in Creation

• The transformation of craving (eros) into self-offering love (agape)
• The significance of Jesus’ sacrifice in this cosmic process

10. Contributions From 20th-Century Theologians

• Ladislaus Boros’ views on death and the afterlife
• Karl Rahner and Teilhard de Chardin on Jesus’ descent to the heart of the earth
• The saturating of the world with redemptive love

11. The Significance of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

• The activation of redemption through Jesus’ death
• The pan-cosmic presence of Jesus after his crucifixion
• The role of Mary Magdalene in the narrative

12. Personal Reflections and Teachings on the Topic

• Cynthia Bourgeault’s insights and interpretations of the cosmic redemption
• The transformative potential of intentional suffering and love

13. Questions and Recommendations for Further Reading

• Suggested starting points for reading Jacob Boehme
• Recommendation of the book “The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three”
• Mention of Ephrata Cloisters as a place of interest related to Boehme’s teachings

Contribution

This four-part series is available on a pay-what-you-can donation basis. We are grateful for your support in keeping the programs and offerings of Wisdom Waypoints in flight.