God Men & God Consciousness by Dr. Stewart Bitkoff
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Q: Is the completed person, one who has achieved God Consciousness, a God? This is what some traditions claim. Can you clarify this point?
First, we must discuss limitations in our discussion. The claims of different traditions have to be viewed from within that tradition. It is very difficult for an observer to understand or fully comprehend what is operating unless the observer has first hand experience; we operate under the assumption that all faiths are true at a certain level.
Also, it is very difficult to put into words a spiritual state, or a spiritual level that one has not yet attained. However, useful comparisons may be made. Last, we must take into account historical perspective. When each of the great faiths was initiated and when the title of ‘god’ was conferred, the term may have meant something a little different than what it means today in our monotheistic culture. Many cultures acknowledge the existence of spiritual entities that govern plants, forests, and mountains. In these traditions, there are different levels of ‘gods’ and ‘gods’ for all natural phenomena.
With our strides in science and present focus upon exploration of self and religion, we are beginning to understand some of these miraculous ‘phenomena’ as an extension of natural laws. Interestingly enough, that is what the wise ones have always said concerning their ‘miracles.’
The outcome of all mystery traditions and human development systems is the completed person. In some traditions, these spiritually developed individuals are called Buddha, Sadhu, and enlightened one, servant of God, saint, mystic, or heretic. Yet, what each of these people have in common is they have achieved a level of spiritual development, which in the context of their faith, is extraordinary. Along with this level of spiritual development are capacities that appear miraculous, simply because they are not understood. Yet, the person who uses these capacities, when questioned, describes them as extensions of natural laws, which they intuitively and purposefully direct to carry out their function.
Also, part of the confusion surrounding this issue comes about due to specific statements made by individuals who were deemed highly spiritually developed. Some of these statements were termed heretical and people were executed for making them.
Part of the mystical path, is a state, called annihilation. In this state, the worldly consciousness is annihilated or destroyed and the spirit is unified and briefly becomes one with Truth/God. In this state, should the person speak and sometimes the energy is so strong and joyous, they assert out loud, “I Am The Way.” Or, “I Am The Truth.”
When this happens, it is not the person speaking, but the spirit or energy that is moving through them, asserting itself. This energy, is the Logos, or Spirit of God; for this energy, or Light, is the binding force of the universe and is the Way and the Truth. It is suggested that Jesus, in part, was killed for making this statement. Similarly, a Muslim Saint, Al-Hallaj was disemboweled for making this claim.
From our perspective, that which is greater than the universe, is different than that which is created. Although a part of God is in everyone, no matter how well advanced a spiritual entity, we are not the Creator or the same as the Creator.
Some traditions assert the Logos takes on a human form to carry out its mission. Perhaps, this is true and this is a wonderful event, however, is this the same as the Creator entering the world of forms? Each must come to a decision about this on their own, and, it is suggested, the event be viewed within the context of the specific faith asserting this.
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Dr Stewart Bitkoff
Dr. Stewart Bitkoff is an avid student of Sufi mysticism. Specializing in therapeutic recreation, psychiatric rehabilitation, and mental health treatment, he holds a doctorate in education and served on the faculties of six colleges and universities. He is currently in the process of completing his third book, Path of the Spiritual Traveler in Everyday Life. A regular contributor to online venues like Wisdom Magazine, New Age Journal, and spiritual blogs. He can be reached at drbitkoff@yahoo.com.
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