Theos-Talk Archives (February 2001 Message tt00116)

Dear Bruce
What a strange idea? Where do such thoughts originate from, or where did
Gurdjieff get them from?
It appears that when the Mahatmas were precipitating a letter to Sinnett,
they were also doing other things. They did many different things at the
same time, rather than just focussing on something as mundane as cleaning
their teeth.
To focus on one's gums and teeth when cleaning them, seems to very
conveniently take thought away from focussing on the ONE LIFE, for example.
Bramwell Bronte, could write 2 different letters, to two different people,
at the same time. One with his left hand, and the other with his right.
Women are particularly adept at doing several different things at the same
time, especially when bringing up children.
It would be very difficult to drive a car in the way you suggest, and a sure
way to have an accident. It is to a large extent automatic.
And with breathing, there was a case where someone ended up by having to
positively think about taking a breath in, and then think about breathing
out. What happened when he needed to go to sleep is any one's guess.
Of course, the Mahatmas are conscious 24 hours a day.
Tony.

-----Original Message-----
From: 888 [mailto:bhive@alphalink.com.au]
Sent: 16 February 2001 10:13 pm
To: theos-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Theos-World Containment


Containment is important for the asthma sufferer _and_ everyone else for
that matter.

This exercise was one that Gurdjieff emphasised: when digging, sweeping or
really any other time, when normally our thoughts turn to other things. This
kind of thing brings wakefulness to all activities.

"It is good practice to try to do one thing at the one time and give all of
our attention to it. If we are not to suppress thoughts of other duties or
callings, then we must be able to choose a time of day and a place where we
will not be distracted. It is much harder than one thinks; however one may
build slowly.

"When brushing one's teeth, one may give full attention to this activity: to
the arm, to the hand, to the precision of movement, the gums, teeth and
mouth and the taste and their relationship - without thoughts a'wandering
backwards and forwards.

"It is an exercise of self-consciousness to come to such singular focus, and
it can always be improved upon, being a valuable intentional exercise for
everyone."
-Comprehension & Containment:GOLDEN LIGHT TO CONGEALED AMBER
[With special reference to asthma.]

-Bruce

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