
These 22 video modules are from a two-day workshop presented by William Meader. Entitled Death: An Interlude between Two Activities, the series provides a deep exploration into the mystery of death as understood within the Esoteric Philosophy.
Lessons
1. Introduction
Free PreviewIn this introduction, a broad overview is presented of the topics that will be thoroughly covered in the 22 modules of this program series.
2. Three World Views
Three world views pertaining to the understanding death are explored. They are the materialistic view, conditional immortality view and the reincarnation perspective. In addition, this module discusses reincarnation as it pertains to life lived through the earlier kingdoms in nature.
3. Experiences of Death
The experience of death is discussed as it varies from person to person. The importance of meditation is also presented, particularly as it provides a means to realize the difference between the soul and the form that the soul is encased within. Much of this module is a question and answer exchange.
4. Reincarnation
In this module, the subject of reincarnation is deeply examined. The Law of Opportunity and its relationship to rebirth is presented as an incremental means to enlightenment. Belief in reincarnation is posited as a stabilizing force that tempers egotistical tendencies.
5. The Mystery of Life
The emphasis of this module is to better understand death by exploring the remarkable mystery of Life. Because of the limitations of human consciousness, life is not something that can be perceived directly, but only indirectly as it animates form. This has led to an inverted understanding of the dualistic nature of life and death.
6. Question and Answer Session
This module is largely a question and answer session.
7. Life-Quality-Appearance
This module begins as a continuation of the previous question and answer session. Following this, William continues his presentation having to do with Life-Quality-Appearance (found in Part 5).
8. Karma
This module addresses the subject of karma, both individually and collectively considered. Various types of karma, such as family karma, national karma, and racial karma are highlighted. The physics of how karma moves from one incarnation to the next is thoroughly presented.
9. Karma and Death
This module begins with a continuation on the subject of karma and its relationship to death occurring by war, as well as how to view war within a spiritual context. Also included is a question and answer session related to death, karma and the sending of love toward areas of global tension.
10. Antahkarana
In the context of death, William discusses the nature of the Antahkarana. The two threads that compose it are presented, as well as their withdrawal at the time of death. Astrological cycles are also discussed, particularly as they pertain to spiritual transitions that occur when entering into the final third of one’s life.
11. Meditation Module
William begins this module by listing the topics to be presented during the remainder of the seminar. He then leads a group meditation designed to facilitate alignment with the soul and the inner ashram.
12. Summary Review
This module begins with an overview of key points previously presented, as well as a variety of new esoteric principles/ideas regarding death. Also included is a group discussion (questions and answers) on the role of medicine when it comes to death, as well as the work of hospice.
13. Further Aspects of Reincarnation
In this module, William begins by explaining how the number of human beings incarnating seems to be increasing over time, and how can this be reconciled with the principle of reincarnation. The duration between incarnations is also discussed, and its relationship to the soul’s degree of maturation. The esoteric understanding of time is presented, particularly as it pertains to levels of consciousness.
14. Sacredness of the Mind and Heart
This module begins by addressing the fact that many people are esotericists (occultists) without knowing it. William then continues by discussing the sacredness of the mind and the heart as understood in Greek Mythology and the evolution of consciousness toward the development of buddhi-manas (intuitive mind).
15. Devachan: The “Rest in Heaven”
This module focuses on the so-called “rest in heaven” experienced at the time of death. In the esoteric literature this is called Devachan, and is experienced on the mental plane. Devachan also has correlation to the “life review. William then discussed the “second death” which will always occur after the physical death is complete.
16. Nature of the Soul
This module begins with attention to the nature of the soul in its predictive capacity. William then discusses the importance of experientialy detaching from the threefold personality (mental, emotional and physical). The reason for the emergence of an atheistic perspective of life is also presented and discussed.
17. The Process of Death
In this module, the death process is beginning to be discussed. The three chakras most associated with the departure of the soul are presented, and which of them are likely to be use by the soul as it exits the physical body. In addition, and the emergence of the “heaven experience” is discussed as it arises prior to the second death. The dark night of the soul is also explained and clarified.
18. Sequence of the Death Process
The sequence of the death process is presented, beginning with the creation of a “psychic tremor”. William further elaborates on the orifice(s) of exit and the normally rapid dissipation of the etheric body as the soul departs the physical vehicle. As prophesied to occur in the 21st century, he also discusses the scientific proof of the soul and the unique role that the country of France holds in this regard.
19. Continued Discussion of the Death Process
This module begins as a continuation on the subject of the death process, and directs attention upon the soul’s preparation for returning to incarnated life. William then transitions to an interesting discussion having to do with the nature of initiation, and that one’s initiatory status has a bearing on the soul’s reincarnation decisions.
20. Preparing for the Death Experience
In this module, a variety of methods and techniques are given that help prepare one for the death experience. Concentration, meditation and visualization are presented as a means to assist an individual to find the heart within the head. William also conveys a pivotal personal experience pertaining to phenomena occurring when sleeping and/or meditating.
21. Helping Others as They Approach Death
The focus of this module is on how to wisely help people as they approach their death. The emphasis is particularly directed toward those who are present and/or attending to the dying person. Highlighted is the importance of maintaining silence in the death chamber, as well as the use of certain sounds and fragrances to facilitate the soul’s transition out of form.
22. Esoteric View of Cremation
Presented in this module is an esoteric view of the practice of cremation. Also discussed is the pervasive existence of disease within the human kingdom, and how much of it is caused by the traditional burial methods practiced throughout history. William also discourses on the notion that human cremation facilitates the purification and transformation of the Planetary Logos—the entity that ensouls the Earth.