One Teacher, One Order, One Truth

Spoiler alert:

Thelema hardcore true believers (and the former ones as well) might find the line of thought below slightly unsettling.

Intro

Thelema came knocking on my door in early 1996. Reflecting upon those first years and seeing how my focus was almost wholly directed toward the outer realities (meaning, I was childish, alone, wanting to belong and to be someone, and to do something special, etc.), I am glad that I did not align myself with some outer structure (read: social or some other Order). 

If I had, I would have slowed down my growing-up process.

Growing up or becoming a person, as Carl Rogers put it, is quite essential, in my opinion. In modern terms, this would be defined as individualisation and self-actualisation, or breaking free from social, institutional, educational, and familial influences by becoming a grown-up person, independent and free from bowing down to authority. 

Maslow, Assagioli, Wilber, Rowan and Rosenberg articulated Authenticity rather well.

In Thelema lore, this process and the resulting grown-up personal traits are mirrored in various texts, such as Liber OZ.

Observing dynamic situations within the Thelema Orders around the world today, I am particularly intrigued by the notions of the One Holy and True Order, the One Teacher, and the insistence on hierarchy, or shall we say theocracy, which often covers up or denies that emotional and mental abuses are taking place, etc.

No, I am not angry, frustrated, hurt or appalled by what I am observing (nor is my intention to gaslight or provoke); it just doesn't compute to my mind:

Is Thelema, one of the most direct and quite loud doctrines out there regarding personal responsibilities and liberties, being squandered by private ego trips, astral (emotional) glamour, and neurotic tendencies by the very same people that are publicly proclaiming: "Do what thou wilt"?

If we take this line of thought a bit further, there are what I perceive as old-aeon notions and games called: 
"Please, save me, for I am incapable of progressing on my own",
and
"F**k you, f**k you (Order leaders), I blame you for what has happened to me! F**k you!!!"

I am always surprised by what I see here online, in real life, and in person as well: 

"Advanced" aspirants who have engaged in mystical and magical practices for years or even decades often do so a priori, without examining the (neurotic?) inner tendencies that influence their beliefs and actions. They tend to idolise certain authors, lineages, leaders, or heads of Orders. 

When reality sets in—meaning when it becomes clear that following others is futile—chaos ensues. This leads to a wave of attacking, blaming, and criticising those same leaders or organisations they once naively revered.

Hmmm.

Please, Order Leader, save me.
Or at least grant me access to a higher degree.

In such cases, it seems that donating precious life energy to others is what is happening, nothing else.

Rather than exploring their inner selves to discover what truly resonates with them—regardless of whether it aligns with the guidelines of any authority—most people tend to look outside. They often follow external sources without taking the time to reflect on their own thoughts and actions.

And although the greatest spiritual masters in human history (not only our Master Therion but also the Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad, Krishnamurti, etc.) have all advised against it, many human beings still meekly bow down to some authority.
(see article on Personal Responsibility, here >> (a new page opens up)

I believe that kind of behaviour is often just a part of the growing-up process. Children may engage in those actions, but as we mature, we tend to develop more sophisticated ways of expressing ourselves and coping with our emotions and thoughts (which does not include bowing to or blaming others).

These are all just little games that egos admire so much, in my opinion.
In reality (at least where I live), no outer authority can initiate you, give you, or grant you, well, anything, really.  

Cognitive neurobiology, the hardcore science, unequivocally affirms that our experience is happening between our ears, not on the outside. So, why waste time by focusing on the outside?

Furthermore, Crowley himself said:

"...the [A∴A∴] system, which was given to me to put forward, is only one of many. “Above the Abyss”, all these technical wrinkles are ironed out."

- Magick Without Tears, ch. 9.

According to him, the A.'.A.'. is only one system, one of many. So, what's with the One Teacher, One Order, One Truth notion?

I'm not sure, but it seems to me like total nonsense.

Who am I, and what shall be the sign?

I prioritise my personal growth over recognition and do not seek validation from anyone, including those in positions of authority. My focus is on self-improvement and staying true to my values.

There is nothing substantial that can come from any outside authority. Yes, we can cooperate, hang out, and have fun, but not at the expense of our liberties and responsibilities.

Again, Master Therion himself said it would be best not to follow in his footsteps:

 "...I certainly have no intention of holding you down to a narrow path of work or any path. […] It does not follow that a plan that I have found successful in my own case will be any use to you. […] Most teachers, consciously or unconsciously, try to get others to follow in their steps. I might as well dress you up in my castoff clothing!"

- Magick Without Tears, ch. 17

Far beyond childish little games and immature ego trips of high-degree magicians (from some religious corporation or not), might stand this line of thought:

'The Sempiternal A.'. A.'. Order is beyond political and personal human projections, hopes, and dreams. Only inner and transpersonal realisations can link one with this Inner Order. No outside authority can do that. 

It is a matter of complete freedom of self-regulated spiritual development. There is no coercion in spirituality.

There is no One True Lineage or One True World Teacher, for such exclusiveness exists only in the vivid child-like"human imagination.”

What do you feel/think?

- Fr. 418.'.