The Holoscopy Group meets the first Friday of each month at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 875 Elmwood Ave. (Use Lafayette Ave. parking lot entrance.)
Our next meeting, Friday, November 7, at 7:30 PM will be
David Wilcock: Has Edgar Cayce Reincarnated?
with Bruce McCausland
David Wilcock is an amazing young man. check out his website at divinecosmos.com
and see what we mean.
Some say he's the reincarnated Edgar Cayce. We'll discuss this questiion, along with some of his profound, new teachings.
Bruce McCausland is founding director of the Holoscopy Group. He was also founding director of the Aurora Waldorf School. Bruce retired some years ago as president of the business-to-business advertising agency, Market Planning Associates Ltd.
Hope to see you there!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
More about Peter's friends in China...
before going to Chengdu, the first workshop I gave was in Zhuhai (twin city to Macao, but already in mainland China). The picture shows me with that group. Harry Wong and his wife Li who both functioned as translators are just left of me. They had spent about 10 years in Spring Valley. They hosted two months of my 4 month stay,- the last two months where managed by the lady directly right of me who hailed from Hong Kong. The lady at the very bottom left is from Shanghai and she sent me a return ticket to Shanghai where I was to give another workshop. That group kindly hosted me to a guided tour to nearby Suchow (the "Venice of China"),- a truly wonderful experience ! Back in Hong Kong I gave a talk to the HK University Graduates Association one week before my return to Toronto.
Best to all !
Best to all !
More from Peter...
Dear Seedlings:
This photo shows my workshop in Chengdu at work (2005).
I am slowly recovering from osteoporosis of my lower back, I am finally back at the Internet after several months of having been off line. Since I spent one month at the Chengdu Waldorf school giving workshops there in 2005, since the earthquake I got very concerned about the well-being of the many friends I had made there and Harry Wong sent me a copy of his newsletter. [I don't know how to upload a pdf to the blog, so I sent it as an attachment in an email...Mark]. I thought you might be interested and I hope you can tell all our friends about the work in Chengdu.
All the best to all of you !
Peter von Zezschwitz
Thursday, August 21, 2008
David Wilcock on Coast To Coast AM Tonight!
Maybe Mark will give me a little slap for this, but I'd like to suggest a NON-anthroposophical source just this once. He's David Wilcock, probably a reincarnation of Edgar Cayce, who will be appearing with Richard C Hoagland on tonight's program. Sure, it's an ungodly hour (2 AM to 5 AM, EDT) in the middle of the night, but these guys have important things to say.
After all, it was Cayce who kick-started my spooks, so I feel I owe him at least a listen.
After all, it was Cayce who kick-started my spooks, so I feel I owe him at least a listen.
Getting Involved
In Richard's post below, if I understand it (Dear Richard, you are a bit long-winded) he seems to be asking about how much involvement in current affairs seems appropriate. At my age I am somewhat limited physically -- but I can still toss words around. Just before the reunion I wrote a short piece which was deliberately provocative. May I suggest that anthroposophists seem to ride their high, hobby horses ad nauseam into the sunset of 'safe' areas of philosophic discourse.
By all means: Get Involved! That's what anthroposophy is all about. Become, as Peter v. Zezschwitz put it so many years ago, anthroposophers. (Do the Eurythmy, you'll see what I mean.)
In my essay I tried to become, how do you Canadians put it? "Dit Shisturbers?"
Here's the link: http://www.mccausland.cc/BHM/pages/Intellectual%20Integrity.htm
By all means: Get Involved! That's what anthroposophy is all about. Become, as Peter v. Zezschwitz put it so many years ago, anthroposophers. (Do the Eurythmy, you'll see what I mean.)
In my essay I tried to become, how do you Canadians put it? "Dit Shisturbers?"
Here's the link: http://www.mccausland.cc/BHM/pages/Intellectual%20Integrity.htm
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Framing and Foundations
I see a question arising in a forum such as this might become, as to how far one might go in addressing cultural and contemporary streams and issues from the perspective of a spiritual framework. To what extent does one allow oneself to engage in the controversies of the day or contrariwise, to what degree does one remain apart from life, as “a watcher” in the tradition of Odin. To what degree is it still necessary to stand in the background while influencing affairs of men? I'm sure this question has been the subject of much debate over the ages and I'm merely re-inventing the wheel. And yet, who could say the question has been answered once and for all?
When I refer to “a perspective from a spiritual framework” in the paragraph above, I do so in the awareness of how “framing” these days has become a much-evolved discipline, originally in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and more recently in American political languaging. To scratch the surface of this subject, take a gander at George Lakoff's little book “Don't Think of an Elephant”. Lakoff argues that the American left is falling into the trap of allowing debate to take place within “framing” that's been cognitively engineered by heavily-financed right-wing think tanks, and that this framing already slants the way arguments will come across to the listening public. Perhaps you've also noticed that academic studies of “game theory” are being used to engineer political strategy. Reminds one of Josuf Stalin's famous reference to the writer as “engineer of the soul”. Which in turn reminds one of last year's most important movie (my rating), “The Lives of Others”, in which that quote appears, a movie that was made with the hope of stemming a growing tide of nostalgia for the old days of east-bloc communism. Reminds me how I wondered, back in the 90s, how things would look if we ever had “glasnost” over here in the west. Aggh but I digress. So how's all that for venturing into the dirty waters of politics? Not too deeply I hope.
Perhaps a distinction is necessary between what might be right for anthroposophy, and what might be right for individuals who themselves are more or less connected with anthroposophy. And when we bring our own anthroposophically-influenced perspectives to bear on our discussions of contemporary issues, to what degree does our responsibility to appropriately represent anthroposophy limit us from delving as deeply as we might like into those issues, because we wouldn't want anthroposophy to become tainted by association? Might that be why some contemporary spiritual teachers choose not to stand in the world as representatives of an existing spiritual stream, but rather as pilgrims on their own paths, drawing from various sources of learning? Yet such an approach has the downside of failing to give credit where credit might be due and of perhaps not making it any easier for new seekers to find their own way to hidden knowledge.
We could mention here people like Richard Tarnas, who I'm currently reading. In his talk at Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto, he mentioned first learning about anthroposophy from a Waldorf teacher education student some decades back. Who really knows to what degree anthroposophy has informed his world outlook? But his treatment of astrology from what amounts to a phenomenological aspect is, to my mind, highly congruent with what one could expect from a “spiritual science”, both in rigor and in depth. I don't think Tarnas represents himself as an anthroposophist. He's “just” a university professor from California who's explored a lot of different esoteric and cultural streams. Would it have enhance the palatability of his book, which already takes on the unpopular topic of astrology – Tarnas calls it “the gold standard for superstition” -- if he had connected it with anthroposophy in his back-cover blurb. I'm guessing probably not.
Clearly I'm not trying to draw conclusions here, but hoping to stimulate dialog. So what do YOU think about all this? It's really very easy to post a comment. Start by clicking immediately below on the word "comments".
Monday, August 18, 2008
Just a Look around...
Certainly one of the advantages of this venue of communication is that you can share video clips as well as photos. Above is a video clip from the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland found on YouTube.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A Pair of Book-ends
Just before our reunion yesterday, a conversation was progressing at our little table at the Village Market. We were engrossed in a conversation about Andy Warhol, Marshall McLuhan, and other culture-worthies, and were just on the brink of anwering the question, WHAT IS ART?. I have no recollection of the segue, (like the Program at the Living Seed, you never know what is going to come next!) but Kim McQuaite began speaking about his reading of Steiner's lectures on the Occult Signifigance of the Bhagavad Gita, and about his growing understanding of Steiner's concepts about the evolution of consciousness. He went into some detail about various aspects of the translation (of the lectures and of the original Sanskrit text.) And without missing a beat, we found ourselves discussing the question, just what is the value and meaning of this Song of God in our time?
(Much) later that same day, Richard and I found ourselves passing the time sitting on a couch at a party. (The women were playing in a kayak in the backyard pool.) We spoke about books we were reading and about contemporary currents in spiritual investigation. (I have just finished studying The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden, and Richard is reading Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas. ) We discussed various approaches to sharing insights with others using Internet technology, and how this could be one aspect of the continuing work of our community.
As I write about these "book-ends" , it strikes me that our meeting was not an isolated event, of value only to ourselves - It was an element in a much larger process.
(Much) later that same day, Richard and I found ourselves passing the time sitting on a couch at a party. (The women were playing in a kayak in the backyard pool.) We spoke about books we were reading and about contemporary currents in spiritual investigation. (I have just finished studying The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden, and Richard is reading Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas. ) We discussed various approaches to sharing insights with others using Internet technology, and how this could be one aspect of the continuing work of our community.
As I write about these "book-ends" , it strikes me that our meeting was not an isolated event, of value only to ourselves - It was an element in a much larger process.
Greetings from Peter von Zezschwitz
Dear Seedlings. I have been down since March with spinal osteoporosis and I am on my feet for one hour/day. I miss you all ! Here is a picture of my chinese seedlings!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Can you REALLY catch-up on 30 years in just 3 Hours?
It seems hard to believe that it has been thirty years since the Living Seed was sold!
It was such a special part of all our lives and it was good to relive those memories with so many special friends that are still so near and dear. I'm sure I can add more, but for now, let this photograph tell some of the story.
Much thanks to everyone who made this event possible, especially Mark McAlister for all his work and Waldorf School for sharing that beautiful space with us.
Friday, August 15, 2008
A few words from Zeb
(from a recent email from Zeb...I added the image - MM)
Just to confirm, I do expect to attend tomorrow. It's about 2 hours drive, so not sure exactly when I'll get there, but probably on time. (No cell phone.) I could bring blueberries if that is preferable to cash. They are $20 for four litres at a farm nearby.One thing I regret is not to have visited the Goetheanum since 1974. I'd like to learn more about geometry and sculpture, as I have a hobby which combines platonic solid concepts and clay modelling in rather organic yet geometric morphs. I was always curious to try to understand the 'lemniscate' form that Steiner talks about. Also, in doing 3-d geometry, sevenfoldness seems the one thing that just "isn't", which makes me think it is more a concept to do with 'time', but I'm open to explore.
Luciferic Influences in Our lives
The fall of Satan/Lucifer, Gustave Doré's illustration for Paradise Lost by John Milton
I certainly think that this blog should live on after the reunion! If only to try to be a beacon of enlightenment for those who have been taken off-course by a wrong turn down the information superhighway.
Speaking of wrong turns, in my humble opinion there is no time in history where the influences of both Lucifer and Ahriman are more pronounced then at present. Certainly, with the Presidential elections in the United States, the events in the Middle East and in events most recently in eastern Europe bringing the eyes of the world media upon them only serves to strengthen those influences. It seems fundamentalism is on the rise as is our increased dependance on technology and both these influences are taking us for a ride with more then enough wrong turns.
We see the polar opposition of fundamental religious and political views at one corner, the technologists at another corner and those with liberal views at yet another corner; each under the influence of these two powers. Yet somehow, they fail to recognize their influence upon them!
I wholehearted agree with Mark McAlister that those influences have the effect of too many people spending way too much of their time on the computer! If fact, in some cases it occupies so much of some folks lives that they become unable to "interface" with their fellow human beings anymore, losing contact with the warmth of humanity and preferring the false-comfort of a computer keyboard and mouse, or just limiting their communication to "texting", email, or cell phone conversations. These Ahrimanic tools of technology just draw many deeper into the throes of materialism and away from their very humanity. Another good example of this false promise is how computers promised us a paperless society! The environmentalists embraced this as a savior for the environment, but alas, we all know where that false promise led.
Well, enough of these ramblings for now! Before the earth completes one more revolution about its axis I will be in my car, on my way to the reunion! I hope we all take some photos so they can be posted here in later entries. Time for that second cup of coffee...certainly yet another Luciferic creation!
...See you all then!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Dream? Reality? Something really new?
Thank you Bruce for encouraging us to look at Ahriman in the face, examine our fear, and deal with it. (See previous post.) Pick up your mouse and talk!This post is more about Lucifer. I thought that a nice crisp image of Cheech and Chong would set the tone nicely, but you know what? There ARE no crisp images of Cheech and Chong...Although intoxicants and hallucinogens were not a factor in the life at the Living Seed, I do wonder sometimes wonder just what was happening there...(Has anybody seen my rose-coloured glasses???).
The conversations and postings leading up to the reunion have really helped me to put things in perspective. Perhaps I am at that point in my life where I can begin to find the balance between Lucifer and Ahriman.
Reunion is TWO DAYS away!!
"Ahriman" as carved by Rudolf Steiner (click on description to view source article)
My fathers most recent book: "Intellectual Integrity and the search from truth" copyright 2008, is now available for reading on-line by clicking on the title.
I always find it curious that while there are some individuals who are brave enough to explore the new frontiers that the internet has to offer, there are still so many who hardly dip their toes in that vast pool that the internet can be.
I believe that the "computer" and the "internet" are certainly tools of Ahriman; however, it is up to each of us to master those tools, not shy away from them. We can either be swept away and drowned in that pool and its complex eddys and currents, or we can sip from its waters and learn how to cleanse ourselves in its waters, avoiding contamination. It is all about how we use this as a tool, or a weapon, it is in fact very much a double-edged sword. it has the ability to give us so much, but it can also take away so much of what humanity really is about. We are offered a choice, either it can master us, or we can become skilled enough so that we remain the master over it. This can be used as a tool for knowledge and communication, or a cesspool for pornography, spam and deceit. We either learn how to navigate its waters, or be become hopelessly lost and helpless in that ocean. It is certainly a sink or swim situation for civilization that the world is in these days. We certainly live in interesting times!
Pardon my digression, because what I was really intending to comment on was the lack of responses here. I would love to hear from each one of you, as would no doubt my father, who checks this each day.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Final Guest Book Entries for The Living Seed
Above are the final pages of the Guest Book pertaining to the Living Seed Health Centre. I hope you enjoyed reading and browsing the entries! A note about the final page: Because one entry was almost unreadable, I had to adjust the contrast and brightness so that it could be read, the edges of the image were darkened because of that process.
Yet More Guest Book Pages...
Remember: Clicking on any one of the images will allow you to bring-up the full resolution image for better reading. Just click you "Back" button to return to the Blog...and view another page.
Guest Book Is "In Progress"
I hope you are enjoying the Guest Book Pages. You will notice that some of the pages are still blank, but Bruce will add the content soon. For now, just scroll down past the blank spots to see the rest of the blog, or use the archive section in the sidebar...
Monday, August 11, 2008
More Guestbook entries
These pages are listed in chronological from first to last, and cover the period of the Living Seed.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Early Guest Book Posting
The original location of The Living Seed Health Centre(ca. 1979) after it was sold.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Connecting With Comments
If you have been following our blog but won't be able to come to the event, we would really appreciate your comments. You can write something about the theme, or about other things that have struck you while reading the blog. In this way, you can be part of this fascinating process, even though you can't participate directly.
Just press the Comments key below and make your comment. There's no need to register...just click on the "anonymous" button in the Identity section. (You can still put your name in the body of the comment if you wish...)
Just press the Comments key below and make your comment. There's no need to register...just click on the "anonymous" button in the Identity section. (You can still put your name in the body of the comment if you wish...)
Bruce's Journal - Conclusion
Monday, June 30, 1974:
Yesterday I took Tina to her sister's for the holiday weekend. She will be staying on with us until she gets accepted at Camphill. Tomorrow Eric Lockwood moves in. He wants to earn his room and board by helping in the store. He will make the move with us.
This morning I got an interesting call from Rolf Zimmermann. He still thinks I am making a mistake in buying Goldberry's, and we almost had an argument about it. He somehow thinks that Eric Foscett is trying to gyp me.
A little later Else Andress called. She had been talking with Rolf and he had told her that Goldberry's was bankrupt!!! She felt she should warn me. Somehow these two must think I am a fool. Maybe I am, but I shall certainly check over Goldberry's figures with my accountant, Mike Atlas, very carefully before I sign anything. But to think that Rolf should attempt to start such a vicious rumour!...and that Else should believe him!
Rolf of course has a financial interest in seeing me stay here. I'm selling a lot of his pills. Goldberry's, on the other hand, doesn't have much of a pill business. He sells mostly food items.
While I have Rolf and my good karma to thank for the continuance thus far of Living Seed, I think I will be well rid of his influence in the new location.
Eastertide, 1975: Much that was left hanging in last June's suspenseful entry has been resolved and the drama continues to unfold! After making a formal purchase offer to Eric Foscett in ____ [there's a blank here, for a month which I never entered in the journal] he waited until mid-August to tell me that he had decided to sell Goldberry's to two couples from the Toronto Zen Centre with no experience in the business. [My suspicion is that he got wind of my cigar smoking, and decided to clear the air. Or, could it have been Rolf???] In the meantime, Suzanne Morrison had appeared on the scene from Emerson College (she had spent a year studying and two years cooking there.) With a small inheritance she had offered to purchase Living Seed from me thereby making my down payment possible. However, since the sale fell through, she decided to stay on and help me here. I negotiated my renewal option at the same rent ($575/mo) and all seemed well.
Last week she told me that she will be leaving in September and, fortunately, yesterday Brian Patterson offered to step in and take her place sometime next August.
[The narrative of Living Seed ends at this point, and the notebook wanders off into other, non-seed matters. I want to thank all the wonderful people who stepped in, became "seedlings", and helped in so many ways to complete this adventure. Many, indeed, most, are not even mentioned here. Not to worry! Your names and deeds are irrevocably recorded in that great journal in the sky - the Akashic Record.
[To wrap it up quickly, Mr Altman died and his widow doubled my rent at the end of the lease. And the rest of the story is told in the booklet, Divine Intervention. The Living Seed was sold in late spring, 1978.
Yesterday I took Tina to her sister's for the holiday weekend. She will be staying on with us until she gets accepted at Camphill. Tomorrow Eric Lockwood moves in. He wants to earn his room and board by helping in the store. He will make the move with us.
This morning I got an interesting call from Rolf Zimmermann. He still thinks I am making a mistake in buying Goldberry's, and we almost had an argument about it. He somehow thinks that Eric Foscett is trying to gyp me.
A little later Else Andress called. She had been talking with Rolf and he had told her that Goldberry's was bankrupt!!! She felt she should warn me. Somehow these two must think I am a fool. Maybe I am, but I shall certainly check over Goldberry's figures with my accountant, Mike Atlas, very carefully before I sign anything. But to think that Rolf should attempt to start such a vicious rumour!...and that Else should believe him!
Rolf of course has a financial interest in seeing me stay here. I'm selling a lot of his pills. Goldberry's, on the other hand, doesn't have much of a pill business. He sells mostly food items.
While I have Rolf and my good karma to thank for the continuance thus far of Living Seed, I think I will be well rid of his influence in the new location.
Eastertide, 1975: Much that was left hanging in last June's suspenseful entry has been resolved and the drama continues to unfold! After making a formal purchase offer to Eric Foscett in ____ [there's a blank here, for a month which I never entered in the journal] he waited until mid-August to tell me that he had decided to sell Goldberry's to two couples from the Toronto Zen Centre with no experience in the business. [My suspicion is that he got wind of my cigar smoking, and decided to clear the air. Or, could it have been Rolf???] In the meantime, Suzanne Morrison had appeared on the scene from Emerson College (she had spent a year studying and two years cooking there.) With a small inheritance she had offered to purchase Living Seed from me thereby making my down payment possible. However, since the sale fell through, she decided to stay on and help me here. I negotiated my renewal option at the same rent ($575/mo) and all seemed well.
Last week she told me that she will be leaving in September and, fortunately, yesterday Brian Patterson offered to step in and take her place sometime next August.
[The narrative of Living Seed ends at this point, and the notebook wanders off into other, non-seed matters. I want to thank all the wonderful people who stepped in, became "seedlings", and helped in so many ways to complete this adventure. Many, indeed, most, are not even mentioned here. Not to worry! Your names and deeds are irrevocably recorded in that great journal in the sky - the Akashic Record.
[To wrap it up quickly, Mr Altman died and his widow doubled my rent at the end of the lease. And the rest of the story is told in the booklet, Divine Intervention. The Living Seed was sold in late spring, 1978.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Langford Dixon - Our House Poet
"If,
by chance,
I should meet myself twenty-five years ago,
I'd be a furious
argument..."
Langford not only wrote poetry - he spoke it with body and soul. In school auditoriums and living rooms- and of course in our own bookroom - he really made the walls disappear...Some people found Langford to be a little "quaint". (One of his favourite themes was explaining how the removal of HM's coat-of-arms from postal vehicles was a serious error, causing permanent damage to our cultural fabric.) I, for one, was very grateful for his eloquence.
It is not well known that he was active in the founding of the Toronto Waldorf School. He was a serious student of Rudolf Steiner, and purchased quantities of the booklet "Love and its Meaning in the World" for distribution to friends and associates.
We have invited Langford to give readings a couple of times in subsequent years, but I have lost touch with him since he moved to Eastern Ontario. I would appreciate hearing if anyone has had contact...It is likely that he has crossed the threshold by now...
by chance,
I should meet myself twenty-five years ago,
I'd be a furious
argument..."
Langford not only wrote poetry - he spoke it with body and soul. In school auditoriums and living rooms- and of course in our own bookroom - he really made the walls disappear...Some people found Langford to be a little "quaint". (One of his favourite themes was explaining how the removal of HM's coat-of-arms from postal vehicles was a serious error, causing permanent damage to our cultural fabric.) I, for one, was very grateful for his eloquence.
It is not well known that he was active in the founding of the Toronto Waldorf School. He was a serious student of Rudolf Steiner, and purchased quantities of the booklet "Love and its Meaning in the World" for distribution to friends and associates.
We have invited Langford to give readings a couple of times in subsequent years, but I have lost touch with him since he moved to Eastern Ontario. I would appreciate hearing if anyone has had contact...It is likely that he has crossed the threshold by now...
Bruce's Journal - Part 5
Mark McAlister who joined us last summer along with Tina Sherman has now left to attend the Rudolf Steiner Institute in Spring Valley. He has been a great help. William Snider who stayed on for the better part of our first year is now in Ottawa working with the Outdoor Learning Centre. They are having their financial troubles too.
In addition to the increased work load at Living Seed, last month I was appointed chairman of the Michael [Toronto Anthroposophical Members] Group and, in organizing a B-D conference here at the [Toronto] Waldorf School two weeks ago, I was asked to become its chairman (a job I accepted with great reluctance.) [Curiously, this was a very short-lived term of office. Michael Schuster, Mr Bio-Dynamics in the Toronto area, refused to let me have a copy of the members roster. He kept sending out the most embarrassing literature, complete with spelling, grammatical and factual errors under the name of the Bio-dynamic Farming and Gardening Association of Southern Ontario. He just couldn't let go of the reins he had held so tightly for so many years. However...] we had a very successful conference, with John & Helen Philbrick, June 15-18, marking the 50th anniversary of Steiner's Koberwitz course on agriculture. [If I recall correctly, over 60 people attended.]
But getting back to a different of cultivation, the timing for the move of the Living Seed seems to be right:
1) increased rent coming up
2) George Wilson leaving for Europe for four months
3) Mark going to Spring Valley, followed by indefinite Oregon tour
4) Tina applying for a position at Camphill in NY or Penna.
5) Jerry Bain leaving soon for Waterloo University
Interestingly enough, it was Living Seed and Goldberry's that Gale Garnett praised most in her column [about Toronto health-food shops] in last night's Star. As to the destiny of these two impulses and my rôle in them I have as yet no idea. Who knows? Perhaps two years ago in planting the Living Seed we may soon reap the harvest of Gold berries.
In addition to the increased work load at Living Seed, last month I was appointed chairman of the Michael [Toronto Anthroposophical Members] Group and, in organizing a B-D conference here at the [Toronto] Waldorf School two weeks ago, I was asked to become its chairman (a job I accepted with great reluctance.) [Curiously, this was a very short-lived term of office. Michael Schuster, Mr Bio-Dynamics in the Toronto area, refused to let me have a copy of the members roster. He kept sending out the most embarrassing literature, complete with spelling, grammatical and factual errors under the name of the Bio-dynamic Farming and Gardening Association of Southern Ontario. He just couldn't let go of the reins he had held so tightly for so many years. However...] we had a very successful conference, with John & Helen Philbrick, June 15-18, marking the 50th anniversary of Steiner's Koberwitz course on agriculture. [If I recall correctly, over 60 people attended.]
But getting back to a different of cultivation, the timing for the move of the Living Seed seems to be right:
1) increased rent coming up
2) George Wilson leaving for Europe for four months
3) Mark going to Spring Valley, followed by indefinite Oregon tour
4) Tina applying for a position at Camphill in NY or Penna.
5) Jerry Bain leaving soon for Waterloo University
Interestingly enough, it was Living Seed and Goldberry's that Gale Garnett praised most in her column [about Toronto health-food shops] in last night's Star. As to the destiny of these two impulses and my rôle in them I have as yet no idea. Who knows? Perhaps two years ago in planting the Living Seed we may soon reap the harvest of Gold berries.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
REWINDING OLD THREADS
I often think of John Parkin and his young friend Don. They would show up regularly, on Saturday mornings I believe. They had immaculate manners, and almost seemed a little out of place in our somewhat bohemian setting. In a way, this pair is a symbol of what the Living Seed was all about. They had an "appointment" and they kept it with strict punctuality. Perhaps some of you remember John's observation that the youth fashion of wearing army fatigues was an indication that soldiers killed in the world war were now returning...and this in turn led to his statement that he would never go camping again...he'd had plenty of that in the army, thank you very much!
Another highlight was the "I AM" group. "Dean" is the only name I remember. On the surface, they were very "normal" and somewhat ironic people (the women wore heavy makeup and the -vegetarian -men had jobs that regularly took them into a slaughterhouse.) Yet they had a strong and unwavering devotion to the teachings from the great mountain in the west. They touched us, and I believe we touched them...I expect that this "conversation" will be renewed at some point in the future.
And who could forget "Drink-a-water Don", the (very tall) ontological Emissary of Divine Light. He was deeply concerned about the way in which anthroposophists embraced the concept of reincarnation, fearing that we would become procrastinators..."Oh well, we'll have to take care of that next time around..."
Just what happened when people crossed from the store back into the bookroom? I sometimes feel those of us who were the visible hosts were just getting in the way...The first sentence in Bruce's training manual (no, Bruce never did give us a training manual which is probably a good thing) should have been: "Serve the tea and shut up!"
Another highlight was the "I AM" group. "Dean" is the only name I remember. On the surface, they were very "normal" and somewhat ironic people (the women wore heavy makeup and the -vegetarian -men had jobs that regularly took them into a slaughterhouse.) Yet they had a strong and unwavering devotion to the teachings from the great mountain in the west. They touched us, and I believe we touched them...I expect that this "conversation" will be renewed at some point in the future.
And who could forget "Drink-a-water Don", the (very tall) ontological Emissary of Divine Light. He was deeply concerned about the way in which anthroposophists embraced the concept of reincarnation, fearing that we would become procrastinators..."Oh well, we'll have to take care of that next time around..."
Just what happened when people crossed from the store back into the bookroom? I sometimes feel those of us who were the visible hosts were just getting in the way...The first sentence in Bruce's training manual (no, Bruce never did give us a training manual which is probably a good thing) should have been: "Serve the tea and shut up!"
Bruce's Journal - Part 4
Monday, June 5 [at 10 AM]
Finally, after much preparation, painting, polishing, etc., on we opened our doors once again to the public. This time, however, we didn't have to rely on books alone to carry the load. The store area consists basically of three rooms. The front room is health foods, the rear room is a nice, quiet book-room, and the middle room is a bit of both.
Business has been consistently slow. Our average sales have been only about $2000 per month, hardly enough to classify it as a success. However, by cutting corners, luxuries and my own hair we have been able to survive with only a slight increase in indebtedness.
I just learned this morning that the man next door, McWhat Antiques, who opened a few weeks before we did, is now selling out. He says that for the past four months he hadn't made anything on the store. It's so sad. He always took such care with his window, kept it cheerful and friendly, and constantly answered my queries with "Things are going just great." This morning Bob was almost in tears.... [This building, attached to mine and a mirror image of it, then became the national headquarters for Guru Maharaji's Divine Light Mission. It is where The Living Seed now resides.]
St John's Tide, Thursday, June 27, 1974: On Thursday June 6 Eric Foskett called me to ask if I would be interested in buying his business, Goldberry's Health Foods. I had been up half the previous night worrying and praying for a way to continue with the mission of the books and still send enough money to Buffalo to help support Bruce and Valerie. My payments to date have been sparse and scattered. Eric's call seemed a godsend. By selling the Living Seed I would be able to pay him the required $10,000 down and, on a month-by month basis I would probably be able to pay him $500 a month until the remaining $18,000 was paid up.
Goldberry's, at 14 Wellesley St. W., is doing a business [according to Eric's verbal account] between two and three times greater than the Living Seed. The profit is good and there are still some rooms to rent to our friends.
When Rolf Zimmerman returned from Europe on Monday he heard about our prospective move and called me Tuesday Eve to discuss it. He does not approve of the move and said that if I sell out he will ask for an immediate repayment of the loan and consignment....a figure near $2500 dollars. Shock number two came yesterday morning when I took Shivram (a Sri Chinmoy disciple) to Jack Altman's to negotiate a lease. [At this point I don=t remember exactly why I went with Shivram. You can see why it's important to keep a journal!] Altman said he was raising the rent to $750 per month! He also indicated that I would have to pay that when, in October, I renew my option. This blow will obviously make the selling of this business considerably more difficult.
While discussing these problems with Randy Marks he indicated that [a] $2500 loan could be transferred to him thereby getting out from any obligation to Rolf. I'm checking with my lawyer this morning to see if I will have to pay the increase and/or if Shivram will be able to sublet from me. Another interested party is Anne Burton who, through many years of pure water campaigning, has earned the sobriquet of "Fluoride Annie."
Finally, after much preparation, painting, polishing, etc., on we opened our doors once again to the public. This time, however, we didn't have to rely on books alone to carry the load. The store area consists basically of three rooms. The front room is health foods, the rear room is a nice, quiet book-room, and the middle room is a bit of both.
Business has been consistently slow. Our average sales have been only about $2000 per month, hardly enough to classify it as a success. However, by cutting corners, luxuries and my own hair we have been able to survive with only a slight increase in indebtedness.
I just learned this morning that the man next door, McWhat Antiques, who opened a few weeks before we did, is now selling out. He says that for the past four months he hadn't made anything on the store. It's so sad. He always took such care with his window, kept it cheerful and friendly, and constantly answered my queries with "Things are going just great." This morning Bob was almost in tears.... [This building, attached to mine and a mirror image of it, then became the national headquarters for Guru Maharaji's Divine Light Mission. It is where The Living Seed now resides.]
St John's Tide, Thursday, June 27, 1974: On Thursday June 6 Eric Foskett called me to ask if I would be interested in buying his business, Goldberry's Health Foods. I had been up half the previous night worrying and praying for a way to continue with the mission of the books and still send enough money to Buffalo to help support Bruce and Valerie. My payments to date have been sparse and scattered. Eric's call seemed a godsend. By selling the Living Seed I would be able to pay him the required $10,000 down and, on a month-by month basis I would probably be able to pay him $500 a month until the remaining $18,000 was paid up.
Goldberry's, at 14 Wellesley St. W., is doing a business [according to Eric's verbal account] between two and three times greater than the Living Seed. The profit is good and there are still some rooms to rent to our friends.
When Rolf Zimmerman returned from Europe on Monday he heard about our prospective move and called me Tuesday Eve to discuss it. He does not approve of the move and said that if I sell out he will ask for an immediate repayment of the loan and consignment....a figure near $2500 dollars. Shock number two came yesterday morning when I took Shivram (a Sri Chinmoy disciple) to Jack Altman's to negotiate a lease. [At this point I don=t remember exactly why I went with Shivram. You can see why it's important to keep a journal!] Altman said he was raising the rent to $750 per month! He also indicated that I would have to pay that when, in October, I renew my option. This blow will obviously make the selling of this business considerably more difficult.
While discussing these problems with Randy Marks he indicated that [a] $2500 loan could be transferred to him thereby getting out from any obligation to Rolf. I'm checking with my lawyer this morning to see if I will have to pay the increase and/or if Shivram will be able to sublet from me. Another interested party is Anne Burton who, through many years of pure water campaigning, has earned the sobriquet of "Fluoride Annie."
Friday, August 1, 2008
The first time I was at the Living Seed
The Living Seed at 175 Avenue Road
(under new ownership since 1978)
Somewhere in my archive of photos I have some pictures from that period that I will post, but for now I want to reflect on some stories of those early visits, when my father would pick-up my sister Valerie and myself in buffalo and drive back to Toronto.
I recall some of the details of that first visit to the Living Seed Health Centre then at 181 Avenue Road as being surrealistic; the wonderful aromas when we walked through the back door (entering from the basement), as my father always parked out back. Then up those wooden stairs to the left into the expansive, high ceiling, white kitchen with its rear porch, then into the back book room and finally into the main store; a quaint, inviting place with wooden floors and shelves filled with a fascinating assortments of foods, books and items; the low hum of the display refrigerator against the front wall opposite the entrance. The general ambiance of the place overwhelmed me with a positive energy, a place of healing and solace against the backdrop of the busy city just outside the door. For many, this was no doubt a safe haven of tranquility and enlightenment, while for others no doubt, found it a curiosity.
One of the first people I recall meeting was Devraj, a jolly, gentle, yet humble Indian who in his spare time would use his hands and feet to weave rope belts and was, at least for my sister and I, our first introduction to traditional Indian Cuisine. One evening he cooked a curried rice and potato dish which as I recall, and my sister and I both agreed at the time, that it tasted more like cigar ash then anything edible like curry. We were dead certain that our father had somehow managed to recycle his ash tray into that evenings repast. Of course, now both my sister and I enjoy Indian food with great relish, having overcome that that early dubious introduction. I suppose, upon reflection, in the traditional Indian culture, women do most of the cooking, thus it is not outside the realm of possibility that our dear Devraj never really learned to cook, but he sure gave it his best efforts in any case.
...More stories and recollections later!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Bruce's Journal - Part 3
Sunrise, Maundy Thursday, 1972 at "The Living Word"
I don't know where, when, or how, but our new health centre (books, health foods and several related etceteras will be called "The Living Word". For a month we have been carrying Swiss Herbal Remedies which Rolf Zimmerman was good enough to leave on consignment. I am looking to this new impulse to help us with our task. Douglas and Else have been very generous in their financial support, But, since the rest of Gerrard Street West is being razed we are still unviable financially. I hope and pray that we can solve this problem soon.
[I should mention here that relations with Douglas and Elsa were becoming a bit strained. They had invited me to become a partner in the Steiner Book Centre, which I accepted. They then insisted (particularly Elsa) that I vote with them to have Mrs Grieve removed from the partnership. I refused. Since they were very rich they were used to having their way with any decision they made in the anthroposophical community of Canada. I therefore no longer was considered "their boy".]
March 28, 1973: Obviously, much has transpired since the last entry on Maundy Thursday of 1972. Here it is Passion Tide already and not a single entry into the journal for a year.
To start roughly where I left off last year: Mrs Grieve thought that The Living Word would be too easily misconstrued by people. Some would think it a sacrilege while others might think it a holier-than-thou ego trip. In either case the[ir] reaction would be inappropriate. [I immediately saw the wisdom of her words, but in my new-found passion for anthroposophy strongly resisted changing the name. Finally, after many days of deep meditation, I felt that "Living Seed Health Centre" would be a suitable compromise. [Curiously enough, the Rev Werner Grimm later criticised my choice, saying that it reminded him of sperm!] Anyway, Rolf was kind enough to loan me two thousand dollars and a generous supply of food supplements etc. on consignment. In April I found an empty store at the beautiful address of 181 Avenue Road. I enquired of the neighbours as to the phone number of the owner, called for an appointment and, along with George Wilson, went through the building rather quickly. It consists of a home converted into a store; seven bedrooms, a bath-and-a-half, a cellar and a small back yard. Rent for the building was $575/mo. Without even so much as a clue as to who would move in (George didn't even commit himself), I signed the lease with Jack Altman for 2 years with a 2 year option. I had no idea who would move in, but I knew that I would have to fill the house within a month or I would go under.
Amazingly, they appeared! First, Sue Brown - who helped out in the store for practically nothing; then George, then Ursula Ziegler, Richard Armour, and finally Ginger, whom I neither invited nor forbade. She took two rooms, one of which was no bigger than her huge king-size bed. [The saga of Ginger's and my relationship is beyond the scope of this narrative. Suffice it to say that she played a key karmic role in my life during these transformative years. I am eternally grateful to her for introducing me to Bill and Laura Findlay, who in turn introduced me to anthroposophy.]
I don't know where, when, or how, but our new health centre (books, health foods and several related etceteras will be called "The Living Word". For a month we have been carrying Swiss Herbal Remedies which Rolf Zimmerman was good enough to leave on consignment. I am looking to this new impulse to help us with our task. Douglas and Else have been very generous in their financial support, But, since the rest of Gerrard Street West is being razed we are still unviable financially. I hope and pray that we can solve this problem soon.
[I should mention here that relations with Douglas and Elsa were becoming a bit strained. They had invited me to become a partner in the Steiner Book Centre, which I accepted. They then insisted (particularly Elsa) that I vote with them to have Mrs Grieve removed from the partnership. I refused. Since they were very rich they were used to having their way with any decision they made in the anthroposophical community of Canada. I therefore no longer was considered "their boy".]
March 28, 1973: Obviously, much has transpired since the last entry on Maundy Thursday of 1972. Here it is Passion Tide already and not a single entry into the journal for a year.
To start roughly where I left off last year: Mrs Grieve thought that The Living Word would be too easily misconstrued by people. Some would think it a sacrilege while others might think it a holier-than-thou ego trip. In either case the[ir] reaction would be inappropriate. [I immediately saw the wisdom of her words, but in my new-found passion for anthroposophy strongly resisted changing the name. Finally, after many days of deep meditation, I felt that "Living Seed Health Centre" would be a suitable compromise. [Curiously enough, the Rev Werner Grimm later criticised my choice, saying that it reminded him of sperm!] Anyway, Rolf was kind enough to loan me two thousand dollars and a generous supply of food supplements etc. on consignment. In April I found an empty store at the beautiful address of 181 Avenue Road. I enquired of the neighbours as to the phone number of the owner, called for an appointment and, along with George Wilson, went through the building rather quickly. It consists of a home converted into a store; seven bedrooms, a bath-and-a-half, a cellar and a small back yard. Rent for the building was $575/mo. Without even so much as a clue as to who would move in (George didn't even commit himself), I signed the lease with Jack Altman for 2 years with a 2 year option. I had no idea who would move in, but I knew that I would have to fill the house within a month or I would go under.
Amazingly, they appeared! First, Sue Brown - who helped out in the store for practically nothing; then George, then Ursula Ziegler, Richard Armour, and finally Ginger, whom I neither invited nor forbade. She took two rooms, one of which was no bigger than her huge king-size bed. [The saga of Ginger's and my relationship is beyond the scope of this narrative. Suffice it to say that she played a key karmic role in my life during these transformative years. I am eternally grateful to her for introducing me to Bill and Laura Findlay, who in turn introduced me to anthroposophy.]
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
George Wilson
This is a good opportunity to reflect on the life and deeds of George Wilson. I have very warm memories of the time we spent together at the Living Seed. He was one of the first anthroposophists that I met, and I was inspired by his energy and enthusiasm. As the years progressed, however, it seemed to me that he became increasingly superficial and problematic - - I missed the person I had met initially.
By clarifying these matters of the heart, I can begin to see the light shining again. I can forgive, and be inspired again.
George died on August 16, 1994, and our reunion will occur on the 14th anniversary of his death.
By clarifying these matters of the heart, I can begin to see the light shining again. I can forgive, and be inspired again.
George died on August 16, 1994, and our reunion will occur on the 14th anniversary of his death.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Bruce's Journal - Part 2
Thursday, August 12, 1971, 11 AM
Ginger and I worked over the weekend preparing the signs, painting and designing the stencil for the sign. Sunday evening was spent at a lawn party at Rev. Grimm's where we had an opportunity to notify several people about the opening.
January 30, 1972: Yesterday (Saturday) afforded us the opportunity to move the store from 19 to 25 Gerrard St. West. A large group of people came to assist me and I would like to record their names here:
Ginger [Beverley] Holcombe, Ero Talvila, Allen Rosen, Ed Flory, Eric Lockwood, Wm. Armitage, Norm Taylor, Frank Descours, Wain Farrants, James Huston (Grandson of Else)
The old location was eight steps above the street and not al all conducive to impulse trade. We now have a large window which can be seen by passersby. Further, there is storage space in the basement. The rent is the same ($150 per month).
Monday, February 1, 1972: Today in the midst of the utter chaos of moving and fighting an incipient flu, I received word that practically all the stores on the block are to be vacated by the end of the month. Only three will remain standing: The Village Book Store, Las Heramanes, and the new location of Michael Books and Crafts.
[All three of which were soon to close. Tom Tate, mentioned above, had been acting as agent for the Cologne Investment and Real Estate Company Ltd., who had been quietly buying up as much of the block as they could. This became the site for the Chelsea Motor Inn, later called the Delta Chelsea Inn.
[Needless to say, this was one of the blackest, most trying days of my life. I was sorely tempted to give up the entire book venture. Broke, sick, surrounded by the bleak snows of winter, and without a foreseeable source of income, I had to dig deep, deep into my will to make the decision to carry on. Even now as I transcribe these notes in the summer of 2008 I can still feel echoes of the blackness that permeated my soul on that awful day. .
[Incidentally, whilst at 19 Gerrard St. W., whenever someone flushed the toilet upstairs, there was a leak through the ceiling in my back room. As a curious bit of cosmic humour, this appears to be the same location where the Arboritum now stands with its magnificent central fountain which, to me, commemorates with its glorious abandon that wretched, leaky toilet.]
Ginger and I worked over the weekend preparing the signs, painting and designing the stencil for the sign. Sunday evening was spent at a lawn party at Rev. Grimm's where we had an opportunity to notify several people about the opening.
January 30, 1972: Yesterday (Saturday) afforded us the opportunity to move the store from 19 to 25 Gerrard St. West. A large group of people came to assist me and I would like to record their names here:
Ginger [Beverley] Holcombe, Ero Talvila, Allen Rosen, Ed Flory, Eric Lockwood, Wm. Armitage, Norm Taylor, Frank Descours, Wain Farrants, James Huston (Grandson of Else)
The old location was eight steps above the street and not al all conducive to impulse trade. We now have a large window which can be seen by passersby. Further, there is storage space in the basement. The rent is the same ($150 per month).
Monday, February 1, 1972: Today in the midst of the utter chaos of moving and fighting an incipient flu, I received word that practically all the stores on the block are to be vacated by the end of the month. Only three will remain standing: The Village Book Store, Las Heramanes, and the new location of Michael Books and Crafts.
[All three of which were soon to close. Tom Tate, mentioned above, had been acting as agent for the Cologne Investment and Real Estate Company Ltd., who had been quietly buying up as much of the block as they could. This became the site for the Chelsea Motor Inn, later called the Delta Chelsea Inn.
[Needless to say, this was one of the blackest, most trying days of my life. I was sorely tempted to give up the entire book venture. Broke, sick, surrounded by the bleak snows of winter, and without a foreseeable source of income, I had to dig deep, deep into my will to make the decision to carry on. Even now as I transcribe these notes in the summer of 2008 I can still feel echoes of the blackness that permeated my soul on that awful day. .
[Incidentally, whilst at 19 Gerrard St. W., whenever someone flushed the toilet upstairs, there was a leak through the ceiling in my back room. As a curious bit of cosmic humour, this appears to be the same location where the Arboritum now stands with its magnificent central fountain which, to me, commemorates with its glorious abandon that wretched, leaky toilet.]
Both Sides Now
Tim Nadelle told me today about a recent concert with Judy Collins, who said that our generation will never get "old". It got me thinking about her song about clouds, and how important it is to appreciate all aspects of life, not just the warm and fuzzy stuff. In the spirit of her song, here are some paraphrased quotes from recent conversations:
- " I felt very comfortable speaking about spiritual things there...I really appreciated that it was possible to hear from lots of different perspectives."
- "It all felt really "New-Agey" to me and I made a point of avoiding the place..."
- "I was only there for a short time, but it made a huge impact...the place was very different when I returned some years later..."
- "I avoided going to the Seed because it seemed unhealthy socially and spiritually..."
- "I'd pretty much forgotten about the Seed, but when I saw the list of seedlings in the blog, I realized that I have a strong connection to many of these people, so I'm really looking forward to the reunion"
There is alot to reflect on. I actually appreciate the "negative" comments, because they help me to become more objective about my own experiences. Was I just looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses, or was there indeed something of the eternal spirit present?
- " I felt very comfortable speaking about spiritual things there...I really appreciated that it was possible to hear from lots of different perspectives."
- "It all felt really "New-Agey" to me and I made a point of avoiding the place..."
- "I was only there for a short time, but it made a huge impact...the place was very different when I returned some years later..."
- "I avoided going to the Seed because it seemed unhealthy socially and spiritually..."
- "I'd pretty much forgotten about the Seed, but when I saw the list of seedlings in the blog, I realized that I have a strong connection to many of these people, so I'm really looking forward to the reunion"
There is alot to reflect on. I actually appreciate the "negative" comments, because they help me to become more objective about my own experiences. Was I just looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses, or was there indeed something of the eternal spirit present?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Bruce's Journal With Recent Notes - Part 1
July 26, 1971: Today, at seven minutes past two in the afternoon, a cheque from Else Andress to Tom Tate was handed over to Tom by me [in his store, The Tate Gallery] at 31 Gerrard St. W., Toronto. A sudden and violent rainstorm had been building up for the past few minutes and, at the exact moment the cheque was handed over mighty rumblings of thunder filled the nearby skies. The unexpected, loud peel of thunder suddenly reminded me of the momentousness of the occasion...for at that moment the first public anthroposophical bookstore in Canada was born into the physical world.
It represented the culmination of years of work by Else and Douglas Andress, Isobel Grieve, and Pat Kettle (who had moved to England.) These people were instrumental in organising the Steiner Book Centre some three years ago. It will now be my task to build on their fine foundation and carry the Spiritual Influence of the Anthroposophical Movement to the Canadian public through the books and lectures of Rudolf Steiner and others.
May I be equal to the task!
Tuesday, July 27: I learned today from Ginger that a worker was killed by lightning yesterday at Woodbine & Steeles, He was Ilanio Batti, 34.
Since Yonge Street will be closed off from Gerrard to Dundas for a week beginning August 12, we have decided to redouble our efforts and open our doors to the public...
It represented the culmination of years of work by Else and Douglas Andress, Isobel Grieve, and Pat Kettle (who had moved to England.) These people were instrumental in organising the Steiner Book Centre some three years ago. It will now be my task to build on their fine foundation and carry the Spiritual Influence of the Anthroposophical Movement to the Canadian public through the books and lectures of Rudolf Steiner and others.
May I be equal to the task!
Tuesday, July 27: I learned today from Ginger that a worker was killed by lightning yesterday at Woodbine & Steeles, He was Ilanio Batti, 34.
Since Yonge Street will be closed off from Gerrard to Dundas for a week beginning August 12, we have decided to redouble our efforts and open our doors to the public...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Steiner's “Spider Lectures” & the World Wide Web
Following on from Bob Bryden's final thought of how electricity touches everybody, I'm reminded of how the librarian at Emerson College (when I was “back there in seminary school” in 1975) suggested I look into what she called Steiner's “Spider lectures”. I never did look at them but from what little she told me about them, I wonder, looking back, whether in some sense they prefigured or foreshadowed what we now know and share as “the world-wide web”. Now, that's something that really does touch a lot of people, and it touches them deeply. If anyone out there knows more about these lectures, please feel free to add some comments! And yes, Jim, I'm looking at you.
The reference library was my favourite hangout at Emerson College and I'd often spend my evenings there, plowing through back issues of obscure and antique anthroposophical journals – stuff from the likes of Kolisko and W. J. Stein. But I wasn't the only one. Betsy was often there too. Betsy was from New England, where she had finished a degree in divinity or religious studies at Princeton. And there was another guy there too who'd graduated from some military academy in the states. I've forgotten his name.
Following on the subject of rock and roll, I remember insisting that Betsy sing the Linda Ronstadt/Stone Ponies tune “Different Drum” for me, accompanied by her guitar, even though I knew that wasn't at all what she would have had to say to me. And I'd often join her in a rousing rendition of David Bowie's “Suffragette City”, which was also my choice of song and which I wanted to sing just because it seemed like such an edgy thing to sing in that setting. Yeah, we did this in the reference library, late at night when there was no one else around. I know, as confessions go, it's pretty lame.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Can Anthroposophy Rock-and-Roll? A 2008 Review.
Can Anthroposophy Rock and Roll? – A Review
Recent communication with old anthroposophical friends Richard Chomko and Mark McCalister wherein they both recalled me posing the title question decades ago, has prompted me to think some things through once again.
Any foray like this on my part must, however, be prefaced with the fact that I have had no contact with the Anhroposophical Society or any of it’s offshoots since approximately 1985! Please keep my ignorance of any recent developments within the society in mind and I will do the same when endeavouring to review the original question. (Apart from seeing the occasional ‘Waldorf’ bumper sticker [I had to laugh], ironically my only other sighting of anything Anthroposophical in recent decades came by way of a notable but little seen Canadian film called ‘A Stone’s Throw’ where one of the main characters is, in fact, a Waldorf teacher!)
The real and latent question in the subtext of my original merry question was and is obviously: ‘Can anthroposophy be a vital and dynamic force in the frantic, super-charged modern [now ‘post-modern’] world?’
I must state immediately that this very tainted world needs powerful ‘antidotes’ and in that regard, Anthroposophy and other sincere spiritual pursuits are unquestionably valid – despite any tendencies to the pedantic.
For me, the aspect that still comes to mind firstly – is the electric one. Or rather – Steiner’s supposition that any art which is transmitted through electronic means is at best questionable and at worst damaging. (Forgive me – if I’m oversimplifying or happened to miss 2 or 3 hundred other lectures where he expanded upon this! It’s pretty hard to keep accurate account of an output that is purported to include some 2,000 published works!)
I have a love / hate relationship with the electronic media – which has, of course, become more electric than ever in recent decades. One day I loathe it and am overwhelmed under it’s weight and the next day I am fascinated and enamoured at it’s wondrous communations potential! Steiner would no doubt offer a ‘quality over quantity’ argument at this point. Something I could not deny. We communicate more but certainly not necessarily better!
I sometimes have wondered exactly how Rudolf Steiner would have reacted viscerally to the media barrage we all normally sit under on any given day. (Given the onslaught, if Steiner’s ‘charge’ is valid – then we must all be truly doomed!)
A few years ago – I had a chance to experience something possibly akin to ‘taking uncle Rudolf to the movies.’. I invited the late, controversial but unquestionably prolific and sincere Jewish-Christian apostle and author, Arthur Katz from Brooklyn to my local Cineplex. Katz had not been to a movie in decades. After the screening of a reasonably intelligent film wherein the 80-plus year old Katz remained completely silent, I wasn’t at all surprised to find THAT HE WAS HORRIFED. His stated reaction had less to do with the film itself – but had more to do with his perceptions of the chaotic, spiritually anarchic and destructive ‘arcade’-like atmosphere of the facility and the ‘medium’ itself. O well.
Rock-and-Roll and cinema in particular are children of electricity – and would not exist without it. They are
Inseparable. (Let me define my terms: by ‘rock-and-roll’ I refer to most of the popular ‘music of the folk’ that has been produced since the turn of the 20th century. Any music that relied primarily upon electronic instruments for it’s performance and/or electronic media for it’s transmission or production.) Cinema is obvious. Without electricity we would not be sitting in those dark chambers having our imaginations touched by the flickering light on the screen.
So, for me, it comes down to a matter of taste, discernment and discipline. Having been a ‘rock-and-roller’ for most of my life, I am more aware than anyone of how the volume and intensity of the music can be harmful. It’s imperative that I rest my entire being after any time period where I’ve been active in ‘the music’.
One needs to approach these things with great discretion.
There’s so much awful stuff – but the baby need not be thrown out with the bath water. Through the lp’s (remember those), the CD’s and now the MP3’s, etc., etc. – I am able to hear and ‘sample’ music and artist’s works that I would otherwise NEVER have been exposed to. The same goes for cinema. For this – I am supremely grateful to the electronic powers that be. The moral content of the music and the films will always remain a matter of disernment. The fact that I am exposed to views and opinions radically different than mine is not a matter for offense but stimulates thought and discussion.
On a ‘Waldorf’ note for a moment: When I am asked by the uninitiated to explain ‘Waldorf’ education – my immediate response is usually: ‘Nothing before it’s time.’ I invite my ‘argument’ to be gleefully chucked out of the nearest window when the subject comes down to that of young children. I would probably agree most heartily with almost anything Herr Steiner had to say when it comes to the nurturing of these tender shoots. I am terribly bothered by the irresponsible way most ‘modern’ parents allow their children free reign in their ingesting of TV, videogames and the complete lack of discernment in what movies they allow their children to see, etc., etc.
If we thought our souls were being ‘branded’ irreparably in the 1950’s and 1960’s – what is happening to the inner state of children and young people today!?!
At this juncture – it then comes down to a matter of faith. Do we have enough faith to believe that Godly, spiritual forces are grander and more powerful than anything man, Lucifer or ahriman can throw against the human race? Because the onslaught is so vicious, random and unrelenting – I have no choice but to assume this kind of faithful attitude. Each one of us must follow our own conscience and try as we may to disentangle truth from the tangled mess that is presented to us every day. Electricity touches everyone.
Bob Bryden, July 23, 2008
Recent communication with old anthroposophical friends Richard Chomko and Mark McCalister wherein they both recalled me posing the title question decades ago, has prompted me to think some things through once again.
Any foray like this on my part must, however, be prefaced with the fact that I have had no contact with the Anhroposophical Society or any of it’s offshoots since approximately 1985! Please keep my ignorance of any recent developments within the society in mind and I will do the same when endeavouring to review the original question. (Apart from seeing the occasional ‘Waldorf’ bumper sticker [I had to laugh], ironically my only other sighting of anything Anthroposophical in recent decades came by way of a notable but little seen Canadian film called ‘A Stone’s Throw’ where one of the main characters is, in fact, a Waldorf teacher!)
The real and latent question in the subtext of my original merry question was and is obviously: ‘Can anthroposophy be a vital and dynamic force in the frantic, super-charged modern [now ‘post-modern’] world?’
I must state immediately that this very tainted world needs powerful ‘antidotes’ and in that regard, Anthroposophy and other sincere spiritual pursuits are unquestionably valid – despite any tendencies to the pedantic.
For me, the aspect that still comes to mind firstly – is the electric one. Or rather – Steiner’s supposition that any art which is transmitted through electronic means is at best questionable and at worst damaging. (Forgive me – if I’m oversimplifying or happened to miss 2 or 3 hundred other lectures where he expanded upon this! It’s pretty hard to keep accurate account of an output that is purported to include some 2,000 published works!)
I have a love / hate relationship with the electronic media – which has, of course, become more electric than ever in recent decades. One day I loathe it and am overwhelmed under it’s weight and the next day I am fascinated and enamoured at it’s wondrous communations potential! Steiner would no doubt offer a ‘quality over quantity’ argument at this point. Something I could not deny. We communicate more but certainly not necessarily better!
I sometimes have wondered exactly how Rudolf Steiner would have reacted viscerally to the media barrage we all normally sit under on any given day. (Given the onslaught, if Steiner’s ‘charge’ is valid – then we must all be truly doomed!)
A few years ago – I had a chance to experience something possibly akin to ‘taking uncle Rudolf to the movies.’. I invited the late, controversial but unquestionably prolific and sincere Jewish-Christian apostle and author, Arthur Katz from Brooklyn to my local Cineplex. Katz had not been to a movie in decades. After the screening of a reasonably intelligent film wherein the 80-plus year old Katz remained completely silent, I wasn’t at all surprised to find THAT HE WAS HORRIFED. His stated reaction had less to do with the film itself – but had more to do with his perceptions of the chaotic, spiritually anarchic and destructive ‘arcade’-like atmosphere of the facility and the ‘medium’ itself. O well.
Rock-and-Roll and cinema in particular are children of electricity – and would not exist without it. They are
Inseparable. (Let me define my terms: by ‘rock-and-roll’ I refer to most of the popular ‘music of the folk’ that has been produced since the turn of the 20th century. Any music that relied primarily upon electronic instruments for it’s performance and/or electronic media for it’s transmission or production.) Cinema is obvious. Without electricity we would not be sitting in those dark chambers having our imaginations touched by the flickering light on the screen.
So, for me, it comes down to a matter of taste, discernment and discipline. Having been a ‘rock-and-roller’ for most of my life, I am more aware than anyone of how the volume and intensity of the music can be harmful. It’s imperative that I rest my entire being after any time period where I’ve been active in ‘the music’.
One needs to approach these things with great discretion.
There’s so much awful stuff – but the baby need not be thrown out with the bath water. Through the lp’s (remember those), the CD’s and now the MP3’s, etc., etc. – I am able to hear and ‘sample’ music and artist’s works that I would otherwise NEVER have been exposed to. The same goes for cinema. For this – I am supremely grateful to the electronic powers that be. The moral content of the music and the films will always remain a matter of disernment. The fact that I am exposed to views and opinions radically different than mine is not a matter for offense but stimulates thought and discussion.
On a ‘Waldorf’ note for a moment: When I am asked by the uninitiated to explain ‘Waldorf’ education – my immediate response is usually: ‘Nothing before it’s time.’ I invite my ‘argument’ to be gleefully chucked out of the nearest window when the subject comes down to that of young children. I would probably agree most heartily with almost anything Herr Steiner had to say when it comes to the nurturing of these tender shoots. I am terribly bothered by the irresponsible way most ‘modern’ parents allow their children free reign in their ingesting of TV, videogames and the complete lack of discernment in what movies they allow their children to see, etc., etc.
If we thought our souls were being ‘branded’ irreparably in the 1950’s and 1960’s – what is happening to the inner state of children and young people today!?!
At this juncture – it then comes down to a matter of faith. Do we have enough faith to believe that Godly, spiritual forces are grander and more powerful than anything man, Lucifer or ahriman can throw against the human race? Because the onslaught is so vicious, random and unrelenting – I have no choice but to assume this kind of faithful attitude. Each one of us must follow our own conscience and try as we may to disentangle truth from the tangled mess that is presented to us every day. Electricity touches everyone.
Bob Bryden, July 23, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Hill House and The Seed: Contrasting Moods
The atmosphere at the Living Seed was unlike anything I had encountered previously. At first contact, I knew that the place was very special and I felt a deep connection. It was particularly magical to see how many other people had a similar experience, even though their spiritual orientation was very different. In retrospect, my life at the Seed was a Whitsun experience - seeing how the Spirit touched people in so many different ways.
As a contrast, I sometimes reflect on my first visits to Hill House. I remember a talk by Dr. Katz about the Supersensible School in the spiritual world. I felt this Imagination go sailing right over my head...figuratively speaking. As the months passed, I began to experience the spiritual warmth of the esoteric community and decided to join the Anthroposophical Society. This decision has led to many rich blessings.
One can experience these two moods as a polarity, and there is always potential for conflict and separation. We can also see this as a creative tension - leading to wonderful new social impulses.
As a contrast, I sometimes reflect on my first visits to Hill House. I remember a talk by Dr. Katz about the Supersensible School in the spiritual world. I felt this Imagination go sailing right over my head...figuratively speaking. As the months passed, I began to experience the spiritual warmth of the esoteric community and decided to join the Anthroposophical Society. This decision has led to many rich blessings.
One can experience these two moods as a polarity, and there is always potential for conflict and separation. We can also see this as a creative tension - leading to wonderful new social impulses.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Now there's certain things, that I learned from Zeb*
“...Take care of all of your memories said Nick,
for you cannot relive them,
and remember when you're out there, trying to heal the sick,
that you must always first forgive them...” *
I well remember Zeb from the early days of the Living Seed back in the early 70s. I recall one afternoon in particular he was enthusiastically holding forth about volunteering up at the then-just-being-built Toronto Waldorf School in Thornhill where he was helping build the parking lot. At the time, all this was new on my radar. Back then I hardly knew what Waldorf education was.
Zeb later told me how it was hard for his youthful idealism at the time to accept taking this beautiful land and contributing to making it into something so mundane and representative of automobile culture as a parking lot. It grated with him, but he thought that must be the compromise with realism we must sometimes accept in order to get something so idealistic as Waldorf education established. Here was a situation with a lot of people working together for an ideal, and he wanted to be part of it. He said it was Alex who often led the way in helping him find this and other opportunities to participate and explore new things.
Now in recent years, Zeb has been updating me on his political life. Of course I realize politics is something quite apart from the kind of spiritual ideas and concepts we might have explored years ago when we met at the Seed. In fact politics is often shunned by the spiritually-inclined. But in the spirit of taking an interest in all things, who's to say it's unworthy of our attention? In fact, I believe there's a strong case to be made that it's becoming a more urgent challenge of our times. Zeb's take on it is that if we don't follow political developments and learn what's behind the scenes of contemporary politics we could all become sorry victims of our collective indifference and inaction.
Zeb “turned me on” to David Orchard, who has got to be the ultimate contemporary Canadian political citizen, pursuing his agenda for “change from within”, first within the Progressive Conservative party and more recently within the Liberal party. David is an organic farmer from Saskatchewan, who ran in the last leadership campaign for the Progressive Conservatives, in the end supporting Peter MacKay in a deal with a written agreement in which Peter agreed not to merge the party with the Alliance/Reform Party, which of course Peter then did, excluding David from the new Conservative Party that was formed out of the merger.
Fast forward to a couple of years ago when David joined the Liberal party and worked on building support for the man he saw as the best of the leadership candidates, Stephane Dion. It's widely recognized among commentators that David's support was a key factor in Dion's victory at the convention. But all was not sweetness and light in Liberal circles either. In a by-election last year in David Orchard's home riding, Stephane Dion first encouraged David to seek the nomination, and then some weeks later, after David had done a lot of work in that direction, Dion appointed a candidate in that riding and bypassed the local nomination process.
My reading of the tea leaves on this one is that Dion was bowing to pressure from the Liberal establishment who, one could well imagine, would not want the likes of David Orchard, sitting in the House making speeches about his concerns over NAFTA and such. Of course, the Liberals lost that seat in the by-election. And while I'm a little sorry to have to drag you all through these particular political gutters, I think there's a lesson to be learned. I would argue that the example of David Orchard as a fascinating case of one of our contemporaries honestly trying to serve his country is even more interesting than the causes he espouses. I think he's worthy of notice and I thank Zeb for the “heads up”.
* Title reference to the song “Open the Door Homer” from the Basement Tapes – which remains my all-time favourite Dylan album. The quote is also from that song.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Being Useful to Each Other
I'd like to start this off with a big hello to Bruce and to all the once and future seedlings who helped make the whole experience such a significant one for myself and for so many of us. And of course a special thanks to Mark for taking the initiative to organize this Living Seed Reunion and for creating this blog as part of the process. I must say, responding to Mark's general invitation to become a contributor here has a totally different feel than starting my own blog to publish my own thoughts and ramblings -- a little less egocentric, and a lot more social. And while there may be mixed feelings about the publicness of it all, we (that's Mark and I, at least) hope this little experiment can spark some lively discussion around themes that lived strongly among the denizens of the original Living Seed and continue to hold our interest thirty-some years later.
I remember clearly, journeying from Oshawa to Toronto to the Living Seed back in '73 or '74 with Bob Bryden (a musician friend who had introduced me to anthroposophy not long before) to consult with Bruce McCausland about the guru Maharaj Ji. That was the great thing about the Living Seed and Bruce's work there. In that little back room bookstore, one could have intelligent discussions not just about anthroposophy but more importantly, about where it stood in the whole context of other contemporary spiritual movements. Bruce had positioned the Living Seed on Toronto's “Salvation Row” near Avenue Road and Davenport, which at the time was a corner of the city where seekers came to find meaning in life. Other movements represented in the neighbourhood included the Hare Krishna, The Process and the Church of Scientology. In that era that was like the afterglow of the 60s, this part of town was the auto mall of spirituality, where the dealers gather together, so customers could kick the tires of brand after brand without having to walk too far up the street.
A couple years later, at Emerson College in England, I listened to other students talk about anthroposophists they'd met before coming there, and how dogmatic and fixed in their ways they were. Based on my own experience encountering anthroposophy through people like Bruce McCausland and Isabel Grieve, I really couldn't relate to what they were talking about. That wasn't my experience at all.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Welcome!
How to use this blog:
1. Enjoy it!
2. Visit the List of Seedlings on the sidebar, and see all the names. Let me know if you're planning to come, and if there's anybody I should add.
3. Use the Comment button to send in your suggestions, thoughts, ruminations, jokes...
4. If you would like to write posts, let me know and I'll add you as an author.
NOTE: The password for admittance to the reunion is the name of the painter of the image in the blog title.
Over to you all...
Mark
1. Enjoy it!
2. Visit the List of Seedlings on the sidebar, and see all the names. Let me know if you're planning to come, and if there's anybody I should add.
3. Use the Comment button to send in your suggestions, thoughts, ruminations, jokes...
4. If you would like to write posts, let me know and I'll add you as an author.
NOTE: The password for admittance to the reunion is the name of the painter of the image in the blog title.
Over to you all...
Mark
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
