Metaphysicians' Biographies

Before I describe the metaphysicians, I would like to define metaphysics.

The area of metaphysics is broad and complex. Basically defined, it refers to a section of philosophy which studies the beginnings of being, the first rules of order, the complete reality.

So, in a theoretical vein, metaphysics involves the definition of our universe and our purpose. Philosophers with this interest come from every culture. The Western viewpoints are just as helpful as the Eastern investigations, though perhaps they do not come as readily to mind as metaphysicians. Some theoretical metaphysicians include: Samuel Coleridge; Henry David Thoreau; Lao-tse; Ramacharaka.

With a practical approach to metaphysics when we define our existence by describing its first rules, we attune ourselves more closely to these first rules(even in thinking we change the order). This practical aspect is perhaps how metaphysics developed its occult nature. With these attempts at attunement we work with subtle energies to improve our forward movement to the first rules. This subtle energy work can range from: prayer, affirmation, etc.; psychic support via palmistry, Tarot cards, medical aura readings, past life readings, etc.; to gross(or comparatively physical) movements of pranic healing/laying of hands, crystal therapy,etc.

Metaphysics can be an arcane, nebulous subject. As one delves further into the subject, guidance for a more balanced life can be found. Please let this brief introduction to the concept of metaphysics spur you forward on your journey.

Ramacharaka, Yogi-

This yogi is an enigma. I have found precious little information on the individual who has given so much to me through his writings.Probably Baba Bharata and his disciple William Atkinson wrote up Baba Bharata's thoughts under the pseudonym "Yogi Ramacharaka" in honor of the originator of these teachings, Yogi Ramacharaka himself(though some sources indicate that William Atkinson is the sole author and that there was no actual Yogi Ramacharaka). The Yogi Publication Society(now at P.O. Box 600190 , Jacksonville, FL 32260) published these works originally. The writings are available yet today from multiple publishing houses(?). Ramacharaka covered esoteric Western and Eastern philosophies as well as practical wellness techniques. One clinic in South Africa is modeled after his wellness philosophy. I keep searching and will expand this biography as I find more information.

Another piece of the puzzle presented itself inThe Monthly Aspectarian Midwest edition December 2001,vol.23,no.4.Guy Spiro interviewed Billie Topa Tate about her work. From this interview, I understood that Ms. Tate has spoken directly with a relative of Yogi Ramacharaka. Her description would lead the reader to think that a swami was the primary disseminator of the information with "an Englishman" acting to write down the information with input from others as well. A reader would likely also infer that The Yogi Publication society was formed to distribute the works of Yogi Ramacharaka. Her information matches the facts that the last surviving relative lives in Florida and that the Yogi Publication Society is presently based in Florida.More information anyone? I have available an exposition on psychic healing based on his wellness technique,The Mindful Body:An Exposition on Psychic Healing.

One of my readers Glenn Pailthorp supplied me with more information on this metaphysician. While some mystery remains, apparently Yogi Ramacharaka's texts were the results of the collaboration of the Yogi Baba Bharata(who had spoken at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893) and William Atkinson. Please see the link below for more information on this very talented thinker and writer, Mr. Atkinson. http://williamwalkeratkinson.wwwhubs.com/

Steiner,Rudolph Waldorf Movement

Rudolph Steiner (1861-1925) is an interesting figure with much controversy surrounding him today as well as in his time. He was an important European philosopher with a solid academic background,including a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Rostock.He worked to develop a personal philosophical system that was primarily European in its roots. Initially, he developed his thoughts along the lines of Goethe,the Theosophical Society and the Rosicrucians.Later, he became more directly occult in his lectures and drew his information from his vision into the Akashic Records.

In addition to his general philosophical work, he developed a system of agriculture and an educational system.

His agricultural system,bio-dynamics, was very progressive in its time. It is a system that promotes natural interactions between plants, as the present organic methods do. However, its theory base is esoteric in that these natural interactions are based on the subtle qualities of plants.

This view of natural interactions of plants and their subtle qualities can be seen in his development of a crucial portion of his educational system, eurythmy. The school curriculum incorporates regular practice of this energy execise to assist in the balance of the student's subtle energy to promote learning and devlepment. It is very similar to yoga,tai chi and qi gong in its characteristics. However, Steiner looked to the Nords and the Greeks for theory development, so his movement system,eurythmy, is not apparently theoretically similar to these energy based movement systems.

In addition to this movement system, eurythmy, he founded an entire educational system(1919 in response to a request from Emil Molt, owner of a factory in Waldorf-Astoria,Stuttgart) ,Waldorf education, that incorporates his world view. As with all that he did, this system today is steeped in controversy.Basically, the Waldorf system is working to promote an idea of individual thought with a world view and world concern for the student. Creativity is fostered with a strong art program(in the upper school one half day each day is devoted to all types of art), use of journals, encouragement of student input to the lesson in class. The educational approach is very different from our Western schools. Some of the important differences include:delay of reading until much later; use of the same teacher for the "grammar school years"; inclusion of the energy balancing exercise daily; inclusion of "pagan" celebrations of the calendar year(Rites of Spring);inclusion of his occult theory base of Anthroposophy(his unique blend of traditional European philosophy, the Theosophical movement, the Rosicrucians, and Akashic Records);and lack of standardized testing.

Even from this brief overview you can see that his educational system is very different in many important aspects. These differences may hinder a transition to college life and corporate life with its lack of standardized testing and similar experiences,however, might these differences also help the student to be more creative in his or her approach to life?