A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE THIRD CIRCLE (TTC) Last updated: April 23, 2004. Hello fellow human being. This file contains a brief introduction to The Third Circle (TTC). The file aims at describing and giving a picture of what The Third Circle (TTC) is. The Third Circle (TTC) is an opening to all-that-is and up to infinity, by self-work and out of Self-Source-Of-Authority, in the quest of truth and reality, aiming at eliminating the human suffering. Since the above definition may not reveal at first glance all there is to know about what The Third Circle (TTC) actually is, this file will describe TTC, both in simple words and terms and in a more detailed manner. Please feel free to ask, comment and share anything you may wish to, by email. I'll do my best to reply promptly and as clearly as I can. Since The Third Circle stuff is in the process of being written, the present files and Web pages may change. Some more files and Web pages about other theoretical aspects and practical applications of The Third Circle are in preparation. Please email if you are interested in updates or additional stuff. You can email to: Internet: white_eagle@artists.co.il. This file is presented by The Third Circle Web Site, located at the following URL addresses: www.geocities.com/thirdcircle33/ (Main Site) www.artists.co.il/ttc/ (Israeli Site) --- Please feel free to share this file and its content, or any part of it, with all who may be interested. Please feel free to copy this file, print as many prints you may wish to and distribute it in any way you like, including reposting on the Internet. The permission to share and distribute this file excludes any commercial use -- you are asked not distribute it for money, not for commercial profit, not in any commercially published book, or any commercial media. Please include this note when sharing and distributing this file. This file, its text, its content and the label, or term, or name "The Third Circle" are under copyright. Copyright (C) 1995 - 2003 by Joshua Gomeh (White Eagle), P.O.Box 568, Yokne'am 20692, Israel. *** INTRODUCTION TO THE THIRD CIRCLE (TTC) -------------------------------------- * SIMPLE DESCRIPTION OF THE THIRD CIRCLE ---------------------------------------- The Third Circle (TTC) is unique, unlike anything else, and it is very wide and deep in scope -- hence there's a difficulty to describe it simply. The Third Circle (TTC) contains the most empowering approach and the greatest breakthrough humanity have faced so far, which, because of their novelty, may not be very easy to be recognized for what they are at a first glance, or at a superficial glance. The simple-words-definition given below may not be fully accurate, yet, it is intended to give an initial picture in simple words. * Simple definition of The Third Circle --------------------------------------- The Third Circle is an opening, it opens up. In other words, The Third Circle is a non-dogmatic, teaching-like approach -- an approach of growth in all aspects of life, relative and absolute. The approach is based on the recognition that the greatest Master, Guru, Rabbi, teacher and guide is inside each and everyone -- it is one's own Higher Self, and, ultimately, one's Supreme Self. Thus, the life-growth work suggested by The Third Circle is suggested to be done by oneself, tapping one's own inner sources, receiving guidance from within. The Third Circle provides basically two things: 1. Theoretical basis (a philosophy) which may enable such self-work. Since The Third Circle is an opening -- not dogmatic -- TTC theories and philosophy are not expected to be believed in, or to be accepted at face value. They are intended to serve as a starting point, to facilitate self-study and self-observation into life. The theories and philosophy are presented in order to give some clues, to ease embarking the process of self-study. It seems to have a place since most prevailing education systems are based on study from external sources, not on a real self-study. 2. Practical aspect which contains myriad of suggested exercises, or actions, which may facilitate growth in all aspects of life -- practical, psychological and spiritual. Since The Third Circle is an opening -- not dogmatic -- nothing is a must. All TTC does is to mention signposts, or suggestion. It is us up to each and every individual to choose for oneself, by oneself, what exercises to practice and the exact manner to perform each and every exercise, or signpost. Since The Third Circle is described as non-dogmatic, teaching-like approach, TTC will be compared to teachings, or 'paths' -- which are what TTC may look like at a superficial glance. Thus, by looking at the similarities and differences between TTC and a teaching, or a 'path' -- we may get an initial picture of what TTC is and what it is not. Description of a teaching or a 'path' ------------------------------------- A teaching and a 'path' usually contains three elements: 1. Philosophy. An underlying theory and/or philosophy and/or myth(s) and/or belief(s) which contain description(s) of goal(s) and action(s) by which to attain the goal(s). 2. Prescribed Action(s). A prescribed action, or a set of prescribed actions, which individuals are to perform, or undertake, in order to follow the teaching, or the 'path' and/or to attain the aspired goal(s). 3. Source of Authority. A source of authority which is responsible for: presenting the underlying theory; the proper interpretation of the underlying theory; guidance in undertaking the prescribed action(s); interpretation of the exact nature of the action(s) to be taken; evaluation of the correctness of the action(s) taken; and, sometimes, affirmation of arriving at the aspired goal(s). Similarities and differences between TTC and teachings ------------------------------------------------------ 1. Philosophy. The Third Circle (TTC) contains an underlying philosophy. Usually, in teachings and paths, the underlying philosophy is to be accepted and believed in by the followers, or practitioners. Most teachings and paths are based on acceptance of the underlying philosophy and premises, and on believing it. On the other hand, in The Third Circle (TTC) nobody is asked to accept the philosophy, or to believe it -- it's just the other way around -- people are encouraged to look for themselves, each with one's own eyes, and to get at their own conclusions and philosophy. The Third Circle's philosophy is presented with the intention that it will serve as a starting point to self-study and self-observation. In TTC, accepting or believing anything, including TTC's philosophy, doesn't count -- what counts is each one's own study, observation, conclusions and philosophy. 2. Prescribed Action(s). Following, or being a member, or a practitioner, or a follower of a teaching or a path means that acting on the indicated prescribed action(s) is mandatory -- performing the prescribed acts, alongside accepting and believing the basic premises, is what makes one a member, or a practitioner, or a follower. On the other hand, in The Third Circle nothing is mandatory, nothing is a must. All TTC indicates are myriad of suggestions, or signposts, in all areas of life. Everything is fully open to personal choice. Actually, the major signpost presented by TTC is to take guidance from within -- and there are suggested signposts to facilitate doing so. Thus, TTC's major signpost is to follow one's own inner guidance, as preferred to following any of the suggestions indicated by TTC. 3. Source of Authority. In teachings and paths the source of authority is external. It is a book, or books, and/or teacher(s) or minister(s) that either create the basic philosophy and premises, or interpret them. Thus, the source of authority are the words of the book(s), and/or the words and interpretations of the teacher(s) or the minister(s). On the other hand, The Third Circle indicates at Self-Source-Of- Authority (SSOA). Thus, it is not what TTC says that counts, it is each and every one's own stand and actions that counts; it isn't TTC's guidance which counts, it is each and everyone's own inner guidance that counts. As much as SSOA may sound to some as an egotistic, or a self-centered approach -- it is actually far from being so. Self-Source-Of-Authority is basically authority of knowledge. Taking a stand on the correct authority of knowledge takes a study of the nature of knowledge and knowing -- by looking at what knowledge is, at what knowing is, one may take a stand on the source of authority of knowledge. For the study of the nature of knowledge to be meaningful it is to be done earnestly. Since the topic is vast and deep, a whole Web page and file dedicated to SSOA are being prepared. * DETAILED LOOK INTO THE THIRD CIRCLE'S DEFINITION -------------------------------------------------- The Third Circle's definition says: "The Third Circle (TTC) is an opening to all-that-is and up to infinity, by self-work and out of Self-Source-Of-Authority, in the quest of truth and reality, aiming at eliminating the human suffering". Let's see what it means: An opening ---------- An opening is a clearance which gives space to the existence, or emergence of things which hitherto were not there, or which one were not conscious of, or which one didn't connect to in such a way that may enable one utilizing them. In TTC, an opening means two things: 1. TTC indicates and points out at openings already existing within us, openings which hitherto we may have not been aware of, or which we may not have been fully aware of, or which we may not utilized fully. 2. TTC points out at possibilities, or possible ways by which we may create in ourselves, or for ourselves, openings, clearances, that may enable the existence, or emergence, or the consciousness, of things which may enrich our lives and be utilized to serve us growing in life and fulfilling our life's purpose. All-that-is ----------- By all-that-is we mean the entirety of relative, phenomenal existence. That is, the whole of the universe(s), all the phenomena in the universe(s) -- material, energetic, mental, emotional and spiritual. All-that-is, or phenomenal existence, is distinguished here from the absolute, or the infinite. Infinity -------- Infinity is absolute, eternal, formless, nameless, boundless, timeless, beginningless, endless, pure consciousness, pure existence, the un-caused cause of all-that-is, the unmanifest substratum of all phenomenal, manifest existence. Some call it The One, The Is, the nameless and formless God, the godhead, the Supreme Self, Brahman, Atman, the Tao, the state of Being, the Buddha nature. Self-work --------- Self-work is pretty straightforward -- whatever results there may be, the results will be gained by one's own work and actions. That is, in TTC it isn't God, or a teacher, or a guide, or a Guru, or a Master, or a Rabbi, or a spiritual guide, or a spirit guide, or a path, or TTC itself, which is going to do the work for any individual -- it is the individual who is working for oneself by oneself. Only, working for oneself doesn't mean being selfish in any way, the non-selfishness inherent in TTC will be mentioned later on. Self-Source-Of-Authority ------------------------ One of the basic realizations which The Third Circle (TTC) is based upon, is that the greatest Guru, Master, teacher and Rabbi is inside each and every human being. This leads to a basic standpoint of Self-Source-of-Authority (SSOA). Authority here means basically authority for one's knowledge, thus, seeing what Self-Source-Of-Authority (SSOA) actually is takes a keen study of what knowledge is, what is real knowing, versus what some may think they know, while they don't actually know. On one hand, Self-Source- Of-Authority (SSOA) is the most empowering stand there is. On the other hand, seeing what SSOA actually is takes a keen study into the nature of knowledge and knowing. Without such a study it may become very easy for the ego to assume self-authority, while this is definitely not the initial meaning of SSOA. Therefore, a whole file and Web page are dedicated to looking into Self-Source-Of-Authority (SSOA). This is why we say: TTC is because you are your own Master. The quest --------- Quest denotes both seeking and a journey. Classic philosophy originated in the seeking of knowledge, or wisdom, and the essential nature of life, truth and reality. Many teachings and 'paths' contain a journey towards a described goal. In the view presented by The Third Circle, one's life and one's spiritual journey are one and the same -- one's life is the spiritual journey, the spiritual journey isn't something separated, or different, from the whole of one's life. Thus, TTC suggests commitment to one's life which equals commitment to one's spiritual journey -- as differs from commitment to a specific goal, which is indicated by some teachings and 'paths'. Setting goals is very helpful, yet, what counts most is the entirety of one's life, hence, the journey counts more than attainment of any set goal. As much as one's life and the journey counts most, without having an aim, life may drift aimlessly hither and thither. On the other hand, setting a rigidly defined goal for one's life may cause diminution of the value of one's life prior to the attainment of the set goal, not living life fully out of the expectation for attaining the goal. Embarking on a quest may give direction to life, an ideal which may direct one's attention, interest and actions. Yet, having in mind that what counts most is one's life, the quest may serve as directing one's life without belittling it. Thus, what one actually have, what counts most, is the entirety one's life -- flowing and directed by the quest. No single moment in life is aimless, no single event in life is meaningless, since one's life is what one actually have and what counts most. Only, one's attention, interest and actions are directed by one's quest. Truth and reality ----------------- Truth and reality are both strait forward and, in deeper levels, intricate. Ultimately, truth and reality are one and the same. Simply put, the quest for truth and reality gives preference to things as-they-really- are, to reality as-it-is, rather than the way it is assumed to be, or believed to be -- assumed and believed without an attempt to actually know the truth, the true nature of reality. Beliefs and myths are essential and integral constituents of the human psyche and of human life. The Third Circle makes no attempt and no suggestion to avoid any belief and myth. The quest for truth and reality denotes living one's life as it is, as one is, including all beliefs and myths one may have, while aspiring to grow in knowledge of truth and experience of the reality of life. Eliminating the human suffering ------------------------------- Eliminating the human suffering is The Third Circle's highest aim -- an attainable aim. It may be actually attained, in time, by each and every human being and by humanity as a whole. The actual way to eliminate the human suffering is the entirety of The Third Circle -- too vast to be portrayed in this introduction. In a nutshell, traditional teachings and paths declare that eliminating the human suffering is possible only by attaining enlightenment, or Self-realization, or Nirvana. This is true, when the aim is absolute elimination of suffering. Only, there is a catch here -- attaining Self-realization means giving up completely one's individual identity, or one's identification with individuality. The Third circle is an opening to all-that-is and up to infinity, which means that aspiring to grow in knowledge and experience of the relative is as a legitimate aim as aspiring to attain Self-realization. One of the novelties of The Third Circle is that elimination of the human suffering is possible while living in the relative, without Self-realization. Indeed, this elimination of suffering is relative, not absolute, yet, it is practically possible and actually attainable. * OVERVIEW OF THE THIRD CIRCLE ------------------------------ The Third Circle's underlying principles and philosophy stems from conscious experiences, observations and realizations. It isn't relying on unproved beliefs, dogmas, or empty ideas and notions. The main source of TTC is the unbounded, peaceful ocean of truth and wisdom lying in the silent chambers of our hearts. This peaceful ocean is both the main source from which TTC was derived and the main goal to which TTC is aiming at, or pointing to. This ocean is within each and everyone and is accessible by all who may choose so. TTC presents suggestions, or signposts, for accessing what we have already -- our innermost being, truth, wisdom, peace, consciousness and knowledge. TTC points out at possibilities to open up to what's already inside. Upon opening up to our inner resources, we may create, or bring in, things we didn't have, or didn't experience, previously. TTC aims at creating openings -- actual results may be created by individuals. Actual result may be the very opening itself -- the experience and knowledge we may open up to. Another possibility is that the opening may reveal ways and means to get results in our life and to actually create our own reality. TTC is an opening -- it is not a teaching, dogma or religion. It is not connected or associated with any existing philosophy, teaching, path, dogma or religion. Though many aspects of the philosophy underlying TTC are found in other philosophies, at times presented in a similar way, at times presented differently -- TTC is not connected directly to any other philosophy. Moreover, TTC in its entirety contains novelties which are not found elsewhere. TTC points at openings in all fields and levels of life, material, physical, psychological, astral and spiritual. TTC points also at the ultimate supreme -- Self-realization, or enlightenment. One of the major possible tasks confronting each and every human being is breaking-through the human conditioning, to which we all are subjects. As much freedom it seems we have in our lives, being conditioned means we actually have a limited amount of freedom. As we break more and more of the human conditioning we all are subjects to, the more freedom we experience in our lives. Full, or absolute, freedom is enabled only at Self-realization, which may be defined as a complete freedom from all conditionings and attachments. Some practical signposts for breaking-through the human conditioning are being prepared in a separate file and Web page. TTC points out at taking guidance from our inner sources, from our Higher Self and Supreme Self, from our insights, intuition and conscience. Thus we are enabled taking a stand of Self-Source-Of-Authority (SSOA). Self-Source-Of-Authority (SSOA) is both a starting stand and a goal. Acknowledging the fact that the greatest Master of them all is inside oneself, one may start by referring authority to oneself. Yet, we all are subjects to the human conditioning, and one of the basic human conditioning is that authority is located outside oneself. Therefore, breaking-through the human conditioning, apart from bringing more freedom, enables more Self-Source-Of-Authority (SSOA). The theoretical basis and some practical signposts for working with Self-Source-Of-Authority are being prepared in a separate file and Web page. Meanwhile, all are welcomed to look at and practice Meditations In The Third Circle presented both as a file and in a Web Site in this location. Some of those meditations are aids for operating out of Self-Source-Of- Authority. --- May your own Light and Love guide you.