BOOK OF GLEANINGS.
CHAPTER EIGHT: THE HURMANETAR JOURNEYS TO THE NETHERWORLD.
(1) Perhaps no man of his day properly honoured Yadol, for he was beyond their understanding, but Hurmanetar loved him and Ancheti never forgot him. Long days the thoughts of Hurmanetar rested upon Yadol, his friend, the companion in the joyous hunting on the mountains. Long he thought, "What manner of sleep is this, if sleep it be, that fell upon Yadol? Has he decayed into dust to become nothing, as my eyes declare? Or does he live in some strange way? Did not the worm fasten onto his body before it was laid to rest, yet he knew it not." Long
hours had Hurmanetar sat at the feet of Nintursu the wise, yet faced with the blank stare and deaf ears of his companion he had begun to fear the certainty of death. Like many before him he sought to penetrate the veil. Therefore, having claimed audience, Hurmanetar came before the queen to state his intention. Daydee, having been victorious, was exalted in her own eyes and cared little that the battle had been won for her by Hurmanetar and others. Now the danger was past she dallied with new favourites, not knowing the day of retribution would
come, as come it surely did, for she was carried off captive in chains, to become the plaything of a cruel king. Having come before the queen Hurmanetar spoke thus, "O great queen, exalted above all others, great lady of battles, though dwelling here under your great shadow I am as a cat among pigeons, as a wild boar among a docile herd. Therefore, I would spread my wings, going to a distant place to communicate with my God (Yah). I would seek entry into the Place of the Dead. My heart is consumed with sorrow because of the uncertainty that grasps my heart, my spirit is restless. I shall seek to discover if my friend and companion yet lives in the Land of Shadows, or whether he is no more than mere dust, the plaything of the winds."
(2) Queen Daydee answered, "Wherefore must you go to some distant place to communicate with your God? Is He some little god to be found only in one place? Hurmanetar replied, "O great queen, no little god is this but the Greatest God of All. It is not because of His littleness that I seek Him out but because of His Greatness. The handmaiden goes to the dressmaker but the dressmaker comes to the queen." Then Daydee enquired from Hurmanetar as to the nature of this God, for she was curious, he not having previously discussed such things
with her. She asked him for which God he fought, but Hurmanetar said he had fought only for her. Hurmanetar said, : "We have a god you and I, and you have a god and I have a god. The people have their gods and the strangers within your gates have their gods; but bidden behind all these is another God. These lesser gods are no more than His members. It is this God whom I seek. How can I, a mere mortal, describe Him? Only this do I know, as I learned it in a remote temple. This God came into existence before all else. He ever was, so none could know Him in the beginning and none knows His mysterious nature. No god came into existence before Him. How can I even name One who had no mother after whom His name might have been made? He had no father who could have named Him and said, "This is I, your father." None can display His likeness in
writing, nor can it be cut with knife in wood or stone. He is too great that men should even enquire about Him. With what words could He be described to their understanding? No other god knows how to call Him by name, even the greatest of them being less than a servant before Him. Yet this I have been told, that the spirit of man can know this Great One and can even know His nature, therefore perchance the spirit of man is greater than any of the gods."
(3) At this those who stood about queen Daydee murmured against Hurmanetar, but she gave no heed to them, gazing long upon him. Then she spoke, "Perchance, too, this Great One does not exist. Who besides you knows of Him? If He be so great, is it not more likely that He would be worshipped by gods rather than by men? Is it not more likely that lesser gods stand intermediate between Him and men? If a shepherd or husbandman comes to the palace seeking justice or grace, does he see me or an official under me? You say your One is approachable by anyone, does this enhance His stature? Which is greater, the ruler who judges disputes between swineherds and listens to their complaints, or the ruler who appoints effective officials to deal with swineherds? Surely the former rules amid chaos while the latter rules with efficiency. Do not both of us believe, as all men believe, that there is One Great God above all gods, but we believe that being so great this Being is beyond approach by mere
mortals. Only in this do we differ you and I."
(4) Hurmanetar answered her, saying, "I know Him not as He is, all I know is that He exists. Look about you, you who are enthroned so mightily high that your eyes are bedazzled by your surroundings, so you cannot see the Truth lesser beings discover for themselves. Why, even the lowly worm crawling beneath your palace proclaims that nothing less than an almighty God could have created it!"
(5) "Wise were our fathers in olden times, and wiser our fathers' fathers. Whence came their wisdom? Did it not come from the Great One who holds the key to the meeting place of the two kingdoms which now stand apart? Who lifted the lofty vaults of Heaven and spread Earth out in wide expanse?"
(6) Daydee said, "Does it matter whether it was this God or that? Your God or mine? Suffice it was some god named or unnamed. These are labyrinthic arguments unsuited to those to whom time is precious." Then those who stood about the queen set a snare for Hurmanetar, asking him whether the Great Being of whom he spoke was The Mother of All or The Father of All. But Hurmanetar answered, "Let he who has examined the Great Being answer, for I am but a mere mortal man, one not even claiming to be wise. Let the wise among you
answer for me."
(7) Then Hurmanetar departed from the presence of queen Daydee. In a few days he left her land, driven by the Yah-given restlessness that marks the true seeker after Light. With him went the youth Ancheti. Tame goats guided them to the border of the land and from thence they followed the Way of the Chariot until they came to the land of Mekan where they rested. In this place dwelt Formana, the strong-limbed, who gave them shelter. Formana asked Hurmanetar whither he went and Hurmanetar replied, "I go to seek the abode of Hamerit, which is set atop a mountain in the midst of this great forest, just beyond the river. There is a door therein which I would open, to which I hold a key." Formana said, 'This is an enterprise doomed for failure, for none may pass that way and return. I who have dwelt here for many long years know the truth of this; nor do I understand this talk of a key, this is a thing new to my ears." So Hurmanetar drew forth the Great Key shaped like a sword but like no other sword, for it could not be gazed upon for more than a moment without blindness striking the beholder. Yet within its strange scabbard it harmed none.
(8) Formana said, "This many-hued weapon is a strange thing indeed and I have no knowledge of its like or its power. But this I do know, it is an unequal struggle when men alone, however weaponed, have to face dread Akamen the Terrible One. This is not all, for first they must pass the fearsome watchman at the gate, and he never sleeps." Hurmanetar said, "I have set my heart on this enterprise because of my friend, also if there is an evil thing lurking within the forest it must be destroyed. I am one whose destiny is already written, I must die that men might live. What a man cannot escape he must face manfully."
(9) Then Hurmanetar left Formana to go apart into a place of solitude where he prayed, "O Father of the Gods, hear me. Hear me O Father of the Gods, for there is evil abroad in the land and men die of despair. Even the tallest of men cannot reach the Heights of Heaven, or the swiftest of them encompass the Earth. Yet men must struggle against things beyond their reach and overcome evils which overshadow the whole land contained within the bitter waters. My destiny is decreed, I alone will enter the gate at the abode of Akamen. O Father of the Gods, when I return I will set up Your Name where now the name of other gods are written, little gods of no standing before you. I will raise a great straight monument to your sacred Name, if I could but know it." "Why did You move me. Father of the Gods, to embark on this enterprise unless I were destined to accomplish it? Why fill me with the restless desire to perform it? How can I, a mere mortal, succeed without aid? 1 sought no more than to know the lot of my friend, yet a greater burden has been allotted to me. If I die it may be
without fear, but if I return may that return be glorified by the knowledge of Truth. O Father of the Gods, stand by my side, help me overcome the lurking thing and show it the strength of a son of Sisuda." When Hurmanetar returned he felt strengthened, but Formana tried to turn him away from his intention, saying,
"Desist from this thing, put this enterprise from your thoughts. You have courage and it carries you far, but does it not also sweep you along as one caught in the swift river current is swept to destruction? You cannot know what this means, the Guardian at the Gate alone is like nothing on Earth, his weapons are like no others, for they are invisible and strike down from afar. Why strive to do this thing? It is no equal struggle." Hurmanetar replied, "My heart is set on this matter. Though I must journey along an unknown road, perhaps a road of no return, and fight a strange battle, go I will. I fear not the Terror at the Gate, nor that which dwells within the abode of Akamen."
(10) Formana said, "If go you must, then I who have seen many pass this way will go with you to the gate. Even through the forest I will accompany you, for am I not one who has been purified before the Sacred Flame? But is it wise that any other should go with such as we? Surely this youth, your attendant, this young man of few years, inexperienced in things such as we must face, should not accompany us. Is it not more fitting that he remain here to protect my daughters? Is it not better to exchange his inexperience for my experience, his youthful strength for my wisdom and cunning, his endurance for my steadfastness?" Though Ancheti protested it was agreed that he should remain behind at the dwelling place of Formana. So, making things ready, Hurmanetar and Formana departed in the morning light, while Ancheti remained behind, a guardian of young women, and his heart was sore. He raised his voice to Heaven, saying, "O Father of the Gods whom Hurmanetar knows, why did You give him this restless heart? Why did you bestow it upon him? You have stirred his spirit so now he goes into unimaginable danger. O Father of the Gods, of whom I am ignorant, overlook my shortcomings and hear my voice; from this day until he overcomes the Evil Thing and returns, let him ever rest in Your thoughts. Stand by him when he faces the Watchman at the Gate. Strengthen his arm when he strikes at the things that lurk to devour. What these might be or their nature is beyond my
imagination. I know them only from the talk of men, each of whom sees them from a different stance. Yet, have any truly seen and lived to return? I know not, but I pray sincerely for him whom I serve." When Hurmanetar and Formana came to the edge of the forest they were attacked by lions, but they slew the
beasts. Then they entered the forest and saw great trees such as they had not seen before. They went sleepless, for dread things lurked in the murky light of the forest. They pressed on, coming to the foot of the mountain where they camped and slept, for it was an open place.
(11) Then, as the sun rose next day they climbed the mountain until they came to a cleared place before the cave known as the Portal of the Dead. Here Hurmanetar took leave of Formana who remained in a hut just beyond the
cleared place.
(12) Now, Hurmanetar looked about, seeking the Guardian, for he knew what had to be done before he could enter the cave. Then he saw, to his right and beside the cave, a stone hut and seated before it was a very old woman. Going up to the woman he greeted her and said, "I am one who would enter the dread place, the Abode of Death, the Threshold of the Otherworld, the Door Replacing the Misty Veil. I am one sanctified, one knowing the Lesser Mysteries, I am an Enlightened One."
(13) The woman replied by asking the three questions which all who would span the spheres must answer, and when this was done correctly she invited Hurmanetar into the hut. Inside she indicated a stool, and when he was seated
she spread a cord around him in a circle. Then she placed a firepot before him, onto which she poured the contents of a small leather bag. She also gave him a
pot of green water which he drank.
(14) Some time later, after he had slept awhile, Hurmanetar was conducted to the cave and left there at a spot known as the Devil's Mouth, for there an evil breath came from an opening in the ground. He remained there for awhile
and again he slept. Awaking he moved forward into a dark passage, but his movement was strange and he saw as through a narrow tunnel, while his body appeared light and airy.
(15) He came to the place where the Watchman kept guard at the gate and beside him the Terror squatted. Hurmanetar drew his sword and faced the awful pair, he advanced cautiously towards them. Then, when they met the air was filled with a loud clamour, great hissing noises beat at the ears, shouts and screams tore overhead. There was a howling such as no mortal has heard outside of that awful place. Hurmanetar drew back a pace then advanced again and, behold, both the Watchman and the Terror suddenly vanished and the hideous
clamour was stilled.
(16) Hurmanetar passed through the portal and came to a wider, more open place wherein there was a pool of water. It was deep, dark and still. He gazed into the water, and surely no mortal has ever seen such sights as he saw
pictured in its stillness. He passed it by. Terrifying shadows leaped and quivered over the walls as he entered a narrowing passage, cast by some bidden ruddy light which seemed to dance as though alive. Then he saw daylight ahead.
(17) He came out into the daylight; on one hand the mountainside reared up, on the other was a vast chasm, between the two ran a narrow path and up this he went. Great birds attacked him, eagles and birds with strange heads. He fought them off and continued upward until he came within sight of the abode of Akamen. He came to it after the long journey upward and stood before the great brazen doors, the seven-bolted doors.
(18) Hurmanetar saw no Guardian before the doors, but he heard its voice as it asked the seven questions. He who had sat at the feet of Nintursu remembered well the replies to make, and as each was answered a bolt slid back. Seven questions were asked and seven answers rightly given. The great doors swung apart and Hurmanetar passed through, entering the courtyard of Akamen.
(19) Within the courtyard Hurmanetar fought and overcame the four great beast Beings which feast on the bodies of men, but the sword of Hurmanetar laid them low. He passed through the Hall of Contest where good and evil spirits fight an eternal battle for the souls of men, coming into the Chamber of Death. Now weary he sat himself down on the stone called the Seat of Makilam, for it was then in this place, and he waited. Then Akamen the Terrible came and Hurmanetar strove with him for half a day and prevailed, and so he entered
into the place where stood the Door of the Spheres. This, Hurmanetar opened with the Great Key, he passed through and entered the Abode of the Dead. He held fast to the Great Key, for without it there was no return, nor could it be held by his own powers alone, but only through the additional powers of those who might come to his aid.
(20) A mist gathered before him, gradually thickening, and as it thickened it gave off an ever increasing brilliant light, at the same time shaping itself into a glorious form of brightness. When the shaping was complete a Being stood there, radiant as the sunlight and lovely as the moonbeam. Hurmanetar heard a voice coming out from the Glorious Being which said, "Who are you that comes hither, wan of cheek and with lowered countenance, heavy-hearted and dejected in spirit, weary from a strange fray? There is lamentation in your heart and surely
none such as you has entered here before times. Brave indeed is the one who seeks entry by force of arms." Hurmanetar answered, "O Beautiful Vision, indeed my heart is not light, for I have fought an inhuman contest. I have been assailed by hideous things unknown on Earth, things which haunt the night dreams of men and are spoken of only in whispers. I have come seeking a friend, a companion of the hunt, the loyal one of my wanderings. His death lies heavily upon my heart, therefore I have dared to come even unto this place." The Form of Beauty said, "He whom you seek lies beyond the Waters of Death, but you who have passed the Guardians are permitted to go thence. One thing, however, you must not do. In the midst of the waters grows the plant of eternity, the forbidden tree of which you and all men may not eat, a fruit of which was stolen by the
serpent of ancient times. Partake of it now and you will suffer everlasting changelessness, the most dreadful of all fates. Go, tarry awhile, then return this way."
(21) Hurmanetar passed over the still sullen waters to the Land of Waiting where all spirits shine redly. He passed through the Great Doorway and came to the Place of Glory, the Land of Eternal Living. He saw his friend, his
companion of the hunt, the loyal one during his wanderings. Behold, there before his eyes was Yadol. Hurmanetar knew him though he stood forth in a form more glorious than can be described to the understanding of men. He was here, life was in him, he was here in a bright and flowering place, a place of trees and waters, a place such as no man can describe.
(22) Yadol spoke with Hurmanetar and he spoke of things long forgotten by men and revealed Truths unknown since the days when men walked with their Father. They spoke one with the other, they rested in pleasant places, they embraced and they parted. Before Hurmanetar left, Yadol said, "As you have passed through the Portal of Death while yet uncalled from the embrace of the flesh, for no purpose other than gaining assurance that the dead do not pass into dust, it is decreed by the ordinance of this place that your life shall be shortened. Time enough you will have, therefore record the things of which we have spoken, that they may be guiding lights to men. Set them down in two books, one recording the Sacred Secrets, more precious than life itself and for the elect alone. The
other recording the Sacred Mysteries for those who sit at the feet of the elect. One will be the Book of Truth Unveiled and the other the Book of Veiled Truth, the Book of Hidden Things."
(23) Yadol continued, "Once men could pass easily from one sphere to another, then came the misty veil. Now men must pass a grim portal to span the spheres and, as the generations pass, this, too, will be closed to men. The secret of the substances which, compounded together, become the horse which can bear men here, will remain with those who know the mysteries, but these will become even harder to reach. As the ages roll by there will be many false mysteries and perhaps the path will become closed or the way lost." These things Yadol said and they talked of other things.
(24) Hurmanetar returned. He passed over the Waters of Death, he was upheld by the Guardians of Form, by those who safeguarded the powers of the Great Key. He saluted the Glorious Being, he passed through the manifold chambers, through the courtyard and the many-bolted doors, down the winding path lit by strange torches, through the cavern and out through the cave. At the entrance Formana still waited; he arose from his watch and greeted Hurmanetar warmly, saying, "I saw you as one dead, lying stiff between the twin flames, and I feared for you. Now, behold, you come forth with shining countenance as one in whom life has been renewed. My heart rejoices for you, but let us not delay, let us depart from this dread place, for I have spent the whole long vigil in
fear-enshrouded watchfulness."
(25) They departed the mountain, they passed through the forest. They fought with things that lurked in the gloom beneath the tall overhanging trees. They came through the Gate of Many Cubits and back to the pleasant pastures of Formana.
COMMENTARY.
I was told when first reading this chapter, or even the whole Kolbrin, that not many read and believe but I would and write a commentary on it. I’ve been confronted by much while reading through the Kolbrin and questions have come too but all will be revealed and answered I’m sure as I progress.
Who properly honoured Yadol? He was beyond normal understanding. Hurmanetar loved him. Ancheti never forgot him. Thoughts of him rested upon Hurmanetar. What manner of sleep fell upon him? Has he decayed into dust? Does he still live? At the feet of Nintursu the wise he had sat long but confronted by this he began to fear the inevitability of death. So, he sought to penetrate the veil. Having claimed an audience he came before Daydee. She was exalted now in her own eyes having won the battle but through others. She now cared little for those. Now, she sought new friends and associated with them. A new day of retribution, however, would surely come when she would be taken away in chains. Having come before her he spoke: "O great queen, great lady of battles, I am as a cat among pigeons. I would spread my wings to a distant place to be with my Yah. I would seek entry into the Place of the Dead. I shall seek to discover if my friend yet lives in the Land of Shadows."
The queen answered: “Why must you go to find your Yah? Is He so small He can only be found in one place? Hurmanetar replied: “No little Yah but the Greatest of All. Not because of His littleness but His Greatness do I seek Him. Handmaiden goes to the dressmaker but the dressmaker comes to the queen." Daydee enquired as to His nature as she was curious. He hadn’t spoke of this before. Which One had he fought for? He replied only her. We all have a god, both of us and you and I. The people have theirs. Strangers at the gate have theirs. Above all these is Yah. These lesser ones are just His members. Ones for which He’ll answer even so. It is this One I seek. I can’t describe Him. Only this I know as I learnt it in a remote temple. (Showing that that which Hanok brought forth is being taken on now by Hurmanetar. So beautiful.) Yah came into existence before all else. He ever was. None could know Him in the beginning or His mysterious nature. How could I name One who had no mother before Him? No father either. Who could say, “This is I, your father.” Nor display His Likeness in writing. Nor cut with knife in wood or stone. Too great that man should enquire. Or describe Him to their understanding. No other god can call Him by name. Even the greatest is but a servant. Yet I have been told the spirit of man can know Him. Even know His nature. Therefore, perchance, the spirit of man is greater than any god.”
At this, those around queen Daydee murmured but she gave no heed looking only at him. “Perchance He doesn’t exist? Who else knows of Him? If so great wouldn’t only other gods worship Him? That lesser gods stand intermediate between Him and men? If a shepherd or husbandman wanted to speak to me wouldn’t an official under me see him? If He’s approachable doesn’t it diminish His stature? Which is greater, he who judges disputes or appoints an effective official to do so? Surely the former rules in chaos while latter does so effectively? Don’t we all believe in Him but He is beyond approach by mere mortals? This is our only difference.”
Hurmanetar answered, “I know Him not as He is. All I know is you who lives in a palace are bedazzled by your surroundings but a worm crawling under proclaims that nothing but the Almighty could have created it.”
“Wise were our fathers and wiser theirs. Where did their wisdom come from? Isn’t it the Great One who holds the key between the two kingdoms which stand apart?”
Daydee replied, “Does it matter which Yah? Yours or mine? Either He is Named or unnamed. Labyrinthic arguments are unsuited to those whose time is precious. Then those around set a snare. Is He the Mother of All or the Father of All? Hurmanetar answered, “He who has studied the Great Being speak. I am a mere mortal. Let the wise among you answer for me.”
So Hurmanetar left her presence within a few days. Driven by the Yah-given restlessness of those after Light. Ancheti went with him. Guided to the border of the land they followed the Way of the Chariot until reaching Mekan. Here they rested. Formana the strong-limbed gave them shelter. When told “I seek the abode of Hamerit set atop a mountain in the midst of a great forest beyond a river where is a door I would open to which I hold the key “ Formana answered him: “this is doomed to failure. None pass that way and return. I have lived here long and know this but tell me of the key it is new to my ears. So he drew forth the Great Key which was like a sword but couldn’t be looked upon for more than a moment as blindness would strike. However, within its strangeness it harmed no one. This description sounds like some process of thought leading to knowledge or wisdom rather than something physical but I’ll take the rest of the chapter as a physical one. (Just bear this in mind.)
This weapon is a strange one but against Akamen the Terrible One it is an unequal struggle. Also, you must pass the watchman at the gate who never sleeps. Hurmanetar replied, “I have set my heart on this because of my friend. Also, evil lurking in the forest must be destroyed. My destiny is already written. Dying that men may live. What he can’t escape he must face.”
Then he went apart to pray. “Hear me O Father for evil abounds which makes men fearful and die of despair. Can the tallest reach Heaven or the swiftest encompass the Earth? Men must struggle who knows what beyond their reach overcoming evils overshadowing the whole land containing bitter waters. This is my destiny to meet Akamen. O Father on returning I will set up Your Name. A straight monument to Your Name. Why did You move me if this enterprise isn’t to be accomplished? O restless desire how can I succeed without help? Once I sought to know the lot of my friend. Now a greater burden has been allotted. If I die I die. If I return may it be Glorified in Truth. Stand by my side and help me overcome.” So he returned strengthened. Formana tried to turn him away from his intentions. “It is no equal struggle.” “My heart is set. I fear not the Terror at the Gate nor the abode of Akamen.”
“I will go with you to the gate and through the forest beforehand” said Formana. “I have been purified before the sacred flame but should a youth, your attendant go with us? My experience for his inexperience. His strength for my wisdom and cunning.” So though Ancheti protested he remained behind a guardian of young women. “O Father of whom I am ignorant hear my voice for until he overcomes evil and returns let him rest in your thoughts.” They set off at morning light. At the forest they were attacked by lions but they overcame. Then they carried on coming to the foot of the mountain.
At sunrise they climbed the mountain and reached the cave known as the Portal of the Dead. So Hurmanetar moved on. Formana remained at a hut nearby.
He sought after the Guardian. Then, a stone hut beside the cave and a very old woman in front. Greeting her he said, “I am one entering the dread place. I am an Enlightened One.”
The woman asked three questions to span the spheres and upon answering he was invited into the hut. Are these three spheres a reference to Air, Sun and Water just like mention of the number seven is the female angels of the Earthly Mother? She indicated a stool. After various ceremonies she gave a pot of green water which he drank.
Afterwards he fell asleep for a while then was brought forward to the Devil’s Mouth. This was a spot before the cave where an evil breath came from the ground. He remained there and slept again. On awakening he went forward into a dark passage. He was slightly disorientated and felt light and airy.
He came to the gate where the Watchman stood guard and the Terror squatting beside him. He drew the sword and moved forward. When they met all sorts of strange noises filled the air and all around. Hurmanetar drew back one pace and moved forward again. They suddenly disappeared. The noise stopped too. There’s much to commend this for its like the spiritual battle we all face daily. Will we live by faith or succumb to giving in?
Passing through the portal he came to a wider place with a pool of water. He saw all manner of sights in its stillness. Entering a narrow passage all forms of shadows jumped and quivered from the walls. This I would say is the territory belonging to the Watchman. Then he saw daylight.
Daylight came. He stepped out and the mountainside appeared. On the other side was a vast chasm. In between ran a narrow path he went up. Eagles and birds with strange heads attacked him. He fought them off and continued. The abode of Akamen came within sight. He reached the seven-bolted doors after a long journey. This all looks and sounds like a natural journey from the moment he entered the cave. Perhaps it was for Hurmanetar. It also seems spiritual. Different things come in our lives at different times. We must pursue and move on.
(From the Essene Gospel of Peace:) Seek the Air, Water and Sunshine. In a manner of speaking he’s been through all these onto the doors of Akamen’s place. Now he faces seven questions from the Guardian who he cannot see. He’s sat at Nintursu’s feet and remembers the answers. Are they Air, Water, Sun, Joy, Life, Earth and angel of the Earthly Mother? From Essene Book of Revelation these seven have been defeated in time past by the king of darkness. Even before Hurmanetar’s time. Is this a reflection of what happens here? The last one a message of blazing light which in this case has been taken over by Akamen. He answers the questions, the doors swing open and he enters the courtyard.
Take a look at my commentary on the ‘Lost Years of Jesus’ chapters 13 & 14. Think differently to what you normally think. There’s no new covenant. Just the hidden word for the Children of Light reflected through the tablets being smashed and going up the mountain a second time and bringing different commandments down. Onto the prayer of Moshe (Moses). If they’re not for don’t let them be against You. The emergence of these Children through the Essenes in answer to Moshe’s prayer of the Law centuries before Yahusha (Jesus) appeared. Then He appeared and in answer to Yahuah’s desire to bless His earthly parents (Mary & Joseph) He makes Him His Elect. Still everything is hidden or written. Law still appears to be the agenda. I’ve put different things in brackets to give a sign of the two kingdoms battling. The Truth and the changed lies going forward together. Then after His death and the deliverance from sin (is that the new covenant, based on the tablets of the Law twice given) the disciples move off into the countries of the heathen to spread the news. That’s the True order. Within the courtyard he fought the four great beast Beings and laid them low. Passing through Hall of Contest and the good and evil spirits fighting for souls of mankind (the Cross?/lowest Heaven in Ascension of Isaiah) he came to Chamber of Death. He was now weary and sat down on stone called the Seat of Makilam. There he waited. Then Akamen the Terrible came. They strove for half a day (time on the Cross?) and Hurmanetar overcame him. He entered the place known as the Door of the Spheres. (I’m not sure what this stands for. Is it a passing from death to Heaven or a spiritual experience?) He used the Great Key and passed through to the Abode of the Dead. (This is clearly a passing from earthly life.) He held the Key or he could not return. Nor could he hold it by his own power but needed other to aid him.
A mist gradually thickening with ever increasing brilliant light formed. When complete a Being stood there. "Who are you with lowered countenance, dejected and weary? Lamentation is in your heart. None such have entered here before or brave to enter by force of arms." O Beautiful Vision my heart is light. I have come looking for a friend. His death lies heavy on me. This is why I dared to come.” The Form Of Beauty replied, “He lies beyond the Waters of Death but having passed the Guardians you are permitted to go thence but don’t eat from the plant of eternity or everlasting changelessness will occur. Go tarry with him and return this way.” Which is a way of saying they (the Guardians) have a right as things are but that there is another way alluded too by the Beautiful Being which Yadol “entered through” without force of arms.
So he passed the still sullen waters to the Land of Waiting. Then through the Great Doorway arriving at the Place Of Glory or the Land of Eternal Living. Take note of this. No Peter at the Pearly Gates! There, he saw his friend Yadol. He stood in a form which couldn’t be described to mankind. Here in a bright, flowering place with trees which cannot be understood.
We’re all looking for a place where the Divine somehow has a Presence in our lives. Through trying to make of ourselves an image through wood, metal, stone, animal or other we try to become close rather than sense Him by our heart. So they (Hurmanetar & Yadol) talked about things long forgotten and days when men walked with their Father. Then they departed. I remember something which said we can only be in Heaven two hours before you have to stay or can’t go back to Earth. Before departing Yadol said, “For no purpose other than gaining assurance you came. Therefore, it is decreed your life shall be shortened. There is time enough to record the things spoken, that men may be guided by them. Write them down in two books. One for the Elect of the Sacred Secrets, more precious than Life. The other called the Sacred Mysteries for those sitting at the feet of the elect. One is the Book of Truth Unveiled. The he other the Book of Veiled Truth, the Book of Hidden Things." In a way, I think of this as my Life experience. Two books with one for everyone and one for the modern day Essene brotherhood. I’ve already written the one for everyone. It needs some updating. The new one needs writing soon. Then what does He have planned?
"Once passing from one sphere to another was easy. After this came the misty veil. Now, a grim portal to span the spheres is needed. In future and, as the generations this too will be closed. The substances which compounded together become the horse (or means) by which men were born here. This will remain with those who know the mysteries. In time, this will become even harder to reach. As the ages roll by many false mysteries will abound and maybe the path will become closed lost." Until the One who dies and by His Death bringing deliverance from sins might make the path easier. So these things and others were talked about.
Hurmanetar returned. He passed the Waters of Death, upheld by Guardians of Form who safeguarded the Great Key, greeted the Glorious Being, passed the chambers, through the courtyard and doors, down the winding path with strange torches, through the cavern and out of the cave. Formana waited at the entrance for him. He arose and greeted him warmly. "I saw you as dead, between the twin flames but now you come forth with shining countenance and as one renewed. My heart rejoices but let us not delay departing this dread place. I have spent long in Fear-enshrouded watchfulness.”
Departing the mountain they passed through the forest fighting things that lurked in the gloom. Passing through the Gate of Many Cubits they arrived back at the pastures of Formana.