Conversations with Orland Bishop
Course Three: The Ecology of Consciousness
In this course we deepen an inquiry into some important themes of Orland’s thought, such as attention, the will, reverence, the soul, and the concept of being a host.
About this Course
This course is the third in a series. It may be experienced on its own, or as part of the series. In this course we deepen an inquiry into some important themes of Orland’s thought, such as attention, the will, reverence, the soul, and the concept of being a host.
These courses originated as a two-day filmed conversation between Orland Bishop and me, Charles Eisenstein. I approached Orland because I recognize him as a profound mystic who draws on deep knowledge and training in West African, South African and European Hermetic traditions. Yet he is no mere philosopher, having done groundbreaking work as a peacemaker and mentor in Watts, Los Angeles. Orland’s words carry multiple levels of meaning that reach deep into the psyche. I hope that others benefit as I have from his words, which transmit to me some of his clarity, will, and compassion.
You might be interested in this program if…
…you want to benefit from a lifetime of research into the practical application of esoteric knowledge, both to self-development and effectiveness as a healing force in the world. Join us if you are prepared to engage with knowledge that is, at first glance, unrecognizable. You won’t find it in any books on self-help or spirituality. Entirely free of cliches, Orland’s knowledge gives one the strong impression that it is coming from source.
Program Structure
This program is made up of just three sessions, comprising thematic material from Day 2 of my conversation with Orland. We have done minimal editing; our intention is that you feel present to the conversation.
Each session consists of 2 or 3 segments totaling about 20-40 minutes. Perhaps engage with a new session every three or four days. That will give you enough time to sit with the material. I strongly suggest that, as far as you are able, touching in to the material daily, so you can become entrained in the “informational field” Orland speaks from. I find my comprehension of his words increases with repeated listening.
Video, audio, and transcripts of each unit are provided, as well as a complete stream of the program from beginning to end for uninterrupted listening.
The program includes a study guide that I created after re-listening to the recordings of my conversation with Orland, along with themes for meditation and discussion. I invite you to join our discussion forum as part of this program, to deepen your understanding through engagement with others.
Some Questions/Ideas We Explore in The Ecology of Consciousness
- The development of attentiveness
- What happens after death
- Moral intelligence
- Sacrifice and sacrament
- Kindness
- Collective willingness
Optional NAAS Subscription
This course has run as a DIY course, and you are welcome to do it that way. However, for many people it is more powerful to work the material with a group. My business partner and former wife Patsy and I host a network community called A New and Ancient Story (short for NAAS). It is an online network dedicated to reverence in communication. If you would like to participate in it in conjunction with this course, go to the community landing page and read the introduction and posting guidelines. If you feel resonant, you can join through additional subscription. Once you are a member, you will find archives of discussions on course forums on the left menu as well as participating in many features NAAS offers
Program Costs
Upon beginning this course, on the first page titled Preliminaries, you’ll choose a self-determined fee that feels right to you, that feels clean, fair, and honest, and that respects your financial means. If that amount is zero, we welcome and trust that choice as well. All material will be available to you regardless of what you choose, and you will never receive any marketing, promotions, ads, or upselling. We offer the course as a gift, trusting the generosity of participants to support us in developing and sustaining in-depth learning journeys like this one.