This series covers events from 08/18/1982 - 11/03/1982

This series of classes, which took place from August through November 1982, constitutes a comprehensive exploration of Category 8 of Paul Brunton's Notebooks, on the ego, which Anthony Damiani considered "the most potent, comprehensive, and organized systematic exposé" of the ego ever written. This is "the secret doctrine," which is essential for distinguishing authentic spirituality from self-deception, revealing the ego as a collection of thoughts circulating around an "empty center"—a matrix of tendencies and memories from past incarnations that creates our sense of individual identity. Key themes include the ego's cunning nature and its ability to provide counterfeit spiritual experiences while appropriating the higher consciousness as its own.

The series distinguishes between the ego (a necessary vehicle for incarnation) and egotism (problematic self-will), emphasizing that the ego must be understood and perfected rather than destroyed. The natal chart serves as a symbolic representation of each ego's unique structure and evolutionary purpose within the World-Idea.

Advanced topics cover the ego's relationship to the Overself, reincarnation (what actually incarnates versus what doesn't), forgiveness as an act that is possible only when the ego has been displaced (i.e., the ego will never forgive anyone), and the ultimate necessity of surrender—which can occur only through grace, in the stillness, where the ego has nowhere to hide.

The series provides both theoretical understanding of the ego and practical methods for objectifying it, including meditation, self-observation, and identifying with the witnessing consciousness.

Classes and documents available in this series