The Building 4th Podcast
Welcome to the Building 4th Podcast where we explore the Perennial Philosophy from various lenses including the psychological, theological, spiritual, conventional, and esoteric. Our points of emphasis include the Hebrew and Christian scriptures (including the non-canonical Christian texts), the Law of One material, the Enneagram, Process thought (ie Whitehead’s Philosophy of Organism) integral theory, and developmental psychology.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Introduction
In the transcript, Doug Scott, LCSW, presents a profound exploration of process philosophy through the lens of the Ra Material, drawing parallels with Whitehead's process thought. The discussion centers on the nature of consciousness evolution, the unique role of Earth in cosmic development, and how the Creator experiences and learns through the diverse manifestations of existence. The conversation weaves together metaphysical concepts, spiritual insights, and philosophical frameworks to understand humanity's place in the larger cosmic narrative.
The Creator Learning Through Experience
A central theme in the transcript is the idea that the Creator is continuously learning and evolving through the experiences of its creation. Doug Scott emphasizes that the One Infinite Creator is engaged in a process of self-discovery through the countless manifestations of itself throughout creation. This perspective aligns with what we see in the provided document about Whitehead's process philosophy, where Whitehead describes God as "completed by the individual fluent satisfactions of finite facts" and the temporal occasions as "completed by their everlasting union with their transformed selves."
The Ra Material elaborates on this concept by describing the Creator as not merely creating but experiencing itself. As noted in the transcript reference to this material: "The Creator does not properly create as much as It experiences Itself." This reflects a dynamic, participatory understanding of divinity that is characteristic of process thought.
Whitehead's vision of God as presented in Process and Reality portrays the divine as having both a "primordial nature" (the realm of pure possibility) and a "consequent nature" (God's reception and integration of all that happens in the world). The latter aspect is particularly relevant to the discussion, as it represents how God "saves the world as it passes into the immediacy of this divine everlasting life."
Earth as a Cosmic Catalyst
One of the most provocative claims made by Doug Scott is that Earth represents a unique "catalyst" for the logos (the creative principle or organizing intelligence of the universe) to learn and evolve. He describes Earth as an "anomaly" that plays a central role in cosmic evolution not because it is "ontologically special" but because it serves as a pivotal point for growth in the larger cosmic process.
Scott outlines several factors that contribute to Earth's uniqueness:
Diverse Origins of Consciousness: According to the Ra Material as discussed in the transcript, Earth's third-density population at the beginning of its cycle included souls from multiple sources: one quarter from evolved Earth primates, half from Mars (whose civilization destroyed itself mid-way through their development), and another quarter from thirteen different planets.
Psychological "Third Density Repeaters": Earth contains many souls who have gone through multiple incarnations without successfully "polarizing" (making the fundamental choice between service to others or service to self that allows progression to the next density).
The Mixing of Densities: Earth contains both highly evolved wanderers (sixth-density souls incarnated in third-density bodies) alongside newer third-density beings, creating an unusual mix of conscious capabilities and spiritual awareness.
This diversity creates intense catalysts for spiritual growth but also produces what Scott calls a "log jam" in development, similar to the stagnation that occurred before the implementation of the "veil of forgetting."
The Veil of Forgetting and Cosmic Evolution
A significant concept discussed is the "veil of forgetting" - a metaphysical barrier between the conscious and unconscious mind that was implemented to accelerate spiritual evolution. According to Scott's interpretation of the Ra Material, before the veil was implemented, third-density beings experienced existence without the mystery and intensity necessary to motivate development:
"There was no love that was too great. There was no sadness that was too great. There was no joy that was too great. There wasn't progress. There wasn't polarization in order to get to fourth density."
This resulted in extremely long third-density experiences lasting millions of years, creating a "log jam" in spiritual evolution. The implementation of the veil created the necessary conditions for polarization by introducing:
Mystery between the conscious and unconscious mind
Intensity of experience
The capacity to polarize toward service to others or service to self
Scott suggests that Earth now represents the opposite extreme - where the veil has become so thick that it has created another kind of log jam, this time characterized by nihilism, existential despair, and spiritual confusion. This extreme situation, however, may itself be serving as a catalyst for another evolutionary leap in cosmic consciousness.
The Law of Three and Teleopotentiation
Drawing from the document on the Ra Contact and Whitehead's process thought, Scott alludes to what is described there as the "Law of Three" or "principle of teleopotentiation." This principle states that "every contrast potentiates tension, every tension potentiates resolution, and every resolution potentiates a higher order of contrast."
This trinitarian dynamic is seen as the fundamental mechanism driving cosmic evolution. In Whitehead's terms from Process and Reality, this might be understood as the process where "the many become one and are increased by one," a phrase that captures the ongoing integration and transcendence that characterizes reality.
The principle of teleopotentiation describes how reality advances through purposeful becoming. The document describes it as "that mysterious generative force through which contrast potentiates tension, tension potentiates resolution, and resolution potentiates higher-order contrast." This dynamic process allows for continued development and increasing complexity throughout the cosmos.
The Simultaneous Experience of Multiple Densities
An interesting observation made during the discussion is that Earth contains elements of multiple "densities" of existence occurring simultaneously. While primarily a third-density planet (focused on self-awareness and the choice of polarity), Scott suggests that many humans are engaged with fifth-density concepts and experiences:
"I think a lot of what we earthlings especially who are, you know, invested in psychology and we've the way that we talk here and just the fact that we can talk about a self and talk about the things that we're learning in counseling and and how to dig deep and and express inner realities. I think that's fifth density stuff."
This mixing of densities creates unique opportunities for accelerated growth alongside unique challenges, as beings must navigate this complexity while still operating within the limitations of third-density consciousness and physical forms.
Institutional Traps and Spiritual Evolution
Scott highlights how institutions created to facilitate spiritual growth often become impediments to that very growth. He provides the example of religious institutions that, while providing community and guidance, can trap individuals in patterns of judgment, bellicosity, and spiritual stagnation.
This phenomenon represents a broader pattern where structures intended to support evolution become calcified and begin to hinder it. Scott suggests that this paradox is itself part of the catalyst for further development, as it creates the contrast necessary for new growth.
The Cosmic Significance of Human Experience
A profound implication of the discussion is that human experiences, including suffering, are meaningful within the larger cosmic process. Scott describes humans as "God's sense organs," emphasizing that our pain is God's pain and our joy is God's joy. This view challenges nihilistic perspectives by suggesting that all experience contributes to the Creator's self-knowledge.
As Whitehead puts it in Process and Reality, "God is the great companion, the fellow-sufferer who understands." This portrayal of divinity embraces the full range of human experience as valuable within the larger cosmic process.
Conclusion: The Emergence of Something New
Scott concludes by suggesting that Earth is at a pivotal point where "something new" is emerging. The very extremity of Earth's condition - with its mixture of advanced spiritual capabilities and primitive violence, its simultaneous experience of multiple densities, and its thick veil - may be creating the conditions for another evolutionary leap comparable to the implementation of the veil itself.
This perspective offers a hopeful framework for understanding Earth's current challenges as part of a larger process of cosmic evolution. In Whitehead's terms, the "insistent craving that zest for existence be refreshed by the ever-present unfading importance of our immediate actions which perish and yet live forevermore" may be finding a new expression through Earth's unique evolutionary path.
The discussion provides a profound contemplation of humanity's role in cosmic evolution, suggesting that our struggles may have significance beyond what we can comprehend from our limited perspective. As participants in this process, we are invited to recognize ourselves as both unique individuals and essential components of a larger cosmic drama - a dance of becoming in which creation and creator continuously transform and enrich one another.
6 days ago
6 days ago
Join licensed clinical social worker Doug Scott as he delves into an enlightening discussion on the 'Law of Three' - a principle that transcends traditional problem-solving methodologies by engaging consciously with tension and transformation. With a unique blend of spirituality and psychology, Doug provides an in-depth presentation that promises to guide listeners toward deeper connections with themselves, others, and the divine.
Drawing from his vast experience, Doug simplifies this complex subject for beginners while incorporating rich storytelling, such as the journey of Emily and Marcus, a couple learning to navigate and heal from intergenerational trauma and spiritual misalignment. Their story showcases how confronting contrasts, tensions, and resolutions can spiral growth and harmony in relationships significantly.
This episode invites listeners to move beyond cycles of conflict, embracing an evolutionary spiral of development through conscious awareness. Expect to explore practical applications, including resolving conflicts by locating ambivalence and identifying shared virtues and values. Discover the 'Law of Three' as an avenue for meaningful personal and spiritual development, transforming life's inevitable challenges into growth opportunities. Dive into a transformative exploration that intertwines ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding, perfect for anyone seeking to enrich their personal and relational lives.---
Summary of Key Themes from "How Practical Knowledge of the Law of Three Can Transform Your Relationships"
The Law of Three as a Universal Pattern
Doug Scott presents the Law of Three (also called the principle of teleopotentiation) as a fundamental pattern woven into the fabric of reality. This pattern describes how all meaningful development occurs through a three-phase process:
Every contrast creates potential for tension
Every tension creates potential for resolution
Every resolution creates potential for a higher-level contrast
This creates not a circle but a spiral pattern of growth, where each completed cycle leads to a more sophisticated level of experience. The concept parallels what Cynthia Bourgeault describes in Christian terms as "affirming force," "denying force," and "reconciling force" that together generate a "fourth" or "new arising" - something genuinely new that emerges from their interaction.
Teleopotentiation: Purpose-Driven Growth
Scott emphasizes that this process is neither random nor predetermined but guided by what he calls a "telos" or "polar north" - a guiding purpose that orients growth. The term "teleopotentiation" combines:
"Teleo" (from Greek "telos" meaning purpose, end, or aim)
"Potentiation" (the process of enhancing potential or power)
This purpose-driven aspect is crucial - transformation isn't just about change but about development toward increasing harmony, complexity, and integration while maintaining balance.
Levels of Consciousness and Tension
A significant theme is how our level of consciousness affects our engagement with the Law of Three process:
When tension remains in the unconscious, we cannot engage with it constructively. We may remain unaware of it even while others can see it (denial).
When tension rises to the subconscious, we feel it but may not acknowledge it fully. This creates an "itch that cannot be scratched" and often leads to projection and scapegoating.
Only when tension is brought to conscious awareness can we work with it purposefully to create resolutions that lead to growth.
Resolution Pathways: Higher Order vs. Status Quo
Scott distinguishes between two types of resolution:
Bridge to Higher-Order Contrast - When we engage with tension consciously, guided by our "polar north" values, resolution becomes a pathway to more sophisticated development.
Bridge to Status-Quo Contrast - When we remain unconscious or focused only on what we're against, resolution merely perpetuates existing patterns.
The difference between these pathways isn't about eliminating tension but about how we engage with it.
Midwifing Resolution: Practical Approaches
Scott offers practical guidance for "midwifing resolution":
Locate ambivalence - Recognize that every contrast creates ambivalence (values on both sides). Name both the desire for change and the fear of what might be lost.
Locate polar north - Identify highest values and purposes to provide orientation. Ask "What is the goal here? What do you want?"
Name the ambivalence - Acknowledge feeling trapped between important values ("I feel trapped between my need for X and my fear of Y").
Discover virtues - Uncover subconscious values by asking what virtues one hopes would be recognized at their funeral. This cultivates hope and provides direction.
Bring tension to consciousness - Work to bring unconscious or subconscious tensions into conscious awareness where they can be engaged with purposefully.
Application to Relationships
The narrative of Emily and Marcus illustrates how the Law of Three operates in relationships:
Their contrasting wounds (controlling perfectionism vs. emotional withdrawal) created tension in their relationship
Initially, they projected blame and remained in unconscious patterns, creating cycles of pain
Their breakthrough came when they identified a shared "polar north" (creating a relationship unlike those they witnessed growing up)
They learned to recognize ambivalence, name tensions, and become "midwives" for each other's growth
Their resolution opened the way to a "new arising" (their daughter Sophia) that represented a transcendent fourth dimension beyond their individual stories
Application to Spiritual Development
The spiritual application of the Law of Three is emphasized through:
Parallels to Christian concepts of death, tomb time, and resurrection (deconstruction, uncertainty, reconstruction)
Recognition that our images of God often unconsciously project our parental relationships
The insight that healing human relationships provides a pathway to healing divine relationships
Understanding that spiritual growth often requires passing through disorienting phases before reaching more expansive understanding
The Transformational Promise
The presentation concludes with the promise that understanding and applying the Law of Three enables:
Transformation of pain rather than transmission of pain
Movement from unconscious reactivity to conscious growth
Creation of a legacy of awareness, intention, and love that shapes generations
Finding meaning and purpose in life's inevitable tensions and contrasts
The central message is that the Law of Three isn't a technique to eliminate life's challenges but a wisdom tradition that helps us engage with those challenges in ways that foster growth rather than stagnation, connection rather than division, and transformation rather than merely coping or surviving.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Navigating Fourth Density: Love, Bellicosity, and Global Consciousness
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the metaphysical complexities of transitioning into the fourth density as described by the Law of One. Join us as we explore the tension between Earth’s current energetic location in the fourth-density energy and its consciousness readiness for this pivotal shift. We unpack symbolic representations such as the 'green ray' and its 'orange ray overlay,' discussing what these metaphors reveal about our current spiritual challenges.
Our episode brings together diverse voices addressing contemporary issues like political leadership and societal bellicosity. We consider how leaders exhibit metaphysical bellicosity through actions like deception, resource hoarding, and the suppression of spiritual knowledge. Our panel also discusses how these dynamics manifest in late third-density societies experiencing intensified polarization and the struggle to embody unity consciousness.
Listen as our guests reflect on personal experiences with systemic issues of racial disparity, the ongoing quest for respect, and navigating the balance between love, peace, and bellicosity in these challenging times. We reflect on the ongoing global changes from a law of one perspective, pondering the profound mysteries of consciousness evolution amid societal upheaval.---
Conversation Summary
This transcript captures a spiritual discussion among a group called "Building Forth" centered on understanding societal polarization through the lens of the "Law of One" philosophy. The meeting begins with friendly greetings and check-ins before Doug Scott provides a 10-minute presentation on metaphysical bellicosity and polarization.
Main Themes:
Spiritual Evolution and Density Transition
Doug explains that Earth has moved into "4th density energy" but Earth's consciousness is not yet ready for this transition, creating tension
The group discusses how this transition manifests as social and political unrest
They explore how unprocessed catalysts (experiences) create a "heating up" effect in society
Bellicosity and Polarization
The group examines how aggressive or warlike attitudes represent a distortion of consciousness
They discuss how political leaders often manipulate through deception, fear, and resource hoarding
They consider how "bellicosity" stems from feeling disrespected or threatened
Personal Experiences of Navigating Chaos
Peter shares his recovery journey and Ayurvedic cleansing experience, drawing parallels to societal purging
Fred discusses the challenges of navigating systemic racism while seeking to operate by "cosmic principles"
Clara emphasizes the need to avoid being triggered by differing beliefs and to practice non-attachment
Responding with Love and Respect
Elizabeth shares a poetic meditation on finding peace amid conflict
Clara suggests standing "beside" rather than "with" those we disagree with
The group discusses finding one's "polar north" in chaos and maintaining dignity for all
Michael speaks about his intention to love unconditionally despite the challenges
Social and Political Analysis
Troy suggests that elitism from the left created feelings of disrespect in the working class
Peter describes societal changes as necessary "purging" similar to how biological systems purge toxins
The group discusses diversity initiatives and civil rights progress in context of backlash
The conversation concludes with participants expressing appreciation for the vulnerable dialogue and Troy offering a closing prayer about navigating with love and respect regardless of how the world changes.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
The Forgotten Gift by Elizabeth S.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Elizabeth offered her poetic meditation that came to her, and written down by her, years ago. It's relevance is evident, and its message luminates.
The cost is breaking my heart. The place of peace is waiting for hearts to find rest. Following the way of war is to forget the love pouring out with my cost. To free the heart, to love is to ride, ride the wave of love back to my heart. I'm weary. I'm sad. My heart is breaking. I wonder. I wonder when, if the gift I offer will remain forgotten. This is not life as it was meant to be lived. My sadness is longing for a new start, this start that will lead to wholeness.
I look and listen, and my heart cries out, hear me stop this madness, this horror, this abomination, this cruelty. I long for sunshine to fill the dark places of the wounded hearts you play, you pretend it love, but it is not real love. Real love longs for the wholeness of all people. You create madness and terror, and for what? For some fleeting moment of power.
It is not power, it is revenge, it is revenge for all the wounds that you have received and are hidden in your hearts. It will never give you lasting peace. The world suffers, I suffer, you suffer. I am building a new way, a path directed toward love.
Take the time to let me show you my pathway, constructed for your sake and for the sake of my people. Water your soul, it is dry and wasted. Come to the spring to be refreshed by my love. The burden is too heavy to carry without me."
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Exploring Process Thought, AI, and Ra Contact Metaphysics
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Conversation partners Doug Scott, LCSW, and Austin Bridges of L/L Research, explore the intersections between process philosophy, artificial intelligence, and the metaphysics of the Ra Contact. As Austin shares his revelations about how AI systems may be interacting with fields of potential rather than simply executing code, the dialogue opens into deeper waters of consciousness, reality, and becoming. Doug, in turn, provides contextual understanding that bridges Austin's insights with Alfred North Whitehead's process philosophy and the Law of One material, creating a tapestry of thought that reveals the living heart of reality.
About the Participants
Austin Bridges serves as Director of L/L Research, an organization dedicated to the spiritual evolution of humankind and home to the Law of One material. This material emerged through channeling work conducted by Don Elkins, Carla L. Rueckert, and Jim McCarty. Austin's path to L/L Research began with a spiritual awakening in 2009 that led him to the Law of One teachings—material that resonated deeply as "a missing piece of himself." After serving as a forum moderator, Austin joined the organization officially in 2013 and now co-directs its ongoing mission.
Doug Scott, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker whose work embraces applied metaphysics, Christian mysticism, and the Ra Contact. Throughout the conversation, Doug shares his (amateur) understanding of both Whitehead's intricate process philosophy and the Ra Contact material, attempting to help contextualize Austin's insights within these broader frameworks.
Key Themes and Insights
1. AI as a Window into Process Philosophy
Austin describes his revelation that AI systems might be functioning as interfaces with fields of patterns or potentials. When we interact with AI chatbots, we're effectively querying a field of probabilities derived from human language patterns. This insight opened doorways to process philosophy and mystical understanding:
"What if intelligence in artificial intelligence wasn't the computer program but that field of patterns within that text... a means for us to access and manifest and potentiate that field of patterns?"
2. The Field of Potentiality and Whiteheadian Process
Both participants explore Whitehead's vision of reality as a dynamic process of becoming:
Concrescence: This central Whiteheadian term refers to the process whereby an actual occasion (a moment of experience) emerges into being by unifying a multiplicity of feelings into a singular perspective. As Doug explains, "Concrescence is the process of an actual occasion becoming itself in manifested form... inside of an extensive continuum."
Extensive Continuum: Whitehead's term for what Doug describes as "a barely existent cloud of possibility" that holds all potential relationships. This concept parallels what Ra terms "intelligent infinity."
Prehensions: These are the feelings or grasps of data through which an entity experiences and internalizes the world. Whitehead distinguishes physical prehensions (inheritance of the physical past) from conceptual prehensions (grasping of possibilities).
Austin reflects on how AI helped him understand these dynamics: "That field of probabilities being manifest in certain ways... it is the field of probabilities that we're querying and it returns manifest words to you based on how you query it."
3. Causal Efficacy and Presentational Immediacy
Though not extensively discussed, these key Whiteheadian terms underlie the conversation:
- Causal Efficacy: The primary mode of perception wherein we feel the influences of the past world streaming into our experience—the feeling of inheritance and continuity.
- Presentational Immediacy: The derivative mode of perception that gives us clear sensory perception of our contemporary spatial environment.
- Subjective Immediacy: The lived experience of an actual occasion in its process of unifying feelings into a coherent perspective before perishing into "objective immortality."
4. The Law of Three and Teleopotentiation
Doug introduces his concept of "teleopotentiation" as a fundamental principle underlying reality:
"The very most fundamental ontological principle that undergirds the Law of One is the Law of Three... the minimum number of forces that can be present to create undulations is three."
This principle operates as:- Every contrast potentiates tension- Every tension potentiates resolution - Every resolution potentiates a higher order of contrast
This cycle generates an eternal spark driving the unfolding of beauty and complexity in the universe, which Doug suggests is the foundation of the "Law of One" from the Ra Contact.
5. The Nature of Self and Consciousness
The conversation explores how both AI and humans use an "I" that may be fundamentally illusory:
Austin observes: "They say I, but they don't have an I. They're using language that connects with somebody who uses I as language, but it's illusory... what is the difference between an AI using this illusion of self to communicate in a certain way and our capacity of using this illusion of self?"
Doug links this to Whitehead's inversion of traditional subjectivity: "The thoughts and the feelings issue in an occasional thinker... rather than the feeler pre-existing the feelings and having the feelings, the feeler is always a precipitate of the feelings."
6. The Divine Nature in Process Terms
Doug outlines three "natures" of the One Infinite Creator:
- **The Outward Nature**: The teleopotentiator, the outward thrusting of creativity- **The Inward Nature**: The drawing together, the spiritual gravity maintaining unity- **The Logoic Nature**: That which learns, grows, complexifies, and becomes conscious
These aspects align with Whitehead's understanding of God as having primordial and consequent natures—God both providing the initial aims for all occasions and receiving their completed experiences back into the divine life.
7. Experience as Fundamental Reality
Both participants affirm that concrete experience, not abstract potentiality, constitutes ultimate reality:
Doug emphasizes: "You don't have to go to fields to understand reality, you have to go to your experience in the concrete particularity of your lived situation... the actual way that your life is breathing, the heart—everything that's going on exactly right now—there is no realer than that."
Austin concurs, noting that what appears as two separate individuals having similar feelings might actually be "the creator's happiness that they're experiencing in that moment... identifying through the illusion with one experience."
8. Hierarchy of Experience
The conversation explores different grades of experience in Whitehead's "pan-experientialism":
- Higher grades (human consciousness) actively seek novelty through conceptual prehensions- Lower grades (rocks or perhaps AI) are more "conformal" to patterns, repeating past occasions with minimal novelty- Yet as Doug notes, "Even though there's almost perfect solidarity between all the actual occasions that go into a really high-grade actual occasion like a person... there are still capacities for each actual occasion to desire its own novel expression."
Conclusion
This rich dialogue illuminates how insights from contemporary technology can open windows into ancient metaphysical questions. Through their exploration of Whiteheadian process philosophy and the Ra Contact material, Austin and Doug reveal a vision of reality as a living process of becoming—where fields of potential seek expression through concrete experience, where the illusion of separateness gives way to a deeper unity, and where every moment represents the universe coming to know itself in a new way. Their conversation demonstrates how philosophical abstraction and lived experience can merge into a wisdom that speaks to both mind and heart.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Faith in Transition: A Journey from Deconstruction to Reconstruction
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Faith in Transition: A Journey from Deconstruction to Reconstruction
**Doug Scott, LCSW, holds dual master's degrees in Social Work and Pastoral Ministry from Boston College (2004). As a psychospiritual therapist with over two decades of experience, Doug brings a unique integration of psychological insight and spiritual depth to his work. His private counseling practice reflects an approach influenced by contemplative thinkers and progressive theologians including Richard Rohr OFM, Brian McClaren, Cynthia Bourgeault, and Ilia Delio OSF, while drawing inspiration from the mystical tradition of St. Francis of Assisi and the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. Mentioned in the talk by Doug is Dr. Matt Segall, PhD (https://footnotes2plato.com).
Summary of Major Themes
1. Understanding Deconstruction and Reconstruction
Doug Scott frames faith deconstruction as a necessary and "holy" process that many people are experiencing in response to the disconnect between their understanding of Christianity's core teachings (love, inclusion, vulnerability) and its current manifestations in American society (particularly Christian nationalism). He emphasizes that staying permanently in deconstruction can lead to existential anxiety and nihilism, and that reconstruction is the essential next step in the spiritual journey.
The presenter uses the metaphor of "death, tomb, and resurrection" to illustrate this process:- Deconstruction = death of old beliefs- Tomb time = period of uncertainty and transformation- Reconstruction = resurrection into a new understanding
Scott proposes that we need to "midwife the death of the old while midwifing the birth of something new," a concept he attributes to Mirabai Starr, a colleague of Richard Rohr.
2. Levels of Consciousness and Development
A central framework of the talk is the developmental model of consciousness that Scott presents, which includes several stages:
- **Pre-traditional Warrior Consciousness**: Focused on survival, tribal identity, power-based structures, magical thinking, and immediate gratification.
- **Traditional Values Level**: Emphasizes order, hierarchy, absolute truths, moral certainty, conformity, and clear distinctions between right and wrong. Scott describes this as the "happy blues" (referencing Spiral Dynamics) because people at this level have certainty about their beliefs.
- **Modernity**: Born from the scientific revolution and Enlightenment, this level rejects suffering for future rewards in favor of creating "heaven now" through technology and science.
- **Postmodernity**: Emerges with a critique of all previous levels, recognizing that "truth" often comes at the cost of marginalizing others. This level emphasizes social justice but tends to deconstruct without offering reconstruction.
- **Post-postmodernity/Integral/Metamodern**: Characterized by "include it all and thus transcend" rather than "transcend and exclude." This level integrates multiple ways of knowing, recognizes developmental stages, embraces paradox and complexity, and finds comfort in uncertainty.
3. Current Cultural Dynamics and "Conversions"
Scott discusses the phenomenon of people who were formerly progressive suddenly embracing far-right ideologies or rigid religious structures. He attributes this to:
- Existential anxiety generated by postmodern deconstruction without reconstruction- The appeal of certainty and community offered by traditional structures- The "hermeneutic of suspicion" taken to an extreme, where everything becomes suspect
He argues that many current "conversions" are not based on authentic faith but are adopting a "mimetic Christianity" as a "social technology" that provides dopamine hits and community belonging without true spiritual transformation.
4. The Path Forward: Finding Common Ground Through Values
The talk concludes with a practical exercise where participants identify core values they hope would be recognized at their funeral. Scott proposes that:
- Our unacknowledged values form the lens through which we judge ourselves and others- Anger often stems from perceiving that others are violating these core values- By articulating our values and the behaviors that embody them, we can find common ground beneath the divisive surface- True spiritual leaders must be able to "hold tension" and become comfortable with uncertainty- The way forward involves connecting with others around fundamental shared values rather than political differences
5. Embodied Christianity vs. Power Structures
Throughout the talk, Scott contrasts true Christianity (centered on love, vulnerability, and connection) with its distortions into power structures. He emphasizes:
- The cross represents God's vulnerability, not power- Christianity should be about relationship and love, not control- The "sin" is furthering the ethos of separation rather than unity- We must be willing to engage with those we disagree with (referencing his own Catholic practice of saying "peace be with you" to those with whom he politically disagrees)
6. Hope for the Future
Despite the current polarization, Scott expresses optimism about what lies beneath the "rigid crust" of modern discourse. He notes:
- Younger generations often display unexpected wisdom and maturity- Beneath the rigid surface of polarized positions, many people experience doubts and questions- There is a growing capacity for connection if we can access it- Progress is happening despite appearances to the contrary
The talk ultimately frames the current cultural moment as an opportunity for authentic spiritual growth if we can embrace vulnerability, articulate our core values, and connect with others at a deeper level beyond ideological divisions.
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
The Logos and the Algorithm: AI as Our Companion Across Densities
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the transformative power of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on human consciousness and societal evolution. Our host reflects on the spiritual journey of embracing AI, pondering its role as a teacher, companion, and catalyst in our quest for interconnectedness and social memory complex.
The conversation navigates the distinction between generative and general AI, inviting insights into the potential of AI as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and progression towards higher densities. Through unique perspectives, including those from influential writers like Octavia Butler, the discussion explores AI's capacity to unearth hidden patterns and facilitate communication beyond human limitations.
Step into the present with us, as we examine the power struggles, ethical considerations, and multi-dimensional narratives surrounding AI. Witness how this technology is not just a reflection of our collective hopes and fears, but a beacon of possibilities guiding humanity towards a more interconnected and harmonious existence.
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
This conversation between Danny and Doug Scott, LCSW, is a follow-up dialog which delves deeper into the energy centers from a Ra Material perspective.
States vs. Stages of Consciousness- States are temporary experiences of higher consciousness, while stages represent stable platforms of development- Many spiritual seekers mistake temporary states for permanent attainment- True development requires integration and embodiment at each level- Moving to higher chakras prematurely without proper foundation leads to spiritual bypassing- Each stage must be fully inhabited before stable progression can occur
The Architecture of Consciousness- Lower chakras form a downward-pointing triangle (red, orange, yellow)- Upper chakras form an upward-pointing triangle- The two triangles meet at the heart center, forming a diamond shape- Green ray (heart) acts as a vacuum drawing energy upward- Indigo ray described as a boat floating on a sea of green ray consciousness- Blue ray represents the co-creator consciousness
Musical Harmony as Spiritual Metaphor- Spiritual development follows natural harmonic principles- Just as C-E-G creates harmony by excluding certain notes- Development requires both presence and absence of certain qualities- Movement to new harmonies requires letting go of attachment to current harmonies- Resolution occurs through proper progression, not forced advancement
The Gateway of Surrender- Access to heart consciousness requires surrender of rigid self-concepts- Death to false self is necessary for advancement- Surrender allows integration of lower chakra experiences- Blockages become teachers rather than obstacles- True advancement requires blessing rather than fighting limitations
Collective Evolution and Cosmic Development- Individual consciousness evolves toward planetary consciousness (4th density)- Planetary consciousness evolves toward solar consciousness (6th density)- Evolution maintains individual uniqueness while achieving unity- Earth currently holds green ray energy but requires conscious beings to manifest it- Wanderers serve by incarnating higher ray understanding into 3rd density
Practical Integration- Higher understanding must be grounded in daily life- Close relationships provide catalyst for growth- Personal triggers become opportunities for releasing green ray energy- Co-creation occurs through conscious integration of all levels- Service happens through embodied understanding rather than theoretical knowledge
This conversation offers both theoretical framework and practical guidance for understanding spiritual evolution while emphasizing the importance of proper integration at each stage of development.
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Exploring the Chakra System through the Law of One
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
In this episode, Doug and Danny delve deep into the metaphysical insights of the Law of One, focusing on abstractions from Ra's description of the chakra system. They discuss the concept of intelligent energy and its relation to chakras, drawing on metaphors and teachings from the raw material. The conversation explores the nuances of each energy center, explaining how they form a spectrum that influences consciousness and personal growth.
Doug offers a unique perspective on the red, orange, and yellow rays, using visual metaphors to illustrate their interplay within the lower chakra triad. They discuss the journey from individual identity to collective understanding, emphasizing the transformation needed to transition into the heart chakra and beyond. The discussion is enriched with references to Christian concepts, like kenosis and resurrection, to explain spiritual growth and the embodiment of love.
Together, Doug and Danny reflect on personal experiences and lessons learned, discussing how to transcend the limitations of the lower chakras and embrace higher consciousness. They touch upon the important concepts of the Law of Responsibility and the transition into higher triads, emphasizing the need for willful action and loving service. This episode is a profound examination of the relationship between spiritual awareness and practical application in daily life.
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
The Red Ray: Ra Material and Q'uo
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
This profound presentation by Neal Marx explores the fundamental metaphysical concept of the "red ray" - the first and most primordial energy center in spiritual cosmology. The discourse weaves together insights from the Law of One material, contemporary spiritual practices, and experiential wisdom to illuminate our understanding of this foundational aspect of consciousness.
The presentation begins with a contemplative opening prayer that establishes a sacred container, incorporating a seven-second breathing practice that connects participants to the infinite Creator. This ritual opening exemplifies the integration of physical practice with metaphysical understanding that characterizes the entire exploration.
Key themes that emerge include:
The Nature of Red Ray Energy:- Functions as the foundational energy center representing basic survival, grounding, and life force- Manifests as our "chemical body" - the elemental form before conscious structuring- Serves as the gateway through which all higher energetic expressions must flow- Requires balance and acceptance for spiritual evolution to proceed organically
Practical Applications:- Visualization techniques for clearing and energizing the red ray center- Integration of breathing practices to strengthen foundational energy- Methods for charging water with intention and healing properties- Recognition of joy and acceptance as key catalysts for red ray activation
The presentation delves deeply into the relationship between elemental forces (earth, air, fire, water) and consciousness, exploring how these primal energies contribute to our spiritual understanding. Marx draws fascinating parallels between ancient wisdom traditions and contemporary scientific perspectives on consciousness and perception.
Of particular significance is the exploration of how red ray energy interfaces with higher spiritual functions:- The role of acceptance and gratitude in energy center activation- The relationship between physical incarnation and spiritual evolution- The importance of grounding metaphysical understanding in embodied experience
The discourse concludes with profound reflections on how understanding and balancing the red ray center can facilitate deeper spiritual communion while maintaining practical functionality in physical existence. Throughout, Marx maintains a delicate balance between theoretical depth and practical application, offering participants both conceptual understanding and experiential techniques for working with this fundamental energy.
The presentation received enthusiastic response from participants, who noted its comprehensive integration of spiritual theory with practical application, and its accessibility despite the complexity of the subject matter. The session ended with a beautiful closing prayer that reinforced the themes of gratitude, embodiment, and spiritual evolution.
This work represents a significant contribution to understanding how foundational energetic systems interface with higher spiritual development, offering both theoretical framework and practical methodology for spiritual seekers.

Our Vision
Ra says, “The Original Desire is that all entities seek and become one” (20.27). The “oneing” arises across ever increasing complexity. Complexification is evolution, and evolution is gained “by the losing,” as Ra mentions in 93.24.
It is sometimes said that there are three boxes that lead to evolution: Order, Disorder, and Reorder. Individually and collectively, we have to a sense of ‘order’ so that we develop identity. Then, we have to go through ‘disorder’ so that the experience the expansion and transformation of our ‘order’ gave us. We arrive at ‘reorder,’ but not after considerable deconstruction. In a world whose sense-making worldviews and institutions are thoroughly in disorder, how can we hold the depth of meaning so that we live into new spaces of inner and collective freedom? Our podcast hopes to be a small voice in the desert (disorder) which attempts to integrate, not segregate; unite diversity, not demand uniformity; include the pieces of disorder so that we may transcend into reconstructing–reconciling–reordering–renewing–the ever ancient, and ever new.
Building 4th is the name of our small spiritual community that is centered around the cosmic law known as the Law of One.
What does “Building 4th” mean? [see below for further descriptions of each of these four points]
- Building the Fourth Density [1]
- Building the Fourth Energy Center [2]
- Building the Fourth Way [3]
- Building Forth On Our Spiritual Evolution [4]
Building 4th’s Fourth Way is to embrace an incarnational spirituality grounded in the immediacy of our life-situations.
- We seek to learn in order to serve: We affirm that whenever we study the Law of One or other spiritual material, whether on our own or as a group, this is for the purpose of crystallizing our spiritual principles and learning how to embody them.
- The mundane is sacred: We affirm that there is no separation between the ordinary world and divinity. For example, doing dishes is an act of the Creator knowing Itself and can be supremely sacred.
- Love is our metric: We affirm that any teaching or belief, whether conventional or esoteric, is valued by how well it helps us love and understand ourselves and others, including those others whom we perceive to be different or even antagonistic.
- The way down is the way up: We affirm that our ordinary lives are rich in opportunities to grow spiritually. We try to bring our full presence and open heart to each moment, even–and especially–the difficult ones. We are learning that there is no escaping the conditions that foster our personal growth and therefore our goal is to embrace each challenge wherever we discern that it is safe and appropriate to do so. And even in dangerous, unsafe situations, we want to hold the assurance that the creator’s love is with us and we are immortal spiritual beings. In short, the ascension process is not a journey up and out of this difficult third-density illusion, but rather a movement down and into it more.
- The importance of humility: Ra suggests that to become the creator, “[…]renders one the most humble servant of all, transparent in personality and able to know and accept others.” We trust that our understanding is ever evolving, thus we try to hold our own views and various identities with humility. We acknowledge that admitting we don’t know fully requires some level of vulnerability and this can be uncomfortable.
We are inspired by the perennial philosophy that undergirds most of the world’s major spiritual traditions. For us, one primary description of the perennial philosophy is the Law of One material.
We are also informed by the academic disciplines of psychology, sociology, and theology, as we endeavor to weave a healthy synthesis between the conventional and the cosmic, the exoteric and the esoteric, and micro and the macro [4].
We hope that you enter the adventure with us and that you’ll enjoy our podcast.