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Paypal Option
January 16, 2017 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
Paypal at Merrell-Wolff Press is a convenient option for purchasing Doroethy’s memoir of Franklin (See the MEMOIR tab), subscribing to the Sangha newsletter (See the Newsletter tab.), etc.
Doroethy’s Memoir Published
January 15, 2017 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
Doroethy is delighted to announce the publication of her memoir of her grandfather, Franklin Merrell-Wolff: An American Philosopher and Mystic. For more information about the book and author, and to order your autographed copy at a 20% discount, click the “Memoir” tab under the “Stimulate” tab.
2016 FMW Conference Report
August 13, 2016 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
This year’s FMW Conference was very gratifying for several unique reasons. Ray Kerr, our Keynote Speaker, delivered a tour de force in his talk on “Convergence” that more than succeeded in filling in the content in the broad scope suggested by his statement presented in the Sangha. [RL—I shall present a review of it in the Fall 2016 issue of the Sangha.]
Doroethy exceeded her original intention to present “The Intuitive Approach to Franklin’s Philosophy” by also comparing it to Jung’s typology and contrasting it to Introception. I ventured beyond developing a succinct definition of the term epiphany (with examples from various traditions and from attendees) to attempt by guided meditations to create a space that would be conducive for those in the group to open to their own epiphanies. The result in terms of depth and altered consciousness I attribute mainly to the rare capacity of this group to be willing to engage in the process. Sherie and Jennifer provided very personal value in their Saturday evening special program—you just had to be there….
Everyone was present for the dream and tarot circles (a first), which had an easeful profundity. The music for the conference, arranged by Sherie and Jennifer, created the mood for each talk (except that I chose music targeted to enhance the guided meditations.) Baiba conducted a heart-centered Closing Ceremony that balanced our weekend and set the mood for our celebratory potluck.
For the (I’ve lost count.) year in a row we had new participants, who brought a fresh dimension to enliven our round table discussions and ensure new energies for the continuing conferences. Overall, the theme of realization (Yes, epiphanies may be viewed as realizations.) presented from different perspectives (emphasized by our readings in EP and Franklin’s tape summarizing them), reaffirmed Franklin’s concern in later life that those who seek to understand his philosophy as a guide to their own spiritual development not lose sight of the foundation.
Ron Leonard
2016 Franklin Merrell-Wolff Conference
July 04, 2016 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
The 2016 Franklin Merrell-Wolff Conference will be held August 4-7 at the Great Space Center. Ray Kerr will be the keynote speaker. The theme is Convergence–exploring how Franklin’s core teaching is reflected in other diverse spiritual or religious traditions. Ron Leonard, Phd, will present Epiphanies and Mental Realizations and Doroethy Leonard, M.Ed, MC, will discuss The Intuitive Approach to Franklin’s Philosophy. Once the program is set, we shall announce the details on this website under Embrace.
2015 FMW Conference Report
August 12, 2015 / One Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
The 2015 Franklin Merrell-Wolff Conference was a great success. It seemed that each person left feeling that they had gained significant spiritual value from it. There was male-female balance and ages ranged from senior to high school senior (Sara, Doroethy’s youngest granddaughter). New members brought a depth and energy that harmonized well, and returning members stepped forward to contribute in different and creative ways—such as the delicious chili that James (Doroethy’s middle son) prepared for dinner.
The group reading of “The Supreme Adventure” at our Opening Ceremony set the theme for the event. We became true participants—not merely attendees.
Ron’s talk on symbols (pointer concepts) began with a general understanding of the nature of symbols, then illustrated with examples ranging from The Tree of Life to the Swastika to Franklin’s mandala. Other members then expressed the significance they felt concerning the symbolic item they had chosen to bring, opening a further dimension for us through their personal understanding.
Doroethy related her experience growing up with Franklin and Grandmother (Sherifa) not only as her grandparents, but as her spiritual mentors. She expressed her personal insights into their influence on her development from her unique and invaluable perspective. It resulted in a lifelong commitment to preserve Franklin’s philosophy and to continue his Work.
Her daughter Jennifer brought the group closer through a dyadic exercise for working through our barriers. It helped us to move from anger through hurt, fear and remorse to love.
Three ‘volunteers’ had been invited to give short presentations, followed by discussion. It was a surprisingly effective way for us to engage them and their spiritual perspectives.
At our Closing Ceremony, Baiba used heart-centered Sufi dance and song that moved us deeply. What a wonderful balance for the weekend!
Doroethy’s daughter Dana arranged the music for our other activities. It often evoked a meditative silence.
Our Round Table discussions were quite delightful, allowing for an unusual degree of sharing that bonded us more closely. Although the Supreme Adventure as a quest for Enlightenment is thought to be a solitary journey, we found that by sharing our unique paths it enhanced our appreciation for those of others and understanding the Path, as such…and afforded a sense of mutual support.