NERO: ONE HELLUVA STORY

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Is there an afterlife? If so, then is there heaven... or a hell?

I know of no other source who addresses these topics more thoroughly than Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772). You may learn more about him at my blog post: https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/quotes-by-esoteric-philosophers, and/or go online to https://swedenborg.com/ 

His story is contained in dozens of meticulous works which have become legendary, perhaps because no one, before or since, has written anything like he did on such extraordinary topics. Having read and studied much of what he wrote for close to thirty years now, many of the ideas contained in the ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE novels have been drawn from Swedenborg's witness and philosophy. 

Provided, one is open to the existence of such places and domains, or more correctly, states of existence, then some of his representation might make sense. Within Swedenborg's cosmology, if  one's divine consciousness is low, one will tend to behave in evil ways, and if high, behave in loving ways. These inward states, he suggests, exist within a polarity of lightness and darkness, good and evil that exist in states we call heaven and hell. Accordingly, these inward states manfiest along a continuum of higher to lower domains of existence. In the words of an ancient Hermetic adage, "AS WITHIN, SO WITHOUT."

Rather than go into detail on these ideas, I have extracted a short excerpt from ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: SURREAL ADVENTURES, the yet unpublished second book of the series. There is a great deal of discussion on the topic of heaven and hell throughout the series, but this selection illustrates a condition of what we refer to as hell and how it may be experienced for someone such as Nero. This is someone who many might consider to being grotesquely evil, within and without. So what happens might seem rather surprising, especially if the concept unlying it is true. 

I will comment further at the end of this dialogue excerpt with a few questions to consider on the topic. 

From Chapter16, Surreal Adventures

And yet the analogy is true, nothing remains hidden when one’s entire life is disclosed so all the repressed pain, guilt and regrets of the past are finally acknowledged, forgiven and forever released. But it’s no one’s business but yours.’

‘Sounds like that would be one bloody hell of a gestalt,’ I said.

‘Well quite literally, it is for some in the lower regions. It’s whatever it needs to be to bring whatever clarity might be necessary to bring dissolute souls towards a higher level of consciousness. This review may seem to be only a few minutes or a few millennia, depending on how attached one is to the pain of their past.

That’s why for some, it may seem like a judgement because they can’t seem to stop judging themselves. But in reality, no one is being condemned, except by themselves. That’s the part they must get past before they can move onward and upward. Shame is the lowest vibratory experience one can dwell in.’

‘But I don’t understand,’ I said, ‘why would anyone want to remain in Hades wallowing in suffering and pain when they could exist in Elysium’s happy state of existence? Don’t they know that?’

‘I’ll give you an example,’ Rhom said. ‘Remember Nero?’

‘Of course, Rome’s most the heinous emperor; they don’t come much more sadistic than that, except perhaps in our 'enlightened’ 20th Century. 

‘Well, you may find it interesting that it was only a few hundred years ago when he was finally able to extricate himself from the lowest of the low regions. But no one was holding him there except himself. That’s why it took so long; not one could do it for him. He just couldn’t seem to get past all the shame and guilt of his past life as he kept reliving images of all the Christian women and children he had torn apart by the beasts in the coliseum. Before he departed earth, it was just bloodlust entertainment. And then, after he passed on, it became hell... in fact, very much so!’

‘So what became of him; how did he make his big break?’

‘That’s the interesting part. He may still be languishing there if it wasn’t for the efforts of a very bright spirit who approached him from her celestial state. Somehow she was able to penetrate through the darkness of his hopeless despair in the lower hells where he had condemned himself. She appeared to him as she was within, still the beautiful young maiden she was when she was thrown to the lions so he may amuse himself in watching her being shredded and devoured. One less traitorous Christian to be concerned about, he thought.

Finally, she was able to tell him how she had forgiven him and longed for his release into the higher regions where his soul could find release in love rather than fear and self-loathing.’

‘If true, that’s amazing,’ I said, ‘if not rather unbelievable.’

‘It was amazing,’ he said, ‘if not rather unbelievable to him too. He kept telling her he was the lowest and most despicable creature that ever lived, and that he didn’t deserve to be released from his hell, much less receive her attention.

‘Because of the extent of his incorrigible guilt and shame, it took Nero a very long time to grant his own discharge. It was only because she loved him so intently and for so long, that he was finally able to accept himself, just as she accepted him. It’s a rather involved love story; all I will say for now is that after all the years of self-inflicted torment, he could scarcely be happier as they continue on together as lovers in the higher celestial regions where they still remain.’

‘That’s a great story,’ I said, ‘but that may disappoint some who would prefer him to be eternally damned.’

‘I’m sure there are many who would prefer this for him,’ he said, ‘but certainly not God the Source of unconditional love. It’s never about exacting reward or punishment but about experiencing the natural consequences of what freely resides within the soul. And then comes the big ah-ha moment!

‘That’s when one may move further in, further up as you often hear Mo and Eli say. Leave the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth to those who can’t accept love… at least until they do. We do what we can to help, but in the end, it’s really the fettered soul’s choice.’ [1]

‘So obviously,’ I said, ‘the life review process doesn’t always bring release to every soul.’

‘Not necessarily, at least not right away,’ he said. ‘As with Nero; not everyone is able to accept their freedom while overwhelmed by the inertia of shame, the lowest level of consciousness.  God has no need or desire for anyone to suffer, yet shame often causes many to believe their transgressions must be paid for to appease a wrathful God to whom they feel guilty.

‘Over several thousands of years, religion has done much to advance this abominable belief. For the countless souls who choose to believe in judgement, restitution must be sought. It’s most pathetic when beliefs twist and distort divine love into something it could never be. Until the phantom of the ego-mind is released, condemnation remains because that’s what the ego does.[2]

‘As we know, this hellish state of being can easily be camouflaged to appear glamorous on earth with the illusory props of deception that often involves the indiscriminate power over others. In the end, however, they can only deceive themselves after being released into the environment of their spiritual state of consciousness. It is there they experience the outward manifestation of the inward darkness of what they have allowed themselves to become.

‘Again, I say released, not sent. All identify with their kind, even if happens to be a den of other self-possessed thieves and murderers. In this state, they can’t help but torment each other in their illusory hells since what they have created for themselves an extension of their chosen state of spiritual existence. No one casts souls into the hells of their own creation.’

‘So why would anyone do this to themselves? I asked.

‘As I said, it’s the outward manifestation of their inward state of being; where they have chosen. It’s what they inwardly attracted into their being and where they will remain until they wish to be restored to their former glory when they knew who they were.

‘As with Nero, there is always hope since it is not possible for a soul to be abandoned. Whenever souls in the lower domains acknowledge the Light, sanity is gradually restored as they embrace the wholeness of their true divine Self while turning away from the darkness of hellish affections towards the Light of Love.

‘Since your life review won’t be about judgement, but enlightenment, there is nothing to be concerned about regarding its earthly passing, or should I say, it’s a new beginning. For now, though, we suspect you still have a lot of living and loving to do on earth for some time.’

‘I hope so, but tell me, is there any assurance this Magical Mystery Tour will have some lasting impact on my life, or might it later be forgotten as being nothing more than a nostalgic sailing venture to the islands?’

‘Look around you, Sebastian, and notice the vibrant colours and how much more brightly everything glows than what you experienced before? These images will be infused into your mind’s subliminal consciousness, providing you with an exquisite overlay of impressions by which you may view life. I suspect you may see what others don’t see, but wish they could.’

[1] George MacDonald (1825-1905); a poet, author and minster lived in a time and place where such notions were scarcely tolerated in an age of guilt, hellfire and damnation. Such books as Lilith and Phantastes centred on how all souls would eventually be delivered from darkness to light. His writings inspired many authors, including Lewis, Tolkien, Chesterton and Twain.
[2] Of course Rhom was aware of the contextual meaning Mo, Eli and I had given the ego term. Since I was never religious, I wasn’t that comfortable with terms like fallen and sinful.  

I'll leave you with a few questions to ponder on what might be evoked in this selection:

1. Was Nero being punished? If so, in what way and by whom?

2. What was the nature of his torment?

3. What is the role of God in all this?

4. What was Nero's role and responsibility in his redemption?

5. What does this say, if anything, about the nature of God and the Universe? 

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If you are interested in the Elysium's Passage series, you may wish to purchase a copy of volume one, The Summit. It is available from Amazon in hard copy or eBook. Click below:

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OVERVIEW OF THE SERIES
 

The ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE series involves five novel narrations regarding a young British philosopher named James Phillips who finds himself living in an altered state of reality while still remaining on earth.  

After experiencing a near-fatal fall while climbing to the summit of a remote mountain in the Andes, James awakens in a new dimension. He soon encounters two mysterious beings who provide him with a very different perspective on the nature of his existence. Over the next year, before his body recovers from the coma, he is challenged to re-examine his understanding about life’s meaning and purpose far beyond anything he previously believed or could believe.

An engaging and sometime surreal adventure with intimations of impending romance, the narrative explores the most important questions about life, death, reality and our ultimate destiny. 

The Plains of Elysium (Champs-Élysées) was described by Homer, Hesiod, Virgil and many other poets as the paradisiac afterlife realm reserved for heroes. As the title suggests, this is about a journey through a passage that leads towards Elysium’s exciting realm of existence.

To read a sample press review, go to https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm   

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VIDEO INTRODUCTION OF SERIES

                       

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The following comments are among the first Amazon reviews of Elysium’s Passage: The Summit. All are Five Stars! Others reader reviews are included below, along with excerpts from two professional reviews. To read full reviews, go to READER REVIEWS on www.elysiumspassage.com

"A delightful mix of fantasy, reality, conjecture and humour; Mr Meyers draws the reader into the story with a gentle narrative that captures the imagination, leaving one anxious to get to the next page drawing you into his exceptional world.”

"Quietly, gently, and without imposition, the Author unfolds the pages, creating an intricate, interlocking bridge spanning the chasm between mind and heart. Renewing, refreshing, restoring. In my bereavement, it was vigil and light…"

“Excellently written with an exceedingly deep understanding of this world and the next. The characters are very well written and engaging that takes the reader on both a philosophical and spiritual journey, a journey that at times is both disquieting and tranquil. James, a British Philosopher can be irreverent and caustic, traits that should have left me cringing, but instead made me laugh out loud. Elysium’s Passage is a fun, enlightening and remarkable book.”

“This is a masterful fantasy, becoming a real possibility, as the reader is drawn into the story. The Summit leaves you anxious for the next book in the series, yet also leaves you totally satisfied with the world you have just visited. Genius! An exciting, yet calming, experience that is not to be missed."

"There was hardly a page on which I did not find at least one sentence worthy of hi-lighting for future reference. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, James, whose personality and passionate verbal exchanges with the other characters, kept me coming back for more. I am reading the book for a second time while I wait for the next one in this series to be made available."

 “N.G. Meyers has clearly put a great deal of research and thought into what the afterlife may look like and I like his perspective. It’s an altogether welcoming and exciting vision. The book gives one a great deal to think about and a reassuring confidence that the end of our lives is truly the beginning of life in the next. I highly recommend it."

"I am really enjoying your book, it’s fantastic! It is so incredible and diversified that I can’t really explain it to other people, so what I say is just read this book. Thank you so much for the blessings that you’ve given the world!"

“The humour interjected into a serious discussion makes me laugh out loud. Totally unexpected....l may be in the presence of at least a master, if not a genius. A fair ride into reality... seeking that which is unseen, yet absolutely real.”

“An engaging story of adventure embracing man's deepest desire to search for meaning and purpose, N.G. Meyers takes the reader on an adventurous thought-provoking journey. This book has substance. It is a perfect blend of adventure and fantasy combined with spiritual philosophy. It ignited my imagination. The author magically weaves a good story laced with wit and humour together with deep philosophical wisdom. This book has it all!”

“An evolution in thought is triggered by many fresh philosophical themes which could inspire readers to re-think their reality and former ideologies that have dictated their lives… the author fires readers’ imaginations to view what could be possible when spirit vacates the body.”

“This is the book spiritual seekers have been waiting for. For me, it granted a great read as well as increased inspiration to live every day with a heightened sense of purpose. I highly recommend it.

“The Summit is capable of hooking readers and luring them to search for Book 2 to discover more about Dr. Philip’s surreal trek into the mysterious unknown universe. This thick book is well worth the read and to share…”

“The Elysium’s Passage series challenges and excites the reader while taking him into parallel quests for truth with the hero, James. It can be a fast fantasy read or a longer deliberation about what is reality or illusion; veracity or platitude. Take the journey!”

“Mind-blowing statements and speculation (‘…everyone is a non-physical thought form conceived in the Mind of God, preserved for all eternity because God’s thoughts never die…’). Many will find Meyers’ journey up the Mountain intriguing—and possibly even life-changing.” (BLUEINK REVIEW)

“In its effort to grapple with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, it raises questions that have echoed throughout the ages, including about where we come from, where we are going, who we are.”  (CLARION REVIEW)

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YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXpzFH6VNMQLOtqOK2SrXpg         

PRESS REVIEW: https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm       

AMAZON: www.Amazon.com or www.Amazon.ca for purchase details of Elysium’s Passage: The Summit. Or go directly to the site from www.elysiumspassage.com or click above on the button.

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PENDING PUBLICATIONS IN THE SERIES
 

 

The following titles in the ELYSIUM’S PASSAGE series are projected to be released as follows: 

THE SUMMIT is now available

THE ASCENT fall 2020

QUANTUM LEAPS fall 2020

SURREAL ADVENTURES spring 2021 

MYSTICAL ROMANCE summer 2021

HE ELIXIR fall 2021

THE RETURN sometime in 2022/23

ELYSIUM’S PASSAGE: THE SUMMIT, is now available for purchase on www.Amazon.com and www.Amazon.ca

With the exception of the last novel in the series, the last three have been written but still require more editing before publication.