The Triple Temptation
[Chamber of the Mara]
MAN: Are you ready to face the triple temptation?
LON: I am ready.
MAN: The first temptation is fear. I offer you fear in a handful of dust.
(Dust is poured from a skull into Lon's left palm.)
LON: I do not fear. I spread my fingers and the dust trickles away. I know that whilst I live my hand is clean, my eyes are bright. That is enough.
MAN: The second temptation.
LON: I am ready.
MAN: The second temptation is to despair. I offer you despair in a withered branch.
LON: I do not despair. I turn my hand and the branch drops to the earth. I know the sap will rise again and the roots will sprout. That is enough.
MAN: The third and final temptation is to succumb to greed. Stranger, now you must look into the crystal without greed for knowledge. I offer you greed in the hidden depths
LON: "I do not seek knowledge for the sake of possession or power. I look into the crystal not with a desire to claim it, but with a willingness to understand and learn. True wisdom comes not from accumulating knowledge, but from using it with purpose and compassion. That is enough."
**The Triple Temptation: A Spiritual Examination**
The Chamber of the Mara presents a profound allegory, illustrating the nature of human temptation through a sequence of trials that challenge the inner strength and spiritual resolve of the individual. The trials faced by Lon, the central character, provide a lens through which we can explore the timeless human struggles with fear, despair, and greed.
**The First Temptation: Fear**
In the first temptation, Lon is offered fear in the form of dust. Fear, defined as “a painful emotion marked by alarm, dread, or disquiet” (Webster), is one of the most subtle and destructive influences on the human psyche. It paralyzes mental action and weakens both the mind and body. Fear, symbolized by the dust, obscures our vision and hides the spiritual forces that are always with us.
To overcome fear, one must embrace the concept of perfect love, as described in the Bible: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). This verse highlights that perfect love—embodied by selflessness and divine compassion—dispels fear. A person who is filled with the consciousness of divine love experiences a sense of quietness and confidence, transcending the limitations imposed by fear. The Bible also discusses the "fear of God" in terms of awe and reverence: "Only fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth with all your heart" (1 Samuel 12:24). This type of fear is not about terror but about profound respect and devotion to the Supreme Being.
**The Second Temptation: Despair**
The second temptation is despair, symbolized by a withered branch. Despair is defined as the “utter loss of hope” (Webster). To conquer despair, one must cultivate hope. The biblical perspective offers solace: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). This passage suggests that hope, when nurtured, brings renewal and vitality, much like how the withered branch will eventually sprout new life.
Lon’s response to the temptation of despair reflects this understanding. By acknowledging that the sap will rise again and the roots will sprout, Lon reaffirms the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of renewal. Despair can be overcome by recognizing that life’s challenges are temporary and that hope and renewal are always possible. The Bible provides further encouragement: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). This assurance reminds us that even in our darkest moments, divine support is available to help us find hope and resilience.
**The Third Temptation: Greed**
The third and final temptation is greed, represented by the hidden depths of a crystal. Greed, often associated with an excessive desire for material wealth or knowledge, can be particularly insidious. The Bible offers guidance on how to address greed: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). This verse emphasizes that the focus of our desires reveals the true state of our hearts.
Lon’s response to the temptation of greed emphasizes that true wisdom and understanding come not from the pursuit of material gain or power but from using knowledge with purpose and compassion. This aligns with the biblical principle of selflessness: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Greed can be countered by cultivating a spirit of generosity and understanding, which ensures that one’s desires are aligned with higher spiritual values.
**Concluding Reflections**
The Chamber of the Mara presents these three temptations—fear, despair, and greed—as fundamental challenges that test the human spirit. Each temptation reflects a common struggle, but through spiritual understanding and the application of divine principles, one can overcome these obstacles.
The ability to confront fear with love, despair with hope, and greed with selflessness requires a deep awareness of spiritual truths and a commitment to living according to these principles. By embracing these values, individuals can navigate the trials of life with resilience and grace, ultimately achieving a state of spiritual fulfillment and inner peace.
As Lon demonstrates, overcoming these temptations involves more than mere rejection of their manifestations; it requires a transformative approach that integrates love, hope, and generosity into one’s daily life. By doing so, one can transcend the limitations of fear, despair, and greed, and embrace a path of spiritual growth and enlightenment.
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