People have always asked life's questions, sometimes out of wonder at creation or a desire for deeper truth. They seek answers to the questions of their time. What is my purpose on earth? What is a human being? What is my place in the world? How do I relate to others? How can I change the world for the better?
World religions, science, philosophy, art, and medicine find their origins there. The inner development that precedes this is less well known. Within the mystery schools of antiquity, Sufism, and Western and Eastern esoteric movements, this path of inner development has been preserved.
The unknown nature of the path of inner development does not diminish its great necessity in today's world. World religions and science have brought much good to humanity, but they have also caused and continue to cause great conflicts - between people and with the earth.
Conflicts within ourselves ultimately lead to conflicts with others, resulting in the loss of human values. The loss of human values leads to the loss of human dignity. Ignorance of what humans truly are and can be leads to the loss of hope. No longer feeling that humans are part of creation, of Life, leads to the loss of respect and love for each other and for nature.
Inner development leads to new inspiration and insight into what humans can be, to hope and the feeling of being part of Life, more love for each other and for nature. To reducing conflict within oneself and with others, and restoring human values and dignity. The inner development path can only be made individually but is inextricably linked to others, to the planet and to the cosmos.
The purpose of Kerkgenootschap Phoenix Fellowship is to facilitate the inner development path in a form that fits our times and in this way change the world for the better. Introductory meetings and other activities take place under the name Phoenix Fellowship Dynamics.
The answers found within our body of knowledge and the path of inner development that follows lead to a greater connection with others and the world. To travel the path of inner development, you need knowledge and must learn how to apply that knowledge. Therefore, the Phoenix Fellowship is not only a ‘kerkgenootschap’ but also a school and has a place within the spiritual esoteric movements.
In the Phoenix Fellowship the connection with others and the world is expressed, among other things, in the principle known as Tikkun Olam in Jewish tradition: repairing oneself to repair the world.
It starts with you and flows to everyone you are connected with. The ripple effect that arises in society from conscious moments of warmth and affection towards others has also been scientifically proven.
In the original sense, the word esoteric means 'that which is hidden from everyday sight.' This does not imply anything obscure, but simply refers to the understanding that there is a spectrum of knowledge and experience that is not easily accessible. A simple example is the high-frequency sound waves of a dog whistle that are outside the range of human hearing. Or the unnoticed penetration of X-rays that we do not feel but can observe on an X-ray image. Although excessive exposure to this radiation is harmful, we do not notice it.
Every person has the ability to become aware of this. Your eyes are opened for a
moment! To yourself, to others, and to creation. These experiences and their effects can be
expressed in symbols and colors, music, and meaningful words in communication with
others.
This power manifests itself in many ways, from the bursting vitality in spring to the
latent potency in the atomic structure. We also see it in humans, most obviously in young
children, but also in those who are deeply moved or inspired. The Phoenix sheds its old life
in the flames and is then born again with all the vigour and promise of a new beginning.
There are similarities in the scriptures and traditions of world religions, as well as in esoteric teachings such as the Kabbalah or the works of Rumi.
This leads to a new step forward and results in a
deeper understanding and sense of the self, others, and nature, and the inner obligation to
act accordingly.
We are a 'genootschap' of people. We want to be of service to others and to creation, to Life.
Almost thirty years ago we found a neglected estate in Wapenveld on the Veluwe. Together we restored the early 20th century villa and the surrounding woodland. The villa is now a unique meeting place. The forest is located in a Natura 2000 area. Rare flora and fauna are returning. Together we maintain the estate and its woodland.
We call the estate Source: it is an inexhaustible source of vital energy, spirituality, meaning, inspiration, well-being and healing, knowledge, human values and hope. We meet each other at Source and ensure that this source continues to exist, for each other, for others and for future generations.
More questions...
You are welcome to attend an introductory meeting. You will find a welcoming and respectful learning environment. The meetings are usually conducted in easy-to-follow English. If necessary, we are happy to assist you with translation. We ask for a contribution to cover the costs of organizing the meetings and hall rent.