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2024 Franklin Merrell-Wolff Conference Report

October 19, 2024  /  Leave a Comment  /  Trackback  /  Posted in News

Although not originally intended, we came to appreciate the coincidence of the dates for this year’s FMW Conference with the Summer Solstice and the Full Moon. Ron also especially resonates with this time of year, echoing the effect of a notable conference in years past….

What a difference from last year! No one saw a single moth in the Main House…and the bees that have taken up residence in the outside north wall only provided a soothing hummm, but went about their business as we went about ours.

Perfect weather! The weather gods waited until after all had left to bring in T-storms…which were predicted to continue every day for a week.

The group felt exceptionally close. Astrologically, half were air signs, which seems to have had the effect of inducing a high degree of joy, humor and flexibility. There was also an extraordinary degree of attentiveness and participation. Doroethy’s family was well represented, providing familiarity & support.

Her daughter Jennifer Young stepped into the role of keynote speaker with grace and confidence. Her approach involved the group in a multifaceted discussion of quotes on compassion chosen at random. Much of this involved revealing personal stories and insights. Although each had the option of passing on the question, or answering someone else’s question, everyone chose to engage with sensitivity and authenticity, enhancing compassion within the group.

Ron drew the question, “Is there ever a situation where compassion is not appropriate?” Upon reflection—a qualified No: It is still appropriate to feel compassion toward an attacker, though prudence requires that our primary focus be on self-defense. He also introduced the Tibetan notion of near/far enemies. The far enemy of compassion would be hatred; the near enemy is pity. Genuine compassion is based on empathy for a fellow sentient being; pity assumes an attitude of superiority based on a felt distance.

Doroethy Leonard revealed much of her personal biographical history in elaborating the significance and influence on her life that Franklin’s gift of Carl G. Jung’s Memories, Dreams, Reflections had for her. Franklin advised his students to read Jung and Sri Aurobindo as alternative sources of wisdom so as to avoid becoming one-sided. Doroethy not only read and studied them for decades, she participated in founding the Phoenix Friends of Jung, serving multiple terms as Program Chair and President.

Ron Leonard clarified the difference between Introceptualism and Panpsychism, insofar as both are oriented to consciousness. David Chalmers, a philosopher of mind, showed a logical progression from Materialism through Dualism & Panpsychism to end in Idealism. Franklin made a critique of the schools of his day: Naturalism (incl. Materialism), Neo-Realism, Pragmatism & Idealism, ordering them from least to most orientated to consciousness.  He places his philosophy of Introceptualism beyond Idealism. Ron gave brief summaries & critiques.

Throughout history we find numerous versions of Panpsychism, but a simplified definition would be that every element in the universe (or the universe itself) has some degree of consciousness, mind, soul, or spirit. This contrasts with Franklin’s non-dualistic Realization of THAT as symbolized by the Great Space, or Consciousness without-an-object and without-a-subject. Franklin denies that there is anything that may be determined as strictly unconscious. Panpsychism views consciousness as an element or property of the universe. Thus, it differs crucially from Franklin’s view of Primordial Consciousness as ultimate, Transcending the subject-object structure. Whereas Materialism is obviously the far enemy of Introceptualism, we can now see Panpsychism as the near enemy.

In the mornings, sharing and discussing our favorite quotes from Franklin was invaluable as it revealed ideas and insights of interest related to aspects of his philosophy. At a conference, it is a mode that we found much more appropriate than intensive reading of the text, which is better designed for an ongoing study group.

Baiba Strads varied the Closing Ceremony by introducing a ritual from the Christian tradition, invoking the Divinity within the body. A first—all attendees participated. We also continued the Healing Circle, Dream & Tarot Circles, all of which allowed for confidential sharing of deeply personal material.

James & Jessica expanded their support by shopping for, and preparing, lunches & dinners, including James’s chili. Much appreciated! Also, troubleshooting a water problem for the Guest House, they located an 8-inch root that had clogged the line. Kudos!

Jennifer not only stepped up to be Keynote Speaker, but provided much needed practical assistance during the conference. Jessica also supported Jennifer in that role as speaker. By their actions during recent years, they have demonstrated their dedication and commitment. Consequently, Doroethy acknowledged and expressed her gratitude for Jennifer, James & Jessica (what Ron has affectionately called the J-Team) taking on increased responsibility.