Character Discussion: Harry (6)

[Hans Andréa]

No: HPFGUIDX 121507

The second trial Harry and his friends face is the vicious killer plant,
"Devil's Snare". Before they're aware of it they are ensnared by a plant
with long, snake-like tendrils. We know from book 5 that a person
can easily be strangled by this plant. The more they struggle against the
creepers the tighter their hold. The children figure out that what's needed
is to stay calm and think clearly. Hermione remembers that this plant hates
light, so she lights a fire. The plant recedes and the children are free.

I think what this can teach us is that the apprentice alchemist needs to
give the process of liberation his whole, undivided attention so that he can
stay calm and figure out what to do. The candidate for liberation is always
in danger of being overwhelmed by his emotions. Strong emotions are not
conducive to going the Path because then the candidate loses control. They
can do harm to the new soul if the candidate allows himself to be carried
away by them. The Path is extremely beautiful, and sometimes one can
be overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of it, but as soon as one loses
control of one's emotions they tend to strangle the new soul. The heart of
the candidate can be filled with great joy and love for others without being
carried away by sentimentality, or by being moved to tears. The candidate
must control himself and turn to the light of reason so as not to
lose touch with reality, and he must focus on the aim of the Path.

The third trial is to open a locked door. The key is present, but it's got
wings and is flying high up near the ceiling among hundreds of other keys.

It's important to see in each trial which of the three children solves the
problem. If it's Hermione, it's the mind of the candidate which solves the
problem. If it's Ron, it's the old, earthly personality, and if it's Harry
it's the new, immortal soul. 

In the case of Cerberus, it was Harry, and therefore the new soul, who
played the flute - the harmonious vibrations of the pure soul. In the case
of Devil's snare it was Hermione, and therefore the mind, but she was helped
by Ron.

In the case of the flying keys it's Harry again. He is an extremely good
flier and can see things others can't. His excellent flying obviously
symbolises the height of his aspirations. The new soul can fly to great
spiritual heights. It also has an extremely keen faculty of discrimination.
And so we see that no door can be locked against the new soul. It can open
all doors and overcome all barriers. 

Go, Harry!

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Hans Andra 
see you at Harry Potter for Seekers 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/harrypotterforseekers/
 



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