This section provides an expanded and refined compilation of the most common questions about the Archegram model, designed to help you better understand its principles and applications.
Balancing and transcending each archetype creates a mindset that aligns with that of an enlightened being or saint, which is free from suffering. Here’s an example of how this works:
– Warrior-Submissive Mindset: There will be times when I focus on myself, taking care of my needs and those of the people who depend on me. This includes manifesting prosperity and finding satisfaction in doing a good job, learning to flow with life’s events. However, if I focus too much on myself, I may develop compulsive thinking, leading to fear, desire, and consequently, suffering. When this archetype is in its transcended form and suffering arises, I will have the wisdom to understand that happiness is not just about taking care of myself but also about the well-being of others. This realization will shift my focus to balance the needs of others as much as I take care of my own, transitioning my mindset to the Prince-Princess mindset.
– Prince-Princess Mindset: There will be times when I focus on others, feeling that my needs are met and finding happiness in giving and leading a meaningful life. However, focusing too much on others may lead to feeling overwhelmed by their suffering. When this archetype is in its transcended form and suffering arises, I will have the wisdom to understand that everything happens for a reason and that things are neither good nor bad—they simply are. This understanding will help me accept life events without trying to change them, shifting my mindset to the Baby-InnerChild mindset.
Note: There might be times when I focus on others and lose myself in the process. However, in my experience, this is not a balanced form of the Prince-Princess archetype but rather a state of compensation.
– Baby-InnerChild Mindset: There will be times when I accept life events without trying to change them, finding happiness in simply being and letting life unfold. However, if I let go too much, I may become indifferent to the suffering of others and neglect my basic needs and those of the people who depend on me. When this archetype is in its transcended form and suffering arises, I will have the wisdom to understand that everything happens for a reason. However, as part of everything, I am responsible for the actions and intentions I bring into the world. Therefore, it is my responsibility to take care of myself and those who depend on me, shifting my mindset back to the Warrior-Submissive Mindset, creating a continuous loop.
Our perception of love varies depending on the mindset we are in. People in the Warrior-Submissive archetype typically experience love as a desire to be with the other person. Those in the Prince-Princess mindset experience love as devotion and admiration. Meanwhile, individuals in the Baby-InnerChild mindset perceive love as an ever-present energy or field that transcends sensations, thoughts, and self.
Our sense of self-worth is largely influenced by the archetype that is predominant within us. By identifying where we are in the Archegram, we can better understand what drives our sense of self-worth and which practices and environments are most suitable for us to balance and eventually transcend it to the next level. Each stage of developing our sense of self-worth leads to a healthier, stronger, and wiser self.
The Archegram serves as a map of ourselves and, therefore, as a map of the spiritual path. Generally speaking, traditions that follow the path of awareness (such as Yoga and Buddhist Theravada) tend to focus on the Warrior-Submissive archetype as a starting point and follow the Archegram model counterclockwise. On the other hand, traditions that follow the path of love (such as Tantra and Buddhist Vajrayana) usually start with the Prince-Princess archetype and follow the Archegram model clockwise.
Just as our mindset evolves through the Archegram, societies do as well. This is where humanity’s potential for rapid change lies. While our mindset evolves naturally through the Warrior-Submissive archetype (which can last from a few years to a lifetime), our addiction to sensations often prevents us from choosing what is right over what is convenient and pleasurable. Without proper education from a mature society (including our parents, religious leaders, friends, and the law) to discourage selfish behavior, we may end up harming ourselves, our environment, and others in our pursuit of pleasure, safety, and comfort.
Not at all. Our Archegram develops just as we do. For example, we are born with the earth and spirit manifestations of the Baby-InnerChild archetype. During this period, our Warrior-Submissive and Prince-Princess archetypes are influenced by our parents. From the age of one and a half to three years old, we begin developing our own Warrior-Submissive archetype. Until then, we cannot clearly distinguish ourselves from our parents. Later on, when we form partnerships, our partner may join archetypes with us by taking on the masculine or feminine phase of both our Warrior-Submissive and Prince-Princess archetypes (with our parents remaining as the roots of the Prince-Princess archetype). Finally, in my experience, as we grow older, we begin to develop both the feminine and masculine phases of all three archetypes.