Hi Ahona,

This is a tough one, because it can easily bring out people's ideas and prejudices, I think.

I dont remember very well but in one of his radio interviews he was asked about why he calls himself like this (I think the interviewer was a bit worried about it :) ) and I think Belzebuub just said that we all have our spiritual names and this is his.

You know, I find it hard to talk about the movement and its teaching with people who don't know anything about them. I haven't had much opportunities to see all these egos that bring confusion, but I mainly spot fear of being fanatical about it. I'll stop here before I've switched to another topic :-)

all the best!

To draw get people to ask themselves what does it matter anyway? Because once they realize this, then they can understand the nature of gnosis and figuring out truth through individual experience without attaching themselves to the doctrines of others.

That's a good point Apakhana :)

I was trying to describe his name to my girlfriend,

She didn't believe the story and just thought he was full of himself.

I think the book  The Revolution of Bezelbuub writing by Samael in 1950 gives credit to the story, but that didn't work for her.

Perhaos the point of why does it matter works out better.

I think Pavlin had a good point when he mentioned the Master's own explanation, short and to the point without getting into the history of the name and what people associate with it...

I've also found that people are more willing to overlook the name if the teachings are allowed to speak for themselves. My mum once brought this up with me - Belzebuub, Judas, not so sure about all this...? But just based on my actions and (lack of) reaction to her question, she feels comfortable that I'm not under the influence of evil people, so the names can be what they may :-)

Liz

Ahoy!

I think Mark calls himself Belzebuub openly because being a spiritual person one must tell the truth and do not hide anything.

I must admit that because of his name, at times I do doubt his spirituality and whether it is a good idea to follow Belzebuub’s teachings. But then I must say that reading Mark's work, and even more listening to him really motivates me to work harder on my weaknesses; I have never come across anyone who would communicate spirituality so clearly. Overall I feel very privileged being given the opportunity to learn from Bealzebuub.

May the Force be with you.

Hello Ahona and David,

Yeah that is a good question. Especially from the perspective of those moving towards becoming a teacher as it is undoubtedly a question that will come up.

It is something I myself have answered in a few situations and also wondered about addressing accurately and appropriately in a course situation.

The fact I was wondering about it before it was an issue is in itself part of the problem I feel as it builds up expectation and fear about answering the question when it does arise. Egos are great at setting up situations to meet their own ends or sabotage the work.

If there is a sense of fear when answering such a question those hearing may pick up on it unconsciously and hence act on their actions and thoughts. So it is a good idea to try and answer while being as clear as possible. This can be difficult at times so something I have tried is holding on to love and respect for the work and Master Belzebuub. This can help combat any egos that occur in the moment for myself and that are hard to shift.

I think in addition answering in the simplest way as Pavlin mentioned is a good approach. However, the best method of doing so will probably change from situation to situation.

All in all from what I understand the best answer will be different to each of us and what is required at the moment.

One of the most amazing things for me is the specialness each individual has within and brings to the work. If you can find and act within that then you will be answering anything in the best way of all.

Much strength to you both,
Adam.

For anyone wanting to find out more about the story of Belzebuub and the history of this movement then the best place to go is directly to the source -
http://www.belzebuub.com/belzebuubsstory

There is a real treasure trove of teachings there.

His story gives hope for the rest of us I think. If he can do it starting from where he did then what about the rest of us? And his story, to me, makes the spiritual path more of a concrete reality, something that can be taking place right now, not something far off in the distance. We can see through his story how it takes place in the events of everyday life.

Its very inspiring so have a read and tune in to the talks if you haven't been already.