The Master Game
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
You like thought provoking books, don’t you? Drinking from another cup of someone’s illusionary perspective. Here’s a tip for a good drink 
Years ago de Ropp wrote a useful and clarifying book on the subject of life paths called The Master Game. This is a very good book for youths who wish to examine their motivations and the deep desires and goals that influence their creation of lives that conform to (hopefully) their greatest ideals. Power, fame, wealth, family life, wisdom, experiences and freedom (jivanmukti) are all legitimate aims. If we make our choices from the handbook we are given by society, and usually our families, we have very limited choices. We do what has already been done, what is always done. This is what makes the world go round, perhaps. The salt of the earth, the propagators of life, the growers of food and new software, inventors, lovers and soldiers make this planet function as it must. These are the salt and the pillars, the men and women of the world.
We all ask, at one time or another, “What do I want to do with my life?”
On the one hand, we all want to do something that matters in some way, that makes a difference, that is meaningful, that is fulfilling. Something that’s worthwhile, something real.
On the other hand, when we phrase the question “what do I want to do with my life?” – and sit with it – it often seems like such a huge, vague, looming, slippery, cloud of fog, like trying to catch a cloud in a milk carton – a frustrating experience.
But one chap, Robert S De Ropp, has offered a few pointers, which might help us get a more sturdy handle on the matter. What follows is a brief sketch of a portion of his message.
The Master Game – Review by LiveReal
De Ropp was involved with the early years of the Gurdjieff-Ouspensky teachings.
What life game do you want to play ? This book suggests that there are deeper and more fulfilling options available than the default ones based on money, power or hedonism that education and social conditioning can sometimes provide us with. The master game is a life course involving a systematic attempt to develop self knowledge. Its hazards are not wisely ignored but its rewards are beyond the ordinary also…
I have found De Ropp’s idea of “Inner Theatre” a great help. Our minds seem to set up miniature virtual ego-work laboratories – one imagines oneself in situations and plays out scenes. To him this is an aid to knowing oneself. I still remember the feeling of grand adventure through seeking deeper awareness this book wafted my way.
It’s interesting for me to read Ropp’s connection to Grudjieff, who’s personality I presented few days ago. Synchronicities are such a fun
