R.O.C.K ™ basics:
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Now that the Self Investigation gatherings have been going on for almost 10 years and we have started our study group, it might be a good time to start our own community. It would unite the different topics that our current activities cover. Instead of having several different groups, we would have one group containing all the material and teaching materials that we need.
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The purpose is to add content to existing Christianity that has been too often neglected and largely ignored. We bring a renewed study method to the Christian tradition for a deeper study of Jesus' teachings.

The studies focus on the words of Jesus, utilizing early sources, such as the Aramaic Peshitta Bible. Spiritual exercises play an important role. These would primarily be self-knowledge, prayer meditation and recitations. The study of the group should be intensive and one to which everyone could give their own contribution and perspective. And in order not to create contradictions and unnecessary disagreement, an open mind is essential. We do not want to eliminate any current beliefs or systems, but to bring to light the message that Jesus gave us, that we can all know and feel our true selves by following His example, which will ultimately lead us to the edge of truth and spiritual freedom.

The name of our group R.O.C.K ™- Rise of Christ Knowledge is somewhat playful, as if it were some kind of foundation or rock, indicating a strong dedication to an important cause. The name refers to the re-emergence of Jesus’ message and teachings, both on an individual level and in contemporary society. Research into ancient texts is also a growing trend, offering a deeper understanding of Jesus’ possible original words and teachings. The intention is to later establish an online magazine.
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About sources:
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Since it is impossible to be 100% sure of what Jesus literally said or taught due to millennia of translation work into different languages, I think it is more important to study the sources we now have and try to go more behind the words to what the words refer to. It is about putting the teachings into practice, not arguing about which text is possibly the most original and authentic.
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Four pillars:
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I. The teachings of Jesus (ancient sources and writings e.g. Greek and Aramaic texts)
II. Oneness that Jesus represented. ("I and the Father are one.")
III. Self-knowledge (recognizing one's true nature: "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.")
IV. Spiritual practices (self-investigation, prayer meditation and recitations)

Program:

Silence => preparation

Silence begins each of our gatherings. (3:00 pm-3:30 pm)

“The purpose is simply to be and let silence embrace us consciously. Practicing silence together strengthens and deepens the experience. At the same time, we can share a very beautiful and profound truth with each other simply by being. Reality is beyond words, and silence requires no explanation.”

Self-investigation => theory and practice

We read the teachings on self-knowledge and go deeper into our nature. (3:30 pm-5:30 pm)

Program:

• Ramana Maharshi's teachings about self-investigation
• Video clips on the subject
• Practical exercise
• Recitations

R.O.C.K ™=> study group

We have four main themes: Jesus' prayer (Lord’s prayer), Jesus' two main commandments, other instructions and the Beatitudes. (5:30 pm-7:00 pm)

“We believe that there is one truth and that Jesus' teachings have been somewhat neglected today and people are looking for answers in other traditions. We try to find answers in a more familiar environment, which for most of us is Christianity. Since Jesus' own native language was Aramaic, we also utilize Aramaic sources.”

R.O.C.K ™ meets once a month on Zoom. See details on the 'Events' page.