The Three Criteria

2000-10-2 10:09:00

I see our new member, Yvon has been jumping in with both feet and deserves recognition for her interesting words. Of note is the following: "If we have questions or disagree with someone's post perhaps the best way to proceed is to clearly state what we disagree about and why. Clear communication can only help." Good advice. I have no problem with someone disagreeing, but it does really help me to answer them if they are clear on exactly what the disagreement is.

I do not believe I have welcomed Alberta either. I have a sister by that name whose nickname is Bertie.

The current question is:
There are three main criteria in finding the correct path at the Middle Way. What do you suppose they are?

The first was common sense on which we have all ready elaborated. The hint for the second was two phrases and a question: follow the highest that you know, and keep your mind steady in the light. How do these two statements work together to lead us to that straight and narrow path in the Middle?

First let me clarify "the Middle" as it is being presented here. The Middle Way I am presenting leads to a path. A path is not the end of a journey but a beginning. As we find the path in the middle and walk upon it, we are still functioning in the world of duality. But by finding the path we make maximum progress in this world. We learn to "live in the world but not of the world."

At the end of the Path, ages and ages hence is a pralaya of rest or a point of absolute stillness from our point of view. Even though some call this the No Thing, and it may seem to be just that from some points of view, it is not "that which is not, but [it is] that which is esoteric," as Djwahl Khul expressed it.

We didn't get a lot of response on the last question, but Lorraine made a good stab at it:

"In order to stay in the middle I must be able to see a big picture. Therefore, I must stand in the light at all times. Also, in order to stay in the middle I must know where my next footstep should fall and in order to do that I must have direction. Therefore, I need to be able to follow the highest that I know. If I make a mistake, I can correct myself and try again.

"So, to stay in the middle I must know where I am at and know how to get to the next step.

"How did I do?"

JJ
You did well and glad to see you posting regularly again. Lorraine made several good points that I would like to elaborate on.

(1) See the big picture.
If our attention is on one piece of doctrine or dogma then we will not see the whole picture and without seeing the whole we will never correctly decipher the part.

(2) Stand in the light at all times.
We may not have all the light and all understanding, but each of us will always have some light on the truth. If we want more light we must stand in the light which is seen.

(3) Know your next step.
If we follow the highest we know and act upon that which is revealed, then more light will come and the next step on the path in the middle will be revealed.

(4) Correct yourself.
The path in the middle has the illusion of movement because of the swing of the pendulum and because of our imperfection we weave on and off the path. Hence, we must apply the principle of correction on the path, just as we do as we drive down the road in a car. To get to the local grocery store we make hundreds of corrections with the steering wheel in just a distance of several blocks.

In short, we must always follow the highest that we know, and then more will be given. When an additional glimmer of light is seen, we must hold our focus on it until the flame grows bright enough that we are assured, the revelation will never be lost.

The third most important key in treading the middle path is to use and share that which is revealed in the midway point.

Questions:
How do we do this? Is it necessary to share the light in order to keep the light?