2001-10-28 03:24:00
John Asked some questions I will attempt to answer:
Q:
How does one become aware of "imminent attacks by dark forces"?
JJ
Those on the left have a totally different vibration from those on the right hand path. Aspirants have difficulty differentiating until he has felt them both in all their variations.
If the Dark Brotherhood are in the attack mode toward a disciple he will be able to easily tell the vibration is negative. If they are, however, merely laying the foundation for deceit they will attempt to simulate the vibration of the Brotherhood of Light. When this happens only an experience with the dualities of the vibrations of light and darkness will lead the person through the deception to the point of truth. The Dark Brothers cannot duplicate the spiritual fire that accompanies a communion with the Christ and His associates.
John
Q: Who (or what), is "the dragon"? Deception? Deceit? Erroneous beliefs?
Q: Are we to understand that "the dragon" represents one person? A "dark brotherhood"? Or, perhaps, just an attribute that any of us can and do have from time to time?
JJ
An important meaning of the negative aspect of the dragon symbol is deceit, as I said in my previous post. It also represents initiates of that deceit whether it be one entity or many.
Q: If "the dragon" is, say, the attribute of deceit, why not simply refer to deceit as "deceit"? Why the animated disguise? How does that help understanding?
JJ
John did not consciously write the Book of Revelation, but received it as a vision and visions and teaching dreams use the language of symbols. Meditation on any symbol will reveal aspects of truth that mere words like "deceit" cannot express.
John
Q: In the Bible, there are hundreds of references to the word "beast". The vast majority use the word to describe an animal -- with no apparent symbolism intended. In the book of Revelations it is often used symbolically. But even then, the symbolism varies. As JJ pointed out, "serpent" can be used to represent both good and evil, so also can (and is) the word "beast". So I ask, why not be direct? Let us use the words we mean. If we mean misuse of authority; or unearned authority, let's say so. I submit that will promote clearer communications, than to use symbolic words that can have multiple meanings.
JJ
See my answer above. Another reason for the symbolism is that if John were to have plainly written out the meaning of the book it would have been quickly destroyed by the beast of that era.
John:
Q: What is an "unearned authority"? Too often it seems a phrase given to something we would rather not believe might be true.
JJ
Unearned authority is quite easy to identify. This is an authority who expects to be followed even though he cannot demonstrate or show a path to the discovery of the truth of his words.
An earned authority is simply one who can demonstrate or show the way to the truth of his words. The student has tested this authority and found him useful. For instance, a Spanish teacher who can speak the language and teach others how to speak is an earned authority after he has been tested by the student.
Copyright 2001 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved