1999-5-25 09:16:00
Glenys,
Thank you for your fine article on authority. A certain amount of authority is needed to keep civilization together. If more people like yourself could be the authorities of the world, it would be a much better place. I might remind newcomers that we had quite a few discussions at the beginning of this list about just and unjust use of authority.
Question: Do you think that we can retain our blind spots and still attain spiritual enlightenment?
The group has made some good observations about the blind spot. There are lots of correspondences possible and we, as a group, have explored the idea from several angles.
Here's an interesting idea for you. Remember I said that the blind spot must be revealed from without rather than within? Now, imagine God as one life in the beginning. Now imagine that It comes to a realization that something is missing in It's wholeness. Now imagine that God reflects Itself to infinity, and by reflecting, from the reflection, even the blind spot of God is revealed. Creation thus illuminates a missing void in the life of the One God.
As reflections of God, we must also find and bring light to our blind spots. This is often hard on the old ego, and there is a natural resistance for many to even acknowledge that a specific blind spot exists.
True enlightenment does come as light is thrown on the dark areas. As with my singing voice, I was reluctant to admit that much improvement was needed, but when the light was thrown on the truth of the matter, I was forced to face it or live in a fantasy world.
There may be blind spots in the formless worlds, but it does us little good to speculate on them at this stage of evolution. But in addition to the physical blind spot, it is very beneficial for us to contemplate areas where they may exist within our seeing on the emotional, mental and personality levels.
Yesterday we talked about the principle of freedom as a key that must be understood before we can make a knowing decision for the path of light.
I do not want to offend anyone by suggesting that perhaps most of us have not yet reached this point, but, on the other hand, I would be negligent in my duty, if I knew points of preparation for the great Decision and failed to present them to you.
It may be of interest to note that even if the average seeker decided he wanted to take the dark path, he would be far from acceptance into the Dark Brotherhood. If such a person was to pursue the Left Hand Path, it would take around seven lifetimes of selfishness before he would be considered a reliable disciple of Self. The Brotherhood of Light is not the only one who wants reliable disciples. The Dark Brothers have standards of their own, and have little use for zealous servants with little understanding of their goals.
The Dark Ones do seek to manipulate the masses through illusion and astral control, and some crazy guy with a goal to become a demon is of little use to them.
Perhaps the most distinctive difference, but also a subtle one, is the Principle of Freedom.
If you go and ask a hundred people on the street if they believe in maximum freedom for themselves and others, you would probably get a hundred people saying yes. On the other hand, if you were able to examine their belief systems and how they play out in their voting and actions, you would find that in many cases 99 out of the 100 support unnecessary restrictions of freedom.
The problem arises where programs arise that restrict freedoms in areas out of a person's concern. If a person does not drink alcohol, he is usually not bothered about restrictions on the freedom to drink.
If a person is a vegetarian, he is usually not bothered about restrictions on eating meat.
If he does not go white water rafting, then he is not bothered about restrictions on this type of recreation.
If he does not take natural vitamins, then he is not bothered about restrictions on their sale.
There are exceptions, but the problem is that the majority are selfish enough to only be concerned about the restriction of freedom in areas that directly effect themselves. The trouble is that if we do not stand up for freedom for all, even those we disagree with, then the time will come that no one will stand up for us when our own freedoms are taken away.
The reason I listed yesterday those five different areas, where there is general disagreement about the use of freedom, was not to create arguments, but to illustrate that the understanding of freedom, even in a much above average group like this, is not a cut and dried thing.
Only through touching the Spirit of God through the soul can two become one in the understanding of freedom.
In considering the true application of freedom, one must balance his thoughts through a triangle of principles.
They are:
(1) The Principle of Freedom
(2) The Principle of Harmlessness
(3) The Principle of Peace
Let us now pick a deed that we know is in error. Let us say a burglar breaks into your place and steals your valuables. How has this person violated these three principles?
Now let us pick a person who we generally believe was in the right - Jesus. Why was he accused of violating these principles? Were His accusers correct?
By the way, when I attended that Christian group that Susi mentioned, it was by invitation. I was also told I could ask questions. In giving them what they asked for, I did not take any of their freedoms away.
Copyright 1999 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved