Formula Answers

1999-11-20 11:12:00

I keep thinking I have made my last post on Oneness, but I have one more important thought on the matter.

Zina writes:
"It is one thing to offer to everyone the right to another perspective, to perhaps to even be so bold as to challenge the teacher, yet once engaged, that seems to create ostracism... why?"

JJ
I have to agree with Glenys on this one. This is an open list and no one is ostracized. Those who disagree with me are free to speak up and those who disagree with those who disagree should also not be silenced.

Lately, I will admit that there has been an avalanche of impatience toward Saul for what list members feel as unwanted repetition which unnecessarily disrupts the flow of the teachings. I have been contemplating the core of the problem here and here is what I have come up with.

The problem is Saul's core teaching on oneness is not compatible with any activity, good or bad, which is taken in this physical plane existence of duality. Thus it does not matter what I (or any other list member) teaches, if it involves some type of action, building or concrete teaching he will use the same argument against it.

Example: I have been teaching about taking action for peace.

Saul's Counter: Because the true reality is oneness all we need do is realize this oneness and then we will become aware we are already in a state of peace; therefore any action or plan for peace is not necessary. It is just working with that which is not real.

Example: I have taught that addictions such as drugs cause harm and waste time.

Saul's Counter: Because the true reality is oneness all we need do is realize this oneness and then we will know we are already in a state of peace; therefore any negative effect from drugs or addictions is illusion. There is no waste of time because there is no time in oneness.

Example: I said that Hitler was a bad dude.

Saul's Counter: Because the true reality is oneness all we need do is realize this oneness and then we will realize we are already in a state of peace and there is no good or bad to distract us; therefore any negative effect from the Nazis is illusion.

Now that we see this thread we can predict the teachings that Saul will disagree with in the future and know in advance what he will say about them.

Example: I will soon be teaching more about the Gathering of Lights.

Saul's future counter: Because the true reality is oneness all we need do is realize this oneness and then we will realize we are already gathered and a gathering is not necessary. Therefore any action or plan for gathering is not necessary. It is just working with that which is not real and putting emphasis on duality which does not exist.

Example: I will encourage many of you to become teachers and initiates.

Saul's future counter: Because the true reality is oneness there is no such thing as teachers and students. When we realize that we are neither student nor teacher in oneness then we should cease all efforts to teach. To attempt to teach is to see others as separate from yourself therefore you should cease teaching. To attempt to initiate is to be deluded into thinking that all is not perfect oneness already; therefore, we should cease such efforts.

I could continue here but it would belabor the point. I think we can see the root of the problem here. Because of Saul's strong belief in his concept of oneness he will automatically oppose any plan of action and most concrete teachings because they all involve working within the world of duality to some degree.

Therefore, if things continue as they have been going Saul will automatically oppose 90% of my teachings and plans, not because they do not make sense in the real world, but because they operate outside of his concept of oneness. The problem is that this same argument will be used again and again ad infinitum unless we as a group throw our hands up and say "I quit" and then sit back and do nothing in the world of form.

Solution: Saul needs to realize that we know what his pat answer is to all the plans of action and concrete teachings I will present. Because we know this one answer to all things, he can now cease repeating it over and over.

The Group: Each individual in the group must trust the highest he perceives from within and follow it. If it involves action do not let anyone discourage you from taking it.

Recommendation: I invite Saul to stay on this list and stretch his thoughts into new territory. I invite him to make some positive comments as well as negative. I think I would feel it would be an act of love from him if he were to take even one comment I have made and say "this is good, here is some more information that supports that idea." Of course, I would only expect you to say that about something you honestly support.

I have no problem with anyone finding me in error if they can present their thoughts without using one formula again and again. This is what happens with the dogmatic religions. An example of a one-size-fits-all answer some of them give is: "If the Bible doesn't say it then God will not approve."

Being stuck on this one answer can cause them to reject everything from computers to world peace. After a while you know what they are going to say to any idea you have that is not in the Bible.

So go ahead and straighten me out if I am off base, but let us move away from the one answer-fits-all. This answer of yours is now well known and registered. Some agree and some do not. Let us accept and move on.