The List

2000-1-10 11:02:00

Two of my favorite people have been going back and forth about the usefulness of this list, what to do about it etc. I'm speaking of the recent exchange between John W and Glenys. I finally have a moment to make a few comments.

First, John has started a second list with a different set of rules than this one. He feels that there are those who are tired of the conflict and it would be beneficial to have a more peaceful arena to go to for some that are offended by conflict.

I commend John on doing this for two reasons. First he is demonstrating the power of initiation. He has initiated this entirely on his own, with no encouragement from me or anyone else. He is now getting 4700 hits a week - no small accomplishment - a true sign he is on the path of the initiate.

Secondly, what he has initiated does fill a definite need and purpose. A list such as this one is not for everyone, nor is John's list for everyone - in fact my teachings are not for everyone. Diversity, to fill the needs of all those seeking truth at their own level, is always needed. Even the Ram, who I have no interest in, has stimulated thought in many people.

Now some think that John is doing a good thing in starting his list and some do not. That is fine. We are all entitled to our opinions, but let us not get in his way. Unless he is misrepresenting me or my teachings in some way, or doing some definite concrete harm, I say let him initiate to his heart's content.

The power of initiation brings the power of joy in service, and this I will always encourage as long as the path of harmlessness is followed.

Perhaps, though, the greatest controversy John has stirred up is through his criticism of this list. He has stated things such as; this list has so much conflict on it that he does not want to refer anyone to it. There have been reports that he has encouraged some to leave this list and come to his list and this is viewed by some as a negative thing to do.

I personally do not care which list someone joins. I do not care if someone leaves this list and joins John's or leaves John's list and comes here. The important thing is that if they have a desire to learn, that they have the opportunity to learn.

I would advise John to tread gently in his criticism of this list as it does not seem to be making him any new friends. Conversely, there have been many others who have either left the list or are uncomfortable with it because of the conflict so I can understand why he may be critical.

Criticism is a funny thing. One may have the best of intentions in giving it out, but others may take it with great offense, much more than is intended. I have certainly found this to be the case myself. Sometimes I give what, I think, is a civil response to a challenge; and later discover I have greatly offended someone. I don't think John comes on this list with the idea of stepping on toes, but it is an easy thing for a first ray soul to do.

Remember some time ago that a conflict raged between John and several others? I asked him to tone it down a bit for the sake of peace and since then the nature of his posts have been much more mellow and less confrontational. No one has commented on this, but I have certainly noticed it. I don't think people realize how difficult it is to make a change in direction like that. But even though he has mellowed out in his postings to the list, he may not be perfect yet. Nor am I for that matter, but if I know John he will work on accommodating the feelings of the majority here.

Some have talked about making this a moderated list. The thing is that John has filled this void and already created a moderated list. My opinion is, rather than having two lists that are very similar, is to keep this one the way it is and those who desire a moderated list can go with John.

It is true that we have some pretty strong conflicts surface now and then, but they always pass and new people either adjust to the flow or leave.

I keep thinking I have just about covered all major objections. I keep thinking that maybe the day will come that I can just name an archive post to handle any challenge from a new member, but new questions seem to always arise. I suppose there will always be some challenging questions for me to handle. I will attempt to be kinder and gentler in handling them.