Jan 19, 2016
The Observer
We have often talked about the importance of maintaining the attitude of the observer and some have asked for further explanation. DK here gives some good advice on how the seeker can maintain such an attitude:
- Am I confusing a re-viewing with a re-doing or with a re-experiencing?
Do I understand what I mean when I regard myself as an Observer?
- What or who is the Observer? What is under observation?
- Am I capable of learning to observe, and of freeing myself from those results of observation which may not be desirable?
- Can I observe myself mentally, unbiased by any reaction from the emotional personal self?
- If I use this review on the attitude of the Observer as it should be used,
- What will be the effect in my life?
- What will be the effect in the life of the group I wish to serve?
- Can I honestly say that I can stand aside and observe with dispassion?
- If this review work is a definitely scientific method of development, have I ever given the technique of observation a fair trial? Do I feel it now to be desirable? Why?
- What basis can I find in my studies that this method of reviewing is the way for me, and that it will intensify my capacity for increased usefulness in service?
- In what way can right observation speed my progress upon the Path?
- If it is true that the blind must advance by touching but that those with sight move forward by seeing, and by keeping free and unattached, why, then, having sight, do I close my eyes and fail to observe? What is the main hindrance?
- Is my mind the organ of observation for the spiritual man? Can I offer this organ to the observer to use?
- Can I hold my mind steady in the light which streams from the Observer? Can I hold it as the searchlight of the soul?
- As I review today, what part has observation played?
- How do I define the word “observation”?
- Observation in the spiritual sense is a faculty which grows out of Self-realisation.
- Am I able to forget the fragmentary personal self?
- Can I centre my consciousness in the Self?
- Observation is a power of the Observer. It works in association with the mind. Do I understand and wield this power?
- We are told that there is an archetype, a pattern, a ray, a goal and a light which reveals these higher patterns or divine ideas. Do I know anything of this? I mean, practically, in my daily life.
- What is the archetypal pattern of observation, and how can it be expressed in my personal life?
- Do I recognise and am I in touch with other Observers of the way of life?
- Can I draw upon the power of observation and the wisdom of the Observer when others need it?
- I am the redeemer of the lower nature. In what way does observation aid in this redemption?
- Does redeeming force, released through observation, pour through me?
- In what fashion will the observation of the Observer bring changes in my life, my habits, and my attitudes?
- Through which body do I most easily express myself? Which of my bodies requires the most observation and control?
- Have I demonstrated the powers of observation today? Have I been in conscious contact at any moment with the Observer?
- What activities and qualities of my lower nature (good as well as undesirable) need to be observed if I desire to serve more intelligently?
- What is the major hindrance to my constant practice of observation? How can I offset this difficulty?
- How does the assumption of the attitude of the Observer assist my fellowmen?
- In what way can I most truly serve them? And how will observation help me to do this?
Discipleship in the New Age, Vol 1, Pages 443-445
Copyright 2016 by J J Dewey