Re: Theos-World Responding to Adelasie
May 12, 2009 07:15 AM
by adelasie
Hi Nigel,
Welcome back! A few comments follow.
You write, "What is the Light? In the context of this discussion,
the Light represents the eternal verities, the foundation stones
of the Temple of Truth, that which each human being recognizes
in his inner most being to be true and right and beautiful."
The occultist is always faced with the dilemma of trying to live in an
imperfect world while recognizing the existence of perfection in terms
of ideals. It is quite painful sometimes to realize the extent to which
the ideal is diluted and even perverted. as it makes its tortuous way
through the planes of consciousness to our material world. The student
learns gradually to accept what is a necessary and even valuable part of
the process, and to keep balance between the ideal and the reality,
while never losing sight of the goal of perfection.
Yes, and what is beauty? If we associate it, as we have in previous
discussions, with that which is "right", rather than superficial
appearance, perhaps we then need to determine what we mean by right?
Again, there is the apparent discrepancy between the absolute reality
and the transitory manifestation. The occult student learns gradually
that the version of "reality" that seems pervasive is nothing but an
illusion, a reflection of the eternal Reality, but a necessary one. It
is through this illusion that humanity evolves the consciousness of the
totality. It is a bit like a hypothetical condition, created by Karma as
it balances the actions of humans with the requirements of the Law of
Nature. There is always duality. What is Right in the absolute sense is
the goal. What is right in the immediate sense is that which is dictated
by the heart, in inner small voice, of the student. This material
"right" is subject to point of view. Each student learns to make
decisions based on his best intentions and understanding, realizing that
if he chooses wrongly, he will pay a price to Karma, but realizing also
that he always has guidance from within, if he will only ask for it.
If we address the issue of "right" you write, "In our daily lives we are
presented with choice after choice. Shall I tell a lie? Shall I steal?
Shall I betray? Shall I judge?
Once again, and with respect, these words may need to be
clarified. As they stand prima facie, they are open to different
interpretation, dependent on circumstance and context.
For example; "Shall I lie?" Yes indeed, if the truth will
cause pain and suffering that is not necessary as in the case of
a "white" lie. I am sure you understand this so will take it no
further in this instance.
Morever, would I lie to protect the life of an innocent other?
And would this then be "lying?"
"Shall I steal?" Yes indeed, if your family is starving and the
circumstances are such that you have no other option.
But is this then "stealing" or the duty to survive and provide?
"Shall I betray?" Sometimes, in certain circumstances
this may be necessary. For example, a young person may
confide in me that they are going to self-harm, perhaps
even suicide. It would be entirely appropriate for me to betray
their trust and notify parents and/or authorities.
Some parents are faced with this ethical dilemma when
considering reading their child's confidential journal, where
the child is displaying worrying behaviour.
"Shall I judge?" This is perhaps a little less problematic,
as by judge I presume you mean to condemn another.
To judge for the purposes of discernment however is of course
necessary in countless situations.
There are no absolute answers in a transitory reality. The rule of our
lives is change. We can only try to choose the best possible course of
action according to our best information and intent and be content that
as long as we are trying we are making progress. As you point out,
interpretation is everything. It's so interesting how often we think,
"How could he do that? I would never do such a thing." And yet, the
person we observe might very well wonder the same about us. It's useful
sometimes to apply a bit of imagination to such a consideration. If I
were in his shoes, how would I behave? Often we don't really know enough
about another's reality to make a reasonable determination, but that
doesn't necessarily mean he is behaving wrongly in his own context.
I am sure you will have considered all of the above, and I don't
wish to appear pedantic, but it does highlight the fact that we need
to be careful when overtly generalising certain words.
Perhaps they must be used only in the context of each situation.
You write, "Over and over we have a choice and if we choose
according to the priciples of Truth, Honesty, Loyalty, Compassion,
we are staying within the Light."
Without repeating the previous exercise, it is interesting to
examine these words in various settings.
I would add to your list the word harmony, albeit in a certain context.
Taking your words as you and I might otherwise have a reasonably
common understanding, harmony would seem to be the result of
these qualities?
However, what is harmony? And here we are getting closer to
some of our earlier discussions.
>From my perspective, capital H Harmony is that which is concerned
with Principles of the Whole, rather than necessarily any particular
individual situation or circumstance. Peoples' emotional reactions
must also come second in most situations requiring discernment,
as most feelings are caught up in self interest.
For instance, there were a number of occasions in my local
Theosophical branch where a few people were deliberately lying
about a number of very serious matters. I and another chose to
challenge and expose these behaviours and were generally
condemned for disrupting the "harmony" of the branch. The matters
were largely ignored leaving considerable injustices in their wake.
>From my perspective, the primary principles of concern were truth
and justice, particularly for those aggrieved, and not for the
emotional difficulties which may have, and did, arise.
Genuine Harmony does not always equate to emotional comfort,
in fact the desire for that can be our biggest trap.
The situation you outline is a difficult one indeed. We humans are as we
have said imperfect and studying occultism sometimes has the effect of
accenting our imperfections. In general tolerance of each other's
imperfections is recommended. However, if we sincerely feel that the
actions of a few in our group are damaging the whole, we might decide to
take some action. Hopefully the organizations has accepted procedure for
such situations. If not, the blame will often fall on those who protest
what they perceive as wrong doing. Humans are quick to take sides and
often choose according to their own personal benefit. Our best attitude,
when involved in such situations, is to do our best to act as we
sincerely feel is necessary, and then to let go of attachment to the
results of our actions. Whatever happens, we learn valuable lessons
about ourselves and about human nature in general. Our bonds are
stronger than that which separates us. We do best if we concentrate our
attention on what is good about what we do, what others do, and let the
rest go.
You write, "Our choice to walk within the Light or within the shadow
is simply whether to choose according to our own inner knowledge
of right and wrong, or to ignore it. The consequence of the former
will benefit the whole human race, the whole universe. The
consequences of the latter bring destruction pain and suffering to
all. Which should we choose?"
Once again, prima facie this statement appears entirely reasonable.
However, as alluded above, that which we assume to be "right"
may only be a matter of perspective, dependent on the particular
situation
This seems to be a reasonable assumption, according to the best we have
available in the present cycle. At least, those of us who study the
ancient wisdom and accept the guidance of the Masters of Compassion have
a chance to choose a bit more wisely than, for instance, someone who
thinks that there is nothing to existence but the here and now and
therefor believes that the end justifies the means. We live in a very
intellectual and materialistic cycle. Making life choices based on some
eternal concept of perfect good is not particularly popular, since it
seldom produces material wealth and power, but it might just be the
straw that breaks the back of the camel (not to disparage that noble
beast) of selfishness, greed and corruption that seems to dominate our
culture.
All the best,
Adelasie
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