 |
SPIRIT
LODGE
LIBRARY
Main
Information
Page
8
|
(Main
Links of the site are right at the bottom of the page)
The 37 pages in this Main Information section are below.
Following Others
Discussion
By ElkWoman
Why do some people follow others
e.g. Guru's? I can and do get great advice from others but follow
my own inner guidance on everything. I can be persuaded by others
but I accept responsibility for my choices. We are all on our
own individual path in this life and I'm wondering how someone
else can tell you what your walk is? And why we would follow
their instructions and not our own voice? Even if I mess up
it's my choice. Does following a Guru mean we can trust others
more or is it an excuse not to accept full responsibility. I'm
not knocking this way of life , I don't understand it. I haven't
experienced it but maybe being brought up catholic I have. Just
wondering if any of you have ever taken this direction as I'm
interested. A friend revealed his following recently. My first
reaction was why would I follow someone else’s instruction.
Then I thought I need to remain open to opportunities and learning.
But I was initially shocked when he said I could learn more
and follow this Guru's instructions to a beautiful inner life.
tell me your thought and experiences on this please if you have
time. Thank you.
2CrowWoman:
Hi Elk
Woman, I'm not much help on this topic as I agree with you here.
I don't like following anyone. Even regarding churches I've
always ended up walking away as I'd rather figure things out
for myself. Way I see it if I reach the other side and God says
I messed up I'd rather have it be MY mess than because I blindly
followed someone else and it was THEIR mess. I suppose I'm just
"thrawn"?
NorthernStar:
following
an Enlightened Holiness has a very old tradition. This way is
meant to step over the own "ego" by humbly serving
an Enlightened Holiness - as a representative of Great Spirit.
Serving this Holiness is a way that holds a lot of challenges.
The Holiness will see what the devoted student needs. And he
will give the tasks and learning steps in the appropriate way.
By the way: Not each Enlightened Holiness might accept each
student. There has to be a certain "chemistry" - above
all the deep wish of the student to come to enlightenment, too.
And the deep knowing that not the Enlightened Holiness will
walk this path for the student - but as a representative of
Great Spirit with all the overview will help the student walk
in his own shoes. On this path it may be that the ego of the
student is pushed to its extreme - it is not blindly following
the will of a "Guru". It is a deep agreement and commitment
to walk this path as student and Enlightened Holiness. The "teacher"
will see which steps the student has to go - and how the best
way is to step over ego to transcend it and to come to enlightenment.
Bathing in the atmosphere of an Enlightened Holiness will wash
the student each day - it is bliss and it holds a lot of learning
steps... The biggest problem for the student is to find an Enlightened
Holiness to trust, to work with and to walk this path with.
There are many traps on this path, including following a "wrong
teacher", a person that "pretends" being enlightened
but in fact is not. The trap also is that we have "pictures"
in our head how an enlightened person should look like, how
this person should behave... But these pictures result from
our present state of knowing and perceiving. An enlightened
person might not at all be how we think he/she should be.
How to discern and
find "the" appropriate teacher to walk this kind of
path with? Seeing with the heart, with all the senses... Listening
to students of this teacher... How do they go along with the
teachings... Does it feel well for us, too... (Though we will
have to go through our own lessons...) Is the teacher trying
to get all the energy of other people? Or do we feel that good
results come from being with him? And not to forget: The teacher
will know from his side whether it will be okay to work with
him or not - knowing that the path itself is in our own responsibility...
But he will see whether we come to play around a bit (to see
how this path feels) - or whether we come with our deepest wish
to walk this path... Following an Enlightened Holiness is working
hand in hand with Great Spirit - Great Spirit taking form in
a human being/in a teacher... We might "know" when
it is "our" path. And we might say: "No, this
is not my way of coming to enlightenment." "Forcing"
others to walk the same path - this should be something we should
be very careful with... In my opinion it is not meant that from
one day to the other I will give up my ego then (...how should
this work?)and following and "replacing" it by the
Enlightened Holiness. It is a process - and He/She will know.
I will be challenged - and step by step I will make my very
own experiences. I will not give up my own thoughts. How easy
this would be! Or: How difficult this would be! Not following
blindly and "only by head" - but following because
it is the way of the heart - it is "known" then. And
this kind of following will make me more and more equal to the
Enlightened Holiness then - growing... Giving up ego and the
own will at once and changing from one day to the other to a
"Guru" - for me there might be some steps on this
path of devotion missing... And how should this happen - for
me it sounds more like a process and not like a switch on/switch
off the Enlightened Holiness does for me... I know from my Hinduistic
tradition that this can be a very, very beautiful path - the
teacher of my teacher spoke about his path with such Love that
this for me was true. No question - it was true. And it took
him years to find "his" Enlightened Holiness to learn
from - even in India... :o))
Mouse:
I do not follow an external authority just because (s)he
is in that position. BUT, I am happy to allow another to shine
a light on a path un-walked for me. Someone who's life experience
have brought that person well further down the path of my choice.
They've been there, done that. I do NOT expect an elder to take
my hand and prevent me from falling or straying. I do not expect
them to take responsibility for my decisions. Yet their words
and actions can reflect back the questions I need to ask myself,
the decisions that have been made or need to be made. They do
not jump into the well to "save me"... they offer
suggestions as to where I may find the footholds that would
get me out ON MY OWN STRENGTH. Perhaps in the days of old, one
would follow a Guru, simply because the Guru possessed more
spiritual knowledge (wisdom). This knowledge was kept and nurtured
in temples and shrines. Followers were privy to that knowledge
there, not in the streets of everyday life. Currently, more
and more masters live in our communities, wear jeans and tee-shirts.
Why? Because the knowledge is increasingly available in our
own communities. It is in books, it is on the internet, it is
more and more possible to speak about these things with one's
close friends. Spiritual knowledge (wisdom) is coming out, no
longer secluded and held away. The masters now live in the communities
not in the temples and shrines. If an Elder is on the path that
I seek to walk, I will not hesitate to follow their guidance.
Not because I want them to take responsibility, but because
there is WISDOM in their experience. I need to have my own experiences,
and I will choose them anyway. I do not need to be or choose
to be kept in a bubble of protection. I listen to my inner authority,
yet that inner authority does not negate the wisdom and authority
that a wise Elder may share.
Lotus:
There
are times when it is important in the growth of spiritual life
to develop a relationship with a teacher or spiritual guide.
Having a map and directions from spiritual books and texts is
not enough. There are certain things that books will not teach,
ancient teachings, maintained by only those who have years of
rigorous training, testing, consistent demonstration of endurance,
patience, generosity, and wisdom, who inspire, guide, and instruct.
Because the spiritual process is not a random one, guides and
teachers drawing on ancient traditions can understand and assist
our journey when we ourselves feel lost. The range and styles
of teachers is great and most will teach through a combination
of their own personalities and the methods that brought their
own awakening. While its true, in each tradition, there will
be "rascals" but if you prepare yourself well with
knowledge of the teacher, it is well worth pursuing. Over the
years, our relationship with a teacher will change. In time,
our teachers may fulfill many roles ... mentor, guide, spiritual
midwife, critic, mirror and exemplar of radiant presence and
so much more. From a skillful teacher, we can learn and draw
on courage, assurance, strength and clarity. We can use their
guidance, energy and love to resonate with and inspire our own.
We can ask whatever questions enter our mind without feeling
"less intelligent." No one can enlighten us, no one
can mature for us, no one can let go for us, no one can ever
do it for us. But a skilled teacher can act as a compassionate
vessel strong enough to allow old parts to die and make room
for new ones to be born, to inspire, support, comfort and create
a sacred space where awakening can happen. Just as it is important
to stay with a teacher and practice, it is also important to
know that we can leave when the time is right. Whether we stay
with a teacher for weeks, months, years, or even decades, it
is a blessing to encounter a true spiritual benefactor, a mentor
and guide to our own freedom. Over the years I have been blessed
by their direct guidance and by their skill in teaching. I have
also been blessed with the depth of their love that gave me
inspiration all the while holding my
best and
highest interest in their hearts. I hope the legacy I leave
to my students is one that is genuine and timeless ... for them
to carry the light I see in them into all the world.
2 CrowWoman:
Interesting replies. Lotus - what you say makes a lot of sense.
I've never had a teacher come forward or be a possibility so
maybe I'd have a different perspective under those circumstances.
FraturAnhur:
ElkWoman, Interesting replies indeed But I realize my question
maybe wasn't worded right. Teaches guidance I UNDERSTAND. What
I meant by Guru is the masses, cult following of thousands of
people Have any of you been part of this kind of following?
NorthernStar:
For me - if my deep feeling of trust for a Holiness/a "Guru"
is right - it is not important how many "students"
a Holiness has - for me it is not important whether he/she has
one or thousands of students. If a Holiness is an enlightened
person then he/she also may hold the ability to teach thousands
of students at the same time. There are things around these
beautiful people that we cannot "understand" from
our consciousness. But we may feel and trust our feelings. I
felt - and I trusted. And it was right - for me. Whether a person
is enlightened or not - why should the teaching be dependent
on the number of students? If there are thousands of people
who have to learn things at the same time and if the Holiness
(you might call it "Guru", but I admit that I do not
support a negative feeling about the word, I prefer to see it
more neutral... :o)) - okay, if the Holiness or Guru may help
them in their learning - why not? What about Jesus? There were
some people very close to him - and thousands following... Who
will judge the number of students...? And yes - I am also following
someone you might call a "Guru" - but following him
I am following my own inner call. He helped me to trust, to
transcend and to come home step by step - without being fixed
on him. This freedom in growing and learning - but at the same
time the strong knowing that he "knows" - this is
a gift for me. At the same time I am also following other paths,
too. The Holiness I am working with encourages us to look at
our own traditions - no matter where we come from. He is also
honoring the Elders of each country who hold the wisdom of the
land. I do not feel well to give the name of my teacher here
because the questions discussed here became a bit too "loud"
for giving the name in this atmosphere now (this may come from
the capital letters in your post, maybe I misunderstand them...).
My feelings about the
Holiness I am walking with for about 20 years now are so soft
and filled with Love - I do not feel well to give his name here
and now. Though there were and are times where I am really challenged
by him - and then this kind of teachings will be okay, too.
There is no much difference in what I wrote in my first post.
The number of students makes no difference for me in this kind
of learning I needed. For others it may be different - they
might want to look for a Holiness who only has few students
(for which reasons ever, and this will be okay then, too). At
the same time I also express that I am not "following"
him in the sense you might think that it "should be"
when someone "follows" a "Guru". There are
times of deep, deep devotion, deep, deep Love - and I am so
very happy to be allowed to have met someone who allows me to
experience these deep feelings, to dive in the Bliss of what
might be cosmic... I got techniques to work with, to learn and
to grow... This includes deep trust, but also asking and it
also includes discernment... My teacher is answering questions
for hours, for days... Even the "silliest" questions
are "allowed" - it is part of our way... And yes,
there are thousands "following" him. But - I may speak
for me only - I learn to walk in my own shoes with him, I do
not "need" the one-to-one teachings every day - and
I am not looking for giving up my life in the way you might
think a Guru wants it to be... Others might need this - but
(at the moment, for about 20 years) this is not what was my
path up to now... The Holiness I am allowed to know will not
save me from my experiences I have to make (with other people,
too - as with other teachers, too... *smile* And these lessons
sometimes are not easy... But the techniques I learned and the
tradition I am looking at that is with him - this helps me to
go through this then, too...). It is not that he holds the answer
for all questions I have - then I would not be with Spirit Lodge,
too... *smile*
Sometimes I really
need to get teachings in another form or in other words or directly
or from another tradition. But there is a basis that is with
the teachings I got from him. If people tend to go the easy
way - they might tend to give themselves up - in a relationship,
in learning... And then "the partner", "the teacher"
is the one to blame... I do not only see it this way. For me
there also is a kind of responsibility in each partner, in each
student.. If he lets things happen - then it is also his responsibility,
not only the mistake of the others. Only to "blame"
one side - this for me would be a bit too easy... Yes, there
are people looking to give themselves up, in work, in relationships,
in friendships, in following a teacher... Some people hold the
deep tendency to do so... It may be that first they have to
learn not to give themselves up... Because how can we humbly
give an ego that we do not have? May be certain steps are required
before walking the path of devotion... But also here it is difficult
to give a rule that fits for everyone. Each case is to be seen
with new eyes. The path of humbly devotion really is work. It
is a conscious decision that requires (for me) an "adult"
person that knows what this means. It is not a blind following
of a minor person. Choosing the path of devotion and humble
serving - for me - is one of the most adult paths I know in
the way that the person choosing this way "knows"
that this path will lead to the "death" of the own
ego. Choosing this path does not mean a simple life, funny and
easy because the others (a Guru, a Holiness) do the work. It
means to choose this big step of (big) work - to transcend the
own ego, facing oneself - and letting go...
Please let me express
it in very clear words - how I understand it: It is a conscious
decision (from heart or head or from simply knowing...) from
an adult person, a "call" that has to be followed,
too - and not a wish of a tired person wanting to have some
good relaxing time now, wanting others to decide, to take care
and to do the work... Whether a Holiness has one or thousands
of students - if it really fits for the person wanting to go
this path, if it is an "adult" decision/following
- and if it is okay for the person, then I find no reason to
speak against his/her call to walk this path... Each single
case has to be seen with new eyes.. I find it difficult to give
a global answer about "Gurus" or "One-to-one
teachers" or "no teacher" - about which way to
prefer... What is right for me may not be right for others...
Elk Woman, there is so much more to say, but it does not feel
so very right right now... I am also not sure which kind of
answer you want to hear...? What I wrote in my first is not
dependent on the number of students...
ElkWoman:
Northern Star thanks for
your reply. As I said I asked this question out of curiosity
only. I haven't made any judgements as I have no experience
or relevant opinion to base any judgements on. (The capitals
were just that capitals .I never did that deliberately , I must
have hit the caps look). I'm even more curious still as twice
you mentioned you couldn't say your Guru's name here, what are
you feeling is here? I'm actually interested that is why I asked
the question because my initial response left me asking my own
questions.
I hope you don't feel any hostility
towards you from any posting here. I feel it takes a very strong
person with a lot of trust and faith to do what you have said.
I have gained a lot of insight from your reply. I'm sitting
on an island on my own where most if not all my guidance has
been through Spirit , and its lonely at times. I haven't had
the opportunity to be with another in this way. .You are blessed
to have such faith and someone to talk with. My belief I'll
share with you too is that I learn from everyone and everything.
I believe in everyone and everything. As you say following is
heartfelt. There is an opportunity that I have and I wanted
others experiences to become more aware because I feel closed
to this way without knowing about it.
FraturAnhur:
"What I meant by Guru is the masses, cult following of
thougsands of people have any of you been part of this kind
of following?” hmmm...A grinning, monkey-faced guru? I
have been a member of a famous cult and was a True Believer
for many years. My Mother, a True Believer still, introduced
me at a young age and got me involved with other kids from the
Cult. I consider this cult to be one of the most dangerous threats
to the future of humanity and, more importantly (by a million
light years), the unique individual. This cult has many names
and covers most of this planet Earth. They believe that they
follow the supreme and only true God, a Patriarchal, vengeful
and Punishing Slave-Master, who expects his servants (those
lower and less holy than himself) to deny their own True Self
and their Worldly Pleasures, placing all their passion and HEART
into His service and for His concerns, making sure to keep them
in line with threats of eternal damnation and fiery-brimstone
if they were to disobey His orders and self-made rules. He said
that we are sheep and he the Good Shepherd. He may mean by this
that we are so foolish and ignorant that we can have no idea
what is best for yourself(s) and that, knowing us better than
we know ourselves, he made a quick summary of his wisdom and
asked some of his helpless (but less sheeply-than-thou type)
sheep to teach his unbreakable-laws to other sheep so that they
may imitate likewise, never asking why...doing what sheep do.
For many years I was a member of the Baptist-Christian-Cult.
I have also been a unwilling member (hostage) of the Democratic-Cult,
who worship the state and liberalism, saying that we are free
while subjecting us to a set of laws arranged by past dinosaur-state-leaders
or state-systems and reworked with each new body to be more
in line with what these God-figures believe is right or wrong
for the brainless-zombie-individual-worker-bee-mentalist-robot!
They give
us enough "freedom" to keep us from becoming bored;
like a slave master who allows his slaves to sing and dance
between East-enders and the 11 c'clock news! (So bored that
we realize
the hypocrisy that surrounds us and the ignorance their law
and their ideals about order and freedom, that in themselves
produce the very reason I need to rebel.) This cult say that
we must unite as human beings (or beans...in a big, foaming
broth of our own juices!) and destroy such things as private
opinion, ego, and self with their devices, often classified
under such titles as advertising, media and public opinion,
news, welfare, "humanitatianism", and all the other
forms of the Demon Chorozon 333. We should transfer our worth
unto them and their ideals, thus making the world a more "human"
place to exist. They say we will find ourselves by becoming
the same as everyone else...They may just be right...after all,
the Demon they worship will feed only on those who feed him,
those who cannot adapt from their robot-insect lifestyle! This
cult, with the help of other liberalist-cults such as Communism
(not forgetting all the other political liberals and humanitarian
liberals), helped us discover the great achievements of human-un-kind,
such as the Atom Bomb, the machine gun, gas chambers, the Iron
Curtain, Spy Satellites, Class structures, prison, Inner City
Slums and the Dole Check, etc. They achieved moments of great
historical worth, such as, World War One and Two, the French
Revolution, the Cold War, Vietnam, Apartheid, Drug Wars, Richard
Nixon, and so on...
Their behavior
may suggest that these creatures are monkeys, not even fitting
of the description "Advanced Primates." They can hardly
even begin to imagine themselves as what some may classify as
HUMAN. They kill each other, then while smashing the skulls
of the enemies they themselves appointed the shadowy position,
screaming from the tree tops of peace between all men and, if
the occassion calls for it, of the Christian Thing To Do. I
can agree on the latter based on the history of Xianity...or
Christ-INSANITY!!! I have been a member of many cults for most
of my young life of 23 years, one called Television, one called
public opinion, organized religion, and may other fantastic
opportunities for self-destruction. Even those cults I have
not been privileged enough to be a member of have affected me
in some way...the Nazi Party, the Klu Klux Klan, the Noddy and
Big Ears Fan Club, Tesco Clubcard, and so on... But, there is
hope yet!...I have managed so far to undo my brainwashed-conditioning
to the extent that I am beginning to see the flaws in their
plans. The flaw?...I, as a reasonably intelligent and creative
advanced primate, am not willing to sacrifice my SELF...my HUMANITY;
striving to become HUMAN by a integration of ALL into the Self,
while striving to own ALL that I AM and disregard, perhaps only
temporarily, that for which I have no immediate use. I am G.O.D,
the Gatherer Of Data! Therefore, I have formed my own cult.
I am its One True Leader. There is no "we" in my cult.
I have only one member....myself! The Sub-genius Mega-Mushroom-Cloud-Church
Ov Thee Gr-Hateful Saint of Eros and Lord of the Universe...the
great EYE (or I) that is myself. There is no part of me that
is not part of the Gods. In my cult there exists a motto..."DO
WHAT THOU WILT SHALL BE THE WHOLE OF THE LAW. LOVE IS THE LAW.
LOVE UNDER WILL." Lotus:
Elk Woman,
your question was quite clear to me the first time. No I have
never been part of a cult but I have witnessed the results of
following power and money instead of enlightenment, love and
peace. Well said Northern Star* you have done a lovely job summing
up reasons people choose to follow "Enlightened Holy"
Ones. Beautifully stated!
EaglesHand:
Hello Elk Woman and Everyone, The question you raise Elk Woman
has been a very important one for me on my path. I do not see
any contradiction between what you are saying and someone having
a human guide, teacher or guru. Because as I understand what
you are talking about is being inner-directed. That to me is
a crucial point in following a life-path. If you are directed
from within to find a teacher or a guru than wonderful. However
I do see there is a belief and we are encouraged to find our
truth and answers from outside ourselves. I believe today there
is a growing sense in some of the population to go their own
way. Which is the other extreme which was something I had to
do as well. I can't make this flow so forgive me. The most frustrating
thing I experienced an still experience to a degree. Is finding
places an groups to participate in because usually they are
united around a particular truth. That is wonderful. But I do
think is speaks to what you are saying as well Elk Woman. Because
there are few spiritual groups that welcome and embrace the
concept of spiritual diversity in the same church and or spiritual
community. Being led from within and being lead in a different
direction. Or learning a different spiritual way can be seen
as very challenging in spiritual interactions in finding community.
The way I explain it. Being, living growing and healing from
the inside out and then from the outside in. Being on a non-traditional
path I had to go inward and reconnect with my spiritual source,
self and life-path. I am guided from within and through this
guidance there is a relationship and dance I am in with the
life and resources around me. I do not know for sure however
there does not seem to be books, seminars gatherings etc. that
aide support or teach us how to take our inward journey of spiritual
independence. I am talking about a generic language that simply
has a variety of tools, suggestions and practices that have
no belief inherent within them but empowering a person to become
their own teacher or connect with the teacher within or whatever
they find within themselves. One thing about books like this.
It changes the author relationship to those that buy the book.
You don’t have to spend the next 5 or 10 years buying their
books, going to their seminars and everything else. To hear
the same thing rehashed over and over. Seeing yourself as the
problem and with one more $$$ dollar workshop you might get
it and live happily ever after. I do believe in the need for
support, discussion and aide in coming together with our spiritual
self, truth, source or whatever we call it. If in fact we do
find a spiritual source or if we do not. This journey is challenging
and wonderful and support in continuing to find and operate
out of our own truth is very important.
I just believe going inward
or hearing from within what is right for you is a more authentic
approach. And you can see the difference in those who living
from the inside out. Whether with an outside teacher or guide
or someone being their own teacher and guide for the most part.
Both can be inner directed in finding the right perfect experience
for them. Whereas it seems when looking outside of oneself they
are all over the place. Trying this group and that group. Reading
this book and that book to find it. There is a lot of information
about many different spiritual practices and quotes of many
people on a variety of subjects. What I am seeing is missing
a personal experience of what is experienced in general when
we take our personal inward journey. Great discussion and topic.
Thanks Elk Woman and Everyone.
Glamatlos:
“Why do some people follow others e.g. Guru's? I can and
do get great advice from others but follow my own inner guidance
on everything. I can be persuaded by others but I accept responsibility
for my choices.”
I believe this question is an opinion
poll of sorts and I will answer as such. Personally, I believe
the majority of people make the choice to blindly follow another
person ie a Guru, because they do not want personal responsibility
for whatever reason. They want to look outside themselves for
the answers, they want to have someone else be their source
of salvation and they want someone else to take the blame. That
may sound like a bad thing and there is a part of me that says
it is, but there is a part of me that understands that we are
all at a different place with regard to spiritual development.
While it is not my path to blindly follow someone else, I can
see how someone else might use it for spiritual development.
There are things we learn as leaders and there are things we
learn as followers. I do learn from other people, and I sometimes
teach other people. I also always use my inner guidance on everything
as I feel that due to freewill, everything in life is a choice.
I just find it ironic to use freewill to give up ones freedom.
Hoka Hey!
ElkWoman:
Fantastic, very honest and interesting replies. Frater you have
experienced a lot so young and made your own walk. That experience
will help you greatly way later on. Eagle your reply resonated
very deeply....an aha moment of recognition re the human need
for belonging. One big feeling I got from these replies was
the lack of defensiveness in answering a question that could
prove difficult for some, due to memories and experiences. The
'heart' felt thing though can be misinterpreted at times to
teach us a lesson. Balance is required in everything. Glamatios
I did just that at one point in time....give up responsibility
for my life....I didn't want to be in control. Surrender. Good
or bad? Both? LOL! You triggered a memory! I feel maybe it’s
necessary to be or experience the good the bad and the ugly.
The reason these three things aren't translated the same by
everyone is because its great to experience individuality ....but
to experience is the key.
WolfSpirit:
Elk Woman, I am very late to this thread, so interest may have
already died, but I will post my thoughts just the same. I had
no teacher really for the first 5 years of seeking: it was all
from books. Then just after i hit 30, I did start to follow
a physical teacher blindly at about the time i began to take
my path a little more seriously, but it was not a Cult situation:
it was a one on one, and it occurred at a time when I was quite
vulnerable, and with a teacher who was pretty much after a following
rather than guiding a student. That stage was set then for the
three years I was with the first teacher. I learnt a lot from
that teacher and how spirit eventually showed me what was going
on: mainly how to step aside and "feel" the energy
of a teacher. I never quite trusted the second "teacher"
who came into my life, but there were other people around who
i did trust, so that was the next two-three years. Then I went
to my first internet site: but that teacher was like my first:
and we both know what happened there. That brings me to SL where
I feel I have found my feet. Now physical teachers are coming
forward: now I "feel" anybody I come into contact
with who is on a spiritual path: I never make any rush decisions:
I shield and allow that person to show me whatever it is they
are meant to show me: for good or for bad: shadow teachers are
just as important sometimes as "holy men" and taking
what I need and allowing the rest to dissipate into the ether.
I find it helps to listen to a lot of people now, and then form
my own opinion: I hope I am respectful to all I meet and allow
everyone to share their wisdom: even if it is a shadow lesson.
Maybe this is because I have been burnt in the past, I now find
that the more we allow our own senses, once honed, to guide
us the better. As to mass cults: I agree with all EaglesHand
has said, and it is all very true, but mass cults to me do not
allow the breadth of experience that I feel I need, and I think
a lot of people today are the same, to me, the fall in organized
religion is a sign of this. Personally I couldn't see myself
ever joining a particular cult: it would be too limiting: I
am quite happy to read the beliefs of any cult that may crop
up from a distance, to see if any of it adds to my knowledge,
but I don't think that it would be advantageous to join one.
Unregistered Guest:
For the first half of my life I had organized religion thrust
upon me and while some parts of it were quite wonderful, other
aspects of it did not "grab me". Since my early 20's
I have been walking my own path... I've stumbled and fallen.
Picked myself up and brushed myself off. I haven't always made
the right decisions, but my faith in Spirit/ God has carried
me through. I actually had considered entering the seminary
last year as I appear to have a gift for it, but I realized
I'd be working in someone else’s "box" and that
didn't feel very comfortable. Since I have always believed that
there is a Higher Power than myself, I do not feel as though I need to follow others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Libraries
are on this row
|
|
|
INDEX
Page 3
(Main Section, Medicine Wheel, Native Languages &
Nations, Symbology)
|
|
INDEX
Page 5
(Sacred Feminine & Masculine, Stones & Minerals)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
©
Copyright: Cinnamon Moon & River WildFire Moon (Founders.)
2000-date
All rights reserved.
Site
constructed by Dragonfly
Dezignz 1998-date
|
|
