Theos-Talk Archives (November 1999 Message tl00241)

JRC wrote to Randy,

>>[Randy] They have no obligation, nor feel any, to share the truths with
>> the rest of humanity.
>
>[JRC] Just as you have no obligation, nor feel any, to share your
knowledge of
>driving with a four year old. Would it not largely be a waste of time, and
>far more likely to produce injury and death than any benefit?

There is a difference between knowledge and action.  The knowledge one
would give to a child regarding driving is only dangerous when the child
prematurely puts that knowledge into action - but, if taught correctly,
that risk is minimized.  Obviously, people DO give knowledge about driving
to children - what about all those fake little steering wheel toys that
parents buy for their children?  I am one who - although I have no children
- believe that a parent should offer knowledge about driving to a child
BEFORE they get behind the wheel.  It doesn't matter that the knowledge is
not COMPLETE knowledge - as with the driving wheel child seat - but it
introduces the child to the concept and then the child takes the concept,
absorbs it, and turns it into action in later years.  So, yes, I believe we
DO have an obligation to provide information about things whether or not a
person is actually ready to carry out the action. Same with sex education,
theosophy, money budgeting, marriage classes, theories of life, grocery
shopping, cooking, reading, playing an instrument, etc. . ..

>How
>very strange that people have no problem accepting that it will take at
>least 6 years, considerable expense, often a life close to poverty, complete
>focus and dedication (and usually a good deal of soul-searching), simply to
>earn an MBA

Many social justice organizations and other individuals DO HAVE A PROBLEM
with the fact that SOME people are required to live a "life close to
poverty" in order to earn a degree.  This economic suffering weeds out many
who cannot afford to earn a degree - it is not right and it is very
elitist.  Only those who know how to seek economic loans and find their way
through complex paperwork can manage to secure enough money to go to school
- in addition, those who already HAVE the money (via parents or other
contacts) DO NOT live lives of near "poverty" when going to school.

Education should be a right, not a priviledge - and that education includes
theosophy.  No one, not one of us, can POSSIBLY KNOW when someone is ready
or not for theosophical teachings.  Just because they do not meet one's
individual standards does not mean knowledge should be withheld.  It is
just plain arrogant to believe one has such a right to judge and discern
the inward capabilities of a person in understanding theosophical
teachings.  If the person is not ready or does not welcome the teachings,
they will leave and our task of passing on information to that particular
person will come to an end.

It is, whether we like it or not, implicit in all literature of
spirituality that we do, indeed, have an obligation to pass on what we have
learned - that is why we must be SURE that our knowledge teaches
compassion, understanding, and love - if taught correctly, what others do
with that knowledge will benefit all.  If one feels they are NOT READY to
teach, fine.  But the excuse by one who believes they have the answers,
then goes further to believe he/she dooes not have to teach because he/she
does not feel a person ready is simply using their own self as a universal
standard.

We seem to forget that at some time, somewhere, someone or something took a
chance on us, and taught us anyway.

Kym