Theos-Talk Archives (November 1999 Message tl00345)

Randy wrote:

>Who has decided that carnal pursuits are wrong?

Carnal pursuits are not "wrong" but they can serve as a hindrance.  Simple
example:  if a woman is speaking to a man, and the man finds himself
distracted with fantasizes of sex with the woman or how big her bust is, he
has ceased listening to her.  If she says something of value, he will miss
it.  'Tis the same if the genders were reversed.

Sex itself, and thoughts of it, can be healthy and lead individuals in
further understanding the bond between people.  But when sexual overtones,
references, or statements, are taken into areas where they do not belong,
the original interaction risks being overshadowed, thoughts of being an
object rather than a mind surface, and people may not be heard or
understood.

>If the world and all the creatures in it are things of beauty, how do we
>decide which desires or passions(excluding the obvious no nos such as
murder)
>should or should not be pursued and why?

First of all, creatures are not "things."  The world and all the creatures
in it are beings in their own right - it is acceptable to appreciate and
admire the beauty contained within, but it is "wrong" when one tries to
'capture' beings for their own use or enjoyment.

The mutual exchange of beauty is balance - but "pursuing" beauty is
ignoring that "beauty" does not wish to be earnestly sought after, for that
implies that both "beauty" is a "thing" and that "beauty" is lacking around
the pursuer at the moment.  "Beauty," in a mind that believes it must be
pursued, will not be able to genuinely appreciate any "beauty" they believe
they have sought and captured, for they cannot yet even see the beauty that
is all around him/her.

There is no need to "pursue" what is already around us - be it love or
beauty.  It is only a matter of being open enough to recognize it, and
then, accepting it - after that, love and beauty will serve as a guidance
in all matters.

Kym