Guest guest Posted May 21, 2003 Report Share Posted May 21, 2003 Hello All, It might be possible to meld jnana and bhakti under the one style and title of religious experience of which we might declare that: It is not just an experience but a transforming experience. Psychologically if something is coming from your own egoic store it is not a tranform but some buried information. You won't be moving to any new level of awareness but simply confirming that which is already there. The limit case of this is the paranoid conspiracy theorist who sees the plot against him at all times and all places constantly unfolding. Any new information turns into that old information. Because of the endlessly novel elaboration of the spiritual life the devotee knows that after a fashion - 'everything I know is wrong'. So there is no lemming like rush over the cliff into the sea of faith. Others (direct approach wallahs) will reject this gradualism as being essentially illusory - I yam what I yam, I'm Popeye the sailor man. Many people get on very well with it by maintaining a sense of irony - ho hum new level - and do not fall into the despair of endless personal development. Spiritual growth in the Christian tradition is sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit - Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and the Fear of the Lord. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generousity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity. So continue with the notebooks, the journals, the agenbyte of inwit (remorse of conscience), 'grow in faith and love'. Best Wishes, Michael. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.