2009-7-9 03:45:00
Next question:
Suppose the initiate looks at the situation of the planet and concludes that there is only a handful of great works that are even possible to initiate in his lifetime. He recognizes his own limitations (which is important) and realizes that he has not the internal resources to spearhead the work or do it alone.
How then should he use his power of initiation?
Thanks for your responses. They were all good answers. I'll add a few things.
The disciple may not be in a situation or have the know-how or resources to initiate a monumental work to change the world. If he sees that he is unable to create great change or initiate a great work the worst thing he can do is to throw his hands in the air and do nothing.
Instead, each seeker must assess himself and then ask himself what he can realistically do to serve. There is always something. If he cannot find anything then he is not looking.
One quality that the accepted disciple has registered in his psyche is this. He wants to create change beyond that which affects his individual self, his family or community. He desires to create the most far reaching change that is possible -- preferably something that will affect the whole world. On the other hand, few disciples have the ability to spearhead such a work. What can they do then to serve as the feel impressed from within?
First, he or she must pick their area of interest. Is it politics, spirituality, education, science or what?
For most of this group it would be spirituality and for some politics.
Once the seeker has identified his areas of interest he then needs to survey the ideas circulating in the world and pick one that has the greatest possibility to create the desired change. Finally, he needs to support that work according to his talents and capacity to serve.
He can serve with his labor and his financial resources. It seems in this age that the greater is the light available the more difficult it is to gather the finances necessary to make a difference.
One thing that each person with power to initiate can do is follow Duke's suggestion which is to start a local group. This opportunity exists as long as the seeker lives in an area with a reasonable population.
We all know that starting a worldwide or national organization is difficult indeed. That doesn't mean that a local group is a piece of cake. Starting any group centered around new ideas is difficult and tests the power to initiate in any seeker. Even so, it can be done if the laborer persists, holds his vision and does not give up. If he does not have the talent others will come forth who can help get the job done.
In conclusion the most important thing the initiate or disciple can realize is that an initiate initiates. The would-be disciple must therefore ask -- what can I initiate or assist to initiate?
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."
-- Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)
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