Post by I AM the Way on Apr 20, 2012 9:57:37 GMT -6
Apr 20, 2012 9:12:17 GMT -6 @yrreiht said:
There is a big difference between intellectually knowing something, and understanding through practicing it. Without practice, theory is never more than theory. When knowledge is related to the Work it is even worse.I have been told that in some 4th way schools, students eventually know everything and are able to give the exact definition and meaning of every word and expression related to the 4th way. They read all the authors and discuss all books. Their analyses are good, often brilliant. Yet, after 15 years of Work they are the same, barely N°4. No progress.
Isn't it obviously better to read less and apply what you have learned? Isn't it better to see yourself if it's true? When you "know" something in the gnostic sense of the word, you know that it's true... because you experienced it, because it gave results. Then you cannot forget it, you digested the knowledge and it is part of you.
To continue with the digestion metaphor, eating too much is harmful. All these theories, all this knowledge unrelated to your experience cannot be of real use. Worse, probably some of your so-called knowledge is false or inapplicable to your situation. This will greatly complicate further progress.
I came to the conclusion that reading and theorizing too much is harmful and counter-productive. And what is too much, assuming that there is nothing wrong with knowledge itself? Too much is when the intellectual and non-verified part clearly exceeds your being.
Awake !
I did a little editing of your post quoted above. Let me know what you think of it, Yrreiht.
I agree that too much knowledge without enough being creates lopsided understanding, which is the same as misunderstanding. Once we know, we must take steps to practice what we've learned, to use it. Otherwise, as you mentioned, it's a waste.
I hope that Cultists reading this will not just nod their head and say to themselves, "Yes, that is true." If you've learned something about expressing negative emotions, then apply that learning. The same with identifying or taking ourselves as a singular 'I'. Practice what the Masters preached so that we may verify our understanding.
This is why I ask for specifics, why I encourage you to write down exactly what your problems are, as well as, how such problematic scenarios unfold. Uncovering the horror of our situation cannot be accomplished through vague generalities. Don't tell your brothers and sisters of this school that you talk too much or that you're too angry or have trouble paying attention. Instead, describe the details - especially personal details - surrounding a specific moment or collection of similar moments. Without that kind of super-effort, going above and beyond what is expected, the Work will never take hold and give birth to a new self... like masturbation, it will remain an unfruitful exercise.
Awake!
Venger As'Nas Satanis
Ipsissimus
Cult of Cthulhu