What Price Do You Place on Knowledge?

[gruntal]

I was wondering about things. All sorts of things. It would seem I was never satisfied with the answers. Maybe that is because there were always ulterior motives involved. Influence and control. Or acceptance. Or vindication. Knowledge for it's own sake wasn't a very popular concept in my society.

I confess being smart does have a hidden purpose: it means less dependence on the others. Ignorant people are very insecure and for good reason.

Now I am gaining knowledge I can't even share. That makes me feel special. So I guess I got what I wanted and am grateful. But I am still in need of a teacher. No folly worst then dropping out even as I see most of the others come awhile but never stay. I was told they came for what they wanted and then left. No need to feel sorry for them. Or contempt.

I do not know what the limit is to this life time or what to expect. I am only now just defining things. It isn't as easy or obvious as you might think. That is what I have learned most of all: my very world expands and yet I am as small as ever. It seems it should make a difference. But as for now I am just going thru the grateful stage. It keeps me going.

I do wonder - what will be revealed - how can I make use of it? What will it cost me to learn this? What sort of promise should I make? At some point in time I think I will pay any price. Then I get comfortable. Enough said. If there was ever a reason to treat the others fairly it must be because I thought I owed somebody something for the enlightenment I had and hoped to have in the future.

It means a lot to me to know things ....

[tribunalofmercy]

I think gratefulness is Important, george. I'm grateful you have become okay with Sharing what's on your mind

I'm not worried. Knowledge is a Big thing, and we're going to Get it. But what we Do with it, is a make-or-break thing, you know? I've said it before: a Major Toy in the hands of children that are not age-appropriate can get mangled in a Hurry.

So we get knowledge. Then what? How will we know how to Use it? I propose there will ultimately be Wisdom involved, or the knowledge will get mangled and be worthless.

Keep plugging away, my friend - that's what I tell myself when I get impatient or wonder What Next?

[aceofcups]

to me Gruntal your post brought to my mind the famous metaphoric zen story about a student looking for The Absolute ( ie God):

it goes like this ...

A long term awakened meditator was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. "teacher, I wish to become your student," said the young man. "Why?" replied the teacher. The young man thought for a moment. "Because I want to find God."

The teacher jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water.

After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the teacher finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath.

When he eventually quieted down, the teacher spoke. "Tell me, what did you want most of all when you were under water."

"Air!" answered the student.

"Very well," said the teacher.

"Go home and  and practice your spiritual path -  until  - you want God as much as you just wanted air."


peace