Quote:Kyo, you are a kind, articulate, and sincere truth seeker. You have an appreciative following here and I hope you continue to post undaunted. We can't please everyone! But your reliance on Hilarion and your statements like (1)-(3) below mean that we are so different in what we deem conceivable that meaningful dialogue seems impossible. Don.
Dear Don, thank you. Likewise, I have positive regard for you, you're a clearly sincere and compassionate truth seeker who makes considerable effort in your sharing and helping others.
Your points are appreciated and agreed. As you say, it is true that meaningful dialogue with each other, at least in terms of philosophical or theosophical discussion, is not appropriate. But that is not necessarily a tragedy. I personally view it on a positive note, that we are able to respect each other's perspectives and continue our sharing with others.
As such, I will continue my afore-stated stand of not engaging in a direct debate with you, for I do not feel that will be of benefit to either of us, nor to the others.
Hilarion, incidentally, adopts a similar approach (so to speak). I once asked him to comment on certain individuals and their schools of thought. He replied matter-of-factly, "We aren't into the habit of commenting on other channels, and we're certainly not going to start now."
When others ask Hilarion very definitive, specific questions on controversial issues (eg. what killed the dinosaurs, comet or volcanic activity? the two main scientific models. Another example would be certain 'new-agers' various beliefs or ideas about 'Ascension'), depending on the nature of the topic, Hilarion often says, "We have no wish to unduly influence your thinking or opinion on this debate. However, what we would like to point that, that it is helpful for you to consider...".
And so on and so forth. I personally find that Hilarion's approach, is very helpful. And serves as a reminder for myself, that one 'should' (ie. self-responsibility dictates that "should" = "I would like *myself* to") be mindful and aware, that there is a fine balance between engaging in personal debates, as opposed to sharing of perspectives.
I will still comment (ie. share my personal opinion) on certain points, regardless of who brought them up in the forum, but I would not wish to attack that person directly. We might say, we're only debating on the issues, not with each other. But it's a very fine, dangerous line to walk (evident in flame wars on *every* forum in the internet).
You're a good man, Don. Have a good day.
Kyo