Comment

Comment by Dewald Bester on September 7, 2018 at 9:06am

Hi

I think I've understood you. Though, one can never be certain on the internet. To me you have presented a 'commonsense' perspective on the issue, one which I am more or less trying to hang on to myself. Instead of analysing what seems to me to be a slightly circular position, I will rather just say what I personally feel on these issues in general. I think Theosophy, theosophy, Spiritual, and spiritual persons might review commonsense positions in the light of contemporary thought. Those who want to, of course. Not simply because these critiques are powerful and pervasive, but also because we need to remain relevant and re-present ideas in contemporary jargon. And, if we are not critiquing potent materialistic presentations they will eventually totally predominate. We should become active participants in contemporary debates.

These are not new topics.

If one framed the issue in terms of studies on mysticism/mystical experience - one could juxtapose Steven T. Katz against Robert K. C. Forman. I just took these as two opposing examples, this is not something I am claiming any specialisation in.

Rgds

Dewald

Comment by Unseeking Seeker on September 7, 2018 at 7:57am

Hi Dewald!

I am not certain what you are trying to say as far as ‘phenomenology, correspondence theories of truth, coherence theories of truth’ are concerned. By ‘truth’, what I had simply sought to convey is the direct internal spiritual experience we actually feel in lived reality when we are immersed in an aspect of prayer or meditation. The truth, this truth, alluded to is singular but its manifestations may be diverse... the experience depends upon the flow of divine energy within us, constrained by the self imposed ego generated blockages within our consciousness, which vary from person to person and as such, the manifestations may vary.

Be the manifestations of any colouration, we can possibly agree to affirm that the truth may be taken as the expansion of our consciousness brought about by our having imbibed the divine love attribute during our meditational engagement. Assimilation of the experience is of course another matter.

Taking up the aspects of religion and tradition, these are matters of faith or conditioning or both, dependent upon factors external to us, which we were born into. In my present view, faith without direct realisation is possibly an untenable position, since it is a borrowed idea, which we have vicariously adopted. At best it is theoretical knowledge; not practical wisdom. In most cases, we are not truly open to views contrary to our religious beliefs but the same does not hold good for theosophy or spirituality, whatever we wish to call it. Therein lies the difference.

Yet, in all humility, it is acknowledged that I know not the efficacy of any path or religion or tradition as relative to another. Perhaps, the key is to find the roots, going within. All roots should eventually get to the singular source!

Bikram

Comment by Dewald Bester on September 7, 2018 at 5:31am

Hi

I think the 'truth' and its possible apprehension by human beings has been a basic subject of western philosophy. More recently, I am thinking of phenomenology, correspondence theories of truth, coherence theories of truth, pragmatism, etc.

I wondered if you felt there may be some value for persons with more 'religious' worldviews in engaging in the western philosophical traditions on this issue?

Rgds

Dewald