02-26-2009, 08:34 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-26-2009, 08:35 AM by rva_jeremy.)
Good input from everybody, thanks much.
In discussing this topic I try to think about what led me down my path. My parents were spiritually aware, and they taught me principles from A Course in Miracles. Around age 13 I had experiences that prompted me to start exploring Edgar Cayce, and everything kind of proceeded from there. These experiences, such as prayers being answered, ignited my curiosity, and since my parents were already down that path there was plenty of material in the house to explore.
What makes me wonder is that my two brothers grew up with the same conditions and yet did not turn on to spirituality. They were aware of it because of my parents' emphasis on it, but to them it seems like it was more church than substance.
This all leads me to believe that there is only so much you can do. Ra says that the important thing is to give the child a background framework with which they have the opportunity to explore spirituality (42.15). After that, it's up to the child him or herself. The downside is that you don't get to guarantee your child's spiritual progress. The upside is that whatever progress they make comes from within, is motivated by authentic experiences (instead of contrived ones), and is grounded in a way that nobody can actually teach.
In conclusion, I find this quote to be helpful in approaching otherselves in just about any context of service, and it definitely applies to parenting:
In discussing this topic I try to think about what led me down my path. My parents were spiritually aware, and they taught me principles from A Course in Miracles. Around age 13 I had experiences that prompted me to start exploring Edgar Cayce, and everything kind of proceeded from there. These experiences, such as prayers being answered, ignited my curiosity, and since my parents were already down that path there was plenty of material in the house to explore.
What makes me wonder is that my two brothers grew up with the same conditions and yet did not turn on to spirituality. They were aware of it because of my parents' emphasis on it, but to them it seems like it was more church than substance.
This all leads me to believe that there is only so much you can do. Ra says that the important thing is to give the child a background framework with which they have the opportunity to explore spirituality (42.15). After that, it's up to the child him or herself. The downside is that you don't get to guarantee your child's spiritual progress. The upside is that whatever progress they make comes from within, is motivated by authentic experiences (instead of contrived ones), and is grounded in a way that nobody can actually teach.
In conclusion, I find this quote to be helpful in approaching otherselves in just about any context of service, and it definitely applies to parenting:
Quote: (17.2) It is impossible to help another being directly. It is only possible to make catalyst available in whatever form, the most important being the radiation of realization of oneness with the Creator from the self, less important being information such as we share with you.