In regards to eating meat

[Monica]

Ra states that the first and second dimensions function pretty much automatically, even though animals are indeed intelligent and conscious wouldn't this also suggest that those in charge of "deciding" what their life will be for are aware of their most likely path given the planetary conditions?

Ultimately, yes, in the same way that the Higher Self of a 3D human murder victim is aware of planetary conditions and the results of that particular lifetime.

That doesn't justify murdering someone.

Murder/rape/war etc. all happen here on this planet. Hopefully, evolution does ultimately take place (though perhaps despite those conditions, rather than because of, in some cases).

My points in this discussion revolve around the question of whether we, as entities who have consciously chosen the STO path, can justify our participation in the slaughter of animals.

I'm not saying that things couldn't be more humane, and that there is an overindulgence of meat, however I think that the idea of eating flesh isn't necessarily STS in nature.

This precise point was discussed at length in this thread.

Do not the animals also gain in positive polarity by their sacrifice and thus also have the possibility of increased spiritual growth?

Given that the main objective for 2D entities is to become self-aware, there is no doubt that experiencing extreme pain and terror might help facilitate that.

However, it seems to me that that is a horrible way to become self-aware, and it sets the stage for many future lifetimes. An entity who became self-aware in such a way might be much more inclined to accept violence as a 3D entity, or may even be more attracted to the STS path.

The logic behind this is based on what we know of children who were horribly abused and then grow up to be hardened criminals.

My argument here is not a "this or that" sort of thing, but to present the idea that everything is a relationship. In whatever way a human "negatively" takes from an animal, it should be positively restored to the animal in spirit,

Perhaps so, in the way that the Native Americans did it...they thanked the animal as its lifeforce departed its body.

However, I don't see how any exchange can possibly take place, when meat is purchased from a store. That animal died weeks ago, alone and in pain and terror. No one helped that animal make his transition. His soul is long gone by the time a human eats his body.

Neither do I see any positive exchange taking place when a hunter kills a deer in the forest, and boasts about his trophy.

this would seem to me the way karma works. It is not just with particular deeds but with absolutely every action. In short, negativity is much of an illusion.

In the Law of One, negativity isn't an illusion. It is a valid path.

Our 3D reality is an illusion, and 3D entities dwell in it for the purpose of choosing either the STO or STS path.