Studies in Light

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity and
I'm not sure about the former." -- Albert Einstein

Knowledge is omnipresent. The only thing we every really need to
learn is how to see it. Once we have, then we have to apply it to our
daily lives. Otherwise it is useless. One-way of learning is so
epigrammatic that we sometimes miss it. We sometimes have to remind
ourselves to be advertant to our surroundings and the hidden messages
in the words and actions of others. Not so much in what they say, but
in how they say it.

P. Coelho wrote:

"It's odd, the Warrior of Light says to himself. "I have met so many
people who at the first opportunity, try to show their worst
qualities. They hide their inner strength behind aggression and hide
the fear of loneliness behind an air of independence. They do not
believe in their own abilities, but are constantly trumpeting their
virtues."

A Warrior reads these messages in many of the men and women he meets.
He is never taken by appearances and makes it a point of remaining
silent when people try to impress him. He uses these occasions to
correct his own faults, for other people make and excellent mirror.

A Warrior takes every opportunity to teach himself."

(The Warrior of Light - A Manual Pg. 6)


Knowledge is power. And to those who are strong there will always be
those who come along in envy of that strength. If you do not know,
find out. Never limit yourself to just one way of thinking, one path,
or one point of view. Broaden your horizons to the furthest reaches
of the universe and then share what you know. You will enrich your
life and the lives of others in doing so. Even when they want to
argue your lesson.

Coelho continues:

"The Warrior of Light sometimes fights with those he loves.

The man who defends his friends is never overwhelmed by the storms of
life; he is strong enough to come through difficulties and carry on.

He does, however, often face challenges from those he is trying to
teach the art of the sword. His disciples provoke him into fighting
with them.

And the Warrior demonstrates his abilities: with just a few blows he
disarms his students, and harmony returns to the place where they
meet.

"Why bother to do that, when you are so much better than they are?"
asks the traveler.

"Because in challenging me, what they really want is to talk to me
and this is my way of keeping the dialog open," replies the Warrior."
(7)

Everyone has something to offer in a conversation. Even if they know
nothing of the topic they still has much to teach for those who pay
attention. In watching them we can see ourselves and what we might
do. Or not.

Never let your schooling interfere with your education.


Angel Snowden-2006