Choices and Learning
Searles

Wed Aug 19 14:53:53 1998
On two separate lists, to which I belong, a matter has arisen for discussion that bears the stamp of synchronicity.  I though the topic would be a good one for us to consider here.*p*In answer to the question, "Can anyone really know what they will do until they are faced with a choice?," let me say that those who truthfully know themselves and are capable of knowing the reality of life's choices fully, can say what they will do when faced with a multitude of choices.  Obviously, the logic of such choosing becomes very complex as the number of choices and value judgements increase within a particular timeframe. If this understanding is taken to the limits that are imposed by this reality, then all choices become the right choices.  It is only within the areas of judgement that are local to any given set of conditions that the sum of the actions and choices indicate such things as "good" or "evil."*p*The platform of reference for choices must be known to the parties choosing in order for the merits of a choice to become more obvious.  When the social, moral, physical, esoteric and philosophical boundaries, limitations and domains are clearly defined within the reality of the people, the Land and the Gods, then the matter of choice has an internal meaning to the system and the participants.  Examples of such systems and the effectiveness of previously making choices are: football games, baseball games, chess matches, battles, combats, computer programs, rituals, driving a car, flying an airplane and most other disciplines that offer finite choices and a clear set of rules.  If one is within such a domain of activity, then proficiency and performance are each enhanced by both prior experiences and practices.  Previous consideration is a technique that allows one to investigate the possible situations that can occur, as well as to ascertain one's capabilities to implement solutions to those that are deemed harmful (or to develop enhancements to those that can be improved) . *p* Dreams can be interpreted within the boundaries of many situations. Depending upon what meaning is assigned to each of the symbols and persons within it, her actions can be deemed wise or foolish.  Normally a dream that comes from within oneself contains a lesson that the subconscious mind or the greater consciousness is trying to communicate to the fore-mind.  The symbols that are chosen for this can sometimes be skewed from normal reality to more greatly impact the conscious attention.  Life, the dream that is reality, is IMO sometimes affected by the gods in this way, so that we are faced with choices that force us to learn from our actions.  It is when this process of learning through life has taught us knowledge of self and not-self that we are ready for our next lesson.  If we no longer think but truly know, then our time upon the wheel is over and the focus of our spirit is in powering the wheel for others.*p* Powering the wheel of learning for others is a chosen task of the Druid Tradition IMO. There are many ways that such knowledge can be obtained and retained.  Oral or written traditions are well known as methods of the transmission of knowledge.  Besides these two forms of teaching and learning that can be passed down from teacher to student, it is also possible for knowledge to be passed down through genetics, bloodlines, instincts, racial memory, esoteric enlightenment and the gods themselves.  The goal of the pursuit of knowledge is to gain a greater awareness and understanding of the state of the worlds and the selves.  After one has arrived at such knowledge on a subject, thinking about it only, just won't do! :-) Knowing it fully, embracing it totally and seeing it come alive are the goals of a parent in knowledge.*p*Many Druids and Druidic organizations that are known to me are seeking better ways to communicate their wisdom to the world in this present-day age of communication.  Here in The Summerlands, teaching and learning are two of our highest goals and ambitions.  We have been experimenting with various approaches to achieving these dreams.  I'm looking for suggestions from my partners in the knowledge quest, as to how we can best teach and learn in this world thirsting for the mysteries and answers of Draíocht.   *p*Searles*br*




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