That perception is highly arguable, as it implies that there is a restriction to what can learned when conditions are good, but some things can only be done in trying circumstances. Of course, there is a view that this whole planet Earth has been created as a school [1] for somewhat recalcitrant souls (joke, Joyce [2]), but consider, for instance:
- overcoming socially accepted values, or not doing the "milestone" thing as I posted about recently, or
- proving you are not bigoted by reacting to new experiences without prejudice.
Let's consider those points in a little more detail.
A few centuries ago, when slavery was considered "normal" (socially acceptable - even the foundation of the economic system), the people who were courageous, spiritually advanced and admirable were the people who went against the social flow, who stood up to what "everyone" considered normal - in fact, essential for the continued existence of the world (as they knew it, at any rate). Now, slavery in most nations is banned (although it still exists), and the "normal" view is that slavery is wrong. People who speak out against slavery now are doing something that is right, admirable and useful ... but it is NOT in the same category of courage and spiritual vision as those who did so when the world was not so advanced (and, on this topic, although it is not perfect, it nevertheless still IS better than it was a few centuries ago).
So ... being spiritual and inclusive when others are not shows your spiritual mettle far better than simply going along with the crowd when everyone else is being inclusive and spiritual.
Another example of that is not going along with undesirable behaviour, simply because "everyone else does it". In a small way, this means NOT doing drugs when you're young "because everyone else does it", or not trying stealing because your peers say it is a thrill. This sort of behaviour, when magnified, becomes the driver who obediently takes Jews to be gassed ... SERIOUSLY!
It is not very fashionable to look at extreme degrees of such actions, but - apart from being wrong in and of itself! - "small" misdeeds really do have an active influence psychically towards greater evil in the world, and they do open the possibility of the person concerned, at some later date, in some later situation, doing the same thing, but to a slightly greater extent ... a bit like a junkie "needing" a bigger hit each time ...
Not everyone goes along with such things: some Germans refused to obey orders, and were declared by Israel to be "Righteous Among the Nations". Those people had courage and spiritual insight: I admire them for that. Have a look at some of their stories - for instance, here, here, here, here, here, and here, and here, here, here, here, and here.
Today, there are fewer opportunities to be so spectacularly humanitarian. They still exist (e.g., see the film "Hotel Rwanda"), and the caution I gave about the dangers of doing small evils also applies - in a positive way - when it comes to doing good: it may not be as spectacular as saving the lives of groups of people, but doing something like accepting the gender of trans people WITHOUT having to have prior education (as some people do: they don't have to have principles of human rights explained to them, they simply know that to do otherwise would cause serious distress, and choose not to do so) counts as effectively the same sort of spiritually advanced action.
When the world is a better place - and it WILL become better, some of the chances now about to show your spiritual mettle will be lost forever. So ... get in while you can, and rise above the world's circumstances as much as you can ... NOW.
Love, light, hugs and blessings
Gnwmythr
Notes:
- This concept is discussed by Lobsang Rampa in some of his books. From the index is "The Thirteenth Candle", this is mentioned on page 194 of "Cave of the Ancients", pages 92, 114, 126 and 144 of "Your Forever", page 85 of "The Saffron Robe", page 20 of "Chapters of Life", pages 113 and 139 of "Feeding the Flame", and page 130 of "The Thirteenth Candle".
- This phrase comes, I understand, from one of Graham Kennedy's early TV shows.
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Tags: attitudes, leadership, personal characteristics, personal responsibility, selflessness, society, socialisation, violence, courage, challenge, evolution, learning styles, evil,
First published: Wednesday 16th June, 2010
Last edited: Thursday 5th August, 2010 (added more tags)
