Theos-Talk Archives (August 2002 Message tt00064)

In a message dated 08/06/02 11:35:15 AM, alessifedor@yahoo.com (Alessi 
Fedorowicz) writes:

>This discussion regarding the left or the right intrigued me. There 
>are many shades of gray regarding the "right" path, relatively 
>speaking.
>
>Who's to say that the right-handed path is not really the left-handed 
>path or vice-versa?
>
>What is your reasoning for saying that the left-handed path is a 
>valid path if it leads to a more delusional state of mind? Isn't 
>that the path of insanity?
>
>How is it that the right-handed path can lead to confusion? Perhaps, 
>those who are in confusion on the right-handed path are really on the 
>left-handed path. A sure-footed fanatic who thinks he is on the 
>right-handed path may not be where he thinks he is at.
>
>I would like to know what you think of my questions.

To answer your questions it would help if we defined the "right hand path" 
simply as the path of selflessness and compassion for the welfare of others 
-- and the "left hand path" as the path of selfishness and unconcern for the 
welfare of others. 

Both paths would lead to the same attainment of "enlightenment" and 
understanding of the potential application of all the powers of nature. 
Whether one is confused or not on either path would depend solely on the 
degree of openness or closedness of the acolyte's mind. As the Buddha said, 
"Everything we are is the result of what we have thought -- and everything 
we will become is the result of what we are thinking now."

Upon the attainment of sufficient knowledge of the true nature of reality, 
and control over those "powers of nature," the practices of acolytes on the 
right hand path may be considered "white magic" -- and those of the left hand 
path, "black magic."

Best wishes,

LHM