*NOTE: This is a work in progress. These are provisional answers to common questions that reflect evolving points of view. Ultimately, we must each formulate our own questions and answer them for ourselves as best we can. Insofar as we defer to authority figures-- whether they are individuals or institutions --we become responsible for their point of view (revised 07/10/04).

A. When I assert that we are essentially Divine, I am not claiming to be God, per se, but that each of us participates in the life of the Divine--that we have eternal life. In Him we live and move and have our Being (Acts 17:28). Remember--there's more to You than meets the eye!

A. I take my stand beyond the polar opposition of good and evil in deference to the Good that is Absolute-- the One without a second -- and I affirm the relative conflict by taking up taking up my cross--freely, innocently, and without the spirit of revenge: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).

Q. Why would anyone possibly want to do that!!!???

A. Suffering and death are intrinsic to life as we know it. There is always a temptation to look for someone to blame and to evade hardship by exploiting other people. But when we consciously acknowledge our essential relationship to the One with whom we have to do; and when we determine to embrace our destiny-- whatever the turn of events --we learn to relate to others in the light of that relationship which all share in common--a relationship that is Absolute and eternal. In contrast, when we despair or become preoccupied with feelings of resentment and thoughts of revenge, we not only lose our peace of mind, but we tend to ignore or overlook real opportunities to make the world a better place for ourselves and those we love. By recognizing our essential relationship to the Divine and to one another-- friend and foe alike --we can transcend many of our differences and build a stronger community on the more substantial foundation of individual freedom, personal responsibility, and mutual respect.

A. No. In fact, the right course of action may occassionally accord with one's desire for Revenge. Nevertheless, the desire for revenge can never justify such action and should not be pursued as a end in itself. Cycle through The Four Precepts in your mind: 1) Remember your Divine essence, 2) Say Yes to life unconditionally, 3) Overcome the Spirit of Revenge,and 4) Follow your Bliss! Then make the best decision you can based on all the information at your disposal.

A. Yes--but you don't need my permission for that--you already enjoy that freedom! But be careful! This doesn't mean you will cease to make mistakes or that there will cease to be consequences for those mistakes. "Follow you bliss" is the 4th precept for a reason. If you will give due diligence to the first 3 precepts, chances are the last one won't cause you any great difficulties. Just remember to accept responsibility for your life: This is your World--You choose it!

A. Of course, we are all free to choose our alliances and we will always remain a community of interdependent individuals. However, because trade-offs must be made, it is easy slide into relationships that aren't really satisfying and then to blame others for our predicament. By accepting responsibility not only for our choices, but for all the random accidents that life sends our way, we put ourself in position to make better choices and will, in the process, build a world in which we are more at home. I emphasise following your bliss as a way of deliverence for those who are tempted to despair over their circumstances. Often, your bliss will be to do what is harder, not what is easier. But occasionally, you may find yourself mired in circumstances that you yourself perpetuate-- unnecessarily! --merely because you are afraid to do what you really want to do. Rather than charting a new course of action, you lash out at those around you and blame others for your unhappiness. Instead, why not cycle through The Four Precepts in your mind and say to yourself, This is my world--I choose it! The chances are good that you will then find the strength and courage to do the right thing--whether that means keeping your nose to the grindstone with renewed satisfaction or charting an entirely new course for your life.

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