A Thelemic Definition for Respect??
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Some recent threads and other recent synchronicities seem to me to put a microscope on this topic. I was wondering if anyone could provide a Thelemic definition for respect? unless this concept is irrelevant to Thelema? and if possible explain the dynamics of its relation to one's "True Will", if that is not too tall of an order. Thanks .
In L.V.X.
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What I do not get is this idea of a "Thelemic Definition."
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OP: trying to host another cyber-fight?
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@_aLL_seEing_eYe_ said
"Some recent threads and other recent synchronicities seem to me to put a microscope on this topic. I was wondering if anyone could provide a Thelemic definition for respect? unless this concept is irrelevant to Thelema? and if possible explain the dynamics of its relation to one's "True Will", if that is not too tall of an order."
This seems like a simple and sincere question motivated by a desire to understand the Thelemic community better. Why would it draw the perplexed and even belligerent replies that directly followed?
My experience here on this forum has revealed varying degrees of 'respect' for my differing viewpoints. For some the mere suggestion of a unique viewpoint differing from the local groupthink must have been threatening, to judge by the reaction.
I made a comment from a conservative viewpoint and the appellation of "redneck" was suggested.
I commented about the ignorant masses and someone felt compelled to kick it up a notch and call me ignorant, in a direct manner.
I commented about 'deception' and the need to call me a liar to my face was irresistible.
The connection between True Will and respect ought to be simple, IMHO. That which one denies another is that which one denies one's self... that sort of thing. But, hey, what do I know?... A thoughtful reply from an accomplished Thelemist would be interesting.
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Well, what a Thelemite might mean by respect, would be that in any situation the final decision rests on the individual. That is no matter how much work we do to provide the individual with advise and information, the in the end it we respect the individual to express it's own interests, rather than being forced to live up to some other standard.
Of course the Thelemic community would work to help support the individual and to provide a social environment in which that individual can grow and develop, but the nature of that support is always out of respect.
The nature of Thelemic respect is like the respect of tending to a plant in order to produce the best possible plant of it's kind, To respect the nature of that plant.
On the other side there is for example the work with Bonsai trees, where the tree is tied up and clipped, it's growth stunted and it's shape designed to meet a standard of what humans want a tree to look like. That is disrespectful to the nature of the tree.
Likewise to see a tree suffering in an environment in which it can not thrive well, to give the tree no special attention so that if grows deformed and confused, with no niche to fulfill. That is neglectful of the tree's true nature. This too is disrespectful.
Authoritarian imposition of chains on people that deform their nature to an artificial ideal is disrespectful.
Absolute lazie-faire neglect of the unique individual, giving no guidance or structure, is also disrespectful.Thelema is Respect. It does not neglect the individual it does no demand that all unique exceptional traits be denied in the name of liberal equality. Nor does Thelema demand that individuals conform to a single mold and obey. Instead the unique traits are supported, brought out, encouraged, and the individual in the end helped to know itself and helped to live that life without unnecessary hostility.
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Why would there be a "Thelemic definition" of respect?
Respect is respect.
I can't give you a "Thelemic definition" of respect.
I can give you SHARIYF's definition of respect.
In fact I'll do better. I won't define it. I'll illustrate it.
The bully beats up the wimp Monday.
The bully beats up the wimp Tuesday.
The bully beats up the wimp Wednesday.
The wimp beats up the bully Thursday.
The bully and the wimp eat lunch TOGETHER Friday.
Somewhere in that parable is your answer.