Dear Loveday,

I found your commentary on the Tao very, very interesting. It reminded me
that there is not only one interpretation to these classic spiritual writings
(and also that there are more than one translation available).

"The Chinese Gnosis" has been perhaps my favorite of JVR's books... more open
and free flowing compared to his other books.I think; but am not sure, that "The
Ghinese Gnosis" is one of his later works.Your commentary opens it up to an even
freer flowing.The Tao, like the Gnosis, cannot be a closed, exclusive system.
It seems that JVR's son, who broke away from the Lectorium, has created a much
more open space in his books in which to follow the Path than his father and the
organization after his father's death created; for example, that no Temple
attendance is required. I notice that the organization itself seems to "allow"
more freedom than when the School was first formed.. more freedom yet freedom
within certain structures.


Loveday: I think the best thing one can do is to compare and contrast writers. I
have been very fortunate to have discovered writers and texts which have helped
me immensely.I hope with all my heart that all seekers after Pistis
Sophia(faith, wisdom) will find the words which resonate most truly for them and
which do not create confusion and ongoing perplexity. There are great classic
textsand wonderful modern writers and translators. There are all manner
ofextraordinary people from whom you can learn a great deal without a word being
spoken.


Cathy: While I realize books cannot take us on the Path. We choose to take the
Path, I have found books to be great "pointers" to Truth (so long as the books
are based in Truth). I also feel a kind of transmission when I read great
spiritual classics. Whitman has said, "Who touches this book, touches a man."
And I feel when I touch a book perhaps written by Meister Eckhart I am touching
Truth. Could you list the books which have been most valuable to you and which
have had the most impact on our spiritual journey?

Loveday: The Gnosis is not a sect or an exclusive club or one set of words. It
is not an unattainable golden carrot dangled forever out of the reach of a
wretched obtuse sinner.It is our wisdom which arises in all cultures in all
sorts of ways.When we know it, it is there.

Cathy: Thank for that! It resonates with me.

Loveday:
Those whom we never suspected tell it to us and we may listen with wonder.

Cathy:
That reminds me of the Gospel of Thomas about asking a little child.

I'll close with my favaorite Walt Whitman quote which I take as our True,
Original Self speaking to us:
"You may not know who I am or what I mean,
But I will be good health to you nevertheless
And filter and fiber your bones.
Failing to fetch me at first,
Keep encouraged.
Missing me one place, search another.
I stop somewhere waiting for you."