Guest guest Posted January 21, 2001 Report Share Posted January 21, 2001 Ann Murphy wrote: > > Mani defined devotional Bhakti as 'No right to question God". I believe > we have that feeble right. But no right to expect an answer!!. Dear ann, I don´t remeber having define bhakthi that way, in any case meant that many people think that way. I personally think that I have a strong, not just feeble, right to ask "Why?". In fact "Whywhy" was my nickname as a child. But as you say, we have accept that an answer is not given. I grew up under naval discipline and at sea the rule was: Carry out orders unquestioningly at once, discuss afterwards!" As in your case, this was essential for safety. There were, of course, moments when one could "remind" the superior officer that the order could be dangerous owing to a circumstance he could not know or could have forgotten! He would consider for a moment and decide. But the readiness to obey had to be there. You are right that appealing to the better nature does not always work, but I think firmness is possible without barking, if everyone accepts the necessity for firmness. I have seen both methods at sea and the non-barking usually had better results! It is also better to disobey and survive than be honoured in an elegy: - the charge of the light brigade - the boy stood on the burning deck -Custer´s last stand regards Mani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2001 Report Share Posted January 21, 2001 Dear WhyWhy "Whywhy" was my nickname as a child" . My impression is that you still have that nickname.. Blessing, indeed. And nice posts- Ann's and yours, too. Anna - subra gjlist Sunday, January 21, 2001 8:02 AM Re: [gjlist] Following the rules/orthodoxy Ann Murphy wrote: > > Mani defined devotional Bhakti as 'No right to question God". I believe > we have that feeble right. But no right to expect an answer!!. Dear ann, I don´t remeber having define bhakthi that way, in any case meant that many people think that way. I personally think that I have a strong, not just feeble, right to ask "Why?". In fact "Whywhy" was my nickname as a child. But as you say, we have accept that an answer is not given. I grew up under naval discipline and at sea the rule was: Carry out orders unquestioningly at once, discuss afterwards!" As in your case, this was essential for safety. There were, of course, moments when one could "remind" the superior officer that the order could be dangerous owing to a circumstance he could not know or could have forgotten! He would consider for a moment and decide. But the readiness to obey had to be there. You are right that appealing to the better nature does not always work, but I think firmness is possible without barking, if everyone accepts the necessity for firmness. I have seen both methods at sea and the non-barking usually had better results! It is also better to disobey and survive than be honoured in an elegy: - the charge of the light brigade - the boy stood on the burning deck -Custer´s last stand regards Mani gjlist- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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