Namaste Icy,
In various explorations of the internet in search of good intelligent
discussion concerning spiritual matters, I have seen two things have often
taken place, whether a forum or a social-network type of setting;
either:
(A) In the interest of maintaining the widest appeal and keeping the
peace, all discussion becomes limited to extremely vague generalities and
blandishments of a pastel-colored, New-Age, bumper-sticker flavor of
"spirituality"- with neither depth nor sincerity forthcoming, only a mutual
admiration society, of those whose chief goal is to avoid anything that may
cause any true self-examination or inner discomfort, yet encourages a false
sense of "spiritual advancement"...
(B) The gradual reduction of a once more open-minded and broader
space dedicated to helping seekers resolve questions and progress further
on the path best suited for them, into a closed circle centered around
a particular guru or sampradaya- again becoming a mutual admiration
society, yet one bewildering and unwelcoming to those who are not
"in the know", and sometimes devolving into a public display of internal
political or doctrinal disagreements between long-standing members..
I am not thinking of any group or site in particular as an example, nor
should any gathering of individuals in a virtual fashion expect to function
flawlessly under the guidelines established in its founding, without some
active guidance and administration- yet with the
large responsibility of starting and steering such a project as you propose,
I do not believe it unwise to at least share some personal observations
as to two undesirable extremes which some similar attempts have fallen
prey to.
It is sincerely wished that there might be infallible advice (as to
the best way to proceed, in order to maintain the integrity of your idea
over the course of its implementation) available, but unfortunately, my
pool of expertise regarding this is perhaps large enough to dampen an
ant's toes
I do wish your project much success, and do not mean to deter your
efforts!
JAI MATA DI
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