Open Letter to Donna:

 

The bibliography I promised is enclosed. It's a bit long, but since I've found that individual tastes and preferences in this subject area vary considerably, I choose not to limit the number of titles. I also elected to asterisk those selections I feel contributed most to my own understanding. Hopefully, they may offer you the same insight. The circled numbers on the left of each page indicate an initial reading sequence which should assist in a fundamental understanding of the basic concepts. I've also included abbreviated comments concerning central theme, format and general approach as an aid in selection of titles most appropriate to your current interests.

 

My overall advice would be to keep an open mind and seek the "common ground" underlying all the various philosophies, psychology and theology that these books represent. As it is my considered opinion that each expresses but a single aspect of one and the same thing.; that it is only at a superficial level that they may seem to contradict. That each in its essence is merely a separate expression of the same underlying truth -- all merely differing perspectives of one and the same reality. In this regard, I would also caution you not to become enamored with any one ideal, concept, technique or method; remembering always that whatever you choose to call that which you seek -- be it truth, the absolute or God -- that a narrow perspective can only further serve to limit the unlimited and thus make it less real, less true.

 

The other advice I would offer is to maintain a healthy skepticism, to rely on your own gut feelings and trust your own intuitive judgement. For one recurring theme implicit in nearly all that I've read is that the answer does not lie in external authority. For no matter where or how long you seek outside yourself, you must and will eventually come to the realization that reality lies within; that although others on the path may assist or guide, you must eventually go on alone and continue the search within your own soul. Yes, if you follow your pursuit to its final conclusion, you will finally come to see that you must first know yourself -- know who and what you are -- before you have any basis or ground for knowing anything else. This is why you will see such great emphasis placed on self-awareness, knowledge and observation in many of the readings; why I would council that guidance be sought without and answers within.

 

You'll also note an absence of any titles whose sole subject is occult phenomena or the attainment of psychic powers for their own sake. This was by design. Not because I don't think they exist, but rather, because I do no believe them germane to my pursuit; not truly relevant to the goal I sought. In other words, if you are going to pursue a metaphysical objective, why not go all the way; why not seek to know the absolute reality and not be satisfied with slightly higher reflections of its expression in the finite? Seen in this light, such phenomena then become at best simple distractions or digressions -- merely one more temptation, one more unwelcome dead end; at worst regressive and potentially dangerous when used blindly or for selfish purpose. Thus, I would caution you to avoid emphasizing that particular aspect of metaphysics and advise the policy of "non-attachment" which Eastern philosophy so often espouses with regard to the desire for sense gratification. In other words, don't get hung up on either pursuit or avoidance, for either connotes preoccupation. If something occurs, fine, so be it; if not that's okay too. The trick to it is to find some way to get it off your mind and stop thinking about it. The idea is best expressed as doing that which you must do -- what you intuitively know to be right -- and take no thought for the consequences or results (let them take care of themselves and stop worrying about them). How's that for a short course in "non-attachment".?

 

I would also recommend that you not get too caught up in practicing any of the techniques expounded upon in the books listed under the self-help section of the bibliography. Remember that there is an implicit advocacy on the part of the authors of such works and some can be overly enthusiastic in their claims. Therefore, I would wait until I had looked at several and thus be in a better position to select the one most suitable to my own needs. 

 

One final word of encouragement. I would suggest that solely on the basis of interest in the subject area that you are well along the path. for most are still seeking to fill the emptiness and dissatisfaction in their lives with material pursuits. So, at least on a subconscious level, you have seen through an inherent futility. The futility of seeking security and permanence in a relative, ever changing world; of the frustration, doubt, anxiety and fear that all impossible pursuits engender.

 

If you have difficulty obtaining any of the titles, or you can't get them in paperback, let me know; perhaps we can work out some kind of a drop-off, pick-up arrangement over at the Southern terminal (assuming Eglin is one of your regular stops). If you ever do have occasion to lay over at Fort Walton Beach, let me know. My family and I live on base, so it's close to the terminal and we always have extra room.

 

Since you indicated that you had no one to talk to on the subject, please feel free to write or call (collect if necessary) if you have any questions concerning the meaning of a passage, would like my interpretation of a particular concept, or even if you only want someone to bounce your ideas off. I've gotten fairly good at seeing the recurring pattern underlying nearly all the books I've read and should be able to point you in the proper direction. It's like the Bible says. It's right there in front of our noses, all we have to do is open our eyes and see. But if it's so obvious why don't we see it? Simply because of the rational, linear, two-dimensional dualistic mode of "self-conscious" thought by which we process (screen and filter sensory) input covers our eyes. We don't have "eyes to see or ears to hear" because our normal mode of consciousness blinds us to what would otherwise be an obvious reality -- an eternal truth reflected in everything around us. Having thus recognized the problem, the task then becomes one of developing an eye for the truth, of transcending dualistic thought, of removing the "veil" -- the torn curtain of which the Bible speaks; for once achieved, the strangle-hold on our consciousness that this manner and mode of thinking has on our minds will finally relax its grip. Then will come that which Zed calls "direct seeing", then will come direct insight and knowing; inspiration and intuition -- all higher modes of consciousness which exist and come in and of themselves, once we stop blocking their entry with our own petty, meager, dim imitation.

 

I wish you God-speed in your journey. I can assure you that you are on the right path and that time alone separates you from that which you seek. Remember, the answer lies within. I'll look forward to hearing from you. God speed, p.s. My office phone is 882-5461 if you come through during the day and want to say hello.

 

(C) 1978, R.F.Hay