The Misuse of Knowledge for Power

Knowledge is power. Spiritual power comes from spiritual wisdom and its careful, discerning application whether it is in a human life or a life beyond the Earth plane. It may be knowledge about the Universal Laws, or about what it means to be human, about the Seven Rays or about yourself, for self-awareness in a spirit of acceptance can give great spiritual power, whether you know it or not. Beyond knowledge about yourself or the global, eternal truths there is also knowledge about other people: knowing what is private to them with the potential to misuse the information can give you power over them, power to hurt or betray them, and sometimes individuals develop a habit, almost an addiction for beguiling their way into the heart and trust of a friend or relative and then using their confidences, when they are ready, to undermine them publicly as evidence of how much they know and as a weapon to destroy, rather like a  sleeping snake suddenly lashing out with its tongue on the unwary. [caption id="attachment_1266" align="alignright" width="150"] Power well used[/caption] I was a witness to this some months ago, when I saw a small group of friends socialising at a table next to where I was sitting. There was much laughter, and it was clear that the women knew each other very well. The camaraderie continued until one of them brought silence to the group when she made a brief but deliberate statement making reference to three of them who were there in a very personal way: she talked of an addiction, of a marriage in trouble and the third's anxieties about her weight, and it was clear from the way she spoke and the shocked reaction of those concerned - and all who were there - that these were private matters not intended to be shared even in this group. I was a stranger who happened to overhear a conversation at a crowded event, but I knew these were confidences betrayed. Afterwards I wondered why someone would betray friendships and risk losing a valuable relationship, and concluded it may have been a way of feeling and practising power, perhaps with some judgment mixed in - and so it was all about ego. This event was an example of how knowledge can be misused and how it can dull the light of Spirit just as the wise use of knowledge, as a gift to give to the world with a loving heart, can enhance it wonderfully. It is a precious thing to be able to hold someone's secret fear or longing  - however minor or mundane it may be - which they have shared with you in trust, and not to betray that trust. To do otherwise is to misunderstand, totally where power lies and how to use it. All knowledge is power, but always it is a power that is fleeting when that knowledge is misused, and the power then turns to dust. The Masters speak wise counsel when they advocate the use of silence if we have nothing wise or loving to say. I am grateful for the reminder. Claire Montanaro is a spiritual teacher and channel for the Masters with a special interest in esoteric philosophy and the world in transition. Loves nature and wildlife. Author of “Spiritual Wisdom”, in which the Rays and the Universal Laws, and the use of power are discussed in detail.]]>