The limitations of human knowledge. May 17, 1987

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, discusses human knowledge an its limitations. Typical knowledge is the result of fragmented perception. Our knowledge is narrow, limited to appearances and governed by desire, habit, and subconscious impulses.The relationship of Surya (divine light) and Agni (divine force). Agni symbolizes will in consciousness. Together, Surya (knowing) and Agni (will) form a unity. Knowledge and Will are not separate. They are two aspects of the same foundation of reality.The Upanishads say that sin is not moral condemnation but that which causes a deviation from the straight path. Even elegant, dazzling thoughts can be a deviation, like a pebble blocking the sun. Each of us has our blind spots.Jesus said, “The crooked shall be made straight.” The ideal is to find the direct way, the single eye that fills the whole house with light.May 17, 1987