T.N.G. SIGNS OF THE TIMES - N.M. July 10, 2002  (#109)

Greetings from Russell's Remnant:                                                                                  www.oocities.org/dkone_us

Disciples Should Listen A Long Time Before Asking Questions.

The Trouble With Ignorance Is That It Doesn't Know It's Ignorant.

            Russell watched one of his more vocal disciples always challenge those who did not know the Teachings, who misinterpreted the Teachings, who were misguiding the others in the class, or who were just plain “eat up with the dumb ass.”

Russell cautioned this disciples, “Don't be attached to your own opinions, even if they are correct.”

He also stated to his classes: “Don't play for the people.  Play for the musicians.  Play only to those who know.  The masses don’t know if a classical musician is playing well or not, but the members of the symphony do.”

            It’s hard to always know just what a Teacher means, but the following statements were observed by his Tuesday Night Group (TNG) members when Russell encountered those who approached him with a full teacup or were full of themselves and absent of real knowledge.  The class made a list of several comments that Russell often used rather than dispute the offending questioner.  (Many in the class recalled Russell making one of these comments to them.)  Some of Russell’s famous responses, which always amused his closest disciples were:

1.                 “Could be.”

2.                  “That’s interesting.”

3.                  “I’ve heard that.”

4.                  “Everything has it’s place.”

5.                  “I’d expect that of you.”

6.                  “I’ve never heard it that way.”

7.                  “I can take it or leave it.”

8.                  “You have something there.”

9.                  “If it suits you, it suits me.”

10.             “It makes a difference.”

Russell’s “remnant” (those he said who would remain faithful to his instructions) were also told that it is wise to remain silent in the presence of the Teacher until you get a much better understanding of what the Teacher is trying to get across.  He also informed us that if you ask a question of a Teacher, be prepared for the answer because if you do not understand the answer the first time, the next time you ask that question, the Teacher will often answer that same question at a higher level.  Respect the Teachers and listen.  Sometimes the answer will come on its own.

***

Don't entertain an elephant keeper if you don't have room for his elephant.

An ignorant man translates what a wise man says into something he can understand.

Never try to teach a pig to sing.  It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

The truth may set you free, but it won't make you many friends.

You cannot teach somebody something they think they already know.

***

Morya stated, “I visit miracles, but people do not perceive them.  I provide new stars, but the light does not alter human thought.  I sink countries, but human consciousness remains stilled.  I erect mountains and Teachings of Truth, but people do not even turn their heads.  I send war and pestilence, but even terror does not impel people to think.  I offer knowledge, but people make gruel.  I have no further signs to hold humanity from destruction.”