Book Presentation

On Synthesis

by Dr. K. Parvathi Kumar

The underlying principle of the universal phenomenon is synthesis. In the surrounding nature we see rhythm, order, and a system in every aspect. The unity on which the entire universe is constructed is synthesis.

The booklet "On Synthesis" is a collection of teachings from a seminar by Dr. K. Parvathi Kumar given in January 2022 to the Western brotherhood. These teachings provide simple steps for the aspirants to attain to synthesis through five aspects of inner discipline, namely inclusiveness, understanding, resolution of contraries, health and education.

Dhanishta, Visakhapatnam, India 2022.

Sample:

1. All-inclusiveness

Synthesis lies beyond the mental plane.
Mind defines, decides, divides.
Look for commonality
In what is seemingly different.

As humans we generally live
either in the mental plane, the emotional plane,
or the physical plane.
We come to buddhi, when there is need for it,
but a disciple lives in the buddhic plane
and steps down to another plane,
when there is need.

A disciple lives on a common ground
and reaches variety when occasion calls for it.
An aspirant stays in variety
and tries to come to the common ground.
In terms of consciousness
we find the common ground to be better.

While holding a viewpoint,
we can never get the vision.
Viewpoints cannot be seen
if we sit in a viewpoint.
Viewpoints can be seen only
when we come out of our viewpoint
and oversee all viewpoints.

When we are in the mind,
we do not have encompassing, all-including,
all-enveloping perception.

We are stuck with our standpoint
because mind has a tendency to decide
what is right and what is wrong.
Mind's judgment about good and evil is not inclusive.

To step back in our own consciousness
in order to comprehend better,
is a step to synthesis.

When we lead from behind,
we can take care of all,
and no one is neglected.
Leading from the back
enables us to supervise the entire group.

Safety of the group is important, not triumph.
All group members should be given related comfort,
encouragement and enough inspiration to move forward.
That is where we need the qualities of Saturn:
patience, tolerance, forbearance.

Be joyful at all times. Relate to all things
as far as they are not unlawful.
There is nothing unlawful if you choose
to be decently joyful each day.

The other name for synthesis is inclusion.
When we cannot include another viewpoint,
we are blind.

First of all train the mind
to include another viewpoint,
another way of perceiving and including
others experiences.
How to include and not to reject is the right spirit.
There is no such thing as choosing
because all is divine.
You have to see how it fits in.

Not to say ‘no‘ is a wisdom by itself.
A man who is rigid
should develop the ability to be flexible.
Flexible people know how to accommodate
as much as possible.
Rigid people tend to reject.
Do not be quick to reject,
think well before you reject
because there may not be another possibility.
By accommodating you gain,
by rejecting you lose.

In wisdom of synthesis
there is no division of good and bad.
Reconcile what is common between the two.