So, what is the bottom line of Spirit’s teaching?

A simple statement of fact, that awareness is the answer.

Of course, one must first be aware of the question, which is,

Why be good? Why seek to live a good life, as

we seem to intuitively know we should?

Spirit explains: To intentionally harm anyone is to harm ourselves.

The experience would leave its mark on our soul (or in our mind)

until it could be removed, and only removed by

personal suffering, in this lifetime or in another, and

who wants personal suffering?

So much for goodness for its own sake.  I disagree (how can I dare to?).

Something is missing from Spirit’s explanation, at least for me, for,

a calculated goodness, to me, is not goodness at all but,

the pursuit of self-interest.

Spirit agrees with me, even though

I expected a counter-argument. But, of course,

That was his point.

Did he think that I would accept his explanation?

Of course, not. He’s much too clever (and aware of my thinking).

He’s setting me up, again.

To teach Him a lesson on goodness for its own sake, knowing

that I am, for now, not skilled enough to do it.

Something is missing in Spirit’s logical argument of living a good life for self-interest

Feeling good about our choices is missing; emotional satisfaction, whether or not there is a long-term pay-off, and so

I must dare to challenge my Spirit Teacher, even knowing that

I do not yet possess his skills of debate, or his depthof of knowing.

I only know that I am right.

Concepts of crime and punishment belong to a world of fear, whereas

an ideal society must surely be based on compassion and love.

What about love? I ask.

What about love?

What does love mean?

What does love look like? Describe it to me,

You’re asking me to describe Love? I’m surprised and unprepared.

You seem to think you know something about the subject of love.

I only know that you’re wrong, wishing I could offer a more specific and

intelligent response.

How? Why?

I don’t know.

Yes, but you do know, intuitively, in a caring and approving tone (what a change), that

beneath the surface of our conscious thinking there are

motives and intentions beyond our capacity to understand or control.

Do I pass?

Yes.