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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)



FAQs on Light Net's objectives and its organization


FAQs on Light Net's service programme


FAQs on "Is Light Net a religion?"



 
 

How is Light Net different from the already many existing 'charity organizations'?

Light Net is NOT formed and is NEVER intended to organize "Bingo Socials" nor "Ballroom dancing parties" nor sell "premiere night tickets" to raise funds for a Sunday "street-children" feeding affair,  sponsor Christmas presentation programs and gift giving for the poor of so and so districts, or do any other sporadic acts of kindness to the "poor" and the "needy".

Light Net is also not a group that performs charitable works to promote political aspirants and prominent persons to the public and the media in order for them to acquire a socially responsible image.   We hate too much picture taking while we do our work!

Likewise, it is not a front of any underground groups to assist them in transferring laundered money to the legal monetary system.

Light Net does not exist to get money from "unsuspecting believers" nor does it serve to proselytize and get "converts" to our belief system.

Light Net does not tolerate bigotry, ego-tripping and "holier-than-thou" boasting among any of its officers or servers.

And last, but the most important, Light Net's work, philosophical framework and inspiration is anchored on the Ageless Wisdom.  There is a very big difference when service is done as an expression of one's Soul  rather than of one's personality or ego.
 

You mentioned about groups "...doing sporadic acts of kindness to the 'poor' and the 'needy'."   What's wrong with that?
There is nothing wrong with all the activities mentioned above, representing sporadic acts of kindness.  Any form of goodness, charity,  kindness and idealism at this point in time is really needed and in fact is admirable.  But the point is, Light Net wants to go to the root of the problems of humanity, not just a temporary or short-lived fix.  If a person has a lingering infected wound, a lasting solution would be to cure the source of infection.  Though a pain reliever and a bandage would surely help for the meantime.

But the REAL DANGER is when you get addicted to pain relievers- that is,  if  groups and  so called charitable organizations, enjoying tremendous media coverage,  will institutionalize these acts, the short-term acts of charity and kindness,  in the minds of the masses as the solutions for the various social problems confronting us today.   This is escaping the real issues.  It is funny that even national governments of certain countries, who should know better the origins of these basic social problems, are convinced and regard these acts of charities as their solutions and make them part of their supposed "government program against poverty".  We see head of states and high public officials distributing food, old clothes, alms and even land titles or squatting permits to people to "combat" poverty!

On the side of their so called beneficiaries- the "poor", a much more DANGEROUS psychological poison will be implanted on their psyches by these acts.  The "poor" will just accept their plight or "status" in society as such and create dependency to alms and charities from donors.  Dependencies will open the door to further political and economic exploitation, which is happening in most underdeveloped nations.

And soon, they will forget that they are humans too belonging to the one human family, and will regard themselves as a separate specie- the "poor".  Actually this is also where the apathy starts among well-off people, and even the government, when the "poor" is not recognize as the mass of their people, but a mere "sector" or a class of people that needs "help".

Light Net believes that the real issue is restoring justice and equity for all, levelling the playing field in education, business and employment,  instilling the sense of personal responsibility in governance, promoting the spirit of cooperation, not competition among people and practicing selflessness, among other things.  Charitable or cause-oriented group should focus on empowering the people develop themselves, both on subjective and objective level,  to restore their human dignity, and make known to the general public the real causes of poverty and other social problems to evoke the necessary changes.
 

Is Light Net an esoteric school?
Light Net is not an esoteric school as it does not provide esoteric teachings (the ageless wisdom)  and training to its members or affiliates or servers.   However it can be considered as an esoteric group as its methods to service and inspiration are esoteric.

Those who work with us are usually self-taught in these matters or is already in the mature phase in their studies.

What if I want to study the Ageless wisdom in depth?
We can recommend to you reading materials that may be of help or refer you to groups that can teach and train students safely and sanely in the Path of the ageless wisdom.  Just email us.
Why is Light Net a "network"?
Light Net is not envisioned as a grass root organization.  Its affilates and servers- which can either be individuals or organizations-  belong to different religions, groupings and belief systems.  They are free and just bonded by  common aspirations, goals and commitments.  No strings are attached.
What do you mean by "planetary regeneration"?
It may sound like a big word, but it simply means restoring the Plan of Light, Love and Power-to-do-Good in this planet.  The whole phrase should read "planetary spiritual regeneration".  Our planet is not mere molten rocks, oceans and solid crust; it is a living organism- a Great Life that also needs revitalization and regeneration, so that the smaller lives inhabiting it can also develop  their fullest potentials in a conducive physical and social environments.
What is human development?
In simple words it is attaining the highest human potentials in an environment where basic human needs for survival are properly met, his dignity, and rights are guarateed without constant fear of oppression and annihalation.

Thus the transfer of technologies- both practical and cultural knowledges - to communities who dont have access to it- is essential to our programme to ensure the empowerment of the individual.

Is it not futile to exert efforts on such unattainable plan?
Light Net believes it is attainable through collective and persistent effort of the men and women of goodwill throughout the world.  Though short in resources and servers, much can already be achieved by just 'planting the seeds' and sharing the dream to as many men and women of goodwill possible.
Why is it "revolutionary"?
Anything that is life-changing and transformative is referred to as revolutionary.  Light Net's method tries to help solve the various problems of humanity at the root- the realms of causes.  Therefore resultant changes or effects are permanent and will necessitate total change in outer or objective circumstances.
What is the "spiritual call" of the time?
At different times or eras, humanity is confronted with different circumstances and problems.  Thus the needs of our time maybe different a century ago.  The spiritual centers in our planet do give out or "beam out" calls, waiting for a response from thinkers, doers, students and disciples of various faiths and the men and women of goodwill,  to help out in the spiritual work at hand depending on the current need of humanity.  The ideals and activities of Light Net is the response of its founding group to this "call".
What is goodwill?
The World Goodwill Publications define goodwill or will-to-good (which we also adopt) as "an expression of the energy of Love.  It is both an attitude and a harmonizing energy.  It is a human quality which can be organized and made effective.  It is an expression of the "will to that which is good and ought to be".  It should no longer be misunderstood as a sentimental or negative kindness; it is a practical and dynamic force for constructive action.  There is no problem which cannot be solved by the energy of goodwill, and no problem can be solved without it.  Goodwill really practised among groups and among nations is capable of revolutionizing the world."
What is the plan?
The universe is not following a haphazard path - there is a superior intelligence guiding it which we often refer to as God.  While most religion believe on the premise that the purpose of everything is the eventual return to God or to perfection, this path of return is not disorganized or spontaneous.  There are specific courses or pathways to achieve this. This is what we call as the "Plan"- the universe's plan.  Some generalize this plan as simply the divine plan of evolution.

However just like in corporate strategic planning, each units and functional departments of a business has each own specific plan to contribute to the eventual realization of the master plan.  Thus back to the original discussion, then it follows that there must be some specific plan for our entire planet that is distinct and unique.

But this Plan is never published by any other groups or religions.  It is only up to individuals or groups to know their own role or contribution to the plan through deep meditation and intuitive perception.

In the Great Invocation, who are referred to as the "masters"?
 
The "Masters" are humans who have reached a higher state of consciousness and have attained certain masteries in life- mastery of their bodies, emotions and minds and of the rudiments of living the spiritual life.  They may be living or have passed on to the other side but who continually dedicate their lives to the helping of humanity.  They are referred to in most faiths or religions as holy men, avatars and the communion of Saints, in the Christian religion.

These "masters" do not wished to be worshiped or venerated as their task is to serve humanity and the supreme intelligence too.  A person who is considered as highly skilled in a certain art or craft, lets say music or painting or martial arts, is also regarded by society as a "master".  But no religious connotation are ever attributed to it.

Why not a membership group?
A membership group would mean recruitment, expansion, internal hierarchies, programs for the members and dues.  A membership organization also has a tendency to be inward-looking.  Instead of being fully concentrated on its goals and objectives or the Work at hand, the coordinating group will be needing to  divide its attention to both its work/advocacies and  its membeship, by providing it with programs and activities.  This will exhaust existing limited resources, workers and time.

The present setup is for mature people (not in terms of age).    It is more of what can the Light networkers or "members" contribute to the group to reach its objectives of serving humanity and not what the group can do for its "members".  The membes are considered as Servers (of humanity).  But Light Net  also provides basic spiritual formation to new and existing volunteers or networkers through its workshops from time to time.

The Ageless wisdom also stated that esoteric groups are naturally small in number but should be broad in scope and reach.


How do you finance your projects?

At present, it is being financed by voluntary contributions by its volunteers and supporters. But it is working to make itself self-sufficient through legal revenue-generating activities to finance its projects in the future.
When we sign up, are we obliged to join the work immediately or can we back out?
You can always cancel your registration if you feel this kind of work is not for you.  Or you can rather sign up as an affiliate if you want lesser involvement at the start.  Just email or call us.


Are there fees obligations upon sign up?

There are no fees.  Your only obligation is to do the work you committed yourself upon signing up.
Can we unsubscribe?

                   Anytime.  Just email or call us.

After signing up, what?

Depending on your level of commitment, we will study your application and try to confirm the information you gave, including your contact numbers or addresses.  This is just to ensure that we are dealing with real persons and not just multiple email addresses.   The Materials for your work will be sent to you.
Can we work with Light Net without attending even a single meeting?
 
Yes it is possible especially if you committed yourself only to the Light networking work or triangles.  Even the busiest person can serve his fellowmen without leaving his home.  But we encourage that you attend a fellowship meetings once in a while.


What are the conditions for "membership" or for signing up as volunteer?

Sympathy with the objectives, goals and philosophical framework  of light net plus a commitment to one service activity are sole requirements for membership.  There are also minimal rules or standards to follow when involved with more active forms of service.  This will ensure high quality of work or services.
Can we vote?
To maintain continuity of its original ideals, objectives and high standard of the work, only servers who have commited himself to the service work for sometime are allowed to vote.  However, networkers do have representatives in the decision making process.  The coordinating group exercises a consensual or consultative form of leadership yet it is firm on certain principles and issues.
Do you really think light networking will work considering that only a small number practice it?
 
You are referring to the triangles work.  It should work!  Though those specifically registered with Light Net as group may be small, there are thousands or millions of people throught the world working along these lines.  We connect to them subjectively during the session and an entire global network is activated on the subjective planes making it more potent as a service activity.
Is it christian? Can Christians practice it?
Yes Christians can practice it too, and as a matter of fact, the bulk of our networkers are Christians, Catholics, etc..
What if I am a devout catholic, and I do not feel comfortable using the Great Invocation in the Light Networking work?
 
Great Invocation is a form of intercessory prayer (to use a Catholic or Christian term) which makes it effective.  You pray for others first before yourself.   There are other very effective substitute to it.  One is the "3'O clock habit prayer to the Divine Mercy".  Just tell us and we will send you the alternative instructional materials.
What do you mean by mobilization of active goodwill?
It is just putting Goodwill to practical work such as concrete projects to empower people, or making public a stand on some urgent human and social issues to evoke peaceful but decisive solutions among the people.
Can you give a brief description of light networking?
 
It is simply linking up with two other networkers on a specified time of the day on the subjective plane and performing some age-old consciousness-lifting methods to help bring about Light and Love to the mental atmosphere of our planet.  Complete details will be mailed to you.
So earthcare is not purely environmental protection?
No.  Earthcare is a total concept that includes not only the physical environment of the planet- the seas, forests, air, wildlife, but also the social environment or the quality of life of the people inhabiting the planet.
So environmental protection projects would include "tree-planting and waste disposal and pollution control?
Normally ecological groups include it as part of their programs however Light Net will focus more on urgent issues that endangers human lives arising from environmental destruction.
Your service program includes technology transfer to underpriveledged communities for them to develop practical skills for livelihood.   Why is the need for humanities and creative arts, if the problem of underdeveloped communities is economic, ie proverty and all?
Light Net believes that many similar programs have failed because material need is just one aspect of a person.  You may have a source of livelihood but quality of life may not improve due to a defective life map or framework.  Some also add religious or values education which is an improvement.

But we firmly believe that for a person to be really happy, constructive and a responsible member of society, practical skills is not enough,  he/she have a more complete view of life, he/she should see the bigger picture,  a wider point of view, the interrelationship and interconnectedness of life in the planet, he/she should be exposed to the sciences, history, religions.    To develop his highest potentials, he/she should also be exposed to the various achievements of humanity- the works of beauty- the cultures, the arts, music, languages, literature and poetry.  And to develop critical thinking for leadership, he/she should be exposed to philosophy and mathematics.

Thus we need all sorts of volunteers- those with skills in technologies and livelihood skills and those with skills in teaching humanities, culture and other creative arts.


Why disseminate the book of Alice A. Bailey thru the Ageless Wisdom Library?

This will facilitate a deeper understanding of Light Net's philosophical framework and the methods it employs to service.   We just want to clarify that the AAB books are not considered as a "bible" or a book with ultimate truths.  They form an important part in the wide range materials from which we take ideas,  insights and inspiration in our work.

It is fortunate that certain groups have published these books online.  We made a link to our reading room from their websites so you can study these books online for free.
 

What other programs do AWL offer?
The Ageless Wisdom Library, Inc.(AWL) is an independent group, though we maintain a very close working relationship with them.   You can forward your querries directly to the AWL.  We included their contact numbers elsewhere in this site.
Are the auxilairy service activities, which include the meditation workshop, for Light Net volunteers only?
 
Anybody interested can participate in these workshops.  After that they are free to decide how to apply the things they learn in service to humanity.
Where are the venues?
 
We designate a venue one week before the seminar or workshop.  At present we dont have regular place or office to conduct these activities as these will entail fixed costs that can exhaust existing resources very easily.

In the very near future, we can arrange seminars and workshops online through our Virtual Center.
 

Are there fees involved?
Yes there could be a minimal charge for the expenses we incurr in organizing these.  If we will rent the venue, the participants will have to shoulder the expenses.  However if there is a group that can offer a place to hold this, a free seminar can be arranged.
Can Christians practice meditation?
 
Sure.  We dont practice and teach  "mumbo-jumbos" in these seminars.   The workshop for beginners is intended to help men and women of goodwill to practice meditation without the superstition and exaggerated mystical ballyhoo associated with it. It is no-nonsense and practical and gets you started immediately while maintaining your mental health and sanity :)
What sort of groups can avail of the Light Networking workshop or seminars?
Any group with a sincere desire to learn can notify us.
Can we colunteer as moderators any of the Light Net virtual center rooms or activities?
Yes provided that you are a Light networker to assure as of your understanding of our philosophical frameworks.


Is Light Net a religion?
 

No. Light Net is not a branch, subdivision or a direct affiliate of any religious sect, organization or group. It is independent and does not have any dogma or doctrine, although its ideals, objectives and sevice activities are premised on timeless spiritual principles.


You mentioned about "timeless spiritual principles". Isnt that religious?
 

Usually in religious organizations, a dogma or tenet of faith should be accepted by members as a final truth and there is person or a priest or a representative of a deity who acts as revealer of truth from divine sources. The members cannot question as these are divine revelations.
Light Net does not have a dogma. But there are principles or values that are not confined to any specific religion, but are widely accepted by major world religions or philosophical systems. For instance, the values of non-violence or truthfulness are widely accepted as a right human conduct by all religions, even those who dont have one, like the atheists and agnostics. International institutions like the United Nations recognizes these values or principles as standards of the civilized world. Another is prayer or divine invocation which are principles that most people accept and practice - both the religious and scientific communities.
Modern psychology now is beginning to explore the various benefits of prayer and meditation in positively affecting various biochemical responses in the human body as well as contributing to one's psychological well-being. Thus, these "timeless" values or principles, among others, are also used and adopted by Light Net for constructive purposes.
Isnt your philosophical frame work mentioned in About Light Net a dogma?

 
It is not a dogma as it is not imposed to our volunteers and affiliates. People who participate in our service activities naturally believes and sympathizes with our philosophical framework. If the person does not agree or is not comfortable with the frameworks we stated, we do not encourage him/her to sign up and participate. It would be futile, for instance to pray for world healing, if the person does not believe in a deity, or a cosmic intelligence/force or the ability of humans to affect world events for the better. But most people have reservations at the start due to some "new" terminologies we use to describe old concepts or practices they also share and do, but once we explain it to them and their queries are satisfied they sign up.
We also want to stress that the philosophical framework we stated are not final truths. We consider them as tentative working hypothesis. The individual can prove it to himself on the subjective levels. It can also be proven through research and the scientific method once the instruments for gathering information for this type of work (ie. the realms of energy) are already developed.


What is the Ageless wisdom?
 

The Ageless Wisdom is not a religion. It is just a word coined to describe traditions and wisdoms handed down from generation to generation since ancient times. It is what the Christ Jesus said in the New Testament as the "mysteries" taught to the apostles not written down in the scriptures. It is also what the Catholics claim to be the source of much of its teachings not directly mentioned in the Bible, like the 7 Sacraments, purgatory, belief in Saints and angels, Holy Rosary, the Immaculate conception of our World Mother, Mary-mother of Jesus, and many others.
You can read our short essay on "What is the ageless wisdom?" by clicking the link.


You always quote the Bible and some spiritual books in your articles. Why is that?
 

We cannot deny the fact that majority of the peoples in world are Christians, and in the Philippines, most people are Catholic Christians by birth. We quote the Bible and often use Christian terms to facilitate understanding of similar concepts and principles. Most of the time, timeless spiritual principles have a counterpart terminology in different religions which we also use like those belonging to the Vedantic/Buddhist traditions. And also the fact that many Light Networkers are also practicing Catholic Christians, Protestants and Gospel Christians :-).


Your meditation and prayer methods have similarities with yoga, which is an eastern religious practice?
 

It is true. But it is possible to adopt the techniques or use technologies without assimilating the religious Hindu or Buddhist contents that go with it. That is what we do. Progressive Christian groups have also began adopting these techniques but were able to separate the eastern dogma from the practice. They call it "Centering Prayer" or "contemplative prayer", "deep prayer time", spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, "faith pictures", Gregorian chants, Cenacle rosary-meditation, etc.. Among the Christian pioneers are Fr. Nicolas Caballero, Anthony de Melo, DeGrandis and many others. With the development of biofeedback machines that measure the brain's activity, science is also discovering that yoga techniques can be used positively to affect the health of a person like lowering high blood pressure, stress reduction, etc.. But these scientists never practice Hinduism or Buddhism!
We believe there is nothing wrong with transference of technologies and traditions from one culture to another. We all belong to one human family, and it is but natural to have these exchanges, especially if for the improvement of civilization and the quality of human life.
For instance, if Jewish scientists were able to develop new ways of farming to increase food supply; cant our Islam or Muslim brothers use same technology to improve their food production? Does it follow that the Muslims will have to adopt Judaic religious beliefs just to benefit from the farming technology they developed?

The Renaissance artists and painters like Michaelangelo are Roman Catholics. Do you have to convert to Catholicism just to use the painting styles and techniques they pioneered?

The use of music, musical instruments, singing or dancing in worship is a pagan practice from different cultures, since the ancient times. Why is it that majority of present day "modern" religions use the same in their services or rituals? :)


Who is DK whom you always quote or mention? And Alice Bailey?
 

DK is an initial for Djwal Khul, a Tibetan spiritual teacher and writer who expounded on the ageless wisdom and introduced revolutionary methods on living the spiritual life, particularly meditation technologies, techniques of goodwill, the science of right human relationships and other innovative ways of serving humanity like the "triangles" or light networking, among other things. We quote him and draw inspiration from his works due to the relevance and practicality of his approach to service and the spiritual life.
In his own words, DK described himself, in a statement he published in 1934:
"Suffice it to say, that I am a Tibetan disciple of a certain degree, and this tells you but little, for all are disciples from the humblest aspirant up to, and beyond, the Christ Himself....I am a brother of yours, who has travelled a little longer upon the Path than has the average student, and has therefore incurred greater responsibilities. I am one who has wrestled and fought his way into a greater measure of light than has the aspirant who will read this article, and I must therefore act as a transmitter of the light, no matter what the cost. I am not an old man, as age counts among the teachers, yet I am not young or inexperienced. My work is to teach and spread the knowledge of the Ageless Wisdom wherever I can find a response, and I have been doing this for many years.... The books that I have written are sent out with no claim for their acceptance. They may, or may not, be correct, true and useful. It is for you to ascertain their truth by right practice and by the exercise of the intuition. Neither I nor A.A.B. is the least interested in having them acclaimed as inspired writings, or in having anyone speak of them (with bated breath) as being the work of one of the Masters. If they present truth in such a way that it follows sequentially upon that already offered in the world teachings, if the information given raises the aspiration and the will-to-serve from the plane of the emotions to that of the mind (the plane whereon the Masters can be found) then they will have served their purpose. If the teaching conveyed calls forth a response from the illumined mind of the worker in the world, and brings a flashing forth of his intuition, then let that teaching be accepted. But not otherwise."

Alice A. Bailey is an English Bible teacher who collaborated with DK in writing the books (24 in all) on esoteric philosophy. The work lasted for 30 years until her transition to the other side in 1949. She also founded the Arcane School, training aspiring world servers in esoteric work.


Some of the terminologies you are using are very new age. Are you a part of the new age movement (NAM)?
 

This question cannot be answered categorically. If by the new age movement, you mean we teach or practice "sitting down for development", channeling to contact spirits, spirit guides and "beings", using crystals for healing or contacting "little green men" or UFOs, using ouija board to quest or talk to "Aunt Matilda", remembering soulmates and past lives so we feel good that we were Maximus, Mark Anthonys or Cleopatra centuries ago, projecting astrally to meet some bearded guys and participate in ethereal jamming sessions in a heaven-like shamballa, make some voodoo dolls to get a raise, use candles and affirmations for prosperity, using tea leaves or palms to predict when will be your divorce, or perhaps joining pilgrimages to mt. Shasta to meet Elvis or Princess D, sorry we dont. By these definitions and mental associations, we are not a new age group. Actually these practices are giving the real new age movement a bad name. We are not saying that these are evil or quack or that the claims are not true but they do not represent the essence of what we call the "new age". They represent the non-essential part- or the periphery that can mislead. To understand the new age, as it is, you have to go to its core, which is very far from what is publicized and heavily criticized by other religions. The same misconceptions were also experienced by the Catholic church, for instance. The fanatical practices of some Catholics were often attributed to its official doctrine by outside observers. Where in fact, some of the extreme practices lilke the veneration and "worship" of graven images and saints, observance and overemphasis on external rituals, etc., were never part of the official church doctrines. They were just products of the "intraculturalization" or assimilation process of the Christian teachings to a predominantly superstitious cultures(some use "pagan-rooted" cultures). (We used the word "pagan" here in its colloquial context but we do not mean to degrade the authentic pagan religions practiced in ancient times).
To shorten the explanation, the core idea in the new age movement is the desire to change and "renew" the system in our the planet to something better. We all recognize the fact that the world now is far from the ideal. The ideal is either something that we already had before but have somehow lost it...or a vision of what a better world should be. The Bible described it in Genesis in Adam before the "fall". And in the New Testament, the Christ described it as "the kingdom of God that is at hand" and in His statement, "I came here to give you life, life in all its fullness". The Great Invocation expresed it as letting the Plan of light, love and will of God be restored on earth. To us, it is not necessarily a perfect world- a "heaven on earth"- but a place where sufferings and misery are at a minimum and where justice, social equity, cooperation, truth and goodwill prevail, which we scarcely have right now. But how is this achieved? Methods are varied but if you believe that a transformation in consciousness of humans to higher states is necessary to effect this change, you are following the "new age" line of thought. The proliferation of Charismatic and Revival movements that uses "the life in the Spirit" paradigm and the "baptism of fire and of the Spirit" to attain personal transformation is well a symptom of this need. Even modern business management thinkers like Stephen Covey recognizes this fact in his "inside-out model" to personal effectiveness and leadership. Therefore to us, all individuals, groups and religions who desire and work for human and world betterment and who believes in the transformation of consciousness as one way of achieving that, can be considered as part of the new age movement. :)

 

Do you endorse all the teachings in the books listed in your online Reading Room?
 

Not all. The only condition with working with us is sympathy with our objectives and 10 philosophical framework. You do not have to believe in all the teachings in those books. They only provide very good information about the subject matters, with the least distortion. There are also many other good materials on those subjects however complete texts are not available online freely.