GUIDEPOST 3-1: NATURE OF THE TRAP OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION When the nature of communication is understood, one can enhance the positive potential that language and symbols bring to human relationships at every level.  But mistaken understandings cheat the communicator of a healthy special relationship, or can lead the owner on a failed or compromised mission.  In a family it can foment or heal misunderstandings.  In organizations and institutions an observer must be able to understand the "meanings" behind the language and symbols among a variety of different speakers and audiences who may relate in different ways to the topic being discussed.  The "meanings" are also resident in C/consciousness, not just the intellect.  One must detect and assess the "Real" meaning being advanced by a person, or a coalition of individuals, or an institution or corporation.  One must successfully decipher the more complex and confused meanings resident in any advocacy position or political posture taken or presumed by competing interest groups.  This dialogue will focus you on the Spiritual relevance and nature of communication by comparing the dynamics of human communication between the ego and Spiritual levels. Guidepost 3-1: Nature of the Trap of Human Communication

. GUIDEPOST 3-2: ORIGIN OF LANGUAGE The evolution of language is anchored in the history of humanity and is formed by the evolution of its cultures and societies.  Both the denotative and connotative experiences with a word or symbol defines its cultural and utilitarian meaning for the owner.  Students of  language understand this evolutionary process.  The understand how this knowledge can serve them in their professional role as a translator between languages, and/or to serve as intervenors in cross-cultural conflict resolution and international politics.  This knowledge  is also essential to manage successful negotiations among inner city gangs and between other in-out groups within a culture or society. Guidepost 3-2: Origen of Language

GUIDEPOST 3-3: "WORDS HAVE NO MEANING" DEMONSTRATION This demonstration provides definitive proof that words have no absolute meaning.  That words have no meaning is not to be confused with the power of words.  While words (and symbols) will be shown to have no semantic meaning, words do have power to the extent that the individual's consciousness and energy fields are are viable and brought to bear through the word or symbol.  The Pilgrim should reflect deeply on their experience of this test, and then consider the nature of arguments, debates, theology, science, the law, and acceptance or rejection of claims that are dependent on the correct semantic understanding of the communicator's "meaning" behind the symbols of language.  Your reflection should consider yourself in roles as both the originator of communication, and the audience to whom the communication has been directed. Guidepost 3-3: Words Have No Meaning Demonstration.

GUIDEPOST 3-4 THE FUNCTION OF METAPHOR THAT INFLUENCES THE  SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF LANGUAGE AS A REFLECTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS [this section is currently under revision] The Mystical paradigm applies 45 allegories, parables and metaphor across its seven major Dialogues and its Epilogue.   Allegories and parables are themselves dependent upon the presence of a metaphor that may not be part of the reader's C/Consciousness. This is why metaphors are so useful in breaking through the conceptual barrier that such a lack creates.  This brief section is intended simply to recognize our vulnerability to such influences that are not a part of our C/Consciousness.  This dynamic has enormous influence in determining the values systems that create and energize political issues, and is a major factor affecting our current national political debate.   Unfortunately, most of the participants in this debate remain unaware of this lack.  Alas this presence is not consciousness, therefore it cannot be recognized for what it is and how it influences our behavior, whether for good or for evil.  This is another important example that demonstrates: what is not first held in C/consciousness, cannot be processed by the intellect, no matter how brilliant the intellect. Guidepost 3-4: The Function of Metaphor

GUIDEPOST 3-5: APPLICATIONS OF PITFALLS CREATED BY THE SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF LANGUAGE Following are some selected examples of the pitfalls in one's unquestioned acceptance of language meaning as implied by the words we hear and read.  We are especially vulnerable to being harmed when we are mislead by advocates of any condition that can impact one's own needs.  This vulnerability exists whether the condition is political, religious, romantic, or organizational.  I will limit my discussion to the three following arenas: politics, interpersonal relationships with the opposite sex, and religion. These help establish the structure, processes and quality of the social framework for defining our current  circumstances in the world, and for nurturing our Spiritual growth. Guidepost 3-5: Pitfalls Created by the Symbolic Significance of Language

GUIDEPOST 3-6: WORDS HAVE POWER The "flag" demonstration conclusively shows that words and symbols do not carry absolute meaning, but only inner meanings which uniquely reside in the receiver. These unique inner meanings can be awakened by the person's experiences with words and symbols.  But there is a relationship between a word or symbol and the nature of the C/consciousness that is brought to it.  That relationship is the Power the word or image evokes through the person. Then follows the effect that the use of that word or symbol has in the life of the person, and upon those circumstances upon which it is projected. The nature of Consciousness transcends the semantic (intellectual) understanding of a word or symbol, because the power is anchored in the Spiritual Realms of Energy-Information.  The individual can only become aware of this link, and nurture it, through persistent meditative practice.  After energizing that latent power through disciplined meditative practice, a person can then make use of it in practical ways, and use it to further the ongoing unfoldment of their Spiritual Consciousness. Guidepost 3-6: How Words Have Power