From JDoe23

The following was sent as a private email but JDoe23 subsequently agreed to allow it to be published in full. Vayukesha's response is below (Feedback)

What an interesting idea! Full marks for effort.

I hope the following is helpful:

I am a bit concerned about the way you have put some (most) things. For example, the bit about the limited understanding of what Advaita means comes over rather negatively. It could be put the other way up: you could say that we have been offered the opportunity to learn and understand the philosophy of Adviata, and a full understanding of this could be of enormous benefit to all, but it has to be understood fully and deeply for this to work, and perhaps we need to realize that real study and self examination is needed to each this level of understanding, not a cursory flick through the subject and interpretation to suit our own ideas. It is our failure to realize and pursue this that leads to frustration and lack of progress. Maybe I have watered down your message here, but a negative tone will draw negative responses and probably have negative consequenses. We need to find a way of facing the issues, and getting others to face them, but at all costs avoiding stirring up ne gative reactions which could deprive many people for years to come of the benefits which could be available.

I would say that your opening posts will set the tone for the site and subsequent posts will reflect this tone. With a positive tone this project could be an enormous force for change and progress. With a negative tone you could just get people venting their frustrations without making positive contributions. This would provide ammunition for the negative contributors to the other websites.

I think that your intentions are very positive, but that more of a negative tone than you intend has crept into your posts. Could I be so bold as to urge you to edit your opening posts, making all the same points but without a hint of criticism or negativity. What a challenge !

I hope this is helpful. Let me know what you think. Happy to discuss or meet anytime.