Practice vs. Theory

Among people who are into esoteric teachings there are many practitioners as well as theorists. Some love to explore the world through their own experience, expanding their consciousness and interaction with the surrounding reality, while others prefer to read about it. These are two different approaches: to strive and breakthrough independently or draw knowledge from other. Sometimes certain conflicts or disputes may arise regarding which approach is more effective out of those two. Which one is better? Which one brings more results/benefits? Yet, are these two approaches really controversial? There is no reason to hurry with the answer, as the ultimate truth is not always just one of the sides.
As discussed, people who are into esoteric teachings can be divided in two categories: practitioners and theorists. That is for those for whom the limits of the reality have actually expanded and those for whom it is just interesting to learn about something outside of common belief system. The first perceive our mysterious world through own experience by developing/awakening own abilities, and quite often becoming the pioneers, so they can write interesting books about their journeys, the books that we all love so much. Theorists on the other hand, in most cases are those who read those books and trying to dig deeper; however, they usually don’t go further. Perhaps certain fears are in the way or psychological blocks, or perhaps it is simply being lazy.
Most often, the real cause is lack of courage and indecision. On one hand they do want to explore the mystery, yet it could be quite scary to start. It is one thing to read the book about the acts of practitioners and it is a totally another thing to be the one doing them. Fine, meditations are good to try, but what about out of body experiences and kundalini awakening? Those practices are no joke – you either work or you don’t get the results. In addition to dealing with fear and a lot of totally new experiences.
One thing unites all practitioners. Once you start, esoteric teachings become your whole life. Not because it becomes the most important things in life. It just changes your worldview and you perception of the world irrevocably changes. It is like when you start going to high school, there is no turning back to the kindergarten. You start to notice things, that are totally unbeknownst to others. Unfortunately, for some people that feeling of own importance goes too far – the feeling of “being the only one who can see” in the world where everyone is blind can make you lose your mind.
It is hard to say who can really understand a certain topic during heated arguments. Practitioners often make massive mistakes by trying to relate their experience to a certain system. At the same time theorists cannot really tell the truth from a lie due to the lack of their own experience, which would serve as a certain benchmark or method of testing the knowledge.
Being objective and impartial are the most important things in acquiring knowledge through practice as well as through theoretical studies. What authors come to mind? Robert Monroe, Carlos Castaneda. Perhaps they were not right in many things, but they at least tried to offer their experience as it is, without discrepancies of own theories or religious beliefs.
Who gets more results of benefits is also hard to tell. Practitioners possess an instrument to influence reality, theorists have the knowledge that they can implement in various situations. Spiritual growth does not entail mandatory esoteric practices. You can grow by simply doing good deeds and acquiring knowledge can be helpful on your path.
If people just stopped arguing and dispute about any matter, but strived to help each other as much as possible, then we would be living in a better world. What every practitioner wants? To know someone who can provide tons of information on a certain subject. What any theorist wants? To know an experienced practitioner, who would assist in starting to receive own experience.
Just remember – only in harmony you can achieve an effective growth.

Author unknown.
(Esoterica here)