The concept of applying the mind to make changes other than by physical effort seems simple enough. And yet, the concept is so terrifying to people by virtue of the fact that it deals with what is not tangible. As a form of safety stopgap, exceptional abilities are often automatically attributed to a higher being.

This is nothing new of course. Shunting blame over to a destructive deity such as the devil has often gotten people off the hook for their own actions. Similarly, people who underestimate their capabilities will attribute achievements - or even their will to achieve - to some higher influence. It happens all the time. I found it disturbing when - in a bio from a fellow listee for an online course - someone wrote of their contribution to society as a "gift of the goddess," in such a manner that it appeared she believed herself not one iota responsible for these efforts, or deserving any kudos due her.

Imagine how it must be for such people, who happen to possess the potential for exceptional energy manipulation? How would these feats be interpreted in their own minds, much less anyone else's?

It has been my opinion that had the Himalayan holymen been discovered centuries sooner, they would have been depicted by Westerners as demonic and messengers of evil. In classic fashion, attempts would have been made to "cleanse" them of their culture. Perhaps subtle tactics resembling diplomacy would be utilized for this objective: for example, adapting any one of their practises to give the impression that the effects of conversion would be negligible. But in time, true colours would prevail, and any holdouts would be all but decimated. What remained would be gross misrepresentation in historic records, not to mention exaggerated and degrading depictions in literature and media.

The above scenario is based upon actual practises - for centuries - of abuse, discrimination, and obliteration of countless benevolent cultures in the name of righteous cause. Apparently, some higher authority condones defamation and ridicule. Even today in the 21st century. Go figure.

And yet, which faith has never been discriminated against? Each and every one has made a struggle for what they believed was right. And yet persecution continues. This is only one world, people. We're all its inhabitants. Where our paths of destiny leads are ours to choose, and your achievements along that path will determine ultimately where each of us ends up.