gospel of Thomas 34

Jesus said, "If a blind man leads a blind man, they will both fall into a pit."

Don't you love these masters? In one sentence, they're saying one thing, and the very next, quite the opposite. In the last verse, Jesus was encouraging his disciples to preach, to teach others, to encourage others into the spiritual journey. And in this verse, he's saying exactly the opposite. He's giving a warning.

If a blind man leads a blind man, they will both fall into a pit. The blind man is the one who has not yet realised his truth. He is living in the world in illusion. He is in a complete mess within his own psychology. He is deluding himself, in every moment. And if he tries to lead others, he will just make a big mess for them.

If a blind man is walking along a road, there is a danger he will fall into a pit. And if he does, then it's a bit tragic: one person has fallen into a pit. But if he is leading another blind man, then they will both fall into the pit. It's a double tragedy. Things have got worse, not better.

Therefore, it is of paramount importance that we learn to see, ourself, before we start to lead others. Sort yourself out first is what Jesus is saying. Don't start teaching when you know nothing yourself. It's a big warning. A warning both to those who are thinking of teaching, when they have not yet matured in themself, but also, a warning to those who would follow.

You have to get a good feeling that the person you are following has really seen something. If you follow someone who is blind, you will fall in the pit as well. So you need some discrimination, in finding masters who you feel have seen something for themself. It's a warning both for those who would teach and for those who would follow.