The Toltecs know that knowledge is a major obstacle to knowing the truth. A mind filled with ideas, mostly from other people, obscures the simple reality of what is. To understand the nature of knowledge, then, becomes an important goal on the Toltec path.

Knowledge Changes from One Place to Another

Knowledge changes geographically. What is known and accepted in one place or culture may be unknown or abhorrent to another. In Western cultures, children are scolded and taught never to use their hands to eat. It is bad manners. Young eaters are shown how to use knives and forks, and how to cut and eat food without ever touching it.

In many parts of Latin America, a tortilla is the only utensil needed to pick food from a plate and eat it. In Muslim homes, there are carefully established rules about eating with the hands, including how many fingers to use and from which side of the plate to eat.

Religions and the gods they honor are different all over the world. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of large and small religious groups — and each has different knowledge that is believed, taught, and shared among its members. These religions have changed over time, as well. The gods of ancient Greece and Egypt are no longer worshiped, and now serve only as interesting mythologies for guided tours.

Silent Knowledge, the True Toltec Wisdom

A Toltec master takes delight in watching an apprentice wake up from the old dream and begin to question the virtual reality in his mind. The master encourages the apprentice to surrender his belief in all the knowledge in his mind's mitote, and embrace creation as it is. Each apprentice has the opportunity to transcend a life limited by old belief systems and knowledge, and open his heart in celebration of the beauty and wisdom inherent in all of life.

This wisdom is the recognition of the truth that is life itself. It is common sense, it is the seeing and acceptance of reality as it is, and it is something much bigger. The Toltecs recognize a universal consciousness that animates all of creation. When the chatter of the mitote of the mind has been silenced, Toltecs are able to connect to this consciousness from the essence of their own spiritual presence. Ultimately, the apprentice has access to this “silent knowledge,” the true wisdom of creation.