QUOTE(Infinitus @ Jun 19 2007, 10:21 PM)
Mandylion,
If you use your powers in an abusive way, you can only expect to become mad, in a sort of way.
Reason being: The more a person hates another, the more hateful they become, and the less happy they are.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
"if once down the dark path you go, forever will it dominate your destiny."
Yoda concurs. As do I.
We do such things to control, people, events, etc., the world around us. We control out of fear. All negative actions arise from fear and ignorance. It can be a subtle fear, but it is very dangerous none the less.
Some people can handle the cost of the darkside. We call them "sociopathic."
In pursuit of higher abilities, one thing everyone learns eventually is that you have to surrender to them, to the movement of energy, you have to have an accepting mindset and observe the world, communicate with it, not control it. If you try to control, all the old patterns that create that need become reinforced, and the abilities wane, you lose touch with them, sometimes without even knowing it. Then you start to delude yourself into thinking you've still got them although you're only seeing illusions. Then your mind manifests illusions to illustrate your guilt, your fear, your need to be right, to be in control, to have power, etc., and the illusions grow dark and disturbing, but you believe them because you think you're exercising some psychic ability that is no longer there. Then you're officially psychotic.
It can happen gradually, and it can happen in a subtle way so that you don't even realize it's happening. Fortunately making your way back is actually very simple. However, unfortunately it is usually very hard - you have to overcome the anger, loss, fear, and maybe embarrassment as well, of the fall.
Not that you can't travel to the darkside, as it were, and retain your abilities for use, but... well It would be irresponsible to just say it, wouldn't it? And most people aren't capable of it anyway.
Directing abilities in the first place requires a combination of surrender and direction. Action without motion, dynamic stillness and other such paradoxical and generally enigmatic phrases. Once you learn it experientially though, it becomes an invaluable skill for life in general.
"You will know (the good from the bad) when you are calm, at peace. Passive."
Also:
"LUKE: Is the dark side stronger?
YODA: No...no...no. Quicker, easier, more seductive."
peace.