>One
>last thing, can a person learn Mystical teachings but not use them and
>also learn worship of, say, a god?
It depends in what you mean by mystical teaching. In the pure form, one has to commit oneself wholly to the teaching, which excludes worship of a God.
In the lesser form, such as being a martial artist, one can worship a God and practice his magic so long as it does not conflict with his teaching (which depends on the path and the gods concerned). I don't think these people have achieved the clarity of spirit necessary to lose their soul to gain the world, although it might be possible in extreme magical circumstances.
In the case of a Dark Monk intending to be a fallen mystic (ie studing the Bodatsu and Akoragat philosophies), one can worship a God consistent with the philosophy of the Monastery. However other considerations might apply, such as having to gain permission from the Abbot or if that fails, having to worship the god furtively and pray that you are strong enough to survive whatever beatings his prefects will mete if and when they catch you.
--Peter Metcalfe
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