3. Keep now in mind that in time of danger you must encircle yourselves with a realization of personal invulnerability, and then send your consciousness to meet My Ray. Imagine mentally how your spark rushes to My current. Such reciprocity increases- the current, and is excellent in time of fatigue. There may be various incidents on the path in which a reciprocal current will be especially useful. It is best to reinforce each possibility.
4. Surrounded and threatened, Akbar addressed his commanders: "The less agitated is the substance, the more clear is the reflection of the summits."
After inspecting his army Akbar said, "A fourth part has been achieved: I have seen satisfied people. The rest we shall see after a day of heat, after a day of rain, after a sleepless night."
5. Now, if you are asked, "Do you recognize astrology?" answer, "Do you deny medicine?"
If you are asked, "Do you insist upon the life of the spirit?" answer, "Do you deny the development of matter?"
If asked, "Why do you care about dead and gone Teachers?" answer, "Is it possible that science is still inaccessible to you?"
If it is said to you, "Apparently you are not averse to reading parchments," reply, "Go back to school, we will talk afterwards."
If you are asked, "How do you picture the universe?" answer, "As a drop of water."
It asked, "Why did you yourself acknowledge the Teacher?" answer, "Because He Himself has addressed us, for the development of our knowledge."
6. I shall specify the qualities distinctive in those seeking the Common Good. First — constancy of striving. Second — ability of containment, for poor is he who denies but the seeker of truth is worthy to work for General Good. Third — ability to labor, because the majority do not know the value of time. Fourth — the desire to help, without prejudices and without usurpation. Fifth — renouncement of personal property and the acceptance for safekeeping of the fruit of the creativeness of others. Sixth — expulsion of fear. Seventh — display of vigilance amidst darkness.
This must be told to those who, possessed by fear, shield themselves with denial.
One should point out that millions of people await the opening of the Gates. The shackles of hardships should not be replaced by the fetters of fear. Fear can be compared to leprosy; both cover the man with a rime of repulsiveness.
The greyish twilight of servility has brought on a wretched conception of life! Now this must end in storm and tempest.
7. No clairvoyance is equal to the spirit-knowledge. The truth can come through this knowledge. The understanding of the needs of the time comes only by this path.
Prophetic ecstasy avoids exactness of time and place, but the knowledge of the spirit foresees the quality of an event. And the way of this straight-knowledge comes into bloom without visible signs, but it is based upon the opening of the nerve centers.
The priests of old considered the spirit-knowledge to be the highest manifestation, for it could not be attained by any bodily exercises but was achieved through the accumulations of former lives.
Therefore, the care of the spirit-knowledge is expressed not in exercises but by the improvement of the life conditions of the blood vessels which teed the nerves. The principal attention must be paid to the blood pressure, because when the nerves absorb the emanations of the white blood corpuscles the opposite polarity especially reacts.
8. People will ask: "Who is greater, Christ or Buddha?" Answer: "It is impossible to measure the far-off worlds. We can only be enraptured by their radiance." The Ray of Christ feeds the Earth as much as the Rainbow of Buddha bears the affirmation of the law of life.
The New World will manifest the affirmation of fearless cognition. There the Images of the Teachers will enter into life as Friends. The Decree of the Teachers will be upon the shelf dedicated to beloved books.
In the period of the abolition of money it is urgent to replace its power by affirmation of the spirit's power to help. Knowledge must finally build scientifically the bridge of aspiration towards the spirit.
The deplorable condition of the Societies for Psychic Research must be replaced by a fearless and truthful judgment.
How can one sit together with hypocrites and liars who excellently guard their pockets!
Achievement must be made manifest and freed from the dust of prejudices.
Can a respectable man concern himself with an achievement? He has not enough room on his chest to hold all the earthly decorations. He is at a loss how to uphold all of grandfather's customs. But customs make one customary. Therefore, I urge you to look at the sky as if for the first time.
I urge you to view with horror the filth of cities as if for the first time.
I urge you to think about Christ and Buddha as if for the first time.
I urge you to look at yourself as if for the first time.
I urge you to picture the New World as if for the first time.
The least particle of personal property of bygone days is like a millstone around one's neck.
9. Unexpectedness is the sister of mobility. Mobility is the sister of achievement. Achievement is the brother of victory. For each achievement contains within itself a victory; perhaps an invisible one but one moving profound expanses.
10. What suffers most of all? Of course co-measurement! I have spoken so much about it, yet again it is necessary to return to the old theme. Even the few who sense the importance of co-measurement remember about it only in some special circumstances. When one is drowning, then the best precepts are called to mind. Far more important is it to remember them amidst everyday life. The smallest thoughts will be borne away by the whirlwind of a right judgment. Good or bad, useful or harmful, these will be singled out, because where the big trees are, the shrubs are not seen.
If we will apply our efforts to change the hustle and bustle into a beautiful achievement, then the gnarled thorn bushes will be transformed at once into a tall grove. If we can rise in thought to the boundaries of the miraculous, then we shall not speak lengthily about a worn-out sole.
I strongly advise to abolish gossip. Half the day will then be made free, and there will remain a lonely cup of coffee or glass of beer.
The time for meals must be shortened, in order to preserve the human aspect. There is no worse act of non-comeasurement than to prattle at the dinner table about trifles. There is no worse act of non-co-measurement than to toss slander like a shower of small peas. There is no worse act of non-co-measurement than to defer an urgent action. There is no worse act of non-co-measurement than to show offense like a petty huckster. There is no worse act of non-co-measurement than to renounce responsibility. There is no worse act of non-co-measurement than to cease thinking about beauty. Co-measurement is like the pillar that supports the house.
When we take into consideration the painting of the dwelling, are we to destroy the pillar under the archway? Thoroughly assimilate co-measurement.
11. If co-measurement is not observed, then the determination is also destroyed. Our determination is up to the last limit. It is not that determination which proceeds in comfort and fits in with personal habits. Not that determination which is to the body's advantage. Our determination is confined only by the spirit's limits. Therefore, it is impossible to bar the way of Our Striving. Warriors and builders of life proceed with Our determination.
It timidity retards one, then it is better to burn the bridges already crossed. If avarice hinders, then better throw the purse over the next river. If stupidity impedes, then better let one's horses go by themselves. If rancour delays, then better hang an effigy of the enemy between the ears of one's horse. Only beauty can promote determination. Then to think about the purse and the enemy will seem a child's whim.
As the center of a magnet attracts toward itself, so the fundamental quality of resoluteness is invincible. Indeed, the invincibility of determination is convincing, and it is an immutable condition of the true mysteries. A true mystery must be regarded as a guiding action of life. Thus, Our determination is connected with the leading concept. Put determination into practice.
12. Determination conditions the law of occult facets. Even a stone is cut in facets for the manifestation of the inner fire. Likewise, the path to the Light is divided by clearly discernible lines. Of course, instead of facets one can always make heaps of broken stones, but this is deplorable.
A rational path is divided into periods of about a thousand days each. The three years of these periods, similar in exterior aspect, completely differ as to the qualities of spiritual consciousness concerned. The sharper the line of distinction, the more conformable to the plan is the path. Usually the first year of the three year period is characterized as preparatory, the second is an active one, the third a dim and wearisome threshold.
Let us begin a new period. It may be called "earthly homelessness." One must cast aside all past considerations and rush into a desert of boundless stillness, where thunderstorms and whirlwinds entwine one under a radiant dome. Amidst the storms a new raiment will be woven.
Let the next period be called "The Luminous," and thus let us build it. Let us courageously turn the steeds into the haze of the desert. The experience of homeless wandering must be lived through. In like manner have walked all Seekers.
One can welcome this period, when the boundaries between countries are being erased.
13. About occult murder.
Invisible slayings are incomparably more numerous than the bloody ones. Out of hatred, out of ignorance, out of fear, men implant poisoned arrows, the force of which is great. One of the best means of defense is the concept of an occult circle. But the best remedy must be taken according to exact indications.
The power of the circle is so great that even stellar decrees can be modified. It is known that the circle has shifted sickness and death.
Because of its significance, the circle must be guarded, like any tuned instrument. One should not forget that every action between members of the circle must be circumspect. Everything useful can be turned into an injury, if there be tolerated the throwing of stones into the brother's orchard. And can one know where a foolishly thrown stone will strike? Often the condition of auras deflects the stone and, instead of a foot, it strikes the temple.
Therefore, it is indispensable to put the stones out of action and with all strength to guard the treasure of the circle. I have forewarned.
14. About the qualities of action.
If an action is small, it needs the help of various handmade objects. But when the action becomes great it can dispense with earthly objects. This is the first touchstone of action.
When the magician speaks about a whole pharmacy, it means his action is one of very small dimension.
The second quality of action is its mobility. Like a whirlwind of primary matter, a true action must vibrate with possibilities. Only a flight can crown a luminous manifested thought.
The third quality of action is its unexpectedness. Every action which has astounded the minds of the people was the result of an unexpected way of thinking.
The fourth quality of action is its elusiveness. Only this quality protects the action against destructive attacks.
The fifth quality of action is its convincingness. As every lightning flash connects our consciousness with the Cosmos, so each action should strike like a flashing sword.
The sixth quality of action is its lawfulness. Only the consciousness of the fundamentals of the world evolution will advance the action immutably.
The seventh quality of action is its pure motive. By this path one can move weighty loads without fatigue.
One must equally well comprehend the actions of the body and those of spirit. Because, after all that has been said, the action of thought is still not appreciated.
I wish to speak particularly to those who place their trust in matter: Your thought is imbued with the emanations of nerve centers, and according to its specific gravity it is heavier than many microorganisms. Is then your thought not matter? How exactly must we, then, weigh our thoughts! We are responsible for them, just as a man who misuses charcoal fumes is responsible.
It is simpler to think beginning with matter. For where are its limits? Thus, the teaching of the spirit will stand alongside that of matter. So they who deny the spirit will also be denying matter.
15. About the qualities of expectancy.
The highest expectancy is that of the evolution of the world. The usual expectations are divided into the dark, the sluggish, and the vigilant. The chaos of the dark ones brings only harm to space. The sluggish expectations are like smoldering coals.
The vigilant expectations manifest readiness to accept the new at every hour.
I have said, "Know how to desire." I will also say, "Know how to await." Be able to purify the quality of expectation. Through storm carry expectation as an inextinguishable torch.
The inner quality of expectancy is its growth in tensity. With what could one best correlate this sign, if not with the evolution of the World? Such expectancy should penetrate your whole life and fill your work with the throbbing of action. For in this union is the best and most beautiful.
Upon entering a house full of restless people, say to them: "Look forward to the evolution of the world!"
V
1. It will be asked: "How can you refer to a Creator Whom you do not know?"
Reply: "Historically and scientifically we know the Great Teachers who have created the quality of our consciousness."
"In recognizing the influence of the ideology of the Teachers, are you not restricting your freedom?" Reply: "The quality of freedom is remarkable; if freedom exists at all, nothing can limit it. The body can be shackled, but nothing can diminish consciousness except ugliness. When we touch upon the heights of freedom, we must guard against ugliness. If we wish to exalt matter, we must think wisely about beauty."
In Beauty will Infinity be manifested. In Beauty the teachings of the Seekers of the spirit are illumined. In Beauty we do not fear to manifest the truth of freedom. In Beauty do we kindle radiance in every drop of water. In Beauty do we transform matter into a rainbow.
There is no ugliness which will not be engulfed in the rays of the rainbow. There are no fetters which will not disintegrate in the freedom of Beauty.
How shall we find the words to approach the concept of the universe? How shall we tell about the evolution of forms? How to uplift the consciousness to the study of fundamentals? How to stimulate humanity to scientific cognition of the worlds?
Each realization is born in Beauty.
Know how to think radiantly, and nothing terrifying will touch you. Remember, We have no forbiddances.
2. It has been said that he who speaks against the spirit shows himself ignorant, and that blasphemy against the Spirit is the worst of all.
Saints have been spoken about, but to whom can this inexplicable concept be applied?
Those who perform miracles will be learned magicians. Those who keep their lives in purity will be practical people. Only those who have consciously renounced all the personal and who have transported their consciousness into the conception of world evolution can be called saints in Our understanding. It is imperative that this process be accomplished consciously, outside of fortuitous external conditions.
It is impossible to forcibly implant religion anew — it would be but a sacrilegious monstrosity.
The way of renouncing the ugliness of life will prompt the spirit to truthful quests. Then the obviousness of the interrelation of the worlds will compel one to ponder scientifically.
This ineffable thought is the beginning of spiritual discipline. These quests, void of the personal element, awaken the reflex of action — this is called achievement.
It is better, in general, to replace the word "saint" with an absolutely definite term — achiever. The manifestation of achievement in life is unceasing, and without hypocrisy We will be able thus to proclaim its evident manifestations.
Life's achievement must be performed by human hands.
3. A prophet, is a man who possesses spiritual foresight. Just as on the physical plane there is near-sightedness and farsightedness, thus simply must one understand the quality of farsightedness of the spirit.
It would be absolutely the height of ignorance to deny all prophecies.
It would be completely stupid to condemn the prophets.
If we scientifically and impartially examine prophecies which have chanced to be preserved, what do we see? We find people who, disregarding personal advantage or disadvantage, have peered into a forthcoming page of history, were terrified, and forewarned the people.
Among known prophecies one does not find selfish intentions, one does not find a criminal self-interest, one does not find slander. The symbols of visions are tinted because of the distance, the difference in space and time.
When will scholars find time to investigate prophecies scientifically and to make historical comparisons?
It would be a fine book for a young scientist to write!
Yes, friends, it is time to learn to approach obvious manifestations culturally. Otherwise, future attainments will be to men what electrons are to cradled infants. Your uniforms and togas do not conceal your timorous infancy.
You will ask who determined your rankings and denominations. Verily, you would be horrified to see the forefathers of your contentment. Dwarfs of cupidity attempted to screen the Giants of the Common Weal.
The radiance of the New World does not penetrate into your burrow! But let a whirlwind sweep away the roots which shroud the Dawn!
There is nothing more beautiful than sunrise — and the sun rises in the East!
4. Can it be so very difficult for you to understand the meaning of astrology? If knowledge of it is lacking, I suggest making an experiment. Suppose you take tour organisms: a plant, a fish, a bird, and an animal — let us say a lily, a carp, a dove, and a dog. Provide seven specimens of each, and for each group construct a place deprived of daylight and saturated with a colored electric light. The glass should be of various colors, conforming as closely as possible to the colors of the rainbow. At night you should merely reduce the amount of light. Thus you may observe them for about four months.
At the end of this time even a blind man will grasp the difference in the results. Besides, there will be lacking the principal factor of the stellar ray; namely, its chemical composition. It is impossible to ignore the importance of the physical influence of the planetary bodies.
The attention and expectations of humanity must be turned to the far-off worlds. Hence, everything pertaining to this subject must be studied without prejudices. Since exact knowledge is needed, astronomy is strikingly applicable.
5. It is possible to issue decrees, to make promises, and to intimidate; but only understanding impels. What could replace the understanding of application.
People will say, "How beautiful! How powerful! How sublime!" But all these outbursts are like will-o-the-wisps over a marsh, and are extinguished as easily as they are generated. Pure but superficial thoughts are like multi-colored dust particles; the first wind carries them away into space. The value of such particles is negligible.
We appreciate a thought which has engendered a decision. The decision is valued according to its applicability. Applicability is judged by spirit-knowledge, and then an action results at which one may rejoice. Whoever rejoices has faith also. Even faith must be well-grounded, and thus can the Teaching
We compute well. We apply well. If you are accused of economy, do not reject this either; for economy is opposed to madness, and madness is opposed to spirit knowledge. But whatever circle of reasoning we choose, we shall inevitably return to the great knowledge of the spirit.
I do not vaguely feel, I know! Not superstition, but certainty. When we are filled with immutability, it is as if we have contacted the magnet of the planet. Then we stand steadfast.
6. Avoid uniformity, as to both place and work. Actually, uniformity accompanies that greatest fallacy, the concept of personal ownership. First of all, the slave of property loses mobility of spirit. Such a slave ceases to understand that each day of labor should be tinged with a special quality of the spirit. He cannot change place, because his spirit will be permanently fixed in his earthly home.
Ask yourself — is it easy for you to move to another place? Is it easy for you to change the nature of your work? If it is, this means that you can appreciate the value of the Common Good.
If each journey forces you to write your last will and testament, and a change of work makes you unhappy, this means that a remedy must be taken. Most dangerous journeys should be prescribed, and changes in the way of most diversified work should be assigned. This will develop courage, and resourcefulness, because the primary cause of the defect is fear.
The embryo of proprietorship is also fear, the feeling that one must be attached to the Earth at least by something! As if a miserable hovel could be an adequate anchor for the spirit! As if a heap of personal belongings could protect one from the lightning! Periodically the injurious playthings of ownership have been taken away from humanity. But again fear, the father of lies, spins his cobweb and again terrors are concocted. Therefore, let us abolish fear. With it will depart property ownership and boredom.
How much new health there is in diversity of place and of labor!
7. Nirvana is the quality of assimilation of all actions. The saturation of all-inclusiveness brings you true knowledge, flowing from the tremor of illumination. Languages have no more precise definition of this process. Quietude is only an external aspect, and quietude does not express the essential nature of the condition.
Buddha mentioned quietude, but only this external aspect was assimilated by his listeners. For to the people who heard him the idea of rest was very attractive. Action as something meritorious is too little understood.
You like scientific construction — so do We. It you have heard the theory of vortical rings, the theory of waves, of magnetism, of attraction and repulsion, then you must realize that there exist on the Earth places of very diverse significance. Even dull-witted heads have pondered over the strange fate of many cities. The combination of a physicist, an astro-chemist, a biologist, and an astrologer would yield the best answer without any mysticism. The construction of large cities ought to be cautiously planned. Least significant of all is contemporary politics, because this concept lacks scientific basis and beauty.
Gauging the requirements of the future city, be not misled by an apparently broad concept; a trifle is often more indicative.
Also, in selecting coworkers pay attention to details during small actions.
Determining the essential nature of a man through the pupil of his eye. We surround him with habits of small actions. Least of all attach significance to words; they are as flowing waters. Small actions which saturate the whole life best denote the nature of a man — from them grow the large ones. We do not place much trust in chance achievements. From fear one can accomplish a deed of courage.
Conscious actions are necessary; they alone lead to Nirvana.
8. Let us imagine a man imbued with the thought that his two eyes see differently. Of course he will be right, but by this very thought he will ruin his eyesight. Coordination of reflexes is difficult, but it alone assure successful operation of the apparatus. The difference between the eyes is what gives perspective to the thing seen.
Just so can two different truths coalesce in a healthy organism. A man who is obsessed with thought about different truths is like the man who ponders about the difference of his eyes, he loses perspective of conception.
9. Outside the window sounded a call. One worker ignored it with "Don't disturb me, I am busy!" Another promised to come but forgot. A third came after his work was finished, but the place was already empty. A fourth was set atremble at the call, and, putting aside his tools, went forth at once with, "Here I am!" This is called the tremor of sensitiveness.
Only this tremor, lit by the consciousness day and night, leads to spirit-knowledge. Over and above the reason, the gates are opened by a tremor which is even audible to human apparati.
If you are unable to suppress within yourself this tremor of sensitiveness — good for you!
10. Ask a composer if he likes unison choirs and symphonies. He will pronounce your question an absurdity, because there is no such thing as a symphony in unison. For a new tone the composer is ready to introduce the most unexpected instrument. Just so in the formation of a group — be not astonished at an apparent diversity of the members. Not according to birth, nor habits, nor mistakes are they grouped; their contact is in spirit. They are united in a chorus by spirit, which is imponderable, invisible and inaudible. Therefore, do not reproach any one for the pitch of his voice — its quality is what is important.
It is joyous to realize that quality can always be improved if there is discipline of spirit.
11. In creeds and laws treachery, slander, and revilement are condemned; but it is not adequately shown why these actions are essentially harmful. Hence, these censures have the appearance of prohibitions. But any forbiddance is relative and unconvincing. When harm and usefulness are indicated, the essential nature must be explained.
The harm of treachery, slander and revilement can easily be shown in an ordinary example. Of course, the ultimate injury will be not to the betrayed but to the betrayer.
The entire world is divided along a boundary line between individual and general welfare. If we act within the sphere of the general welfare with sincere intentions, then in support of us stands the entire reservoir of cosmic accumulations. This chalice of the best achievements begins to act along an invisible ray.
Imagine it this way: A candle filled with malice is trying to bum you. You have not yet taken any measures, but from behind you there is approaching a powerful torch. Perform this experiment and you will see how the candle gutters, chars, and goes out.
It is not a punishment but a consequence of the laws of nature.
People betray, slander, and revile the bearers of the Common Weal, but not enviable is the fate of these carriers of singeing fires. Therefore, treachery, slander and revilement are not practical.
Therefore, think not about revenge; for even the ancients effectively said, "Vengeance is mine," said the Lord." Is the life of a traitor an easy one?
Likewise, in creeds and laws theft has been spoken against, but again this sounds like a prohibition. Whereas, it must be pointed out that theft is harmful as a concept which augments the sense of personal ownership. Theft injures world evolution, and not enviable is the lot of those who harm world evolution. They send themselves a long way backward.
It is unimportant that some object passes into other hands, but what is important is that two men will experience the onset of the sense of personal ownership.
The law concerning theft is incomplete, because the principal thefts are those of knowledge and creative ideas, which cannot be guarded against.
Theft will be abolished with the elimination of privately owned property.