12. In creeds and laws intemperance is much condemned, but again without explanation. The practicality of temperateness in food and speech can be seen over a period of several months. Of course, as always. We are opposed to fanaticism and torments; the body knows its full needs. About sexual temperance it is necessary to speak in more detail; too much space has been allotted this subject by contemporary thinking.
Very ancient mysteries said: "The lingam is the vessel of wisdom," but in time this knowledge was converted into hideous phallic cults, and religion began to prohibit something without knowing exactly why. Whereas, it should have been said simply that the fact of conception is so wondrous that it is impossible to deal with it by ordinary measures.
One may weigh, one may analyze up to the most minute particles, but still there remains an imperceptible and inscrutable substance, as irreplaceable as the vital force of a seed. In due time We shall direct attention to certain striking properties of this substance, which can be seen; but now it must be agreed that such an extraordinary substance must be very precious and must have some extremely important qualities — even a fool will comprehend this. Experiment provides certainly the best proof. If we compare two individuals, of whom one dissipates the vital substance while the other consciously conserves it, we will be amazed at how much more sensitive the spiritual apparatus of the second becomes. The quality of his labors becomes entirely different, and the quantity of his projects and ideas multiplies. The centers of the solar plexus and brain are being heated, as it were, by an invisible fire. That is why temperance is not a pathological renunciation but a sensible action. To bestow life does not mean to cast away the entire supply of vital substance.
If at the first step people would at least remember the value of the vital substance, then by this alone the necessity of prohibitions would be notably reduced. Forbiddance must be done away with; this is a law of striving. But an irreplaceable treasure will be preserved, and this also is a law of striving.
Let us look at things more voraciously — everything irreplaceable will be in the prime places of conservation.
Can we actually cast the treasure away into space? Indeed, this energy will adhere to the elements from which it has been extracted with such difficulty; and instead of cooperation with evolution there results rubbish, which is subject to a reworking.
Thus, let us picture temperance as wings!
13. Two signs of the authenticity of the Teaching are: first, striving for the Common Weal; second, acceptance of all previous Teachings which are congruous with the first sign. It must be noted that the primary form of a Teaching does not contain negative postulates. But superstitious followers begin to fence in the Covenants with negations, obstructing the good. There results the ruinous formula: "Our creed is the best," or, "We are the true believers; all others are infidels." From this point it is a single step to the Crusades, to the Inquisition, and to seas of blood in the name of Those Who condemned killing. There is no worse occupation than forcible imposition of one's creed.
Whoever wishes to follow Us must first of all forget negation and freely bear the renewed life with out constraint of others. People are attracted by beauty and by luminous knowledge. Only that Teaching which contains all hope, which makes life beautiful, which manifests action, can promote true evolution. Certainly life is not a market, where one can make a fine bargain for entrance into the Heavenly Kingdom. Certainly life is not a grave, where one trembles before the justice of an Unknown Judge!
In keeping with their opinion, scholars have proposed the ingenious consolation: "Man begins to die from the moment of his birth" — a scanty and funereal comfort. But We say that man is eternally being born, and particularly at the moment of so-called death.
The servitors of distorted religions encourage their wards in the purchase of places in the cemetery, where through their advance arrangements they will lie more advantageously and honorably than others more indigent and hence undeserving of lengthy prayers. The incense for these poor ones will be adulterated and the prayers abominably sung.
Ask people, finally, what authentic Teaching has enjoined this monstrous practice? Verily, we have had enough of graves, cemeteries, and intimidations!
One may know how loftily the Teachers have regarded the transition to future manifestations, and least of all have They been concerned about a cemetery site.
The attitude toward death is a very important indicator of the character of the Teaching, for in it is contained the understanding of reincarnation.
I urge you to consider reincarnation strictly scientifically.
If you can propound any other structure of the universe. We shall reserve for you a chair as professor of theology and promise you a first-class funeral; for indeed in the eyes of the enlightened you will have already decided to die.
Read attentively the writings of the Teachers published by you, and you will be amazed at how unanimously in all ages They speak about the change of life.
The Path of Light will appear when you venture to look scientifically and without prejudices.
The daring ones are with Us — joy to the daring ones!
14. Action of the spirit is incalculably swift. Thought is a reflex of the spirit; hence the motion of thought is incredibly rapid.
Only after many steps on a slow scale is the calculation of the speed of light begun.
Since the significance of the spirit is great, then great value should be attached to thought, the child of the spirit. What significance thought has is shown even by a simple apparatus for study of the spectrum of the aura. The aura changes color not only from realized thoughts but, in the same measure, from the errant flies of our spirit reservoir which do not reach the reason nor the memory.
The identical significance of thought and action is spoken about everywhere. This is easily established. Note the effects of a thought about murder and of the act of murder upon the spectrum of the aura — the results will be identical. It is difficult for people to assimilate the fact that the thought has the same effect as the deed. But whoever wishes to take part in world evolution must understand the significance of thought. When thoughts are transformed into physical colors, their action at a distance is just as evident as that revealed by the study of light waves. One must approach scientifically the theory of the force of thought. One should not refer this to exceptional personalities — this law is common to all. Its principal effect will be recognition of the impracticality of falsehood and hypocrisy as well as the need of solicitude toward one's near ones.
Open-minded scholars know that by a single fleeting thought the entire aura is physically colored. The thought may seem to be absolutely secret, yet it has in effect a physical color, scientifically ascertained.
A measuring scale for auras will provide adequate proof for the ignorant.
We have to deal with civilized ignoramuses as with children. A burnt finger teaches them the proper handling of fire. We speak about prejudices, but every state official does not know what a savage beast prejudice is. Let us proceed to joy!
15. Some say that work can be fatiguing and even injurious to the health. Thus say lazy and inert people.
Understand that work properly apportioned cannot in itself be fatiguing. One should understand how to effect a proper change of the group of working nerves, and then no fatigue can find access. Do not try to find rest in idleness. Idleness is but the microbe of indolence. Muscles may ache after tension, but you have but to plunge into idleness to begin to feel the full pain. Whereas, by calling into action the opposite centers one can completely avoid the reflex of the previous tension. Indeed, implicit herein is a great mobility, which is developed by conscious experience.
When a physician prescribes a diversified treatment, time and opportunities are found to carry it out. In the same way one can find a rational change of work. This concerns all kinds of labor.
It is sad to come upon that immobility of mind which impedes the work of the higher centers.
It must be kept in mind that certain bodily positions should be avoided — or at least often changed. Stooping from a standing position interferes with the solar plexus. Throwing the head back hampers the brain centers. Arms stretched forward overburden the center of the aorta. Lying on the back may impede the center of kundalini, though it also may stimulate it. Clear thinking may come with a rush when the position of the light is improved. One has but to turn oneself toward the light or away from it and the reaction is perceptible. First of all, remember that each position has its advantage, but if one is turned into a weather-vane for every shifting wind, then the system of ascent will be disrupted.
16. Success will not abandon those who are striving impetuously, for it is difficult to strike an arrow in flight. How swiftly approaching are the dates of those predestined ones, yet in movement yesterday must be distinguished from tomorrow.
Nations have rebelled, kings are departing — is this by chance? Only the blind do not perceive the movement of evolution. Every youthful heart quivers with a presentiment of new forms. In these movements each new form, though imperfect, is more valuable than the polished old one.
If one is to call oneself a sun-bearer, one must forget about darkness.
Can one aught but uphold those who are striving toward the sun? It is easier to explain to them the significance of solar prana. The solar ray will illumine for them new depths — but one must accept.
Each summoned one is offered the entire chalice. If he does not receive the messenger, he will get only a portion of what has been decreed. If he cannot assimilate this part, he will be given a still smaller particle — thus does each one determine his own allotment.
It must be said to those choosing a lesser portion:
"Self-belittlers, you have driven yourselves from the garden through habits of lightmindedness! Perceive how easy it would have been to acknowledge the messenger of the chalice. Together with him you could have planted a seedling of great freedom. How hard it is now to look into the eyes of passers-by, seeking him who sought admittance to you. What is easy today is inaccessible tomorrow. Therefore, gird yourselves with all vigilance."
One can repeat a Decree, but it is impossible to open eyes forcibly. Let the sleeper continue his slumber! But could one sleep through a time of scintillation of the sky and trembling of the whole earth?
17. Let us recall several cases of error repeated many times in different lives. People have awaited the Messenger for ten years yet closed the door on the day before His coming. Choosing the least portion, they have imagined that all was permitted and tolerated. Selecting a particle, they have fallen into blissful inaction and wondered why the particle wasted away. Choosing a particle, they have decided to retain old habits — as it on one side of the bosom could repose the portion of good and on the other could be kept pet cockroaches. Choosing a particle, they have decided to jump off the train for only a minute, forgetting that such a leap in motion carries one perilously backward. Choosing a particle, they have thought to slander a brother, forgetting that the slander would beat back painfully on their own foreheads.
You may ask: "How should one conduct oneself so as not to besmirch the chosen portion?" I can give this advice: Instead of a particle, accept the entire chalice of the Common Good. This will shield you against all impurities. Instead of timorous hesitation, resolve as an experiment to adopt for seven years the plan of the General Welfare. If My advice is poor, you can return later to breeding your cockroaches.
To whomever the Chalice of the Common Good seems heavy, I shall say that the Teaching is not sugar-coated nuts and it is not silver trinkets. The Teaching is rich silver ore, destined- and treasured. The Teaching is curative resin, revealed and directed.
I shall tell the wavering one that he must beware of becoming a traitor, because the fate of even a small traitor is horrible!
I shall say to the toiler that to attract a small force is of considerable merit, but to attract a great force is a luminous achievement. Verily, the chalice of the Common Weal is not weighty to the toiler.
When you are seeking coworkers, do not be confused. Working hands may disguise the Messenger; His complexion may be due to the mountain snows. The Messenger of Truth will not be shouting in the bazaar.
Thus gather the signs — the time is near!
18. Now that you have assimilated the distinguishing marks of the Messenger, We shall remind you of the characteristics of coworkers. They are without prejudices, mobile in action, young in spirit, fearless of chasms. It is well not to forget the unknown ones and the orphans.
Now it is time to speak of the signs of the path leading to Us. First of all, do you clearly accept the existence of the Teachers?
When you read about a discovery of dinosaur eggs, you readily accept the information. Just as easily do you accept information about a new species of ape; about the vital capacity of seeds found in the tombs of the Pyramids; about an unknown metal; about a new tribe of descendants of island castaways. A whole train of information outside of your everyday life you accept without demur.
Is it difficult to accept the fact that a group that has acquired knowledge by the path of tenacious labor can be united in the name of the Common Good? Empirical knowledge has led to the finding of a favorable place, where the currents permit easier communications in diverse directions.
Surely you have heard the accounts of travelers about discovering unknown Yogis in caves. It you extend this fact in the direction of actual knowledge, you will easily arrive at the perception of the group of Teachers of Knowledge.
How then to find the way to Our Laboratories? Without a summons, no one will reach Us. Without a Guide no one will pass! At the same time there is necessary an indomitable personal striving and readiness for the hardships of the way.
According to custom the wayfarer must traverse a certain portion of the way alone. Just before arrival, even those who have been in direct communication with Us do not sense Our tidings. It must be thus because of human conditions.
Those arriving alone, except for profound reasons, are divided into two groups: those striving personally and those summoned for a mission.
Without a special Indication, no one will recognize those who have been to see Us.
Since Our Messenger does not shout m the market place, so too those who have been with Us know how to guard the Common Weal.
An unmistakable sign of Our Call is when you are borne irresistibly, as if on wings. Thus accept Our Community of Knowledge and Beauty. And be assured that, although one can search every mountain gorge, an uninvited visitor will not find the way.
Many times have We visited your cities, and no one can say We are estranged from the world You yourselves locate your observatories outside cities, and take care to leave scientists in quietude. Accept, then, Our considerations, and be not vexed at the lack of a definite address.
Remember Those working for the Common Good!
19. You will inevitably encounter a certain kind of people who fly into a rage at mention of the Teachers. They are ready to trust in any despicable stock market speculation, they are ready to believe in any swindle, but the idea of the General Welfare is inadmissible to them.
Look intently into the pupil of the eye of these people. Therein you will find an evasive shadow, and they cannot long endure your gaze. These are hidden dugpas. Often they are more dangerous than their more obvious colleagues.
Even if a purse of money is sent to them, they will recall a non-existent debtor. If they are saved from ruin, their gratitude will go to the police. Even if one should bring these seemingly well-intentioned people to the very boundary of Our Abode they will declare that what is seen is a mirage. It might be thought that this is due to ignorance, but the reason is far worse.
Beware of them! Chiefly, protect the children. They are the cause of many children's ailments. They find access into the schools. For them historical fact and the law of knowledge are non-existent. Upon encountering sickly children inquire about the quality of their teachers.
Just now, when an important time is drawing near, it is necessary to disinfect as many children as possible; they will be the ones to think about the cities of the future. They must be given a truthful book about the saintly heroes of the Common Good, but this book has not yet been written. Fallacious are children's books, spurious their playthings, false the smiles of their tutors. Amidst constant falsification is it possible to expect truthfulness?
I advise to devote time to the children. Let them carry stones and timbers for their city.
I have spoken about secret dugpas for your information; but for yourselves you need pay no attention to them, as to every striving worker they are mere dust.
But if you show children Our Domicile, they will joyously walk through all the laboratories and observatories. Our prismatic mirrors will give them unforgettable joy; because they love everything real, and We Ourselves strive for Truth.
Give the children only real, true objects!
20. From Our Community We sow seeds of the Common Good throughout all parts of the world. You, ask how to keep the Code of the Community? You have already heard about many features of Our Labor, and now remember this not merely for information but for immediate application. If renouncement of the personal brings one near, then abstinence from action for the Common Good removes one immeasurably — this is a rule of the Community. Through mobility of mind it is easy to preserve the personal during striving for the General Welfare.
You ask why so many tests are necessary. In the Community everything is attained by experience; therefore, it is right to regard testings as growth. Tests lie as thresholds to the gates of Beauty.
Do away with sighing and tearful faces when speaking about tests.
Rejection of the Common Good casts even a giant into a pit.
Whoever has had the advantage of listening to Our discourses can testify as to how efficiently and amidst what diverse activities Our time passes. For the increase of possibilities. We have been obliged to curtail lengthy forms of speech, seeking in different ages the better and briefer definitives. It is necessary to be able to give in three minutes' time the salient contents of a three-hour speech. In saying this, I am ignoring the indignation of lawyers and preachers.
To evaluate the treasure of time is possible only through labor for the General Welfare. Least of all is it admissible to steal the time of one's brother. Aimlessly stealing time is the same as stealing ideas.
To the testing there may be added a question that even a child can be asked: "What do you consider of the utmost importance right now?" Understanding the train of thought, one can recognize the true nature according to the reply. It is sad to look upon those who conceal their thoughts. Thought is lightning!
VI
1. He who has dedicated himself to a hencoop receives results in eggs. He who has dedicated himself to a part of the world vibrates with the soil.
People have distorted the meaning of the word "harmony." Into this concept there has been inserted something clerical, a fold of the chiton, the immortelle of non-existent love, and even a knitted stocking. It were better, without any harps, to replace this withered concept with a more energetic one: let us say "sensitiveness of cooperation." Without it the Community cannot exist. Violation of it provokes resentment; resentment begets dullness and stupidity.
A man who is depressed by resentment is attracted to a single point. Becoming immobile, the man inevitably becomes dull. Dullness, like rust, corrodes a portion of the fundamental substance.
Everything vibrates, undulates, and breathes amidst lightning flashes.
In the days of great constructions do not tolerate a rusty anchor; rust will not withstand a sweeping vortex!
2. A physician may ask: "If the aura is a physical manifestation, then can it not be grown from without, physically? To a certain extent this will be right.
We have already heard about external blows striking upon the aura. Likewise, there can be created a hothouse atmosphere which heals the aura, but hothouse conditions are the same everywhere and they are not suitable for evolution.
Just as the organism must be developed from within, independent of external conditions, so too the firmness and the purport of the aura grow only from within. Straitened. conditions are especially useful for breadth of the aura. The generosity of the hand does not depend upon the quantity it gives.
I see a young scientist who has collected covenants from all the Teachings of the East and who says to himself, "From all sides I shall select the precepts of life; I shall discard all hymns and ritualistic worship. I shall disregard the difference in time and the errors of slanderers and translators, as the very simplest appears to be the most fundamental. From these fragments I shall compose here a single life — this is the life of the East. Notwithstanding its fragmentariness, this life will be wise and full of evolutionary actions."
Why have all Teachings been engendered in Asia? What magnets have collected there the progressive energy of the spirit?
For a waterspout there is needed joint action from above and below. And does not the utmost antiquity respond to the wings of the future?
The antiquity of Atlantis can respond to flight beyond the planet. So broad are these gates that all the rest enters easily!
3. Can Our Community intervene in the affairs of the world and render active assistance?
Every community is devoid of egotism, in its vulgar meaning, and in the name of the Common Good is concerned with the solution of world affairs. Like arrows plunge the sendings of the Community into the brains of humanity.
There can be traced in scientific literature a series of psychic and physical effects. There are well-known cases of the sending of objects of great significance. There are known dispatches of sums of money. There are known forewarnings of danger. There are known letters about the solution of affairs. There are known meetings under various aspects. We have had steamship tickets and costumes of different countries. We have had different names and have appeared when' circumstances imperatively required it.
Already I see that someone is indignant and calls the above "fairy tales." Whereas, before his eyes a university received a donation from an unknown person, and also to an acquaintance of his there was brought a valuable bust from someone unknown.
Our envoy once urged a queen to act more in accord with the laws of the time. Our envoy has counseled a young inventor. Our envoy guided a promising scholar. A list can be shown of persons who have received monetary sendings. These are all facts, attested by physical documents.
Why does this seem mystical and mysterious to some, when everyone has done the same thing in a lesser measure?
Once the principle of the Common Good has been inculcated in humanity, then by carrying it further we secure a Community strong through experience.
Only the blind do not notice whither the spiral of evolution has turned! And We, Who do exist, send help to the young in spirit.
4. Since Our Central Community does have significance for world structures, then, too, communities established by Us have an influence upon the evolution of the world. Let us examine the principal kinds of these widely scattered communities.
The first are the unconscious communities whose members work out a mutually acceptable way of coexistence. These can be found among workmen, farmers, students, and, less frequently, in families.
The second kind of community knows about the plan of earthly evolution, but does not connect this plan with definite action and date. These are circles of political idealists; certain occult organizations; some learned societies; and — rarest of all — clerical bodies.
The third kind of community knows not only the plan of evolution but also the dates and the action. Of course these communities are rare, and they receive Our Indications.
He who has come in close touch with Us learns silence. Likewise, it is difficult to distinguish the participants of a community of the third kind. More talkative is the second kind of community; already they speak much about the Common Good.
Verily, the dark age will terminate with the proclaiming of the Community! Sergius hewed it out with his axe. Boehme worked on it with his boot hammer. The Teacher Buddha built it with His hands. Christ prepared a bridge to it. A most ancient Teacher said: "I do not see any objects that I own!"
Now it but remains to send upon Us a punitive expedition; but it will get nowhere, because We possess certain scientific resources.
About gases, though the subject has not yet entered this book; I have already named several powerful compounds. Beautiful and non-recurrent is the time of change after a long and grievous age!
5. An instructive case can be narrated of how unexpectedly a useful coworker reached Our Community.
You already know that before final enlistment with Us there occur particular attacks of physical weakness. This is explained by the undulatory condition of the nerve centers; there may be fainting, spasms, anguish, and aches of the different centers.
One of Our Friends once went forth by the mountain path, and, being accustomed to long marches, went beyond the protected boundary and there fell into a deep taint. What then did Our telescopic apparati show? Our Friend was lying on the brink of a very dangerous precipice. A member of a geographical expedition, having become lost from his caravan, hastened to Him. Although himself hungry and weakened, he lifted up Our Friend, Who was very tall of stature, and carried Him along the toot-path. It should be explained that only by increased nerve tension could he have been able to lift such a weight. When those sent by Us arrived, the traveler himself fell into a still deeper swoon. But his excessive burden had made him Our coworker.
At present he heads the guarding of the paths and is engaged in historical researches. He often repeats: "Never fear an excessive load." Indeed, there was a reason that he should find himself in Our mountains.
The manifestation of enemies must be interpreted in connection with a certain sickly condition about which I have made mention.
Humanly it is easy to understand how disagreeable Our Community is to some. One does not have to be a wizard to imagine how some are attempting to bar the path. But these enemies are not yours nor Ours; they are enemies of enlightenment, inevitable and persistent. Therefore, We advise you to take things as they are and not to be afraid of an excessive burden.
6. In the formation of new communities, it is necessary to have in mind a troublesome specific human trait — I am speaking of envy. From rivalry there gradually arises the viper of envy, and in the same nest are falsehood and hypocrisy.
The viper is small in size, and its birth is sometimes impossible to notice. Therefore, at the formation of a community it is necessary to foresee the differences between its members and to show why they cannot be duplicated nor compared, like the limbs of the body.
The time is at hand when My Teaching will not easily reach communities in different countries.
Before the issuance of the third book, one has not only to assimilate the second but also to put it into practice in life.
I already know how superficially the first book was read by many. Some made of it a dream book and fortune teller. Others took it for a soothing drug. But few are those who took it as an urgent call to world evolution.
In the second book those who understood the summons of the first will find the features of the desired labor.
The emergence of world events will place the book on the worktable. At this table We can meet together with you. Sometimes an excessive burden becomes a feather of a wing.