All Things Must Be Made New — Everything!
October 31, 2014
I have been doing all that I could to
prepare you for that which is needful in the days before us. I emphasized the
point of the necessity for honesty, so that you are really honest with
yourselves and do not attempt to deceive yourselves with respect to your
motivations, the reason why you speak or act thus and so. How easily human
beings do deceive themselves in that regard, persisting in self-deception.
Obviously there must be honesty in the Holy Place, because if there isn't,
there would be the making of a lie, and that, if it is a part of anyone,
prevents them from entering into the Holy City.
There is a need, then, for true honesty,
and there is the need for the development of a true sense of the fitness of
things. That which is fitting in the Holy Place is very different to that which
may seem to be fitting in the world of man. The wisdom of men is foolishness
with God, and human beings have judged the wisdom of God to be either foolish
or unfitting. We remember the words, "Behold, I make all things new."
That certainly indicates a complete change, for that which is in the Holy Place
must be fitting in the sight of God, regardless of what human beings think
about it. And you will find that, while you have undergone a change of
viewpoint and you see many things in a different light to the way it used to
be, the new vision and new understanding, the new sense of the fitness of
things, the new recognition of values, is yet to come.
I was wondering tonight if I could begin
to speak to you a little about these things, perhaps we might say the
characteristics of divine men and women as they serve God from the Holy Place,
that you may have an increased understanding of what is fitting there, what is
right and proper and what is not. We cannot lay down any rules and regulations
as human beings try to do in the world of man. They establish a pattern of some
sort and then they say it just is not done, to behave otherwise. Well of course
there are those things that are simply not done in the Holy Place, but the
correct function is based in something the individual knows from within himself
rather than on something which is imposed from outside.
The Ten Commandments were given a long
time ago as a basis of regulation for those who at that time had not reached a
point where they had any true spiritual perception, no real sense of the
fitness of things yet. There is that within the Ten Commandments which we have
already recognized as being of value in helping to develop a sense of the
fitness of things, but as commandments in the ordinary sense, they are left
behind. As guides to the fitness of things and to an understanding of the
divine pattern and the ways of God, they have their value. And when we come
into the Holy Place we discover that truly all things must be made new. Everything! And all the old patterns of
belief, concept, all the old regulations, dos and don'ts, no longer have any
effect. Yet, as we have seen, there is an absolute control insofar as the
kingdom of God is concerned. It is not as though all controls were taken off
simply because nothing is imposed from the outside. The outside controls cannot
properly be taken off until the individuals concerned have learned how to
accept the inside controls. And it is those controls which spring from within
the individual that operate in the Holy Place.
To attempt to come into the Holy Place
on the basis of some outwardly established and accepted code of ethics, for
instance, would end in failure, because the outer control would interfere with
the inner control. As long as a person has the two—partially controlled by that
which is coming from outside or is imposed from outside, and at the same time
seeking to be governed by that which is established from inside—there is a
certain amount of conflict, and the individual is not quite sure whether he
should be governed by this or by that.
The Rhythmic Flow of the Breath of Life
from Steps To Mastership
Uranda 1936
There are
three primary nerve channels, or Nadis, to which we must give attention. In
Sanskrit they are called Ida, Pingala, and Sushunna. The left sympathetic
nerve, which begins in the left nostril and extends back through the head and
down to the Sacral Plexus, which is located in the Sacral region or wide
vertebrae at the base of the spine, comprises the Ida Nadis, or channel. The
right sympathetic nerve, which begins in the right nostril and extends back
through the head down to the Sacral Plexus, comprises the Pingala Nadis. The
spinal cord, which extends from the head down the spine to the Sacral Plexus,
comprises the Sushunna Nadis. The currents of the Life Essence which flow
through these Nadis are called Kundalini. This explains as much as will be
required in this elementary study of the subject.
The air
which is inhaled through the left nostril supplies the Prana which is taken up
by the Ida Nadis and carried to the brain, where the Prana is transformed, or
generated, into the Negative Life Essence, which is the energy required by the
negative pole of the generative system. Thus we see that properly increased
breathing through the left nostril will gradually increase the Negative Life
Essence, which is the force that gives life to the Physical Body.
The air which is inhaled through the right nostril supplies the Prana which is taken up by the Pingala Nadis and carried to the brain, where the Prana is transformed into the Positive Life Essence, which is the energy required by the positive pole of the generative system. Thus we see that properly increased breathing through the right nostril will gradually increase the Positive Life Essence, which is the force that gives life and activity to the Mental Body.
When these
two forces are properly combined in the Sacral Plexus, the Kundalini, which is
inactive or "asleep" in the Sacral Plexus, is caused to rise in the
Sushunna Nadis. The blending and transformation of the positive and negative
Life Essence which takes place in the Sacral Plexus produces the specific form
of Kundalini that is required for spiritual growth and development. Thus we see
that properly increased breathing through both nostrils will gradually increase
the release of Kundalini, which is the force that gives life and activity to
the Spiritual Expression Body.
This will
give you some idea of the great value that can be derived from correct
breathing. All types of nervousness can be overcome by bringing the body forces
into normal balance through the development of self-control and proper breathing.
Normally a person breathes through one nostril for about an hour, and then
through the other for about an hour. Few people have noticed this fact, but you
can check yourself at different hours of the day, and if you are normal you
will find that when you close one nostril and then the other, one will seem to
be somewhat closed, while the air passes through the other one freely. If you
find that one of your nostrils is closed constantly, so that all of your
breathing is done through only one nostril, you should take steps to correct
the condition.
In cases
where disturbance is the result of excessive appetite in food, drink, or sex,
it is usually best to increase the breathing through the left nostril. When
disturbance results from excessive emotion, such as fear, anger, hate, and so
on, it is usually best to increase the breathing through the right nostril. In
either case the excess must be brought under control if the breathing process
is to have worthwhile results.
The
Breathing Exercise by which the Life Essence may be brought to a balance is as
follows: Place the right hand on the face, palm toward the mouth, so that the
thumb rests on the right side of the nose near the end of the nose. The index
finger is then placed on the left side of the nose, opposite the thumb. In this position you can close either
nostril, or both, at will. As it is very
important that all breathing exercises be done rhythmically, it is well to keep
time with the left hand, making note of the count during inhalation and
exhalation by opening or closing the fingers. Next, close one nostril, leaving
open the right nostril if you want to increase the positive phase of your nature, or the left nostril if you want to
increase the negative phase. Inhale,
then, on the count of six, hold the breath for a count of three, and exhale
through the opposite nostril for the
count of six; then hold both nostrils closed for the count of three and repeat.
This exercise must always be followed by the development exercise which is
given below.
In all
breathing exercises begin with three to five minutes for the exercise, and
increase the time as you feel you can. Always stop when you begin to feel
dizzy, and resume the exercise at another time. Regular periods for the
exercise should be arranged—two or three times a day—and the exercises should
be followed at the set times no matter what else has to go undone. Spasmodic
exercise will not get the results you want. Begin on the count of six for
inhalations and exhalations, and three for holding at the beginning and end of
the breath. Then gradually increase the count to eight and four, and ten and
five.
The first
development exercise is as follows: Sit or stand, facing the east if possible,
and use the hands as instructed in the exercise outlined above. Close the right
nostril for inhalations and the left for exhalations during three breaths, then
reverse the process, closing the left nostril for inhalations and the right for
exhalations during three breaths. Alternate in this manner until you have used
each nostril nine times for the three breaths. This makes twenty-seven breaths
for each nostril, or fifty-four breaths for both nostrils. At first you may
become dizzy before you have completed the full exercise, and if you do, stop
until your next exercise period. Use the count of six and three until you can
go through the full exercise without any trouble, and then start using the
count of eight and four in the same manner.
It is very
important that you breathe rhythmically during these exercises, and that you
watch your usual breathing to increase the rhythmic flow of the breath at all
times. All nature works in rhythm, and the more you increase the rhythm in your
breathing, in your walking, and in all of your actions, the closer will be the
harmony between yourself and nature. When you begin to get the feel of the rhythmic life, you will wonder how you ever
managed to live in the old spasmodic way. You will find that your whole life
takes on added force, and you will always have plenty of reserve energy to meet
every need. Avoid hurry, for haste breaks the harmony of rhythm that you are
trying to establish between yourself and nature. Be serene and sure of yourself
in every thought, word and deed and you will find that a dynamic charm will
radiate from you always. Things that have seemed difficult to you will be
accomplished with ease, and things that have been impossible to you will become
possible.
After
practice you will find that you will automatically breathe in the way that will
help most in whatever you want to do. For instance, if you want to get the most
possible out of anything you read for self-development, or from a class or
lecture which you may attend, make yourself receptive by breathing mainly
through the left nostril. If you are to deliver a lecture, teach a class,
approach any person on a business proposition in which you wish to control the
outcome, or in any other instance where you should be dynamically forceful, be
sure to breathe mainly through the right nostril.
You increase
the dynamic driving force of your nature by breathing through the right
nostril. You increase the receptive, attractive charm of your nature by breathing
through the left nostril. This gives you a basic idea of the manner in which
you can best use your ability to increase either the positive or negative phase
of your nature at will. A wonderful power has been placed within your reach, to
do with as you will—increased power brings increased responsibility. If such
power is used unselfishly in service for others, the reward is great. But a
warning must be given here. He who develops this power intending to use it for
selfish purposes will find that he himself will pay a terrible penalty. If this
power is developed with good intentions and is later used to harm another, the
power will automatically be taken from him, and swift destruction will be the
result.
Spiritual
powers, such as have been placed within your reach by the teachings herein
given, must be dedicated to good uses if you would attain that "Joy
unspeakable, and full of glory" and the "Peace which passeth all
understanding." Also, remember that the mere reading of these words will
do you no good unless you use the
principles outlined. The results depend entirely upon yourself. "Be ye
doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
© emissaries of divine light
October 29, 2014
Entering The Silence
Entering The Silence
from Steps to Mastership
Uranda 1936
The true aim
of the
Silence is to attune one's receptivity to a phase of Being which is not
ordinarily within the range of comprehension. We may well ask, "What is
the Silence?" It is not allowing
one's self to drift into an insensible state where control of the faculties is
relinquished to chance influences.
What is
spoken of as Entering the Silence is in reality a change of attunement, so
that the usual sound vibrations are not detected and the unusual sound
vibrations are brought within the range of receptivity. The person who learns
to rightly enter the Silence attunes himself to a world that is new to him, and
he becomes aware of things of which he knew nothing before.
You must Silence, or "turn off," the usual faculties of reception if you wish to have any success in attuning yourself to the higher vibration receptivity. This is the reason the process is rightly called the Silence. When you learn to Silence the usual receptive faculties, by turning your attention away from them and directing your attention to the vibrations of Higher Consciousness, you will find that you will begin to perceive vibrations of a very unusual nature.
In this higher state of reception, you begin to experience a blending of senses which is very difficult to explain in words. It is as if a blending of Sight, Hearing and Feeling took place without diminishing from any, but rather increasing the perception of each through the blending. In this way all vibrations are perceived simultaneously as sound, vision and feeling.
In the physical planes, one can see vibrations which cannot be heard or felt; for instance, in the rainbow. But suppose you could hear and feel the vibrations of the rainbow as well as see them. The joy of perception would be multiplied. Likewise, the average person can hear things that he cannot see or feel, such as music. A true musician or lover of music learns to feel the music as well as hear it. But many cannot get the "feel" of music, especially if it is classical. Imagine the joy of a perfectly harmonious seeing, hearing and feeling of musical expression. Also, we can feel things that cannot be seen or heard. For instance, cold. You can see the effects of cold, but you cannot see the cold itself. Suppose you could see, hear and feel cold without suffering any discomfort from it. You can be assured that the result would be delightful. A vague idea of the result may be seen in the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.
Thus it is seen that the Silence is really a process of expanding the receptive faculties so that one becomes aware of the Spiritual Essence of all things. In this way the door is opened to Absolute Knowledge. A hint of the process involved may be seen in true Intuition, which is a knowing of fact without being fully aware of the means by which the knowledge was obtained. Intuition is a step in the right direction, but the faculties of Intuition must be developed until complete Absolute Perception is consciously induced. When this has been accomplished, the individual has progressed from Intuition to Illumination.
The first necessity for complete entrance into the Silence is a room where you can be free from interruption. A partial Silence may be enjoyed at any time, in any place, but a regular time in the same room is required for full results. A set time each day helps to establish a rhythmic response to Cosmic Harmony. The time of day depends on the Student. The most important considerations in selecting a time, night or day, are probability of regularity, likelihood of freedom from interruptions, and the responsiveness of the Student. Each must make his own selection. Some find the morning hours best. Others have trouble with the mind wandering soon after waking, and for them it may be that the evening would be best. Select the hour when you feel that your faculties are most subject to perfect control, and then stick to that hour no matter what else must go undone.
Some get best results while reclining, but if one is inclined to go to sleep too easily, a sitting position is best. Others get best results in the sitting position, regardless of the tendency to sleep. If you feel yourself going to sleep, and you are unable to control the inclination, stop the Silence at once and wait for another time. After you have found the best way for yourself, use the same position, in the same place, in the same chair or couch, in the same room, at the same time each day. After a time the room and chair or couch will become charged with your Spiritual Vibrations and you will find it easier to harmonize quickly.
After you are in position, relax thoroughly in a comfortable way. Begin to breathe deeply, slowly and rhythmically. Then gradually reduce the depth of the inhalation, until you are breathing as little as you can without strain. Then forget your breathing. During the period of conscious breathing, feel as if you are Breathing the Spirit of God and that the Spirit is flowing down through your whole body, charging you with Light, Love and Life.
The next step in entering the Silence should be prayer. The prayer should be a thankful realization of the Light, Love and Life of God as filling your whole body and the room where you are. Also you should express the idea that you are letting yourself be opened to whatever wisdom and understanding God may see fit to reveal to you, or for which you are ready.
After your prayer, relax your mind and let it be bathed in a realization of the words you have expressed. During this period of mind relaxation you should feel your attention drawn to some one word, and that word is the Word of Wisdom for you during that particular Silence. It may be a word in your prayer, or it may be another word, such as Joy, Peace, Understanding, or Strength. As a rule, the best Key Words of Wisdom are found in one of the following—but do not force a selection of one of them if you are drawn to another word—Father, God, Light, Son, Christ, Love, Soul, Holy Spirit, Life, Radiance, Blending, Oneness, Cosmic, Universe, or Universal. It is best not to try to select a Key Word of Wisdom before entering the Silence. Trust to Divine Guidance to draw your attention to the Word which is most needed by you. Your human mind is not capable of making the correct selection.
When you feel your attention drawn to one word, pick it up mentally with all the love and tenderness that you would show in handling your firstborn child. Without tension, let your perception of it blend into seeing, hearing and feeling. Recognize it as one avenue of approach to limitless Absolute Knowledge. Begin to follow mentally the leading of your one word. Questions about it may arise. That is good. Do not try to answer them yourself but let the answers come through you. Consider the word as a name card attached to a single Ribbon of Light which will lead you to a priceless treasure when you trace it through to its Source. Avoid an attitude of study toward your word, but rather let your attention dwell upon it without effort as you watch it unfold—just as you would watch the theme of a motion picture unfold.
No matter how interesting the unfolding theme of a Word may be, do not try to pick it up again in your next Silence. Enter the Silence without thought of a Key Word, and then take up the one that is drawn to you during the period of relaxed meditation following your prayer. In this way you will be gradually drawn into an understanding of all that you need to know. As you become accustomed to sailing on the deep blue Sea of Truth, you will be able to go farther, and still farther, on the Ocean of Absolute Knowledge. And lo, it will not be long till you have the thrill of seeing the Beacon Light which welcomes you to your Haven, the Port of Illumination.
At first devote fifteen to twenty minutes once or twice a day to your Devotional Period of Realization, or Silence, and then increase the time as you are able to develop mental control. At the first signs of wavering, stop and wait for the next time. No one can tell another how long he should remain in the Silence.
Always close your Silence with a prayer, giving thanks for the privilege of going Home to your Father, and for the understanding you have gained. Let the Spirit within guide you in your expression of prayer. Express what you feel. It is often best to pray aloud in both prayers, as this helps to exclude other thoughts from your mind and it gives you a greater sense of Reality. After you have gained absolute control, you may offer a silent prayer if you choose. Let the Spirit direct.
© Emissaries of Divine Light
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