The Seeker’s Guide to Soul Contact, Part 22

Day 277

Toxins

The Seed Thought:

When negative emotions are dissipated our physical vehicles will vibrate in much greater harmony with nature and resulting disease will no longer consume us.

It has dawned upon the consciousness of humanity that a polluted physical environment, such as toxins in air, water and food, are detrimental to our health and well-being. Less realized is the effect of the toxins that invade our emotional thinking and feeling nature. These toxins often do more damage than the physical ones.

For instance, you will often see two family members who breath the same air, eat the same food and drink the same water, but one is healthy and the other is not.

Why is this?

Yes, it is true that there may be some other factors besides those affecting the emotional nature, but negative emotional implants are often a significant factor in the difference.

The problem with clearing the emotional self is that the most destructive negative emotions are often disguised as something positive. The most harmful emotions are grievances unexpressed, or not communicated, that fester in the victim until a disease will manifest. The victim often sees the suppression as a virtue because he is avoiding upsetting the sender of the offense.

Unfortunately, the grievance does not go away when suppressed but acts like boiling water in a teapot. The inward pressure keeps increasing until something gives. The victim either explodes and strongly expresses emotion or continues to hold it in and is sapped of vital energy leading to disease.

While those who suppress are in danger of congestive disease such as cancer, those who over react and strongly express emotion are in danger of inflammatory disease.

The seeker must reach a balance and find ways to express himself so a grievance is not held, yet maintain a degree of self control so he does not overreact,

He who holds his emotions in a state of balance and peace takes a major step toward good health. If he also avoids other pollutants and gets reasonable exercise and sunshine the chances of having good health for life are high.

Seed Thought for the Day:

Light can only reveal when a shadow is cast. If you are in space and look through millions of miles of the sun’s rays shining through the void, but with no duality from shadow, there is only blackness.

Much enlightenment can be found by reflecting on light itself.

 

Day 278

Revealing Light

The Seed Thought:

Light can only reveal when a shadow is cast. If you are in space and look through millions of miles of the sun’s rays shining through the void, but with no duality from shadow, there is only blackness.

If you look up at the sky you will see many stars, but consider this. The light you see from a star has traveled trillions of miles through space without being seen until it hits your eyes. Between you and the star, the photons making up the light still existed, but did not reveal themselves until they lit on your eyes.

If you look up at the sky again, but between the stars, you will see only blackness. Yet a few miles above the atmosphere in that blackness there is a full spectrum of the sun’s rays with enough light to blind the eyes.

Why then do we see blackness instead of light?

Because light is that which reveals in this world of form and its effects cannot be seen unless form interacts with light. Form has contrast and contrast revealed by light create shadows, which makes our 3-D vision possible.

Now there are various types of shadows. A shadow on the moon which has no atmosphere is completely black having no light at all. A typical shadow on the earth only blocks out part of the light because of light refraction in the atmosphere. One could also say the light spectrum which can manifest any color from white light are shades or shadows of a complete light.

When we consider that light is that which reveals then we realize that light goes beyond the physical. Light is also that which reveals to the mind, or our understanding. Teachings that reveal are called enLIGHTened.

We realize our sense of physical sight is precious indeed. Perhaps we should place even more value on our more spiritual sense that perceives greater light and truth. The result of this higher light follows us after death and the results are more permanent.

The words of Solomon come to mind here:

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

Today’s Seed Thought:

All symbols are neutral until someone interprets them and that interpretation gives them power.

 

Day 279

Symbols

The Seed Thought:

All symbols are neutral until someone interprets them and that interpretation gives them power.

If you were to attend a party and come across someone displaying a swastika on his shirt, what do you suppose the reaction of the guests would be?

They would be horrified and avoid the guy like the plague. If anyone did approach him it would most likely be to ask him to leave.

On the other hand, if you were able to go back in time, before World War II and attend such a function you would be in an era where the swastika was seen as a spiritual symbol, even used by the United States military and embraced in the artwork of American Indians as a positive symbol.

It was also in use representing good fortune by numerous European nations such as Denmark, Ireland, Finland and Poland.

Numerous ancient religions used the symbol, often representing divine activity of some sort. The word “swastika” itself comes from the Sanskrit and denotes “conducive to well being or auspicious”.

It is unfortunate that Hitler was able to take a symbol of positive meaning for millennia and alter its meaning in public consciousness to something repulsive, that may never be seen again in a positive light.

The pentagram is another symbol used for good and evil. Many place the five pointed s tar on top of their Christmas tree having nothing but positive feelings about this while others see the five pointed star, the pentagram as a satanic symbol.

Early Christians used it as a symbol of the five wounds of Christ while now they shun it and fundamentalists associate its use with Satanism.

It is difficult for a company or national movement to create a logo without someone accusing them of being in league with the devil because of some perceived hidden meaning.

Despite the fact that the meaning of symbols can be distorted to mean something good or evil – this does not distract from the fact that they can be intelligently deciphered and used as an extremely effective way of communicating.

For instance the Triangle represents the three aspects of the Trinity and the square represents the foundation of the New Jerusalem that links heaven and earth.

All shapes, like all letters of the alphabet, can be placed together to represent the good or evil in the mind of the one creating the message. The seeker must see the symbols in the context of their use and interpret them with judgment rather than in black and white.

Seed Thought of the Day

There is no first cause for cause and effect are eternal. There is only a first cause of a cycle of creation.

There is a lot of food for thought in this statement.

 

Day 280

First Cause

The Seed Thought:

There is no first cause, for cause and effect are eternal. There is only a first cause of a cycle of creation.

We have often heard philosophers and spiritual leaders speak of a “First Cause.” But when you think about it this cannot be a real event.

Consider this reasoning: If there was such a thing as a “first cause” then before this event there could have been no such thing as cause and effect. If there were no cause and effect then there would have been nothing in existence, not even God. If indeed God or any life exists then cause must also exist because all life creates cause and God would be no exception.

If cause and effect did not exist then there could be no first cause, for cause cannot come from no cause, and effect cannot exist unless there is first a cause.

There is no such thing as a first cause from an eternal perspective for cause and effect is eternal just as the One Great Life we call God is eternal. Lives, great and small, eternally create cause and effect and the natural law of cause and effect expand and enhance the life experience.

All things that have a beginning, including this temporary universe, had a first cause, and hence an ending effect, but before any first cause of the cycle of a planet, a galaxy or universe, there were previous causes.

Cause and effect is the prime law of the universe used by intelligence to create ends to the various cycles in which the good dominates over the evil.

Seed Thought of the Day:

The false teacher will seek to be fed by the sheep. The true teacher will seek to feed them.

This is a simple statement that seems to point out the obvious, but there is more truth here than meets the eye.

 

 

Day 281

Good and Bad Shepherds

The Seed Thought:

The false teacher will seek to be fed by the sheep. The true teacher will seek to feed them.

This problem of teachers, gurus, pastors, or, as the Bible calls them, “shepherds”, feeding themselves above assisting the followers is an ancient one. Here is an instance from Old Testament days:

“Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. … I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” Ezekiel 34:4&10

Jesus also complained about this to the Jewish authorities:

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer.” Matt 23:13

Unfortunately, there is a built in temptation facing all those teachers in authority to feed themselves rather than the flock. After all, it is the tendency of the natural man to think of his own comforts above those others. There is also a tendency to see oneself as superior in intelligence and spirituality over the rank and file and thus more entitled to benefits.

If the teacher follows these natural tendencies (which many do) then he will wind up feeding himself above the flock. To pacify the flock he will promote himself as a great benefactor far beyond that which he deserves.

We have all encountered stories of preachers and gurus who have milked their followers of cash and used millions for their own luxury. Among Christians, Jim and Tammy Bakker were a prime example. Among gurus was the Bhagwan of the Rajneesh sect who boasted of owning 93 Rolls Royces while demanding sacrifice from followers.

Payment for the shepherds goes beyond material possessions. Some value prestige and praise above material possessions and seek to nourish their own ego above all else. Many develop a messiah complex and let their followers know in no uncertain terms that they are right up there with Jesus or Moses in importance.

Fortunately, there are a few teachers who have resisted the natural tendency, made soul contact, and have used the power of spiritual will to negate the natural inclination to inflate ego or pocketbook at the followers expense.

These see themselves as fellow travelers with their students and realize that helping them also helps themselves move forward and thus can sustain the moving forward of the group seeing oneself as being one in a chain linked together.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Because of wrong focus, the only way the soul can get our attention is through pain. He who suffers great distress must ask what Higher Intelligence is attempting to teach him.

Have you suffered great distress before? What did you learn from the experience?

 

Day 282

Right Focus

The Seed Thought:

Because of wrong focus, the only way the soul can get our attention is through pain. He who suffers great distress must ask what Higher Intelligence is attempting to teach him.

The key phrase in this thought is, “Because of wrong focus.” If our focus is where it should be and our attention is directed to listening to the inner voice then the soul will not have to use extraordinary measures to get our attention.

Unfortunately, it is the nature of us flawed human beings, even seekers of enlightenment, to take the easy path and listen to the outer voices over the inner.

Just imagine the choice the seeker has when his doctor tells him to take a certain drug or treatment that the Higher Self sees as destructive. Which voice is easier to register and speaks louder to his consciousness? If the doctor places great fear of health or even death in his mind then that creates a voice that calls the seeker to attention much more than the soul. To obey the voice of the soul in such a circumstance requires three things:

(1) The seeker must have heard the voice enough times to be aware when it is speaking.

(2) The seeker must have tested the voice in the past so he knows it is reliable.

(3) He must be willing to follow the voice.

If the soul attempts to communicate with the individual and he refuses to tune in and listen then the soul will withdraw and let him learn of his bad decision through the pain which will naturally occur because of his chosen path.

Then there are other times that the pilgrim reaches a point where a certain direction needs to be taken for him to learn his next lesson. The guy just is not paying attention and continues in his old familiar paths. Because this next step is necessary if he is to move forward in his progression the soul will speak as loudly as it can through the inner voice, through dreams and though signs appearing in his life.

Unfortunately, at one time or another, most of us go through a period where we just ignore all these attempts of the soul to communicate. When such a dead end is reached the soul then decides to apply more drastic measures. It may create an accident, a disease or painful personal situation that the seeker just cannot ignore. Even here many an individual does not get the point and continues in his old ways.

If this ignorance continues then the soul will tighten the screws even more until the pain increases to be almost unbearable. Finally the seeker will look up to the skies and exclaim in anguish, “Why, God!!!”

At this point the soul will see an opening and do its best to send a message.

If the seeker listens and responds he can then change direction (repent) and follow a path that will lead him away from the pain to the peace that passes all understanding.

If he continues to ignore the voice he is in danger of increased suffering while blaming God and rejecting all things spiritual and following a dark path.

Thus let the seeker be aware, listen and follow the voice that leads to progress and peaceful pastures.

Seed Thought of the Day:

There is no such thing as giving and getting nothing in return. There is always a return, but not always in kind.

Is it wrong to give with the thought of getting something back?

 

Day 283

The Karma Bank

The Seed Thought:

There is no such thing as giving and getting nothing in return. There is always a return, but not always in kind.

In the past when I have taught this principle some have replied that we shouldn’t even be thinking about such a thing. They criticize me for even bringing up this principle, as if it is wrong to think about it.

The truth is that it is never wrong to reflect on true principles, even though that truth may be offensive to some. Truth is never offensive when it is understood and placed in its right perspective in relation to the whole.

Should we only give because we will get some material benefit?

Of course not. If all only gave when a physical return is immediate or obvious then no one would give blood, we wouldn’t give to charities and no one would help the homeless and the hungry.

Do we need a selfish motive in order to give?

No.

Do we need a motive?

Of course. We do nothing without first being motivated.

So what is the motive for those who sacrifice time or money to help others?

Basically it is because it is the right thing to do.

And why are we motivated to do the right thing?

Even when we examine this answer we come back to self interest. Here are some answers to that question.

(1) The God of my religion demands generosity and if I do not assist others I may go to hell or at best offend God.

(2) I feel guilty if I do not help others in need. Giving makes me feel better.

(3) Being a big giver increases my status with associates.

(4) Giving makes everything better for everyone including myself.

There is some interest in every decision we make, even if it is merely expressed in the good feeling we receive, vs. a bad feeling if we turn away a plea for help.

So, if we give – is all we can expect back is a good feeling about it?

No. There is a universal law of cause and effect. The good feeling you get from giving is a bonus. In addition to this your giving creates ripples in the waters of karma that builds up momentum and brings back to you benefits in life when you need them. If you give $100 you may not receive back exactly that amount, but someone may stop and help you when your car breaks down and the help will be worth more than $100 in your mind.

It is a scientific fact that a cause must produce effect. It helps the seeker to understand that his good works are like putting money in the bank of karma. If he understands this he can lose himself in giving, not worry about the payback, but realizing that he is laying the foundation of a happy existence for himself and others.

Seed Thought of the Day:

The most common misuse of authority lies in making you think you are not being manipulated when you are totally manipulated.

Have you been, or are you currently being manipulated?

 

Day 284

Groupthink

The Seed Thought:

The most common misuse of authority lies in making you think you are not being manipulated when you are totally manipulated.

How can one be controlled and manipulated yet be totally oblivious to what is occurring? It happens much more often than you may think.

The mob mentality is the most obvious example. If a mob gathers that starts fires, breaks windows and overturns cars it will gather many people gleefully joining with the bedlam who are otherwise peaceful. On their own they would not consider breaking the window of a struggling business, but when identifying with the mob this suddenly seems like a good idea.

This mob mentality extends on a number of levels to everyday humans and even influences us toward benevolent activity as well a malevolent. For instance, an individual may have no inclination to give to a certain charity, but when he finds out that all his friends are giving to it he decides to join the crowd and also give.

This mob mentality expressing itself through acceptable channels is often called “groupthink.” Overseeing groupthink are always a handful of decision makers at the top who decide that which is acceptable for the group to embrace. This is handled in such a way that the individual believes he is thinking his own thoughts when he is really following implanted instructions. If the implants were something different his thinking would also be different, but to this he is oblivious.

For instance. a member of a church or political party may think he independently embraces all their ideology when he is actually responding to implants that tell him what to think.

This reminds me of a time a friend asked a true blue Mormon what he thought of a concept not covered by standard Mormon doctrine. The guy appeared somewhat confused and finally responded:

“I’m not sure, Let me check with my Bishop to find out what I think.”

Now that is an honesty that you do not get everyday, but this subtle attitude occurs in all groupthink. This is illustrated in amusing interviews circling around where the subject is asked what he thinks of (a politician he likes) statement on a subject. He is then given a quote from the guy he hates, but totally accepts and defends it. This also works in reverse.

Instead of thinking for himself the unwitting subject is just a foot soldier for the acceptable guy, right or wrong.

The seeker must continually check with his thinking process to make sure he arrives at conclusions through his own reasoning rather than an implant from someone else.

Today’s Seed Thought:

You are intelligence in matter, which is your body. It is logical then that the body we call Earth correspondingly has great intelligence manifesting through its elements.

Use the Law of Correspondences discussed earlier to see where it takes you here.

 

Day 285

Intelligence In Matter

The Seed Thought:

You are intelligence in matter, which is your body. It is logical then that the body we call Earth correspondingly has great intelligence manifesting through its elements.

The most common view of God is that He/She/It is a living Spirit that exists everywhere in the universe. In other words, God is omnipresent. Some type of omnipresence is taught by most any religion that can be found.

The seeker needs to follow this idea of omnipresence to its ultimate conclusion, which is this.

If God is omnipresent then Its life dwells within the form of a galaxy, a sun, a planet, a human, a cell or an atom.

Yet many scientists disagree and tell us that there are just two types of matter – organic and inorganic. The earth is mostly inorganic and the other planets seem to be 100% inorganic so the idea that they an house any type of inherent life is not scientific. They say that matter itself does not have consciousness.

You don’t say.

Are you not in a physical body made of all types of matter?

Do you have consciousness?

Then, are you not an example of consciousness in matter?

Therefore, if consciousness can exist at one place in matter then is there any reason that it cannot exist in other places, like a planet or sun or instance?

Then among organic life forms we see that life operates in different time frames. When photographing plants using time lapsed photography we see that plants move in various directions depending on outside stimuli, similar to a way that a human might, but at a different reckoning of time.

Is it not possible then that the life and consciousness of a planet, or the universe itself, is centered in a different rate of time? For instance, some esoteric thinkers tell us that a heartbeat for earth takes about 25,000 years. If we could do super time-lapse photography for the earth or solar system we may be surprised at the conscious life that would be revealed.

I submit that the life of God is indeed omnipresent and life is everywhere, even in what is called inorganic matter.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Eat too much unnatural processed food and get unnatural manmade problems and disease.

For the next section in this series (Part 23) go HERE.

Copyright by J J Dewey

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The Seeker’s Guide to Soul Contact, Part 21

Day 257

Your Greatest Teacher

The Seed Thought:

The person in your life who irritates you the most is your greatest teacher.

There is a lot of profound meaning behind this seed thought.

Many seekers see their ideal teacher as a kindly older man or woman who gently prodded them onward toward success, but if you ask someone about the point in their life where the greatest lesson was learned you will usually receive an alternate view.

The greatest lessons in life are often learned from:

(1) A bad marriage

(2) A betrayal

(3) Someone who deceived you.

(4) A co-worker or friend who is obnoxious.

Yes, we can learn useful knowledge from a wise teacher, but the great learning in life comes from lessons in handling actual life experiences. Nice, friendly and loving people do not teach us many lessons, but negative people are great at it. Here are a few:

(1) Patience. How can you learn patience unless you deal with contentious people that require us to practice it?

(2) Forgiving nature. No forgiveness is required toward a kind and loving teacher, but we have all met the person who tests our forgiveness mode to the limit.

(3) Love. Jesus explained this well when he said,

“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” Matt 5:46-47

In other words we learn true love through showing love to difficult people.

Generally we are not thankful for such negative people, but, realistically, maybe we should be.

Today’s Seed Thought:

Today we’ll present two seed thoughts since they are related:

99% believe they are thinking out of the box while less than 1% do.

Those who believe they are thinking out of the box usually just move to a different spot within the box.

What is the box?

 

Day 258

The Box

The Seed Thought:

99% believe they are thinking out of the box while less than 1% do.

Those who believe they are thinking out of the box usually just move to a different spot within the box.

The first point to be considered is, what is meant by “the box”? In common usage thinking outside the box represents original thinking that is outside the mainstream.

Actually what is called “the box” is very near to what is called the ring-pass-not in Ancient Wisdom. The ring-pass-not basically represents the limit to one’s consciousness. In other words, it represents a limit of the seekers function, beyond which he is unable to see or understand.

The box does not represent an individual ring-pass-not, but a group or humanity as a whole or kind of a representation of the whole. This means that there are many whose thinking is in the box, but a few who can see beyond it.

As far as scientists go the box excludes the idea that God or any type of Divine Intelligence had anything to do with creation and life. The box for religious believers would be the opposite.

As far as humanity goes the box excludes the idea that we have ever been visited by aliens. Making any assumption on this happening is beyond the ring-pass-not of many.

Then there are boxes beyond the consciousness of perhaps the 99% mentioned, such as the existence of the Masters of Wisdom or that we have a Higher Self that assisted in the creation of this world and life within it.

No one likes to believe his thinking is constrained by the box, but many who think they are being original are just repeating what someone else has said. Breaking though the box and making real progress is difficult and takes great effort.

Edison thought out of the box when he envisioned the light bulb. The Wright Brothers did also when they inwardly knew they could fly as the birds. Let us always attempt to see where the box is and move beyond it.

Seed Thought of the Day:

When awakened from sleep the dreamer still exists but with greater awareness than before. Then at death we wake again to a greater more real existence.

Can you see how this thought aligns with the Law of Correspondences?

 

Day 259

Awakening

The Seed Thought:

When awakened from sleep the dreamer still exists but with greater awareness than before. Then at death we wake again to a greater more real existence.

When you see that a teaching is in harmony with the Law of Correspondences you can rest assured there is some truth there. However, the full truth is not found in an exact black and white correspondence for various levels have differences as well a similarities. To see the full truth requires the use of intuition.

When we look at the similarities of the two levels there does seem to be valid correspondences. Many spiritual teachings tell us that we have a higher self and that we as individuals are a partial reflection of it. And what happens when we dream? Our dreams are a partial reflection of our human consciousness. We are partly in the dream but not all there. For instance, the dreamer does not normally realize that:

(1) He is dreaming and his real self lives in another world.

(2) He doesn’t seem to have power to view things logically.

(3) Odd happenings do not make him realize he is dreaming.

Now just as a handful are capable of lucid dreaming even so a handful are aware that we have a higher self in reality and not just theory.

It would be productive for the seeker to contemplate the difference in consciousness between the self when it is asleep and then awake. Then shift consciousness to comparing our consciousness now to what it will be when we awaken after death. Thinking on this brings some interesting enlightenment.

Seed Thought of the Day

One act of helpfulness shows more love than a thousand prayers.

 

Day 260

The Act of Doing

The Seed Thought:

One act of helpfulness shows more love than a thousand prayers.

The idea here was well expressed in the parable of the Good Samaritan as follows:

Jesus said: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

The next day he took out two denar and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:30-37 NIV

Now there is nothing wrong with prayer or positive thoughts, but if thought is not followed up with correlating action then the thought or prayer was based on illusion and does not represent the real intent of the thinker.

Many do not examine their thoughts and prayers to see if they really match their intent. If they do not then they are not real thoughts and will not produce the literal results represented by their group think words.

A thousand prayers that do not represent the true thinking that will be followed by no action has less power than one solid action of helpfulness. Such an action represents true thought, true prayer and true intent to be of service.

Today’s Seed Thought:

True humility is recognizing your proven abilities and acting accordingly.

 

Day 261

True Humility

The Seed Thought:

True humility is recognizing your proven abilities and acting accordingly.

A common idea of humility is that of a person who downplays his talents, but this idea sometimes reveals that the humility is based on illusion instead of reality.. We can call this false humility the pool shark syndrome.

The poll shark enters a room where he is an unknown quantity and acts like a simpleton who knows little about pool. He manages to get involved in some playing, but doesn’t show his skill and acts like a novice. He performs this act until he or a partner place a huge bet on him to win. Then when it really counts he shows his skill.

As it turns out the humility thing with him was an act designed for his benefit in the end.

So how does this pool shark syndrome work out in ordinary life? We see it quite often when you join a friend or associate and participate in some performance that requires skill and the guy indicates to you that he isn’t much good at it, but then when you get playing or performing he is much better at it than expected, perhaps better than you, making you feel a little humiliated, being bested by a supposed amateur.

The natural inclination here is to hurl compliments his direction, to which he will smile and reply with an “aw shucks” attitude.

Unrealized by many who have dealt with this type of person is that he performs because there is something in it for him. For the pool shark it is money, but for false humility it is praise. It gives the actor a high to be seen as performing way beyond expectations.

What is true humility then? True humility uses no deception, but acknowledges what is. If you are a good golfer you do not pretend to be a novice, but neither do you present yourself as greater than you are.

Of course, the most common perception of lack of humility is the guy with some talent who shoves it in your face. This is very obnoxious and is registered by most everyone.

Here are a few rules for one with talent in presenting himself.

  • Do not present yourself as having greater or lesser ability than you have.
  • Only talk about your talent when appropriate and appreciated by the listener. A good time is when it blends into the conversation.
  • Never project the thought “I am great and you are not.” This is easy to do when the ego gets out of control. If you are a good golfer you might say something like:

“I put a lot of time into improving my game and it’s starting to pay off.”

This approach doesn’t project superiority, for if any of us puts in a lot of time we can develop a skill.

Watch your internal ego. If you feel superior, that feeling will be communicated on some subtle level and will not be appreciated. One with a skill that has true humility will appreciate his or her skill, desire to be of service, but will realize that others can be just as good as himself of they put in the needed effort.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Even the hardened atheist will sense the presence of Divinity when witnessing the birth of his or her own child.

Is this a true statement? Why or why not?

 

Day 262

The Great Miracle

The Seed Thought:

Even the hardened atheist will sense the presence of Divinity when witnessing the birth of his or her own child.

Long before we knew of the complexities of the human body, the cell, or the DNA all humans marveled at the miracle of birth, especially of their own children. Particularly impressive is the first child, not because it is the most special as a individual, but because it is an initial demonstration of a miracle of which you are a participant.

We tend to overlook the miracle of life when we are in its midst and it is so ubiquitous, but actually witnessing your child’s birth hones down the attention to the miracle behind the birth of each of those lives.

In Darwin’s day the cell was thought to be a mere blob of nebulous protoplasm. It would be interesting to see how his theories would have been affected if he had understood its complexities.

Newton, considered the greatest scientist of all time, marveled at the complexity of the human eye and concluded that this proved that a Divine Intelligence was at work.

Through the study of the complexities of life scientists have been able to make many discoveries that have been useful to humanity. On the other hand, they have found life so complex that they have not been close to duplicating the intricacies behind it. Despite all the advances in computer technology they have not been able to duplicate the computer power of a single strand of DNA.

Now imagine how much easier it is to copy something than creating it? When scientists duplicate something in nature they think they have done something great, but this accomplishment is nothing compared to an original creation that is not a copy, which implies real creative thinking.

Many inclined toward atheism negate all the evidence of an obvious Divine Intelligence behind the tremendous complexities of life, but even the most hardened unbeliever embraces a special feeling of a miracle beyond understanding when watching his or her own child come to life.

Those who recognize a Divine Hand will cherish that memory throughout their life, whereas the one who refuses to give credit where it belongs will have to shove that great spiritual moment into a black hole of his own creation.

Seed Thought of the Day:

He who takes offense when no offense is intended is the one creating the problem.

There are many who would benefit through the contemplation of this thought.

 

Day 263

Neutralizing Offense

The Seed Thought:

He who takes offense when no offense is intended is the one creating the problem.

Have you ever offended another inadvertently, having no intention to hurt any feelings? Most people of goodwill have had this happen a number of times.

Often the offense occurs because the message was not correctly understood. Then the speaker tries to correct the communication and clarify that no harshness was intended. But instead of accepting the clarified communication the individual’s consciousness reverts back to the original words and his original negative interpretation. He may say something like, “But you said…”

The strange thing the quote is often not accurate. It will generally reflect what he felt you said rather than what you actually said. It makes you wish you had a recording of the conversation so you could vindicate yourself.

Actually, a recording does not help much for this type of distorted quoting happens on the internet where there is a full recording and the offended one will still insist you said what you did not say.

What he felt you said is what he believes and nothing seems to change his mind.

In this situation the root of the problem lies not with the speaker who means no offense, but the one taking offense.

An extremely important step toward soul contact is the obtaining of the ability to neutralize your emotional self to the disturbance of your peace because of the offensive statements from others. This includes offensive statements where offense is intended.

Once the person takes offense the lower emotions become the focus of attention and the peace necessary to commune with the soul evaporates. The seeker must learn to instantly forgive, or better yet, view the problem as something which needs no forgiveness because the offender just does not know any better. He could be seen as a mad dog trying to bite you because he is just painfully lashing out. You do not hate the dog, but feel sorry for it and stay out of its way if necessary.

Seed Thought of the Day

Where you witness humor that makes people of all beliefs laugh, there you see light.

What is the link between humor and light?

 

Day 264

Humor – Light and Dark

The Seed Thought:

Where you witness humor that makes people of all beliefs laugh, there you see light.

There is duality in all things in this world and humor is no exception. There is humor generated by shining light on a subject that all can appreciate and then there is dark humor based on mean spirited and often distorted attack. The light humor is based on an element of truth presented in a unique fashion. The dark is based on attacking perceived enemies and may contain no truth at all but merely appeals to their base desires.

In the old days political humor was fairly light from both sides. Will Rogers was a Democrat but his humor was appreciated by all. So it was with Bob Hope, a Republican, who was universally appreciated.

In this generation we have a divide that has taken us into dark humor. The humor from the right is only appreciated by the right and humor from the left is only appreciated by the left. Few are even making the attempt to create political humor that can be universally appreciated.

About the only jokes appreciated by both sides are those making fun of Congress as both sides rate the institution low. Here is an example:

“A stopped clock is right twice a day. That is twice as reliable as Congress.”

On the other hand, both sides have made jokes comparing the president of the opposing party to Hitler and Nazis. That is not funny and insulting to those who voted for him. Such mean spirited humor has little relation to truth as none of our presidents have been much like Hitler. Those making such accusations need to study history.

Those on the path of light and soul contact will reject humor that is not based on universal truth but will cultivate humor that all can appreciate. Of course, there are always a few who are easily offended and do not like any humor outside of the parameters of “Leave it to Beaver” or their own mindset on purity. People on the path of light are flexible and roll with the punches as long as humor is in good fun.

Remember that person back in grade school that made the class laugh and tried the patience of the teacher? We generally remember him or her with fondness because of the monotony that was broken and perhaps an original thought thrown in the mix.

Where do you suppose that person is now? Probably enjoying a great life and having the last laugh.

Here is a parting thought on humor:

It is impossible to feel hate, anger or despair in the midst of laughter from harmless humor.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Truth is my religion, reason is my politics, love is my God, freedom is my sword and light is my path.

Sounds like a good motto. Does it apply to you?

 

Day 265

A Positive Creed

The Seed Thought:

Truth is my religion, reason is my politics, love is my God, freedom is my sword and light is my path.

Here we have idealistic statements from which any seeker can benefit from applying them in his life.

(1) “Truth is my religion…”

Many seekers are members of a church but one who is true to himself will follow truth when the religion takes the path of error. In other words, his true religion is not founded on the decrees of an organized body but by truth that is verified by his own soul. Sometimes that which he finds to be true will be found in a religion and sometimes not.

(2) “Reason is my politics…”

We live in a generation where much that is happening in politics defies reason. Some seem to be making unreasonable arguments just to further their agenda.

Much political progress could be made if the politicians would make truth and reason their priorities rather than doing anything necessary to insure their side wins. Without reason and truth as a standard the people will lose every time.

(3) “Love is my God…”

Every believer says that God is loving, but then when you hear them speak of what God is going to do to those who merely do not believe as they do it is obvious that many believe in a mean God.

On the other hand, Jesus told us that God has better things in store for us than parents do their own children which would mean that He will go the extra mile in helping us.

With each breath the seeker should believe in the love and goodness of Divine Life.

(4) “Freedom is my sword…”

Freedom is an extremely important principle and is that which creates the dividing line between light and dark. The wise seeker will live and let live and have faith that others will learn from their mistakes without having to be forced to obey the ideal of apowerful authority.

I have written a lot about this principle and would advise seekers to check them out.

(5) “Light is my path…”

Those in darkness cannot even see the path ahead so the seeker must do all in his power to seek and embrace the light which is available. If he does this while moving forward more light will come and the path ahead will be clear.

Seed Thought of the Day:

“Who do you think you are?” is a mantra from the dark side to discourage the seeker.

How is this statement used to discourage those from progressing along the Path?

 

Day 266

A Dark Mantra

The Seed Thought:

“Who do you think you are?” is a mantra from the dark side to discourage the seeker.

All things in this realm require some degree of judgment to maintain accuracy and this thought is no exception. There are times when the question, “Who do you think you are?” may not be too far off the mark to ask.

For instance, I met a guy a while back who claimed to have the power to teleport himself from one part of the planet to another. Now if someone listening would have asked him who he thought he was, he would have been somewhat justified.

On the other hand, I have never asked someone this question in my life because incorporating it is a favorite tactic of the dark side to cause seekers to doubt themselves.

Even if the guy was a charlatan he could have stated that he was a son of God and could manifest all the powers of heaven right here on the earth. If he had said this he would have been stating a truth, even though many merely pretend such manifestations.

I didn’t sense any positive spiritual affirmation about the guy and felt he was deceived about his own abilities so I asked him to describe a specific teleportation event and how it came to transpire. He evaded answered or giving any details by telling me that I was not ready to hear about it.

I then asked him that if I was not ready then why did he bring the subject up?

He had no answer.

Instead of challenging who he was or any potential he may have I asked for details. Sincere inquiry is the approach of the light whereas attacking potential with a “who do you think you are?” attitude is the approach of the dark.

I first discovered this dark mantra through a powerful supernatural experience that temporality made me doubt myself. It is very liberating to the seeker when this tactic is seen for what it is so the way can be cleared from him or her to move onward into the light and fully accept all the Divine gifts of love and light that is just waiting to be accepted.

When the Seeker hears the question, “Who do you think you are” from either an outside or inside source he needs to realize that the thought is coming from a darkened mind that does not want you to take your next step into the light. Ignore this voice and tune into the voice of your Higher Self. It will tell you, that yes, you have unlimited potential and all things are possible and will let you know whether you are ready for the next step under contemplation and what you must do.

Seed Thought of the Day:

True inclusiveness looks far beyond skin color to the hearts of people of all beliefs to find common threads to bring them together without infringing on free will.

In this generation of political divide how can this thought guide us toward greater union?

 

Day 267

Inclusiveness

The Seed Thought:

True inclusiveness looks far beyond skin color to the hearts of people of all beliefs to find common threads to bring them together without infringing on free will.

If all people were of the same race would the division and animosity of humanity be healed?

The answer from all thinking people to this question would be no

There are many obvious examples of great conflict where those of the same race had as much or more conflict than manifests in different races.

During World War I and II the war in Europe consisted the same race battling out their differences. When the Japanese entered World War II they also invaded China and warred against fellow Asians.

The great American Civil War put brother against brother and white guy against white guy because of political and moral differences.

Native Americans had plenty of tribal wars between their own race and practiced slavery before the white guy showed up.

The root cause of conflict is in the mind rather than external differences. When external things like race enter in it is a mental interpretation of the differences, which create the problem. Those who see all humanity as brothers and sisters do not contribute to the problem because their thinking is on the side of inclusiveness.

Despite our problems, humanity has made a lot of progress in the direction of inclusiveness during the past few centuries. Most people at least try to see all humans as fellow pilgrims as themselves just struggling to get along the best they can.

Today many attacks of racism are really attacks on different modes of thinking that have little to do with race, for the cause of conflict is always a difference in thinking. People tend to label those differences in the most demonic way possible for their own advantage.

To solve the conflicts today we must look at the internal cause rather than the external and internal mindset is the cause of division today more than in any other age of recorded history.

The tendency is to categorize and reject our fellow humans who merely disagree with us on religion, politics, science, medicine and other matters. If a greater effort were made to see how an opposing view was arrived at and to allow others to have differing opinions without condemning them much progress can be made.

Another step we can take is to honor the laws passed by representatives of the people even when they are against belief system. None of us get our way all the time and to maintain peace all must have some tolerance of an imperfect world.

Recognizing this the seeker will peacefully work for constructive change and refuse methods of force and violence to initiate change.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Look not for Christ to come in the clouds of heaven, but first seek him in your own heart and reveal him through your deeds. Others will then see the Lord of Love coming amidst the clouds and fog of humanity.

 

Day 268

Second Coming

The Seed Thought:

Look not for Christ to come in the clouds of heaven, but first seek him in your own heart and reveal him through your deeds. Others will then see the Lord of Love coming amidst the clouds and fog of humanity.

Many there are who look for a warrior type of Christ who will appear in the heavens and destroy all but a few righteous who will then live on blissfully with Jesus.

Of course, such people fully expect to be in the saved category and escape destruction to live the heavenly life.

Many people who place a lot of attention on the end of days do so because they have not been able to put their life together in a satisfactory way. Because their lives are full of frustration they look to the coming of Jesus to create a better life, one flowing with milk and honey.

Much more productive than waiting for your neighbor to burn as stubble is to become an instrument in the hands of God and take part in manifesting his basic teachings which are often ignored.

Jesus said he would be with us until the end of the world so perceive him manifesting in your own heart and consciousness and go forth and serve others as you would imagine that Christ would do if he were in your body.

You say you cannot do miracles like Jesus did? You may not have the faith to heal with a touch, but you can touch the spirit of the afflicted with words of comfort and assistance.

You have power to do much more than you realize and when you go forth and serve as if Jesus were in your body you will no longer need to look to the clouds of heaven, but you will find the Lord of Light and Love has already made an appearance in your own heart. That is enough to fill your life with joy and if you should live to embrace the Lord that would only be icing on the cake.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Thought is more powerful than action, for thought precedes action.

 

Day 270

The Image of God

The Seed Thought:

If we are truly in the image of God then we must seek the answers to suffering from within ourselves.

Just contemplating the one line from scripture can bear much fruit:

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” Gen 1:26

Image comes from the Hebrew TSELEM, which indicates a projected shadow or phantom. In modern language we might translate this as a hologram.

Likeness comes from DĔMUWTH which indicates an exact or close resemblance. The fact that both of these words were used together indicates the writer wanted to put a lot of emphasis on the idea that we are created to manifest all the attributes of God.

It is interesting that the two words were used together in this scripture:

“And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:” Gen 5:3

This was not said of the bad son, Cain, but of Seth, a son that was like his father in every way. No wonder the idea promoted in early Christianity that we are the children of God was promoted so extensively.

If we are indeed in the image and likeness of God just as was Jesus then why do we not manifest Divine attributes as did Jesus? Perhaps the answer is merely that Jesus realized who he was and we do not.

If we have great but unrealized creative powers within us and nourish them with negative thinking then those powers will create negative situations in our life. Could it be that our suffering that we often blame on an outside God is really created by our own godlike powers that are recklessly used?

If we realize that this is the case then it is indeed our duty to guard our thoughts and intentions carefully and make sure all of our words and actions lead us to a path that ends in positive creation.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

Seed Thought of the Day:

He who cannot see shades of gray cannot see the full truth.

Is the truth always black and white or is it often buried under layers of deception?

 

Day 271

Peeling the Onion

The Seed Thought:

He who cannot see shades of gray cannot see the full truth.

To see shades of gray does not mean that the truth cannot be clear or pinned down to a point of reality as it is. The reason it is important to see shades of gray is that a black and white truth is often obscured by many layers that cover it up and cause distortion. Therefore, if one looks at the distorted truth and interprets in black and white terms he will be mislead and eventually confused.

One must always approach the discovery of truth with the idea that what appears to be true may really represent the truth which is covered by layers as if it were hidden deep within the layers of an onion.

Let us take the laws of Newton, for example. Newton did a great job of observing reality and describing it in such a way that seemed like settled truth. Then along came Einstein, who peeled off a layer of the onion and said, “Hold on, there is more,” and showed us with his theories of Relativity that Newtonian laws were not absolute.

The later on, Neils Bohr and others, embarrassed Einstein by peeling off more layers with revolutionary views on quantum mechanics Einstein refused to accept.

If we had stuck with the black and white views of Newtonian Physics and refused to see the layers of truth hidden by shades of gray we would have blocked out the full truth and suffered for it. For instance, by using only Newtonian physics we would not be able to establish accurate communications with satellites making GPS impossible, as well as many features in mobile communications.

Another place where there are many layers of truth is in creation itself. In the old days there were just two camps on this. The first group only believed that what could be seen or felt as being real. The second group with a spiritual inclination believed in invisible worlds as well as the visible.

Now the centuries have passed many layers of the onion has been peeled away so even the hardened scientist believes that a large part of reality consists of what was formally not considered. They now believe in invisible reality beyond the senses such as radio waves, microwaves, ultra violet and infrared light, gamma rays, radioactivity and much more, Many are now supporting theories that there are many dimensions and there is no such thing as empty space. Beyond this many spiritually inclined still believe in realms of the invisible not yet conjured up by science.

We are still far from proving the full truth of reality, but we have moved ahead a few steps by refusing to accept the black and white in front of us and plunging into the shades of gray.

The true seeker will refuse to take the black and white approach and always remain open to the possibility that there is more truth to his favorite subjects than meets the eye.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Any time there are two choices before us one is always better than the other. If we do not make the choice then our lives will be controlled by the choices of others, which is a type of slavery by default.

There is a lot to consider in this thought. Contemplate this and see what comes to mind.

 

Day 272

Two Choices

The Seed Thought:

Any time there are two choices before us one is always better than the other. If we do not make the choice then our lives will be controlled by the choices of others, which is a type of slavery by default.

How many times have you heard a citizen say something like, “I’m not voting because it doesn’t matter who gets in, things will not change.”

This attitude not only applies to voting but to many decisions in life. Often we leave decisions to others because we feel that what we think does not count.

Eventually, what happens to a person when he has gone default on numerous decisions is he finds his life is not working. Relationships fall apart, government does not work, his health is collapsing and purpose in life seems to be void. Then he complains to God, or just the “Them” who seems to be controlling the system as if outside forces have complete control of his life and he is the victim.

That said, one must acknowledge that there are some decisions which are fairly inconsequential and make little difference. If your spouse is most comfortable with the thermostat at 73 degrees and you at 72 then letting her have control over the device is neither here nor there. One degree will not make much of a difference.

The problem is that many seekers default on decisions that do make a difference. For instance, in voting, one candidate will always come closer to your belief system than the other and in the end who we wind up with making our laws does create a great effect in our lives.

Would you leave it up to someone else to decide who is going to be your marriage partner? Yet many leave it up to chance as to the people who become involved in their lives and how much influence they have.

Are your beliefs the result of your own decisions or have they been planted by others who have decided for you what you are supposed to think? This is a much bigger problem than is realized by the masses as once an implant is made it feels like the belief is the result of the receiver’s own mind.

The seeker must carefully examine all the choices that come his way and be careful about placing any on default. Taking charge of that which we have under our power will lead to more power and fewer limitations.

That is what this earth school is all about.

Seed Thought of the Day:

Some people are like wild animals. You can appreciate them as fellow souls, but need to stay out of their way.

Think of a couple people in your life to which this thought may have been applied.

 

Day 273

Wild Animals

The Seed Thought:

Some people are like wild animals. You can appreciate them as fellow souls, but need to stay out of their way.

This thought encapsulates The Lion Principle, which I have written about in the past. (LINK) This can basically be defined as follows:

“The lion being a dangerous animal does not mean it does not have a correct place to live out its life or cannot be appreciated. Its nature should signal to us that we need to stay out of its way, or contain it, or we will be in danger of being eaten. Even so, it is with certain people who are destructive. You can still see the spark of God at their core, but at the same time it is best to not place yourself in a vulnerable position to them.”

How many times have you heard friends complain about people in their life causing them problems when following the Lion Principle would provide a simple solution?

A common problem is the battered wife who goes back to her abuser when she could have freed herself. Then there are those who move from one abusing person to another. That is like leaving one lion cage and moving on to another. It makes no sense but most make this mistake at one time or another.

The seeker may not have physically dangerous people threatening his life but all of us meet people who are irritating or just waste our time that we are better off just avoiding. Sometimes it is best to not play “Mr. Nice Guy” and just avoid these people.

“But I can’t avoid them,” says one.

If this is the case then the principle of “energy follows thought” needs to be examined. If you keep drawing the same people or situations this is a sign that your thoughts are sending out synchronistic vibes that draw these things to you. If so, examine your thoughts, desires, habits and intentions and try to pinpoint the patterns that need to be changed.

In the end, if The Lion Principle was universally applied then irritating people would have no other friends besides other irritating people which would force positive change upon them.

Seed Thought of the Day:

All truth is logical once it is understood.

This may seem to be an obvious truth, but is it? Are there many who accept illogical things as being true? Why does this happen?

 

Day 274

Truth and Logic

The Seed Thought:

All truth is logical once it is understood.

If you were to grab your iPhone and travel back a couple hundred years in the past and showed the people videos and played music to them they would consider you a great magician. What you are showing them is not logical according to their understanding.

Miracles or magic do not transcend truth, but are merely based on truth, which is beyond current understanding. Once the principles behind the construction of the iPhone are understood then it is no longer seen as a magical device, but one that is intelligently constructed through the use of true principles.

Now you and I do not understand all the true details that went into the phone’s construction and how it works but what we do know makes sense. And because we know that no real magic is involved we also know that if we were to quiz an Apple engineer on additional details that they would also make sense once we understand them.

“But what about quantum physics?” asks one. That is not logical is it?

Part of what makes truth logical is that it is consistent and the quantum world is no exception, contrary to the thinking of many new age philosophers.

For instance, a photon or electron can be registered as either a particle or a wave. Some in metaphysics think this is because the particle just whimsically decides what it wants to be, but this is not the case. Instead, it is 100% consistent in that when measured it behaves like a particle but otherwise it is a wave. 100% of the time it has potential characteristics of either a particle or a wave.

Another mysterious happening is “quantum entanglement” where two paired particles have complimentary opposite spins no matter how far the distance of their separation. But once again the circumstances that make this happen are always the same. All these things follow consistent law which is one of the aspects of truth. There are a number of things we do not understand in the quantum world but that doesn’t mean truth there is not logical any more than the truth was not understood in our iPhone example.

Truth is consistent and operates in harmony with law even when it is not understood, but once understood then all the details are reasonable and logical.

We do not yet understand what creates gravity, but we do know it exists and conforms to law. All we know about is conforms to logic and all future discoveries will also make sense when understood.

Now when we apply this principle to everyday life and people we see many examples in thinking that do not make sense. If a friend tells you something that he thinks is true, but makes no sense to you then one of two things is true. (1) He is correct but you do not understand him or (2) He is incorrect and he doesn’t know what he is talking about.

Many people included noted teachers and gurus tell us things that are not true. The seeker must always apply this rule and be skeptical until a teaching makes sense. Here are words to the wise:

If you follow a belief system that requires you to accept that which is not logical or reasonable – that is not faith but gullibility.

Seed Thought of the Day:

There is no such thing as hard work for one who works at what he loves.

 

Day 275

First Love

The Seed Thought:

There is no such thing as hard work for one who works at what he loves.

The seeker of truth is more particular as to how he uses his time than is the average person. It is more likely than average that friends will hear him complain about his day job – that it is not what he wants to do. He wishes that he could be free to read, study, teach, meditate and basically work on the spiritual path rather than working for money to survive in this world.

Seekers in this situation make three common mistakes.

(1) They feel resentful that they have to work at a job they do not like. This causes them to have a negative implant that clouds their vision so positive paths cannot be seen.

(2) Some will prematurely quit their job so they can do what they really like and end up in a poverty conscious state that limits them even more than before.

(3) Everyone has some free time, but a wrongly focused seeker will often not make good use of it. Here is a seed thought to steer the seeker in a positive direction.

“If you feel forced to labor for that which you do not love then devote your free time in excelling at that which you do love. In time the beloved skills will dominate.”

When you find someone who is working at what he loves you will generally find in his history that he first worked at a number of undesirable jobs.

For instance, we have all heard famous actors, who work at what they love, tell stories of being waiters, busboys, carpenters, factory workers, limo drivers etc. They did what they had to do to survive while making best use of their spare time.

Seekers who are waiting for their big break before they do the desirable work will generally die waiting. No matter how busy there is always some free time that can be accessed.

I started the main trust of my writing in 1997 when I was working 80 hours a week just to pay the bills. The only free time I could find was after 2 AM, so I wrote daily between 2 AM to 5 AM and tried to catch catnaps during the day.

In the vast majority of cases you’ll find that those who are working at what they love first paid their dues and did what was necessary to arrive at that plateau.

From that point on there will be no such thing as hard work.

Seed Thought of the Day:

It takes as much intelligence to come up with the right questions as it does to recognize the right answers.

Why are good questions more rare than purported answers?

 

Day 276

Asking Questions

The Seed Thought:

It takes as much intelligence to come up with the right questions as it does to recognize the right answers.

Many seekers do not realize how rare it is to find people who come up with original questions, or questions that are not forced upon them. This really dawned upon me when I was a young guy, a lifetime ago, teaching Sunday School. In a class of about 40 people I asked this question:

“Let us suppose that Jesus were to show up here in this room at this moment and tell us that he is willing to answer any question that you want to ask. What would you ask him?”

I then waited for hands to go up. I was expecting at least a half dozen; after all, I knew that I personally would have many questions and would have considered such an occasion an opportunity not to be missed.

I waited and not one hand was raised. I then prodded the group saying, “Surely someone here would have a question for Jesus.”

Still no hand went up.

I then called upon a lady that I considered to be the most enlightened one in attendance and put her on the spot, “Surely you would have some question for your Lord.”

She stumbled a moment and then mumbled something about asking how to be a better church member.

I was disappointed to say the least and this was a moment of awakening for me. I was previously in the illusion that most church members were full of questions and wanting to know the mysteries. Instead, I found at this moment that this was a wrong assumption. As time marched on I found that the desire to know was even less than I had imagined.

Those with a burning desire to know, and especially those willing to look outside the box of their belief system, are few and far between.

If you are a seeker, really desiring more knowledge, and you find another like yourself, then make him or her a friend for life.

Yes, you can enjoy a picnic, ballgame, or reunion with non seekers, but for the real fun of sharing higher knowledge you have to find fellow seekers who are full of questions like yourself.

As the seeker examines the difference in the quality and scope of questions between the orthodox and the seekers he will find that the questions from the masses will only be on some subtle approved list dictated by the belief system in which he finds himself. The true seeker will stretch his mind outside of the box and seek to know the truth no matter where it leads or who approves of the answers.

Seed Thought of the Day:

When negative emotions are dissipated our physical vehicles will vibrate in much greater harmony with nature and resulting disease will no longer consume us.

Why is this true?

Copyright by J J Dewey

For the next in this series  (Part 22) go HERE

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Classes on Treatise on White Magic

This entry is part 20 of 31 in the series Audios

Youtube Playlist for access to all the classes.
LINK

Links to the individual classes:

Class 1
Introducing the Teachings of Alice A. Bailey on the Treatise on White Magic.

Class 2
Continuing the course on the introduction to the Treatise on White Magic by Alice A. Bailey.

Class 3
Continuing the course on the introduction to the Treatise on White Magic by Alice A. Bailey.

Class 4
Finishing up the discussion of Rule One.

Class 5
Moving on to Rule Two containing Keys to Eternal Life.

Class 6
Continuing the course on on the Treatise on White Magic by Alice A. Bailey. – focussing on Rule Two where the words of Eternal Life are presented.

Class 7
Continuing with Rule Two of the Treatise on White Magic by Alice A. Bailey.

Class 8
Finishing Rule two and moving on to Rule Three.

Class 9
Getting into Rule Three.

Class 10
Continuing Rule 3

Class 11
Continuing Rule 3

Class 12
Finishing Rule 3

Class 13
Beginning Rule 4

Class 14
Continuing Rule 4

Class 15
Continuing Rule 4

Class 16
Continuing Rule 4

Class 17
Finishing Rule 4 – The Science of Breath

Class 18
Beginning Rule 5 – The materialization of thoughtforms.

Class 19
Continuing Rule 5 – Contacting the Master – Becoming useful.

Class 20
Continuing Rule 5 – Contacting High Lives.

Class 21
Continuing Rule 5 – What the masters look for in a disciple.

Class 22
Continuing Rule 5 – The heart, the throat and the eye.

Class 23
Finishing Rule 5 – What is expected from a true servant.

Class 24
Beginning Rule Six – The opening of the third eye.

Class 25
Finishing Rule Six, the power of the third eye.

Class 26
Beginning Rule Seven, The Battleground of the Astral Plane

Class 27
Continuing with Rule Seven – The battleground of the astral plane. The two choices.

Class 28
Beginning Rule Eight – Types of Astral Force

Class 29
Continuing with Rule 8 – Challenges the disciple must face.

Class 30
Continuing with Rule 8 – Discussing ebb and flow in the life of the disciple.

Class 31
Finishing Rule 8 – Discussing ebb and flow in the life of the disciple.

Class 32
Beginning Rule 9 – The need for pure intent on avoiding the left hand path.

Class 33
Continuing with Rule 9

Class 34
Finishing Rule 9 – The difference between the right and left hand path.

Class 35
Beginning Rule 10. The Creation of Thoughtforms

Class 36
Continues with Rule 10 – the Rays, Energies and Centers.

Class 37
Continuing Rule 10 – Rays, Energies, Centers and the Astral Plane.

Class 38
Continuing with Rule 10, Dealing with astral forces such as fear and depression.

Class 39
Continuing with Rule 10, Sources of astral energy.

Class 40
Continuing with Rule 10, Harmlessness

Class 41
Entering the Aquarian Age

Class 42
Out with the old and in with the new.

Class 43
Continuing with Rule 10, Predictions of things to come.

Class 44
Continuing with Rule 10 – Overcoming fears.

Class 45
Continuing with Rule 10, Problems encountered after enlightenment.

Class 46
Continuing with Rule 10, Using the higher mind.

Class 47
Continuing with Rule 10, The Centers, Cosmic Realms & More.

Class 48
Continuing Rule 10 – The Thinker and Divine Ideas

Class 49
Continuing Rule 10 – Balancing the heart and the head.

Class 50
Continuing Rule 10 – Happiness, Joy and Bliss

Class 51
Continuing Rule 10 – Experience and Duality

Class 52
Continuing Rule 10 – The Foundation of the Hierarchy

Class 53
Continuing Rule 10 – The Progress of the Soul

Class 54
How to recognize true spirituality and your place on the path.

Class 55
The New Group of World Servers

Class 56
The Divine Plan and problems with disciples.

Class 57
The labors of the Spiritual Hierarchy

Class 58
Who are the New Group of World Servers?

Class 59
Group Cooperation.

Class 60
The linking up of minds.

Class 61
The Twelve Principles of Synthesis

Class 62
The Sixteen Principles of Unification

Class 63
The ingredients of the Planetary Logos and the Influence of Astrology

Class 64
Beginning Rule 11. How the thoughtform is created what does the creator do to manifest the creation?

Class 65
The Law of Attraction and the Book of Life.

Class 66
Important Principles in Manifesting Our Creations

Class 67
We discuss harmony between the kingdoms and the stages of human spiritual evolution.

Class 68
Continuing with Rule 11. Avoiding the pitfalls of the dark side

Class 69
Continuing with Rule 11. The correct use of words to insure right creation.

Class 70
Continuing with Rule 11. Importance of wording, the Sacred Word and the word of the soul.

Class 71
Continuing with Rule 11. Using thoughtforms and making them harmless

Class 72
The wise use of thoughtforms and how to protect oneself from negativity.

Class 73
Examining Rule 11, Controlling emotion and seeing the whole picture.

Class 74
Overcoming the fear and dread of death. Seeing death as a positive event.

Class 75
Finishing Rule 11, Sleep and death – how to make the most of each of them.

Class 76
Beginning Rule 12. The Magical power of interludes of the breath.

Class 77
Continuing Rule 12. Releasing life from the prisons we build in this reality.

Class 78
Continuing Rule 12 – Humanity will learn their lessons and become saviors to the animal kingdom.

Class 79
Finishing Rule 12. The spiritual prisons that hold us and how to escape them.

Class 80
Starting Rule 13. Understanding the hidden etheric planes.

Class 81
Quaternaries and quantum physics in their role of creating reality.

Class 82
Our quantum reality – the power of intensity.

Class 83
Seeing the invisible and the power of recognition to manifest reality.

Class 84
Finishing Rule 13. Learning detachment and avoiding criticism.

Class 85
The centers and the etheric body.

Class 86
Continuing with Rule 14 highlighting the removing of the veils between spirit and matter and the higher and lower self.

Class 87
Continuing with Rule 14 Understanding energies and rays. The use of hands in the distribution of power.

Class 88
Continuing with Rule 14. The use of the hands in healing and sending energy.

Class 89
Continuing with Rule 14. Principles required to “take the kingdom of heaven” and enter therein.

Class 90
The steps to becoming a master.

Class 91
Discerning the higher and lower spiritual contacts

Class 92
Opening up the energy centers and recognizing the new energies as they unfold.

Class 93
Finishing Rule 14. Safely releasing the godlike powers of the centers

Class 94
The plan to enlighten humanity

Class 95
Enlightened people (The New Group of World Servers) seeking to change the world and prepare for the New Age.

Class 96
The later stages of magical work and handling ESP.

Class 97
Negating the great illusion

Class 98
Tuning into other souls and tuning out astral illusion.

Class 99
Transitioning from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius.

Class 100
Who and what are the lives higher than the human kingdom. The Sixth Kingdom examined. Problems encountered as the Hierarchy works though imperfect humans.

Class 101
The problem of imperfection among those who seek to do the spiritual work. All lives great ad small struggle with their next step forward.

Class 102
Types of fears faced by disciples and how to master them.

Class 103
Piscean consciousness compared to the Aquarian

Class 104
Final Class on White Magic. Blending fire and water.. Doing our part to bring in the new age.

For Additional Video Teachings, Including the Molecular Relationship CLICK HERE

Copyright by J J Dewey

Seeker’s Guide to Soul Contact

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The Seeker’s Guide to Soul Contact, Part 20

 

Day 240

Wholeness

The Seed Thought

God needs all Its creations for Itself to be complete for the ALL is God, not the All minus one.

You will often hear spiritual teachers say that we do not need anyone else to be complete, that we are complete within ourselves. Now I’m not saying that this idea has no truth in it for contrasting points of view are often merely two presentations of the various true parts of the elephant.

The truth in the statement is that the seeker must look to his own decisions and thinking if he wants to find fulfillment in life. No one else is going to come and do this for him.

The greater truth is that we do need each other. Perhaps nothing illustrates this better than stories of mentally ill parents who lock a child in a room and keep him alone there for years. If the child is placed there at the age of eight and discovered at age 12, 16 or 18 he will still see himself as an eight year old. Because of no outside contact is growth basically reached a standstill. The poor kid was definitely not complete with only himself as company.

The universe outside is important just as is the universe inside. The outside provides necessary stimulation and the inside provides the processing.

Now the seed thought takes our thinking a quantum step further. We not only need each other for completeness, but God needs us and God just does not need some of us, but all of us.

But why would God need all of us? Wouldn’t He be much better off to just scrap the negative people and assimilate the good ones into heavenly bliss?

Believe it or not such thinking is contrary to the teachings of the Bible which says that God “will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” I Tim 2:4. God is called “The Saviour of ALL men.” I Tim 4:10. God is “NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9.

God created us out of his own essence and thus we are all in his image. That perfected essence reflected itself into the kingdom of souls and our souls, or Higher Selves, further reflected themselves down to the human kingdom where we have forgotten who we are. In coming here for the great experience many wander on wayward paths, but their essential self remains in the bosom of God. We will all return to our point of origin, but some will merely take more time than others.

Today’s Seed Thought:

Many of those accepted by the masses as authorities today will be equated by future generations with the flat earth believers of yesterday.

So, what is taught by authorities today that is likely to be seen as obviously false in future generations?

 

Day 241

Future Consciousness

The Seed Thought:

Many of those accepted by the masses as authorities today will be equated by future generations with the flat earth believers of yesterday.

When I wrote this thought a couple years ago I knew that there were still a few stragglers who believed in a flat earth, but I never actually encountered one. I thought that the thousands of pictures from space taken by many nations as well as private business had settled the question forever.

In this I was mistaken as conspiracy ideas promoted on the internet media have captivated the thinking of many on this subject. A recent CBS poll revealed that a whopping 44% of millennial are now not sure the earth is round. Many of this group embrace the medieval belief that it is a flat disc or square floating in space and the sun and moon are small globes just a few miles above us in the sky.

Now science will have to prove the round earth all over again. When the ordinary citizen can travel to space or the moon on vacation and look back and see the globe earth with his own eyes the case should finally be settled for good. But even here the diehards will find some reason to still believe in a flat earth.

The point of the seed thought remains valid. Many things accepted by the authorities of the past are now seen to be quite ridiculous. For instance, medical authorities in past centuries did not think it was necessary to wash their hands when performing surgery or for childbirth.

It would indeed be interesting to go 100 or 200 years into the future, look back and see where the thinking of our authorities was astray.

Let us say that the climate actually got cooler over the next 100 years. How would authoritative views on global warming be affected?

Perhaps orthodox medicine will recognize the value of many alternative health treatments they now consider heretical.

Perhaps some political ideas will be proved right or wrong beyond a doubt and people will be much more united in thought and look back on our divisiveness as primitive.

Indeed there will be revolution in thought in education, science, finance, politics, religion and all areas of life. It is interesting to contemplate how they will manifest.

Today’s Seed Thought:

What better way is there to learn than from experience? — To painfully experience the effects of our own causes forces us to stare reality in the face.

There is a lot of truth to be gained by reflecting on this thought. How many times in your life have you suffered from bad decisions that caused you to stare a new reality in the face?

 

Day 242

Facing Reality

The Seed Thought:

“What better way is there to learn than from experience? — To painfully experience the effects of our own causes forces us to stare reality in the face.”

The biggest complaint against God, as well as the prime foundation argument against the existence of a Higher Power, is the fact that there is a lot of pain and suffering in this world. The conclusion of the lower mind is this:

“If there is a God then he is a mean and uncaring S.O.B. that I want nothing to do with.” The other is that, “There cannot be a God because if there were he wouldn’t allow us to have such pain and suffering.”

Most believers do not claim to understand pain and suffering but merely believe that all will be understood once they get to heaven. In the meantime they proclaim that “God works in mysterious ways.”

A book could be (and probably has been) written on this subject but I’ll attempt to reduce the explanation down to a greater seed where contemplation will reveal more light.

There is one great law, which co-exists with eternal Divine Intelligence and that is Cause and Effect. God Itself is limited by this co-existing force. We are in the image of God and as such are also limited by Cause and Effect. Once we make a decision we reap the benefit from it as well as suffer any consequences involved.

The problem is this. Each decision yields one of the following:

(1) Mostly benefits.

An example would be the choice of a healthier diet. This is mostly beneficial but there is still some pain in refusing that piece of chocolate cake.

(2) Mostly painful repercussions.

This could be a bad choice in a marriage partner, though after it is over the person did admit he learned some lessons.

(3) A mixture of the two.

This could be represented in a choice to go to college, which results in a higher paying job, yet the person had lots of painful experiences with finances and classes as he struggled to graduate.

Cause and effect governs our universe and it matters not if we be human, angel or God, each decision made has the result of some pleasure and pain, success and failure, good and bad attached to it.

To attempt to negate cause and effect is to negate life itself. If the seeker were to ask God to take away all possibility of pain he is really asking for non existence, for if he exists he must decide and if he has freedom to decide he will have to face the effect effect of the pain and pleasure that follows.

Pain teaches us the lesson of what needs to be corrected. It forces us to stare reality in the face so we can apply intelligence to make corrections so good will dominate over evil.

Today’s Seed Thought:

“The real path forward in spiritual evolution will demand all the talents, intelligence and strength the seeker has to successfully complete the journey. If you are not being challenged then you are doing something wrong.”

 

Day 243

The Path Forward

The Seed Thought:

The real path forward in spiritual evolution will demand all the talents, intelligence and strength the seeker has to successfully complete the journey. If you are not being challenged then you are doing something wrong.

It is common for us humans to work intensely so we can arrive at the day when we can just relax and enjoy life. We tend to see the easy times as the most desirable and do everything in our power to avoid difficulties that really challenge us.

On the other hand, look back on your life at an experience that was pleasant, but required no effort on your part. Then take a look at one that was a great point of tension that challenged all your resources.

If you had to give up the memory and learning from one, which would it, be?

If you are like most people you would give up the pleasant one, but not trade the difficult one for anything in the world. That difficult experienced forged by fire what makes up a valuable portion of yourself in this present reality.

Does this mean we should not have pleasant restful periods in life?

Of course not. Periods of rest and refection and needed, but the Biblical injunction to rest one period out of seven is a good one. In other words, six periods out of seven we should be laboring at a goal that challenges our abilities. There are two ways this will happen.

(1) The seeker will assess his abilities and choose a work which will challenge his resources and strength. If he succeeds he will experience great joy. If he fails he will reassess and eventually achieve progress and satisfaction.

(2) If he gets stuck in a rut and attempts to stay in the cycle of rest and pleasure the soul will step in to rouse him out of his spiritual sleep. His life path will then be set on one of difficulty that cannot be avoided and he will be forced to go back to work. If he accepts the direction he can awaken, achieve and have joy. If he resists he will suffer greater and greater pain until he finally yields in this world or the next.

Conclusion: It is wise for the seeker recognize correct periods of rest and labor, and during the time of labor seek to challenge himself to the maximum amount possible until the goal is achieved. At this point his rest will recharge the spirit within giving power to plunge into a new cycle of achievement.

Today’s Seed Thought:

There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who have a sense of humor and those who do not. We are attracted to those in the first category and tend to avoid the ones in the second.

Why?

What is the deeper meaning behind humor?

 

Day 244

Flexibility and Humor

The Seed Thought:

There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who have a sense of humor and those who do not. We are attracted to those in the first category and tend to avoid the ones in the second.

Humor is difficult to define. If it were just a black and white thing we could all be good comedians, but instead the art is very subtle. To add to its complexity what is funny to one person, race, party or national group may not be funny to another.

Humor that is mean spirited or truly insulting to many is limiting but more universally appreciated humor represent jewels in the use of words.

Humor also changes with the times. I have an old book of jokes I was recently reading through of which most would get you ostracized in politically correct circles today.

After much thought here is how I would define humor:

“Humor, or that which is funny, is created when the dialog takes an unexpected but pleasant twist. There is an element of mild, or sometimes outrageous, surprise, and often subtle truth, in those statements that make us smile or laugh.”

Notice that from this definition that humor requires a certain amount of flexibility. To appreciate a joke one must allow the expected flow of information to be interrupted with something unexpected. Now that something unexpected could even be interpreted as something insulting. This requires the hearer to be flexible enough to look at the words through the viewpoint or intent of the speaker.

The creator of humor should be very flexible. He must be able to look at the rigid thinking that prevails in the establishment and think of unexpected approaches that go against it.

In short them the two kinds of people are those who are flexible and those who are not. The flexible one will appreciate a wide variety of humor and the inflexible one will be very narrow in what is accepted.

The flexibility of humor is generally missing among those in society who cause us grief such as tyrannical dictators, abusive people and those who seek to destroy themselves or others.

Flexibility is a key characteristic for the seeker to acquire in maintaining soul contact.

Today’s Seed Thought:

It may take a thousand facts to create the understanding of one principle, but one principle can reveal a thousand facts.

Contemplation on this can bring much enlightenment.

 

Day 245

Principles vs. Facts

The Seed Thought:

It may take a thousand facts to create the understanding of one principle, but one principle can reveal a thousand facts.

A fact is merely a piece of information that anyone can incorporate into his or her brain memory. It can likewise be programmed into a computer. A principle is a different matter. A principle is the underlying truth that makes all facts valid. It requires judgment to use and cannot be programmed into a computer.

It takes a certain point in the evolution of the human being to comprehend the difference between a principle and a fact but when one does, and learns to go within and touch the soul, then all the understanding and vision of a principle is revealed in a flash. Sometimes a book can be written about a principle revealed in one instant.

A principle is that which demonstrates the intelligence of God and makes things in the universe work toward a dominating good.

Example of a fact. You are either male or female.

Principle behind the fact: Male and female are energy states corresponding to the positive and negative particles that make up the universe. They are both equal in importance. The male represents the sending, radiant, visible energy while the female represents the magnetic, receiving invisible energy that holds creation together.

Memorizing facts, especially those needed for regular use, is helpful, but the memory is limited in how many can be accurately retained. Fortunately, in this day and age search engines such as Google are a big help. Billions of facts are now available at our fingertips so we do not have to clutter up our computer brains with unnecessary details.

When a principle enters the consciousness there is a registration made higher than the brain. Principles are the language of the soul and, as such, when the seeker registers one it is synchronously understood by both himself and the soul. This imbeds the memory of this higher knowledge in factors that go beyond the physical brain to the higher mind that survives death. Thus, the understanding of a principle, will stay with us always, unlike facts that come and go.

Today’s Seed Thought:

To say that life is unfair is to say that God is unfair. When all things are considered throughout the life of the soul, all is fair.

Many today are complaining that life is unfair, but what is the real truth of the matter?

 

Day 246

Life is Fair

The Seed Thought:

To say that life is unfair is to say that God is unfair. When all things are considered throughout the life of the soul, all is fair.

When I was young, back in the Fifties and Sixties the idea of the fairness of God and life was in wide circulation. The basic idea accepted was that any unfairness is just temporary and that all things will work out fairly in the end – if not this life, then in the heavenly spheres.

Then one day (I’m not sure of the year) I heard someone in the media make the declarative statement that life is not fair and we must just accept this as a fact.

From that point until the present I have heard this repeated many times. The statement seems to have permeated public consciousness to make them face the fact that, as far as this one life goes, life is indeed not fair. Some are born into poverty, ill health and lack of opportunity whereas others are born into an advantaged life. Humanity seems to be facing up to the fact that there is lots of unfairness to go around.

Some seem resigned to the idea that God is unfair and that is just the way it is, but there must be a higher purpose in it.

Others acknowledge the unfairness of life but think things will be worked out in the next world so there will be no justified complaints.

When you think about it both life and God would both be unfair if there were only one life. To see this we can just look at the difference in the lives of three individuals who died at different times.

(1) A baby who died in infancy. According to most beliefs this individual will never know what it would be like to live a full mortal life, to select a career, find a purpose, get married, have children etc. On the other hand, if Hitler had died as a baby he would have escaped being history’s most infamous villain.

(2) Jim is 20 years old, in his second year of college, and is in love with a wonderful person. Just as he is looking forward to a great future he is involved in a car accident that takes his life. All his hopes for a productive happy life are taken away, whereas, many of his friends continue on and are able to follow their dreams.

(3) Albert lives to the age of 93. He has had a great life with mostly good health and an abundance of resources. He married the love of his life and has numerous great kids and grandkids. He feels very gratified with his life as it nears its end. Is this sense of gratification something Albert has by some random flip of the coin by God that Jim and the baby will never have for all eternity?

Fortunately for all this is not the case as each of us live many lifetimes in this life of mortality. If we lived only one life there would indeed be unfairness, but when we consider that we live many lives experiencing being rich, poor, healthy, unhealthy, advantaged and disadvantaged then at the end of our learning (for life is a classroom) each of us will be satisfied that our overall earth experience has been fair and that we have had a well-rounded series of lives that allowed us to reach a fulfilling liberation into the Kingdom of God.

If the seeker has not considered reincarnation, then this is the time to think about it, especially in relation to fairness.

Today’s Seed Thought:

If a teacher is right about everything, and you believe and follow the teachings without confirmation from within, you have found nothing.

Why would you have found nothing if the teacher teaches the truth?

 

Day 247

The Stopped Clock

The Seed Thought:

If a teacher is right about everything, and you believe and follow the teachings without confirmation from within, you have found nothing.

They say a stopped clock is right twice a day. He who accepts a teacher, or teaching, because it sounds good, glamorous or in agreement with his desire nature but does not check with his own soul is like a stopped clock. How close he is to the truth will depend on where he is at the moment just as with the hands of a stopped clock.

Those seekers with the stopped clock mentality will find themselves in one of three basic situations.

(1) He is fortunate to find himself close to the truth (symbolized by the correct time).

(2) He has a teacher who mixes truth and error.

(3) His source of knowledge is way off the mark.

Now you would think that the guy in category one would have a great advantage, but, unfortunately, the advantage is fleeting just as one looking at a stopped clock at the correct time of day only has the truth for a few minutes and then it is gone. The one who accidently accepts the truth still does not know how to find it and as soon as he moves on he will most likely glom on to a teacher full of errors that he cannot discern.

Soul contact and learning to trust and verify with the inner voice is the greatest step the seeker can take on his journey to the sacred feet of the Logos. If he places his trust without rather than within he will not be able to hold on to any spiritual truth that he comes across, as a new teacher, full of cunning, will be able to draw him away from it with a few enticing words.

Jesus advised the disciples to build on a foundation of rack rather than sand. Relying on the inner voice is the foundation of rock and the other voices are like sand that can be blown in any direction by the winds of glamor and illusion.

Today’s Seed Thought:

The principle of freedom is a key that must be understood before one can make a conscious decision for the path of light.

Why is this such an important truth?

 

Day 248

A Core Principle

The Seed Thought:

The principle of freedom is a key that must be understood before one can make a conscious decision for the path of light.

If one had to point to a single core difference between the path of light and darkness it would be the Principle of Freedom.

The problem though is that there are different understandings of what freedom is so the real principle is not realized by many who are thus captured by propaganda from the dark side.

Have you ever heard of any dictator, no matter how insidious, proclaim that he is against freedom? No. All leaders, good and bad along with their followers proclaim themselves as supporters of freedom. Hitler was big on stating that he was fighting for freedom along with most other dictator warriors. The Southern States, during the American Civil War, loudly proclaimed themselves as fighting for freedom as they struggled to maintain the institution of slavery.

Obviously, the light and the dark, both have a belief in some concept of freedom. The seeker must realize that it is of prime importance that the difference is understood so he can make sure he is on the right side. If he does not understand what that right side is then he may find himself unwittingly on the side of those who are attempting to push humanity toward the dark side of ultimate slavery, which would be the opposite of maximum freedom for the human spirit.

Here are the two viewpoints on freedom.

Light: Supports circumstances, laws, and viewpoints that promote maximum freedom for the largest possible number rather than the few.

Dark: Supports circumstances, laws, and viewpoints that promote maximum freedom for the elite leadership and select supporters at the expense of the many.

For example, if Hitler had won the war the Nazi leaders and some of the German people would have had quite a bit of freedom if they stayed in lockstep with the dictator, but the most of the world would have been enslaved.

Today we have the largest political division since the Civil War. The seeker must examine both sides and see where maximum freedom applies. For instance, who is seeking to limit free speech and who is supporting it? Who is seeking to expand restrictive laws and regulations and who is seeking to keep them to an efficient minimum?

There are those on both sides of the political spectrum who do not fully embrace the true principle of freedom and this causes confusion on the part of many. This also puts an added need for discernment and good judgment on the part of the seeker. He or she will only know he is on the right side when soul contact is achieved, as some are only right because they are stopped clocks. (See previous lesson)

Today’s Seed Thought:

There is a religion of peace. It is found deep in the human heart.

How is this a key to finding peace?

 

Day 249

Finding Peace

The Seed Thought:

There is a religion of peace. It is found deep in the human heart.

Everyone wants peace but few find that state of mind where the cares of the world and personality do not interfere. Still fewer find the “peace that passes all understanding.”

So, what is it that keeps the seeker from enjoying a peaceful state of consciousness that is essential to soul contact? There are a number of items with which to deal.

(1) Guilt. This is the biggest culprit. Any for of active guilt can rob the seeker of peace day in and out. Then there is suppressed guilt the person tries to put on the back burner. This robs the seeker of inner connections to the peaceful spirit and comes back later to bite him with a vengeance when consciously surfaced.

The solution to the problem of guilt was discussed in days 14-17 as well as to a lesser extent in later days. The seeker is advised to review these, especially if guilt is still a problem.,

It is absolutely essential that the seeker put guilt into its right place and context. This is a prime aspect of “salvation.”

(2) Personal problems, such as financial, job security, threat of loss of love, ill health and others.

These type of apparent problems from the outside can greatly affect the average seeker. Many of them could be quickly solved by an exercise of will and taking corrective action.

Then there are some that pose a real difficulty. For instance, it is distracting enough to suffer personal financial setbacks, but suppose you don’t have enough money to feed and house your children. How could the seeker be smiling in peaceful bliss while his kids are complaining they are hungry or homeless?

In these distracting situations the seeker must ask two questions. First, “How did I get into this situation and how could it have been avoided?” The second question is, “How can I get out of this situation so I can focus on higher things than mere survival?”

There is a solution to every problem. The seeker must realize this and dig his way out of the hole into which he has placed himself.

Even in situations of real concern the seeker must give himself some free time to push back all the cares of the world, no matter how severe, and seek that state of inner peace which is always available.

(3) Difficult Relationships. The seeker may suffer insults and attacks from family members, friends and business associates. These types of interference are under the immediate control of the seeker who has soul contact. An instant decision can neutralize any emotional attack and cause it to be as if it never was. On the other hand, if someone threatens something physically destructive appropriate action needs to be taken.

After appropriately dealing with these three problems the seeker, through the power of directed will, can then focus his attention on the peace of the soul, or the Christ consciousness, that lies deep in the human heart. Since the heart center has a reflection in the head and both are linked to the soul and vibrate with love energy we have an exceptional opportunity to access, not only regular peace, but the peace that passes all understanding.

An attitude of mind that can really help the s seeker here goes beyond inward thinking to outer service. If the seeker feels a love and connection to all people plus a desire to be of service to them he is creating his own path to peace.

Much more could be written on this but the seeker will greatly benefit from a periodic reflection on this seed thought.

Today’s Seed Thought:

Happiness is found in the quest for the good, the beautiful and the true. Peace and rest are yours when they are achieved.

 

 Day 250

The Journey and Destination

The Seed Thought:

Happiness is found in the quest for the good, the beautiful and the true. Peace and rest are yours when they are achieved.

It has been said that life, happiness, success and other positive things are found in the journey and not the destination.

On the other hand, it is the allure of the destination that motivates us to take the journey.

For the athlete it may be the Olympic medal and adoration that motivates him or her to expend intense energy to reach that end. But then on reflection he finds the benefits of the end result rather fleeting whereas his reflection on the struggle to attain is a great source of learning and satisfaction.

This same process occurs with one striving for financial success, developing a talent or any other path to a desired objective. The seeker may tell himself that when he achieves the goal he will be happy, but when all is said and done and reflection occurs he finds that the real satisfaction occurred on the journey. Each step forward brought a degree of happiness and fulfillment.

Does this mean that only the journey has value, but there is little to be gained from the actual destination?

No. Not at all, but it does mean this.

The positive results from the journey and destination are different and the seeker needs to realize this so he can take full advantage of both of them. What needs to occur in the mind is a correction of a popular illusion which is this:

The journey is hell and the destination is happiness and heaven.

As the journey begins many difficulties are often encounter which makes it seem like the journey is the unhappiness part whereas happiness will happen at the destination. What is overlooked is that, even though the journey may be fraught with difficulties, each step taken calls forth degrees of happiness and satisfaction to the pilgrim.

The destination may bring a few moments of fleeting happiness, but that is not where its virtue lies. If the seeker sees the destination as something final where he will obtain satisfaction for the rest of his life then this stopping place will turn from a place of fulfillment to one of dissatisfaction and misery, the opposite of what was hoped for.

How then must the seeker view the destination in order to receive maximum fulfillment?

In order to enjoy the full benefits of the destination he must not view it as an ultimate goal or achievement, but a temporary rest where he can enjoy peace and relaxation while he reviews his past journey and contemplates his next great adventure.

When the seeker sees the journey and destination as two parts of a great cycle and accepts the true benefits of each he will then have his mind prepared to receive maximum benefits of each.

Today’s Seed Thought:

Don’t trust a person who cannot (or will not) answer a simple yes or no question.

Thinking on this reveals some interesting insight.

 

Day 251

Yes or No, Please

The Seed Thought:

Don’t trust a person who cannot (or will not) answer a simple yes or no question.

Many times I have watched a political debate or interview and the guy is asked a simple question that can be answered by a simple yes or no, but instead of answering he changes the direction away from the it in what seems an obvious avoidance. When this happens I sometimes feel like standing up and shouting at the guy on TV, “Just answer the question – a simple yes or no, please!”

This avoidance happens with advocates in all walks of life. We see this in salespeople, preachers, educators, scientists, but it is particularly pervasive with political people.

And why is that?

Because political candidates and advocates will often say what we want to hear, and avoid telling us what they actually want to do.

For instance, he may be asked if his plan would cause a raise in taxes. He knows the answer is yes, but doesn’t want to tell us for fear of losing votes so instead of answering yes or no he will go off on a tangent explaining the benefits of his plan.

I have seen many an interviewer ask the yes or no question two or three times, but with no success. The person usually gives up after two attempts, but I keep thinking to myself, “Go ahead, ask again and again until the scoundrel answers the question.”

The basic principle behind this thought is this. He who avoids answering a yes or no question has something to hide. There is a reason he will not answer.

Does this mean that in all circumstances the person is in the wrong for avoiding the answer?

Usually such a person is in the wrong, but there are exceptions to all things as noted by Solomon.

For instance, if you were in Nazi Germany and the SS was searching for your child to torture and asked you if you knew where he was, there would be justification in avoiding a “yes” answer.

But if a crafty SS officer was aware of this principle he may figure the parent was avoiding the answer because he was hiding something and would be correct.

The scriptures tell us that God does not clearly tell us all truth in black and white, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.” Proverbs 25:2

Jesus himself concealed many things and avoided clearly telling the people he was the Messiah, totally unlike the would-be messiahs of today. There is only one record of him being asked a yes or no question about his calling and this is recorded in Mark, the oldest gospel,

“Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62

There is no record of him being asked such a question earlier though he went out of his way to avoid stating it to all but a few close disciples.

That said, nine times out of ten in today’s world the yes or no question is avoided because answering it will reveal hypocrisy and deception. The guy just doesn’t want his true motives revealed. When the seeker understands this principle he will have an extra tool in delving for the truth.

Today’s Seed Thought:

Those preaching religious or political truth generally only see a tiny piece of a jigsaw puzzle when thinking they have the whole picture.

Can you think of an example of this? How about yourself? Do you think you see more of the picture than you actually do?

 

Day 252

The Whole Picture

The Seed Thought:

Those preaching religious or political truth generally only see a tiny piece of a jigsaw puzzle when thinking they have the whole picture.

This parable may be the most effective teacher of this principle. Also there is an expanded version in my book, “The Lost Key of the Buddha.”

The Three Blind Men and The Elephant

A man of vision came across three blind men who were complaining about their limitations. “Follow me,” he said, and learn a great lesson from the elephant. He directed them to approach the elegant animal and give their description.

One man embraced a leg and said, “I perceive that an elephant is like a great tree.” The other man took hold of the tail and disagreed. He said, “No, my brother, I feel and know the elephant is like a rope.” The third man felt an ear and replied, “You are both wrong. The elephant is like a great carpet.”

After giving them time to digest their findings, the man of vision explained: “You are all correct, and you are also all wrong.” Then he took the three blind men and had each feel all of the three distinct parts. They responded in amazement: “Now we see that the elephant is a more complex being than we ever imagined. We condemned each other in ignorance, for one of us was as correct as the other.” Then they become curious and asked: “Tell us, Is there even more to the elephant than this?”

The man with eyes to see responded: “Yes, there is much more. You still have an incomplete view. I will take you around the elephant and you can feel the other parts.” To their amazement and joy, they discover that the elephant had not only one leg, but four and not one ear but two and many other previously unknown parts. He had a trunk, eyes, mouth, teeth and a large body they never realized existed.

After they felt all the parts, the blind men said: “We have now felt the whole elephant and our consciousness has greatly expanded, for we realize that before we knew nothing, even though we thought we knew all. Now we still realize that our understanding is imperfect because we do not see. Tell us, how can we see?”

The man with vision said: “I was once blinded as you are, but it does not have to be so. There is nothing wrong with your eyes. You merely have a film over them that needs to be washed off in pure water.”

He then handed them a pitcher of water and they each washed their eyes with it and the dark film dissolved. To their joy they found they could see. Looking about, they saw the elephant and asked: “What is that strange creature over there?”

The man replied: “Did you not recognize it? That is the elephant!”

Immediately, they realized: “Yes, of course, that has to be the elephant, but I never thought it was so large,” says one. “I never would have believed it was so small,” says another. “I never realized it was so beautiful,” says the third. But they all did agree that what they saw correlated with every previous fact they had discovered about the elephant. The discrepancies entered when they compared the way they felt and what they imagined about the elephant with what they actually saw. All Three of them admitted that they had erroneous thoughts and feelings about the elephant that were completely unfounded.

To their added joy they saw that there was much more to see than an elephant, but a complete new world to explore. Now that they could see they found that they were, in reality, just beginning to gain true knowledge. Everything else that they had experienced up until this time was merely a step to prepare them for true seeing.

Thus the three previously blind men stepped forth into the world of seeing. They explored, experimented, and begin to serve their brethren.

Today’s Seed Thought:

If the zealot holds sacred the idea that 2+2=5, then the one who says 2+2=4 is the enemy.

Why do you suppose this is often true?

 

Day 253

The Zealot Within

The Seed Thought:

If the zealot holds sacred the idea that 2+2=5, then the one who says 2+2=4 is the enemy.

Most of us have encountered a real zealot at one time or another. They are not only found in religious/spiritual thinking, but business, investment, multi level, politics and other mindsets.

These zealots are very proactive in presenting their ideas as if they are absolute truth, but many things in the presentation often have flaws seen by a person of reason.

When such flaws are pointed out the zealot will often stop in his tracks, pause, give a look of displeasure as if you have insulted his god or religion, and either defend or attack. Unfortunately, it will often be an attack or insult.

Rarely will the zealot consider reason, or even an established fact, as a reason to alter his thinking. 2+2=5 and that is it. Any evidence to the contrary is considered an insult or an attack.

Now the real zealot stands out like a sore thumb in a group, but the majority of people have parts of the zealot in them wanting to get out and proclaim something not in harmony with reason and ready to attack those who disagree.

The seeker must always examine himself, his motives and thoughts and neutralize these negative aspects of zealotry.

Take global warming for example. Maybe the guy has an illogical reason to support it or to be against it. A person can be right, but by accident, because he has assumed things rather than checking out the facts. So even if you think you are right (which all zealots do) you may be right for the wrong reason.

The seeker who has rid himself of zealotry will not be offended if he is challenged.

Neither will he automatically reject contrary arguments.

Neither will he refuse to examine data that does not seem in harmony with his thinking.

The seeker will be open to all things yet maintain positive discernment so real truth is not lost.

Seed Thought of the Day:

The person who can’t come up with good solutions to every-day simple problems ought to consider that he could be wrong on the big stuff as well.

 

Day 254

The Big Stuff

The Seed Thought:

The person who can’t come up with good solutions to every-day simple problems ought to consider that he could be wrong on the big stuff as well.

We’ve all seen this guy. He has big plans – maybe he even wants to change or save the world from itself. His mind is full of idealism and feels he knows how things should be. On top of that, he gives you lots of advice on what you should be doing and thinking. You should follow him because he will show you the way to greatness.

The strange thing about these individuals who are full of hype is that few have demonstrated success in their own lives with everyday problems, or even small things. The seeker needs to ask, “If one cannot demonstrate mastery over the small things then why should he be trusted concerning the greater ones?

If one cannot hold down successful employment so he can pay his bills then why should we believe he has a true once-in-a lifetime business opportunity – or the solution to the world’s monetary problems?

If a guy can’t hold together a romantic relationship, secure the love of his children or establish enduring friendships then what on God ‘s green earth gives him the authority to tell you how to run your life of establishing sound relationships?

Then if some guru has no original thoughts or principles of his own but only borrows from others then why should he demand to be respected as if he were the mouthpiece of God?

It is a natural human inclination to desire respect and to see our words be valued by others, but many prematurely expect this to happen before they have demonstrated any ability deserving of such respect.

For instance, the chances are over 90% that the last guy who called you up with once-in-a-lifetime money making opportunity was in desperate financial difficulties himself.

The seeker must examine himself for this flaw for it often manifests on very subtle levels and many are tempted to indulge in it from time to time. He must ask himself:

Do I seek to give advice that is beyond my knowledge and experience?

Do I want to teach when I really should be applying myself more as a student?

Do I want to tell others what to think when my own thoughts are unstructured?

Of course, there is nothing wrong with giving your opinion, especially if it is asked for, but the error made is in placing oneself as an authority when expertise has not been demonstrated.

If the small things in a person’s life are not under control then maybe the big things are not working either.

The Law of Correspondences applies here.

Seed Thought of the Day

Understanding and dealing with your weaknesses and limitations is a key to unlimited power.

Many ignore their limitations when seeking for greater power. Why is this a mistake?

 

Day 255

Limitations

The Seed Thought:

Understanding and dealing with your weaknesses and limitations is a key to unlimited power.

Let us say that you wanted to become a track star, but you have a recently broken leg. Would it do you any good to try and compete when on crutches? Of course not, you would be likely to do more damage to yourself and set back your physical condition even more than it is.

The wise thing to do is to come to reality with your limitation (the broken leg) do what you can to speed up the healing and next get yourself back in shape. Then, after you have removed the limitations that set you back you will be able to compete again.

Many beginners on the spiritual quest completely ignore their limitations and figure they can become a spiritual giant in one great leap. While there is nothing wrong with looking ahead to a finishing goal, it will not do much good if the seeker has a spiritual broken leg that needs healing.

Exactly what are some of these hindrances and limitations often ignored by the beginner? Here are a few.

(1) Some teacher may have told the student there is no such thing as limitation. Some gung ho students embrace this idea, but this is like a coach telling the athlete that there is no such thing as a broken leg. Not helpful.

(2) A teacher may have taught of a great shortcut. By embracing his teachings the student can be instantly saved with nothing further to accomplish, obtain instant godlike status or even skip over a thousand lifetimes.

There are no great shortcuts to achievement. Indeed, some paths are shorter than others, but the shorter ones usually require greater effort. For instance, the student may graduate from college in three years instead of four or five, but a greater effort is required, so even though the time is shorter it is not really a shortcut.

(3) The beginner often thinks the mind needs to be put aside and one must rely on the feeling nature to make spiritual progress.

This is a great mistake, especially for the seeker polarized in the lower feeling nature. The higher mind, capable of pure reason is essential in taking the seeker toward oneness with the Higher Self. He higher mind will also incorporate the best of the heart and love-wisdom energies.

(4) A lack of the development of talents which can be used in service to humanity. Many seekers overlook developing their talents so they can be useful instruments for service. This takes great effort which many do not want to expend.

Clint Eastwood was right when he said, “A man’s got to know his limitations.”

The seeker must find them, remove them and take the next step.

Today’s Seed Thought:

As below, so above but with a divine and rational twist.

This applies to the Law of Correspondences that we discussed earlier. Is the correspondence of the above to the below exact? Why not?

 

Day 256

As Above – Almost

The Seed Thought:

As below, so above but with a divine and rational twist.

We covered this in the series dealing with the Law of Correspondences on days 201-207, but this short seed thought gives the heart of the principle.

Most of us have heard the statement “As above, so below” and vice versa, but “with a divine and rational twist” adds a new thought which is necessary to see the whole truth.

For instance, the atom of the world below is said to be like a miniature solar system. There are indeed similarities, but there are also substantial differences.

The human cell has been compared to a great city, both having an electric communications system, transportation devices, garbage disposal and many other similarities yet there are again great differences.

Parts of the earth such as the great waters, land, oil and vegetation is said to correspond to blood, flesh, lubricants and hair in a human body. Again the comparisons point toward a truth, but are not exact.

There are two great truths revealed here.

(1) A black and white interpretation usually misses important aspects of the truth.

(2) God does not repeat Itself in creation but makes “all things new.” Rev 21:5 Just as we look around the world and the universe we see that everything is created with a difference, demonstrating great variety, even so, God creates differently above than below. There will be similarities and the seeker will therefore need to look on one level and use intuition to discern the truth on a differing level.

Seed Thought of the Day:

The person in your life who irritates you the most is your greatest teacher.

The truth behind this is pretty obvious when you think about it.

Copyright by J J Dewey

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Reincarnation and Mormonism, Part 6

This entry is part 6 of 6 in the series Reincarnation & Mormonism

 

Reincarnation and Conflicting Scriptures

There are some scriptural sources put forth by a number of LDS students who make arguments against reincarnation. I thought I would make some comments on them.

First, let me make this point that is overlooked by both sides of the argument. There are scriptures that are in contradiction with each other on this and numerous other subjects. True believers think the cause of this in the reader, not the writers of the scriptures. They seem them as infallible and any contradictions are because we do not understand them in the same light as themselves.

The truth is something else. The contractions are caused by three basic things:

(1) The limitation of communication through imperfect language. For example, the words of Jesus in the New Testament are as clear as any ever written, yet they are interpreted in hundreds of different ways, partially because of the imperfection of language itself.

(2) Human imperfection. All people including prophets are fallible and do not have a clear understanding of all the mysteries.

For instance Paul said this: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” I Cor 13:12

Paul here admits he knows “in part” which tells us that some of his writings will present an incomplete truth.

Nephi acknowledged his fallibility: “And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.” I Nephi 19:6

Here Nephi admits not only that his writings may have error but “even did they err of old,” indicating that there was some error in the writings of past prophets.

Then, in Alma chapter 40, Alma tells us of a number of things that he doesn’t know or even that “no one knows.”

All this points us to the main truth that I have emphasized throughout my life, which is that the truth cannot be obtained by merely relying on the black and white precepts of men, even if they be prophets. The only way to stay on the straight and narrow path is through leaning on the Holy Spirit, not the arm of flesh, even if that arm speaks to you from the scriptures.

(3) The third reason for apparent contradictions is that prophets in the past often felt that the people were not ready for the whole truth. This even occurred in Joseph Smith’s day for he said:

“Would to God, brethren, I could tell you who I am! Would to God I could tell you what I know! But you would want to call it blasphemy and want to take my life.”

Life of Heber C. Kimball Page 333.

He thus had to hide or veil controversial mysteries when he taught, just as did numerous ancient prophets.

Alma also spoke on this principle:

“It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.” Alma 12:9

Concerning reincarnation I have found that many more scriptures support it than seem to refute it and have written a whole book to this effect called, “Eternal Lives.”

There are a few scriptures, however, that that seem to support the idea of one life only with no additional chances. Let us take a look at some of them and see where the truth lies.

“And this is the manner after which they (prophets) were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such.” Alma 13:3

Here we are told that God chose certain individuals to be prophets because a foreknowledge. And why did he have foreknowledge? Because at some time in a past life they showed “exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling…”

Now orthodox Mormons would interpret this as applying to a nebulous pre-existence in spirit bodies sitting on the lap of a heavenly Father and Mother with billions of others. On the other hand, because they exercised “exceeding faith and good works” this seems to apply more to a physical and mortal situation than one in the spirit where you can see God right in front of your eyes (according to the belief).

As it turns out, this first scripture presents a pretty good argument for reincarnation, rather than against it.

Anti reincarnation arguments are taken from Alma 12, verses 8, 18, 20, 24 & 32 and Alma 11:41-45.

Let us start here:

“all shall rise from the dead, both the just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before God to be judged according to their works?

It is certainly true that all shall rise from the dead but how this happens differs from regular Christian doctrine. John clarifies what happens to the just and unjust:

“The hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28-29

Here Jesus divides all resurrections into two categories. The first he calls the “resurrection of life” and the second “the resurrection of damnation”. “Damnation” is a mistranslation. The Greek KRISIS is more correctly rendered “correction” or “judgement that forces correction” and generally refers to a lesser resurrection.

The resurrection of life is one where the disciple will have a secure place in the kingdom of heaven “and he shall go no more out.” Rev 3:12. “Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death…” D&C 76:59

Such a one will have graduated from the mortal school and not have to go out unless her chooses it for some reason for he can always choose “life or death.”

The second part of the verse says:

“…both the just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before God to be judged according to their works?”

The typical believer thinks that he as an individual will stand before God sitting on his throne where this being will expose him to be good or evil and then make a judgment right then and there about his eternal future.

The scripture is true, but not in the literal way that is assumed by believers.

We as humans are in the image of God. Joseph Smith even said we are co-equal with God. After death we become much more sensitive to the spark of God, or the extension of God that is within us all. Thus, all we have to do to return to God is to return to an awareness of who we are.

After death we go before a council of advanced humans who have this God awareness for a life review. Though this is sometimes called a judgment, as if we were being judged from the outside, it is more of a judgment from our own inside with the help of a number of elder brothers guiding the person through the review for enlightenment.

Here a small handful realize they have learned what they need from earth life and “will go no more out.” The vast majority though understand that they have many lessons yet to master and make preparations to go out again and be reincarnated into mortal life. This preparation can last just a few years or several hundred.

“And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works…. and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance.” (verses 12 & 15)

“Then, I say unto you, they (the wicked) shall be as though there had been no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to God’s justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption.” (Verse 18)

These verses point to important points that will frighten the rank and file into being better people but the way it is worded does not present an accurate picture of the judgment.

Enos stressed the idea of wording his teachings slanted toward frightening the people toward repentance:

“And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things–stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning them.” Enos, Verse 23

This reasoning is pointed out in the revelation to Joseph Smith

“Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, THAT IT MIGHT WORK UPON THE HEARTS OF THE CHILDREN OF MEN, altogether for my name’s glory. … For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore– Eternal punishment is God’s punishment. Endless punishment is God’s punishment.” D&C 19:6-12

Here God clearly says that he allowed the prophets to depict punishment as being “eternal” and “everlasting” to appear as if it would be forever, “that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men.” In reality they are merely descriptions of God and do not mean that punishments shall not have an end.

Joseph Smith backed up this principle when he said, “I take my ring from my finger and liken it unto the mind of man–the immortal part, because it had no beginning. Suppose you cut it in two; then it has a beginning and an end; but join it again, and it continues one eternal round. So with the spirit of man. AS THE LORD LIVETH, IF IT HAD A BEGINNING, IT WILL HAVE AN END. All the fools and learned and wise men from the beginning of creation, who say that the spirit of man had a beginning, prove that it must have an end; and if that doctrine is true, then the doctrine of annihilation would be true. But if I am right, I might with boldness proclaim from the house-tops that God never had the power to create the spirit of man at all. God himself could not create himself.” DHC 6:311

Therefore, “as the Lord liveth” if a punishment has a beginning then it will have an end.

Alma was thus using the old fashion scary wording to frighten the people to repentance for if many prematurely know there will be an end to punishment some are likely put off their day of repentance.

So Alma presents the following idea to the people.

We must repent and be good people in the here and now else we will die in our sins. In this state we will be resurrected to eternal life, an incorruptible state and go before God where “they shall be as though there had been no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to God’s justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption.”

This is true but not in the light LDS readers take it, just like “everlasting punishment” is not true as standard Christians understand it.

Some time after death we are resurrected to our immortal incorruptible state that cannot die and are brought before a council of elders for a life review. The judge is God, but it is that spark of God that is within us concerning which we now have full awareness. With the help of elder brothers we judge ourselves. Joseph sp0oke of this self judgment:

“A man is his own tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the saying, They shall go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. The torment of disappointment in the mind of man is as exquisite as a lake burning with fire and brimstone.” DHC 6:314

If one has not lived a life of service and learned to follow the Christ within him then he will be as if no redemption has been made. Since he cannot pay off his debts in the immortal state he will have to choose death (D&C 76:59), or mortality and be resurrected (reincarnated) again into corruption where he can make things right and learn his needed lessons.

Alma continues:

“And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state (the state where our God nature is realized) which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead (After death when raised up in a spiritual body).

“Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, (separation from God back to mortality) which was an everlasting death (everlasting being a name of God) as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.

(The works justice demand that the person not remain in his God presence but return to mortality to learn further lessons and pay his debts)

Next Alma wanders off into teachings that are not literally correct as well as being in disagreement with other scriptures.

“Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.

“The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.

“Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.

“Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, THAT THEY CAN DIE NO MORE; their spirits uniting with their bodies, NEVER TO BE DIVIDED; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.”

The basic idea here, and in most Mormon thinking, is that all will be resurrected in their physical bodies, but an immortal state, and in that body will stand before God and be judged. After this, only a few will pass on to the celestial kingdom where they will have fullness of joy. The rest will go to lower kingdoms and outer darkness where they do not have the fullness “the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness.” Alma 12:32

So, according to Alma, after the resurrection where all become immortal, the people will be divided into two camps: those who go to the Celestial kingdom and enter into the presence of God and obtain a fullness and those who suffer a second death and are denied the Presence, which would obviously be the terrestrial, telestial and outer darkness inhabitants.

The trouble is that Alma disagrees with other revelations such as this through Joseph Smith:

“For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive fullness of joy. And when separated, man cannot receive fullness of joy.” D&C 93:33-34

Here we are clearly told that when the spirit and body are “inseparably connected” that the person receives a fullness of joy. This directly disagrees with Alma who says that the wicked will have their spirit and bodies inseparably connected yet be in a state of death, separation and torment.

If a fullness of joy is produced by an inseparable connection of the body and spirit then any connection where there is not an eternal connection will not produce a fullness of joy. If a fullness of joy is not produced then the union of spirit and body is temporary.

Where is there not a fullness of joy?

Obviously there is not a fullness of joy in the lower worlds of the terrestrial and telestial.

So what does this tell us?

That the spirit and body can yet be separated and die in the lower worlds.

Those earmarked for the lower worlds are those who are subject to corruption to some degree. Where there is corruption there is always the disintegration of the form. The scriptures are clear “Whatsoever temple (body) is defiled, GOD SHALL DESTROY THAT TEMPLE.” D&C 93:35. All those in the lower kingdoms have sinned and defiled their temples so their bodies shall be destroyed. Furthermore I must point out that a Fullness of joy which produces immortality only comes in the presence of God: “In thy presence is fullness of joy.” Psalms 16:11 “They shall inherit the kingdom of God…and their joy shall be full forever.” II Nephi 9:18. Finally we see that fullness of joy comes from living a life like the Christ: “And for this cause ye shall have fullness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, EVEN AS THE FATHER HATH GIVEN ME FULLNESS OF JOY; AND YE SHALL BE EVEN AS I AM…” III Nephi 28:10.

That there is a resurrection of corruption is plainly set forth by Paul: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Often in a future life). For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh REAP CORRUPTION (Greek PHTHORA means decay); but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal 6:7-8.

If this is so then how could Alma had made such a mistake as thinking that there would be immortal resurrected being who are in torment, rather than experiencing a fullness?

Quite simple. He could have been shown a true vision of a soul after death arriving at the day of judgment who seemed to be perfect in his bodily form standing before several Elder Brothers. Even though this body was composed of spirit it would look physical and he probably incorrectly assumed that all who are judged are in resurrected physical bodies.

The truth is that they are in their spiritual bodies and it can take the form of the physical at any time period in your mortal life. In the spirit world the spirit body can feel physical to other spirit beings..

If then “spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive fullness of joy” is true does this mean that there can be no more reincarnation after such a union?

To understand this scripture one has to understand what happens when the ultimate union of spirit and matter happens.

First, one needs to understand that the substance behind all creation is pure spirit. The only difference between spirit and matter is that physical matter is spirit vibrating at a slow rate and pure spirit is vibrating at a much higher frequency.

Spirit and matter are inseparately connected when the vibration of matter is increased to harmonize with Spirit. Then, in this case, spirit and matter are the same. They cannot be separated because they are one and the same and in this state the life can have fullness of joy for the prodigal son has returned home, having an enhanced appreciation of that home.

The pilgrim is thus in the prophesied state

Where God says: “Him that over cometh I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out (Shall not have to be reborn) Rev 3:12.

Even though, in this celestial state, the person does not have to be born again into mortality he still has free will and can choose death and rebirth if he so desires for it is written of those who have overcome all things that “all things are theirs, whether life OR DEATH, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” D&C 76:59

These celestial beings who have overcome all things and have raised the physical to the frequency of spirit can still choose death, or mortality if they desire. Their spiritual essence is merely projectted into a new physical body born into the world where they will have to again attempt to raise the frequency of matter up to spirit and produce another inseparable connection.

Before she died on December 5, 1887, Eliza told her brother Lorenzo Snow, who became

fifth president of the Church, that she “was a firm believer in the principle of reincarnation … [having] received it from Joseph the Prophet.”

Joseph indeed believed in the principle and saw through the conflicting scriptures on the matter where in times past the prophets spoke to the people in language “that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory.” D&C 19:7

Copyright by J J Dewey

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