Month: June 2022

Truth from Heaven

The next scripture reads:

“And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.” Rev 8:10-11

Some read this and believe it means an asteroid will hit the earth before the end of times while others have made the connection that “Chernobyl” is a Russian word for the wormwood plant. Many Bible believers think the third angel sounded when the nuclear disaster occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear plant.

Fortunately, an asteroid is not likely in the near future and the correspondence between the Chernobyl disaster and Revelation does not match up. For one thing, a third part of the rivers did not become polluted and there is little literal connection between drinking radioactive waters and death.

The scripture makes much more sense when spiritual symbology is used.

With the second angel a great mountain (kingdom of God – higher consciousness) fell upon the seas (masses of people).

This time a great star burning like a lamp falls upon the rivers and fountains (springs) of waters. This sounds like a great falling star that lights up the whole sky.

So, what does a star mean in this context?

Earlier we said that stars represent fixed beliefs and the stars falling to the earth represents shattered belief systems that were thought to never change, like a fixed star.

This time instead of stars plural we have one great star falling. To understand this fully we have to add another element of meaning.

A star can also refer to an avatar, a great teacher or leader who will shatter belief systems. This meaning is indicated in the Book of Revelation itself:

“The seven stars are the angels (messengers) of the seven churches (belief systems): and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Rev 1:20

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.” Rev 3:1

Here we see that a star is a messenger representing a spiritual philosophy (church) and also one of the seven spirits before the throne of God. By extension this would also represent the seven chakras as they manifest internally.

A great and fiery star fell from heaven. What does this mean? The meaning has several levels but the same principal manifests throughout.

The disciple recently opened the seventh seal and peered into heaven and beheld a strange silence for half an hour. In the silence he perceived the will of God as never before and became on fire about bringing that which is in heaven to the earth.

From the seventh chakra (a great star) descended the fiery will of God to the streams of the earth.

If we correspond the star to a spiritual teacher then we have a great messenger (star) ablaze with the light of knowledge concerning the will of God falling upon a third of the rivers and springs.

What do the rivers and springs represent? These give life to the trees (aspiring teachers) and the grass (religious followers). The rivers and the streams thus represent the knowledge of God which feeds the people and stimulates their spiritual life.

When the next manifestation of the will of God falls from heaven (source of revelation) to add to the sources of knowledge on the earth a great disturbance happens. When the new knowledge is presented, many do not like what they hear. The new doctrine is as bitter as wormwood to them. They are like the people in Jesus’ home town. When he tried to teach them, they rushed upon him, grabbed him and tried to throw him over a cliff.

What he said was a bitter pill (wormwood) for them to swallow, for the star (Jesus) that fell into their fountain of knowledge shook their belief system (fixed star).

“…and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.”

Many refuse to be nourished by the new and living waters and without this nourishment they dry up and die spiritually.

The next verses read:

“And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of Rev the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” Rev 8:12-13

The result of the work of the first three angels was that various elements of heaven (spiritual revelation) fell on the earth and seas (humanity), creating great change, destroying the old in preparation for the new. This time things are different. Instead of new disrupting agents falling from heaven to earth, that which normally shines on the earth (sun, moon and stars) are diminished.

Before we can go forward let us examine the symbols.

The sun represents God, or pure unveiled truth. The moon which reflects the light of the sun represents the reflections of God on the earth. In other words, it signifies authorities, or those places where people look for God where he is not, but is merely reflected. This could be a priest, a teacher, a religion, a prophet or even a book, a stone or a temple.

When people look toward reflected light, they do get some visibility, but the comparison is great contrast in what you can see at night by the light of the moon compared to seeing in the day by the light of the sun.

The third item is the stars. As we have said before, these represent the fixed beliefs of humanity. Just as the stars of the heavens seem immovable and do not change even so does mankind gravitate to beliefs that seem solid and reliable.

Unlike the moon, the stars have their own light and are suns themselves, but merely of such distance that they give only a small fraction of the light of the sun. Even if we were to add all the light of the stars together the illumination would be insignificant compared to our one great Sun.

Even so it is with us. We ordinary humans are stars with our fixed belief systems. We find in these systems just a twinkle of light because our beliefs are such a distance from the source of light that their light is eclipsed by a real sun which is nearby.

Jesus manifested truth, transcended belief and became a sun. We too shall someday discover that the star of light within us is also a sun. We are merely a farther distance from our sun than is the Christ, but someday that distance will be transversed and “we will be like him.”

Remember the Book of Revelation is a story about a disciple treading the path of Christ. The fourth angel represents the highest part of the lower quaternary, or the mind, a link between heaven and earth. When the disciple treads the path of Christ, he brings down to mind the truths of heaven and the true knowledge of the kingdom of God. He sounds the voice of mind, logic reason and like the sound of a great trumpet, and humanity hears it whether they want to or not.

The sound of this trumpet of mind has an unusual result for it forces those who are honest with themselves to examine that which they previously considered pure truth (the sun), their authorities (the moon) and their beliefs (the stars).

The eventual effect will be that a third of that which they considered to be true will be altered and no longer be light to them (one third of the light of the sun is smitten).

The word “smitten” comes from the Greek PLESSO and is only used this one time in all the Bible. Because it is used only this once it makes a correct translation more difficult.

PLESSO comes from PLASSO which means “to form, mould (something from clay, wax, etc.)”

Apparently PLESSO is translated as “smitten” because the ancients had to strike a thing to form and mold it. But the Concordant version, which is very reliable, gives an interesting alternative translation. It renders the word as “eclipsed.” In other words the light of the sun, moon and stars was blotted out by something else.

The interesting thing is that the word “eclipse” has an alternative meaning. Instead of light merely being blotted out by a lifeless object it can insinuate that a light is blotted out by a greater light.

For instance, you could say, “Sam’s performance eclipsed that of anyone one else.” In other words, Sam did such a good job that his was the only act worth remembering.

This leads us in the right direction of understanding this verse. The light of the sun, or truth, as people see it, becomes blotted out when a greater truth is revealed through a disciple treading the path of Christ.

The light of the authorities of the world (the moon) is also eclipsed when compared to the new revelation. Finally, the light shed by personal beliefs (stars) held dear is also eclipsed when compared with the truth revealed through a Christed one.

Again the figure one third is used. This is because approximately one third of the people who are directly exposed to the teachings of a Buddha, a Christ or a Mohammed are altered in their views because the teacher’s revelations eclipse that upon which they have previously relied.

A point to keep in mind is this. The great teachers do not always have an effect on large numbers within their lifetime. Often, we have to wait centuries to witness the power of the truths they offered. Jesus himself only had 120 followers who gathered after his resurrection. But sooner or later the masses will come face to face with the new truths which will eclipse their old beliefs.

The final verse in the chapter reads:

“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” Rev 8:13

In other words, the people effected by the Christed one had better prepare. If you think the effect on you so far has been great, just wait.

Luke: [griping about Tatooine] If there’s a bright center to the universe, you’re on the planet that it’s farthest from. From the first Star Wars

May 21, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

The Sound of the First Angel

Here are the next verses to consider:

“And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.” Rev 8:6-7

Notice not one, but all seven angels prepared themselves to sound. This tells us that all seven chakras are open and functioning as a unit in the disciple treading the path of Christ. All the parts of his being are now ready and waiting to sound.

What does it mean when we speak of “sound” here? In its spiritual sense a sound represents an action or group of actions. Or perhaps, more technically, we could say it is the cause that produces a particular result.

Consider the complexity of producing one sound on a piano.

First, the strings of the piano must be in tune or the sound will not be the desired one. Then a key is struck causing a downward pressure to convert to forward motion of the hammer to hit just the right string. The hammer travels five times as far and approximately four times as fast as the front end of the key to hit the string. Next the hammer instantly rebounds preventing the note from being muffled to bring forth the pure sound.

Thus, to produce one sound on a piano is complicated enough, but produce a more complex sound like a chord is even more so. Then if the musician plays an entire piece the complexity becomes mind boggling.

In the art of symbology a note, a chord, a symphony or even a set of actions that produce a specific result are all seen as an individual sound.

Therefore, when the seven angels prepare themselves to sound, they are really preparing to do their various skilled individual works which seen together create a greater sound or a symphony of the soul.

We have seen that the disciple experienced the silence of heaven wherein he perceived the will of God. After having perceived this will he is now willing to do a great work no matter what the cost for his vision of the will gives him purpose that he has never before envisioned. He thus prepares his sound or his work.

Now the scary thing for readers of the Book of Revelation is it appears that all hell and destruction will break out because of the seven angels. Because of the chapters that follow many believe that they are reading a description of the end of the world.

And yes, sooner or later outer cataclysmic events will happen on the earth at various times that will make believers think that Revelation is literally coming to pass. But those who are looking for a literal step by step fulfillment will be looking beyond the end of the world. The greater meaning is the unveiling of Christ as it will manifest in us as we follow along the path of light and love.

Now let us examine the first sound:

“The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.”

Rain is usually interpreted as a blessing from God, but not so with hail. Hail is a destructive force. Hail and fire were two of the destructive forces of the plagues of Moses. The hail was so powerful that it destroyed every man and beast that was unprotected.

Then in Isaiah we have another clue about hail:

“Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.” Isa 28:2

Here, this servant similar to Moses, will use hail to “cast down to the earth.”

Here is what the hail will do:

“Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.” Isa 28:17-18

The hail “shall sweep away the refuge of lies.”

The second destructive force is fire. When trees, plant life and grass get old a great fire is often started by nature itself. The old thus gets burnt to prepare the way for the new.

Instead of the symbology of water, as was used in the old Testament, John uses blood as a destructive force from heaven. It is true that blood often represents life or spiritual force, but as a destructive aspect it represents anger, passion, retribution or karma. For instance, the waters of the Egyptians turned to blood and meted out a just punishment.

The earth represents the abode or home where men stand securely, as they suppose, upon their belief systems. The trees represent the great and respected men and women of the earth who are seen as powerful authorities firmly planted and anchored in their learning and philosophy. The grass represents those who look up to authority for approval and learning but have little root and strength of their own.

Now let us quote the verse again:

“The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.”

Interpretation:

When the disciple perceives the work he must do to carry out the will of God as he has seen it, he sounds his first note and begins his first work that has true purpose.

His words and works are powerful and irresistible like hail (powerful spiritual force) that will destroy the hiding place of those found in illusion, causing the covering over truth (false beliefs) to be destroyed.

His words and works carry the fire of spirit that penetrates to the soul where the truth must be faced.

These are mingled with blood, or the intense passion and strength, of the awakened disciple.

With this triplicity of power the disciple thus approaches the great and powerful (the trees) as well as the common followers (grass). None of the rank and file can stand against the disciple. They either join him, flee from him or are inflamed by him. They are all “burnt up” or incapable of standing up to him or confounding him.

One third of the powerful will be willing to confront the disciple but these will be confounded or penetrated by the awakened one and their authority will be “burned up” as they will no longer feel secure in their position.

The other two thirds will ignore or avoid contact with the disciple and continue to live with their false sense of authority.

We can see how this played out in the life of Christ. He came to Jerusalem with power as great hail that destroyed the covering of lies and exposed hypocrisy. Most authorities avoided him but those who came against him or challenged him were altered forever and realized that they did not have the authority they thought they had.

Some of the “trees” like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were converted; others were inflamed, but at least two thirds tried to ignore him and avoid having their authority challenged.

None of the common followers (the grass) tried to stand up to him or confound him. All who came close to him were altered (burned up) in some way.

Next to contemplate:

“And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.” Rev 8:8-9

First we had destruction on land (including trees and grass), and now we have destruction of the sea which includes fish (and other creatures with life or soul) and ships.

So what is the difference between the earth and the sea?

The earth represents the slight rising of consciousness acquired by those who seek meaning in life though religion and philosophy. As we said, the trees represent the powerful authorities and the grass the followers, but all are reaching above sea level in search of the kingdom of heaven.

The sea represents the rest of humanity. Just like three quarters of the surface of the earth is covered with the seas even so is most of humanity not that interested in the meaning of life, spirituality, philosophy and religion.

The average person just wants to merge with the masses, not get noticed for his beliefs and live his life. He is a drop of water in the sea of human beings that never stand out or get their 15 minutes of fame.

On another level the earth represents the conscious self of humanity and the sea the subconscious. Those who search for meaning are exploring consciousness and those who do not retreat away from consciousness to be led by instinct and emotion. These are the masses who have little purpose and are driven as the waves of the sea.

The creatures who had life (or “soul” Greek) are the leaders and reasonably successful among the non spiritual masses and have no spiritual agenda themselves but just want the good life. These are midlevel leaders in politics, business, finance, education, the arts etc.

The ships represent the rich and famous who sail above the crowd and are enjoying their 15 minutes of fame.

So, what was the great mountain burning with fire burning (apparently from heaven) that was cast into the sea?

A mountain signifies high consciousness or a kingdom. In the case of the disciple (or disciples) who tread the path of the Christ this mountain from heaven represents the Kingdom of God, or the consciousness of Christ manifested among men. It burns with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

The Son of man who is the Son of God has seen a vision of the will of God and he seeks to bring this high consciousness and divine ideas (mountain from heaven) to not only the seekers and the religious, but to make it available to all the masses of people, the high and low.

When the divine idea gains weight, as a mountain, he plunges it into the sea where the fire continues to burn even amidst the great waters. When such contact is made with the masses (waters) they turn to blood.

One third of those who are touched by the higher consciousness are never the same turn from colorless water to passionate red.

Jesus said that people will either be for or against him. Even so, those affected by the Christ consciousness among the masses will be black or white and passionately for or against the ideas and ideals promoted by the disciple.

Look at our situation now for an example. The masses who are touched by the residual spiritual teachings are either passionately for or against abortion, for or against the death penalty, for or against public prayer etc.

The instilling of the waters (common people) with passion (red blood) causes a third of the life in the sea to die and the ships on the surface to be destroyed. The leaders, the rich the famous lose their hold on the masses when they come to life and start examining the pros and cons of the various teachings that filter down to them.

If a leader, a teacher, a rich man or a movie star voices an opinion different from the passion of average folk it will be as if the person is dead to them.

“Reality continues to ruin my life.” Bill Watterson (1958 – ), Calvin and Hobbes

May 17, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

 

Total Honesty

Concerning my post on deception it appears the feedback is centered around whether or not an outright lie is right in extreme circumstances. Let’s get back to my previous example.

You are in Nazi Germany and the SS knock on your door and want your son. You know that if they get their hands on him, he will be tortured and killed. You have him hidden in a secret hide-a-way in the basement. Do you lie to save his life?

If you do, is there anything wrong with doing so?

To understand the repercussions, we must look at the result of the two decisions.

Decision One: If you tell the truth and your child is killed then you are partially responsible for his death and suffering.

Is being an accomplice to murder wrong? Yes, very wrong.

Decision Two: You tell a convincing lie and the SS leave. You have saved your son’s life. Was it worth it? Yes, of course. Anyone with an ounce of humanity would do this and more to save his child. Most would be willing to face the jaws of hell and risk their own soul rather than be a part to such harm to a loved one.

Does this mean that no harm was caused by the lie?

Let me put it this way. If one man endures a cut to his finger and another has a whole leg whacked off do both afflictions cause harm to the body?

Yes.

Are both painful?

Yes.

Is the pain equal?

No.

Would it be worth it to endure the cut finger to save the leg?

Yes, of course.

Would it make sense to lose the leg to save a cut finger?

Of course not.

Since the right thing to do is so easy to see in this case then why is it so difficult to see in the circumstance where the Nazis knock on the door? The lie is the cut finger and the loss of the child is the lost leg.

The point is that both the lie and the murder would be wrong but the lie is the lesser evil. When faced with two evils the second key of judgement must be used to choose the lesser of the two.

Some may ask. Does a lie create harm even in this extreme circumstance?

Does the cut finger still have some pain, even though it saved the leg? Yes, it still smarts, but was indeed worth the sacrifice.

Every lie knowingly told adds to the cloud between consciousness and soul. If the person can live his life in complete honesty, to his highest understanding, the clouds will disperse and the barrier between himself and the soul will be removed making him a soul infused personality.

So how does the disciple achieve such honesty? After all, do we not have circumstances come up now and then where we feel we have to lie?

Yes, just about all do.

Does not every person who is human have his limits? In other words, is there not some circumstance that would create enough pressure to force any person to tell a lie or intentionally deceive?

Yes, we all have our limits. Some may think they do not, but they do.

Then how is complete honesty possible?

It is possible when the disciple decides to take control of his life and make his own reality structured according to his own desired creation. If he desires complete honesty he must do three things.

[1] Understand the liberation that honesty will bring and make a decision to pursue this path.

[2] Asses himself and his own limitations. He must realize where his breaking point is or what would have to occur to force him to break his rule of honesty and lie.

[3] He must then look into the future and mold it so that the need to lie will never occur.

If such a disciple had lived in Nazi Germany as Hitler was coming to power he would have been contemplating the future and taken his family out of the country before the real trouble began, thus avoiding the circumstance forcing him to lie. Einstein, for instance, was one of those wise enough to smell the coffee and leave Germany and thus never had to lie to the SS troops.

As fledgling disciples, it is our duty to commit ourselves to total honesty, but we need to assess our limitations and seek to control our lives to the extent that the truth can always be revealed.

If the disciple can look over his past ten years and see that he has been more honest than in the previous ten then he can take this as a sign he is progressing toward liberation from material forces on the path to life eternal.

Reader comment: I agree with you except for one point. I disagree with you on the point that a lie in those circumstances would be a lessor evil. I don’t believe it is an evil at all to lie in those circumstances or would cast any cloud over the soul. I believe what separates the one from the soul in lying for personal gain etc. is the justification to do it. It is a sort of personal deception one makes to deaden any guilt. In the case of protecting a loved one from unjust harm there is no self-deception and no guilt.

JJ: I would agree with you that, taken as a whole, a lie to save a life would be seen as a positive act rather than a negative one, but within that process cause and effect of a positive and negative nature do work out.

The effects of our words and actions are like gravity. Gravity continues to work no matter what happens and it matters not whether our works are good or evil.

If you were to save a friend from a fall that would take his life and scuff your knee in the process you might look to the skies afterwards and let God have a piece of your mind. You might say something like: “Look. I’ve performed a good deed here and because I did gravity should have been suspended so I would not get hurt.”

In return, God may say, “Gravity is a law that just is. You have to deal with it in good and bad times; when you are both healing and hurting.”

The same goes for telling the truth and telling lies. They both have an effect and produce their own gravity that takes us places.

Just like you may skin your knee in saving a life and consider the pain justified even so would most lie to save a life and be glad for the positive result.

Even though the overall act is righteous, the lie has an effect and the disciple needs to commune with his soul to neutralize or heal it and learn how to manipulate the future so the awkward circumstance does not materialize again.

Reader Comment: I have some difficulty with this, JJ, because one cannot assume that the effect of the lie is going to be bad at any level.

JJ: To say a thing is not good or bad at any level is to say a spoken word or action has no effect. Every spoken word and action have an effect.

Reader: What if one lied to save a person who went on to save 1,000 people? Wouldn’t the good karma generated more than outweigh any bad?

JJ: Yes, of course. This is part of the point I have previously made.

Reader: Karma is the law of balance after all. If one improved the world as a result of saving a person through a lie, surely the balance would be in his or her favour?

JJ: Yes, of course. Why would you believe I think otherwise?

Reader: If one lied to save a life because of a definite prompting of the soul, would that not affect the karmic load as well? Particularly if the lie involved great personal sacrifice, such as going against one’s personal code of conduct.

JJ: We are in agreement here.

Reader: How often do disciples have to deny themselves for the sake of the dominating good?

JJ: As far as the lower self goes the answer is indefinitely. When the disciple becomes polarized in the higher self then no sacrifice is registered, except maybe extreme circumstances where sacrifice of higher ideals also come into play.

Reader: It seems to me that this could be one example where that could happen.

Furthermore, once one steps on the Path they are able to transmute their personal karma into service karma.

JJ: Now you’re getting to the point where further light can be shed.

Karma is a result of the Law of Cause and Effect. In the broader sense all actions create karma because all actions are cause that have an effect, or, in the case of the lie we are discussing, several effects. Just like the guy effected by gravity who saved a life, but scraped his knee. Both a positive and negative effect were created. The first (the saving of a life) was a positive effect that would have certainly balanced off some previous debts he had made that caused injury to others.

The second effect was an injured knee. This effect is in a different category from the action related to service of others. It matters not whether he accomplished a little or a lot as far as how quickly the knee will heal. To heal the knee, he does not look to the credit he received from his service, for the injured knee does not represent a debt to others. It was caused by a personal action and only affects him personally and must be dealt with by him as an individual.

Let me give another example. Let us say that you write a masterful treatise that will have a very positive effect on the world and will help many people. Obviously, this will generate some positive karma. There is one problem. You misspelled one word. Now the misspelled word does not affect any communication in the treatise as the readers can surmise what the correct word should have been, but it stands out enough that it does distract from the perfection that the treatise should represent.

So how do you correct this problem? Is the treatise so good and such a good generator of positive karma that the misspelled word will just go away?

No. Of course not.

Will the person decide to pay off the spelling mistake by writing another great treatise with no misspelled words?

No. Even a dozen more treatises will not correct the misspelled word.

Will he decide to do some other good deeds to correct the misspelled word like establish a homeless shelter?

No. Even a dozen homeless shelters will not correct the misspelled word.

No one is condemning him for the misspelled word, but he does realize it is a mar on the perfection he seeks so he does the one thing he can do to correct it. He cannot retract the copies that went out. That mistake will remain, but on new editions be will make sure the word is spelled correctly. Now he has corrected the mistake so it will not reappear in the future he is satisfied.

This correspondence fits the lie to save a life or even a thousand lives.

The lie is a mistake (like the misspelled word) that could have been avoided if the disciple had foreseen the future and took the correct steps to edit that future. It has a personal effect on him, but little if any on others. Even though he got caught in a corner he made the best of the situation, saved a life and generated good service karma. Even so, the lie (like the misspelled word) affects him personally and no one condemns him for it, but he eventually realizes that the cause must be corrected so his future situations (editions) will not cause him to tell the lie.

To become a Master one must not only balance off cause and effect as it relates to others, but also as it relates to oneself and between the lower and higher self.

Just imagine that you were receiving communications from Jesus, an angel or some divine authority. As you receive and pass these along you feel assured that the messages are true.

Why?

Because you trust them since you believe that God does not lie through his messengers.

But suppose you found out that God does lie when the lie seems to be for your own good. How would that affect you in receiving and communicating future messengers?

You would be skeptical from that point on and question whether each statement is true. You may lose all desire to be a messenger because you can no longer trust anything you receive.

As it is, when a Master, or a member of the God kingdom, speaks to you, you will know it is not a lie, but the truth because such a Source has made the external and internal corrections to ensure the word is God, and is true.

He who has not a good memory should never take upon himself the trade of lying. Michel de Montaigne (1533 – 1592)

May 14, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

Menial Response

Question: How do you know that Jesus was not happy chasing the moneychangers out of the temple?

JJ: I am surprised anyone disagreed with me on this one. I would think one would have to have a warped outlook to think that anyone could be happy when he has to give out a punishment.

Is a parent happy when he has to punish his child and hear the child cry and curse him as the result?

Is a judge happy when he has to sends a criminal to prison for 20 years?

Did Jesus have a big grin of glee on his face as he was whipping the hell out of those reprobates in the temple? You can just see it now. There’s Jesus with his whip striking a merchant selling pigeons on the back placing a big whelp on him and he lets out a big laugh saying to himself, “God, I’m having fun here.”

Was Jesus happy in the garden when he was in pain near unto death and sweating blood in pain asking God to release him (if possible) from his job?”

I don’t think it takes psychic ability to conclude that many of us, including Jesus, do not experience happiness when in the act of doing certain distasteful jobs that have to be done.

Now, if we do the right thing, even though it is distasteful, we can later experience happiness when we review the situation as a whole and see that our works have created a positive result.

Reader Comment: Are you saying it is impossible to not experience negativity in certain situations or that it is impossible to be at peace in certain circumstances…….

JJ: I don’t recall saying this was impossible. Menial work shouldn’t affect one’s peace. When I was a young fruit picker, I was more at peace having a job and picking fruit than I was not having a job and being broke. I also didn’t experience negativity in the orthodox sense. I was happy to have a job. I just didn’t enjoy the work. I wouldn’t classify a lack of enjoyment of boring or hard work to be a negative thing, it is just something that is on a physical level. I think I handled it as positive as any of the fruit pickers I knew.

Question: However difficult surely It is our reaction and choice and our decision about how we feel about what we are doing, and about what needs to be done. How can our decision of the highest choice that we know be something we are not happy about?

JJ: When you remodel your house and strike your thumb with a hammer during the work, was this a result of a direct decision? No. You never made a decision to hit your thumb. Did you decide your thumb was going to hurt?

Of course not.

Are you happy when the job is done despite the pain in your thumb and other difficulties you did not enjoy?

Yes, once it is over the positive feelings of accomplishment and enjoyment come. That does not mean you had fun doing the work that made it happen.

When you are doing boring hard work is it difficult because you decided so?

No. It just is difficult and boring.

You can make the best of unenjoyable work, which I have always done, but that doesn’t mean the work itself is enjoyable.

I’ve done some boring work that has left my mind free and I was happy that I was able with withdraw within myself and use my creative imagination. Much worse was difficult work that took my full attention so my whole focus was forced upon work I did not enjoy.

It’s funny to see the difference of opinion when people here are talking about the theory of joyousness in all situations but in real life it is different. I worked with hundreds of people who have done menial work and they all have thought the same way about it as I did. Never have I met someone who is actually doing unskilled monotonous work say something like (or even indicate) “I am really getting enjoyment out of this work.” Instead, they are universally happy to be done for the day and then have the freedom to go do something they enjoy.

I think if someone disagrees with me here they ought to be able to cite an example of work they have done comparable to picking fruit 8-12 hours a day and then tell us how much joy they got from such work.  

Question: Is it a warped outlook to consider the possibility of an entity empowered to be at peace in every circumstance and always happy about everything?

JJ: Picking fruit didn’t prevent me from being happy. It merely was a not a source of happiness. I am yet to meet a fruit picker who will tell me that he derives happiness from long hours of picking fruit itself.

Comment: If you are talking about suffering, then the question is how do you deal with suffering, and is it possible to conquer it.

JJ: Of course. All things are possible. After you are finished with a period of suffering or doing a distasteful job you merely ask yourself how you can progress away from it so you no longer will have to do it. I have moved on so I no longer have to pick fruit, except for maybe a few minutes at a time when I want some for myself or family and that does not produce drudgery. As far as physical pain itself goes that can be transcended by an advanced soul.

Question: So most suffer doing menial work. but do you have to suffer? Is it escapable….you gave me the impression you think it is not possible to escape the suffering.

JJ: Suffering is not a very accurate word for doing most menial work. Boredom is not usually equated with suffering but just something that delays the joy of doing fun things. As I said, can you give me an example of work you have done 8-12 hours a day comparable to picking fruit or working in the fields that was a source of joy for you?

I think a step toward truth is to admit that we are all human and reality must be dealt with as we move onward.

A Reader Responds: Remember that doing medial work allows the mind the freedom to explore other things mentally. This is not suffering. In fact, it is quite liberating. being not stressful nor loaded with responsibility.

The more skilled one becomes, the more stress and responsibility one takes on. This is a plain fact of life. As a child I worked 10 hours per day, six days per week, at 25 cents per hour, pulling weeds on a farm. I enjoyed the fresh air and sunlight. I did not suffer. The best years of my life were times of study and growth, 24/7 , and I loved it. No suffering there.

JJ: Well, here comes the first person I have encountered saying weeding 10 hours a day in the sun was enjoyable. I wonder if you said this when you were actually doing the work. I have never encountered such a worker. Sometimes time will make a bad relationship seem good and a boring job seem not so bad. I don’t understand the relation to study and growth though. Did you read as you were weeding?

If it was that enjoyable you could go do it right now. I’m sure there are many neighbors who would like to have their gardens weeded.

Getting sun for a few hours is fine, but I have worked in the sun for ten or more hours and it is overkill and not that healthy. Sometimes I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone at the end of the day because of so much sun.

I am getting fresh air right now inside next to my computer. We have an air purifier and the air inside is cleaner than the air outside.

You must be as old as me. I also started out at 25 cents an hour. I have also weeded 8-12 hours a day in the sun and it is quite different from picking fruit. If you are getting paid by the hour you have more time to relax and daydream and be creative inside. This does not mean the weeding was enjoyable, but it means you found something enjoyable to do with your remaining consciousness despite your job.

Picking fruit is entirely different. You get paid by the pound and the more you pick the more you make. I was a fast picker and usually made about $2.00 an hour (good money in the Sixties), but could only accomplish this by putting full attention on the monotonous work. There was little time for daydreaming. The air was not fresh because I was always inhaling the poison from the sprayed trees. I had to get up at four in the morning, which was difficult because I am not an early morning person. We began work just before the sun came up and it was cold with the leaves of the trees dripping cold moisture on us. Then a couple hours later we were vexed with the opposite which was intense heat. In addition, we had an orchard boss named Viola that was always coming by and giving me a bad time for one thing or another.

It was not fun work, but I had fun spending the money I made. Everything in life is a tradeoff.

To say that all work or experience brings equal joy or is continually joyful is illusion in my book. When I have had a boring job, I just made the best of it. I wouldn’t say that I suffered, but it was boring and I did look forward to the work day being over so I could do things that I really did enjoy.

My advice to all is to make the best of undesirable situations and work toward being in charge of your life so you can spend your time with enjoyable labors and activities.

The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a new star. Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 – 1826)

May 14, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

 

Menial Work

I received several comments and questions on my post on service.

Question: What about people with multiple talents? How best can they serve when opportunities to use all these talents are not always available?

JJ It is indeed a source of frustration for seekers and potential teachers that they feel they have much to share, and instead of sharing they have to work at menial jobs to eke out a living. Then they come home too tired to read or think.

I have indeed been there. I have done hard physical labor where I have worked 14 hours a day and came home without the energy to do anything spiritual. I have been in that place where I wondered if my whole life would just be consumed with struggling to pay bills with no time or energy left over for the spiritual pursuit that I have always loved.

They key principle to remember is expressed in the words of Jesus.

“He who endures to the end will be saved.”

This statement has much deeper implications than expressed in orthodox religions and might be better translated as

“He who endures to the consummation of a goal will be delivered.”

Delivered from what?

Whatever the goal frees you from, and for many that is menial work and drudgery.

If you want to be free from undesirable work and want to use your talents then make a decision and work to the consummation of that decision. If you do not give up you will be delivered and move on to greater work with greater power to serve.

The business I work at now (mainly making signs) is much more pleasant than a lot of the hard labor I have done in the past, but it is still hard work and I have to put in many hours to pay the bills. I decided I can’t wait until I am free from my regular job to do the spiritual work and pressed myself to do with less sleep and make better use of my time in order to serve in other ways.

There is always a way to make use of your talents. Sometimes it takes a sacrifice to do it.

Reader Comment: I think where I take exception with your description is the terms like “lowly” and “menial”. Even in a luxury hotel, if the toilets are backed up, the plumber is suddenly the most important man on the scene.

JJ: Plumbing is not a menial job but a skilled one. Menial means “unskilled.” A true menial job would be sweeping the floor and this never becomes a matter of life and death. If the janitor does not show up the manager could do this job if it must be done.

Comment: Christ would not see any task as lowly or menial,

JJ: What makes you think so? Are you saying that Christ is in so much illusion that he cannot recognize a menial or unskilled job when he sees one? If a job requires little skill, then to call it other than menial would be a falsehood.

Comment: …and if he needed to step in and help dry the dishes, he would do so joyfully and gladly.

JJ: Any true servant will step in and do that which is necessary, but not necessarily with joyfulness though he   would make the best of it. Jesus stepped in and did the unskilled job of cleaning out the temple because no one else would and he wasn’t happy about doing it. What makes you think he would clean dishes with a smile on his face if he has to do a job that someone else should have done? I’ve never met a person in my life that would do such a thing and be happy doing it, and I doubt if you or Chris would. It’s fine theory to say that Jesus would be happy taking care of someone else’s slothfulness but in real life it doesn’t play out that way, even if Jesus were doing it.

Comment: And especially so, if it gave him an opportunity to reach somebody on their own level.

JJ: I’ve done lots of menial jobs in my life and they didn’t give me much opportunity to reach or teach anyone though I made the best of the situation. Though reaching out to others in a job is always possible menial work is not the best place to do it. There is much greater opportunity for those in a position of authority.

Comment: ALL service is glorious, but calling a task lowly or menial seems to put a lesser value on some types of service, and a greater value on other types of service…

JJ: Let me point out again that menial means “unskilled.” Are you saying we should fraudulently call an unskilled job skilled just to make someone feel good? I’ve had people do that with me before when I was doing menial work and I found it irritating and condescending.

Now I’m not talking from the viewpoint of someone who hasn’t done his share of menial and lowly work. Just to name one – I worked for about six years picking fruit and other orchard work, often with Hispanic folk. This was menial, unskilled lowly work that anyone could do and it doesn’t hurt my feelings to have anyone call it what it is. I did not need some politically correct person to come along, pat me on that back and tell me how special I was for picking fruit.

It was hard work; I did not enjoy it then and would not enjoy it now. I did it because I needed the money and that was the only reason. I have never done menial work to put a smile on my face, but did it to either survive financially or because it just needed to get done. I’ve known hundreds of fruit pickers in my life and all of them think the same way as I do about it. They are all thrilled when the work day is done and they can quit. None of them think their work is glorious, but they do it because of the necessity.

To say that all service has the same value is to disconnect from reality. Is the value of the sun giving life to the solar system of the same value as a single bee pollinating a flower? If both the bee and the sun were to disappear would there be an equal effect? I think not. We can live without a single bee, but not without the sun.

Comment: But, Christ also DESCENDED BELOW ALL THINGS, that he might overcome all things. How menial is that?

JJ: That is not unskilled or menial at all. He was the only one who could do it at the time.

Comment: And, when he asked his trusted apostles to watch with him, they were willing, but unable to help. So he did the lowliest, most rotten, most distasteful job ALONE. There was nobody else who even understood or appreciated what he did. No gold watches, no accoladed, no attaboys.

JJ: You’re making my point. This was a very skilled service of which only Christ was capable. Aren’t you glad he did this skilled work instead of washing dishes??? By the way, he wasn’t happy doing this job either, but it needed done.

Comment: One who takes joy in service would take joy in being given opportunities to provide greater service. That would be his “reward” that which would give him greater happiness.

JJ: Taking joy in your service isn’t what provides greater opportunity, but being a “good and faithful servant” and getting the job done does. If one is willing to do what needs done, even though the work is not fun, then sooner or later he can move into the fun work.

Personally, I do more fun work all the time, but the happiness comes not from a single job, but from the progression from one area of service to a greater one. If one sees all service as the same then he can see no progression and will not be happy with his life. Maybe this is one reason I am happy with my myself. I can see the differences in the values of various types of service as I move from one to another.

Hell to me would be to be stuck in one kingdom, even if it called the celestial, and being stuck in one menial job or rut for eternity.

Money is good for bribing yourself through the inconveniences of life. Gottfried Reinhardt

May 13, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

Principles of Service

A teacher from another group with a Mormon background read an article I wrote called Eternal Progression and posted some disagreements with me.

One odd teaching he presented was a strange interpretation of this teaching: “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matt 20:27-28

He states that a good way to understand the next world is to compare the heavenly world to a luxury motel. You would think that those enjoying themselves getting a tan, swimming, visiting the spa and consuming luxury food and drink would be the ones who were closest to God here and thus getting a reward in the hereafter. But he says no. The highest in the kingdom of God are the motel staff. These are they who are laboriously preparing and serving food and drink, clean the toilets, change the beds, vacuum the carpets etc.

So, could this be what we are in for if we are true followers of Christ? Will we be doing menial jobs serving those who are too lazy to take care of their own needs for eternity?

Does he have a point? After all, Jesus did say “whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”

Is this what he meant? If not, then what was the true meaning?

First, let us look at a couple other scriptures that may shed some further light “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matt 23:11-12

Here the scripture affirms that the great among us will serve us, but the humble servant will be exalted. Exaltation doesn’t quite fit the image of being a cleaning lady in a motel for eternity.

Here’s another:

“But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he (Jesus) sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, THE SAME SHALL BE last of all, and SERVANT OF ALL.” Mark 9:34-35

This can be interpreted two ways, but either one is correct.

The first is that if one has a desire to be first, or a great one, then he should act as if he   were the last and be a servant.

The problem with this interpretation is that it is the strong ego that wants to be first, above his fellow men and women.

It is true, however, according to the teachings of Jesus, that assuming the role of a servant is the key to the highest attainment.

The second interpretation is that one who is strong in the ego and desires to be first is headed the wrong direction and will wind up last, no higher than a lowly servant.

The otherworldly reward for those who feed the ego and desire to be first is that they “shall be last of all, and servant of all.”

In this context the consignment to being a servant is reserved for those who are not spiritual or close to Christ. This interpretation may seem to be in opposition to the previous teachings on service until one understands the principles of service.

Finally, here is the reward to be given to those who are good stewards and servants here on earth:

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matt 25:23

Being a member of a motel staff is not exactly comparable to being a “ruler over many things.” Managing a motel chain could fit the bill but not being a member of the lowly staff.

So, what is the true meaning we are to take from the idea that the greatest among us is to be the greatest servant? If the greatest is not to serve by scrubbing floors, then what kind of service is the scripture talking about?

To understand the Law of Service we must understand the Law of Economy, concerning which we talked of earlier. To be an effective servant one must serve to the fullest extent of his abilities and talent. Let me give several examples.

If one is a tailor, it would not be economical for him to serve others by making shoes. If acting is all one knows it would not be efficient for the person to serve through engineering. A comedian can best serve by making others laugh rather than preaching about the passion of the Christ.

We thereby arrive at the First Principle of Service which is: The true servant makes the fullest possible use of his talents and ability. To not do so is a “sin” or a “missing of the mark.”

To make full use of one’s abilities leads to joy. It is frustrating to serve ineffectively, but fulfilling to give the best one has to offer.

The Second Principle of Service revolves around power and is worded thus:

The true servant serves in proportion to the power he has to serve. He allows those with lesser power to serve according to their abilities and seeks to labor where the vacuum appears.

The greatest example of this was Christ himself who had unlimited power to serve. He let Mary, Martha and others be the motel staff and clean house, cook meals etc. because this was within their power and willingness to do. He saw the vacuum in the need for teachings and healing, a job he had power to do that others did not. Therefore, he filled the vacuum with service when he had power to serve where no one else was doing the job.

Would Christ have been happy serving as a cook for his whole life when people were crying out for love and light? No. Not when cooking was way below his threshold of power to serve. One must serve according to his power to serve to obtain joy and that power must be eternally increasing to avoid stagnation.

A publishing house employs writers, editors, managers, printers, binders and maintenance people for their building.

The maintenance guy is happy keeping the building in shape. He doesn’t have clue about writing, publishing or printing, so he is content where he is and performs an essential service.

The printer could do maintenance work, but he learned the skill of printing and enjoys it much more. He also feels he is accomplishing more with this skill than he could by doing maintenance.

One of the writers has done both maintenance and printing in his past but has developed skill as a writer and feels that because of the wide influence of his writings that he serves with much more power than he did as a printer or maintenance. He is thrilled to serve by writing and it would be hell for him to give this up and go back to printing or maintenance.

The manager, on the other hand, used to be a writer and feels that he can influence and promote many writers and serve more than any one writer could. He is happy with his power to serve and does not desire to do any other job for the company.

These two principles of service illustrate well the reward for the faithful which Jesus expressed as “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

When one is made a “ruler over many things,” as was the manager, who was over many writers, his power to serve is increased.

This understanding brings us to the Third Principle of Service:

As the power to serve is increased and acted upon, joy and fulfillment are increased. Consciousness is also expanded as the servant contemplates the results of his works and those whom he has assisted.

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” Rev 2:26

He who increases his power to serve will be given more power to serve even “power over the nations” for the few who make the best of the power God gives them.

Does this teaching mean that if one has great power to serve that he will never do some of the more basic and menial jobs in life?

He who thinks this did not absorb the second principle of service. Let me repeat:

“The true servant serves in proportion to the power he has to serve. He allows those with lesser power to serve according to their abilities and seeks to labor where the vacuum appears.”

If the vacuum is something difficult, that only he can do, then he will labor at this. But if the vacuum is in the area of cooking or cleaning floors he will also do this. He serves the highest he knows where the vacuum appears and the need is apparent.

By contrast, the false servant wants a job where he will have money, power and glory whether there is a need for him or not. The need does not matter, only the feeding of the ego does.

Menial jobs are beneath the false servant. He expects others to always perform these for him and feels he is above such tasks.

It is indeed true that the greatest among us is the greatest servant, but one is a great servant because he has developed power and ability to serve and assist many more people than the slothful servant.

“For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.” D&C 58:26

“He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand.” D&C 107:100

Arrogance is a kingdom without a crown. American Proverb

May 12, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

The Seventh Seal
Silence in Heaven

“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” Rev 8:1-5

Let us look at first at verse one: “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.”

“Silence in heaven.” This is indeed an intriguing phrase. In fact, the view of heaven for the average person is that it is a peaceful quiet blissful place. On the contrary, so far heaven in Revelation has been portrayed as quite noisy. We have beasts, angels and saints singing, talking and praising God. Then we have seen lots of fire, blood, trumpets, thunder lightenings, earthquakes and all kinds activity.

All this symbolizes the great struggle and labor performed by the disciple as he works thorough the six days or periods toward the creation of the Christ consciousness. Now that consciousness is achieved he deserves a rest. Like God he works six days and has a rest on the seventh.

And “there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.”

His consciousness has worked its way up the six chakras and finally penetrated into the seventh and final one. Each achievement of the opening of a seal in the past was met by a burst of activity, some novel event or something that turned his world upside down.

But this time he is met with the greatest surprise of all – nothing – stillness, quiet, a peace that passes all understanding.

He is perplexed by this great peace and quiet, as if all eternity is standing still and waiting on him. As he basks in the silence, he finds himself merging with the still but powerful Spirit of God and ceases all activity, quiets all thoughts and joins with the one Great Life and inwardly affirms “I and my Father are One.” In great silence he contemplates this the oneness of all life and then he makes a discovery. As if his whole being were a great eye he sees the will of God and understands it as he never did before. This great understanding breaks the silence. Instead of a day of rest he only gets a half hour because no one can see such a great revelation and continue in the silence. He knows now he must become an agent of the will, power and purpose of God while there is still time. He can rest later.

Verse two:

“And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.”

The will of God reverberates through all seven chakras and all seven layers of consciousness. That the seven basic parts of the disciple that make him what he is now align with the will of God and are each given a trumpet. In other words, each part of himself is awakened (a trumpet awakes) to the fact that it can be an agent in fulfilling the higher will and is now ready to do that will.

Verse 3

“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.”

The disciple is overwhelmed with a vision of the will, as Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane. “How am I to fulfill such an overwhelming work and sacrifice?” he asks. Then an angel comes and “strengthens him.” The angel is another Christed one and reminds the disciple to be aware of the prayers of the saints – that they are depending on the will of God being manifest and it can only be manifest among humanity through the free will of the highest of humanity.

All the pleadings and prayers of past ages are now like a burning incense that the pilgrim senses blending with the divine will that must be accomplished.

Verses 4 and 5:

“And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.”

The disciple feels that the prayers of the saints and the will of God are now one and he must fulfill his destiny. He must seize the day, or seize the will of God and bring it down to earth. He will become transformed and resurrected into a new life.

DK quotes from an ancient record that beautifully words this:

“When communion is established, words are forthwith used, and mantric law assumes its rightful place, provided that the One communicates the words and the three remain in silence.

“When response is recognized as emanating from the three, the One, in silence, listens. The roles are changed. A three-fold word issues from out the triple form. A turning round is caused. The eyes no longer look upon the world of form; they turn within, focus the light, and see, revealed, an inner world of being. With this the Manas stills itself, for eyes and mind are one.

“The heart no longer beats in tune with low desire, nor wastes its love upon the things that group and hide the Real. It beats with rhythm new; it pours its love upon the Real, and Maya fades away. Kama and heart are close allied; love and desire form one whole, one seen at night, the other in the light of day….

“When fire and love and mind submit themselves, sounding the three-fold word, there comes response.

“The One enunciates a word which drowns the triple sound. God speaks. A quivering and a shaking in the form responds. The new stands forth, a man remade; the form rebuilt; the house prepared. The fires unite, and great the light that shines: the three merge with the One and through the blaze a four-fold fire is seen.” Treatise on White Magic, Pages 75-76

For an interpretation of this mystical text go to this link:

The proof that man is the noblest of all creatures is that no other creature has ever denied it. Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742 – 1799)

May 10, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

Gather with JJ on Facebook HERE

 

Deception

Here is the essence of a question I received: Would it be accurate to say that some of the scriptures approve lying or deception?

Jesus, the prophets and many sincere spiritual teachers have warned us about eternal punishment, hell, fire and brimstone yet you and others say that any punishment or torment that we endure will have an end – that such language was used to frighten people into changing their lives.

Joseph Smith wrote that the punishment was called eternal and endless because God is eternal and endless, but is not endless at all.

It does not seem right that God would let us think that suffering could be endless when in reality it is only called endless because God is endless.

JJ: The words of some of the scriptures do cause some deception, but are not lies.

Notice the words of Jesus. He said that Satan was “a liar from the beginning.” The word “liar” was used by the Master rather than “deceive” or “deceiver.”

He used this specific word for a reason. The word “liar” pinpoints the difference between the accepted methods of the Brotherhood of Light and Dark Brotherhood. Both sides allow and expect that a certain amount of deception will follow their words and teachings.

How is it you say that God could allow deception to accompany the words of His servants?

The answer is that it is impossible to avoid for both God and man as long as the power of mortal words is used. The fact that there are hundreds of different interpretations of the words of Jesus himself illustrates this truth.

Let me explain. Suppose you ask me what my favorite color is and I answer that it is blue.

I did not lie and you take me for my word. Then, for a present, you buy me a light blue paint for which to paint my house.

To this I respond: “It is true that blue is my favorite color, and I like almost all of its varieties of shading, but this particular shade of blue I do not like.”

Now the person asked a simple question and was given a simple truthful answer, but because “the whole truth” was impractical to give at the time, the person was deceived through no fault of my own.

We see this problem occurring all the time, not only with true words related by average people, but even the very words of Jesus indirectly cause deception beyond belief to the extent that there are hundreds of religions with hundreds of different deceptive interpretations of what he meant.

So, if the words of both light and dark bring deception to the people then what is the difference between the two – as far as teaching is concerned?

Answer; There is a big difference and that is in the intent. Remember that Zion is the gathering of the “pure in heart?”

Like gathers like and when a teacher of light speaks or writes he gives out words with the pure intent of shedding more light and of bringing the student to a higher understanding of that which truly is. Every word he speaks is literally true and has not a lie within them, even though it is recognized that many students will not have the understanding to avoid being deceived on their part.

On the other hand, a teacher representing the dark side will have deception incorporated into his intent. Instead of having a goal of bringing the student to higher understanding he seeks to darken their understanding on crucial items through the use of outright lies if necessary.

Since the scriptures use “eternal,” “endless,” “forever and ever” in relation to torment and damnation the question here is not whether the teacher deceived, but did the author(s) of the scriptures lie or deceive? That is assuming that there is a beginning and end to any torment.

We have to look at several factors that come into play with even the greatest of us, such as Jesus.

First, are the imperfections of communicating with spoken or written language. Two people can hear the same words and come away with two different interpretations.

Secondly, even the prophets were human and could have spoken from an incomplete understanding.

Thirdly, the meaning that seems apparent today could have been different to the people of ancient times.

For instance, when Jesus is said to have used “eternal damnation” (Mark 3:29) we find the a more accurate translation from the Greek somewhat different. Instead of speaking of something that would last forever, he was saying there would be no redemption until a turning point at the end of an eon of time. And the suffering many would endure could very well be their own making and nothing to do with some action taken by God.

Because of wrong translation and the fact that the Bible seems to present the idea of eternal damnation it is possible this influenced the teachings of many sincere people in this age.

Indeed, a case can be made that many of the scriptures approach a gray area between right and wrong as far as deception goes, even though a case could be made they are literally true, but misunderstood.

The same is true of the doctrine of reincarnation. The scriptures often make it sound like there is only one life when there are many. The purpose of this again is to get us motivated to and make some progress.

Was Adam to die in the day when he partook of the fruit? Not in a day as we know it but in a day of the Lord, perhaps, or it could have meant he passed into a mortal state in that day.

I believe that this tactic of dual meanings was used by the teachers of light with more primitive people in times past, but now we are capable of greater understanding the correct move is to present all truth with as much clarity as possible.

Many are self-deceived by teachings from both light and dark. The one key we can ascertain for sure is that the teacher of light will not actually lie whereas the dark bother will.

If a teacher claims he had a visit from a master, and did not, then this would be an outright lie and a definite tactic used by the dark side.

If a teacher puts forth his words and does not say for sure where they originated the students could draw wrong conclusions, but the teacher may be telling the truth in every word he relates.

If the teacher receives from an over active imagination and believes he receives words from on high, or a master, then he is self-deceived and deceives others. His deception is caused by lying to himself.

If a person represents the Lords of Darkness, then sooner or later outright lies will be revealed – and the motive will be to darken and deceive in order to empower his ego.

In conclusion we can say that we live in a world of imperfect human beings who use an imperfect language in which to communicate. The problem will persist until the student achieves soul contact and accurately registers the inner voice. After this he or she will be able to discern the error from the truth or the one who lies compared to the one who is sincerely trying to communicate the highest truth available. When student and teacher both touch the Spirit they will see eye to eye despite the imperfections of the language.

A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject. Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)

May 7, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

Astrology and Thoughtforms

Question: Since Ophiuchus was removed from the Zodiac, does this mean that its influence is ignored?

JJ: The current system works well when dealing with the personality because of thousands of years of thought energy which has been poured into it. It is true that we pick up energy from the various signs of the zodiac, but these energies receive an adjustment when poured through the general thought form of humanity when they reach the earth. The energy of the constellation of Ophiuchus, which is strong from November 30 to December 17, is filtered through humanity’s thoughtform of Sagittarius.

Even though we could technically recreate a zodiac with 13 signs, such is not likely in the near future because of the significance of the number twelve – signifying completion.

By the way DK says that in ancient times astrologers used only 10 signs.

Question: What is the best system for the houses and why would one be better than others?

JJ: I use the Placidus, not because it is the most technically accurate, but because it is the most widely used and has the most energy of thought associated with it. If I had to switch, I would probably use the Koch system

Question: How is it that thoughtforms are related to astrology?

JJ: The ancient principle is this. Energy follows thought. If everyone thought of themselves as Sagittarius personalities then they would draw that energy to themselves in proportion to the power of their thought.

Group thought is much more powerful than individual thought and the current zodiac has much of its power because of the number of individuals pouring thought into it.

Thought forms themselves are a science known to the Hierarchy. When the power of thought is factored in with other energies a high degree of accuracy can be available.

The power of though forms continues eternally. The earth and the universe itself are powerful concretized thoughtforms.

Question: If astrology uses the illusion of thoughtforms then it seems that it would need to be revised to use the right energies. Can you point us in the right direction?

JJ: The current system works pretty good for those centered in the personality. DK gave many hints about soul astrology in his book Esoteric Astrology. Exact details are not yet given out but will be some day.

Question: What is Manasses if not a tribe?

JJ: Manasses is the son of Joseph and a member of the tribe of Joseph. John made him a substitute for Dan giving Joseph the prophesied “double portion.”

Question: How are the tribes or the signs related to the Monad?

JJ: The monad is on one of the three primary rays for the duration of life on earth. There are five billion on ray one and 35 billion on ray two. Then there are 20 billion who are leftovers from the previous solar system who are on ray three.

It is the personality and the ego which are associated with the characteristics of the tribes and the signs of the zodiac.

Question: Can the ego deceive a person who receives true spiritual contact?

JJ: A person with a true spiritual witness is not deceived about the source, though his interpretation can become distorted later on when the experience is not clear in the memory. He will know he has touched something that is divine. One who is not familiar with the difference between a high astral feeling and pure soul contact can be easily deceived because he does not have the right tools to use as a comparison.

For instance, there are prophesies of a coming Messiah, a one Mighty and Strong, one like Elijah etc. Those who are centered in the astral/emotional feelings will often get a “witness from their ego” that they are the chosen one. They think their witness is true because they do not know what a true witness is. Then there are some who have achieved a degree of soul contact in the past and have backslidden and forgotten what it felt like. These too can be deceived by astral feelings and can pick up astral thought forms. But when one receives true contact in the present there is a sure sense of knowing.

Jesus was called the “firstborn of many brethren.” It is to be expected that many will achieve what he achieved. That was one of his main purposes. To show what man (and woman) can do.

Question: I’ve read that the Hierarchy over this planet are imperfect and energies transmitted are tainted. Would you comment on this?

JJ: From a higher point of view all beings whether, God, angels or men are imperfect. In other words, all lives have their next step to achieve and have not perfected that next step. This does not mean that they carry and pass on tainted energy.

You wouldn’t call; the Mona Lisa tainted just because Leonardo had to make a number of corrections on the path to a masterpiece.

The Ancient of Days does indeed influence the whole planet and effect every life, but his energy lifts us up rather than bringing us down as would be the case with tainted energy.

It was a calculated decision to stimulate the mental development of humans on earth beyond that of other systems. If the gamble succeeds in the end the move will be seen as a major success. If we blow ourselves up then a loss of time will be the result.

DK says that without this extra stimulation we would all be living like the aborigines. Some would think that is desirable, but most would not.

Question: You teach some things that I have not seen from any other teacher like the Molecular Order. Are you saying that God or the hierarchy could not reveal this same principle to somebody else somewhere in the world who was tuned in and listening?

JJ: All knowledge of all principles is available through the soul to anyone sensitive enough to tune into them. On the other hand, the hierarchy does not repeat itself in its own revelations to humankind unless it is necessary for some important reason. The Brotherhood will therefore concentrate on different missions for different teachers. In fact each individual has a part to play in life that only applies to him or her.

For instance, Jesus taught a new way of looking at the principle of love. In other words, he revealed the true meaning of spiritual love in the place of the old understanding of personality love.

There were not two or more people on the earth with this same message in the same time period. Even though there were other wise teachers they had a different purpose and message. Some of them even spoke of love, but did not demonstrate the new understanding as did Jesus. Jesus was the focus of creating this point of light. He then duplicated himself and other points of light with the same message were created.

Question: Will groups liked up to the Christ be in conflict with each other?

JJ: True spiritual groups and molecules will not fight each other or one or both of them would not be molecular. Soul contact that brings union through inner vision is what is necessary to maintain the spiritual flow to create or maintain union. Two groups seeing the same thing will therefore not fight. Only those who drop away from the soul will cease seeing as one.

The Dark Brotherhood does not come up with divine ideas or principles on their own. All they can do is that that which has been revealed and alter it for their own use. Therefore, it will only be a matter of time before any newly revealed principle is taken by them and altered for their own use on the physical plane. Any dark or astral molecule controlled by the Dark Brotherhood will be opposed to molecules of light and will fight against them either openly or subtly.

Comment: You seemed concerned about your writings being plagiarized. And you would think the Hierarchy would implement new plans  though as many groups as possible.

JJ: The word “concern” is yours not mine. Of the many teachings I have introduced some will be plagiarized, some will be altered and presented with a new slant, and others will quote and give credit to the source. This is a natural happening that I accept. It does little good to be concerned about it. The wise thing is to merely look to the future and anticipate problems to come that one has to deal with to fulfill his own little job.

As far as teachings of light go there are always many groups throughout the earth working on the same side, but adapting similar teachings to the need of the various groups.

However, when a specific task is to be accomplished the Hierarchy will unite behind one effort beginning at one time and place.

For example, there were not two individuals or groups through which the Masters worked to create a molecule of twelve units through Jesus. The whole effort was centered around one point of origin that connected heaven and earth and spread from there.

God did not work through two people like Moses, but picked an originating point for his work and moved outward from there.

Bill Gates appreciates anyone who understands his operating system and is willing to promote it, but it would shatter his kingdom if someone stole it and marketed it outside of his company.

Many new agers do not like the idea of hierarchy, but order created through hierarchy is absolutely necessary for the enduring success of any project.

DK says “All is hierarchy.” Why is this true? Because there can be no stable creation in the universe without the existence of a hierarchy, even within the tiny cells, atoms and molecules.

Children sweeten labours, but they make misfortunes more bitter. Francis Bacon, Essays (1625)

May 4, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

The Great Multitude

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

“And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” Rev 7:9-12

Now we have covered the famous number of 144,000 we see another number even more impressive. In fact, the number is so great that “no man could number” it. That’s a pretty good-sized number.

Now it would make more sense if John had said that no one could number the sinners because they are so numerous, but he did not. Instead, these are those who came out of great tribulation and are made clean through the blood of the Lamb. You’d think we’d be lucky to find 144,000 of these types of saints let alone a number so big that they cannot be numbered.

So, who are these people as it relates to the unveiling of the Christ within?

Here is an answer you have not heard before, at least not in connection with this scripture.

After the disciple masters the sixth seal, and the center between the eyebrows is active, a doorway is open to the 1000 energies of the crown center. Then we have an interplay of energies between the lower the higher creating as many as 144,000 variations of spiritual sound or 144,000 notes in the great symphony which is you.

When the disciple learns to recognize the sounds of the higher self, an amazing thing happens. The door to the Oneness Principle opens to him as never before and he becomes in touch with a spiritual internet composed of a great number of others who have opened the sixth seal achieved the Christ consciousness in times past. The number is so great because these include not only perfected beings on the current earth system, but from the ancient past as well as other planets.

The scriptures hint at this contact:

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” Heb 12:22-23

Now, Jesus was called the firstborn, yet here we read about an assembly of firstborns, or Christed ones. The reason is that the Oneness Principle brings us in touch with all great lives within a great spiritual ring-pass-not.

Before the disciple achieves this great communion, he goes through what is commonly called the “dark night of the soul,” and experiences extreme loneliness to the extent he is likely to believe he is going through difficult experiences had by none one else besides himself. But if he perseveres in season and out of season with an eye single to the glory of God, he will eventually open the sixth seal and commune with great spiritual lives in a way that he never before dreamed possible.

In earthly communication we communicate on a one-to-one basis, but through the Oneness Principle the disciple can open a door and sense the presence of an innumerable number of great lives that went on before him. When this communion occurs, he will not be lonely again.

These “firstborns,” or Christed ones, have white robes symbolizing their purity and palms in their hands symbolizing their joy in spiritual achievement.

All these great lives fall down on their faces and give praise and glory to God. One cannot achieve what they have by glorifying the ego or lower self, but must recognize intelligence higher than the separate self and give due praise and recognition to the throne of God.

Spiritual Food and Drink

Next verses to consider:

“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.

“And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Rev 7:13-17

Verse 13: “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?”

When the disciple’s consciousness moves away from the isolation of the dark night of the soul into the great communion with master souls who have overcome he is amazed and in a state of wonder and deep within himself a voice seems to ask:

“Who are these souls with whom I am in communion and whence came they?”

Verse 14: “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of (the) great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Note: Scholars say the word “the” belongs before “great tribulation.” Most newer translations have added this correction. This changes the meaning away from the idea of coming through tribulation in general to a specific tribulation. The question is, what is that specific tribulation?

The orthodox interpretation is that it will be the tribulation at the end of the world. Actually, the correct physical interpretation refers to tribulation at the end of one age and the beginning of the new as there is always a point of tension during the transition from one age to the next.

Correspondingly as we examine the spiritual interpretation, we find there is a similar interpretation as the disciple passes from his old consciousness into the new.

After the disciple hears the question from within, his outer consciousness replies to the inner: “I sense that you can tell me who they are.”

After sending this message through his soul he silently listens and hears this response:

These are they who also passed through the great period of turmoil, the dark night of the soul, just as you did. They have washed their robes, or made the outer personality clean and useful in the service of the great Lord. This was accomplished through yielding the outer garment, or self, to the will of God and submerging that self in the life (blood) of the spirit, or Christ consciousness (Lamb). This has made your outer personality (robes) clean and white as the driven snow. Now you can shift your consciousness away from the concern for purity of the outer garment and away from guilt to communion through the soul.

Verse 15: “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.”

Because the disciple’s consciousness is shifted from the outer to the inner he is no longer plagued by guilt by reason of the imperfections of the outer. His intent is pure so his outer garment is also pure despite the fact that others may see differently because they are centered in the personality.

The overcoming of guilt allows him to bask before the divine presence within him continually, or to be “before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple.”

What is his temple?

The scriptures give the answer:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” I Cor 3:16-17

Many have studied this scripture and concluded the temple spoken of is our physical bodies, but that is only a part of the answer. The complete temple is constructed of all the ingredients of our lower self which is:

(1) Our physical/etheric bodies.

(2) Our astral/emotional selves.

(3) Our minds

Within this temple of God, in which those who come out of the dark night dwell, we see they will serve their God and fellowmen ceaselessly (day and night).

“and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.”

“When the disciple communes with the saints, or the church of the firstborn, he will feel the presence of God dwelling with them all as if they composed one great life.

Verse 16: “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.”

During the dark night they hungered for spiritual knowledge and barely received enough to keep them going on the path. They thirsted for spiritual life and only received a trickle to keep their spirits from giving up. The outward light and heat of strong personalities, preachers and teachers (the sun) was overbearing and made them feel they would burn (the heat) for their sins.

Now the disciple joins those who have overcome and washed the outer garment of the personality in the spirit within. He now receives knowledge and spiritual life in abundance and no longer leans on the beast of outward authority nor is he burned by its threats. He unites with the spiritual sun within and basks in the flame but feels joy instead of the discomfort of heat.

Verse 17: “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

By following the inner Christ rather than the outer he is continually fed with the hidden manna and is lead to “living fountains of waters.”

Instead of going from false teacher to false teacher and receiving only a trickle of food to keep him going he is now lead by the inner spirit and this leads him away from the false to the good the beautiful and the true. The living fountains of truth have always been available, but before he knew not where to find them. Now he does.

Now he can recognize true teachers with pure hearts and soul contact.

Now he can recognize the best books containing true eternal words and inspiration.

Now he can see organizations for what they truly are and can sort the ones that render real service from those that glorify illusion.

“Now he knows who are his true friends for he can see into their hearts.

Now his outer self is infused with his own soul and unlimited vistas of spiritual progress lie before him.

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Even though the disciple is in the world and subject to the same problems as anyone else he is so thrilled at the inner world he has discovered that all outer happenings which used to bring him sorrow now pale into insignificance to the extent that all tears are wiped away from his eyes.

A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five. Groucho Marx (1890 – 1977)

May 3, 2005

Copyright by J J Dewey 

Index for Original Archives

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE