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We must consider both the diffusion of consciousness and the concentration thereof. Idealists and spiritual seekers frequently dissipate their consciousness, as it were, all over the universe. Some have the tendency to concentrate their consciousness so completely within the precincts of the self that there is no room in the inn of their being for an inflow of versatile ideas or for a free exchange of concepts with others in their circle of associations.
It is logical and sane to establish boundaries to the habitation of one's consciousness.1 These can be created on an arbitrary basis, but a reasonable rigidity should be adhered to in their formation. Otherwise, erstwhile and tramp thoughts might easily break down the necessary barriers one must establish in order to maintain a field of action within which he may function.
Quite frequently in examining the akashic records of an individual lifestream we find that the affinitizing of souls is based solely upon their mutual karma. One of the wisest masters of old, Sri Magra, once said: "Affinities are the fine ties that are established in the perfect balance of the heart where the natural affections are enhanced by the feeling of delight in givingness as well as in a gracious state of receptivity." Let souls be drawn together, then, according to their highest good. Thus no mere negative pitting of karmic law will be responsible for the joyous expansion in service that comes to lifestreams who are drawn together by their delight in the law of God.
The unfortunate state of consciousness that is engendered by the human ego in its sense of personal commitment to other egos often destroys beautiful friendships before they are born. We find this to be true in all cases of misunderstandings where a breakdown in communications is the cause of the problem. While such misunderstandings are admittedly a farce and no soul should have ill will toward another because of them, we often note the tendency on the part of humanity to mimic the worst examples in every age rather than to be the best examples.
David observed the senseless activities of the people and asked, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?"2 And in reality what can you do about it when individuals insist on having their own way? The wayward child seldom realizes just why he acts as he does, nor does he know why the reactions of life (the return of karma) come into manifestation.
We face, then, not only the subject of action but also that of reaction. Every human being in the course of a day's events is continually making things happen unless he is neutral to all manifestation and is, in effect, blown about by every wind. It is the desire of the Eternal God to impart to the advanced disciple the understanding that if he is to be a part of the Prime Mover of the universe, a part of the Holy Spirit, he must keep the way of wholeness in the whole body of God insofar as he is able. This means that he must put an end to his reactions to the actions of others.
From the Dhammapada, the teachings of the Buddha ring clear concerning the wailing of men: "'He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me' - in those who harbor such thoughts hatred will never cease."3 Down through the ages, men have recited their grievances against other parts of life. We doubt not that many of these grievances have been based on injustices, but we believe that what is most important is that happiness live in the consciousness of the self. As the Buddha said, "If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him."4
When the self is constantly suffering as the victim of someone else's actions, it is often because the key of one's own reactions has set up reactions in others. When the self becomes accustomed to functioning in a climate of domination, imposing itself upon others and in turn being imposed upon by others, it knows not its own freedom nor is it able to impart freedom.
Therefore, the greatest step that the disciples can take in this day of violent actions and reactions is to cleanse the self of the vicious habit of reacting to the mistakes of others. It is enough that an individual has erred in the first place, but when you add to his error your own you have what we have often called "a compound fracture." These situations are not always easily mended. The more sensitive among mankind often hold in review the chastisement of another's ill-chosen remarks or, in some cases, well-chosen remarks which were misinterpreted.
The business of living requires exquisite care, and if one is to be mindful of the self while being mindful of others he must hold dear the virtue of perfect balance at all times and especially when disturbing conditions manifest all around him. One of your poets phrased it well: "If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you ... / Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it."5
The influence of the moon is often greatest upon those who refuse to acknowledge its influence upon them. Lunar substance is drawn unknowingly by many among mankind through their impure feelings, and its accumulation causes their fragile peace to be easily shattered by the most trivial manifestation. If you then "can keep your head," you can further the divine plan for others as you guard against the accumulation of undesirable records in your own Book of Life.
How fortunate it is that this understanding can be given, that we are able to reach through the veil as we do in our current series in the Pearls of Wisdom, and that we may counsel you from our level both simply and profoundly - first as to how you may understand yourself, and second as to how you may rule yourself.
You would be surprised, I am certain, if you could see the records of the billions of lifestreams evolving upon earth, to note how many truly delightful people allow themselves to be harried by their own careless and vain expressions. If you were to ask them just what they get out of life during periods of stress and if they were to be honest, they would have to answer, "Nothing." But we would disagree. For what they get out of it in reality is misqualified energy which places a weight on the balance of life and counteracts what virtue they have and should express in their lives, both in the past and in the future. The man who is careless with his energy places in jeopardy not only the moment in which he lives but also the future in which he hopes to live.
Men cry out that they wish to please God. They beat upon their breasts, and they vow with fierce determination that they will never again depart from the law of their being. Yet the record is clear: old and crusty momentums often draw more of their kind into the world of the individual and they pull down the otherwise buoyant craft of self into the rapids of life where experiences blend into a montage of whirling energy, a movement too fast to stabilize.
In a state of desperation, men turn to undesirable panaceas. These may include dangerous drugs, sexual indulgences, the use of intoxicants, a display of violence, or an exhibition of the ego calculated to win admiration from humankind. This is truly gilding the lily from without. And it not only spoils the natural beauty of the flower, but it also creates a tie-up of energy. If this energy were permitted to flow forth from within, it would naturally open the bud of self into such octaves of beauty and supremacy as to stimulate the most noble expression in all who would so order their lives.
We direct you this week, in order to enhance your understanding of the self, to a thoughtful consideration of the dangers of reaction. The only safe reaction is response to inspiration from on high and from within. One can and should respond with joy to the positive energies flowing into one's world from the fount of truth. The practice of this type of cooperation with life's energies will eventually replace those reactions to negative stimuli which produce a fiery and useless battle in the world of men.
We hold before the vision of the ascending son a burst of renewed hope. Progress is best made by stopping the expansion of error and by turning all energy - misqualified energy, unqualified energy, and qualified energy - into one wide channel of glorious spiritual achievement. This practice will make for progress in all, and it will ultimately furnish all with the means of supplying their every need.
May we say together, "Fortunately I AM!"