That which is most sacred surrounds
the concept of Brotherhood.
That which is most joyful lives in the consciousness that there
exists cooperation of Knowledge.
Such thought affirms that somewhere there are living True
Co-workers.
Let us recall the fundamentals which lead to Brotherhood.
Contents
Part 1
1. Let us consider a concept which has become extremely
overburdened. Amidst daily life people assimilate with
difficulty an understanding of cooperation, yet much more
difficult and inaccessible to them is the concept of
Brotherhood. Bodily heritage, that is, blood relationship,
impedes the acceptance of the concept of Brotherhood. It is
simpler for people to disclaim altogether any understanding of
World Brotherhood. They would rather call it a utopia than
reflect about the possibility of applying it in life.
If even in the narrow domain of domestic life people do not find
within themselves the affirmation of brotherhood, then in the
wider sense it may seem to them to be impractical. Besides,
people read carelessly the ancient Covenants, which speak about
great numbers of Brothers and Sisters.
Likewise, people's recollections of the Subtle World have become
clouded. Only there is it possible to encounter the expanded
realization of Brotherhood. The body impedes the way to many
broad ideas. Only by going beyond the limits of the bodily
understanding is it possible to recognize brotherly cooperation.
Let us gather the signs of such an expanded state of
consciousness.
2. People have attempted to seal the union of brotherhood with
blood. They have given up their most precious substance for the
purpose of attaining the status of Brotherhood. Harkening to all
the songs about Brotherhood one perceives a wondrous poem of the
dreams of humanity. If one assembles all the customs which have
been accumulated around the concept of Brotherhood one arrives
at an extraordinarily touching testimony about the aspirations
of peoples. The manifestation of achievements in the name of
Brotherhood reveals that self-renunciation has been always
linked with these endeavors of the pure heart. Yet precisely the
concept of Brotherhood is especially desecrated and debased.
3. Even the best additions to the concept of Brotherhood have
only lowered it and made it difficult to attain. It has been
linked with liberty and equality, but this trinity was conceived
in the earthly meaning, that is to say, under conditions in
which neither freedom nor equality do exist.
The loftiest freedom can be realized in the Supermundane World,
where laws are understood as a beautiful and immutable reality.
There, too, equality of the seed of the spirit is understood, it
being the sole measure of liberality and balance. Usually the
earthly statues depicting liberty are furnished with wings or
torches, thus reminding us about the higher spheres and
conditions.
About images representing equality there is this anecdote: When
a sculptor once received an order to execute a thousand statues
depicting equality, to be used to decorate a triumphal avenue,
he made one statue and proposed casting all the others from it.
4. Rarely is it possible to converse about Brotherhood.
Precisely in the periods of great earthly obduracy it is not
unusual to observe that people, as it were, have agreed to
debase this very concept. Already the ancient customs of
brotherhood through blood union have been turned into such
menaces to the entire human race that the most primitive revenge
may be regarded as a childish prank.
You know that I am speaking about something that is in
particular need of reinforcement.
5. If you enter a gathering of people with the words, "Friends
and co-workers," the majority will look upon you with suspicion.
But if you dare to call them brothers and sisters, then most
likely you will be denounced as having uttered inadmissible
terms.
People sometimes establish brotherhoods, but such superficial
and pompous institutions have nothing in common with the great
concept of Brotherhood. Thus people start communities,
cooperatives, various unions and societies; but in their
foundations there will not be even simple trust. Consequently,
these establishments are very remote from that Brotherhood which
would be a strong and steadfast union of trust.
It may be that right now certain finer hearts are already
dreaming about the creation of organizations where trust would
be the cornerstone. It cannot be insisted that everything is
bad, when the human eye sees only some of the details of the
approaching epoch.
Upon the fragments of ancient symbols one may observe the
vitality of the basic concepts. Just when from the earthly point
of view everything has been transgressed, it may be that at the
same time most beautiful concepts are already being born.
6. When, then, should one speak about the necessary concepts?
Particularly when they have been transgressed. Precisely, then,
let us speak about them when people already consider them
hopeless. Why do We remind about Brotherhood just at present?
But people in their despair will come to seek the scattered
seeds of the predestined Brotherly Community. Let us not be
confused by the oscillations of the pendulum of life. Despair
may be the forerunner of recovery of vision.
7. Rightly has it been observed that certain rays are
apprehended with especial difficulty, as is also everything
connected with these rays. That is why We do not try to coerce
an alien consciousness that has been attuned differently.
Compulsion is not an attribute of conviction. It is impossible
to command friendship, and especially does this apply to
brotherhood. These concepts require selflessness and an
understanding of fundamentals.
If the broad concept of Brotherhood has come down to blood
relationship, this means that the consciousness has become
greatly impoverished. Often the consciousness is so limited that
people cannot understand at all what manner of brotherhood could
exist outside of blood kinship. Degrees of kinship have been
designated, such as "first cousin," "second cousin," and even
"third cousin," but further the imagination hesitates to
proceed. Many books could be compiled of conventionalities that
have piled up around the concept of Brotherhood.
In ages past many different peoples have emphasized the
significance of Brotherhood. Fratricide was considered a grave
crime. Behind all this could be discerned a reverence for a
certain exalted status; with strong measures the people
safeguarded something which had no place in their everyday
thoughts. Reason denied this "something," but the heart in the
depths of its fire affirmed it. The heart palpitated with the
beauty of the meaning of Brotherhood. Again humanity will turn
to the heart and will apprehend the essence of Brotherhood.
Perhaps Brotherhood does exist? Perhaps, as an earthly anchor,
it maintains equilibrium? Perhaps in the dreams of humanity it
has remained as an unalterable reality? Let us recall certain
dreams and visions, so clearly engraved upon the memory, visions
of walls and towers of the Brotherhood. The imagination is but a
memory of that which exists.
Perhaps someone will remember also in reality the tower of Chun?
8. The spark of Infinity must be expressed in everything. Each
concept must include presupposition of its development into
Infinity. There may be noted whole series of concepts which
succeed each other. Neither friendship nor cooperation can be
terminal. Between them and the Subtle World there must be still
another something that can equally belong to the two worlds.
This something is called Brotherhood.
No greater concept can be named, none which could so crown human
relations and correspond to the essential nature of the Subtle
and Fiery Worlds. Therefore the Brotherhood is called threefold.
It extends between the three worlds as a firm bridge. It is
almost impossible to imagine the contact of the earthly with the
Fiery World, but under the panoply of Brotherhood such
confluence is made possible.
9. No one wishes to find himself in an enclosed field with no
possibility of even looking over the fence. One needs to
discover a crack, though it be but a small one, through which to
perceive the possibility of approach to Infinity. Even in daily
life let there be found the unifying principle, so that not only
the very small but also the great can be generally accepted.
Perhaps on each planet there is a place for great encounters.
10. When rocks begin to crumble people break them up and remove
them for the security of the road; and so it is with certain
human definitions. In the course of centuries a term may lose
its original meaning and should be replaced by a word closer to
the current period. This has happened with the word initiated.
Together with anointment , its original meaning has been
relegated to the past. Instead of initiated and uninitiated ,
let us say knowing and unknowing , or cognizant and ignorant .
But it is better to express initiation itself by the word
education . Thus it can be expressed without belittlement, in a
word closer to contemporary times.
In no way is it right to conceal something good in outmoded
words when it is possible to express it more comprehensibly for
broad masses of people. Surely, knowledge is not for the elect
but for all! Therefore, we should not reiterate outworn morals,
but rather, designate the best conditions for scientific
cognizance. Only the ignorant will not understand that for the
successful advancement of science the best conditions of life
must be established.
Science cannot go beyond the limits of the mechanistic circle so
long as this wall remains unsurmounted by the understanding of
the Subtle World.
11. In some places homeopathic remedies are forbidden; likewise,
some insist upon curing people by their own methods only.
Prohibitive thinking is limited. It is impossible to establish
forbiddance of all but a single method of treatment. It should
be remembered that all medicines are merely auxiliary
expedients; without the primary energy no medicine will have the
necessary effect.
It is impossible to divide physicians into allopaths and
homeopaths, as each of them individually applies his best
method. But the physician should be acquainted with the basic
energy, which will be the operative factor for the speediest
recovery.
12. It will be asked, "What connection is there between curative
treatment, or outworn concepts, and our discourses about
Brotherhood?" But light should be thrown upon the relationships
of many concepts, which will broaden the understanding of
Brotherhood.
13. On the paths to the Brotherhood let us fortify ourselves
with trust. We are not speaking about some sort of blind faith
but precisely about the quality of trust. It must be understood
that our qualities are the habitat for vitamins. The quality of
mistrust or doubt will be deadly for the best vitamins. Why
saturate ourselves with manufactured vitamins, when we ourselves
prove to be the best producers of them, and of the most powerful
ones?
When external vitamins fall into a natural habitat, they can
produce the full measure of reaction. But even the best
vegetable vitamins cannot manifest their best properties when
they enter a poisoned organism. Thus, We esteem those organisms
in which the basic qualities of human nature have found
application.
The being who is filled with doubt is not fit for even a
primitive form of cooperation. He cannot even understand all the
beautiful discipline of Brotherhood. Precisely discipline, as
not otherwise can be named that voluntary harmony which lies in
the foundation of the Brotherhood's labors. The Brothers join
together for work, and without trust there would be no quality
in their labor.
14. The Subtle World is frequently described as something misty,
cold, a realm of wandering shadows. Do not such descriptions
issue from superstition? Yet may they not result from inability
to enjoy the advantages of the qualities of this superior state?
Actually prejudice and mistrust can conceal the true aspect of
the Subtle World. Even in the earthly condition man sees what he
wishes to; then the more does he see thus in that world where
everything is composed of thought. There the dwellers can create
and behold according to the quality of their thinking.
It is useful to possess pure thinking, as it knows indeed the
meaning of trust.
15. A powerful energy has been released from a single spark.
Likewise, from a flash of nerve force there can be established a
constant influx of forces. People long ago realized that an
onset of nerve energy is far more powerful than muscular force.
It was avowed that the nerve tension is brief and is followed by
a breakdown of forces. But such a postulate is not natural. Only
the conditions of earthly life prevent a continuous replenishing
with psychic energy. It is possible to create such conditions of
life that psychic energy will be proportional with muscular
energy. After the principle is discovered its expansion will be
sought. Likewise, cooperation will not be limited to temporary
flashes but will enter the consciousness, followed by
Brotherhood. It is unwise to entrust a precious vessel to an
inexperienced messenger. Likewise it is impossible for the
Brotherhood to summon incognizant people. It is impossible for a
balloon to sustain unlimited pressures without testing. Without
steadfast realization people cannot take upon themselves the
burden of the larger concepts. Even a horse is gradually
accustomed to carrying loads. But if the spark of realization
already shines, then the bearing of the rest of the load becomes
progressively possible.
16. Some people talk little about Brotherhood but do much for
it. And there are others who always have Brotherhood on their
tongues and are never far from treachery.
17. Brotherhood must be looked upon as an institution wherein
the members work not by day but by the task. One must love the
labor in order to prefer the task work. It must be realized that
the tasks are infinite and the process of perfectment is also
unending. Whoever is afraid cannot grow to love labor.
You have sometimes listened to the beautiful singing of workers.
Verily, work can be accompanied by both joy and inspired
thought. But one must test oneself for everything.
18. On the paths to Brotherhood self-renunciation also will be
needed. It is most likely that many will find such a condition
difficult to fulfill. They do not realize how often people
manifest this quality even in everyday life. In each
inspiration, in each burst of enthusiasm, self-renunciation
infallibly will be included. One should very precisely perceive
the significance of words.
There do not exist in life any such qualities as would appertain
exclusively to heroes. The fact is that heroes are not rare, but
they are not always armed with swords and spears. Thus, it is
necessary to understand and bring into life the best concepts.
One can deprive oneself of courage and steadfastness when one
begins to repeat to oneself about difficulties of fulfillment.
It makes no difference how courage is applied, it must grow
untiringly. Instead of speaking about broken courage, it would
be better for people to call this condition simply
faint-heartedness. Bones and muscles can be broken, but the
spirit is unbreakable! The faint-hearted and wavering man cannot
serve the Brotherhood.
Self-renunciation is nothing else but inspiration;
faint-heartedness cannot be inspiration.
19. Let us not take obstinacy along with us. There is no more
intolerable burden than stubbornness. People do not even choose
a headstrong horse; they will not even take an obstinate dog on
a journey. Stubbornness is a paralysis of the best centers.
Experiments with psychic energy will be without results if the
investigator be stubborn.
Reason and wisdom contain no restrictive stubbornness.
20. Touchiness is not suitable for a long journey. This does not
mean that We seek only supernal perfections. We merely forewarn
as to what load should not be taken along. One should succeed in
being fortified with joy, and in testing it in diverse
circumstances and in all kinds of weather. One should not
torture and torment oneself, but one should make tests in order
to ascertain the measure of one's bodily endurance.
21. Any food containing blood is harmful for the development of
subtle energy. If humanity would only refrain from devouring
dead bodies, then evolution could be accelerated. Meat lovers
have tried to remove the blood, but they have not been able to
obtain the desired results. Meat, even with the blood removed,
cannot be fully freed from the emanations of this powerful
substance. The sun's rays to a certain extent remove these
emanations, but their dispersion into space also causes no small
harm. Try to carry out a psychic energy experiment near a
slaughterhouse and you will receive signs of acute madness, not
to mention the entities which attach themselves to the exposed
blood. Not without foundation has blood been called sacred.
There can thus be observed different kinds of people. It is
possible to convince oneself particularly as to how strong
atavism is. The desire for food containing blood is augmented by
atavism, because the many preceding generations were saturated
with blood. Unfortunately, governments pay no attention to
improving the health of the population. State medicine and
hygiene stand at a low level. Medical supervision is no higher
than that of the police. No new thought penetrates into these
outworn institutions. They can only prosecute, they cannot help.
Hence, on the path to Brotherhood there should be no
slaughterhouses.
22. Yet there are people who speak much against bloodshed but
are themselves not averse to eating meat. There are many
contradictions contained in man. Only the perfecting of psychic
energy can promote the harmonization of life. Contradiction is
nothing but disorder. Different strata have corresponding
contents. But a tempest can stir up waves, and not quickly
thereafter is the right current again established.
23. We have spoken about the mixture of strata. In cosmic storms
the current of chemism is constantly being unsettled and the
rays refracted. It is not easy to assimilate such perturbations
unless we remember about the inviolability of the laws.
Astrology, remaining a science, can still undergo many
fluctuations due to earthly lack of information. In addition,
many signs have been concealed. We say this, not by way of
disillusionment, but on the contrary, in order to remind
observers about the complexity of conditions.
24. Hypocrisy, bigotry, and superstition are three of the dark
qualities which must be rejected on the path to Brotherhood. Let
each one reflect whence have been born these minions of
ignorance. Whole books can be written about such paths of
darkness. One should ponder upon how these pernicious corrupters
have grown up. They grow imperceptibly. But there has never been
a time when they were more numerous than at present.
Notwithstanding the spiritualization of science, and in spite of
conditions of rational investigation of the manifestations of
the Subtle World, still the growth of crimes due to ignorance is
unprecedented. People cannot understand that spatial thought can
free them from their shackles.
Consider the dark times as passing—knowledge shames the
ignorant.
25. The pathway to Brotherhood is a high path. As a mountain is
seen from afar, so, too, is Brotherhood. The Teacher cannot be
insistent where the eyes are near-sighted. And during the ascent
the outlines of the summit are lost from view. Right around it
one does not distinguish the height, so, too, on the path to
Brotherhood there are many turnings of the way. One should
become accustomed to thought about the complexity of attainment.
One should grow to love all the obstacles, for the stones on the
path are but the steps of ascent. Long ago was it said that one
does not ascend by a smooth stone.
26. Appeal to the Brotherhood does not remain without a
response, but there are many ways of answering. People revolve
so much within the circle of their own expressions that they do
not perceive other signs. Besides, people are unable to
understand the allusions and warnings that are sometimes
contained in a single word and in a single spark. They do not
wish to reflect about the reasons for such brevity. Scholars,
even very erudite ones, do not remember the law of karma. Yet
when people see a passer-by being exposed to danger, they warn
him with a short outcry and do not read him lectures on the
cause of his misfortune. So, too, in the matter of karmic
reactions it is usually possible to caution with a brief
exclamation without delving into the depths of karma.
Everyone has had opportunity many times to convince himself that
the response of the Brotherhood has come in signs which are
outwardly very insignificant. It can be boldly affirmed that a
great majority of indications either glide over the
consciousness or are incorrectly interpreted. Such distortions
of the meaning are especially harmful when they are in the hands
of thoughtless people who subject the indications to their own
fortuitous frame of mind.
There are many instances when essential signs have been
explained by the ignorant as something completely opposite. In
their earthly customs people often interpret letters in their
own way, not being concerned with the precise meaning of the
words—such conventional egoistic practices have to be abandoned
on the paths to Brotherhood.
27. By acting attentively in their earthly relations, people
will accustom themselves also to attentiveness in the Higher
Service. Do not leave the questions of people unanswered. It is
better to reply as briefly as possible than to leave behind the
engendering of poison. It can be easily shown what poisonous
fermentations are begun where there is no link.
28. Enough is known about the existence of the Brotherhood of
Good and the Brotherhood of Evil. It is likewise well known that
the latter strives to imitate the former in the means and
methods of action. The ignorant inquire, "Is it possible for man
to distinguish, in the approach, this or that Brother?" If the
appearance and words be identical, then it is not difficult to
fall into error and to accept advices which lead to evil. Thus
will reason the man who does not know that the means of
discrimination are contained in the heart. The employment of
psychic energy helps to discern infallibly the inner essence of
the manifestations. No complicated devices are necessary when
man bears within himself the spark of knowledge.
Investigators of psychic energy can bear witness that the
evidences of the energy are infallible. They can be relative in
the matter of earthly dates, but in quality they will not be
erroneous. And it is precisely quality that is necessary for
discrimination of the essence. The primary energy cannot show
the negative to be positive. Such purely scientific evidence
protects people against an evil approach. Not without foundation
is such discrimination called the armor of Light.
29. It may be asked why such a needed weapon is not entrusted to
everyone. Each one does have it, but it is often closed up
behind seven locks. People themselves are to blame that they
lock up their greatest treasure in the cellar. Many, even after
hearing about such energy, are not eager to learn about the
means of its discovery—so undeveloped is love of knowledge!
30. The same awakened energy enables people to provide
themselves with calmness in observing events. An investigator
must not be irritated or agitated during observations. The
manifestation of calmness will be a sign of Service. It is
impossible to be devoted to Service if one's essence be
billowing like waves under a cross wind.
31. The Teaching has already transformed your whole life. It has
brought you through many dangers. The Teaching helps you to
discriminate where harm is and where advantage. It does not come
easily to distinguish the right pathway, but you know how to
ascend a smooth rock. Psychic energy is developed from such
tensions.
32. Psychic energy should be not only studied but consciously
applied in life. Such a conscious cooperation as Brotherhood is
in need of psychic energy. It is impossible to harmonize labor
without psychic energy. It is impossible to arrive at mutual
understanding without psychic energy. It is impossible to gather
patience and tolerance without psychic energy. It is impossible
to rid oneself from irritation without psychic energy. In
everything there must be application of the primary energy
itself.
It has already been observed that not only does the presence of
an individual have an influence on the fluctuations of the
energy but even pictures of people react upon the subtle energy.
One must not only recognize the sensitiveness of the energy but
also keep in mind this phenomenal quality. For people who have
not seen experiments with psychic energy, discussions about the
reactions of mere images will seem like mad fairy tales.
However, for such people as these, the energy itself is under
suspicion. They are not averse to talking about spirit or soul,
but this very obvious energy will be for them witchcraft.
33. One must learn not to irritate people to whom certain
knowledge is inaccessible. Experienced observation whispers to
one when discussion will be in vain.
34. It is possible for an argument to make the truth manifest,
but most often it litters the space. The teacher must know to
what extent the pupil can engage in argument without introducing
irritation.
These measures must be known, because Brotherhood first of all
needs equilibrium.
35. Be not surprised that, speaking about Brotherhood, I mention
the primary energy; there are two reasons for this. The first
lies in the fact that approach to Brotherhood requires the
development of the primary energy. Without this, with the
centers sleeping, realization of such subtle perceptions is
impossible. On such most subtle vibrations is built Brotherly
cooperation. The second thing to be remembered is that not
everyone has read the preceding writings, in which psychic
energy is spoken about. Each book must contain the basic
conditions for improvement. It would be cruel not to give even
brief allusions to the preceding, wherein something invaluable
has been dealt with.
Let us be attentive to each small circumstance. In the earthly
way of life it is difficult to distinguish where is the small
and where the great, where the useless and where the useful.
Many pearls have been swept away with the dust. If you notice
that your companion is only partially assimilating vital
principles, help him. In such patient assistance there is
expressed a very important quality for brotherhood.
36. Psychic energy is called the organ of the fourth dimension.
Indeed, the fact of this dimension is relative; it only
expresses the refined state of all feelings. Great refinement
bestows the possibility of understanding supermundane
conditions. But if the fourth dimension has been established in
the nomenclature, let it be thus—so long as we do not revert to
two dimensions. Likewise, let us not object if psychic energy be
called an organ. It exists, it produces powerful reactions. It
assimilates cosmic currents, it is bound up with life. Let it be
called even an organ, for in such designation there already is
acknowledgment of it.
37. It must not be forgotten that, on the whole, many will not
understand a single word about psychic energy. They will not
accept it. Just as a man who has never seen lightning does not
recognize it. Thus, there are to found people who do not
understand on the whole what thought is. The characteristic of
such people will not be illiteracy but obduracy. Not few are
such corpses!
Let investigators of psychic energy inure themselves to such
petrifications. Much about an obvious inability to assimilate
will have to be noted in the diaries.
38. People await Messengers, yet they are very much frightened
at a mere thought about their arrival. If one were to ask the
people in what form they would like to see a Messenger, a
strange conglomeration would emerge, even bordering upon the
monstrous; bird feathers will not be last in their list of
Messenger's attributes. And when people are told that the
Messenger is surrounded by Light, they take precautions first of
all not to be blinded.
True, there may occur shocks during even the most ordinary
manifestations. A palpitation may be not from unexpectedness
alone, it may arise from an inequality of auras. Such a tension
can be even disastrous; therefore the appearance of Messengers
does not occur frequently. Surely they come not to kill,
consequently one must accustom oneself gradually to experiencing
different tensions. Investigators of psychic energy will
understand what exercise We are speaking about.
Besides experiments with psychic energy, it is necessary to
accustom oneself to communion with the Subtle World—and without
resorting to magic. Everything natural is to be attained by
natural methods. Only by the way of experiment do people
accustom themselves to tensions of various degrees. It may be
understood that expectation itself will be a natural
preparation, or discipline, as it is customary to say.
A man in a state of preparedness is ready to receive the
Messenger.
39. People fear tests. They are afraid of experiments, but they
cannot even imagine all the possible means of learning. Again
physical fear, terror of the flesh, shackles rational actions.
Therefore, in disciplinary training terror, first of all, has to
be conquered.
40. The concept of Brotherhood stands on steadfast pillars. In
it there can be no restrictions of age, race, or of occasional
moods. Indeed, above all else there is the primary energy. If it
is manifest, and if contacts through it can be harmonized, then
there will be affirmed a lasting bond.
41. What is the natural path? The most unrestricted way of
learning, with tolerance and patience, without any sectarianism.
Unrestricted cognition is not easily adopted. Everything
connected with human labors is limited. Every occupation cuts
short, as it were, many ways of communion. Even excellent minds
have been driven into a narrow channel. The disease of
self-limitation bears no resemblance to self-sacrifice. Man
limits himself for his own comfort. Indeed, bold actions for the
sake of unrestricted knowledge will be the exception. Malice and
hatred carry out their actions in straitness of mind. For
unconfined action it is necessary for one to be filled with
magnanimity and to discover causes and effects with a benevolent
eye. Austerity of labor has nothing in common with a censorious
attitude. Only limited people condemn. Not out of condemnation
is perfectment born.
Is it possible to dream about unlimited knowledge when in
confusion? One may learn everywhere and always. Possibilities
themselves are attracted toward irrepressible striving. Only in
motion lies the natural path!
42. Verily, one has to seek! One has to keep in mind that a
small spark produces a great explosion. A single thought may
both attract and repel. Those who rule human minds are often
themselves being led. And what empty sounds can stifle the will
of a man and forever impede the path already molded!
Good does not hinder, but evil does. Thus, let us remember that
small sparks produce great explosions.
43. Are such preparations needed for Brotherhood? Definitely,
not only preparation but also illumination. Will not he who
decides to devote himself to the Great Service regret it? From
faint-heartedness there will arise many thoughts about comfort
and convenience. There may be even smiles of regret. How, then,
to overcome such assaults without illumination?
44. Let us agree on the meaning of the concept of rest. Around
this concept a multitude of false and harmful interpretations
have clustered. People have become accustomed to think that rest
is inaction; in this way it has become transformed into psychic
enfeeblement. Inaction is most corruptive for psychic energy.
Each spiritual immobility will fatigue, not regenerate.
Physicians prescribe rest, quiet, all kinds of inaction, and
assume that in a moribund state it is possible to restore
strength. But these same physicians understand that weakness and
collapse result from violation of equilibrium. Thus, rest is
nothing but equilibrium. But equilibrium is a proportionate
tension of energy. Only thus is it possible to restore and
strengthen one's forces.
It is of no consequence whether equilibrium be acquired in
desert or city—the main requisite is constant tension. The path
of tension is the path of striving, that is to say, the path of
life.
The incompetent physician warns against expenditure of strength,
but strength is dissipated through lack of equilibrium. Truly,
then, equilibrium will be the best, the only panacea. A sensible
use of fresh air is worthy of consideration as an assisting
expedient, but this does not require a long period of time.
Let the concept of rest be rightly understood for the
manifestation of Brotherhood. Unrest begets aimless bustle.
45. Among the universal manifestations, incessant explosions
have a special significance. Likewise in man are there
compressions and explosions of energy. But why are universal
explosions beneficial, whereas the human ones can destroy the
organism? The difference lies in the fact that universal
explosions are balanced in a great rhythm, but the human ones
often are devoid precisely of rhythm.
46. Everything is relative, but it is impossible to compare the
harmony of the Universe with human free will. Precisely this
bountiful gift, when not rightly used, imposes grave
consequences. Much has been said about the significance of man
in the Cosmos, but this truth must be reiterated unceasingly.
One can become convinced as to how much people fail to think
about their destination.
47. There was an ancient game in which people tried to make each
other angry. Whoever became angry first was the loser.
48. Constant alertness is often indicated, but how seldom it is
understood! Usually people will require it of those surrounding
them, but they will not seek it in themselves. Whereas each one
should attune first of all his own instrument. Only then is
receptivity acquired. Is it possible to look forward to
cooperation and Brotherhood without receptivity? The most
definite counsels are broken against the armor of negation.
The time will come when physicians will discover what conditions
are most advantageous for the action of psychic energy. One
should not presume that psychic energy can act identically under
all conditions. As there are people upon whom the most powerful
poisons have no effect, psychic energy also is assimilated in
different ways. If receptivity will not be developed, then man
will lose his most precious apparatus. But for receptivity one
must establish in oneself constant alertness. For such a quality
nothing supernatural is required, one has only to be attentive.
49. Among one's human incarnations there is invariably found an
incarnation devoted to rhythmic labor. Whether this be some sort
of craftsmanship or music, singing or farm work, every man
infallibly will cultivate in himself the rhythm which fills all
of life. Upon learning of certain incarnations, people
frequently are astonished as to why they should have been so
insignificant. But in them there was being worked out the rhythm
of labor. One of the greatest of qualities, this must be
acquired through conflict and patience.
50. Growing to love work is possible only by cognizing it.
Likewise, rhythm can be realized only when it has been absorbed
into the nature of a man. Otherwise ignorance will rise up
against lawful measures and constant discipline. To such
ignorant ones the very concept of Brotherhood will appear as an
intolerable utopia.
51. Brotherhood is a lofty expression of mutual human relations.
In the state of Brotherhood one may reach a free realization of
Hierarchy. Precisely, Hierarchy cannot be imposed. It lives only
in voluntary realization. It cannot be accepted out of cunning
considerations, for such a false situation ends in frightful
dissolution. Recognition of Hierarchy will be accompanied by
joy, but all coercion and falsehood is attended by grief.
Not so long ago one could have regarded such discussions as
moral abstractions; but when psychic energy is evaluated then
human qualities will become scientific values. Is the
possibility not attractive to be able to establish a scale of
qualities on an experimental basis?
52. It is incorrect to say that every growing plant is in rotary
motion. It is more accurate to speak about spiral motion.
Rotation is understood as something conclusive, whereas each
turn cannot be final, since it is moving onward.
Such experiments can be carried out not only with plants but
also with various projectiles; and eventually, when observing
the flights of thought, it will be possible to convince oneself
that all movement is spiral. In studying psychic energy such a
consideration is useful.
53. Can Communications scientifically based by altered and
become contradictory? Indeed, the fundamentals are steadfast,
but there can be fluctuations in the receivers. Such
manifestations of non-conformity should not be referred to the
fundamentals. Is it not better to seek the cause in one's own
lack of understanding? Only a broadened consciousness will help
to establish a clear understanding, otherwise the most lucid
letter can be misinterpreted.
Any instability is inadmissible.
54. Compare a delineation of manifestations of good will and
gratitude with the hieroglyphs of malice and envy. In the first
you will obtain a beautiful circle, while the second yields ugly
scrawls. In spite of strong tension, malice produces disorderly
lines. Such a disharmonious structure manifests abasement of all
creative fundamentals. It is impossible to create by means of
evil; it produces temporary convulsions, then it falls into
madness and consumes itself.
But beautiful is the circle of magnanimity; it is as a shield of
Light! It can expand and deepen in harmony of movement. In
investigations of the primary energy it is instructive to
convince oneself as to how clearly it has been granted man to
distinguish positive and negative qualities. Already much has
been repeated to people about the relativity of good and evil.
But there is the basic impulse, which does not lead one into
error; it is impossible to counterfeit the depictions of psychic
energy, they indicate the essential nature of things.
55. It is impossible to doubt the tracings of psychic energy. As
a primary force of cognition it cannot be misread by taking a
casual mood for the essence. The manifestations of thought about
the significance of psychic energy will be, as it were, a
pumping of it from space.
The magnet of thought brings in most precious particles of
psychic energy. One must grow to love it. One must recognize its
constant presence. Such thinking is by no means easy. A great
deal of patience must be found in order to protect it under the
attack of all the unbridled currents of space.
56. Patience, patience, patience—let this not be an empty sound,
let it protect one on all paths. When it seems that all forces
have been exhausted, such an illusion is most dangerous. The
forces are inexhaustible, but people themselves try to cut short
their flow.
Also, the path to Brotherhood requires much patience. The same
power of thought must be applied in order to draw close to the
consciousness of the three worlds.
57. The true family is the prototype of communal life. It can
personify cooperation and Hierarchy and all the conditions of
Brotherhood. But such families are extremely rare, and therefore
it is impossible to say to everyone that the family is the
symbol of Brotherhood. It might be replied, "Is not the family a
symbol of hostility?" So much have people become accustomed not
to respect the home. Therefore, as to the question of
upbringing, let us pay special attention to the life in the
home. It is impossible to think about building the state without
building the home.
What conception of Brotherhood can the people have who do not
understand the dignity of state and home? No specific decree can
restore the feeling of dignity if it has been obliterated. It is
necessary to begin its implantation by education, by recognition
of the value of broad knowledge and of exact scientific studies.
Only thus can people again remember humaneness.
Upon the step of humaneness will the understanding of
Brotherhood be established.
58. The very austerity of labor can acquire a beautiful meaning
by the elimination of all coarsening effects and the
introduction of the concept of cooperation. It must be
remembered that coarseness is contrary to all laws of nature.
Every coarse action creates such a hideous vortex that if people
could but see it they would certainly be more careful in their
conduct. The karma of coarseness is extremely heavy.
With broadening of consciousness people become especially
sensitive to any and every coarseness. Thus, one may be assured
that coarseness is most inadmissible.
59. Many listeners, no doubt, would prefer to hear sooner about
Brotherhood itself; but let them first abandon curiosity and the
obstructing habits. With dignity it is possible to enter.
Therefore, it is first necessary to ascertain how different
feelings are understood. One should not give precious things
into someone's safekeeping if it is assumed that they will be
resold instead of being carefully guarded.
He who wishes to learn will not weary of the path of cognition.
60. We strengthen our listeners with all the qualities necessary
on the path to Brotherhood. It is not enough to possess only
certain separate qualities, it is needful to realize their
complete combination. The symphony of qualities is like the
symphony of the spheres. If one quality develops beautifully
while others are straggling, there results a destructive
dissonance. Dissonances can be weakening or irritating, or even
destructive. Equilibrium of qualities is achieved through great
tension of consciousness. The shepherd must carefully tend his
flock, and likewise man must cure an ailing quality. A man
himself knows definitely which of his qualities is ailing. Life
provides him with an opportunity to test any quality whatsoever.
In everyday life there can be found the possibility of
application of any quality. If a man begins to insist that he
has been deprived of the possibility of applying his best
qualities, he will reveal his own dullness. On the other hand,
if a man rejoices at a chance to apply his qualities, he
exhibits broadening of consciousness. Then comes the next step
of joy, precisely that concerning the beauty of symphony of
qualities.
61. Experiments with psychic energy will show how much such a
symphony expands the beneficial circle. Experienced observers
will apprehend easily the correlation of qualities with psychic
energy, but for the ignorant such a comparison will be
incomprehensible.
For the long journey let us gather together as many qualities as
possible. Let each of them be of the best degree!
62. It must not be forgotten that each discovery is followed by
discovery of its antithesis. You have heard how radio
transmission has been interrupted over wide expanses; this means
that even such a great discovery is not untrammelled. Some rays
make objects invisible, and others pass through solid bodies.
Only thought and psychic energy are absolutely untrammelled.
Humanity must select the most firm paths. All mechanical
discoveries merely demonstrate the need of the power in man
himself. Let us be solicitous toward everyone who can bring to
humanity his best strength. And let us be grateful to the
Brothers, who untiringly bring realization of psychic energy. On
this path there has to be much selflessness. The ignorant cannot
stand all the seekers of the immutable treasures. Robbery may be
expected on the best path. Fortunately, the Bearers of the
unseen treasures are invulnerable.
63. It has been said that virtue has a rainbow aura. The rainbow
is the symbol of synthesis. Is not virtue revealed as a
synthesis of qualities? In each ancient symbol can be found an
unquestionable truth. People have understood that virtue is not
simply the doing of good. They have distinctly known that only
consonances of tensions of the best qualities provide the
synthesis of ascent. They have known that only the motive will
be the affirmation of virtue. No outward actions can testify to
the intentions. Experiments with psychic energy will reveal to
what extent action is to be distinguished from motive. No
glittering words and actions can conceal intention. Many
historical instances can be cited when, because of an unworthy
motive, even useful actions could not be justified. On the other
hand, much that remained inexplicable and under suspicion has
shown the radiance of beautiful motives. Such evidences of the
essence of life will be confirmed by the primary energy.
64. It must be understood that approach to such a lofty concept
as Brotherhood imposes not an easy obligation. Each deliverance
from a petty habit requires tension of the will. Furthermore, it
may happen that a seemingly abandoned habit comes back again,
and in a stronger degree; this means that this defect has
continued to exist in the depths of the consciousness.
It may be asked, "Do habits linger on for several incarnations?"
They can remain, and even grow, if the sojourn in the Subtle
World has not been passed in the higher spheres. Everywhere
motive has the decisive significance. Hence, at passage into the
Subtle World the motive will be the conductor. Not the apparent
but the heartfelt good intention will be beautiful, more
beautiful than the most illustrious deeds. Only the man himself
knows how this or that feeling has been engendered in him. He
can inwardly follow the process of growth. Thus, the best judge
is within oneself.
But let man remember that even in the earthly existence an
impartial witness has been given—the primary energy.
65. Sternness and cruelty are quite different concepts. But
people do not know how to distinguish the harmony of sternness
from the spasms of cruelty. Sternness is an attribute of
justice, but cruelty is misanthropy. From cruelty there is no
path leading to Brotherhood. Sternness is expressed as a circle,
but cruelty is the sign of madness. One should not understand
cruelty as a disease; like foul speech, it is merely the
expression of a base nature.
In the state, both these dark offshoots must be excluded by law.
In primary schools there must be established the principles
which will make clear the inadmissibility of these two most low
defects.
66. Co-workers and messengers may be either conscious or
unconscious ones. The entrusting of commissions is considered
honorable, but unconscious co-workers usually do not even know
when they have been inspired by a commission. They proceed in
accord with a command unknown to them, transmitting something or
forewarning someone, but they themselves do not know where is
the beginning and where the end of their mission. There are many
such messengers; they differ according to their condition, but
none the less they do not tarry. Also, there are particular
silent commissions, when it is needful to exert influence, not
by a word, but by silence.
67. Sometimes a fixed silent gaze averts great dangers. Thought
needs no words. Suggestion needs no words. Only unskillful
hypnotists try to exert influence with a loud cry and to
increase it with the hands, but neither one nor the other is
needed in thought transmission. Rather can rhythmic breathing be
useful, but this too is replaced by the rhythm of the heart.
Thought is sent through the heart and is also received through
the heart.
68. People who are expecting a message can also be divided into
two categories. The minority know how to wait, but the majority
not only do not understand what is taking place but even exert a
harmful influence. They abandon their work. They fill space with
complaints. They impede those around them. Without noticing it
they consider themselves the elect, and they begin to make
arrogant assertions about others. Much harm emanates from scant
knowledge and still more from a petrified consciousness. Each
such person becomes a hotbed of confusion and doubt. He loses
the rhythm of work by manifesting confusion. Such people are
very harmful for the spreading of knowledge. They wish to
receive for their personal gratification the very latest
tidings, but little usefulness results from such usurpers. One
should not fail to take such weak people into account—they are
as nests of treason. Nothing restrains their intrigues. There
should be no act of destruction just for the sake of good
tidings. Few there are who know how to await messages in
complete magnanimity, while working, and amidst
difficulties—such co-workers are the ones who become brothers.
69. One cannot accept everything written about the Brotherhood
as authentic. Much has been confused with imaginings about the
Subtle World; many personal dreams are interwoven with reality.
There exist many legends about various races and non-existent
continents. To a concept which attracts them, people attach many
details without being concerned about their heterogeneity of
kind and time. A poor imagination often belittles that which it
wishes to glorify.
70. Right is the path from small to great. Each seed confirms
this. But often people take the small for the great and think
that a small coin can hide the sun.
71. The exorciser charms away ailments, but only in recent times
are people beginning to understand that such exorcism is simply
suggestion. It may be noticed that the exorcisers pronounce some
incomprehensible and meaningless words, but few reflect that the
effectiveness is not in the meaning of such expressions but in
the rhythm and, principally, in the thoughts being sent.
By means of suggestion it is possible not only to forestall
pain, but even to give an entirely different direction to the
illness. Rarely is the latter admitted, for up to the present
time people have not believed much in the influence of thought.
From the same source, from unbelief, comes stagnation of
consciousness. People poison themselves by unbelief. The wisdom
of ages has recorded many examples of great trust and also of
destruction through mistrust. When We speak about cooperation
and even about Brotherhood, We must repeat about trust—without
it no rhythm is created, without it success is not invoked,
without it there can be no advance. Do not think that I am
reiterating something too generally known; on the contrary, as
in an hour of danger I am repeating about the salutary
expedient. There is no other way to awaken the psychic energy.
There is no other path on which the heart can glow with victory.
It is difficult not to weary if there be darkness in the heart.
72. One can receive the best counsels, and still they may remain
as autumn leaves. Only the realization of the important use of
the energy in life can bring effectively the Guidance. Empty
words lead not to Brotherhood.
73. In the hour of confusion silence is the best friend. But let
this quiet be not the stillness of malice. Though only
momentarily, let the rhythm of the heart calm down. Let there be
found again the quiet of psychic energy; thus will be
strengthened the work of the centers—alight, but without
inflammation.
74. "The city has been fully fortified, its walls and towers are
strong, at each gate stands a sentry—no enemy can penetrate into
the stronghold. However, sentinels, be wary, be not confounded
by the arrows of the enemy. The arrows have been devised with
special inscriptions for the purpose of distracting the
attention of those on watch. The inscriptions are to allure the
sentries, so that their minds will be confused and the gates
will be left defenseless." Thus was described in a certain
Mystery the state of psychic energy during the confusion of the
spirit.
Whether expressed in poetic images, or in symbols, or in
hieroglyphs, or in medical terms, or in a stern command—all
forms will point identically to the significance of the basic
energy. Often, in the Mysteries symbols cautioning against
harmful confusion were employed. One may augment strongly the
psychic energy, but even small confusion can open the gates to
the most dangerous enemy. In an hour of consternation one must
know how to evoke even a momentary calm. Such calmness and but
one breath of prana will provide a strong shield.
The physician must harken attentively to the ancient symbols.
When Biblical narratives speak about the visitation of illnesses
and plagues, it may be understood that the depressed spirit had
admitted the most frightful contagions.
75. It must be understood also that when one speaks about the
good, right action is presupposed. If right action takes place,
then good results from it. But if during the most brilliant talk
about the good poor action is performed, then only harm will be
created.
There is much talk about good and much evil is done.
76. People assume that a penny tossed to a beggar expiates a
committed murder! So long as co-measurement is not realized, no
equilibrium can result. Likewise, killing of spirit as well as
of body is not understood. Where is the manifestation of
Brotherhood, if murder of the spirit be possible? It is not even
considered a crime!
77. Courage is increased by proper development of psychic
energy. Proper development must be understood as natural growth.
Let each one augment his store of courage; it is like opening a
window.
78. Destructive is the feeling of contentment. It leads to
satiation and to paralysis of energy. One may observe in the
Subtle World the most pitiful fate of such paralytics. Even the
little that they have succeeded in accumulating during their
earthly life is cut short by paralysis of energy. Vagrant
shades, they cannot succeed, because without energy it is
impossible to advance. You may be asked whose lot is more
gloomy, that of such paralytics or of the malignant haters. The
answer is difficult. Those who hate can suffer and thus be
purified, but through disuse of energy the paralytics lose the
possibility of advancing. Is it not better to suffer much but
with the possibility of advance? The torments that purify are
better than hopeless dissolution. Hatred can be transformed into
love, but paralysis is the terror of night. Such hopeless
destructions cannot lead to Brotherhood. Paralysis of separate
limbs can be overcome by the will, but if the basic energy
itself is inactive how can a command be carried out? Many such
living corpses walk about!
79. It is useful to observe how people act under suggestion, but
at the same time violently deny the possibility of such an
influence. Sometimes, out of malice, a man asserts that his
conduct is in accord with his own intentions, whereas he is
acting under direct suggestion. Man transmits thoughts which are
not his own, and makes use of expressions which are alien to
him, but because of malice he tries to ascribe them to himself.
If one knows whence a suggestion has issued, one can form an
opinion about an intentional distortion.
Dark and unsteady is everything created by malice.
80. Usually, when people return to a former place they
experience a certain sadness. They feel that something has not
been accomplished. And so it is. In Infinity there must always
be sensed something preordained.
81. The book about Brotherhood will be divided into two parts.
The first, about the foundations of Brotherhood, will be given
now; the second, about the inner life of the Brotherhood, We
shall send to those who will accept the foundations.
82. Composite dreams and recollections represent in themselves a
whole science. Sometimes they are interwoven with fiction, but
upon dissection they manifest a whole series of separate
episodes which are quite real. Therefore, when people speak
about something as being impossible, one should reflect that
perhaps a combination of some parts may be unnatural, whereas
each one of them may be entirely possible. It is instructive to
observe precisely which parts of recollections fall out more
easily; thus the character of the person himself can be
elucidated.
The manifestation of the most remote recollections can create
complex patterns from different epochs. The most heterogeneous
encounters can be perceived. Thus, frequently Brothers may be
met with, but even the loftiest encounters can be overshadowed
by details out of the various ages. Not without reason has it
been said that every man represents in himself a complicated
repository. Much fire is needed in order to illumine all the
dark storehouses.
83. People talk much about thought-forms, but not all thoughts
can be clothed in a form. There can be mental dust, which not
only has been deprived of formation but which is intermingling
with other similar dust clouds;. One may begin to sneeze from
such rubbish.
84. Those who talk about thought-forms are rarely concerned with
refining and elevating these formations. But even autosuggestion
can be useful. Long ago was it said that thoughts are borne in
space; hence, it is a premise that they must be formed. Clouds
of dusty rubbish are not suitable for sending.
85. The bliss of the thinker or the torment of the thinker? It
is customary to represent a thinker as in torment, but if you
ask him whether he wishes to be freed from such pangs, any
thinker will reply in the negative. In the depth of his
consciousness he experiences great bliss, for the process of
thinking is a higher enjoyment. People have only two real
joys—thinking and the ecstasy over beauty. The path to the Fiery
World has been affirmed by these two manifestations. Only
through them can man advance to the lofty spheres. Every higher
communion will contain these two fundamentals. Therefore, it is
absurd to talk about the torments of the thinker or the creator.
They are not suffering but rejoicing. However, people understand
joy in such a singular fashion! For some people joy is in
thinking nothing and doing nothing.
The path to Brotherhood is in thinking and in labor.
86. Mercy is not an easy concept, and only the very far-sighted
can scrutinize the effects of it. When magnanimity prompts, "Let
live!" this verdict will not be difficult. Perhaps, precisely in
this hour destruction might have been approaching, but the
far-sighted one understood that the positive is greater than the
negative. For the near-sighted such mercy is unfitting, but for
the far-sighted it is as an arrow into the target.
87. There are many signs on the path to Brotherhood. The path is
not a short one, and all provisions are useful. Who dares to
affirm that this or that quality is not suitable for him? It may
turn out that precisely the most neglected will be urgently
needed.
88. The Burden of this World. Two disciples were discussing the
most expressive symbol for this concept. One proposed gold, but
the other suggested that white marble might be better. Both
agreed that a burden, meaning something weighty, would best be
expressed by a stone. But the Teacher observed, "The smallest
seed corresponds to the concept of the burden of the world."
89. Do not tell much about the far-off worlds to people who in
their earthly existence are unable to understand their own
destination. They will lose that little bit of their own, and
will not acquire anything useful from the realm of higher
knowledge. Observe very attentively what can be contained by a
man. People do not begin dinner with a dessert. It is especially
harmful to feed people with indigestible food. The more so is it
essential to develop attentiveness within oneself. Listeners
must not be bored, for boredom is stagnation.
90. People willingly aspire to a Brotherhood with a ready-made
form. But if they are forewarned that quarreling is not
permitted, a substantial number of them will lose their
enthusiasm.
Ask people how they picture the Brotherhood. You will find many
minor conditions that seem especially important to them. One
inquirer was amazed and finally exclaimed, "Can disorder be so
esteemed by people!"
Verily, they do not know about the immutable laws of nature.
91. In the most difficult hour people can still occupy
themselves with ordinary matters. It is amazing how often a lack
of understanding of events is revealed. Repetition about the
importance of the hour is not effective. Realization does not
knock at the heart. Let us not wait for previsions, however a
premonition is entirely natural. Yet people reject these
premonitions because no one has told them about the primary
energy. Thus people succeed in one thing, but retreat in another
no less precious.
92. Detested labor is not only a misery for the unsuccessful
worker but it poisons the whole surrounding atmosphere. The
discontent of the worker does not permit him to find joy and to
improve the quality. Moreover, imperil born of irritation
redoubles gloomy thoughts, with effects fatal to creativeness.
But the definite question may arise as to what is to be done if
not everyone can find work corresponding to his vocation.
Undoubtedly, many people cannot apply themselves in the way they
would like. There exists a remedy for lifting such a blight.
Scientific attainments show that above the everyday routine
there is a beautiful domain accessible to all—the realization of
psychic energy. In experiments with it one may be convinced that
farmers often possess a goodly store of the energy. Likewise,
many other fields of labor aid the conservation of energy.
Therefore, amid the most diverse labors one may find uplifting
strength.
93. All is possible; only depression of spirit can whisper about
impossibility. Each step of science does not limit; it provides
a new possibility. If something appears impossible from the
earthly point of view, it may be entirely feasible through
application of subtle energies. The face of a man changes with
the source of light. Lightning can alter to the point of
non-recognition the facial features and can reveal a quite
unusual expression. But there are so many rays and currents, of
diverse influence, and they can transform that which exists!
Is it not encouraging to realize that all is possible?
94. It is a sad situation if one is not subjected to attacks.
This means that one's energy is in a very weak state and does
not provoke any counteractions. Only the unenlightened consider
attacks as misfortune. Obesity swims in the fat of inaction. For
what sort of fertilization is such fat of use? The emanations of
fat attract undesirable entities. More useful is alert striving;
it preserves an adequate covering for the nerves. Likewise,
thinness must not exceed the point of equilibrium.
95. Each manifestation is multiform. It is especially erroneous
to think of a manifestation as having one single source and one
single effect. Around each action there can be observed many
different realms which exert an influence and on which an
influence is exerted. One must assimilate the fact that the
sphere of each action is far broader than can be defined
according to earthly reasoning. Thus, by each action and each
thought people contact several spheres. It should not be
forgotten that thoughts infallibly impinge upon the Subtle
World. They do not always arrive in a state of clarity, but in
any case they will produce a certain disturbance of energy. So
many currents are refracted in space that it is impossible to
call human action a mere muscular reflex. Hence, one must
accustom oneself to the complexity of effects.
96. Once there was an artist who wished to depict thought, but
did not know what symbol would be best to express it. One
philosopher suggested the conception of a cloud formation,
because thought dwells in space. Another thinker believed that a
starry heaven would be better. A third suggested that lightning
would provide an austere representation of thought. A fourth
proposed the idea of leaving the canvas blank, inasmuch as
earthly eyes cannot catch a thought, and any form would be too
crude for the light of the energy.
97. The starry heaven best of all can lead one away from earthly
conditions. The manifestation of Infinity can overshadow earthly
accumulations. Earthly terror is eliminated only by the radiance
of the far-off worlds.
98. Do not jump to conclusions. People usually rush prematurely
and thus entangle the threads of effects.
99. Brotherhood or cooperation? It is impossible to define a
sharp boundary between them. Whereas, people are desirous that
concepts be quite sharply divided. But much flows into each
concept from other concepts. Thus, cooperation will be, as it
were, the threshold to Brotherhood; therefore, one must guard
the approaches to the Stronghold of the Spirit.
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