233. Many times have we conversed about broadening of consciousness and about the acquirement of many useful qualities. How then does this growth take place? If it is difficult to perceive the growth of one hair, it is much more difficult to detect the growth of consciousness. It is a mistake to think it possible to keep track of the growth of consciousness. As it happens the observing apparatus undergoes the same tension. Certainly, its antennae always search ahead. It is impossible to lose one's attainment if the dynamical factors have not been paralyzed. Thus, it is possible only on rare crossroads to inspect one's fundamental changes — this is a gift of evolution. One should not let dynamics pass into a painful self-control. In actions and in results is cognized the right direction. Therefore We prefer even a mistaken action to inaction.
234. The world has been split into two parts. Knowing the imperfection of half the manifestations of the new, foreseeing the cunning tricks of the old, We always remain in a world which is imperfect and new. We know all. We appraise all. You have a personal influence, people come to you with the question, "How to think?" Reply briefly, "With the New World; cast out all limited opinions." Reflect how it is possible to depart from old habits. Exert yourselves to accept the full chalice.
Not words, but the filling of space impels you in an immutable command. The abolishment of tear will help you in a difficult hour. It is particularly difficult to conquer the consciousness of solitude. In wise narratives is often mentioned a lone battle. The warrior — he is also a scout, he is also an adviser, he is also a decider, he is also a hero. Take note that this word has been almost thrust out of the vocabulary of the old world. The hero becomes unacceptable in the life of petty hearts. As a stranger, he would be ashamed amid prosperity. Learn to be there where there are heroes. The world will be shaken with the reality of heroism.
One may speak today about the hero instead of about mechanics. Let children call themselves heroes and apply to themselves the qualities of remarkable people. Let them be given books of clear account, wherein the faces of toil and of will have been depicted without any soft coatings. Even for medicinal purposes this valiant call of life is irreplaceable.
Such material must be given without delay. For this, safeguard those few who can give. Their annihilation cannot be justified. Someone may say that again this is nothing new, but he himself does not even know how to manifest the indicated care. Needed is the manifestation of resourcefulness not in one's cap but in the brain. The new world has revered Teachers and will have Them, in proportion to its consciousness.
235. Let us take up several childish concepts. What is new? Nothing. But there is only new realization of manifestations of the properties of matter, new for the contemporary level of mind. One must understand that the true affirmations are not in self-contained isolation but in true continuity. Manifestation can be strengthened only in a fearless affirmation of an order of succession. This consideration appears simple enough for children, and in it is contained the power of solidarity. Yet organized solidarity is still not realized. Often people try to limit a manifestation, bringing obvious harm. Any dismemberment is as an axe upon a living organism.
Maintain solidarity, almost forgotten on Earth. It is better to err in the order of succession than to break and dismember.
236. It may be asked what to do with traitors. Liars and sluggards are easy to expel, but it is impossible not to suppress treason.
We may cite a case when one of Our coworkers permitted treason. The sentinel on guard said to him: "Be your own judge." As if nothing had happened, the traitor smirked at him and went on living. But in a year, deprived of sleep, he awaited death, fearing it. Fear of death is the weightiest self-judgment. Fear of death shuns growth and envies each one who welcomes a change of life. An indescribable terror is the fear of death; it is not a spur to flight, but a freezing paralysis. One may say to the potential traitor: "Beware the fear of death."
We see indeed how the structure of the community wipes away the attributes of death; how the very process of crossing becomes generally imperceptible. How cemeteries are destroyed and prisons are done away with. Is not the prison the brother of the cemetery? Labor opens the prisons. Fire purifies the cemeteries. Labor and fire — the cause and effect of energy.
237. To renounce or to multiply? Indeed, to multiply sanguinely, joyfully, but for the Common Good. The smallest hint of sectarianism or bigoted limitation will contradict the sunlike evolution of the community. Austere joy avoids darkness. Moles of forbiddance and limitations will never see the sun.
It is possible for the consciousness to assimilate a slavish complaisance to such an extent that each new acquirement of knowledge will seem a crime or madness. Could then reality endure ignorant limitations? We may speak thus for We are not anarchists but community members.
Many times have We spoken about the discipline of the will and about the command of the consciousness. Long ago was established the courage of responsibility. Now we must direct our keenness toward the extermination of the narrowness of sectarianism and superstition. The sectarian dreams of seizing power for the subjugation of everything to his own inflexible consciousness. The superstitious man most of all is afraid lest he call up, as it by an accidental movement, any alien sign; and he thinks about himself a great deal. Superstition and sectarianism are signs of a very low consciousness, for the potential of creative power has been reduced to nothingness for one to whom the principle of containment is foreign.
In every way it is necessary to expose superstition and sectarianism. Do not feel reluctant to stop upon these questions, because in this way you will destroy falsehood and tear.
The community is the depository of all possibilities and all accumulations. Each one who diminishes the boundaries and the power of the community becomes a traitor. The community is the chalice of sunlike joy.
238. The coals of conflagration are rushing along, and the old world is summoning all its strength. How to perceive the windings of the boundary lines? They intersect countries, cities, homes, families — even people are separated by half-way thinking. Is it worth while to take into account all the tortuous turns of the old world?
In legends giants crossed the seas, breaking off monolithic rocks. Let us resemble the giants and our thoughts the monoliths. Let us dispel any timid half-wayness, as otherwise it will take possession of us and deliver us to a shameful execution by beating with accounting books. We know monolithic thinking.
When conflagrations are strong, think monolithically.
239. It happens that the most indisputable plan may be subjected to impediments. It will be asked how to find a solution without excessive expenditure of energy. There may be a change in the substance of the plan, or in its dimensions, or in location. To alter the plan in its essential nature is equal to betrayal. Curtailment of the plan in its dimensions is equal to short-sigh led ness. Our solution will be in a shifting of place, so that new conditions will still more enhance the basic significance. We do not approve of the principle "to light and perish." It is more courageous not to lose one's forces and to conquer. Hut for this is needed full realization of (lie soundness of direction and the invincibility of tension.
We love arrow-shooting. The unwavering tension of the bowstring precedes the flight of the arrow. Space sings, and the spiral drawn into action increases the usefulness of the particles of matter. Thus new armor is being forged.
How fortunate it is if a new place can be found which enhances the potential of the preceding one. Do not limit a plan by deciding upon one place only — the essence of the plan is important.
Let us speak to those who by night slink along and whisper and by day are silent. Tell them about fitting words; otherwise they will sink into the darkness of the night. Propose to them, without a command of the consciousness, to make progress in a new life. The new life is still badly shaped; the essence of evolution is still not expressed. But he who knows whither he is going passes around the mire of the path.
240. Could one remain satisfied with a life of personal enrichment? Could one appropriate for oneself the free primary matter which saturates every object? Learn to sense the inevitable presence of matter in each object. Often people agree upon acknowledging the matter in a distant ether, but they consider it absurd to acknowledge the matter in objects fashioned for everyday usage. Whereas, recognition of lofty matter in each object raises one's concept of all the details of life.
True, you will find mistrust everywhere. Indeed, people will speak about the metaphysics of your reasonings, precisely when you will be referring to scientific physical observations. Pay no attention to the arguments of the ignorant. Only one thing is important: to consider World Cooperation as an absolute necessity of evolution.
Ignorance, obstinacy, baseness, cannot serve as obstacles to the establishment of the community. It is necessary to accept the immutability of the evolution of cooperation. It is necessary to turn each hour of life into vital progressive movement. Can one live as a blind adder?
You know where you are awaited, and who looks forward to receiving your message. This will give wings to your hasty solitary journey.
241. When you come — come as if forever. When you depart — depart as if forever. When you come, possess everything because you have renounced everything. When you depart, leave everything because all has been assimilated. Affirm renunciation amid goods and chattels. Affirm possession in the midst of the desert. It you perceive a thirst for things, quench it.
Verbal renunciation is like the gesture of a monkey. Ask your interlocutor how he thinks about the community. Affirm your understanding from this thinking. A word contains a thousand thoughts. It is too crude to attribute to a word a precise expressiveness. Only comparison of concepts can determine the quality of thinking. Ask him what is for him most unacceptable. By what is he most attracted? Ask more than once, as otherwise the most important will be forgotten. People have not been accustomed to define clearly the unacceptable. Decrepit man does not agree, but fears to account for it to himself. A child is attracted to something but does not know how to reflect about the basic cause. The new age is in need of responsible clarity. How indispensable it is to force people to think about the causes of non-acceptance! Revelation of the causes is halfway to acceptance.
I have, because I have renounced.
242. One is obliged to encounter people who ridicule each word unintelligible to them. Their receptive apparatus is covered with calluses of ignorance. For example, if to them is said — "Shambhala," they will take this concept of reality to be a fetish — superstition. What are the signs of the time of Shambhala? The signs of the age of truth and cooperation.
Trace how the word Shambhala is uttered in the East. Try to penetrate, even in a small way, into the ideology of this concept. Try to understand the rhythm of structure of speech about Shambhala, and you will perceive a great reality which causes the harp-strings of humanity to vibrate. Let reason help you to ponder on the values accumulated by the best strivings. In the book "Community" the concept of Shambhala cannot be omitted.
Friends, apprehend what a tensed and beautiful time the present is!
243. Departing from Our mountains, you will inevitably experience a feeling of anguish. This sensation, with a psychic basis, is unavoidably augmented by the impossibility of relating what has taken place. Apart from exceptional, indicated cases, no one who has been with Us will tell anything.
I advise him who wishes to reach Our Community to add to his knowledge. After the general school education, the people of the West usually forsake knowledge, or else they draw out from knowledge a tenuous thread of specialization instead of weaving the whole network of the catch.
When We say, "Know," We are insisting upon a many-sided survey and mastery of possibilities.
The dream to return to the mountain valley, where it is possible to increase knowledge, will constantly lead to the attainment. It is necessary to remember that the influx of knowledge should be incessant. Chiefly, preserve the striving which propels all the systems of cognition.
Striving is the key to the lock.
244. We often speak to you about the new and the young. Once and for all, We wish it understood that under these concepts is meant not age in years, but newness of consciousness and the youth of striving. Length of beard has no significance, and of no value is the affirmation of being under age. The flame of aspiration does not depend upon the body. The magnet of the primary substance is manifested independently of events taking place. Indeed, the concept of the magnet transcends the physical sphere. Apply the magnet to the psychic domain and you obtain a most valuable observation. The association of ideas has a certain basis in the magnetic wave. If one will investigate the passage of magnetic waves, it will be possible to establish the advancement of ideas in the same direction. The quality of the ideas may be different but the technique of their spreading will be similar. A certain experiment on the connection of the magnet with thinking gives an adequate example of the influence of a physical invisible energy upon the psychic process. The qualities of magnets are diverse; they can be tuned like instruments. The scope of magnetic wave-length is inconceivable. Their reaction on people is not according to age but to psychic aspiration. For distant radiations, magnetic waves serve as an exceptional conductor. Thus, we began with distant horizons and end with that future task of humanity.
Observe, the system of exposition is followed not in monotony but in the spiral of diverse conditions of one aspiration.
Think about magnetic waves and about psychic striving.
245. Adaptability is the best means for conservation of forces. Often it is asked how to develop this quality. The development of adaptability actually takes place in the current of life. To all is known the sensation of the boundaries of spheres. When you go out of a playhouse into the gray street, it seems to you that you have fallen into a lower sphere. When after solemn festivities you turn to ordinary toil, you become struck with the sad everydayness. When out of the dismal cold you enter a beautiful building, it appears to be the crown of perfection. A sluggish adaptability produces a series of false concepts. This falseness makes you timid and awkward. People cringe before the mirage of an effect. They constrict their own concepts before something unexpected, whereas everything must take place in an opposite manner. Sternly accustom yourselves to the reception of contrasting sensations, to the grasping of unexpectedness. All is expected, because all is realized.
The falseness of a mirage compels one to be afraid of certain expressions. You begin to tear the word "spirit," although you know that this is a certain state of matter. You fearfully avoid the word "Creator," though you well know that each material formation has its creator. Falsehood and fear are poor advisers. A great number of superstitions can be cited which make adults comparable to children. We urge that you abandon all superstitions and learn reality in everything. Pity those who jump on one foot. This spectacle calls to mind a fairy tale wherein the nurse, in order to prevent the child from running away, suggested to him that it was a sign of high birth to walk on one leg.
246. The man who is not free, who thinks of himself, who acts for himself, is plunged into an ocean of false currents. The man even remodels his speech into a manifestation of external expression that is in conformity with his egotism. Pay attention to how accents are displaced on words of foreign tongue, in disregard of meaning and philology. People recut alien sounds to fit the custom of their own country. Indeed, the self-conceit of ignorance and a contempt for the neighbor are indicated in the distortion of speech. To reason out and to penetrate into the meaning of a neighbor's feeling is incompatible with the coarseness of petty self-conceit. The feeling of irresponsibility and the undiscarded sense of ownership create the feudal lords of our contemporary times.
Notice that he who mutilates the meaning of speech, through senseless displacement of accents, will be a man who lacks comprehension of evolution. The sensitive man prefers to use simple expressions in order not to destroy a meaning unknown to him. No one can listen to a messenger who distorts the meaning of his mission.
Condemning one, turn to yourself! Unfair owner, do not forget that someone else's infatuation for possessions is only a reflection of your own! First of all, be concerned with the scope of your own consciousness. It the beast of ownership has not been forever engulfed by your consciousness, you remain not free, enticed by the mirage of Maya. Learning, one may solve the difficult problem of possessions in the joy of enlightenment.
It is permitted the baker to eat all the bread, but he does not do it. The man who has cognized the essence of all things is not in need of them. The consciousness must be the object of primary consideration. Take realistically everything within the boundaries of all life.
He who is not free, who acts for himself, sinks into an ocean of false currents.
247. When lightning singes the wings, when thunder alarms the ear, when the anchors of earthly well-being disappear, then will Our messenger knock. The smile of contentment does not open the door to him. The wooden beam of self-conceit closes the entrance to him. The obvious will become apparent to him who wishes to receive the guest. Although the path of evolution is unalterable, each one disposes for himself. The sword-blade is being forged, but the pile of dross — contentment — grows. Signs of the extinction of light are appearing. In the forge the sword-blade has already been tempered. Affirmed are manifestations of a wonderful New World. There is still much rubbish, but the ashes of the dross is the cradle of the blade. One may know all the imperfection, but slander against the New World will be a stumbling block on the path. The Dragon is still alive. Every blade must be raised from the ashes. The spine of the Dragon has hidden the distant worlds. The enemy has concealed the entrance into the World of Light, but the stars will appear through the rifts in the spine. The pit of refuse does not bring despondency, but the golden spine of the Dragon raises as an allurement. Let us take up all swords directed at the Dragon and count them again attentively.
It is time to make ready the Banner of Maitreya.
Who said that the time of Maitreya is without lightning and without whirlwind!
We prefer to test you in flight.
248. With difficulty crumbles down the little house of decrepit prejudices.
First of all, let us keep in mind that it is impossible to retard the process of ripening fruit. Let us review the pages of history: The time came for liberation of thought, and the stakes of the Inquisition blazed; yet thought flowed on. The time came for people's rule, and the firing squad began to thunder. The time came for the development of technics, and the retrogrades were terrified; but the machines moved on, pulsating in the tempo of evolution. Now has come the time for realization of psychic energy. All inquisitors, retrogrades, wiseacres and ignorant ones may be terrified, but the possibility of the new attainments of humanity has ripened in all its incalculable potentiality. Inquisitors and retrogrades may build jails and insane asylums which will be fit enough for them later in labor colonies. But to turn back the matured step of evolution is impossible. Just as it is impossible to deprive humanity of all the ways of communication.
The denier of evolution can withdraw into hermit life and dream about the delights of regress. But life itself, reality itself, will indicate new, incontestable manifestations. Only the judicious mind of a realist places these manifestations into a scientifically conceived, orderly scheme. All the near-sighted mystics and the petty conventional literati will be in the place of the ignorant. The banner of the newly realized energy is being raised. Each new acquisition must fill every heart with joy. The thinking of the community member must throb at the possibilities of new, useful studies of reality.
We summon to knowledge, for only knowledge can assist in absorbing the complex of apparent contradictions. The laws of great "Aum" are identical in all conditions.
Know, know, know, otherwise the little house of decrepit prejudices will not crumble away.
249. Be not late with the study of psychic energy. Be not late in applying it. Otherwise an ocean of waves will wash away all the dikes, turning the current of thinking into chaos. Adopt the slogan: "He who does not delay is not late." Reject not the maxim of the realist about preciseness in labor. Only without delay and in clarity of thinking is it possible to distinguish the constructions of communities.
Tell friends how difficult are the times, and that what is allowed to slip by does not return. Tell them that the Teaching of the Community must proceed in accord with the manifestations of energy. The usual mistake is to try to separate social from scientific constructions. It is difficult to picture the scientist apart from the social structure. During acceleration of evolution is it conceivable to remain in seclusion? Is it possible to sleep through the lightning manifestations? Fearlessly and without self-pity must one take up the burden of vigilance. There is no weariness when devastation is at the gates; when the power of psychic energy can gush forth in an irresistible current. Compare your situation with that in Holland, where the level of the sea is often higher than the land. What vigilance of watch must there be in guarding the canals and dikes!
Accept the flow of psychic energy as a bountiful wave. The loss of these possibilities represents an irreparable harm to the communities. Leave it to the old world to be afraid of the study of psychic energy.
But you, young, strong and unprejudiced, investigate by all means, and accept the gift lying at your gates.
Observe with an eagle eye, and with the leap of a lion take possession of the ordained power. Delay not! Manifest a yearning for the teaching of reality.
250. The manifestation of atomic energy is connected with the investigation of psychic energy and with the study of the theory of magnets. Without these factors it is possible to appropriate only certain manifestations of primary energy. It is necessary to strive zealously toward simplicity in quests.
Say to them that desires to connect the thread of what is physically visible with what is physically ponderable but usually imperceptible to the eye must be expressed vehemently. Carry out an experiment of photographing physical radiations and formations. The strong tones of the radiation will be manifested even when photographing in daylight. Such prints may astound petty deniers. It would be possible also to show several other experiments known to you, but they would suspect you of the miraculous. For children even the dinner table seems an unheard-of miracle. We, however, knowing children's habits, will speak in the scientific terms of yesterday.
It is strange to observe by what unexpected paths humanity approaches the new entrances. The tactics of approach of the adversary may become amazingly complicated. It is impossible to guess how an outworn thinking will turn about in order not to disturb its own little house of cards.
Where then is the finite? Yet like a hammer strikes the Infinite. From this very same Infinity wings grow through courageous cognition.
Do not struggle against the slowness of ascent of certain characters — they are afraid they will appear ridiculous. Others seek their way in their individual expressions. So much the better; let them discover for themselves, as it were. But awaken the quests for knowledge. Let them manifest their conjectures.
Let them accumulate experience in full individuality.
We prefer the alertness of experience to the tear of faith.
251. Contemporary industry and the entire production of objects has become so unbalanced, in quantity and quality, that for the time being they preclude the possibility of a proper distribution of things. Forcible and indiscriminate distribution engenders craftiness and lies. Can one expect new possibilities in inaction, or should one deepen the consciousness in its essence? You remember the words of Buddha about the disciple surrounded with things yet consciously renouncing personal ownership. It is useless to try to take away objects forcibly and thus create a passion for trash. The most important thing is to carry out rationally an educational program on the debasing significance of possession. It is not important that someone remain in his own armchair, but it is important that youth realize the absurdity of having its own chair. It is necessary that this consciousness be manifested not as a denial but as a free conquest. When, liberated from craftiness, people will learn of the impracticality of personal ownership, then a collective of coworkers will grow up.
252. The poisonous breath of possession can be destroyed only by a clearly conceived school program. Literature against possession does not exist. Only a few have conquered the dragon of trash. But many dream about personal acquisitions. How veracious must historical comparisons be! How strictly must be collected biological details, in order to demonstrate the illegality and the futility of possession. The laws of the properties of matter testify that possession does not conform to the nature of man.
Understand, it is necessary to put oneself wholly into the conquest of the fundamentals of liberation. Be able to look courageously into a shallow well-how quickly the surface grows scummy, and there is a thorny growth above the stagnant water. Let us deepen what has been started.
253. Indeed, imagination is only reflection. From nothing, nothing is born. It is difficult to imagine the indestructibility in space. An evident destruction of complete manifestations penetrates the brain. The destruction of whole epochs appears obvious. How to understand the reality of the densification of space? Many symptoms are before the eyes, yet people do not know how to correlate what is taking place. Let us take an example: it is already known that psychic energy can imperatively ask humanity for admittance. Already noticed is the manifestation of strange illnesses in which vital energy flows away without visible causes. But here the cause and effect are not correlated.
Thus, a case known to you could have taught you how necessary is the study and application of psychic energy. A wave of psychic energy would have restored vitality and bestowed a new joy of being. But for this it is needful to be conscious of psychic energy, that is, to enter into the rhythm of evolution. Instead of that, the sick are stuffed with mixtures and potions. There where help would be easy they begin to prepare submissively for death.
When We summon to the realization of psychic energy, We are not thinking of turning people into magicians; We are only indicating the next step of evolution and urging in the name of the community not to let the date slip by. Hasten to supply yourselves with strength and thus assist the proximate evolution.
Certainly evolution will take place, but why be crushed when a song of joy has been ordained!
254. When you meet with a valuable object on the road, covered with mud, you do not pass haughtily by. You pick up your find and cleanse the mud from it. Likewise when you encounter a valuable man covered with mire, you interrupt your pace and endeavor to cleanse him. It is the duty of the community member to affirm justice. The Teaching cannot reject true values. The community cannot deliberate as to whether he is ours or he is not ours. The community says that either he is valuable for evolution or he is not. The most severe choice is that according to essence. Austere goalfitness obliges one to preserve the true treasures. Lose no time in defending the values. Each hour counts. And reject expressions of uncertainty. And each value is to you as the sail is to the ship.
Great values have clearly been cast in the mud before you. The paths to the World Community are being definitely besmirched. Each one can endure the greatest misfortune if there is confidence in the Watch of the Community. It is necessary to preserve this confidence, otherwise it is the end!
Just as you would cleanse a poor found diamond, likewise should you cleanse the mud from the faces of great toilers!
255. Do not keep up discussions with the ignorant. Maintain obvious silence if you become aware of irresponsibility in your interlocutor. Affirm your own knowledge with silence. Let not other people becloud your view. Teach your young friends to keep silent where there is no bridge to one's consciousness. Teach them to brandish the sword only once, if an arrow of insult is let fly.
256. Roaring must be listened to without shuddering. It is necessary to understand where the source of the roaring is. The ear must distinguish the roar of the tiger from a cry of victory. It is necessary to appraise the outburst of cries by the intensified human consciousness, so as to pass over this noisy stream. The cost of the path amid hostile cries is much higher than that of the path of solitude.
257. The manifestation of diseases may be understood as pricks of pan-human substance. It is clearly evident that people of developed consciousness are often ill. Headache, ailments of the eyes, teeth, extremities, are referable to the psychic domains. You heard this long ago. Cancer, tuberculosis, diseases of liver and spleen, as well as enlargement of the heart — all these result from an unbalanced state of the psychic centers. Only the application of psychic energy can shield the better people. Otherwise, like sponges they will absorb the excess ills of humanity.
Not without reason do We insist upon realization of psychic energy — the time has come!
258. Let us turn once more to the mirage of Maya. Clearly there will loom before you the evident futility of working upon humanity. How obvious are the traits of mutual abasement! How prominent are hypocrisy and falsehood! How stifling the ignorance and deadly laziness! This mirage of evidence clouds the horizon of reality. But as the white elephant of Maitreya reality marches on.
When falsehood and self-conceit apparently rule, then indeed there has arrived a great turning point in evolution. The whisperer of the night departs into darkness.
The stronger the thunder, the more powerful the lightning. All reiterate — the New Age arrives in storm and lightning. For the lightning there are needed positive and negative energies. It Maya does not furnish the negative evidence, how then can Hash forth the sword-blade of positive reality?
We say briefly that never before on the planet has thought about cooperation been raised to the extent that it is at present.
You will perceive all mirages and will know the unfailing reality of the approach of World cooperation. The force of reciprocal action must be great. The glare of the lightning's hammer must be blinding and the thunder must be deafening. Each evidence must serve unfailing reality.
Let your friends enlighten their consciousness with the lightning of reality. Let us turn no more to the mirage of Maya nor dream of quenching thirst from its visionary lakes. Manifestation of evolution is immutable. The consciousness of immutability will illumine your path!
259. One may inquire how to name the method of the Teaching. It may be called the method of opening of the ways. Consider next the opening of the centers. Inner feeling must prompt as to how carefully one should safeguard the individuality. Least suitable of all is the system of the usual lectures.
There may be calls to the multitude, but construction proceeds by way of individual discourses. One of Our Teachers usually would just begin a proposition, leaving it to the disciple to complete the thought. Thus He built up a free interchange of thought.
The principle of freedom of approach, freedom of service, freedom of labor must be safeguarded. The manifestation of burden at the beginning is only a sign of imperfection. Affirmation of the manifestation of wisdom will be in the steadfast landmarks surrounding the projected figure of knowledge.
Opening the right door will give the right direction.
260. Let us affirm justice. Each one will receive his just deserts. The impetuous, the courageous, the cowardly, the lazy — all will come for their wages. Reassure them, cleanse them, and point to the entrance. He who can understand will knock until admitted.
The Teacher senses that the shield grows incandescent. There comes to life the ordained fairy-tale. Symbols and signs are passing by on the Earth, and only the deaf are not aroused. I perceive beauty. The Teaching is manifested in a special way, unique and unrepeatable, toward the same goal yet in a new flight — evident and invisible! Thus is it possible to define the step of the New World.
When the house was ablaze, people still played at dice and mistook the smoke of the fire for the smoke of the hearth.
Count the hours, for now it is impossible to reckon by days. Can it be that you hear not the noise of the wave!
261. In the life of every association there may occur a situation wherein a development in one certain direction may bring harmful results. Then the guiding leader must find a path of new tasks, broad enough to absorb the friction. Let us not call the friction rivalry or worse names. In dangerous straits ships go in single file; likewise, in the development of the community there may be need to disconnect the movement of the participants. Instead of possible harm, there may result an acquirement of new domains. When the muscles swell out, know how to provide an outlet for the energy. If crowding of movement is not forestalled, then dissention is assured.
Manifestation of diversity of tasks is indispensable, otherwise the forces of the growing consciousness will collide. It depends upon the leader to avoid turning useful forces into a jar of scorpions. Fortunately, there are so many current tasks that it is not difficult to direct the forces to an urgent problem. Often the growth of forces is confused with antagonism. Often instead of calm application of a possibility, the coals of hatred are fanned.
I advise all associations not to let this psychological moment slip by, but opportunely to provide a new task. I see that it is possible to avoid complications through a pledge of victory by the most practical methods. The Teaching of reality must respond to the sweep of the intricate current of evolution. The process of new world structures must be securely shielded.
262. With sadness do We look upon those who could not formulate right words. There was yet an hour for affirmation, but phantoms have overshadowed reality and the possibility has gone by. Where then, on what road, will you meet the messenger? How many seas will you swim in order to re-state one word not harkened to? How to recapture a lost opportunity? As a masterless house stands unapplied thought. An unusual light has flashed out, but it has been mistaken for a table candle
Striving by way of the unusual has been confused with the customary porridge. Now one will have to search and to knock. No one will help, because the cause has produced its effect.
Point out to friends that they should follow the sparks of possibilities as keenly as a falcon. Find time to comprehend how suddenly the messenger comes and how contentment seals the eyes. Verily, each lost message lies as a heavy burden; therefore resound in time.
No one advises to receive the first messenger poorly in order that the second come more quickly. The world has one hope — to by-pass the unusual and to throw ashes upon any message about a new consciousness. Find words of worth and weight!
263. Testing and privation. How solemnly and pompously people deck out these concepts! But you know that testing is the improvement of quality and privation the acquirement of possibilities. Man tests himself, cognizing the properties of matter unknown to him. Man divests himself of ignorance and thus opens for himself new possibilities. Where there was despondency in ignorance, there comes jubilation over the attainment of knowledge.
It will be said, "We have renounced joy for the community." Reply, "What a graveyard your community is, if it is built on lenten oil!" How tearfully despondent are the privations! How they smack their lips at forbidden dainties!
The suffering of privations is unknown to Us, for containment excludes privation. Our Teaching represents the world as rich, joyous and attractive. Nowhere are fetters and floggings indicated. Like a ship filled with treasures does the indicated community rush along. Realization of the innumerable properties of matter brightly illuminates all. The matter of yesterday is clothed in a radiant fabric of energy, which is not in need of a new name but which penetrates all space and palpitates with the rainbow of human rejoicing.
Whither then have dissolved privations and gloomy testings, when one electron of a substance can pour out an entire stream of blessing?
Count the hours of the approach of new decisions!
264. Before departing accept a small reminder; it will not constrain the wayfarers. Knowing the place to find coworkers, you will never remain alone. It would be senseless to leave coworkers in ignorance What then compels strangers not to trust to communication with Our Community? Either complete ignorance or envy. They wish to be admitted to the Central Apparatus, not having the slightest idea as to how to make use of it, and not thinking how responsible a matter it is to approach the Source of Energy. Affirmation of the Teaching of life permits approach to the most perilous levers. But without practical experience no explanation is of assistance.
Now, how is it possible to broaden the consciousness if past experience is not applied? True, enlightenment is possible, but this occurrence is so rare that it is not mentioned. Yet even experienced knowledge must be brought out; otherwise it will wander about like flakes of unsettled reactions. Amid the monotony of conventionalities only a few sense the reality of Cosmos. Among these scrolls of births, sicknesses, sorrows and deaths few will find the scroll of the path without end and without beginning. How to tell the hungry one about eternity? Based upon present experience, he will imagine eternal hunger. Who then, and where, is he who first breaking bread will lead to eternity? Bread of the Earth and Knowledge are manifested only in cooperation.
New coworkers, does joy glow within you when you think about the community?
265. When the direction has been ascertained, when the consciousness has been verified, when determination has been weighed, then must be found the word expressing the step. The Light-force burns the darkness — thus has been defined the current three-year period. But amidst these three-year periods there did terminate a seven-year period of enlightenment. As briefly we can define the new seven-year period — struggle is the name for it. Struggle in full consciousness, in resoluteness, with no retreat.
You know about the renewal of the organism every seven years; one may observe the same phases in actions. At present the indicated struggle takes on a new meaning. Humanity is clamoring at the impossibility of remaining in ignorance. The community stands as the only door to progress. Let the interpretations of the community be many and varied, yet its channel is one. Pushing off from the old shore, humanity inevitably will reach the indicated, evolutional, upright cliff of the New World. Only the blind do not perceive the unprecedented acceleration of the symptoms of evolution. Each branch of life points to the development of concepts. Manifestations of dates are affirmed not in the secret laboratory but in everyday life. Entire vortices of world energy illumine the future path. Such a manifestation of energy is naturally supported by all the elements. Gravitation toward evolution will compel all to rise into the struggle of worlds.
Those who speak about the approach of peaceful construction do not know the dates. The struggle responds to the cosmic current.
You set forth not in a tranquil hour but at the dawn of the New World. We wish to give you for your journey a magnet, as a reminder of the study of as yet hidden properties of matter. We give you also a chip from a meteorite. This fragment will remind you of the study of basic energy, of the great Aum.
266. We solicitously deter to your strivings, and We expect from you the same sensitiveness. We shield you on all paths and We expect the same considerateness.
Where there is even an embryo of cooperation, there repudiation is out of place. A sober mind clearly distinguishes friends.
According to Our custom, all arguments are assumed to have been exhausted before there is a severance. I see no obstacles to cooperation, but We can organize ten new groupings. Certainly the realization of World Cooperation must grow. The obstinacy of ignorance will be no obstacle.
Your books stand in Our libraries. Are Our books likewise to be found in your libraries? We can talk about your books. Have you read Ours?
We place knowledge in the foundation of the Community, setting no limits to it. We place experience and good-will in the foundation of the Community. We manifest the best conditions for the success of friends. Let Us know your intentions toward Us.
267. Two sailors were shipwrecked and cast away on a desert island. Both nearly perished from hunger and terror, for they considered themselves forever cut off from the world. A ship picked them up. And later there was erected on the island a strong light. house. These same two sailors remained at the light. house to save the other perishing ones. Now their frame of mind was altered. They were happy, directing the light of rescue and no longer feeling themselves cut off from the world. This means that realization of communion with the world and of usefulness to others completely transforms people. Work in common is a pledge of success.
268. He who wishes to live, lives. Amazing is the ability to withstand danger when the meaning of life is clear. No one can affirm himself by spiritless commands only. Violence is a survival. It is necessary to strive toward different, effective measures. The study of energies will indicate how many of the subtlest possibilities have been given to humanity. But it should be kept in mind that the most frightful explosions can result from a single touch or vibration — thus it happens with the coarsest explosive substances. What then shall one say about the most powerful, the subtlest energies? And moving amid such unrealized forces — is thought.
269. Life will grow stronger not through mechanics but through the ideas of communal life. A man who joins a settlement cannot be an enemy of all his neighbors. Good relationships must be established, and only cooperation will lead to effective good. It is necessary to adopt a rational exchange — thus we arrive at that which is called the cooperative. But cooperation will not be durable if in its basis lie concealment and cupidity. Confidence is indispensable. Partnership based on trust was the first form of the cooperative. Indeed, everything must be perfected. Thus, since that time science has yielded so many new achievements that communal life can become not only a matter of business but also one of the heart. The Living Ethics enters as a consolidating principle.
270. It is necessary to strengthen each other. An entire science can be founded to elucidate the reaction of energies. Psychic energy itself, inherent in every man, is in need of hygiene. One need not assume in this anything supernatural; the new life will cognize substance in all infinitude. Therefore it is necessary to unite, affirming communal life on a world basis with lucidity and serenity.
271. The cooperative is not a shop but a cultural institution. There may be also trade within it, but its basis must be one of enlightenment. Only along such lines is it possible to apply cooperation to the new life. Such unity is not easy: people have been accustomed to combining commerce with cupidity. Such an error is difficult to eradicate. But undeferrably, by way of school education, should the significance of healthy exchange be brought out. Earning money is not greediness. To receive wages for work is not a crime. One can see that labor is the one just value. Thus, without agitations and confusion it is possible to expound everything under the banner of Enlightenment and Peace.
272. Peace is the crown of cooperation. We know many equivalent concepts — cooperation, collaboration, community, cooperative — these are most hearty, unifying fundamentals, like beacons in the darkness. People must not become afraid at the thought of a good fortune of their near ones, but must rejoice, because the happiness of a near one is our own happiness. The Great Helpers of humanity do not abandon the Earth so long as sufferings go unhealed. Wholehearted fellowship can easily heal the wounds of a friend — but it is necessary to develop the art of thinking in the name of Good. And this is not easy amid the day's hustle and bustle. But the examples of the Great Helpers of humanity can encourage and infuse new forces.
273. Humanity must suffer very much before it comes to an understanding of the advantage of unity. Most destructive forces have been directed for the purpose of obscuring the embryos of unification. Each unifying agent is subject to personal danger. Each peace-maker is disparaged. Each worker is ridiculed. Each builder is called madman. Thus the servants of dissolution try to drive from the face of the Earth the Banner of Enlightenment. Work is impossible amid enmities. Construction is inconceivable amid explosions of hatred. Fellowship is battling with man-hatred.
Let us keep in memory these old Covenants.
274. Can there be in the community associations of women, men, and children? Assuredly there can. True associations can be formed following many categories — of age, sex, occupation, and of thought. It is necessary that such branches grow healthy; and not only should they not impede the strivings of people, but they should help each other — and this assistance should be voluntary. One should contribute to the success of each sensible act of unification. Indeed, when cooperations are of varied nature, then blossoming becomes especially possible. We do not put on shackles, but broaden the horizon. Let children take up the most introspective problems. Let women carry aloft the ordained Banner. Let men give Us joy by constructing the City. Thus, above the transitory will stand out the signs of Eternity.
275. When calculations become complex and Infinity is obscured, then will be remembered anew the simplest principle: from heart to heart — such is the law of fraternity, community, fellowship.
Toiler, when the energy is transmuted into an ocean of light, does the consciousness quiver or expand?
Toiler, is thy heart fearful or exultant when before thee looms Infinity?
