Changes

===TR: [[Rebecca]]===

===TR: [[Rebecca]]===

==Session==

==Session==

===ANGELIC CONTACT===

===='''''[[Angelic Contact]]'''''====

Q: Rayson, does the angelic realm - is it common that the angelic realm, specifically the Guardian Seraphim, ever communicate with us metaphorically, or through symbols or through coincidences, or synchronicity? Or is that a function of the human mind/psychology, or wilful thinking as opposed to actual contact?

A: Yes, all of the [[contacts]] you mentioned do occur and may occur. And as you become more [[spiritually]] [[attuned]] you may well [[perceive]] such things. You in particular, (S), because of your own special [[gifts]], may be especially aware of the workings of [[Heavenly helpers|the helpers]]. Of course, [[superstitious]] persons may attribute many [[accidents]] or [[coincidences]] to [[seraphic beings]] or other sorts of [[entities]] and be in [[error]], but this is not important other than as an [[observation]] at this [[point]] in your [[existence]]. I would not be troubled by it, but rather gladdened, if your inner sense is that you are being [[guided]] in such a way. (05/22/93)

Today's lesson is on [[beauty]]. Beauty is much needed by [[beings]] of imperfect [[creation]] and yet its true [[nature]] is subject to considerable misunderstanding. Therefore I shall offer a [[simple]] [[definition]] of beauty. Beauty is that [[creation]] of [[the Father|Father]] which heightens the [[awareness]] of all who behold of true [[spiritual]] [[meaning]]. When you, for example, behold [[beauty]], your [[Thought Adjuster]] is made [[aware]] of your [[perception]] because beauty is a creation of Father and, as with all things, imbued with [[the Father|Father]]'s [[qualities]]. [[Awareness]] of beauty sends a direct [[meaning]] and [[signal]] to your [[Thought Adjuster]] which is in turn [[transmitted]] to [[Paradise]], as are all Thought Adjuster signals, for [[recording]] and sometimes direction, [[guidance]], answer.

A: Yes, all of the contacts you mentioned do occur and may occur. And as you become more spiritually attuned you may well perceive such things. You in particular, (S), because of your own special gifts, may be especially aware of the workings of the helpers. Of course, superstitious persons may attribute many accidents or coincidences to seraphic beings or other sorts of entities and be in error, but this is not important other than as an observation at this point in your existence. I would not be troubled by it, but rather gladdened, if your inner sense is that you are being guided in such a way. (05/22/93)

Does this mean that [[animals]] do not [[perceive]] [[beauty]]? Yes, that is correct. And indeed those [[mortals]] with indwelling [[Adjusters]] who turn away from [[the Father|Father]]'s works will have little, if any, [[understanding]] of true [[beauty]] and, instead, substitute [[self]]-created [[definitions]] of beauty. These, of course, will be easily seen through by the [[spiritually]] uplifted and aware, such as yourselves. Behold [[beauty]] and you are closer to [[God]]. Behold beauty and you gain [[wisdom]]. Behold beauty and you [[possess]] a bit more [[truth]]. Behold beauty and you [[share]] [[the Father|Father]]'s [[love]]. Behold beauty, and you step forward in your [[spiritual growth]]. Behold beauty and become yourself [[beautiful]], as was [[Jesus]] and [[Melchizedek]] and his [[visitation]] to [[this planet]]. Behold beauty and you will [[recognize]] it immediately upon [[representation]] and always will know it as [[different]] and special and not like anything of [[mortal]] [[creation]].  

Does this mean that [[beauty]] should be [[worshiped]]? Worship is not quite the right [[action]] to undertake for [[God]]'s [[qualities]]. It is God that you will [[worship]], should worship, are invited to worship. God's qualities are for you to [[emulate]], to hold close, to [[share]], to [[revere]]. [[Truth, beauty, goodness]] and [[love]] are qualities of Father that all are His [[gifts]] to you, and each in its own stead contributes to your [[spiritual]] [[nourishment]]. Enjoy Father's [[gifts]], they will enrich your lives immensely. [[Share]] them with your [[neighbor]]. It has been said that there is nothing of [[the Father|Father]]'s creation that is not [[beautiful]]. You may wish to [[ponder]] this a bit. It is essentially true. And, of course, it is the answer to the developing [[adolescent]] who is tempted to [[ridicule]] his [[neighbor]] as [[ugly]]. And yet, you may say, "but are there not [[ugly]] [[acts]]?" Yes, there are [[choices]] that [[freewill]] [[creatures]] are [[permitted]] to make which can lead to adverse outcomes, sometimes quite unpleasant. This is [[ugly]]. The one who makes a [[freewill]] [[choice]] to reject the [[Adjuster]]'s promptings and turn away from Father may be [[perceived]] by the spiritual [[self]] as unpleasant to gaze upon or [[ugly]], and yet, even this one is beloved by [[the Father|Father]].  

Today's lesson is on beauty. Beauty is much needed by beings of imperfect creation and yet its true nature is subject to considerable misunderstanding. Therefore I shall offer a simple definition of beauty. Beauty is that creation of Father which heightens the awareness of all who behold of true spiritual meaning. When you, for example, behold beauty, your Thought Adjuster is made aware of your perception because beauty is a creation of Father and, as with all things, imbued with Father's qualities. Awareness of beauty sends a direct meaning and signal to your Thought Adjuster which is in turn transmitted to Paradise, as are all Thought Adjuster signals, for recording and sometimes direction, guidance, answer. Does this mean that animals do not perceive beauty? Yes, that is correct. And indeed those mortals with indwelling Adjusters who turn away from Father's works will have little, if any, understanding of true beauty and, instead, substitute self-created definitions of beauty. These, of course, will be easily seen through by the spiritually uplifted and aware, such as yourselves. Behold beauty and you are closer to God. Behold beauty and you gain wisdom. Behold beauty and you possess a bit more truth. Behold beauty and you share Father's love. Behold beauty, and you step forward in your spiritual growth. Behold beauty and become yourself beautiful, as was Jesus and Melchizedek and his visitation to this planet. Behold beauty and you will recognize it immediately upon representation and always will know it as different and special and not like anything of mortal creation. Does this mean that beauty should be worshipped? Worship is not quite the right action to undertake for God's qualities. It is God that you will worship, should worship, are invited to worship. God's qualities are for you to emulate, to hold close, to share, to revere. Truth, beauty, goodness and love are qualities of Father that all are His gifts to you, and each in its own stead contributes to your spiritual nourishment. Enjoy Father's gifts, they will enrich your lives immensely. Share them with your neighbor. It has been said that there is nothing of Father's creation that is not beautiful. You may wish to ponder this a bit. It is essentially true. And, of course, it is the answer to the developing adolescent who is tempted to ridicule his neighbor as ugly. And yet, you may say, "but are there not ugly acts?" Yes, there are choices that freewill creatures are permitted to make which can lead to adverse outcomes, sometimes quite unpleasant. This is ugly. The one who makes a freewill choice to reject the Adjuster's promptings and turn away from Father may be perceived by the spiritual self as unpleasant to gaze upon or ugly, and yet, even this one is beloved by Father. Should you only retain what you believe is beautiful, and expel – destroy - the remainder? This is a decision reserved for the Ancients of Days alone and not for us. However, in participating in the difficult work of uplifting a world that has fallen into darkness and chaos, necessary social adjustments must be made, and recognition of that which is less godlike is certainly helpful in this regard. It is difficult for me to comment further on this line. But your Urantia book offers further guidance, if you wish it. Lucifer stated that man was too weak to live in a world in which beauty was marred. Do you think that is true? I do not believe so, either. When new arrivals come to the mansion world, there is often the comment that the beauty there is overwhelming, spectacular, awe-inspiring, comforting, loving, peaceful, truth containing, inspirational, worship-inducing. This is true, all true, and yet this is but an early step in your long journey. You are right to believe that the heaven of your ancestor's stories is a beautiful and wonderful place, and yet when Light and Life arrive on Urantia, the same will be true here, even more than is presently the case. My friends, beauty abounds on this little planet. It is all about you. There for your enjoyment and comfort. You have only to extend your perceptions and try them. That is the end of our lesson today.

Q: Thank you, Rayson. I've learned more about beauty today than I did reading the Urantia book. I think, however, that which I knew about beauty is consistent with your lesson. For example, I've always thought of beauty as being harmony, that is, harmony of colors or harmony of notes of music, or lives lived in harmony. If you would comment on the relationship between beauty and harmony, I would appreciate it.

Should you only retain what you [[believe]] is [[beautiful]], and expel – destroy - the remainder? This is a [[decision]] reserved for the [[Ancients of Days]] alone and not for us. However, in [[participating]] in the [[difficult]] work of uplifting a world that has fallen into [[darkness]] and [[chaos]], [[necessary]] [[social]] [[adjustments]] must be made, and [[recognition]] of that which is less godlike is certainly helpful in this regard. It is difficult for me to comment further on this line. But your [[Urantia book]] offers further [[guidance]], if you [[wish]] it. [[Lucifer]] stated that man was too weak to live in a world in which [[beauty]] was marred. Do you think that is true? I do not [[believe]] so, either. When new arrivals come to the [[mansion world]], there is often the comment that the [[beauty]] there is overwhelming, [[spectacular]], [[awe]]-[[inspiring]], comforting, loving, [[peaceful]], [[truth]] containing, [[inspirational]], [[worship]]-inducing. This is true, all true, and yet this is but an early step in your long [[journey]]. You are right to believe that the [[heaven]] of your [[ancestor]]'s [[stories]] is a beautiful and [[wonderful]] place, and yet when [[Light and Life]] arrive on [[Urantia]], the same will be true here, even more than is presently the case. My [[friends]], [[beauty]] abounds on [[Urantia|this little planet]]. It is all about you. There for your [[enjoyment]] and [[comfort]]. You have only to extend your [[perceptions]] and try them. That is the end of our lesson today.

A: Yes, that is an excellent question. All which is in accord with Father and Father's qualities is, of course, harmonious in the cosmic sense. You know that that applies to truth, do you not? (Yes.) And love? (Yes.) And goodness? (Yes.) So, too, with beauty, and yet it need not be a specific assortment of colors or sounds or spatial configurations even, instead it is the spiritual quality of the artist that imbues an object with its beauty. That is why it is so true that no creations of Father are anything but beautiful and indeed harmonious. Does that answer?

Q: Thank you, Rayson. I've learned more about [[beauty]] today than I did [[reading]] the [[Urantia book]]. I think, however, that which I knew about [[beauty]] is [[consistent]] with your lesson. For example, I've always [[thought]] of [[beauty]] as being [[harmony]], that is, harmony of [[colors]] or harmony of [[notes]] of [[music]], or lives lived in harmony. If you would comment on the [[relationship]] between [[beauty]] and [[harmony]], I would appreciate it.

Q: Yes. I do have a follow-up question. Would you comment on why it is that some people think that things are beautiful which others think are very unbeautiful? For instance, art, the drawing art and even in music. Do we see different qualities in it, or just what is the explanation for different tastes in art or music?

A: Yes, that is an excellent [[question]]. All which is in [[accord]] with Father and Father's [[qualities]] is, of course, [[harmonious]] in the [[cosmic]] sense. You know that that applies to [[truth]], do you not? (Yes.) And [[love]]? (Yes.) And [[goodness]]? (Yes.) So, too, with [[beauty]], and yet it need not be a specific assortment of [[colors]] or [[sounds]] or spatial [[configurations]] even, instead it is the spiritual [[quality]] of the artist that imbues an object with its [[beauty]]. That is why it is so true that no [[creations]] of [[the Father|Father]] are anything but [[beautiful]] and indeed [[harmonious]]. Does that answer?

A: Do you know of any time that Jesus commented on the lack of beauty on anything on Urantia?

Q: Yes. I do have a follow-up question. Would you comment on why it is that some people [[think]] that [[things]] are [[beautiful]] which others think are very [[Ugly|unbeautiful]]? For instance, [[art]], the [[drawing]] art and even in [[music]]. Do we see different [[qualities]] in it, or just what is the [[explanation]] for different tastes in art or music?

S: Well, I know that He was very unhappy with the conduct of the leaders of the church, the spiritual leaders, that is, but specifically in terms of beauty, no.

A: Do you know of any time that [[Jesus]] commented on the lack of [[beauty]] on anything on [[Urantia]]?

R: Perhaps the differing value in terms of beauty assigned by differing human observers is best explained in terms of selective perception, that is, what observer A sees is filtered through certain expectations that he has, while observer B has different expectations, yet if seen through the eyes of Father or Jesus or a Urantia mortal from the time of light and life, it is unlikely that there would be perception of ugliness, particularly in terms of material structures. I understand that there are different tastes among individuals and that what is pleasing to the senses of one may not necessarily be pleasing to the other, yet there is no place in the definition of beauty for physical pleasure, so perhaps this is part of the misunderstanding.

S: Well, I know that He was very unhappy with the [[conduct]] of the [[leaders]] of the church, the spiritual leaders, that is, but specifically in terms of [[beauty]], no.

S: For instance a noise that is considered caterwauling by some can be enjoyed by cats.

R: Perhaps the differing [[value]] in [[terms]] of [[beauty]] assigned by differing human [[observers]] is best explained in terms of selective [[perception]], that is, what observer A sees is filtered through certain [[expectations]] that he has, while observer B has different expectations, yet if seen through the eyes of [[the Father|Father]] or [[Jesus]] or a [[Urantia]] [[mortal]] from the time of [[light and life]], it is unlikely that there would be [[perception]] of [[ugliness]], particularly in terms of [[material]] [[structures]]. I understand that there are different tastes among [[individuals]] and that what is pleasing to the [[senses]] of one may not necessarily be pleasing to the other, yet there is no place in the [[definition]] of [[beauty]] for [[physical]] [[pleasure]], so perhaps this is part of the misunderstanding.

R: Yes or by an avant guard musician

S: For instance a [[noise]] that is considered [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caterwauling#Other_noises caterwauling] by some can be [[enjoyed]] by cats.

S: Or artist

R: Yes or by an [[avant guard]] [[musician]]

R: Or tone deaf neighbor.

S: Or [[artist]]

S: Yes, I think I understand.

R: Or [[tone]] deaf [[neighbor]].

R: The idea of beauty as that which is physically pleasurable is not a spiritual definition. This is more in keeping with catering to animal drives. Again, I refer back to the example presented in our last lesson about the teenage boy who would call the neighboring woman ugly, assuming that his adjective was chosen on the basis of a lack of sexual arousal afforded by the woman's countenance. I would say that such a definition of beauty and non-beauty is not in keeping with spiritual qualities or their lack. Does that help?

S: Yes, I think I [[understand]].

Q: It helps. Is there's a distinction between physical beauty and spiritual beauty. I know technically what the answer is, but I would like for you to comment on it.

R: The [[idea]] of [[beauty]] as that which is [[physically]] pleasurable is not a [[spiritual]] [[definition]]. This is more in keeping with catering to [[animal]] drives. Again, I refer back to the example presented in our last lesson about the [[teenage]] boy who would call the [[neighboring]] woman [[ugly]], assuming that his adjective was chosen on the basis of a lack of [[sexual]] arousal afforded by the woman's [[countenance]]. I would say that such a [[definition]] of [[beauty]] and non-beauty is not in keeping with [[spiritual]] [[qualities]] or their lack. Does that help?

A: Physical beauty and spiritual beauty can be the same when perceived by the one who is spiritually attuned with Father and, in the case of Urantia mortals the indwelling Adjuster, I mean spiritually attuned in the sense of a high level of development close to fusion, not mere contact. However, failing that, there will always be some discrepancy on the part of the observer between what is understood as spiritual beauty and what is understood as physical beauty. This is not meant to be a criticism, but merely a marker of one's growth and progress. You certainly would not be expected to understand complicated mathematical principles before you had mastered addition and subtraction. So too with the complexities of spiritual principles and qualities. The animal is attracted by, and sees beauty in, that which satisfies animal drive

Q: It helps. Is there's a [[distinction]] between [[physical]] [[beauty]] and [[spiritual]] beauty. I know technically what the answer is, but I would like for you to comment on it.

S: a comfortable place to sleep in satisfies the drive for rest, a tasty morsel to chew upon satisfies the drive to eat, a sturdy genetic product of the opposite sex satisfies the need to mate, and all three examples are representations of beauty to the animal mind. But do you truly believe that a soft mattress leads you closer to Father?

 

S: a comfortable place to [[sleep]] in [[satisfies]] the drive for [[rest]], a tasty morsel to chew upon satisfies the drive to eat, a sturdy [[genetic]] product of the [[opposite]] [[Gender|sex]] satisfies the need to [[mate]], and all three examples are [[representations]] of [[beauty]] to the animal mind. But do you truly believe that a soft mattress leads you closer to [[the Father|Father]]?

A: Not always. I would say no.

A: Not always. I would say no.

R: Of course, you need to sleep, but you understand my point.

R: Of course, you need to [[sleep]], but you [[understand]] my point.

S: Yes, I understand your point.

S: Yes, I understand your point.

Q: Then, if I understand your lesson, if the object seen, the sound heard, the scent perceived arouses a sense of gratitude to Father and appreciation of His creation, then that is beauty in a more spiritual sense and not just in a physical sense?

Q: Then, if I understand your lesson, if the object seen, the [[sound]] heard, the [[scent]] [[perceived]] arouses a sense of [[gratitude]] to Father and [[appreciation]] of His creation, then that is [[beauty]] in a more [[spiritual]] sense and not just in a [[physical]] sense?

 

 

Today's lesson will be an important subject, a very important subject, cooperation. Cooperation is a major force binding together all creatures in the universe, perfect and imperfect, mortal and immortal. Cooperation among beings of the universe approaches the importance of worship in terms of serving our father. It is a critical time for the peoples of Urantia at this time, for you have attained much technical expertise and yet lag far behind in some very important respects, socially. Competition is the order of the day. And this is not an altogether bad thing, for competition has been a great civilizing force for the beings of Urantia. Nonetheless, taken to its present extreme level, competition does certain harm to those striving for spiritual growth and development when not accompanied by a proper spirit of cooperation. As members of the Corps of Destiny, one of your goals will be to promote cooperation among your fellows. You will do this through your own living example, primarily. Your example will be that of good will and cooperative interaction with others as you go about your work and rest.

Today's lesson will be an important subject, a very important subject, [[cooperation]]. Cooperation is a major [[force]] binding [[together]] all [[creatures]] in [[the universe]], perfect and imperfect, [[mortal]] and [[immortal]]. [[Cooperation]] among [[beings]] of the universe approaches the importance of [[worship]] in terms of serving [[our Father]]. It is a [[critical]] time for the peoples of [[Urantia]] at this time, for you have [[attained]] much [[technical]] expertise and yet lag far behind in some very important respects, [[socially]]. [[Competition]] is the order of the day. And this is not an altogether bad thing, for competition has been a great civilizing [[force]] for the beings of [[Urantia]]. Nonetheless, taken to its present [[extreme]] level, [[competition]] does certain harm to those striving for [[spiritual growth]] and [[development]] when not accompanied by a proper spirit of [[cooperation]]. As members of the [[Corps of Destiny]], one of your goals will be to promote [[cooperation]] among your fellows. You will do this through your own living [[example]], primarily. Your example will be that of good will and [[cooperative]] [[interaction]] with others as you go about your [[work]] and [[rest]].

This is not to say that you may not compete, for at this stage of development - and indeed for some time to come for you - competition helps to spur you on to your finest performance given your own unique abilities. However, the spirit with which competition is entered into can be tempered by adding the desire for cooperative achievement and the desire to effect good and follow the footsteps of Michael. When you cooperate freely, willingly, it becomes that much easier for your Thought Adjuster to lead you. Your Thought Adjuster has a difficult time breaking through the strong animal urges and high emotions which still rule, to a large extent, man on Urantia. However, by your experience in spiritual self-development, by exercising the virtues and practices presented in these lessons and in the Urantia Book, and through the promptings of your Thought Adjusters, seraphim, and others, you can strengthen yourself spiritually and focus the sensitivity of that part of you which is most receptive to the Thought Adjuster - somewhat like tuning in a radio or television to its best performance - fiddling with the dial.

This is not to say that you may not [[compete]], for at this [[stage]] of [[development]] - and indeed for some time to come for you - [[competition]] helps to spur you on to your finest [[performance]] given your own [[unique]] abilities. However, the spirit with which [[competition]] is entered into can be tempered by adding the [[desire]] for [[cooperative]] [[achievement]] and the desire to effect [[good]] and follow the footsteps of [[Michael]]. When you [[cooperate]] freely, willingly, it becomes that much easier for your [[Thought Adjuster]] to [[lead]] you. Your Thought Adjuster has a [[difficult]] time breaking through the [[strong]] [[animal]] [[urges]] and high [[emotions]] which still rule, to a large extent, man on [[Urantia]]. However, by your [[experience]] in spiritual self-[[development]], by [[exercising]] the [[virtues]] and [[practices]] presented in these lessons and in the [[Urantia Book]], and through the promptings of your [[Thought Adjusters]], [[seraphim]], and others, you can [[strengthen]] yourself spiritually and [[focus]] the [[sensitivity]] of that part of you which is most receptive to the [[Thought Adjuster]] - somewhat like [[tuning]] in a [[radio]] or television to its best [[performance]] - fiddling with the dial.

What might happen if you choose not to adopt a cooperative attitude? Well, you may not perceive much change consciously in the direction of your life, however it will be that much more difficult for you to work toward a measure of inner peace and that level of self-fulfilment which is attainable during your material existence. Yes, you will have opportunities beyond this life for spiritual growth and development, infinite opportunities, and so may not wish to eagerly, assiduously, pursue the path of spiritual growth, for it is an arduous path. Time-consuming, in a sense, and man has always been a procrastinator. If you consult your inner selves you will find the truth and the truth will help to lead you. Cooperation is a way of multiplying the strength of your individual effort even while in the flesh. It has been said that cooperation among two affects the strength of four, cooperation among ten the strength of a hundred. Can you imagine how effective the cooperation of a thousand, or a million beings would be? When Urantia is on the threshold of light and life there will be no difficulty with cooperation among all living beings, and that will be a wonderful day. But it must start here. Like the other spiritual exercises, your efforts at cooperation - each act in fact - sets off a chain of benefits that go far, far beyond your immediate circle, like the ripple in the water that travels for thousands of miles.

What might happen if you [[choose]] not to adopt a [[cooperative]] [[attitude]]? Well, you may not [[perceive]] much change consciously in the [[direction]] of your life, however it will be that much more [[difficult]] for you to work toward a measure of inner [[peace]] and that level of [[self-fulfilment]] which is [[attainable]] during your [[material]] [[existence]]. Yes, you will have [[opportunities]] beyond this life for [[spiritual growth]] and development, [[infinite]] [[opportunities]], and so may not wish to eagerly, assiduously, pursue the path of [[spiritual growth]], for it is an arduous [[path]]. [[Time]]-consuming, in a sense, and man has always been a procrastinator. If you consult your inner selves you will find the [[truth]] and the truth will help to lead you. [[Cooperation]] is a way of multiplying the [[strength]] of your [[individual]] [[effort]] even while in the [[flesh]]. It has been said that [[cooperation]] among two affects the [[strength]] of four, cooperation among ten the strength of a hundred. Can you [[imagine]] how effective the [[cooperation]] of a thousand, or a million beings would be? When [[Urantia]] is on the [[threshold]] of [[light and life]] there will be no [[difficulty]] with cooperation among all living beings, and that will be a [[wonderful]] day. But it must start here. Like the other [[spiritual]] [[exercises]], your [[efforts]] at [[cooperation]] - each act in [[fact]] - sets off a chain of benefits that go far, far beyond your [[immediate]] circle, like the ripple in the water that travels for thousands of miles.

That is the answer to the questioning mind that asks "What can I, one person, accomplish in my own small way?" All of us, every single being in the universe, we are all connected to one another. And it is the Father's will that we work together, that each unique individual add his or her cooperative effort to the grand total. This is not at variance with achieving your own personal level of excellence. In fact, it is in harmony with that very goal. The result of cooperation is harmony, harmony among beings, the unification that is achieved when all strive for the common goal. Such a bright and strong purpose that is! So I urge you, children, to strive in your lives for cooperation with your fellow men and women, difficult as it may be. Use your wits, your cleverness, your special abilities, to achieve this. And let your faith help you to realize the importance of your own personal efforts. That is the end of this lesson.

That is the answer to the questioning [[mind]] that asks "What can I, one person, accomplish in my own small way?" All of us, every single [[being]] in [[the universe]], we are all [[connected]] to one another. And it is [[the Father]]'s will that we work [[together]], that each unique [[individual]] add his or her [[cooperative]] effort to the grand [[total]]. This is not at variance with achieving your own [[personal]] level of [[excellence]]. In [[fact]], it is in [[harmony]] with that very goal. The result of [[cooperation]] is [[harmony]], harmony among beings, the [[unification]] that is achieved when all strive for the common goal. Such a bright and strong [[purpose]] that is! So I urge you, [[children]], to strive in your lives for [[cooperation]] with your fellow men and women, [[difficult]] as it may be. Use your wits, your cleverness, your special [[abilities]], to [[achieve]] this. And let your [[faith]] help you to [[realize]] the importance of your own [[personal]] [[efforts]]. That is the end of this lesson.

Q: Could this local universe have been created without the full cooperation of Michael and the Mother Spirit?

Q: Could this local universe have been created without the full [[cooperation]] of [[Michael]] and the [[Mother Spirit]]?

A: No.

A: No.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

Q: And I suppose, since no two of us are alike, the cooperation of any two of us to do anything - or something, at least - would be profitable. Is that correct?

Q: And I [[suppose]], since no two of us are alike, the [[cooperation]] of any two of us to do anything - or something, at least - would be profitable. Is that correct?

 

Q: What kind of cooperation is desired of us for the teaching mission to do the most good?

A: Yes. There is a [[concept]] in your [[language]] called "[[synergy]]" [[meaning]], loosely, that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. This applies to all the spiritual [[abilities]], but particularly to [[cooperation]]. Are you not [[eager]] to find out just how much you, as an [[individual]] can accomplish? The [[challenge]] lies before you.

A: Yes. In your teaching mission, our teaching mission, the first major task is to achieve fellowship among the teaching group members themselves. As some of you have discovered this is not as easy as it may appear from the outside. Once this goal has been achieved, the next step will be to go forth - each person respectively - into your society and bring forth the same fellowship you have learned in your teaching group, following the example of Michael as much as you possibly can. Between these two chores, you will find yourself kept most busy. And this teaching mission, in its second phase particularly, will most certainly go beyond many of your lifetimes.

Q: What kind of [[cooperation]] is [[desired]] of us for the [[Teaching Mission]] to do the most [[good]]?

Q: It seems to me that the business of cooperation is resolution of conflicts. Have you any particular guidelines for that? I know that in my secular life, the change that needs to come; there will be a lot of conflicts to go through. That's in a social arena, and I wonder if that's paralleling the spiritual realm. What do you do to aid in that?

Q: It seems to me that the business of [[cooperation]] is resolution of [[conflicts]]. Have you any particular guidelines for that? I know that in my [[secular]] life, the [[change]] that needs to come; there will be a lot of [[conflicts]] to go through. That's in a [[social]] arena, and I [[wonder]] if that's [[paralleling]] the spiritual realm. What do you do to aid in that?

A: Yes, you are correct. It is conflict that acts as the strongest barrier to efforts at fellowship on Urantia. Remember again the example of Michael who, rather than beating a door down, instead, would find the key to unlock the latch. That is the way with conflicts, not easy. Beyond the material life there is yet conflict, and I, myself must work on the same problems that face you. There are tools that are helpful. To name a few, are compassion, willingness to be honest, desire to do good, and above all a remembrance of the golden rule. Remember the proverb that we cannot understand a man until we have walked a mile in his shoes. Much conflict among beings arises from misunderstanding as well as greed, envy, fear, anger, the spiritual poisons. Fear, in particular is a source of conflict. Animals fear one another because they are afraid of mutilation or death. You are not animals. Be not afraid. When your fear is effectively put aside you will find that a significant amount of conflict will ease away. (02/21/93)

A: Yes, you are correct. It is [[conflict]] that [[acts]] as the strongest [[barrier]] to [[efforts]] at fellowship on [[Urantia]]. Remember again the [[example]] of [[Michael]] who, rather than beating a door down, instead, would find the key to unlock the latch. That is the way with [[conflicts]], not easy. Beyond the [[material]] life there is yet [[conflict]], and I, myself must [[work]] on the same [[problems]] that face you. There are [[tools]] that are helpful. To name a few, are [[compassion]], willingness to be [[honest]], [[desire]] to do [[good]], and above all a [[remembrance]] of the [[golden rule]]. Remember the [[proverb]] that we cannot [[understand]] a man until we have walked a mile in his shoes. Much [[conflict]] among beings arises from misunderstanding as well as [[greed]], [[envy]], [[fear]], [[anger]], the spiritual [[poisons]]. Fear, in particular is a [[source]] of [[conflict]]. Animals fear one another because they are afraid of mutilation or [[death]]. You are not animals. Be not afraid. When your [[fear]] is effectively put aside you will find that a significant amount of [[conflict]] will ease away. (02/21/93)

===CREATION===

===='''''[[Secrets]]'''''====

 

Q: Also, if you have any [[insight]] as to how the Universal Creative [[Mother Spirit]] and the [[Creator Son]], when they created the [[Bright and Morning Star]], how did they create that? There's no [[discussion]] of the [[technique]].

Q: Also, if you have any insight as to how the Universal Creative Mother Spirit and the Creator Son, when they created the Bright and Morning Star, how did they create that? There's no discussion of the technique.

R: Could he please restate?

R: Could he please restate?

S: The Urantia Book describes that one of the first acts of a Creator Son and Mother Spirit is to bring about the existence of a Bright and Morning Star. It alludes to the creation. And I was curious as to the actual techniques of this creation, since that's not really spoken about in the book. Have you have any insight or information on that.

S: The [[Urantia Book]] describes that one of the first [[acts]] of a [[Creator Son]] and [[Mother Spirit]] is to bring about the [[existence]] of a [[Bright and Morning Star]]. It alludes to the [[creation]]. And I was [[curious]] as to the actual [[techniques]] of this creation, since that's not really spoken about in [[the book]]. Have you have any [[insight]] or [[information]] on that.

 

A: Well, that is not information I am permitted to disclose and, in fact, I do not have it at my disposal, so I am most sorry that I cannot answer.

Q: That's okay. I expected that. Rayson, also the technique whereby Michael was able to be born of a female young human, they talk about that as a secret of Divinington or Salvington - one of the tons, [laughter] but all these secrets that are not answered in the book. [Another Student: Sonarington.] Sonarington. All these secrets, I mean, somewhere, to someone other than the Universal Father, they are all known, is that correct? Or are there some secrets that are wholly and totally held by the Universal Father?

A: Well, that is not [[information]] I am [[permitted]] to disclose and, in fact, I do not have it at my disposal, so I am most sorry that I cannot answer.

A: There are some that only the Father may access, but those are relatively few. There is a mota concept which, simply stated, is "The universe is a cooperative of function and knowledge." Many, many, of what you call "secrets" are common knowledge at relatively low levels of universe ascension. For those of us who are ascending mortals, this is not only part of the educational program, but in fact, this knowledge is made available because it is necessary to have this information in order to proceed with our work. However, there are particular matters such as the incarnation of a Creator Son in a mortal woman that are reserved for only the celestials, and that for a functional purpose as well. It also is due to the fact that to effect such an incarnation requires the concerted efforts of many, many, many beings beyond simply Life Carriers and Physical Controllers. There was a veritable army of higher beings attendant upon Jesus the babe, the child, and the man throughout the brief period of his human incarnation. The administration and coordination of this corps of beings required a fairly high level of administrative function and expertise. Just as in your armies on Urantia, so too in the administration of the universe. As one ascends one has first only one's self to be responsible for, then a few beings, possibly children, then more and more. When you reach the step at which you will be ready for your paradise journey you will have the responsibility for the safeguarding of many, many, many ascending mortals as well as other created beings entrusted to you. And even at that point you will not be privy to the secret of incarnation because it will be neither useful nor necessary for you. Does that answer? (05/22/93)

Q: That's okay. I [[expected]] that. Rayson, also the [[technique]] whereby [[Michael]] was able to be [[born]] of a [[female]] young [[human]], they talk about that as a [[secret]] of [[Divinington]] or [[Salvington]] - one of the tons, [[[laughter]]] but all these [[secrets]] that are not answered in [[the book]]. [Another Student: [[Sonarington]].] Sonarington. All these [[secrets]], I mean, somewhere, to someone other than the Universal Father, they are all known, is that correct? Or are there some [[secrets]] that are wholly and totally held by the [[Universal Father]]?

Q: As regards to universe administration, since we've learned that a Lanonandek Son like Caligastia could default in his mission, but no Creator Son has ever defaulted, it seems to me there's a built-in safety device into the way all that works, because it allows for default up unto a certain level of administration, into administrivia, but not above a certain level, is that true or false?

Q: As regards to [[universe administration]], since we've learned that a [[Lanonandek Son]] like [[Caligastia]] could [[default]] in his [[mission]], but no [[Creator Son]] has ever defaulted, it seems to me there's a built-in [[safety]] device into the way all that works, because it allows for default up unto a certain level of [[administration]], but not above a certain level, is that true or false?

A: The issue of default is one upon which there is a great deal of, what you would call on this planet, research or literature at a higher level. You are, in part, correct in your speculation that beyond a certain level of universe administration it is increasingly unlikely that default will occur. However, there is no entity in all of the universes - or even in Paradise - which could not default if that were the will. Now many, many entities are created perfect and of course could not willingly default, but they could be led astray by a commander who defaulted because in their perfection they would unquestioningly follow authority. But default as you refer to it, that is, the free will decision to knowingly and with vigor go against the will of God as did Caligastia, that is a rare occurrence in the universes, but does indeed happen, and is in fact part of the greater plan for all of creation, and probably is actually necessary in the long run. All systems need challenge and testing on occasion, and that is the purpose that default serves in the greater administrative structure of the universes. And each instance of default is studied in enormous depth and much new information is gained thereby that proves useful in future administrative instruction. As one ascends the levels of universe administration the rigor of qualifications required to be a full and practicing member of one's order necessarily increases and it is most likely due to this fact that no Creator Son has ever defaulted because the rigor of qualification to become a full Creator Son is so intense that those areas of weakness that ultimately lead to default would almost certainly have revealed themselves. You will note that it does not state in the Urantia Book that all aspirants for the position of Creator Son have in fact met the qualifications.

A: The issue of [[default]] is one upon which there is a great deal of, what you would call on [[this planet]], [[research]] or [[literature]] at a higher level. You are, in part, correct in your [[speculation]] that beyond a certain level of [[universe administration]] it is increasingly unlikely that [[default]] will occur. However, there is no [[entity]] in all of [[the universes]] - or even in [[Paradise]] - which could not [[default]] if that were the [[Free will|will]]. Now many, many [[entities]] are created [[perfect]] and of course could not willingly default, but they could be led astray by a [[commander]] who defaulted because in their [[perfection]] they would unquestioningly follow [[authority]]. But default as you refer to it, that is, the [[free will]] decision to knowingly and with [[vigor]] go against the will of [[God]] as did [[Caligastia]], that is a rare occurrence in [[the universes]], but does indeed happen, and is in [[fact]] part of the greater [[plan]] for all of [[creation]], and probably is actually [[necessary]] in the long run. All [[systems]] need [[challenge]] and testing on occasion, and that is the [[purpose]] that [[default]] serves in the greater [[administrative]] [[structure]] of [[the universes]]. And each instance of default is [[studied]] in enormous depth and much new [[information]] is gained thereby that proves useful in [[future]] administrative instruction. As one [[ascends]] the levels of [[universe administration]] the [[rigor]] of qualifications required to be a full and practicing member of one's order necessarily increases and it is most likely due to this [[fact]] that no [[Creator Son]] has ever defaulted because the [[rigor]] of qualification to become a [[Master Son|full Creator Son]] is so [[intense]] that those areas of [[weakness]] that ultimately lead to [[default]] would almost certainly have [[revealed]] themselves. You will note that it does not state in the [[Urantia Book]] that all aspirants for the position of [[Creator Son]] have in [[fact]] met the qualifications.

Q: That delineated by a Master Creator Son?

Q: That delineated by a [[Master Son|Master Creator Son]]?

A: Yes, who has met the qualifications, some of which are outlined in your book, and others of which are not. But many aspirants fail to qualify. They are not discarded, but instead are allowed to matriculate in lower levels of administrative capacity for which they are deemed well suited.

A: Yes, who has met the qualifications, some of which are outlined in your book, and others of which are not. But many aspirants fail to qualify. They are not discarded, but instead are allowed to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matriculation matriculate] in lower levels of [[administrative]] [[capacity]] for which they are deemed well suited.

Q: It is my understanding that Caligastia is responsible to some degree for some of the health problems which we are now facing, and I was just wondering if you would be permitted to clarify some of that. I'm just frankly aghast that such a high being, even in default, would do something so pernicious.

Q: It is my [[understanding]] that Caligastia is [[responsible]] to some [[degree]] for some of the [[health]] problems which we are now facing, and I was just [[wondering]] if you would be permitted to [[clarify]] some of that. I'm just frankly aghast that such a high being, even in [[default]], would do something so [[pernicious]].

A: Yes, it is most unfortunate. Every newly ascended being from the material plane in this local universe has as one of their first lessons in depth instruction on the Caligastia rebellion, for there are many a lesson therein. You must understand that Caligastia did not embark upon his course because he wished pain and suffering to come to man on Urantia. Rather he thought he knew better than the Father and the Father's administrators who were his directors. And his wilful actions to go against instruction were undertaken in that spirit of pride. All of us have done such things. But none of us has been in a high level of universe authority where our actions could have such enormous repercussions, and therefore each of us has not been directly responsible for the suffering of untold generations of beings on a number of planets as has Caligastia. It takes such a small amount of difference in direction on the universe scale to have the enormous effect over the course of time. A fraction of a degree difference in direction, that is all that Caligastia's behavior affected, and yet the result was to essentially derail the basic plan leading toward the establishment of Light and Life on Urantia quite severely.

A: Yes, it is most unfortunate. Every newly ascended being from the material plane in this local universe has as one of their first lessons in depth instruction on the Caligastia rebellion, for there are many a lesson therein. You must understand that Caligastia did not embark upon his course because he wished pain and suffering to come to man on Urantia. Rather he thought he knew better than the Father and the Father's administrators who were his directors. And his wilful actions to go against instruction were undertaken in that spirit of pride. All of us have done such things. But none of us has been in a high level of universe authority where our actions could have such enormous repercussions, and therefore each of us has not been directly responsible for the suffering of untold generations of beings on a number of planets as has Caligastia. It takes such a small amount of difference in direction on the universe scale to have the enormous effect over the course of time. A fraction of a degree difference in direction, that is all that Caligastia's behavior affected, and yet the result was to essentially derail the basic plan leading toward the establishment of Light and Life on Urantia quite severely.