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| *October 18, 1992 | | *October 18, 1992 |
| ===Lesson=== | | ===Lesson=== |
− | WILL: The love of God surrounds us. The love of God enfolds us. The power of God supports | + | WILL: The [[love]] of [[God]] [[surrounds]] us. The love of God enfolds us. The [[power]] of God [[supports]] |
| us. Wherever we gather, He is. | | us. Wherever we gather, He is. |
− | Good evening once again. I am your teacher, Will, who always loves you. I enjoyed your | + | |
− | comments tonight. I found particularly instructive your comments on the dearth of comments | + | Good evening once again. I am your [[teacher]], Will, who always [[loves]] you. I enjoyed your |
− | from last week's meeting. I will say that it does not indicate anything particularly valuable that | + | comments tonight. I found particularly instructive your comments on the [[dearth]] of comments |
− | people should have immediate comments or immediate perceptions responding to the teachings | + | from last week's [[meeting]]. I will say that it does not indicate anything particularly valuable that |
− | offered in our meetings. There is great variety among people. We are particularly pleased with | + | people should have [[immediate]] comments or immediate [[perceptions]] [[responding]] to the teachings |
− | this group simply because of the variety of people gathered here tonight. I have great confidence | + | offered in our meetings. There is great [[variety]] among people. We are particularly pleased with |
− | in the teachings we present in these meetings yet I am unable to calculate their effect upon the | + | this [[group]] simply because of the variety of people gathered here tonight. I have great [[confidence]] |
− | individual members of this group. That work is in the realm of the Adjuster. | + | in the teachings we present in these meetings yet I am unable to [[calculate]] their [[effect]] upon the |
− | If it is alright I would like to describe, in some detail, what I consider to be the human problem | + | [[individual]] members of this group. That work is in the realm of the [[Adjuster]]. |
− | each of you faces when intersecting with the spiritual world. If we look at the material universe, | + | ===='''''[[Spirit]]''''', '''''[[Personality]]'''''==== |
− | the worlds of trees, animals and planets, as a horizontal universe extending out in every direction | + | If it is alright I would like to [[describe]], in some detail, what I [[consider]] to be the [[human]] [[problem]] |
− | to infinity on a flat plane. By contrast, we might see the spiritual universe as a universe | + | each of you faces when [[intersecting]] with the [[spiritual]] world. If we look at the [[material]] [[universe]], |
− | intersecting the material at right angles. You might think of the material universe as a stage and | + | the worlds of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trees trees], [[animals]] and [[planets]], as a [[horizontal]] [[universe]] extending out in every direction |
− | the spiritual universe as a column of light shining down from directly above. You are on the | + | to [[infinity]] on a flat [[plane]]. By [[contrast]], we might see the [[spiritual]] [[universe]] as a universe |
− | stage. Where do we see the light? Where it intersects the stage. How do we know it is light? | + | [[intersecting]] the material at right angles. You might think of the [[material]] [[universe]] as a [[stage]] and |
− | Because it intersects the stage. The onlookers from a similar horizontal perspective cannot see | + | the [[spiritual]] universe as a [[column]] of [[light]] shining down from directly above. You are on the |
− | light falling directly upon the stage. Occasionally they get glimpses, motes of dust and smoke | + | [[stage]]. Where do we see the [[light]]? Where it [[intersects]] the stage. How do we know it is light? |
− | which happen to pass through the beam of light, but, for all practical purposes, the light can be | + | Because it intersects the stage. The onlookers from a similar [[horizontal]] perspective cannot see |
| + | [[light]] falling directly upon the stage. Occasionally they get [[glimpses]], motes of dust and smoke |
| + | which happen to pass through the beam of [[light]], but, for all [[practical]] [[purposes]], the [[light]] can be |
| seen only where it strikes the stage. That is you. | | seen only where it strikes the stage. That is you. |
− | Each person's life is the intersection of that column of spirit light with the horizontal stage of | + | ===='''''[[Thought Adjusters]]'''''==== |
− | the material life. You are creatures of the horizontal universe. When you look out, you look out | + | Each person's life is the [[intersection]] of that column of [[spirit]] [[light]] with the [[horizontal]] [[stage]] of |
− | upon a horizontal universe. It is really all you know. Yet the ministry of the Adjusters, kindly | + | the [[material]] life. You are [[creatures]] of the [[horizontal]] [[universe]]. When you look out, you look out |
− | and lovingly provided by the Heavenly Father, is the hint that another universe lies beyond having | + | upon a horizontal universe. It is really all you know. Yet the ministry of the [[Adjusters]], kindly |
− | virtually nothing whatever to do with the horizontal and material universe. If you but look up, it | + | and lovingly [[provided]] by the [[Heavenly Father]], is the [[hint]] that another universe lies beyond having |
− | is blinding. It is all encompassing and it draws you on like a magnet. That is the function of the | + | [[virtually]] nothing whatever to do with the horizontal and [[material]] universe. If you but look up, it |
− | Adjuster, to reorient your awareness from the strictly material toward the purely spiritual. | + | is [[blinding]]. It is all [[encompassing]] and it draws you on like a [[magnet]]. That is the [[function]] of the |
− | Well then, where are we, personalities such as myself? We are out there in the ether. We are | + | [[Adjuster]], to reorient your [[awareness]] from the strictly [[material]] toward the [[purely]] [[spiritual]]. |
− | the dust. We pass through and, occasionally initiate some effects. The fact of material life among | + | |
− | humans, the human species, blessed with a gift of personality lends itself to a kind of fortification | + | Well then, where are we, [[personalities]] such as myself? We are out there in the [[ether]]. We are |
− | of the characteristics of personality is to define the beam of light, at least at the point of | + | the dust. We pass through and, occasionally [[initiate]] some [[effects]]. The [[fact]] of [[material]] life among |
− | intersection. And the personality tends to fort up within its own illuminated space. We call this | + | [[humans]], the human [[species]], [[blessed]] with a gift of [[personality]] lends itself to a kind of [[fortification]] |
− | selfishness. We call it introspection. It is a natural process. It has occasional negative effects, | + | of the characteristics of [[personality]] is to [[define]] the beam of [[light]], at least at the [[point]] of |
− | however. The chief negative effect is the isolation from companions in the material life | + | [[intersection]]. And the [[personality]] tends to fort up within its own [[illuminated]] [[space]]. We call this |
− | experience. Therefore we have emphasized in the past a concept of assigning interpersonal | + | [[selfishness]]. We call it [[introspection]]. It is a [[natural]] [[process]]. It has occasional [[negative]] [[effects]], |
− | communication responsibilities to the Adjuster, an active neutral. We have encouraged you each | + | however. The chief negative effect is the [[isolation]] from [[companions]] in the [[material]] life |
− | to allow your Adjuster to lead interrelationships with your brother's and sister's Adjusters. Even | + | [[experience]]. Therefore we have emphasized in the [[past]] a [[concept]] of assigning interpersonal |
− | though it is true that you can know God as He is meant to be known, as He desires to be known, | + | [[communication]] [[responsibilities]] to the [[Adjuster]], an active neutral. We have [[encouraged]] you each |
− | solely upon your own interconnection by means of the Thought Adjuster, that is not all there is to | + | to allow your [[Adjuster]] to lead inter[[relationships]] with your [[brother's and sister's]] [[Adjusters]]. Even |
− | the spiritual universe. For your place in time is but one beam of light and there are countless. It is | + | though it is true that you can know [[God]] as He is meant to be known, as He [[desires]] to be known, |
− | necessary for each of you to go beyond the walls of the court and walk out into the dark. I think | + | solely upon your own interconnection by means of the [[Thought Adjuster]], that is not all there is to |
− | that you will find when you attempt this that the light will travel with you. These are my words | + | the [[spiritual]] [[universe]]. For your place in [[time]] is but one [[beam]] of [[light]] and there are countless. It is |
− | for you tonight. | + | [[necessary]] for each of you to go beyond the walls of the [[court]] and walk out into the [[dark]]. I think |
− | I understand that you have questions. Let us proceed as we did last week. First question, | + | that you will find when you attempt this that the [[light]] will [[travel]] with you. |
− | please. | + | |
− | DENNIS: Will, I have a question. Last week you mentioned that when we meditate we should | + | These are my [[words]] for you tonight.I [[understand]] that you have [[questions]]. Let us [[proceed]] as we did last week. First question, please. |
− | meditate for no more than twenty minutes. Sometimes I meditate in a darkened room and I am | + | ===Dialogue=== |
− | not always aware of how much time has transpired. Is there any danger in getting too much of a | + | ===='''''[[Stillness]]'''''==== |
| + | DENNIS: Will, I have a question. Last week you mentioned that when we [[meditate]] we should |
| + | meditate for no more than twenty minutes. Sometimes I meditate in a [[darkened]] room and I am |
| + | not always [[aware]] of how much [[time]] has transpired. Is there any [[danger]] in getting too much of a |
| good thing? | | good thing? |
− | WILL: The term "danger" would be inaccurate to use to describe the situation. Let us describe it | + | |
− | like this. We are just beginning. Availability for the Heavenly Father is what is desired. Next, | + | WILL: The term "[[danger]]" would be inaccurate to use to [[describe]] the situation. Let us describe it |
− | regularity is desired. By this we do not mean any specific frame of mind or attitude or mind set | + | like this. We are just beginning. Availability for the [[Heavenly Father]] is what is [[desired]]. Next, |
− | nor do we mean any particular time of day. By regularity we mean only a good and faithful | + | [[Consistent|regularity]] is desired. By this we do not mean any specific [[frame of mind]] or [[attitude]] or mind set |
− | ordinary attempt to practice on a regular basis. Because we are beginning, we feel that modesty is | + | nor do we mean any particular time of day. By regularity we mean only a [[good]] and [[faithful]] |
− | an appropriate goal. Ten minutes is asked, twenty minutes at the further reaches. Our experience | + | ordinary attempt to [[practice]] on a regular basis. Because we are beginning, we [[feel]] that [[modesty]] is |
− | in observation of people in your society in this period of history is that substantially more than | + | an appropriate [[goal]]. Ten minutes is asked, twenty minutes at the further reaches. Our [[experience]] |
− | twenty minutes is likely to be unproductive. This does not mean that to practice longer will be | + | in [[observation]] of people in your [[society]] in this period of [[history]] is that substantially more than |
− | offensive in any way. It is just that statistically it has been shown to be unproductive. We have | + | twenty minutes is likely to be unproductive. This does not mean that to [[practice]] longer will be |
− | experimented with this at great length. Do not trouble yourself over the amount of time. The | + | [[offensive]] in any way. It is just that [[statistically]] it has been shown to be unproductive. We have |
− | Heavenly Father is always willing to communicate. It is not necessary that you should say any | + | [[experimented]] with this at great length. Do not [[trouble]] yourself over the amount of time. The |
− | particular thing or think any particular thought or pursue any particular notion. Your simple | + | [[Heavenly Father]] is always willing to [[communicate]]. It is not [[necessary]] that you should say any |
− | availability is how it all begins. He appreciates it. There is no point at which the Heavenly Father | + | particular thing or [[think]] any particular [[thought]] or pursue any particular notion. Your [[simple]] |
− | will turn His face away from one of His children. You can do no damage. Satisfactory? | + | availability is how it all begins. He [[appreciates]] it. There is no [[point]] at which the [[Heavenly Father]] |
| + | will turn His [[face]] away from one of His children. You can do no damage. [[Satisfactory]]? |
| + | |
| DENNIS: Yes, thank you. | | DENNIS: Yes, thank you. |
| + | |
| WILL: Good. Next question. | | WILL: Good. Next question. |
− | HAL: I was wondering, Will, if you have any comments about physical posture during silence | + | ===='''''[[Physiology]]'''''==== |
− | practice. | + | HAL: I was [[wondering]], Will, if you have any comments about [[physical]] [[posture]] during [[silence]] |
− | WILL: There are a few parameters of psychological and physiological character which have | + | [[practice]]. |
− | effect upon stillness practice. We prefer, for example, that you do not attempt stillness practice | + | |
− | when you are near the extreme reaches of physical effort. At such a time your body needs sleep, | + | WILL: There are a few [[parameters]] of [[psychological]] and [[physiological]] character which have |
− | rest at the very least. The Father will not interfere with that. Neither should you take on a large | + | [[effect]] upon [[stillness]] [[practice]]. We prefer, for example, that you do not attempt [[stillness]] practice |
− | dose of stimulating drugs, such as tea or coffee. That situation would be equally unproductive as | + | when you are near the [[extreme]] reaches of [[physical]] [[effort]]. At such a time your [[body]] needs [[sleep]], |
− | a polar opposite. Nor would it be especially effective if a person was in a great agitated emotional | + | [[rest]] at the very least. [[The Father]] will not [[interfere]] with that. Neither should you take on a large |
− | state, although we will say that stillness is generally the proper remedy for agitation and should | + | dose of [[stimulating]] [[drugs]], such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea tea] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee coffee]. That situation would be equally unproductive as |
− | work to swiftly bring you back into balance with your normal self. Such does not equal | + | a [[polar]] [[opposite]]. Nor would it be especially [[effective]] if a [[person]] was in a great [[agitated]] [[emotional]] |
− | communication with the Heavenly Father, however. To answer your question, then, I will say | + | state, although we will say that [[stillness]] is generally the proper remedy for [[agitation]] and should |
− | that the ideal would be an attitude of relaxed alertness. We have many times remarked that | + | [[work]] to swiftly bring you back into [[balance]] with your [[normal]] [[self]]. Such does not [[equal]] |
− | stillness practice must be conscious and in simple fashion it is easy to figure out that certain body | + | [[communication]] with the [[Heavenly Father]], however. |
− | positions are more productive of relaxed alertness. In a general sense body positions that tend to | + | |
− | interrupt the flow of physical energy also tend to produce - I am searching for a word - | + | To answer your question, then, I will say |
− | impairment of the flow of energy. This will cause a necessary diminishment of the available body | + | that the [[ideal]] would be an [[attitude]] of [[relaxed]] [[Attention|alertness]]. We have many times remarked that |
− | energy with a negative effect upon relaxed alertness. We have no preference for body posture but | + | [[stillness]] practice must be [[conscious]] and in [[simple]] fashion it is easy to figure out that certain [[body]] |
− | in its most basic form I would say a person should maintain an erect position, relaxed with the | + | [[positions]] are more productive of relaxed alertness. In a general sense [[body]] positions that tend to |
− | limbs in some natural resting position and not twisted, tied or knotted in any particular mystical | + | [[interrupt]] the [[flow]] of [[physical]] [[energy]] also tend to produce - I am searching for a [[word]] - |
| + | impairment of the flow of [[energy]]. This will cause a necessary diminution of the available [[body]] |
| + | [[energy]] with a [[negative]] [[effect]] upon relaxed alertness. We have no preference for [[body]] [[posture]] but |
| + | in its most basic form I would say a person should maintain an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erect_%28position%29 erect position], relaxed with the |
| + | limbs in some [[natural]] resting position and not twisted, tied or knotted in any particular [[mystical]] |
| fashion. Does that answer? | | fashion. Does that answer? |
| + | |
| HAL: Yes, thank you Will, that's helpful. | | HAL: Yes, thank you Will, that's helpful. |
| + | |
| WILL: Next question. | | WILL: Next question. |
− | JUDY: Will, this is Judy. I'm sorry I couldn't be here last week but I did listen to the tapes and | + | |
− | read the transcripts so, as a fellow teacher, I just wanted you to know that I had prepared for | + | JUDY: Will, this is Judy. I'm sorry I couldn't be here last week but I did [[listen]] to the tapes and |
− | tonight's lesson. As I was reading over the transcript I came up with four statements that I think | + | [[read]] the [[transcripts]] so, as a fellow teacher, I just wanted you to know that I had [[prepared]] for |
− | are true and I would like to check them out with you. So, I have four statements that I would like | + | tonight's lesson. As I was [[reading]] over the [[transcript]] I came up with four [[statements]] that I think |
− | you to respond to and then I have two questions. | + | are true and I would like to check them out with you. So, I have four [[statements]] that I would like |
− | The first statement is that our vehicle for spiritual growth is stillness, our connection with the | + | you to [[respond]] to and then I have two [[questions]]. |
− | Father. | + | |
− | The second one is that by making ourselves available to the Father, that's the key to the | + | The first statement is that our vehicle for [[spiritual growth]] is [[stillness]], our [[connection]] with [[the |
− | stillness but it doesn't have a specific form or format. | + | Father]]. The second one is that by making ourselves available to [[the Father]], that's the key to the |
− | The third one is that the more we can listen to our Indwelling Adjuster and be sensitive to | + | [[stillness]] but it doesn't have a specific [[form]] or format. |
− | guidance the more we might be able to trust our own insights about our daily lives and get our | + | The third one is that the more we can [[listen]] to our [[Indwelling Adjuster]] and be [[sensitive]] to |
− | lives more in tune with the Father's will. | + | [[guidance]] the more we might be able to [[trust]] our own [[insights]] about our daily lives and get our |
− | And the last one is that as we approach the anniversary date of this group it occurs to me that | + | lives more in [[tune]] with [[the Father]]'s will. |
− | we have spent a great deal of time trying to understand communication because it is a phenomena | + | And the last one is that as we approach the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anniversary anniversary date] of this [[group]] it occurs to me that |
− | that's novel to us but we are just now beginning to realize that stillness should be the important | + | we have spent a great deal of time trying to [[understand]] [[communication]] because it is a [[phenomena]] |
− | focus of our attention. Can you comment on my four thoughts? | + | that's novel to us but we are just now beginning to [[realize]] that stillness should be the important |
− | WILL: I embrace themes two, three and four exactly as you have stated yet I will offer a | + | [[focus]] of our [[attention]]. Can you comment on my four [[thoughts]]? |
− | refinement about stillness practice as the method of spiritual growth. Long ago on your planet | + | |
− | people in the Northern Hemisphere recognized that although the picture presented among the | + | WILL: I [[embrace]] themes two, three and four exactly as you have [[stated]] yet I will offer a |
− | stars in the nighttime sky was changing throughout the course of the night, there was one star | + | refinement about [[stillness]] [[practice]] as the [[method]] of [[spiritual growth]]. Long ago on [[your planet]] |
− | around which all things rotated. That one star was reliable. It appeared every night in exactly the | + | people in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hemisphere Northern Hemisphere] [[recognized]] that although the [[picture]] presented among the |
− | same place and, no matter the motion of the other stars, that polestar could be relied upon until | + | [[stars]] in the nighttime [[sky]] was changing throughout the [[course]] of the night, there was one star |
− | the morning sun dawned. The polestar is not a bright star. It is rather dim, but it is just as | + | around which all things [[rotated]]. That one star was reliable. It appeared every night in exactly the |
− | reliable. Knowledge of the polestar made life more reliable for those people. It did not make it | + | same place and, no matter the motion of the other stars, that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polestar polestar] could be relied upon until |
− | any easier. They had a more sturdy tool for navigating the passages of life but it did not take | + | the [[morning]] sun dawned. The polestar is not a bright [[star]]. It is rather dim, but it is just as |
− | them there. They had a method of transiting from one learning experience to another, but the | + | reliable. [[Knowledge]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polestar polestar] made life more [[reliable]] for those people. It did not make it |
− | polestar itself did not provide the experience. The polestar provided the opportunity. | + | any easier. They had a more sturdy [[tool]] for [[navigating]] the passages of life but it did not take |
− | You are responsible for your spiritual growth. The First Source and Center has provided you | + | them there. They had a [[method]] of transiting from one [[learning]] [[experience]] to another, but the |
− | an opportunity. He is reliable. He is always there. Even when the blazing sun rises, He is still | + | polestar itself did not provide the [[experience]]. The polestar provided the [[opportunity]]. |
− | there, you just cannot see Him. Your reliance upon that polestar is a tool for navigating the | + | You are [[responsible]] for your [[spiritual growth]]. The [[First Source and Center]] has provided you |
| + | an [[opportunity]]. He is reliable. He is always there. Even when the blazing [[sun]] rises, He is still |
| + | there, you just cannot see Him. Your [[reliance]] upon that polestar is a [[tool]] for [[navigating]] the |
| passages of life. It is not life, itself. That is necessarily within your realm. | | passages of life. It is not life, itself. That is necessarily within your realm. |
| + | |
| Questions. | | Questions. |
− | JUDY: My first question is, I appreciated your distinction between communication and stillness | + | |
− | and your analogy of standing on the bow of a large ship with an image of a fog around me, was | + | JUDY: My first [[question]] is, I [[appreciated]] your [[distinction]] between [[communication]] and [[stillness]] |
− | helpful. I have tried to visualize during stillness times and I've tried to concentrate on things | + | and your [[analogy]] of standing on the bow of a large ship with an image of a [[fog]] around me, was |
− | inside my head. How can we measure success? How do we know we if we've made the | + | helpful. I have tried to [[visualize]] during [[stillness]] times and I've tried to [[concentrate]] on things |
− | connection with the Father, so that we can attain it again? | + | inside my head. How can we measure [[success]]? How do we know we if we've made the |
− | WILL: I will say this, and I do not mean it to be harsh. To recapture, to repeat experience, in | + | [[connection]] with [[the Father]], so that we can [[attain]] it again? |
− | general, is a bad idea. The necessary function of ego will overtake the repeated experience and | + | |
− | trivialize it for you. There is no way to know whether a person is making fast progress or slow | + | WILL: I will say this, and I do not mean it to be harsh. To recapture, to [[repeat]] [[experience]], in |
− | progress or progress on a tangent. Even if I were to counsel you, it would be worthless. What | + | general, is a bad [[idea]]. The [[necessary]] [[function]] of [[ego]] will overtake the [[repeated]] [[experience]] and |
− | you seek is in the realm of the Adjuster. The Adjuster is your guide. The lessons presented may | + | [[trivialize]] it for you. There is no way to know whether a person is making fast [[progress]] or slow |
− | or may not prove productive. But I think I can guarantee that the method in which the Adjuster | + | [[progress]] or progress on a [[tangent]]. Even if I were to [[counsel]] you, it would be worthless. What |
− | operates will always contain an element of surprise. The Adjuster, by nature, can be nothing but | + | you seek is in the realm of the [[Adjuster]]. The [[Adjuster]] is your guide. The lessons presented may |
− | spontaneous. This is a discomforting situation for the human and explains, in large measure, why | + | or may not prove productive. But I [[think]] I can guarantee that the [[method]] in which the [[Adjuster]] |
− | people have created bureaucracies to administer the relationship between man and God. There is | + | operates will always contain an element of [[surprise]]. The [[Adjuster]], by [[nature]], can be nothing but |
− | no such thing as comfortable spiritual growth. It is always disturbing. It is always provocative. | + | [[spontaneous]]. This is a discomforting situation for the [[human]] and [[explains]], in large measure, why |
− | But the result is usually happy. Does that answer? | + | people have created [[bureaucracies]] to [[administer]] the [[relationship]] between [[man]] and [[God]]. There is |
| + | no such thing as [[comfortable]] [[spiritual growth]]. It is always [[disturbing]]. It is always provocative. |
| + | But the result is usually [[happy]]. Does that answer? |
| + | |
| JUDY: I think so. I'll have to think about it and read the transcript. My second question is, last | | JUDY: I think so. I'll have to think about it and read the transcript. My second question is, last |
| week you addressed the pressure that some of us feel and I found that to be helpful but what I feel | | week you addressed the pressure that some of us feel and I found that to be helpful but what I feel |
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| and walk with you. | | and walk with you. |
| Shalom. | | Shalom. |
| + | |
| ==Session 5== | | ==Session 5== |
| *October 25, 1992 | | *October 25, 1992 |