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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
and walk with you.
and walk with you.
Shalom.
Shalom.
==Session 5==
==Session 5==
*October 25, 1992
*October 25, 1992
