Changes

*November 8, 1992

*November 8, 1992

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

WILL: The peace that comes with the love of the Universal Father. Good evening. I am your teacher, Will, who loves you.

WILL: The [[peace]] that comes with the [[love]] of the [[Universal Father]]. Good evening. I am your [[teacher]], Will, who [[loves]] you.

Several of the [[Christian]] [[churches]] recognize the [[glorified]] man, [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], as the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9 prince of peace]. It is not by [[accident]] that he is so known. For the [[peace]] of the [[Universal Father]] is an elementary part of the [[bestowal]] of [[the Father]]'s [[love]]. After [[the Master]]'s departure from the life in the [[flesh]], after the [[Paper 194 - The Bestowal of the Spirit of Truth|bestowal of the Spirit of Truth]], his followers were possessed of a [[desire]] to go out and [[speak]] to the people. What was the [[nature]] of this [[desire]]? It was not a compulsion. We know that [[God]] does not work like that. It was not a [[command]]. God doesn't work like that, either. Those men and women were filled up to the very top, to overflowing, with the [[Heavenly Father]]'s [[love]]. The possession and [[realization]] of that [[love]] engenders [[peace]] in the [[human]] [[heart]].

Several of the Christian churches recognize the glorified man, Jesus of Nazareth, as the prince of peace. It is not by accident that he is so known. For the peace of the Universal Father is an elementary part of the bestowal of the Father's love. After the Master's departure from the life in the flesh, after the bestowal of the Spirit of Truth, his followers were possessed of a desire to go out and speak to the people. What was the nature of this desire? It was not a compulsion. We know that God does not work like that. It was not a command. God doesn't work like that, either. Those men and women were filled up to the very top, to overflowing, with the Heavenly Father's love. The possession and realization of that love engenders peace in the human heart.

There is no [[description]] for it, yet when you open the door to [[the Father]] in [[stillness]] [[practice]], you are inviting the [[reception]] of the [[love]] and the [[peace]] that [[flows]] from it. Those men and women were made [[bold]] because they were so [[secure]], so [[certain]], so sure of the rightness of the [[knowledge]] of [[the Father]] and the teachings of [[the Son]] that they could not sit on that [[knowledge]] because they were sure and [[secure]] and at [[peace]] with the [[cosmos]], they could go out into the streets among [[friends]] and [[enemies]] and speak of [[God]] and His affairs with [[authority]].

There is no description for it, yet when you open the door to the Father in stillness practice, you are inviting the reception of the love and the peace that flows from it. Those men and women were made bold because they were so secure, so certain, so sure of the rightness of the knowledge of the Father and the teachings of the Son that they could not sit on that knowledge because they were sure and secure and at peace with the cosmos, they could go out into the streets among friends and enemies and speak of God and His affairs with authority.

One of these days you will be like that too. The day will come when you too will be filled to the point of overflowing with [[God]]'s [[love]] and the [[peace]] that [[flows]] from it. That is where we are headed. We have the [[luxury]] of time. It is no [[good]] to rush into these things. Some Sunday evening when we [[share]] reports it will come out. A certain [[person]] did this or that and this was the result. We know from our [[reading]] of the [[Urantia Book]] that where great [[change]] is experienced, [[transition]] is required. Some of our first attempts might be a little rough, but we will keep on. It is what we are here to do - to [[share]] the good news. [[Stillness]] makes it all possible. It is a good [[feeling]] to be filled to overflowing.

One of these days you will be like that too. The day will come when you too will be filled to the point of overflowing with God's love and the peace that flows from it. That is where we are headed. We have the luxury of time. It is no good to rush into these things. Some Sunday evening when we share reports it will come out. A certain person did this or that and this was the result. We know from our reading of the Urantia Book that where great change is experienced, transition is required. Some of our first attempts might be a little rough, but we will keep on. It is what we are here to do - to share the good news. Stillness makes it all possible. It is a good feeling to be filled to overflowing.

Most [[humans]] have the opportunity only during the raising and [[training]] of their [[natural]] [[children]] to [[experience]] such an overflowing [[love]]. That is the best example there is of serving as a [[conduit]] for [[God]]'s [[love]]. A pipeline straight from [[God]] to the other [[person]]. It is just what [[Jesus]] would have us do. Some day we will be able to [[feel]] that same [[love]] for all people. That's where we are headed.

Most humans have the opportunity only during the raising and training of their natural children to experience such an overflowing love. That is the best example there is of serving as a conduit for God's love. A pipeline straight from God to the other person. It is just what Jesus would have us do. Some day we will be able to feel that same love for all people. That's where we are headed.

We have [[friends]] with us tonight who have been away. We still pursue the [[question]] and answer [[game]]. The floor is open for [[questions]].

JUDY: Will, this is Judy and I really have [[appreciated]] the [[opportunity]] to ask [[questions]]. It has helped me grapple with the whole notion of [[stillness]]. I was [[wondering]], is [[stillness]] something that you still [[practice]] at your level? Is it something that becomes more [[natural]] and less deliberate?

WILL: What you call [[stillness]], we call [[identification]]. Because I am [[Adjuster fused]], identification is a given, yet, like you, I am still working out some of the [[problems]] of [[demonstrating]] my [[understanding]] and identification with those outside myself and I am working on [[perfecting]] my [[attitude]] of [[service]]. [[Identification]] with [[God]] is [[natural]]. The [[interface]] with other [[personalities]] takes work. It is made much easier by [[understanding]] that they, too, are indwelt [[identically]] to me. The work remains the same but the [[challenges]] are ever greater. I [[suppose]] that synonymous with the work [[identification]], I could say [[worship]]. It is fundamentally the same. It is a [[listening]] [[activity]], not a [[talking]] activity. Next.

We have friends with us tonight who have been away. We still pursue the question and answer game. The floor is open for questions.

JUDY: I was also [[wondering]] if you [[struggled]] with the [[stillness]] [[practice]], as we seem to be, at the beginning of your [[spiritual growth]].

JUDY: Will, this is Judy and I really have appreciated the opportunity to ask questions. It has helped me grapple with the whole notion of stillness. I was wondering, is stillness something that you still practice at your level? Is it something that becomes more natural and less deliberate?

WILL: My [[human]] [[nature]] was to be [[extremely]] [[skeptical]] of anything that could not be [[immediately]] [[demonstrated]] and so I dithered and temporized and attempted to hedge my bets but in the end the increasing [[feeling]] of [[peace]] was undeniable and I signed on wholeheartedly and I knew I was on the way. Next question.

WILL: What you call stillness, we call identification. Because I am Adjuster fused, identification is a given, yet, like you, I am still working out some of the problems of demonstrating my understanding and identification with those outside myself and I am working on perfecting my attitude of service. Identification with God is natural. The interface with other personalities takes work. It is made much easier by understanding that they, too, are indwelt identically to me. The work remains the same but the challenges are ever greater. I suppose that synonymous with the work identification, I could say worship. It is fundamentally the same. It is a listening activity, not a talking activity. Next.

JUDY: So does - I'm sorry, I'm not going to give you up yet - So does every evolving [[mortal]] [[struggle]] with this [[concept]] of [[stillness]] and its not just because we've been [[isolated]]?

JUDY: I was also wondering if you struggled with the stillness practice, as we seem to be, at the beginning of your spiritual growth.

WILL: It is a [[sovereignty]] issue. The [[human]] must be [[mature]] enough and [[secure]] enough to better himself or herself through the benefits of a higher [[path]]. Those who are a little more backward and [[feel]] the kind of [[rivalry]] or a kind of external [[invasive]] [[power]] are not ready for closer [[identification]]. It is a very delicate thing. It is not a [[flaw]] to move slowly. It is not something to rush into. However, for those who already [[intellectually]] [[understand]] and generally [[accept]], continued foot-dragging is probably only interpretable as [[ego]] assertion. For those who have a good background and a fair [[understanding]] of [[the Father]]'s [[essential]] [[nature]] as it is expressed by His conduct toward the [[material worlds]], there is no reason to hang back except [[animal]] [[fear]]. Most of you should be able to master this kind of [[fear]] and if you are not able, you should begin immediately. Next question.

WILL: My human nature was to be extremely skeptical of anything that could not be immediately demonstrated and so I dithered and temporized and attempted to hedge my bets but in the end the increasing feeling of peace was undeniable and I signed on wholeheartedly and I knew I was on the way. Next question.

JUDY: I have one last question. This has been such an [[essential]] concept for us, it seems, in fostering our [[spiritual growth]]. Will there be other [[essential]] important concepts to tackle?

JUDY: So does - I'm sorry, I'm not going to give you up yet - So does every evolving mortal struggle with this concept of stillness and its not just because we've been isolated?

WILL: In order to land on [[Paradise]] it is necessary to know [[everything]] that can be known by that order of [[creature]]. We are designed to see a broader range of [[creation]] than any other creature in [[the universe]]. Creatures of other orders have more specialized [[understandings]] of certain [[parts]] of the [[administration]] but we are the only ones who see all and [[experience]] it all so I [[think]] the answer to your question is - [[everything]] is [[essential]]. There is no surpluse in the system. [[God]] has no [[idle]] [[purposes]]. We [[trust]] that there is [[meaning]] in [[everything]] He has done and yet will be. Next.

WILL: It is a sovereignty issue. The human must be mature enough and secure enough to better himself or herself through the benefits of a higher path. Those who are a little more backward and feel the kind of rivalry or a kind of external invasive power are not ready for closer identification. It is a very delicate thing. It is not a flaw to move slowly. It is not something to rush into. However, for those who already intellectually understand and generally accept, continued footdragging is probably only interpretable as ego assertion. For those who have a good background and a fair understanding of the Father's essential nature as it is expressed by His conduct toward the material worlds, there is no reason to hang back except animal fear. Most of you should be able to master this kind of fear and if you are not able, you should begin immediately. Next question.

HELENA: Will, this is Helena. After I [[practice]] the [[silence]] I've been [[listening]] for inner [[words]] whose [[content]] and [[quality]] seem other than my own. I would appreciate knowing if I am receiving legitimate [[communication]] and, if so, am I approximately [[accurate]] in my recording of these materials?

WILL: A [[standard]] for [[accuracy]] must be quite [[flexible]] on your world. We think you are doing right. The important thing is the doing. It is [[essential]] to get some movement before [[guidance]] can take place, so keep at it. Things will continually improve. As for the [[degree]] of [[accuracy]] of particular [[communications]], we know from our [[experience]] within this group that those [[discussions]] tend to erect a wall that is [[difficult]] to scale. So my [[policy]] is that the validity of [[individual]] [[communications]] is not [[discussed]]. I say that you are doing well. We are pleased. Don't stop now. Great things lie ahead. We look forward to [[vigorous]] interchange with each of you on every possible level. In general, we call that [[spiritual growth]]. We are interested in building all of our spiritual muscles, not just a few. Is that helpful?

 

 

 

WILL: A standard for accuracy must be quite flexible on your world. We think you are doing right. The important thing is the doing. It is essential to get some movement before guidance can take place, so keep at it. Things will continually improve. As for the degree of accuracy of particular communications, we know from our experience within this group that those discussions tend to erect a wall that is difficult to scale. So my policy is that the validity of individual communications is not discussed. I say that you are doing well. We are pleased. Don't stop now. Great things lie ahead. We look forward to vigorous interchange with each of you on every possible level. In general, we call that spiritual growth. We are interested in building all of our spiritual muscles, not just a few. Is that helpful?

HELENA: Yes, thank you.

HELENA: Yes, thank you.

WILL: Question?

WILL: Question?

RON: Will, this is Ron. I didn't have a question about the silence, but I had another one if that's okay. A little over a year ago, I believe it was during our first group meditation here, I had an experience I wanted to ask you about. It was very vivid to me. During the meditation I found myself in a gigantic vortex moving extremely rapidly and far off in the distance the vortex turned to the left and there was an extremely bright light at the end of it. I had the sensation of rushing rapidly. Very fast. And I suppose at some point it must have startled me because I came out of it. My question is - was that something I conjured up myself or was it of any spiritual import?

RON: Will, this is Ron. I didn't have a question about the [[silence]], but I had another one if that's okay. A little over a year ago, I believe it was during our first group [[meditation]] here, I had an [[experience]] I wanted to ask you about. It was very vivid to me. During the [[meditation]] I found myself in a gigantic [[vortex]] moving extremely rapidly and far off in the distance the [[vortex]] turned to the left and there was an extremely bright [[light]] at the end of it. I had the sensation of rushing rapidly. Very fast. And I [[suppose]] at some point it must have startled me because I came out of it. My question is - was that something I conjured up myself or was it of any [[spiritual]] import?

WILL: As a general rule, sensations are the attempt of the human mind to physical mind to physically interpret the unexplainable. The presence of spiritual personalities often has a physiological effect on humans, who are proximate. It is the pull of spirit gravity. It is quite plastic and tends to become focused - this is hard to describe - tends to become focused within those with a practiced ability to assist humans with leaps of understanding. The forward sensation you feel is genuine. Lacking any other reference points, the human mind also insistently interprets spiritual progress as toward light. So, in some ways, your experience can be explained, but in many other respects it is like explaining a dream. All the unknown and unexplainable parts are filled in with whatever sensations that are on hand. I think the general rule is, the more detailed and realistic the sensation, the more it has thoroughly it has been processed by the human ego and interpreted. The sensation and movement part is good. Is that explanation helpful?

WILL: As a general rule, [[sensations]] are the attempt of the human mind to physical mind to physically [[interpret]] the unexplainable. The [[presence]] of [[spiritual]] [[personalities]] often has a [[physiological]] [[effect]] on humans, who are proximate. It is the pull of [[spirit gravity]]. It is quite plastic and tends to become [[focused]] - this is hard to describe - tends to become [[focused]] within those with a practiced ability to [[assist]] humans with leaps of [[understanding]]. The forward sensation you feel is genuine. Lacking any other [[reference]] points, the [[human mind]] also insistently [[interprets]] [[spiritual progress]] as toward [[light]]. So, in some ways, your [[experience]] can be [[explained]], but in many other respects it is like explaining a [[dream]]. All the [[unknown]] and unexplainable parts are filled in with whatever [[sensations]] that are on hand. I think the general rule is, the more detailed and realistic the [[sensation]], the more it has thoroughly it has been processed by the human [[ego]] and [[interpreted]]. The sensation and movement part is [[good]]. Is that [[explanation]] helpful?

RON: Yes, thank you.

RON: Yes, thank you.

WILL: Next. [pause] Next week we will probably close the question and answer format for awhile. I commend you for your renewed interest in the stillness practice. I trust you will find it productive. If we are to ever reach the point of overflowing, it is necessary to practice. Each day our capacity grows a little greater, for the greater glory of the Lord.

We have [[happy]] times ahead in His [[service]]. Until next week, His [[peace]] I leave with you.

We have happy times ahead in His service. Until next week, His peace I leave with you.

[[Shalom]].

==Session 3==

==Session 3==

*November 22, 1992

*November 22, 1992