Ani

Note 2p SENDING THOUGHTS MUSICALITY 27th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 20th April, 1924, Sofia The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. Reflection A summary on the topic “The aim of modern science” was read. Some of the works on the topic “Adaptation of the human soul” were read. How do you define the word differentiation? Or how do you understand the transformation of matter, its passing from one simple state to another more complex one? If knowledge is not applied, it can be hazardous to the soul. Each matter put in the human organism (namely the heart and the mind) and not used can became dangerous with time. If you have a desire that cannot be fulfilled, it will start torturing you. How exactly does Nature change? We often say that man changes. How does it happen? Let us say that some of you have decided to be always polite to others. Later you change your view and say, “One needs to be rude at times.” Then what is the difference between politeness and rudeness? Fig. 1 Let us say that point A stands for politeness and point B is for rudeness. They represent two methods in Life. Some say that work does not go with politeness only. Do you think that if you used rudeness, the result would be better than if you used politeness? If you spend a year of your life being polite, and the next year you decide to be rude the results will be nullified and you will arrive at your initial position. You will make a circle in your life without having achieved anything, or rather, you will have lost what you have achieved. You will have lost in B what you have achieved at point A. The rude person always wastes – for instance, he will strike someone, but with each blow he transfers his energy, thus losing it. Observe this in Life. Watch a very strong man who beats a dozen people – you will notice that he becomes weaker, losing his strength. Gentle people are always weak, but they get stronger with time. Consequently, by saying that gentility and politeness are preferable, we mean that they contribute to strengthening one’s character. One with surplus energy should know how to transfer it. It is important because human energy has reverse movements: if you punch somebody in the nose, he will punch you back in the nose; if you slap somebody in the face, he will slap you back. There are certain exceptions, but generally, the “eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth” principle is always applied. That’s why you should seek to apply your potential sensibly. For example, you have been lectured for three years. I would like you to infer from your first-year lectures an applicable method. Fig. 2 Let us say that now I will ask one of you to come to the blackboard to explain what a living point is. What distinguishes living points from dead ones? My idea is that each point has a shape. Each type of energy makes a small point in its manifestation. Similarly, each light formed in space manifests itself as a small point. What direction does this small point take? Assume that water runs from the top point A down the hill to point C, where it penetrates the soil. This water reaches point B in the form of one drop, then another and another. All these drops form a line, which is nothing but a stream, a river, i.e. a live jet. Let us say that you have a friend living in Varna; you project your thought to him. How will this thought emerge in space? What direction will it take? Will it move in a straight line, or will it take some other direction? How will a person with a strongly developed sixth sense see it? (- Your thought will move along a curved, arched line). Let one of you go to the one side of the hall and another to the opposite end – try to think of one another. What will the lines starting from you be - straight or curved? Imagine that at the same time I was thinking of you, but simultaneously directing a thought up to some other creature there. What direction will my thought take then? Tell me how do you see the thought? First, in order to be able to think of any of you, I should have an idea of your figure and face. I should be able to build a miniature picture of you in my mind, to keep it there for some time, and then project my thought onto you. And vice versa: if you think of me, you should also try to build a miniature image of me in your mind, so that a kind of connection can be established between us. If this connection is established, the thought can be transferred. What is your idea of the thought – is it material or not? (-Material) If I have projected a thought to one of you, the rest can also receive it. Let us say that a hundred or two hundred people have taken position at various points, if I project my thought to just one of them, the rest will be able to perceive it if they are sensitive enough. What does it show? – That the thought moves along a wavy line. It follows a straight line when it gets across to you, expanding at the same time, due to which many can receive it. (-Is there a difference between those who receive it directly and those who catch it indirectly?)- Yes, there is – the first have it more intensely. In this case it can be presented in the following way: let us say that there are about a hundred people arranged along the line AD. The thought, however, is directed from C to B. The thought towards B will be very strong because it is central, while the one reaching the points A and D will be weaker. These points will represent the shores where the thought will polarise. Fig. 3 You can carry out small experiments on receiving thoughts through telepathy. You need some experience in this. Those of you who are compatible in temper, heart and mind can send thoughts to each other and keep record of the results. Let us say that you want to send a thought to a friend at 9 o’clock in the evening. You should warn him to expect it between 8 and 10 in the evening so that he can focus on it, but you needn’t tell him the exact hour. In this way you will see whether he has perceived the thought. Have you had such experience? – You are sitting somewhere in your home and a thought springs to your mind. For instance, you have promised someone to visit him at 5 o’clock, but someone calls at your place, so you miss the appointment – you would by all means come to remember that at 5 o’clock you were supposed to see your friend. You check your watch and you see that you are late. This reminder of your promise is actually your friend’s thought projected to you – you take your hat and go out. You have had such cases, haven’t you? The same could happen in some other respect: You lead a decent, religious life, but at a point you start doubting it and you say, “This life is not good enough. I need to live in a greater way.” So, you take the grand way. But shortly a thought about your former life occurs in your mind and you say, “No, I can’t live so.” How did such a thought occur? – From a friend who you live with, but stands higher and sees your position. He tells you, “You have taken the right way!” It might be a friend from the outer world, who has projected this thought onto you in order to suggest it to you – the law is the same. Now while making these observations, you might notice the following phenomenon: as you will often think, you might see bright spots of light occurring on the left, then moving to the right and finally disappearing. When the points move from left to right, [A1] the thought projected on you is from ascending order – it is a useful thought; when the bright spot of light moves from left to right it is of descending order – it is either useless or dangerous. Therefore, you should know that human thought is related to the live electricity in Life. When the thoughts are positive, they attract the living forces toward themselves. When the thoughts are negative these living forces are dispersed; they go away from the person, thus causing diseases. For example, if you have an adversary, who hates you, his thought towards you is so powerful that he can make you negative and you might fall ill. The law is as follows: If you fall ill, the illness can go back to him; there will be a reverse movement. However, you can send your positive thoughts, your warm feelings and wishes with absolute faith, without any doubt or hesitation, and the person will recover. So, in order to help someone recover, you should send some live electricity – he will perceive your thought and will feel better. In this respect good friends are a good protection for health, while bad friends always bring on diseases and sufferings. Fig. 4 Assume that the line AB presents a plane through which thousands of people have passed. We can plant in this plane thousands of hawthorn seeds. Would you be able to pass through this place in a few years? – No, it would have become a thick hedge. Similarly, each good thought can fortify the weak spots in one’s personality. Good thoughts can be planted just as seeds can. Just as the apple or the pear can be planted and grow, so the good thought can grow and turn into a thick defence. Then again, it is not enough to think of something just once. Your thought has to be constant and focused on what you want to make come true. You will have to concentrate for a long time until your thought starts growing. This will inspire you to plant another, then another and another. That’s why you should all try to plant at least one good thought a day. When speaking of good thoughts, give me an example of a good thought that is likely to be fulfilled in your present state of mind. (-To acquire will, patience, punctuality.) Yes, but the will is powerful. It means a complex process. The will comprises a number of forces. The same refers to patience. Is one born patient? No, one is not born such. Patience comes later. So, you should start with the small experiments. I would recommend that you start with the musical tones. Take the basic tone C and keep singing it until you are pleased with yourselves. Practise daily the tones C, E, G and C. From a purely musical point of view how many qualities are there in a tone (- pitch, timbre and volume). Each tone has to be pure and clear. A task: I want all of you to learn the scale correctly – not as musicians, of course, but only to be able to sing it in tune. It will be a kind of exercise for you. Let us say that you sing G or A – I want to sing these at once[A2] . You might make a mistake, but it won’t matter because at this stage we ignore the mistakes. In this respect you cannot do without learning music; you cannot build up a character without it. Music is a powerful means for cultivating one’s character. It softens the personality. Just as one cannot purify the blood without breathing, so one cannot clear his feelings. Proper breathing is necessary, and music fosters correct breathing. Let us say that a singer wants to sing, but he is extremely ambitious – he believes that when he is on the stage, he should be showered with flowers. If one believes in this, he will spoil the matter. One should sing for oneself. Each of you should love music for its own sake. I am in favour of this – to sing for myself and to listen to myself. I will be both the singer and the audience - nothing is better than this. The same refers to speaking – you should be both the speaker and the listener. If someone speaking makes broad gestures, he does not speak to himself. He speaks to the audience. When I speak to myself I needn’t make any gestures; I should speak quietly. One who makes efforts to speak up speaks to the surroundings. He will not be understood, no matter how much he speaks. Do not think that if you speak quietly, the people outside will understand you. Only someone who is able to understand himself can understand you. That is a law. Someone is speaking louder. - Why? – He wants to be understood. It is pointless. That is not the way you do it. First, you should see whether this person could speak and understand himself. If he can, then he will be able to understand you, too. Then you will say, “Here is a man with whom I can reach agreement.” Two people able to understand themselves are able to understand each other. This is the correct way to establish proper relationships of mutual understanding. If you cannot speak to yourselves, all your efforts will be in vain. You will have inner misunderstandings. Then you will apologise, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it.” What do you mean? If you sing a tone out of tune, I will take the fiddle – it will correct me. The fiddle is certainly a great master, so it will correct you. Good teachers of music do not take the trouble to explain much to their tutees. They just say, “Listen to the violin!” The violin speaks first and then the teacher sings. The same refers to Nature. At first Nature speaks to us through certain phenomena, its speech being the crude element. All phenomena occurring in Nature are its instruments through which it wants to correct us. And indeed, Nature always manages to correct us. Therefore, sufferings are nothing but the correction of our thoughts and feelings. Each thought or feeling in Nature is a harmonious force, which is active. If you do not think correctly, the Divine bow starts playing along the violin as many times as it takes for you to correct your mistake. Next time I will test your singing. Some of you will feel too self-conscious and say, “But how are we going to sing?” I want you to sing to yourselves. If you sing to the others, I wouldn’t care. I will be pleased if you sing not for me, but for yourselves. I will ask you to sing individually, then in pairs, in groups of three, of four, etc. You have here an organ, a piano, some violins – you will sing, you will practise until each of you becomes confident enough to sing as well as possible. I do not want the impossible; we will relate this musical practice with other exercises. Now you will say, “That is a piece of cake. I know what C, D, E is.” You do not know how to sing yet. I can sing a song in various ways. The best singing is when one forgets about everything else and is undisturbed. If an image or a face occurs in his mind, the harmony is disturbed. The so-called trills will appear. The first requirement for the tone is to be clear. Trills belong to the Occult music but they are perceived differently. Singers, who cannot sing clearly, make trills. In order to make beautiful trills one needs great artistry. Trills mean vibrations; it means that the voice shakes. We could discuss the occult significance of the various tones some other time. We could discuss the colours they produce and the influence they exert. Each tone has its influence. Our speech alters daily – you never start with the same tone. Your speech has to be musical. If you do not speak musically, it is because you have deviated from the right path in your Life. I do not mean musical speech in its general sense. Under “musical” I mean the inner aspiration of the soul after what is elevated and lofty. From a phrenological point of view musicality has its own centre with the temples. This centre is better developed with some people, while with others it is underdeveloped and the temporal bone can be seen. The forehead is very well filled round the temples with good musicians. However, the musical aspiration exists as a potential with all people, and only the musical organs are developed to a different extent. When musicality is better connected with the motor system, people tend to play better than they sing. With others musicality is better connected with the larynx – they become better singers. There are such people whose musicality is related to their mind – they might become composers; they have the centre of construction well built as well. Therefore, one’s development depends on what the centre is connected with. Now, you are going to study the influence of thoughts by carrying out a few experiments. Each projected thought goes out as a jet and moves across space in a wavy line. When the human thought is intense, it can form various beautiful shapes. You can judge your friend’s thoughts by the shape of these waves. It is possible because of the simultaneous projection of the waves to many people. That’s why you should send one another positive thoughts. It is not enough to wish somebody good; your thought has to be active, too. Those of you who have the time could make the following experiment: plant some of the bulbous flowers – a tulip or a hyacinth - and watch their growth. Go to this flower every morning and project your thought onto it so that it can grow well – put your hands on top of it to project your thought. It would be even better if you planted the flowers in two pots. Put your hands only on top of one flowerpot and leave the other to develop naturally only by watering it. Then see which of the flowers will develop better. Let a few students from this class try this. You should spend a few minutes on the experiment every morning. This experiment will not engage your mind entirely – you will send a good thought to your flower and then you will forget about it. This small experiment will show you how powerful your thought can be. You have to apply the Occult teaching in your life. You will face many difficulties but this will not stop you. The way you are gathered here - all of you with various tempers, not knowing how to treat one another, and unable to harmonise – you accumulate plenty of surplus energy, which you do not know how to release. American students, as well as those in Europe, (that is a common law) find some entertainment for their free time. For instance, freshmen and sophomores arrange boxing matches to see which grade will win the right to carry canes. Sometimes the sophomores get the upper hand and they say, “No freshman is allowed to carry a cane!” Sometimes just the opposite happens – the freshmen beat the sophomores and then they have the right to carry canes. If someone is caught breaking the rule, he is punished. Sometimes the teachers watch their boxing matches without telling them off – they know that steam should be let off. When one of the grades wins, the energy is assimilated throughout the whole school year. At the end of the first year, the new freshmen will experience boxing. Students can contend over a hat, a tie, a badge or whatever. This is not a ladies’ job. Only men do it. I have seen you boxing, too. I point this out as a fact, because I can see that you often have surplus energy. However, this energy should be used sensibly. If one does not know how to use it sensibly, Nature will take the surplus. Nature does not leave room for any surplus – then a disease will crop up. For example, someone has been eating all day. Nature will say, “Take this energy from him. He shouldn’t eat so much.” What happens? – He falls ill. There might be someone who will decide to waste the surplus energy by dissipating, squandering money. Then Nature will say, “This man does not need so much money. Take the money from him,” Nature likes accuracy. You must use today what Nature has given you. It does not tolerate surplus or deficiency. Everything should be in harmony. When you finish your job, it tells you, “Have a rest now. You needn’t think about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of you.” Now you will have to cope with the surplus energy that has started accumulating in you. Some have surplus in one respect and deficiency in another. For instance, some accumulate surplus in the centre of fear – wherever they go, they are afraid – the accumulated energy bothers them. Then you should carry out the following experiment: Let one who is not afraid place his hand on the centre of fear and the fear will disappear. This can be done either by the most courageous person or by the most cowardly one. Anger is also an accumulation of surplus energy. Its centre is behind the ears. Similarly, one who is most relaxed can put his hand on this spot and the anger will disappear. If this energy is not removed from the person, the muscles will start contracting. Five or ten minutes later when the anger is gone, one will say, “Excuse me, I was not in the right frame of mind. I was too nervous.” This is a very simple matter. There is some extra energy in you, which you have to get rid of. When anger comes, you should either start digging or writing. There should be a workshop with hammers and other tools, so that you should have a place where to get rid of the surplus energy. One will grab the hammer, another the plane, yet another the quill, thus everybody will be in harmony. Whereas now, you do not have anything to do, so the surplus energy might cause certain explosions. We are going to set up a workshop for transforming the surplus energy. I think the wheel will run smoothly then – anybody with surplus energy will be working an hour daily. How many are you in this class? – (Eighty). It makes eighty hours’ work, and if each hour is paid ten levs, that will make eight hundred levs a day. That is a handsome sum of money. Now I am going to apply this method, but before that you need to be stable, as certain explosions occur when forces undergo changes. Anybody who does not observe the rules can trigger an explosion. If you are not careful, you might ignite the energy accumulated in somebody else only with a casual glance. Sometimes a glance acts as a lighter. The other person will ask, “Why are you looking at me?” – It means that the lighter is activated. Do not think that people who are not familiar with the Occult teaching do not observe you. As soon as they find your weak spot, they rush to find their box of matches – you are immediately set on fire and then they say, “This school has made him take leave of his senses.” The disciple has to be like Socrates – to keep his temper no matter what the lighter is. One only has to smile and say, “Tell me another!” – “You have a screw loose!” – “Tell me another!” – In this way you neutralise his thought. Newspapermen in the modern world understand this law and as true firebrands instigate people. They use both chemical and physical wicks. I know that they are clever, learned people, only that they studied years ago. In positive science everybody is expected to use the surplus energy properly. There is a natural way to transform the energy. Then you should take seats here in accordance with this law. We are going to carry out one, two, three and more experiments to see the results. Which are the basic points in this lecture? As it is of practical application, you have to infer the basic points for next time. That is necessary, since we cannot go further without having the first results of the experiments. They are very small experiments, which you can make in between your other tasks. They can be regarded as a pleasant activity. We are going to discuss numbers in some other lecture. For instance, if you have the numbers 2 + 1 = 3 and 3 + 1 = 4, etc. Will the result be the same by adding 1 to the numbers 2 and 3? (No, the results will be different). The same refers to living Nature: the living unit acting under the conditions 2 and under the conditions 3 gives different results. How can you explain that 2 + 1 = 3? The unit stands for the soil, 2 is the seed growing, 3 is the fruit of the seed. Therefore, in living math the unit stands for the conditions and the forces in the soil. Besides, it can mathematically be estimated what result these forces can produce. This is just one possible explanation. There is another: for instance, the unit stands for the acid, 2 is for the base, and 3 is for the salt. The salt is the final fruit. When dealing with living math we should be aware of the significance of numbers – what they suggest or symbolise. The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. ---------------------------------- [A1]One of these should read [right to left] [A2][i want you to sing these at once]

Note 2p PATIENCE 26th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 13th April, 1924, Sofia The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. A secret prayer Some works on the topic “The aims of modern science” were read. Now, I am going to assign a topic, on which I want you to work individually. It will be: “The best method of self-restraint”. At first you will make an experiment, and then you will dwell on the best method of self-restraint. Each of you will comment on the topic. You are going to apply what you have written. When studying Nature, you should observe two rules: First, Nature always uses pictures and images; second, nature proceeds from the visible to the invisible, i.e. from what is close to the human Spirit, to what is distant from it. Consequently, in your initial studies of Nature you will take a picture from Nature the way it is, without any comment, just like children do, and note what an impression this picture will make on you. You might have an objection, “Why should we do this?” – Because of the following law: if you plant a grain in the soil, should it start philosophising? The grain first tries to examine the soil. What does it do next? It shoots its roots. It wants to explore the soil without making any comment. Therefore, when it shoots its roots, the first stage has started – the grain is pretty clear about its task. The second stage for the grain is to explore what is above the ground. If a picture does not leave a lasting impression on you, you will never be clear about the inner sense of this image, because the images in Nature are alive. Each of you is an image. You are living images in body. What do you do, though? You meet a friend of yours and you want to understand him right away. No, you should not do this. Let the image or the body of your friend impress you, just like children do. This is the simplest way to understand a given image. This is also the most natural way to acquire true Knowledge. If you let the philosophy of the objective mind get the upper hand, this will lead you astray and you will fall into error. Modern learned people make the mistake to try to find a philosophical explanation of the ultimate objectives of Nature. How can they understand Nature? They cannot understand Nature yet, as they have not learnt its laws and they have not obtained any insight of its inner images. Ask modern psychologists, speaking about the human soul, intellect and heart, how they have come to understand this soul, heart, or mind. They will not be able to give a definite answer, as they do not know where the human mind is. They say, “The human mind is in the brain.” Yes, but where exactly is it concentrated? They do not know where the human heart is either. I have already told you that if Nature wants to define someone’s mind, It determines it by the nose, the forehead, and the chin. Then Nature determines the direction of the heart. The orientation of the heart is diametrically opposite that of the mind. Fig. 1 Let us say that the line AB represents the movement of the mind; then the movement of the heart will be the line CD. You can check that by looking at anybody’s nose. People whose intellectual aspirations are stronger have their nose flatter at the base. Such people think more and feel less. Others have their nose shorter, but wider – they think less and feel more. By saying that there are people who think a lot I do not mean that they can accomplish everything. A thought is what can be fulfilled. Feelings should also be fulfilled, as the point is not just in feeling. Do you know what feeling is like? Imagine now that I were a cook. I am preparing some dish; you come close to me, sniff around the casserole, imagining that you are eating. Are you actually eating? No, eating remains unfulfilled. Can one live with such a feeling? You can only feel the steam coming out of the casserole, but nothing enters your mouth. Only dead people can feed on this. A living person needs to taste the dish. This law can be applied both to the heart and the mind. Someone will say, “I think.” What is the object of your thought? Can your thought be applied? How can you apply this knowledge? Assume that someone has hurt his foot and says, “I can’t walk.” One, who understands the law, on hearing the complaint, will give him some remedy, will heal him and make him able to walk again. Well, let us say that two people from this class cannot get on well with each other, what will your remedy be? You are intellectuals, aren’t you? You say that you live in a brotherhood, that you should get on well, have ideas and aspirations after good, etc. That is all very nice, but your two classmates have fallen out despite their ideas. The first comes up and the other turns his back, saying, “I am busy now. I have something on my mid.” What is on his mind? – To turn his back. One turns his right side and the other turns his left side. Is there any philosophy in this? Have you seen what cocks do? One rises, and the other rises, saying, “Don’t think I am that stupid!” What cocks do is done by people, too. There is some reasoning in this but certainly no philosophy. All these are habits, but when it comes to Reasonable understanding of Nature, we will have to make an experiment with ourselves. That’s why I have told you to write on the topic: “The best method of self-restraint”. I want you to write on something you have experienced. It will be a valuable contribution. I believe that each of you has his own method. You will write about your personal methods of self-restraint. All the forces Nature has enacted have their own directions. The only thing required of you is never to hinder Nature acting in you so that you should not be hindered. Nature acting in you is alive. It is often said that Nature is the best teacher. At least I have not found a better teacher yet. If you listen to Nature, it can give you some valuable suggestions and guidelines; it can correct all your mistakes and make your life on Earth meaningful, even happy. You all have the same fallacy: you read a novel, written by no matter whom, which presents the life of a character you admire so much that you make this character a role model. However, trying to follow the example of the character is not that easy. Novel writers reveal only imaginary portrayals. They have not experienced what they describe. Not a single author has carried out the experiment on himself. They just imagine things and say, “The hero has to sacrifice himself; the heroine has to sacrifice herself.” All these are nothing but imaginary scenes, images that rarely occur in real life. The first thing you should do is to distinguish between what is real and unreal so that you should be clear about to what extent your intentions can be fulfilled. Now we are discussing patience. Patience is something we all need. Do you know what the denominator of patience is? Which number can stand for ideal patience? I will tell you – the nominator for the ideal patience is 100 000 000. What fraction of your patience constitutes the ideal patience? What will the numerator of patience be? You have the denominator, so you should make some calculations to find the numerator. – The numerator is equal to the denominator. So, we have the fraction 100 000 000/100 000 000. What is the numerator of your patience? –( 1). It cannot be 1. Let me give you some hints: the patience of the smallest creature in this world is 1/100 000 000. The smallest cell that comes to life has 1 as a numerator. Now, you as biologists will find out how many millions of forms exist and to which of these forms you belong. By finding the results, you will be able to define the form of your numerator. Now I am speaking of this unit of energy that can be found in the simplest form of the cell: 400 000/100 000 000 = 4/1000 =1/250. This means that organically this should be your denominator. How would you understand and define patience? What kind of force is patience? What is it needed for? Patience has two sides: one is the conscious, sensible patience and the other comes out of necessity. We are speaking now about the sensible patience, in which the mind, the will and the heart are involved. This patience is present only when one is free. Only a free man can be patient. One who is not absolutely free can endure hardships, i.e. he endures restrictions – in these cases patience is necessary. You are also patient now – you are sitting patiently on these chairs, but this is not patience because you have to do it. Patience has a distinctive feature: one who is patient finds satisfaction in work – despite all the obstacles he remains patient and does not lose heart. A patient person is invariably cheerful and merry; that’s why he cannot lose balance. A limited person can always lose balance – this is not patience. A patient person has peace of mind – he is always calm and quiet. Therefore, when speaking of patience, you should perceive it only in this way in order to have good results. Try to check whether you can endure hardship and to what extent. Let us say that you have some problem or you are displeased with something. Ask yourselves why you are displeased with a certain situation. There is nothing worse than discontent. Do you know that in order to make it possible for you to be here now, in this room, millions of Creatures, Heaven, the Earth and Angels have worked for millions of years? They have worked hard to give you knowledge, and now you are dissatisfied. You say, “But how? I am so constrained!” Yes, but where else could you possibly be in this case? Let me make myself clear: imagine a stormy night, everything is under deep snow - where could you be? You cannot be outside your room. Your room is the only possible place where you are likely to be. You will say, “I can go out.” Yes, you can, but where could you go? Therefore, one should get out of the confining conditions, but only if he has found the spiritual path. Birds, for instance, thought for thousands of years before making their wings. Only then were they able to fly freely from one place to another. You should apply the same law: when facing an impediment, you need to think long and carefully before finding a method – just like birds did. Do you think that it was easy for birds to create feathers and wings? – It took the efforts and time of thousands of generations before designing and applying them in Life. As a result of hard work in the past, birds can solve their problems more easily now. You also have better conditions now than you used to. It will take more time for those who did not work hard enough in the previous centuries. You will need less time, but do not think that it will come in an hour or two. Let us say that sometimes you are displeased. You should say, “I’ll be more patient.” Try to be patient for at least half an hour. What does it mean? – You have to think that all your problems are settled and everything runs on wheels. You will say, “But how can I say such a thing when nothing is actually settled?” Naturally, in the present social system you will always be presented with this philosophy. You will always be put off balance. You might say, “When I enter society, I will be able to endure anything.” Yes, but when you face the harsh reality, you will say, “Let’s live as the others live.” Then you will put the new philosophy aside and say, “This philosophy is not applicable.” Yes, it is. You all deal with impossibilities now – you all think that these things are impossible. You have another wrong idea – you say, ”We are young and energetic. Let’s have fun now. We’ll apply these things when we grow old.” No, you are wrong. It is never a bad day that hath a good night. You can try this: Let a baby toddle along. You will be able to judge his future by the way he moves. A prodigy child does not toddle as the other toddlers. He or she moves the hands in a peculiar way, making different gestures. From now on you should reveal the qualities of your soul. You should reveal its freedom, getting rid of all restrictions. You should make room for all your gifts and abilities endowed by Nature. You should not restrict each other. When travelling round the country I have often met men or women who are very witty and perceptive. For instance, a maid visits a household, but the mother is not in, only the children are there. The maid starts doing some chores – sweeping the floor, fetching water, baking some bread, so that when the mother comes back from the fields everything can be ready. This maid is very keen and efficient – she does not wait to be told what to do. She sees what has to be done and does it. When the woman comes back she is very grateful. Whereas you always wait to be told what to do like soldiers. You should be keen enough to take the initiative. If you notice that something has to be done, you should see to it without waiting for orders. Such is the Divine law. When you enter a place, do what others have missed to do. For example, there is a lot to be done in this class for which you wait to be told to do. You distribute it to one another, you talk, discuss, form groups, but none of you has his own initiative. You gather again and again in groups but your matters cannot be settled. You need a vent. These are practical suggestions, necessary for your present growth. The difficulties you are going to face now do not mean anything. They are inevitable. There are certain handicaps you have to overcome, which will actually make up your knowledge. Who is considered to be the most patient student in your class? How can you recognise the patient person? I would like to know how you decide whether one is patient or not. (- A patient person looks calm.) What if one were just seemingly patient? No, there should be some other distinctive feature. I will tell you how to recognise the patient person. If someone patient approaches you, his whole person will exhale joy and he will smell of spring. There are people who laugh, but you know that they are not merry. If one is of a merry disposition, he radiates freshness. A patient person reveals one excellent quality: whatever mistake you make, it will not shatter his mental peace – he will remain merry and calm. Whatever damage you cause, he will remain both outwardly and inwardly calm. For example, if you do not give him a book you have promised him, he will not be angry with you for breaking your promise. He will greet you as if you have given him the book and will stay cheerful. What do you do? Let us say that a friend has promised to call at your place at exactly 9 o’clock. You are waiting for him, checking your watch and pacing impatiently round the room. It is 9.01 now and you become anxious. A minute or two later you have lost your temper. You start stamping feet, saying, “Here is a man who goes back on his word!” Imagine now your friend mastered the skill of moving the hands of your watch back. You keep checking your watch. Your friend comes an hour later, so you say, “You are an hour late!” However, you friend says, “Well, why don’t you look at your watch?” You check your watch. Your friend says, “I have promised to come at 9 o’clock.” You look again and, surprisingly, it shows exactly 9 o’clock. Patience does not run according to the world’s clock. And indeed, when two patient people promise something to each other, they will be as punctual as the earth is accurate in its motion. If a patient person promises something, he will manage to come on time even without a watch. So, patience is the most reasonable attribute of the soul. Therefore, a patient person can keep his promise, but if the other decides that his friend might not come on time, it will be a crime on his part. If I have a patient friend, I will never check my watch. I know that he will be punctual as a rule. Now, you will try[A1] your patience. It is necessary to carry out some self-observation. I call these experiments psychological manoeuvres. Try to tackle a problem that looks insoluble. Leave the problem aside for some time and focus on something else. Come back to it later. Do not push it. Examine the problem slowly and calmly. It might take a day, two, or more. You shouldn’t give up. You will cope with everything if you are patient enough. It is of prime importance to learn to be patient. Once you have acquired this skill, you will see that it is one of the most valuable attributes. You cannot make a step ahead unless you are patient. It is not enough to acquire knowledge only. It is crucial that one keeps it. It is not enough to cultivate virtues. You need the strength to retain them. You should know that you can keep what you have only if you are patient. One needs presence of mind. Now you will proceed with building up sensible patience. Assign certain exercises to yourselves. Let us say that you get angry with a friend of yours and stamp your feet at him. When you collect yourself, you will say, “I’ll practise patience now.” What kind of exercise would you do? You will say, “Why should I punish myself? What have I done wrong? Is stamping feet that serious?” Imagine that you were a soldier under an officer’s command. Your officer saw you stamp feet and told you, “Take off your boots, take a pail of water, cross the city bare-footed from the one end to the other, and then come back here.” Aren’t you going to do this? Of course, you will. And next time before stamping feet, what would you do? – “Have you ever carried a pail of water bare-footed across the entire town?” This actually happens in social life all the time. This is how people cultivate each other. Why should you wait for a commander to tell you to carry the pail? You should order yourselves. I would advise those who are impatient and stamp feet to say, “Listen, you are going to work in the fields on Tuesday for free.” You should do this. If you keep stamping feet, you should work every day for two hours for free. If you harness what is unreasonable, it will stop stamping feet. If it were possible, it would be a nice idea to make a garden, where those who tend to stamp feet should work. Whoever enters this garden would know that this is a garden where only those who tend to stamp feet work. And then we would call this garden “A garden where patience is studied”. Each impatient person would have a special place in it. We would know what progress patience is making. Everybody would plant different seeds. And when they grew up, we would know whether you have acquired patience or not. If the potatoes grew well, your patience would as well. If the potatoes didn’t grow well, you would have to dig more. There is a certain correspondence in all this, because harmony in man is transferred to the soil and the vegetation. If one works patiently and willingly, plants develop better that those of the impatient gardener, who is eager to get rid of his duties. Therefore, everything in Life is determined by patience and inner disposition of the spirit. The best method of cultivating patience is through work. One has to work hard and reasonably in order to become patient. Now we could test any of you to see how patient you are. Here is a way to test your patience: Let us say that two friends have come to visit you and you are having a nice conversation. There comes a third one who whispers in your ear, “Fetch me some water.” If you are patient, you will tell your friends, “Excuse me, I have something to do. I’ll see to it and come back to join your conversation later.” Under the present conditions you will say, “Couldn’t you find a better timing to make me do this?” A sensible person has to be always polite to relatives and friends. Go and fetch the water as if this were the most natural thing to do. At least such are the methods of the Living Nature. It is indefatigable in cultivating people. If you are presented with a problem, remain cheerful and do your job. Then you can talk again. No other philosophy is of any use to you. You might keep philosophising about being patient applying various methods – that’s nice, but a timely good deed is far more valuable than any philosophical theories. Theories are good to deal with when we have nothing to do; however, when it comes to Life, we need practice in order to become patient. If all of you were patient, there wouldn’t be so much controversy among and within you now. A secret prayer The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. [A1][test]

Note 2p THE BETTER SIDE OF SUFFERINGS PURITY 25th lecture given by the master to the Youth Occult Class 6th April, 1924, Sofia The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. A secret prayer A summary on the topic “The possibilities of the human soul” was read. For next time you will write on topic Nr21 ”The aims of modern science”. Next you will write on topic Nr 22 “The adaptation of the human soul”. Nature has its own methods of arranging things. For instance the more solid substances stay low, while the lighter ones stay up, thus finding their order of arrangement. When speaking of adaptation, we mean this natural way of arrangement. In order to harmonise, you should find the level of your surroundings and know how you refer to them. If you want to stay on the surface, you have to be of the light oils. Then, wherever you are placed, you will be buoyant and resilient enough to emerge on the surface. When we speak of the Spiritual Life we always mean this state of the soul that makes it possible for it to emerge on the surface of Life. So you should think philosophically. What do you understand by adaptation? You might think as much as you wish, but oil will always float on the surface. The same refers to the Spiritual Life: When one is elevated to higher surroundings, when one’s thoughts and aspirations are more advanced the soul functions properly. Each of you is expected to carry out such experiments and check your states. In this way you will be able to change any of your states. What spoils the mood? Three different states affect man: the first one comes through the body, i.e. you feel something unpleasant within the body – you feel some pain or sorrow. You suffer without knowing why. You are in the position of an entrapped mouse – it is confined, rushing to and fro gnawing the metal frame, but unable to escape. A certain fear that it cannot go out is observed – this is suffering of the body. You all have the same body sufferings, which you consider to be crucial, but you should know their advantages. Because sufferings and joy come – you should take this into account. Thus, you will arrive in the field of the reasonable heart, which starts with these reflections. Finally, after reflecting, you will come to the stage when you will be able to perceive the point of sufferings and distinguish among them. This I refer to as the position of the Spirit – when you understand your sufferings, master them and are able to change them. For instance, there are athletes, who if put an iron ring on the hand are able to break it simply by bending their fingers. They can easily escape such suffering. The first thing for you is to cope with your body suffering. For instance, now, at this moment, as you are in this building, if someone came and cried out, “Fire!” what would you do? You would rush out without thinking much. Why should you run? Stop for a while to think – is there a reason to run? – Well someone told you so. So what? This is not a reason coming from you. Someone has told you, so you rush out, but when you go out, you see that there is no fire. Each deed or thought should rise from the depth of our Spirit, from the inside. If some inner voice told me that there is fire, I would listen to it, but if someone from the outside told me that there is fire, I would not listen to him until I checked this – this is the warning of the common sense. So, you all can witness the disagreement among yourselves. I am watching your bodies and I can see that they are not in harmony. That is not your fault, as some of you are more intensive than others. Those of you who have studied electricity know that if a strong current is conducted through a weak wire, it will burn out. Therefore, the wire should match the voltage, otherwise the current can be destructive. So, we should be careful both with others and with ourselves. For instance, sometimes, you may want to be told some truth. The truth can be told, but if such high-tension current runs through you (because truth is connected with high tension), then your thoughts will transform in forces running through your nervous system; as a result, you will not be able to resist and will produce the corresponding effect. I have given you more than once the example with the gospel preacher, who prayed to God to give him the chance of experiencing the advent of the Spirit. He used to share this experience of his: he had been praying for ten years when, eventually, one evening he was visited by the Spirit. But when the Spirit arrived, the man lay face down and started crying, “Enough with this, God! I am going to melt down!” What did he gain from this experience? That is why the Occult teaching says, “You should study the forces of Nature and not play with them.” They are not toys, but dynamic forces one should be very careful with. They are sacred. They are not a matter you can mess with. Even Moses, who was initiated in the secrets of the White Brotherhood in Egypt, had to spend a long time in the desert, until he got a revelation by the bramble. He heard a voice that told him to pull off his shoes as he was standing on a sacred spot. Therefore, you should be pure when approaching such sacred areas. Purity does not exclude Life; it makes it meaningful. You should know the following rule: What adds value to the human soul – to men and women, to young and old – is Purity. While one is pure, everybody can love him; if one becomes impure, he is ignored by all – this can be checked. Therefore, Purity is a necessity. You need it so that Reasonable Love can find its manifestation in you. Love and Reason cannot exist beyond Purity. This is an attribute you all need to possess. If you do not have it, you will have to acquire it. As disciples, you have to be pure. Do not say that you cannot be pure, because you can. It is your civil right. You have arrived at the conclusion that you cannot be pure by philosophical reasoning. You are misled by your surroundings. Your delusions cannot make you impure. As long as I am led by my principles, my heart is not divided, and I have the sacred thought to Love God and everybody else. Through my Love to God I have Purity in me. However, if I start doubting in God and in people’s sincerity, my Purity will be gone. So you should know – when you suffer, it is the body that suffers. Someone will come to me and say, “My heart aches.” What suffers is your body. Start thinking over these sufferings; dwell on them. Let us say that someone has grasped your hand and holds it tightly; why does he do this? He is afraid of you. You should grasp his hand, too. He grasps, and you grasp in turn. I have seen mothers do this to their children: The child bites her, and she pulls him by the ear, the child keeps biting and she pulls the ear, until finally the child starts crying – it hurts. If the body bites, you respond by saying, “Do not bite and you will not cry.” You should tell this to your body. It is reasonable, so it should get the message that we are the masters, not it. Well, it suffers – we are going to get rid of the suffering. It rejoices – we are going to share the joy. That is true – both sorrow and joy have their worth; both sorrow and joy have to be reasonable. When you come in for sufferings[A1] , you should study the reason for them. Do not exaggerate them. Do not say, “My job is over!” Your job is yet to start. – “I feel as if my mind will blow up!” Strangely enough, this refers to your body. You will refer this suffering to the Reasonable Heart and will look upon it as an attribute of the soul. If you endure it, you will be glad that you have suffered; you will become more sensitive and able to communicate with the Reasonable Creatures. You used to be less sensitive before. You waited for a hen to be killed and said, “What a fat hen!” or asked, “Did you stick the lamb?” But now when you confront some suffering you remember the hen, so you say, “The poor hen! How it suffered!” So, it is through suffering that you relate to the surrounding people. Therefore, the sufferings Nature uses are a blessing to us. Without sufferings you will remain estranged from each other, unable to communicate effectively. So, firstly, you experience body sufferings. Their attributes are regarded by the heart, which later transforms them into virtues. The sufferings and the joys of the body form the basic material from which the heart builds up its virtues. They are the material on which the heart works. The virtues become the material for the Spirit to create the great thoughts. All these are related. If you do not suffer or rejoice, the heart cannot build up any virtues. Without virtues the Spirit cannot reveal its power – such is the natural order of things. You should try this out: start thinking over some suffering and you will turn it into joy. For the time being you are at a stage when suffering comes to you as a blessing. You will be brave and determined to endure sufferings most naturally. Only then will this present teaching make sense. Certainly, there are many thoughts and wishes that embarrass you. If a more sensitive soul approaches you, it will feel how tense you are. You get together, but your relationships are too formal yet[A2] – I call these connections inorganic, mechanical, out of necessity. This is what happens in society: sometimes people with opposite views come together out of necessity and form a relationship as if they lived in agreement. But here, at the School, your relations need to be reasonable, because they present the conditions under which your personality has to be revealed. If you cannot learn the laws here, you will learn them later from Nature. However, it will take you much longer and in order to achieve the same results you will have to undergo ten, twenty a hundred times as much suffering as you will have here. When you read The Old Testament, you will get acquainted with the school of the prophets. All the prophets destined to elevate somebody were put through many trials and sufferings. They experienced inner trials to prepare for Life, to understand the laws of Nature and to fulfill God’s will. Their situation was not enviable, but they were people of strong will. Mind that the first thing you need is Purity. You need Purity if you want to be loved. You need Purity if you want to be protected from diseases. This idea should be impressed on you, as there is no other way. Now, I would like those of you who are most willing to be the first buds that will come out, so that you should be able to help each other. If you have a true understanding of this matter, you will be able to help anybody. Therefore, you should study adaptation, i.e. the conditions in Life. You will study the properties of elements. If you become firm and cruel, you should know that you have too much inorganic iron; if your imagination becomes abnormal, your silver has increased, i.e. the level of silver in your blood is high; if you start thinking of yourself as a great philosopher or a genius, there is too much gold in your blood. All the chemical elements should be in a strict mathematical ratio – neither more, nor less. Nature does not tolerate a surplus – it is strictly determined how many atoms of iron, gold or silver there should be in one’s blood. When one reaches perfection, the blood elements are in their perfect ratio. The elements are not well balanced in common people, as a result certain shortcomings originate. When iron becomes organic, one becomes firmer – he can endure more. If silver, as a blood constituent becomes organic, one’s imagination is developed – he is under the strong influence of the Moon. Astrologers claim that the Moon is the mother of imagination. So, many of you should change your bodies. It is a pretty tough task, with which I have dealt for years, yet it is a task that can be tackled sensibly. It will not be solved in a day or two, nor in a year. It can be solved gradually. Let me explain this. You have some indisposition, so you should know what it is and how to treat it. If the heart is indisposed, it can be treated easily, but there are conditions that might take an hour or two, a day, a month, even a year. If it is necessary, while undergoing such a crisis, you should find a person like you, a soul mate, who can help you. You need a friend, who is in an excellent frame of mind and who shows understanding, someone who loves you and sympathises with you. You shouldn’t communicate with a pessimist. When you meet such a friend, you will find spiritual comfort. You will have to communicate with this friend, who will protect you as a fence, until your wounds heal. One might suffer spiritual damage – then you experience mental anguish, likely to occur both with young and old. Some diseases are difficult to treat; yet they can be cured. You need a friend, not two. One friend is enough. You shouldn’t share your problems with whomever. You should be sincere only to a friend, a soul mate. If this soul mate happens to be a true friend, the pains in your heart will be easily cured, and the pains in the body even more easily. However, when you enter society, you have to be on the alert, because people round you will want to oust you, or they will put you through a trial. Worldly people tend to discuss other people’s ideas to check their firmness, thus drawing conclusions. If you are a pupil or a student dealing with the Occult, other students will start talking behind your back saying, “Forget about him! He is a wiseacre!” They will test your endurance. They will test your will and ability to understand. If you are a person of strong will and profound understanding, you will withstand for a day or two, a week or more, and then they will change their mind. But if you lose balance, they will say, “We know now how strong you are!” They will feel a kind of satisfaction that they can play with you. A disciple of the Occult might become an object of ridicule, but he should be able to avoid it. He should try to be elevated in a way that shows excellence. He should be head and shoulders above the others. You should get used to sympathising with others. That’s why you should apply Love and turn on electricity. If it is a matter of turning on the electricity, you know how to do it. However, you will have to learn how to turn on Love. The first thing you are to learn is how to transform your states. Try to change yourselves even when you are slightly indisposed. This you should practise when you are free. The first successful experiment will make you feel the joy and satisfaction of a great discovery. You can repeat the experiments twice, ten, twenty, fifteen times and all of them turn out to be unsuccessful. You should not lose heart. Keep trying. The first successful attempt will encourage you to believe that you have a potential. Nature has given you certain moods. Although these moods are good, they do not belong to you. If you visit an inn, the innkeeper will give you a lavish dinner, so you will be gratified and say, “I am safe now!” The innkeeper will do this just once, and then you will have to find somebody else to treat you. Do not count on this innkeeper; you are not secure – tomorrow you might face a new problem. Today he might offer you many dishes, but on the next day you might have nothing to eat, which will make you suffer more. That’s why one should learn how to make his own living. It is Living Nature that provides one with subsistence. I recommend that you try small experiments, because for greater experiments you will need more knowledge. Nature, as well, is very cautious. It does not allow great experiments. Nature lets you make only small experiments. Great experiments can be carried out only by advanced souls, because they are given larger credits. Nature is generous. It always allows common people to carry out small experiments. After studying the Occult for some time, you will feel a kind of discontent. Suspicion will arise and a force will start pushing you to the periphery. You will feel like giving up. You will say, “I do not belong here. I have to quit this class. The people around me are not what I expected them to be.” However, there is a law: one cannot escape from oneself. Such a condition, I think, is due to the accumulation of some energies, which cannot be assimilated by the surroundings. These energies cause a distressing state. For instance, I have noticed that most of you have your personal feelings well developed, which engenders serious individualism – everyone thinks only of himself. You speak about spiritual life, but the personal element is dominant – wherever you go, the personal element stands out despite your will. But as your morality is revealed as well, you say, “I want to be honest. I want to tell the Truth.” Actually, it can be your personal feelings again that make you speak out about someone’s shortcomings in the form of the truth; this man, though, tells you the same, and as a result, you fall out. This happens because you do not speak according to the law of Virtue – you disclose one’s shortcomings as a defect. That is not the point. Let me explain this to you. Let us say that you are hired to work on someone’s vineyard. You have been digging diligently all day long, but a thought crosses your mind, you get distracted and leave twenty or thirty vines. Thinking that you have accomplished your task, you leave the vineyard. On the next day I come and see that the work has not been done. What should I do? – I have to finish your job. If I notice your mistake in my book, I will say, “You haven’t dug the entire vineyard. You have made a grave mistake. How could you?” Moralising cannot solve the problem. All I have to do is correct the mistake. Are you ready to dig those thirty vines for your friend? There is nothing easier than digging thirty vines. But another thought might occur to you – you ask, “What would happen if we all left thirty vines? Would the whole class have to dig?” – Well this is an exception. It could happen only to one of you. The rule is as follows: I will finish my friend’s job! On seeing somebody’s shortcoming you shouldn’t tell him about it right away. It is unseemly to point out defects. I know that keeping it to yourself is not easy, but you should examine the reasons first, whose fault it is, etc. Study the case profoundly. After a close examination, you will be able to understand the laws. You will know why the person is wrong and how you can help him. This is the only possible friendly attitude. Let us say that one of you is cheerful today, but on the next day he feels dejected. He becomes pessimistic and desperate. Someone passes by and asks, “Why are you so sad?” No, that is not the proper treatment. On passing by such a friend, you should try to ignore that he feels low. Pretend that he is merry. Then study the reasons step by step, examine the consequences, and finally, come to the point of telling him what to do. Wait for a few days to pass, and then try to correct him. It would be even better if you restrained from reproving. I believe that this is the only way you can do it. These are just methods, ways and means. Some will say, “Let’s do it, let us be heroes!” Well, try out, let’s say, your fear. Will you be able to get rid of it? You are staying at home and someone comes and says, “Your room is on fire!” See whether you will keep your head. You must keep cool and confident enough to put the fire out if it were on fire. You will make sure it is burning, examine the situation, and you won’t rush out – you are capable of extinguishing the fire. Do you know why I am speaking of fire? Well, anger is the most devastating fire in man. After losing your temper, you fall ill. Many cells are damaged and you feel unwell. One should correct many of the thoughts he has in order to get elevated. At this stage you all have fires. Your fire extinguishers should always be ready. All colleges and universities in the USA are equipped with such extinguishers. Any student knows how to use them in case of fire. Then, any three or four-storey boarding house has a fire extinguisher, and every boarder knows how to use it. If the fire is too big to manage, you are instructed how to evacuate and where the fire escape is. Similarly, you should know where your fire extinguishers are located. It is reasonable to act against any anger-provoking thought that might spring in your mind. How pleasant it is when you feel that you are capable of self-control and that your awareness is alert. If you are able to cope with the fire, then you feel the pleasure of having used your energy for a good purpose. Such a person starts feeling powerful. These are small experiments, which you can carry out in your laboratories. It is common with masons when admitting a new member to their lodge, to try out his bravery by binding up his eyes, ushering him in a vault, where there is a sharp, shiny saber, which, however, is made of paper – so the man sees someone ready to stab him. If he is a coward and takes to his heels, he is expelled from the lodge, but if he is brave, he stays and is stabbed with the paper-made saber – he remains intact and consequently, joins the lodge. He might even think that the saber stabs him through, so he checks his back. Nature makes the same experiments. If it wants to try you out, it makes such paper knives. You should not run away, because it is a paper knife. First, you should try to identify your sufferings. There are sufferings that are just a method, a means to reinforce your virtues and to strengthen your will. Now we come to the point of what distinguishes the brave person. Courage is an attribute of the heart. Only the virtuous man of Love can be dauntless. One who is devoid of Love is always a coward. People without Love are always the greatest cowards, while those who know Love are brave and determined. Some people are considered to be great heroes, but they have no Love. Once a colonel told me a story about the latest war. There was a battle in Macedonia. When the bombs started exploding all his soldiers were shaking with fear. The colonel could hardly restrain from crying out, but he kept silent – his dignity could not afford cowardice. He thought, “What will my men think of me?” Eventually, he saw a general who was also shaking and asked him, “Are you afraid?” – “No, I am not afraid.” However, they both were shaking. This is not bravery. The brave man remains calm; he can keep presence of mind. So, one should try many times – once, twice, thrice, a hundred or a thousand times until he finally manages to acquire presence of mind. Then you will feel inner Peace and inner Joy that you have overcome your fear, and that Love has become the master of your heart. I am speaking today of these things because you are going through the densest matter, through which the human Spirit is able to penetrate. By the law of evolution part of humanity has passed through this dense matter. It is essential, however, that everybody go through it [A3] and reach the opposite side of the Red Sea, just like the Jews. Some of you are yet to plunge in this wave. You are all to cross the Red Sea – you are chased by the pharaoh’s army and the open sea, the unknown is ahead of you. You are to take this way with determination and without any fear. Then you will reach the desert – that is pure Life, and next you will enter the Promised Land – the meaning of true Life. But first you have to cross the sea in order to get Purity in Life. Life without Purity always remains misunderstood. If you seek understanding and if you want to spend your life in accordance with your convictions, you need Absolute purity. Purity is the civil right to each soul, to each one of you. A secret prayer “The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.” [A1][When sufferings come your way] [A2][are still too formal] [A3][for everybody to go through it] or [that everybody will go through it]

Note 2p GOOD HABITS THE SENSIBLE HEART 24th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 30th March, 1924, Sofia The God of love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living Reflection Five essays on “The possibilities of the soul” were read. I would like to ask you the following question: What is the most important thing under the present living conditions? What is the most significant, essential thing? You can discuss this issue among yourselves. I would like to shed some light on the matter. I have dealt with your mind so far and I have witnessed your mental progress. From now on I would like to deal with your sensible heart – not the human heart in general, but the sensible heart. This Sensible heart is the core of all human activity. Each desire that springs from the human soul acquires a certain value. Under the present conditions all of you reveal individuality and independence, which find expression in focusing on the Ego. If the surrounding world, i.e. the people around you, are not in harmony with you, you get annoyed. Each of you can easily take offence at trivia. Moreover, each of you goes to the extreme to think that the whole world should run according to your reckoning. This is how thing are arranged in your small world, but this is also how all other people think. However, this leads to conflicts among people. They need to rub shoulders for a long time until the rough edges get smooth. Two people who fight can later make friends. There is an aspect in man that I call the Sensible heart: One is aware that people around him have the same rights as he. If you win a right for them, you will win a right for yourself, too. Imagine there were a piano in front of you. This piano would be of some worth while all the keys were in some ratio, so that the tones could help one another. If a tone said, “I’ve made a decision to sound a tone or two lower today”, what would happen? Tomorrow another tone would say, “I am of a special opinion today. I’ll sound a tone or two higher.” Would this piano be of any value? – No, it would not. Then we should call for a tuner to set the keys until, finally, the piano is in good working order. If not, we would have to buy a new piano. This is what the human mind does under the present conditions. It is a trader, but trade does not arrange life. Do you think that if people thought highly of you, they would make you better? You will say, “We will have to contradict the claims that we need to think positively of people.” Well, but if you focus on a wolf, thinking that it is good enough not to strangle sheep, will the wolf become better? – No, it is a wolf, and a wolf will be wolf, it cannot betray its nature. Temporarily, it might change for the better out of fear, but fear is not morality. Morality means the cultivation of the Sensible heart. Therefore, morality is the fruit of the Sensible heart. It has been cultivated through experience. The heart has inferred certain rules, applied them and now we refer to them as natural human practices. For instance, a man says, “I believe neither in good, nor in God.” However, this man has a good habit that has remained from his past, which guides him to behave properly. This man could say, “This bloke is a bad man. I’ll smash his head”, but the next moment he sees the same man drowning and he plunges into the water to rescue him. Why? – He does not know. But he has good habits acquired through his Sensible heart. I say: this man has some incorrect philosophy, a misconception, but he acts properly without thinking. On the other hand, somebody is speaking about God, and that people need to make a sacrifice, etc.; so you say, ”This is a great guy!” But the moment some thugs assault you, our man will be the first to take to his heels. Is he a moral person? – No, he isn’t. He has abandoned you. Or, if he sees that someone is drowning, he will start searching for a rope or someone able to swim. However, while he is searching for help, the other man will drown. Such a person does not have a reasonable habit – he thinks correctly, but he does not act correctly. You need to watch carefully what habits are imparted in your heart. Check through it to see whether you have any reasonable habits. For instance, you are all students here. Let us say that a sister approaches a brother to tell him something, but he dismisses it out of hand. This is a bad habit. Why has he held the sister in high esteem up to now, but the moment she comes up to him he ignores her? – This is an unreasonable habit. You are supposed to treat the sister kindly and listen to her benevolently when she comes up to you. If she has done something wrong, you are expected to tell her in a straightforward way, yet tactfully, that she is at fault, ”I think that you are wrong here. This is what I think, but I believe that you will learn through your mistake, so it will be of some use for you in future.” This will be the sensible deed of your heart. What will the point of your gathering in a class be unless you can challenge your noble features? You are not required to do the impossible. You only have to summon up all your noble habits and give them room to grow freely and properly just like a farmer does. There will be counteractions that might lead to you losing your presence of mind, but you will correct yourselves right away – this is where your strength lies. You might say, "I cannot elevate myself.” No, you can do it. So, you should try to provoke the sensible beginning. Gentle manners are the best you can introduce at school. This will stimulate your sensible growth, because unreasonable deeds hinder the human mind. One can be very talented at first, but get hindered in his development by unreasonable deeds later. They are like small worms that make their way into the roots, eat them away, so the tree withers. Therefore, you should control all your bad habits – not all of them at once, but one by one. You should pick a bad habit with your tweezers – you might preserve it in alcohol or in a flask, but you should observe its manifestations. Study both your good and bad habits to see when and how they reveal. Naturally, if you were cordial in your relationships and well organised, if you were a well-tuned piano, the author of the Divine world would play very beautifully. But now you are arranged, set and tuned like the cords of a piano and each of you gives a definite tone. If you obey the Divine law, you will become a Divine tone, and all the other keys will work towards your elevation. This is what I refer to as the Sensibility of the heart. When one of you is dejected, do not comfort him palliatively, but try to go deeper into his soul to understand the reason for his sufferings. It would be nice if you managed to put yourselves in somebody’s shoes and without talking to him, helped him and relieved him. There are cases when if you talked to someone, he might take offence. There are people who if spoken to, become worse, while if we remain silent, they can take comfort. Now good habits are required of you. No morality can exist without them. One should control his fear, be dauntless and unwavering. Imagine you travelled through the forest and on seeing a small snake, you took to your heels. It does not come towards you and yet you decide to run. The moment you start running, the snake runs after you. No, one should not fear anything. You will have to stop, take a reasonable position and call your sensible heart. It says that there is sensibility in this world and that good deeds are sensible, while bad deeds are beyond the laws of Nature. All sensible deeds are in accordance with the natural laws. There is a Russian proverb, which illustrates the case: ”There is order in chaos.” But this proverb does not refer to you yet. If you set your life on the grounds of this proverb, and see order in chaos, then it will be a great philosophy. First you should study the philosophy of order in Nature, and after finishing this course, you can study the philosophy about order in chaos. This second philosophy is for great people of genius. At this stage of Life, you are going to study the sensible manifestations of the human heart in its everyday life. No matter whether you are a student, a servant, or a clerk, you have to act in accordance with your Sensible heart. On seeing that someone is drowning, your heart should respond – you needn’t pity him, but find a way to help by pulling the person out of the water. Yet you should help in such a way as to avoid drowning yourselves. One who obeys the sensible deeds of the heart never makes mistakes. That is a law. Each sensible action is a Divine moment for man. This rule might have its exceptions, but they will be one in a million. So far I haven’t found a single exception. I assume there might be some, but I do believe that in the manifestations of the Divine, the Sensible heart makes no exceptions. I shall give you an example proving that the Sensible heart can work any way. I got up one morning and went to the beach near the vineyards round Varna. The sea was agitated and I was watching it. At a point I saw a man undress and dive into the sea. At first I thought that he could swim, but shortly I heard him cry for help. I concentrated and connected with him. Entering his mind I told him, “Deep in your Sensible heart you know how to swim!” He collected presence of mind and the fear disappeared. Soon he emerged on the surface and swam to the shore. I told him then, “Go now, and do not ever again enter the sea when it is rough.” If I had rushed to seek help, he would have drowned. It is difficult though to relate to this law. If when helping someone you are anxious or uncertain, you will be in a mess. Helping is a habit. You can always help. If you help, you will preserve your presence of mind. It is not only I who can help; you can help too. When I am providing help, my mind is not involved. One’s strength can be found beyond him. The Sensible heart makes things easier and lighter; it can expand their volume. So, you should work towards building up good habits. I do not mean that you should study some new morality. You simply have to apply what you have – your morality is inherent. Now you falter, because you want to cultivate new habits. Actually, you have some very good habits. You only need to reveal them. For example, you all have the habit of showing your firm will. What do we mean by strong will? When we say “a man of strong will” we mean someone who is stubborn and determined to accomplish his goals. Yes, when one has the physical strength, he can do anything physical. One who is endowed with a strong mind can do anything in the Mental world, though it does not necessarily mean strong will. By strong will, according to the Divine law, we understand that man can retain all the results achieved through good deeds not for a while but forever so that they can become his own flesh and blood. Any sensible deed becomes a brick in his edifice. Therefore, any sensible deed is an element of the common human Life. Most of you feel indisposed and nervous only because you do not call forth any manifestations of your Sensible heart. When it calls, you say, “Do not listen to your heart, listen to your mind!” No, one should listen to his heart first and then to the mind. For instance, you might be interested in the weather on Monday, so you will start reasoning, and by reasoning for quite a long time, you decide what the weather will be like. You take notes so that when Monday comes, you can check whether you were right. Monday, however, comes, and it turns out that you were wrong – it is raining. Or you might say, “It will be sunny on Monday”, but there is no sun. Then the Sophist will come and say, “Yes but it is sunny somewhere else.” Of course, the Sun shines somewhere, but it is not a philosophy. I am asking you here, in Sofia, whether the weather will be good from dawn till dusk and you say that it will be nice, but when the day comes, the weather is not nice. If you ask your Sensible heart if the weather on Monday will be nice and forget about this, putting yourselves in the position of that philosopher who believed only his eyes, you will get an accurate answer. Let the light fall freely on your eyes and its psychic reflection will occur. If on Monday the weather is fine, and you let yourselves to [A1] this pleasant passive flow of your thought, you will feel a pleasant sensation in the pit of your stomach and no hesitation – this shows that the weather will be nice. But if you feel some slight twitch, the weather will be bad – nothing more. You can try this once, twice, three times or more. You can make a number of other experiments. If you meet a person, you can ask yourselves, “Can I get on well with this man?” If you ask your Sensible heart and it frets, the heart suggests to you that the person has bad habits and you will not be able to live well with him. Not that the man is so bad, but he simply does not call forth his good habits. In another case the heart might tell you, “You can live well with this man” and you will feel some pleasant sensation. Whatever the Sensible heart tells you is true. While studying these cases, you might be wary of possible hazardous effects. The fear shows that the individual has not managed to call forth his good habits. That’s why we should try to become like the reasonable man who, when given some rope, asks, “Is this rope tough enough?” This is where you should apply your reasoning. He will be told, “Yes, it is. It is a very good piece of rope.” I have the common sense to say, “Well, let me try it.” I tie the rope to a stake and ask a friend, “Let’s pull it tightly to see whether it is strong enough.” We start pulling it but it does not tear. We ask someone to join us, yet another, etc. Five, six and more people rally our forces, but the rope does not tear – so it is tough enough. I can use it to send anybody down the well and it will not snap. However, if the rope tears when tested, I will not let anybody go down the well – this is what the trials show. In this respect, we should use our mind for the things we can try out. For the things that can be tested we will need our Sensible heart. Whatever evidence the Sensible heart gives us should be taken for granted. If the Sensible heart tells us, “You need some self-restraint,” you will have to restrain yourselves. You should do whatever it tells you without much thinking – the results will always be good. If you falter, if the Sensible heart tells you to do something and you fail to fulfil it, you will feel that you have made a mistake. So, you should try to call forth your good habits – this will distinguish you both from the inner and the outer world. Only the good habits of your heart will ensure you a decent life, because the conditions of your present life are rather tough. Even animals, which obey the law of their Sensible heart, can live better than humans. Now I would like to tell you that unless you prepare your good habits, the knowledge you are getting now will not be applied properly. You will be pretty much like the rich man’s son who after coming in for [A2] his father’s money, used it for wicked purposes both for himself and for those around him, because he had no moral principles. The Sensible beginning should be revealed in all of you. You all have good habits. The only thing you need to do is to show them. David says, “I thought in my heart.” That’s why under the present conditions in Life, the reasonable forces of Nature heal people through sufferings. They isolate man so that he can go deeper into his heart, turn to Good, which has been part of his nature for thousands of years, and start applying the good habits of his growth. This is the only way for you to become independent, free and capable of keeping your presence of mind. The storms outside could touch you and toss you like a ship, but the waves will never break into your inner self – your ship will reach the shore safely. However, if you do not anchor your faith on the good habits you have, many hardships and impediments will befall you. I find it necessary to talk about these things because I have seen many students who without having attended an Occult School are able to apply their good habits, while you, though students of the Occult, are not using your good habits. You might think that being students of the Occult, you would be guided into using your good habits by some other force. No, these habits are part of you and you will have to develop them by yourselves. It is the task of each individual to build up his inner wealth. As far as your mistakes are concerned, your temper, your bad disposition, or your bad thoughts, these are inherent of all people – there is not a single person in this world that has not experienced these. When you read David’s psalms, you will see how a prophet complains of having become a laughing stock, of being attacked by the evil spirits – from the outside and the inside. But he had something important – he always trusted his good habits that helped him in all his struggles to reach the other shore. That’s why when trials come, you should not lose your presence of mind. If you cannot apply a good habit in times of difficulties, will there be a better time to show it? If you do not help me when I need it, are you going to help me when I get rich? Will I need you then? Do you think that then you will strike up a friendship with me? – No. A friendship formed at a time of welfare, lasts for a day and a half. A friendship struck up in times of hardship lasts forever. If you rescue a drowning man he will be grateful to you till the end of his life. If you help someone standing on the shore but thinking of suicide, he will also be grateful. These are the good habits, and here is where your wealth will show. You can philosophise as much as you want, but it will be of no use to you. You have to seek for those in need and offer them your timely help. You can be good workers, brave and determined, because the knowledge you get here is enough in comparison with modern knowledge. The outer world when compared to your knowledge is ignorant and yet in some other respect these people show great courage. The people from the outside world are braver, more determined, while the Disciples of the Occult sometimes say, “We will step back.” If you make a compromise led by your good habits, I will agree with you. Yet if you concede because of some materialistic considerations, you will be the lowest creatures in this world. You say, “I don’t want to fall out, so I will give in.” You should say to such a person who loses ground, “You are not right to do this. Please, do not give in!” But if it were for a noble cause, even if ten people opposed him, you should say, “I’ll stand by you.” Support your friend – that is a good habit. This is what was understood by chivalry in the Middle Ages. Being chivalrous means to keep to a moral code and to be led by your good habits for the sake of those round you. In this way you will think highly of yourselves. Many of you are not self-confident. When put through a trial, you start hesitating. Some ask me whether they will pass or fail. I say: you will be put to the rope, then we will pull it and test you. If ten people pull you and you withstand, if your rope does not snap, you will endure the hardships, too. But if only I pull the rope and it snaps, I say: you cannot endure. The matter is different though – if you have the will, you will withstand. Some time ago the newspapers wrote about me saying that each truth is half-truth and each lie is half lie. What did I mean? – The law is as follows: At a point I have the chance to tell both the truth and the lie – the chances are equal. I master the situation; it depends on me what to say. It does not mean that if I have told the truth it is not true. One can tell a lie and camouflage it as truth and vice versa – then the lie is practical. Very often doctors encapsulate the bitter pill in a sweet shell and when the patient tastes it he says, “How sweet!” but later the bitter taste prevails. The pill is sweet in the outside and bitter from the inside. Such is the law: a person has the chance to tell the truth or refute it. At some point one can do good or evil – these are just possibilities. Consequently, human strength lies in the possibility to opt for the Truth or for Good. It means that God has given you a law, according to which you can act – you have the truth and the lie at one and the same time. If you subdue the lie to Truth, you are very powerful. If you subdue evil to Good, you are very powerful. If you subdue injustice to Justice you are very powerful. If you subdue stupidity to Wisdom, you are very powerful. If you subdue hatred to Love, you are very powerful. The opposite is also possible – anybody can become a ball of fortune. If one subdues Truth to lie, Justice to injustice, Good to evil, he can be nothing but a withered leaf. This leaf will move to and fro. You cannot say that such was your destiny. In this case God has put you through a trial saying, “It depends on you. Now I am going to test you.” You have as many opportunities for Good as for evil – you are the master, so you can do as you wish. So, summon up your sensible habits and apply the great law of spiritual matter without a flinch – only in this way can you expect excellent results. Mind that if you start hesitating or reckoning, your mind will get involved. When hesitation is over, your Sensible heart will take over saying, “Go ahead!” – But I am being chased by my adversaries! – “Never mind!” the heart tells you, “Keep going!” – “But I may be killed!” – “Ahead!” Only the mind is philosophising. But if you keep going ahead, those who are after you will run away, because they will say, “This is such a brave man! We are afraid of him!” Even if you come across a bear in the forest, keep going and it will run away. If you get scared, the bear will pass by you and spit at you, “You are not a divine human creature! You are a cowardly cow!” Why don’t you reveal your good habits? When you tell a lie people will spit at you just like the bear will, because you have failed to use a good habit. Anything that you confront should be questioned. You should ask yourselves how to react and then show courage. Go ahead and you will avoid danger! Do not think of the consequences. If you act in accordance with the law, the whole Reasonable Nature will be with you, as well as all the Reasonable creatures – they will blaze the trail for you. If you reveal your good habits, the way will be open for you; if you falter, the reverse forces in Nature will appear, and you already know what the consequences will be. Now, you should summon up your good habits. For the future I want from you to show your noble manners. Nobleness is required from all of you: your face, your manners, your behaviour – nobleness should be seen in everything. Whoever sees you should exclaim, “These are people who serve a noble cause, people with lofty ideas!” All of you can be such people. Am I clear? – (Yes). Is there anything you cannot understand? There is always something that remains unclear, yet you should know that you have the basic elements in Life. They are necessary. One who wants to become a musician should have the basic elements; one who wants to become a doctor, a writer, or whatever, should have the basic elements. I am not speaking about any particular elements but about common basic elements of Life that are necessary both for people and animals. You all have good habits, acquired in the past. All people have the chance to become elevated if at a point they are ready to show their good habits. Now you will tell the difference: there is no fear in the Sensible heart; when the mind is involved, fear occurs. There is no envy in the Sensible heart and in the good habits; there is envy in the mind. All negative features come as a result of the involvement of the mind. However, when we are guided by our good habits, everything is in harmony, everything is sensible. So you should know that you are either under the influence of your mind, or under the influence of your Sensible, noble heart. I am not discussing those feelings I generally refer to as a mess – they belong to a thoroughly different area. The Sensible heart stands for all these inner personal features that are acquired in the past. Not all personal attributes are good. Only the sensible habits can be an asset to the individual. So I say again: I want from you to see for the next few months how your manners and behaviour have changed for the better. Didn’t I tell you that the realms of God are for small children? I want you, young people, to become people of good habits. I want to see you as children of the realms of God. You will live in this world and be children of the realms of God; you will live sensibly, acting in accordance with your Sensible heart and work guided by your good habits in every respect. You will be brave and determined – never hesitate in whatever job you start. Do not get me wrong – you will encounter difficulties, but sooner or later these difficulties will disappear and you will see the way open to you. Now I am giving you the basis on which you can put up your first pillar. This pillar is in you – do not think about it, as it is certain to exist. If the pillar is firm enough, you have the basis to begin everything. Trust your Sensible heart fully. Do not fear; do not hesitate! If you start hesitating, it will mean that your mind is involved. You have to understand your Sensible heart and act accordingly. Whatever you do, you should trust your Sensible heart. Your matters will be settled and you will be pleased. The smallest matter arranged under the guidance of your Sensible heart will give excellent results. There are no exceptions to this. The Sensible heart has the knowledge to do not only particular things but matters from all spheres as well. That’s why the Sensible heart will be the basis of your Life, and from this basis your mind will develop in a new direction. Thus will be your acquisition, or your wealth. A secret prayer The God of love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. [A1]Unclear. [let yourselves what? and you let yourselves feel] {to} cannot be used here. [A2][inheriting]

Note 2p The Powerful Forces of the Reasonable Will 23rd lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 23rd March, 1924, Sofia Now I am going to give you a formula, which you will cite together: “The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.” A secret prayer Let us say that we have a connection. What is it like? – There are connections only in the physical world. However, when a connection is not established in accordance with all the regulations of the laws existing in the physical world, there can be disharmony, which will trigger explosions. What does the release of certain elements from compounds produce? - Explosions. The human body in its essence is a kind of a natural battery. Besides, it is not a simple battery, but a rather sophisticated one. This battery contains all kinds of energies. There are times when you think that you are angels, don’t you? But, above all, Angels are distinguished by their noble mind. Actually, we do not have the right word to describe their mind. Their mind is different in that it can control and guide all forces without overlooking details, while people ignore many things in their relationships. Life, the way it is revealed, is not used properly – certain forces remain unused in every organism. Each phase in Life carries dynamic forces that can be constructive or destructive. It is a common misconception among people nowadays that all forces acting in this world are constructive. That is not true. Facts prove that for the time being most of the destructive forces are more powerful. As a result, you experience more sorrow than joy, more disappointment than satisfaction. Young as you are, you have already experienced some disappointment, so you say, “It is not worth living.” You feel like finding a piece of rope, making a noose and slipping it on your neck. Naturally, one willing to find the rope will easily find the tree to hang himself. Do you know how hanging originated? What makes people hang themselves? There are several ways to commit suicide: hanging, poisoning, stabbing, drowning, or plunging from a cliff. What makes people commit suicide? You will say, “Such a person is out of his mind!” Out of his mind? Then how can he be wise enough to find the rope and hang himself, or find a knife to stab himself? How can he find the rock to jump from there, or see the fire and jump into it? What he opts for depends on the prevalent energies. If the fiery energies prevail, he will jump in the fire – that is what I think; if the aquatic energies are dominant, he will plunge in the water. If cohesive energies are stronger, he will hang himself, as he wants to hang in the air without falling on the ground. Such a person dies willing to keep his body intact. In this case the person remains a merchant in soul – it is as if he tries to save his body – he doesn’t want to have his body burnt in the fire. Others prefer to jump off a rock. All these are psychological moments in people. Why should we discuss these cases? It is useful to speak about them, because there might come a moment in your lives when you could think of going to a cliff and jumping to your death. One who wants to jump off a five-metre-high rock will say, “If I jump off this rock, I’ll make the headlines.” Is there anything heroic about jumping to one’s death? – It is vanity. People jumping off rocks are vain. Those who plunge into the water are secretive and deceitful – they want no one to know about them, so they hide in the water. Those who jump in the fire are very subtle and skilful – they say, “Let my body burn without trace.” I am interested in such people. I would like to hear someone, who has burnt in flames and was rescued, describe his psychological state – what exactly he was feeling. It is interesting to understand what exactly he was feeling and thinking while jumping in the fire. It would also be interesting to listen to the account of someone who decided to jump from a high place but was hindered by some obstacle placed twenty metres off the ground. I know of such an incident in a village in the region of Shoumen. There are some one-hundred-and-fifty-metre-high rocks there. The girl was born in the town of Kaspichan. She jumped off the rocks, but her skirt got caught and she got stuck hanging half way to the ground. People rushed to rescue her. Her dress was made of hand-woven rather rough material, not like yours, so it withstood. The girl hung in the air with her head down all day long. Later she shared her experience – what it is like jumping off a rock. She never thought of doing this again. She says, “I know now what it is like.” So, these are forces accumulated in you. Therefore, you should study the laws by which to distribute the forces so that you can get rid of surplus energy. When you acquire knowledge out of vanity, then your personal feelings will be your incentive to learn. That is excellent motivation and it can be a blessing if you follow the natural way. However, if you intensify the activity of your personal feelings, there will remain a surplus, which will embitter your soul. After getting the knowledge, you will be displeased and will be like the student who after graduating from university and receiving his diploma, told his mother, “It’s over.” The mother thought that her son was very happy, but in the evening he committed suicide. People committing suicide are not heroes. These are people who avoid paying their share decently and honestly, escaping from life. Nature, though, will take them by the ear and bring them back to life under tougher conditions. If Nature catches them for a third time, it will enchain them until it makes them pay off their debts according to the karmic law. You may kill once[A1] , twice, ten or a hundred times and yet you will not gain anything – it is not a heroic deed. If someone wanted to try this, I would advise him to put on a dress, similar to the girls’ from Kaspichan, and while jumping, get himself entangled in it. Only in this way can you achieve some good experience. The way the modern world develops, an urge to commit a suicide is incited among young people from the USA, England, France and everywhere else. Young people have the urge to commit suicide, or at least fight a duel. It is fashionable now for men to fight men, and for women to fight women. As you do not understand the laws well yet, you might make up plans to gain some great strength from the Occult teaching. You might plan to do this or that. However, each force entails a responsibility. A great merchant, who has a million or ten million levs invested, will have a more serious business than someone with less money. He will have a greater profit, but he will also have more responsibility and more troubles. The plus and the minus go hand in hand in Nature. If I write the figure 5 and minus in front of it, what will the number be? (-Negative). If I write a minus after the same figure, what will that mean? (- That we are going to subtract a number.) Now assume that we have a ball with an elastic band attached to it that makes it possible to pull the ball up and down. What will the results be if the ball is pulled down? If the ball moves downward, the band stretches, but when the band shrinks, the ball comes back to its initial position. Imagine that a conscious creature pulled the ball downward, while another creature exerted some influence from above. If one pulls down and the other pulls up, the ball will stand in the middle providing the forces are equal in strength. Very often the physical forces prevail over the spiritual ones and if they are not gratified, one feels displeased. This discontent breeds irritation, anger, revenge, etc. Similar processes emerge in the Mental world. This is due to the two minds in man: The one I refer to as the superior mind in the Mental world, and the other is the inferior mind. The inferior mind produces certain results in the physical world – they engender all the murders, thefts and all other vices. The influence of the superior mind is ascending – it is creative and constructive. Therefore, the inferior forces in the Mental world give rise to inferior phenomena in the physical world. Now, if your mind is busy and if the lower part of your brain is engaged with observation and interested in matters close to your life, you will feel content. Yet if an accident that is inexplicable to you occurs, you will feel desperate. Let me explain: if you live on the third floor and I tell you, “Jump out of the window!” what will I do? I will set the house on fire. You will have no way out but to jump off the window. Why should you jump now? Earlier it was not a wise thing to do, but now it is reasonable enough. Why? Because you will avoid a greater danger. Yes, the smaller danger is preferable to the greater one. Apply the law now. Mind that the lesser misfortune is better than the greater one. If you are faced with a little suffering, do not lose heart, because a greater one is in store for you. The small misfortune is to jump out of the window, while the greater one is to burn out in the house. If you jump, you will get away with a few bruises. If you land on your feet, you might even remain intact. So, do not try to avoid any sufferings in your life. Here is a piece of advice for you: do not avoid natural sufferings. For instance, if a boil comes out on your hand, do not rub it back, but help it fester, and when it maturates, burst it. Fear can always breed a greater evil. If you fall ill, do not say, [A2] “ I wish the disease would disappear!” No, you should strengthen your will by saying, “I am stronger than the disease.” How? I have often given the following example: Doctors told a sick woman that she was going to die, but she said, “No, I am not going to die! I will live!” and indeed, she did not die. There are cases when one is stronger than death. There is nothing stronger in this world than human will. You have all been told that man can be weak under certain circumstances. No, there is no power stronger than the human will – I mean the reasonably applied will. So, you should be as brave as that woman. Do not fear anything. Do not doubt in God. If you doubt in God or the reasonable principle, you are no longer man. It is God who stands by us in this world! As long as this light shines, I will know that the Sun shines, too. When the light and the fire on Earth go out, it will mean that the Sun will die out as well. But as long as a single fire burns on Earth, it will mean that the Sun will shine, no matter whether we see it or not. Likewise, no one should lose faith in God. Only in this way will you be able to feel the strength to overcome any difficulty. You will be able to cope with any task or test, no matter how difficult it can be. I will tell you a story about Muhammad. Once he was in despair and found refuge in a cave. He spent a long time there brooding. At a point he was ready to give up his ideas, but he noticed an ant, carrying its heavy load, stop in front of a small hillock. The ant tried to mount it, but dropped its load. It came back to take its load and started mounting the hillock again. Muhammad started counting how many times the ant would repeat this – once, twice, thrice, four, five, twenty, seventy times the ant came back to take its load, but it kept dropping it on the ground. This happened ninety-nine times, until eventually, at the hundredth time the ant managed to climb the hillock with the load on its back. Then he thought, “If this ant is so persistent, then why shouldn’t I follow its example?” So, an ant managed to save Muhammad in his plight. Are you weaker than the ant? When any of you loses heart, I would like to ask him, “You think that you are very clever, don’t you? Why don’t you look at the ant, ready to try ninety-nine times, while you are ready to quit at the tenth time.” I say: the ant is superior to you, at least in this respect. Here is an example, showing that ants are very intelligent in their culture. An ant is extremely intelligent and persistent. I have made plenty of observations on its intelligence. Once I was sitting on a bench, observing a spider lurking from its web. At a point an ant came and the spider caught it in its web. Shortly I saw a bigger ant come to the web, pull the first fibre of the net and tear it. Then it reached the second fibre and tore it, then another and another, until the ant tore the entire web and got to the middle. Then I saw the spider leave the web and the bigger ant carried out the spider’s prey, the smaller ant. I watched the scene for twenty minutes, and believe me, the ant was really intelligent. Now, if any of you has entered the devil’s net, you should tear the net, get to the core, and the devil will run away through the hole. Some will say, “The devil is very powerful.” Yes, but it is also very cowardly. The devil feels strong only in its net – if you tear it apart, the devil becomes weak. The net is your delusion. The devil tells you, “You are a weak creature, you were born such, such are the conditions in life, there is no point in living, there are others who are cleverer and better educated than you are, you are poor, so blow your head, or take some poison.” But you will answer, “I am not the weakest creature. I am not weaker than the ant that tore the web. I am not weaker than the ant that came back ninety-nine times for its load until finally it managed to carry it over the hill. I am as capable as it is.” Here is a moral coming from the inferior world. Only under these circumstances will you be able to make your way into Divine life. Some of you seek help. However, isn’t it typical of any army to have its advanced guard and all the rest in the rear? The advanced guard that blazes the trail should be you. Some will say, “I want to be the general!” Well, then you should go ahead, and I will follow you. You have a good knife, so you should take it out and go ahead, while I will go after you. But you say, “No, I don’t want to go ahead.” Yes, but didn’t you want to become a general and receive a salary of ten thousand levs? They say that the levs[1] are dead and not alive. Why should you fear the lev? These levs are not the big ones living in the forest. These are small silver levs. At that you will take out your knife and say, “I order you to do as you are told!” Do you know what will happen? Your bill of exchange will be immediately paid off. Brave, courageous people always get help. When the forces from the invisible world see that one is bold and determined, they say, “We are going to help this man. We will give him a credit.” If one is a coward, they do not want to hear of him. Once, in the USA, a poor but brave fellow climbed a thirty-five storey building to hoist a flag on the top. People gathered to watch him. On getting down, he was given twenty thousand dollars by an on-looker. Who deserves such a reward? – A brave man. The same law acts in the Spiritual world. When you show courage and determination in the face of danger, there will be someone who will help you. If you get scared, they will say, “Forget about this coward. He doesn’t deserve any help!” Such is the great Occult law. You might say, “We can’t be brave.” That is a lie – you are all brave. It is not an act of courage to purse your lips. A courageous person is calm and quiet, just as the good weather can be calm and serene. Even the gentlest, calmest and quietest people can be brave. Even a child can be brave – he or she can come up against difficulties in a quiet and reserved manner, ranking higher than a great hero does. You should also try to be calm and quiet, harnessing your mind for serious work. No difficulty is larger than my will. You may ask whether there are any exceptions. No, there are not. I told you – the human soul is the fruit of God’s Love. What is born out of Love stands on top of everything. One who cannot perceive this deserves to be a slave. One who understands this is free. Therefore, Freedom is in saying that your will stands higher than all difficulties in this world. I am not going to release you from these difficulties. Nature will not liberate you, either. These difficulties and sufferings are deliberately designed for you to strengthen your will. As long as you utter the formula I gave you at the beginning, Nature will say, ‘Go ahead! I will support you.’ And it stands by you to protect you. Do not think that this is just an encouragement. These are laws, applied by all the disciples of the Occult. You should also apply the laws when you come to experience a trial. Many of you will face severe trials. You will say, “We are going to face the trials, because we took this path.” I would like to ask you how you can account for the hare’s sufferings when you aim your gun at it. What accounts for its ordeal – is it because the hare follows the Occult school? People who claim that they face an ordeal because they have joined the Occult sound ridiculous. No, what accounts for your ordeal is not because you took this path, but because you have gone astray. If you follow the right way, all abnormalities will be gone. Diseases, handicaps, poverty, etc. come as a result of the past. Someone will say, “I am going to quit the School.” I say, “Then you will go to the henhouse.” – “Well, I enjoyed being there.” This is another deception. Only a person aware of the laws of Nature can feel well. The wish of the Divine world is to enlighten your path – to be brave and determined, and also, to know that there is an object in this world that never changes. The only real thing that exists in this world is Love. It is an object that is constant. No matter whether you see it or not, it always stays the same. Put some faith into it to check its strength. You are not supposed to talk outside about the motto I gave you this evening. You are to keep it as a sacred rule to yourselves. You will say, “The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.” Further you will say, “I am alive because God is within me. If He is my God, I am capable of anything!” If you say this, you can leave everything else aside. – “Yes, but will He listen to me?” If you let all negative thoughts and moods in yourselves, it will be the end of it. [A3] No other philosophy! If you start philosophising, you cannot fulfill God’s will. If you are brave without philosophising, you can go ahead and win. I do not say that sufferings will not come. There will be times when you will shed tears. We do not want man to dry up. Tears give me pleasure and joy. When someone is crying, I take the same pleasure as when I look at a spring from which pure, crystal clear water gushes forth. Someone will say, “Don’t you feel pity for this crying sister?” I say, “She is a great sister! I am glad that she is crying.” I feel sorry for a sister who cannot cry. Someone will say, “She suffers a lot.” Then I am glad even more, because that sister is a very positive personality. She has great potential as the creative, constructive forces act in her. We envy those who cry; we envy those who suffer – such is the law. If you pull a long face, it is good. A long face can often look more pleasant than a happy face, because you have someone in front of you who has revealed his true personality. Someone will say, “I am a very bad person.” I say, “I am glad that you have made a confession.” Now you admit that there is nothing in the safe, while earlier you said that you had something there. The safe can be filled or emptied. All people in this world suffer. There is not a human being that is not subjected to sufferings. There are even special sufferings. The white race is put to a special test, and as you belong to this race, you will come in for it, though it will not last long. So, you will be brave enough to go through fire! I do not mean that you should be afraid. You only have to remember that you will go through fire. You have read The Great Initiated, haven’t you? You know what the disciple of the pyramid was subjected to. First he went through fire, then across the abyss, next through water, and finally through the room where there was a chalice full of nectar. So, he passed the four tests. There will come a time of trial for you, too. You have already started – you are inside the pyramid. You start with the fire, while the door behind you is closed. There is a furnace in front of you. You will go through the fire and say, “I shouldn’t have entered this hole!” I say, “You have already entered and the door is closed behind you. You can’t do anything but go ahead.” Ahead you go! You will get across safe and sound. When you get out, you will be glad and say, “I got some excellent knowledge thanks to this excellent path.” So there is nothing to be afraid of. Go ahead! For the next time you should write on the topic “The possibilities of the human soul”. Everybody should write the way you understand the topic. The topic is a bit vague, but you are expected to think it over. Now, if you want to keep to the rule and say that your will stands above all difficulties, you will find some harmony for yourselves. When applying the rule, you should utter the formula. Then you will say, “Our will is stronger than any difficulty.” A secret prayer The God of Love is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living [1] Bulgarian currency is named after the lion as a symbol of bravery. Lev means lion in Bulgarian. [A1]If this refers to suicide then [You may kill yourself] or [You may commit suicide] [A2]spacing [A3]Unclear. [if you let all negative thoughts and moods in yourselves go, it will be the end of it.]

Note 2p Movement of Energies A Law of Polarisation 22nd lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 16th March, 1924, Sofia - Only the light way to Wisdom can lead us to truth. - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. Reflection Stand up and step aside for more space! We are going to do an exercise with the arms. Focus on the word Love. Love is an outward projection. Then focus on Mirth and Joy. The movements of the arms exert certain influence on your organs and on your will. If you move your arm consciously, you can influence your will. Let us say that you are excited; make the following movement with the arms: keep your arms in front of the chest, then move them aside, shaking your wrists slightly. Then place your hands in front of the mouth. Your indisposition will disappear if you perform this three or four times. This is a kind of a psychological treatment, a kind of psychological airing of the mind. Indisposition will occur because you present a focus through which all the energies of the Sun and the Earth pass. From sunrise till noon the solar energies pass through you. They come from above and go to the centre of the Earth. In the afternoon the movement is reverse. The energies of the Earth pass through your feet and go to the Sun. Consequently, the movements you make in the morning or in the afternoon give different results. Generally, some people feel indisposition in the afternoon, because they are under the earthly influences. You should know how to polarise and concentrate these forces. Do this exercise and let the forces coming from the Earth pass through you. Do not try to stop them because if you try, you will accumulate negative emotions that will trigger a real catastrophe for you – send these energies up. A different current appears at night. There are no mistakes in Nature. It is we who make the mistakes out of ignorance – we stir these currents, thus creating a certain disharmony in our organisms. I want you to do this exercise for ten days on end. If you experience some difficulty, remember my words. Utter these words while moving your arms. If you come up against some difficulty, do the exercise two or three times and check your watches to note when the result occurs. These are mathematical data that will help you work on yourselves and on the others in the future. Make the first trial when you are excited or upset. This is an exercise meant to restore your balance. Pronounce the words Love, Mirth and Joy, looking upon them as keys. The letter L stands for man in motion, the letter J stands for one’s arm, and the letter M in this case represents a person who has certain basic knowledge to understand some laws. Generally, when one solves a problem, he has Mirth, and when one gains something, he has Joy. And also, when you work, you have pleasure. Fig. 1 Now, you should make some efforts to study your bodies. The human body is a result of the Divine Energy, which has created the present human organism. All the thoughts, desires and aspirations one reveals are forces once involved in the making of his complex organism. Some of the forces have already accomplished their job, but as you are unaware of the laws guiding them, they become an impediment. Taken alone, these forces have accomplished a wonderful job, and according to the law of consciousness a force, having accomplished its job, is supposed to descend lower in its essence and tackle other parts. That is because the matter of your body has not differentiated yet – there is a multitude of cells waiting to be elevated. For example, man is now polarised – the energies in him move to the two poles. If you examine man in this respect, you will see that he is divided. All superior energies in him work in the direction from B to A, while all the inferior energies move in the direction from B to C, which is an act of polarisation. Generally, one lives from B to C in the afternoon, the time when he is indisposed, while in the morning, one is cheerful and well disposed, because he is moving from B to A. Some of the superior energies, initially doing and accomplishing their job up in the brain, have to descend to the lower realms of human existence. We live at a time when human selfishness is of the utmost importance. Selfishness rules the world, but it is time for it to let something nobler and loftier take over. Now a new centre, standing higher than A, is being created in man. The energy of personal selfishness should give way to this centre. This centre is referred to as altruism and reason. Consequently, selfishness should concede to the Divine reason in man. When speaking of Reasonable Life, we should bear in mind that it will make our path meaningful, bringing in great happiness. Selfishness did a wonderful job in the past, but it can no longer make man happy. It is not because selfishness does not want to do this, but because it does not comprehend the laws of human happiness – it gives man as much as it knows. Selfishness will tell you this, “You must submit other people to your will, threatening them with your strength and power.” Very well, only that the same selfishness speaking to you, speaks to other people as well. This engenders an inner conflict within the self, which means evil. This is partly true, but the inner principle of the Divine Beginning in Reasonable Life says that there is another solution in Life. Selfishness used to be necessary, but now it has entered a new area, where the methods of human selfishness are not applicable. Now, I am addressing those disciples, who have their Divine consciousness awakened and who are at a conflict with themselves. You should take a different tack. You are unable to get rid of your selfishness entirely, but you will tell what has remained of it, “You must give your place to Divine Reason! You will submit to it and obey it!” So when selfishness becomes aware of this, it will also comprehend the Divine, as it is a reasonable force. It will succumb to it and serve it well. All impediments in the present life stem from personal feelings. We can say that ninety-nine per cent of all impediments arise from personal feelings, and only one per cent comes from other feelings. Modern people believe that man is essentially evil, thus they try to root out this evil from themselves. How can it be eradicated? – Evil is only in human deeds. That is why every wrongdoing should be eliminated, but the force standing behind it is necessary. I am going to explain this: let us assume that you take a live ember to set a house on fire. Then, when you become aware of the evil you have done, you say, “I will annihilate fire so that I should not be seduced again." My question is: Can you annihilate fire? The wrong deed comes through fire, but it is impossible to annihilate fire. Another case: let us say that you are hungry, and you need bread. In order to find it, you commit a crime, which leads you astray. Then you say, “I will eradicate hunger, so that I should not have to eat again.” Do you think that in this way you will be able to eradicate hunger? Certainly not. My question now is: Should one steal to satisfy his hunger? Theft stems from misunderstanding of the Divine law. This misunderstanding comes as result of a former practice common for people millions of years ago, when they were still few enough on earth to climb a tree and eat freely from its fruit. Now as the world population has increased and the world has become more structured, people tend to enclose their homes with barbed wire, saying, “Who gave you the right to break into my house and steal? There was a time when you were allowed to do this, but now you can’t climb my tree.” These are regulations we have set down but they give rise to difficulties. We have laid down the rules in our thoughts and desires. We have created thousands of rules, which make us suffer. So, the first thing you have to do as reasonable creatures is to put away all the barbed wire from your gardens. There is nothing to protect within your selves. You should remember a law and stick to it in your lifetime – one who fights against evil most ferociously, makes the most mistakes. When one starts fighting evil, he gets spoiled. You should not fight evil. Think of Love, of Good and of Truth. Make use of them and they will help you. Never fight evil! Replace it with Good and see what it will do! Differentiate between your mistakes and the reasonable forces acting in Life. At times God can put you to trial – He can put you in special conditions and watch whether you understand His laws or not. Anyone defying God will be defeated. You, young people, should form certain views on Life. You do not only have to form them, but apply them as well, to see whether they work in practice. For instance, you might decide to treat people gently and kindly, but when you mix with people, you see that you cannot fulfill your intention. Why? Do you think that if you decide to treat people kindly from now on, it will happen right away? Let me throw some more light on this issue: Imagine that you have planned to visit some poor people to comfort them, knowing that they are hungry. You say, “Tomorrow I’ll fill my bag and call on them.” However, with this in mind, you already believe that the bag is filled and in the morning, when you get up, you forget to make sure whether the bag is full. You grab it and off you go, saying, “I’ve decided to visit these people with a full bag, and here I am going.” Yet when you get there and look in the bag, you find out that the bag is empty. You start wondering who might have taken the bread out of the bag. Well you haven’t put any bread in it, have you? First: Anyone willing to do good should make sure his bag is full of bread. Therefore, you should not say anything about what you are planning to fulfill. Do not say, “I’ll be good tomorrow!” How can you be good? What is being good? The most difficult thing in this world is to be good. (- Doesn’t it depend on the individual to be good?) No, it doesn’t. One who is able to understand the laws should relate to people and Living Nature. Fig. 2 Let me explain these laws. I have noticed that your minds cannot focus well enough. When I present a drawing of certain issues, you find them quite easy. Yes, it is true that everything seems easy when it is in theory, but when it comes to practice, then it becomes difficult. Take, for instance, the formation of a triangle ABC. Let us say that its sides are in motion, then you can say that the movement is from right to left. When A moves to B, B moves simultaneously to C, as well as, C moves to B. The same movements occur in man, but not in one and the same direction. It is a law that if a good thought is projected in you, a reverse movement will be projected by all means. This might look as a contradiction in Life, but it exists in Nature. Plant a wheat grain or an apple pip and you will see that half of the seed has an impulse towards the Sun, and the other half has an urge to move downwards. This happens simultaneously – these are two opposite movements up and down. The juices running in the roots and the branches also move in opposite directions – the current of the branches runs down to the roots, while the current from the roots runs up to the branches. This is how a crossing of energies occurs. The same refers to you: as soon as a thought occurs in you, it wants to thicken and find its soil; therefore an opposite movement is formed. One who does not understand the law of the opportunity of making a thought come true, if not careful enough, will get in trouble. Such conflicts exist in all of you. Sometimes I can see that you look dark and gloomy. How come? – You feel low and you try to find whose fault it is, so you say, “I’ll know better next time! I’ll give him a piece of my mind!” Whose fault is it? Who are you going to take it out on? Looking dark is indicative of a will force – the flow of energies to the centre of the Earth. At this point the Light in man is missing. Your face is dark and your eyes are dark. You are looking down at the ground. Whoever comes up to you, you tell him, “Leave me alone!” Yet an hour or two, or a day later you are in a different mood. You go out beaming and you say, “I have overcome this conflict.” You feel high, your face is radiant, and you say, “The fight is over!” Yes, it is, but only for a while. It won’t be twelve hours later that you will be in the same dark mood, and then you will be high again – you move like a pendulum. This will happen no matter whether you want it or not. All great people, men, women, children, even animals, experience this. I have watched dogs, cats, and oxen – they all experience polarising. The ox can be calm and well disposed in the morning – its master comes nearer, so the ox licks his hand. In the afternoon it is indisposed as if saying, “Don’t touch me!” If it were a horse, it would bite or kick you. This polarisation is typical of all animals. The horse might be harnessed, and yet it would show its temper. Years ago I met a colonel accompanied by his orderly. They were going to the seminary in a carriage. However, the horse was in such a bad mood that it wouldn’t move. The colonel and the orderly got off the carriage, patted it on the back, and stroked it, so the horse made a few steps. They got on the carriage and the horse halted again. They got off again, patted him, stroked him and the horse started. The orderly got on and the horse kept moving. When the colonel got on, it stopped. In the end, the colonel decided to go on foot. The horse had told him, “Today you are to walk. I am not in the mood to carry you.” You might say, “What a bad-tempered horse!” This is actually polarisation – the horse tells the colonel, “Today you are not going to get on the carriage. I’ll carry your orderly, but not you.” This polarisation of energies I define as losing balance. Such a state always occurs when you are in doubt. You feel abandoned as if everybody were against you, so you say, “I am unhappy.” You feel deprived of this or that; you start imagining things, losing touch with reality. Then a few hours later, you say, “At least God is with me.” And then you see that everybody is well disposed to you. In both cases you are wrong – people are what they have always been. Now you are going to observe things, trying to make use of them. If you cannot apply the laws I am giving you, everything will fall on you. All your future work as teachers, professors, doctors, or whatever, will depend on your inner grasp of these laws. You should be able to understand the essence of man, so that on seeing him you could be able to help. Now I focus only on the simple manifestation of these forces. As a result of polarisation many misfortunes occur. I do not want to discuss negative forces in Nature, but if you have a negative attitude, you will leave this place convinced that evil in this world is very powerful. Evil is powerful only because you love it – that’s all. Evil draws its strength on love – love for evil makes it so powerful. If you do not feel love for a certain deed, it cannot exist. The deed is powerful, only because we love it. You hate someone because you love him, and vice versa – you love him, because you hate him. You want to make the person love you, so you say, “I love you and you must love me; if you don’t love me, I’ll make you love me.” Such violence is evil. The other individual will get rid of this energy; if he is human, there will be a special aura formed round him, creating a certain disharmony between the two people. If we see man as a triangle, the sides of this triangle get broken, and a kind of rust or frost covers the human body. If one is healthy, these lines are parallel and flowing like sunrays – they are extremely beautiful. If a kind of disharmony occurs, these lines break into dust or rust and then diseases come along. At times the lines break in the chest; as a result, one develops consumption. At times this happens in the brain and one goes deranged. If this happens in the heart, one gets a heart attack, etc. That’s why one should be confronted with difficulties so that this frosty, rusty crust can be dispersed. This is the reason why great misfortunes come in this world. When the egg cracks, the Light will shine in one’s mind, and he will find his normal state. If you feel indisposed, you should go to Vitosha Mountain to spend a few hours there and then come back – your state will transform, you will polarise in ascending order, and you will start thinking that you are capable of achieving anything. Yes, you can do what is within your power. Now, you should establish among yourselves an atmosphere of harmony, as your future work will depend on mutual understanding. Otherwise, negative energy can accumulate around you, making your aura unattractive. Those who have their lines broken put off people, while others, who live in compliance with God’s laws possess a kind of magnetic power, i.e. the Divine Force acts in them, making them more attractive. First, you should always try to find a positive meaning in things. All forces in Nature are basically good. Evil exists only in their application – that’s all. So, you have applied certain Divine thoughts and desires, but Nature wants to teach you a lesson by intensifying these desires, as a result inner sufferings are inflicted. These sufferings teach you a moral, so you say that a given law is true. Once you have learnt this law, you can live wherever you decide. You may want to live on Earth, be healthy, have friends, have a future, be useful to your nearest and dearest, but how are you going to achieve all this? Consequently, you should be reasonable. If you live the way modern people live, your life will be similar to theirs, and thirty or forty years later you will say, “It is not worth living. Everything is an illusion. Everything is a deception.” This is the greatest misfortune that can befall you. My wish is to apply at least a fraction of what I am telling you. You need it, as it will help you reduce difficulties coming through the past by at least fifty per cent. I have noticed that most of you are getting ill. Why? I know that there is a kind of disharmony in you. You have accumulated surplus energy and you can’t let it off. If such a thing occurs, you should start blowing. Make room for everything that comes. Let it in, but if it is possible, you should say, “Everything in this world is for good.” Make small experiments with yourselves. There are certain problems that cannot be easily solved. Do not think that the formulae, I am giving you are easy to apply. The formula I have just given you (moving your arms towards the chest, aside, blowing out, shaking the wrists and uttering the words Love, Joy, and Mirth) can help you solve thirty per cent of your problems, but carrying this out is a great responsibility. This is for greater difficulties, whereas this exercise will cost you nothing. How long would it take you to do some good? You can always do good; besides, the result will always be positive. When you do the exercise in the morning, you will improve by thirty percent. When you do it at noon, you will add another thirty per cent. If you do it in the evening, you will have a total of ninety per cent. Thus, only ten per cent of your problems will remain to be solved. A score of ninety per cent is enough, but it needs a lot of work. You will say, “I can do without these exercises.” Yes, you can. Don’t people die without exercises? Yes, they do. Someone will say, “I can do without learning.” – Yes, you can. It is possible to live without knowledge, but it is better for one to live reasonably and participate in the great Love of Nature, in the Joys of Nature, and in the Mirth of Nature. It is better for one to know why he has come to Earth. How can you understand the law of polarisation now? Each thought, however good it is, once projected in you, will cast a shadow. You should be aware that dense matter surrounds you. Consequently, wherever you project your energy, some friction will occur. This friction is related to you, as no matter what your thought is, you will always produce a counteraction. The law is reverse, too. If you think something bad, this bad thought will give rise to something good. Forces in Nature are always balanced. Whether you start upwards or downwards, there is always balance. If you start with the positive, the negative will manifest itself; if you start with the negative, the positive will counteract. If you start with the Divine, the same thing will happen – first the Divine will manifest itself, then it will be followed by the human, and vice versa. If you are indisposed, try to observe what thought will arise from this indisposition. For instance, you feel indisposed, but you come to think of visiting a friend, so you do it. A friend of yours lives far from you, let’s say in Varna, but you come to think of him. You haven’t seen him for five years. Now you have the chance to visit him. Do not miss the opportunity, go to Varna, have a nice trip, and you will get some excellent experience. On second thoughts, you will be distracted, and you will say, “But I am going to spend too much money on this trip.” Do not spare your time or expenses, as they both are given to man, while the good you are going to do is of far greater worth than time and money. If a good thought crosses your mind, make it work. If a negative thought comes to your mind, the law is reverse. Let us say that suddenly you come to remember that someone owes you money. You immediately decide to ask for your money back, or sue the debtor. If such a thought occurs, do not do anything – do not leave your home, do not make a step out. Keep that thought back [A1] in you without doing anything about it for a day or two, until your mood changes for the better. Otherwise, if you act on the spur of the moment, you will make such a mess that it will take you years to settle things. The law is this – do not make a step, spend the day at home, until your balance is restored. On the next day, when you feel great, go to that friend of yours who owes you money and tell him, “Don’t worry, pal. Everything will be OK.” These are rules you should apply mainly to yourselves. If you do not follow them, you will learn them sooner or later, but the hard way. Clever people learn through the experience of others, while those who are not wise enough yet, learn through their own experience. That’s why you should share your experience. This is what is required of you as disciples in an Occult class. The advantage of those who study in a class is that they learn from each other. If you cannot benefit from this advantage, your studying together is pointless. By observing each other, you will notice that one is more experienced in life, another is more patient, cleverer, wittier, or better at some field. Some are perceptive, others are compassionate, and still others are more determined. These can be incentives. Anybody can inject in you the urge to improve. If you live alone, you will be deprived of these beneficial influences. This is the positive aspect of working in a class. Someone will say, “I have become rougher round the edges since I entered this class.” No, you have missed the point. A class consists of various elements. This diversity is a good thing. There is a law according to which you can choose your friends. Some day I will show you how to do it. Fig. 3 There are people among you, who if brought together, will inevitably fall out. This is how I explain this: if we bring A and B together, they will not be able to stand each other. You will say, “Let’s help them make it up.” This is absolutely impossible, because it is the negative forces that act between them. The individuals A and B are negative people. They can do an excellent job, but there is something missing. What can be done? They need a third person. This is the person C through whom you will pass A and B. They will meet at C and look at each other. But it is essential that C stand up in the centre. Then A will tell C, “Tell B that I do not like him. He has such and such shortcomings.” Yet C is clever enough to tell B, “A said that he likes you a lot.” However B says, “I'm sure that’s not true.” Then C tells A, “You know, B said that you are a great fellow.” Now C stands on top observing A and B and sees that they are both displeased. Then C projects itself down at D and sends B to D. B and D get together, so do A and C, reaching an agreement. Then you have the line CD, which is the force that bridges the gap. Therefore, more intense energies should pass through some milder medium in order to soften. I refer to CD as moderating conditions in Life. For instance, the heart is a kind of environment that acts towards moderating human thoughts, while the feelings in the soul moderate the human Spirit. That’s why when someone is thought to be rough they say, “This man has neither heart, nor soul.” They do not say that he has no mind. He might be clever and strong, but if he has no heart or soul, he is not one to live with. This does not suggest that A and B have no gentle feelings. They at their embryonic stage. The gentle forces in Nature exist as embryos in everyone. Therefore, the CD forces are positive, ascending forces in Nature as they can bring reconciliation, while the forces A and B can diverge – they need to bend. Consequently, it is important for criss-crossing to occur often in Nature. Let me explain this: if any of you has a long face, he can be quick-tempered, so he should make friends with someone who has a round face, indicative of a milder temper. Long-faced people are more active, while round-faced people can have accumulated rough and painful matter. The curvy lines are prevalent in people with round, corpulent structure, whereas the straight lines are typical of people with elongated structure. Some people believe that the face should be round and plump. No, the face should not be plump, but it should not be too haggard either. It is important also for the eyes not to be too deep set – it would indicate that one’s heart is exhausted. That’s why you should always try to think positively. Do not think negatively about anybody or anything. For instance you say, “That’s too bad,” without realising that this evil affects you by making you rougher. If you think of someone’s vices, you should bear in mind that vices exist in everyone. Bad thoughts, feelings and impulses occur in everyone. Even the most patient person can lose his temper. We have a great personality in Jesus Christ, but we can see him grabbing the whip to drive everybody away from the temple. This is an energy that finds its expression. Was it possible for Christ to persuade these people leave the temple without using the whip? Yes, it was. Why did he use the whip then, as the Gospel says? Did Christ hit anybody, or just raise the whip? Some think that he did this out of weakness. No, it was not a weakness; it was just a method through which he said, “If you do not fulfill God’s will, you will be chased and beaten ever after.” Is there any of you whom this whip hasn’t struck? There is a whip in every household. It is a symbol. When the whip strikes, there will be cries and tears, but one who does not understand the law, will say, ”How could Christ grab the whip to use it?” Christ says, “If you are going to turn the temple into a marketplace, there will be crying, not peace in your home.” What does it mean when the whip strikes you? – The whip stands for sufferings, which means that you do not act according to God’s will. The whip is a symbol of intense mental and emotional sufferings experienced by man. Everybody should understand God’s law and apply it. The Divine Spirit has been working on us for thousands of years endowing us with legs, arms, brains and a heart. If we cannot control our organism in our present life with its forces – with this brain, this heart, these nerves and veins, as well as with all these small cells in it – what can we expect then? You get up in the morning without sparing a thought for your body. Pray for it. Send a thought to your body – think about all your cells entering your brain, your stomach. Think about all the living creatures working for your organism, and send them, as all good masters do with their servants, a good thought, a valediction[A2] . Encourage them to work and they will rejoice. What you actually do is get up in the morning without thinking about these workers. You think big, but all great things depend on these tiny creatures. Do you know what might happen if all these cells in the stomach, the heart and the brain refused to work and said, “We won’t work any more!” The heart starts beating more slowly, and we say, “My heart is going to fail.” Send an encouraging surge to these cells, talk to them – they can understand everything. There is a Divine law that guides them. Encourage them, as they are reasonable creatures. Be sensible and kind to them. Talk to them as a good master does. When you get tired, you can stop. If you feel some pain in the foot, stop. Pull off your sock, rub the foot, think about each separate cell in it and you will see it won’t be an hour before the pain disappears. People nowadays do not think that cells possess consciousness. It is not true. They have an intelligence you cannot even think of. Your health and abilities depend exactly on these cells. That’s why you should send a positive surge to these cells. Send them a good thought in the evening before going to bed; when you get up in the morning you will feel some pleasant disposition. Well, these cells are your servants. They will say, “Our master has introduced a reform in our lives, so let us serve him better.” The modern Occult teaching has proved this. If people do this they can lengthen their lives by as many years as they wish – ten, fifteen, a hundred, a hundred and fifty, two hundred. You will say, “Who can possibly find the time in the morning to pay attention to these tiny cells, sending them good thoughts?” You should think of them first. The Gospel says, “We are a temple where God lives, and everything in us is alive.” Therefore, we should stand in awe of everything God gave us. We should be grateful that God placed us in the body we have. We should be glad that all these tiny souls and cells will grow up as we are now in millions of years. When you meet them they will say, “I know you.” “Where from?” “I used to live with you.” “Where?” “In your head, so I am very well acquainted with the rules and order there.” Another cell will say, “I used to live in your heart and I know what you feel.” A third cell will tell you, “I used to live in your stomach.” All cells will remember where they come from and will bear your knowledge. Now, all of you in this class are such small cells. Just as all cells of an organism constitute one whole, so you make up the organism of a more reasonable Creature. When you get up in the morning, a good thought comes to your mind. Where does it come from? This Creature sends you His blessing and says, “Live in peace! I will help you.” Why? – Because you are part of His organism. As a result, you feel encouraged and well disposed. You feel safe, because you live in a body guided by a reasonable Spirit. So, we are always safe – do not think that there is no safety in this world. As long as you live sensibly in compliance with God’s law, your life is safe. You are clear about the exercise, aren’t you? You will have to do it for ten days – every morning, noon and evening. Keep record of the results. See whether the results will come immediately or later. You observations will be very interesting. You should also examine the law of polarisation, which is a science itself. - Only the light way to Wisdom leads us to truth. - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy [A1][Restrain that thought] [A2]This means – an act of bidding farewell. Perhaps this should be [a greeting].

Note 2p About Freedom 21st lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 9th March, 1924, Sofia - Only the light way of Wisdom can lead to Truth. - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. What is Freedom? A lot has been written on Freedom yet many have died without Freedom. The law of Freedom is determined by two great principles: One cannot have freedom unless he has come to love it, or unless he has acquired it. Freedom should be one’s main goal to aspire after. If you find this principle in yourselves, you will be free. Why should you need people if you search for Truth and if your own self is your target? It is a fact, however, that one does not live for himself only. Each person is thrust among the surrounding people, as a result of which millions of wires are crossed. These wires are elastic enough not to tear off; they just cross. Fig. 1 The point in Life is to become aware of the Truth. You should be free of all misconceptions. If you think that you can achieve anything, you delude yourselves. You equally delude yourselves if you think that you cannot accomplish anything. You say, “There is not a single person who can understand me.” Then it means that the person is not born yet, or that you still have not encountered him. You should find your soul mate either here on earth, or in Heaven. This makes your present advent meaningful. You are A, and your soul mate is B, so you will arrive at point C together – the summit of your Life – and you will be free. You aspire after what you have not got[A1] , but the moment you achieve it, you have new desires and aspirations. Therefore, the things you aspire after should be eternal – beyond time and space. You often ask why hardships exist in this world. – Hardships make one tougher, while sufferings ennoble him – that is a law. What hinders youth nowadays is that they have lost perspective as too many pathways have cross-wired. Each of you should momentarily, or rather temporarily, remain by themselves in order to solve a certain problem. Difficulties arise exactly at times when we remain alone to solve long-standing problems, problems that stay unsolved from time immemorial. So, staying alone is the most important time for you to tackle a problem. Later all your friends will come. It is shameful that a disciple should lose heart. You should prefer death to slavery. You should set an example of bravery. Even if you face imprisonment or torture, you should endure and not fear! Stand quietly and calmly – that is Freedom! Do not fear! – That is the rule you should stick to. Fear breeds lies; lies breed hypocrisy. As disciples you should live without lies; living without lies means living without fear. Do not humiliate others, because it would mean humiliating yourselves. Try to apply at least a fraction from what I have told you. Then I will go further. We will enter a field where the living forces of Nature act. Your consciousness should be alert so that you should not inflict sufferings on those surrounding you. That is noble! If I am a friend to someone in one respect, I should be a friend in all respects. If I am an adversary in one respect, then I should be an adversary in all other respects. If I love God, then I should love everybody God loves. The disciple must follow God’s law strictly! This should be inscribed in blood-red letters in your mind! This is the highlight of my lectures up to here. Today, I am turning a new page. A secret prayer - Only the light way to Wisdom can lead us to truth. - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. [A1][You aspire after what you do not have]

Note 2p Moral Aspirations and Moral Principles The Significance of Fractions 20th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 2nd, March, 1924, Sofia A secret prayer - Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. - It can give us constant Mirth and Joy. A summary on the topic: “The distinctive features of the moral person” was read. There is another drawing of the moral person on the blackboard. Do you have a clear notion of at least one distinctive feature of the moral person? (- He should have a clear fixed look.) The one in the drawing has the look of a dreamer. Does this type appeal to you all? What impression does he make on you? What look can you define as steady and fixed? – A look that bears in itself just one thought, namely the Divine one. Can the look be established from the outside? The gaze may be steady, but you cannot see whether the mind is divided or not. These are subjective, abstract concepts. You cannot see this; it is based on assumption. (- Isn’t it true that the way we look expresses everything?) Yet there are people who are so subtle that they can deceive you without raising the slightest doubt in you. For instance, an actor, who wants to present the moral type to you, studies the type for a long time, until finally he is capable of passing himself off as the moral type, while he is far from being such. All types have a certain expression and movement of the eyes, so actors in order to present them on the stage, study the minutest details. If an actor wants to act out a dying man, he studies the part as it is in real life. If he wants to present a miser or some other dishonest fellow, he studies the subtleties. Studying the human character presents the same danger as studying the organic and pathological cases round the physiognomy. When one is in touch with something contagious, he might get infected, so one needs to take all safety precautions. You are studying a moral type and you say, “Let me see whether I have these features.” You search and search until you say, “Well I don’t have such.” This is how infection comes along the opposite way and you say, “I’m not a moral person.” It does not mean that you are not a moral person. The point is that you haven’t cultivated these features yet. There are complete types and such that are still projected. It is essential for you to differentiate between moral aspiration and a moral principle. For instance, if we look at the drawing, another element prevails, namely the mental one. By the way the forehead is drawn we can recognise a person who is highly imaginative; the pointed chin suggests a perceptive mind. The eyes are suggestive of a sensual person, who needs all his will to keep his temper. I can see the efforts he is making to restrain himself. The way you have drawn him speaks of great ambition and touchiness hidden behind the moral sense. Also, this is the image of a young person in his early twenties; a moral type needs to be at least in his early thirties. From a purely Occult perspective, the bodies through which he functions should already be formed. This person here is only in his Mental body and the Causal body is not touched yet. Fig. 1 Imagine that the only supporting point of the triangle is point Д. Is there a moral principle in it? (– No, there isn’t.) Under what conditions can it stand? (- If some weights are suspended on its sides.) Yes, it will be able to withstand if the weights a and b are suspended. The same law can be applied to one’s chin. If the chin is excessively pointed, the nose is doomed to overcome heaps of difficulties. Let us assume that the triangle is alive and is poised – it does not fall; does this balance present any stability? The two weights help the triangle stand. These two weights can stand for his strength and his wealth, which make him stable, but there comes a day when he grows old and loses his strength and wealth. What then? Will the triangle stand? (-No) Then the will shall be unstable. Furthermore, the dent under the lower lip is too big. The nose, too, the way it is drawn is pertaining of a biting horse. These two features are typical of a quarrelsome personality – horses that tend to bite have similar features. People who tend to make caustic, ribald remarks form such features. The eyebrows of the moral type cannot be so long and arched downward – the eyebrows should not go lower than the ear. In addition, the forehead is drawn too wide and clear, which corresponds to the honest, straightforward type. Such a forehead can belong to a just and fair person, but it does not mean that the person possesses moral principles. That is not the type that can withstand all possible difficulties unwaveringly – he might be able to do that up to a point, but not to the end. These are the impressions from the geometric lines. The results will be in accordance with their calculations. The ears of the moral type should be of the same length as the eyebrows and the nose. Generally, the way the eyebrows are structured in this case shows that this type will advance up to a point in his life, but then the energies will descend. The eyebrows, arching downward, are a sign of ageing. It means that with such a person there comes an abrupt change in his thoughts and aspirations after his late thirties and early forties. All these changes won’t come about willingly. What do slanting eyebrows suggest? How do you find the lips – are they equally full? The lower lip is thicker, which indicates that in some cases the person tends to be more passive than active. While in the moral, or rather the ideal type, we expect the energies to be equally balanced, acting evenly – uniformly switching from passivity to activity. In our case here, the person will tend to be more passive. All centres in the brain participate in structuring the nose. The lungs participate, too – when breathing is correct, the nose is well structured. If hope is not properly cultivated, one starts developing a pessimistic attitude, which affects the nose – it becomes pointed, as a result senses are altered. Such a person develops a rapacious attitude towards himself; he becomes self-deprecating and self-erasing. Such an attitude can be aimed at the self at first, but then it can be transferred towards others, irrespective of the reasons. This image here does not have the two lines around the nose. The lines on the forehead are missing, too. It is a different matter if we examined the skull of a deceased man, but even then there would be some lines on the skull. The skull and the bones of the intellectual type differ from those of the non-intellectual one. Similarly, the skull of the moral type differs from the skull of the immoral one. If studied through a magnifying glass, they differ. That is because certain features leave their imprint on the skull. The skull is constantly changing throughout one’s development. This happens at an advanced age, too. At an old age the upper part of the head changes more: the forehead develops in one’s thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties; from then on the moral senses grow, but only if one develops properly. If one does not develop properly, he might start behaving childishly and whimsically. He might start repeating everything he used to like and know without learning anything new. If you intend to make the lofty type, you should take care that your nose will not become too pointed at the top or too narrow. Mind that ideas exert influence on the whole organism. Each idea has a particular influence not only on the consciousness of the spiritual person, but also on the various organs. If you grow extremely pessimistic and displeased with life, when you reach the utmost limit, your nose will become as narrow and pointed as a beak. A wide nose is far more preferable. Do you know why? A wide, floatable river is far better than a small puddle, which even ants can cross. Then, if feelings get distorted, one’s eyes start sinking; if one gets rougher, the eyes start bulging – it happens when one tends to become aggressive. Goggle eyes can be indicative of positive features as well – such people are extremely talkative. The frog has such eyes, that’s why it keeps chatting in the marsh for four months – it does not remain silent day or night – that is a talk[A1] . From a purely phrenological point of view the speech centre with frogs is well developed. So their eyes are bulging out. You all have an idea of the lofty type to aspire after. Your ideas may differ, but you should all start working for its fulfillment. If asked what your most important job in this life is, what would you answer? – The task of prime importance is the highest summit in your life, while everything else should be centred round it. What is this job? (-To study) Let us assume that there is a tree, tall and spindly like a poplar. If asked why the tree is so tall, what would you answer? If you go to a pinewood, or a beech wood, you will notice that trees compete to grow high. Why? The surrounding conditions are limiting, which breeds the ambition to compete. When they grow high, they can enjoy the sunlight freely, which already encourages them to extend. Therefore, if a tree is spindly, it shows that the environment was rather restraining, while if a tree is thick, we can draw the conclusion that the tree has grown alone for generations on end. It never aspired to grow in height, because there was nothing to stop the sunrays. On the other hand, as there was nothing to protect it from stormy winds, it had to grow thick enough to withstand them. Sometimes the human mind is perfect – it soars like а poplar, but if left alone, it can be snapped in the gales. Then it needs to build up a moral principle. Some people acting on their own, without any outside support, have developed a sturdiness of the character such as the sturdiness of the oak. You studied fractions at high school, didn’t you? I am going to examine the fractions 1/5, 2/5, 3/5 and 4/5. What does the fraction 1/5 show? (- It shows that an integer is divided into five equal parts and just one part is taken from these five parts.) Imagine now that 5 is a living number. Imagine that the five parts are the five senses. So, I take one fifth of the senses. Which is this sense? Which is the primary sense? (- Touch). Then what will one’s life be? - It will be like the life of a microbe, moving in water only and having a very simple life. Which sense does the fraction 2/5 stand for? (-Taste, then comes smell, and finally hearing and sight) Then 2/5 stands for taste, 3/5 for smell, 4/5 for hearing, and 5/5 for sight. The numerator 4 in the fraction 4/5 indicates only the conditions under which a creature can exist independently, or 4/5 shows that this creature can utilise only 4/5 of the conditions, the other 1/5 remaining unutilised. Finally, we could consider 5/5 = 1, couldn’t we? Yet you should remember that a human being cannot make full use of the conditions under the present circumstances here on Earth. The whole cannot be completed, i.e. one cannot achieve his ideal. The ideal is the entity. However, it cannot be achieved; therefore we deal with fractions in our lifetime. Mentally and morally, our aspirations are always common fractions; our achievements are common fractions as well. Let us assume that with all your knowledge you have achieved a result of only 1/5. What do you make out of it? A person with a score of 1/5 has a merely materialistic way of life. What does a result of 2/5 mean? – Some social awareness has been raised in such a person - he is able to communicate with some people. A person with a score of 4/5 can be a priest, but that is the most he will have made of it. Modern people who have reached a score of 4/5 say, “Nothing more can be accomplished under the present conditions.” Imagine now that these fractions had different numerators and denominators – for instance, 1/5, 2/6, 3/7, 4/8, etc. What do these fractions mean? These are your living conditions. Now you are acquainted with the rule you should apply when adding and subtracting fractions. (- We should reduce them to a common denominator.) What can reducing to a common denominator be compared with? - Simplifying Life. Simplifying Life can be recognised by receiving a common blessing. In living mathematics, when you reduce all factors to the same denominator, you feel a kind of inner balance and the comforting thought of a job well done. Assume that you want to finish high school; you believe you will achieve your objective in your first, second and third year, but in your last year you say, “I have had enough knowledge.” You lose motivation, then you find it again – you undergo some inner conflict. Do you think that you have a common denominator? – No, you haven’t. So, the idea of finishing school should be overmastering, despite all circumstances. The same refers to the moral aspect: if you want to acquire a moral feature, you should be committed to it. If you make a promise, you shouldn’t break it. By giving a word I do not mean ordinary words, but such that bear some moral validity. Tell me now, what is the common denominator of the fractions: 1/5, 2/6, 3/7 and 4/8. It is 840. If we add the numbers 8 and 4, it makes 12. The number 12 indicates that the conditions are improving. However, if the denominator is 15, it presents a danger – it is the number of illusions. Then we will have the fraction 12/15. Living Nature always helps reasonable creatures by using numbers. For example, you might decide to do some work on Monday or Tuesday. Nature, however, will put some obstacle in the way so that you cannot start your work on Monday. A few days ago someone came to me and asked me whether he should set off on a trip on Monday. I told him, “Don’t!” I did not explain why he shouldn’t. I just told him, “Don’t leave on Monday! Leave on Tuesday!” Later he understood why it was crucial for him to put off his journey – the train he was going to take had an accident. One who understands the law will make some calculations and say, “Today, I am not going to make a step, not even if I am expected in ten different places.” A day more will not make you fall behind schedule. You’d better set off when you are destined to. You say, “I am coming to your place tomorrow.” Did you estimate this? – No you didn’t. How do you know then? You might not come tomorrow. Don’t make a promise, because you might have to apologise later. Slow down, do not rush – see whether you will really be able to do something tomorrow; it might not be a good day for you to go anywhere. You should be extremely careful when dealing with Nature. It likes it when its children are sensible enough to listen to it. If you fail to listen, it will tell you off. You might take the train, but there will be an accident – it will throw you off a carriage and you may get away with a broken rib or with a few bruises and scratches. Yet if you listen to Nature you won’t be thrown out of the window. So, when we speak of Reasonable Life, we mean that everything is prearranged. The days on which we are supposed to work are set, some of them being well matched. The same refers to school. Most of you cannot finish it on time. Some have started too early, others too late, as a result some difficulties arise. You should be very sensible to overcome difficulties. The solutions can come ready for you, but, generally, it takes long to study things, as well as unconditional faith is required. Are you clear about what unconditional faith is? I would like to make a small observation: you may combine the numbers 9 and 4 in the material world, but it is impossible to do this in the Spiritual world. The combination is practically non-existent there – such is the law. Why? I will tell you: can the son be elder than the father? No, he cannot. The number 9 is the son, and the number 4 is the father. Consequently, the number 94 is for the material world, and the number 49 is for the Spiritual world. The sum of both figures makes 13. Of course would it be the same if you had 49 and 94 levs? – No, it wouldn’t. Yet I tell you that the number 49 is bigger than 94. You will say, “How can it be so?” Well, the answer is very simple - 94 is in notes, while 49 is in gold. Each number hides an inner possibility. The external aspect of the number 94 shows that it is bigger than 49. Indeed, its amount is greater, but the content of 49 is nicer. Some might say, “Well, yes, but can’t 94 be in gold as well?” No, it cannot be in gold, because 9 is a final result. It indicates that no activity is possible in Nature any longer; it is a process of liquidation. Therefore, the figure 9 in the number 49 shows that this number cannot grow, i.e. in the physical world it can grow, but only provisionally. A secret prayer - Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. - It can give us constant Mirth and Joy. [A1][that is a conversation]

Note 2p The Moral Type 19th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 24th February, 1924, Sofia - Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. - It can give us constant Mirth and Joy. Reflection A summary on the topic: “The correlation between moral senses and mental skills”. There is a drawing of a head presenting the moral type on the blackboard. Fig. 1 Do you all agree with the image in the drawing? What distinguishes the moral type? Which are the external features by which you can judge that a person is moral or not? All the same, you should have a criterion, no matter how small it is. You should all apply the same methods Nature uses. Fig. 2 The slot (I) is a window, which corresponds to the size of the room. If we make it twice as long (II), how much more light will enter the room? (Twice as much.) If we make it three times as long as it is now? (Three times as much.) And so on and so forth. What about widening it, without changing the height (IV)? And then if we expand it both in width and in height (V)? How much light will enter? (-A square more.) What will happen if we make it three times as high and wide (VI)? – (It will be raised to the third power.) The amount of light also depends on whether it is direct or reflected. Let us assume that you channel the light through the window by reflection, using a mirror; will the effect be the same as if the light were direct? – No, it will not. Similarly, sometimes your ideas and thoughts are not healthy. Do you know why? Because sometimes you accept your ideas through reflection. It shows that you stay in the North – this light is not beneficial, as it is lethal. Naturally, it is more useful than if you lived in some basement, and yet this northern light will affect you. So you can turn your mind to the south, to the north, to the east, or to the west. There is a fifth position of the mind – upwards. You should be always aware of the position your mind has taken. You should not only be aware of the position of your mind, but also of the position of your heart – what direction your feelings are taking. Feelings are forces in Nature, too. In the first place, you should examine the Mental and the Sensuous World as a movement of the living forces in Nature. You should not go into details. Study the law of these forces and the conditions necessary for the development of feelings. For instance, I could make two of you feel jealous of each other. Jealousy can be incited even between the noblest people. Jealousy can exist between siblings. The mother can raise a juicy row if she is not careful enough and makes better clothes for the brother and worse clothes for the sister. If you do not understand the laws of the world, you will constantly be jealous. Of course, the mother would never instigate the quarrel on purpose. However, there are cases when the mother is more affectionate towards the boy than towards the girl, which leads to jealousy. It is true that boys are more dearly loved than girls are. The birth of a boy is considered to be a blessing. There are cases when the girl is most welcome. In a family with four or five brothers even the brothers are excited about a girl and say, “We wish we had a baby sister!” A father who has two sons does not worry about their future, while a father of two daughters is much concerned about settling them. Now, you should personalise your feelings. You will study them as forces and movements in Nature. It is because when such a force enters your body, it will affect it in a way. Therefore, the strength and the direction of your mind will be determined by the intensity of your feelings. If you are emotionally excited, your mind will be unable to think calmly. By all means, your feelings have to be intense, yet calm, i.e. they should be in harmony. I do not mean to take pleasure in this – this is the external aspect of your heart. I mean that you should urge your heart to do some work. There are feelings that prevent man from working by making him lazy. Such feelings can be engendered in rich people. The daughter or the son will say, “Our father is rich enough, so we could easily do without studying and learning.” Their knowledge is superficial. Do you know whether your window looks to the north, to the south, to the east, or to the west? Rays of light can affect you differently. They differ in their direction – whether they come from the north, the south, the east, or the west. They also differ in the currents they bear: there is an electric and a magnetic current going from east to west: there is another current both electric and magnetic, which comes from north to south and a reverse one corresponding to it. These two currents cross at a point. If you find yourselves in the east-to-west current and receive its Light, you will acquire a lot more dryness. Astrologers say that you are under the influence of Saturn. Then you will love light but you will be too demanding and real faultfinders. If you happen to accept the Light coming from the north, you will love Truth, yet you will be too cold and cool-blooded, so you will remain indifferent to people who suffer. If you receive the southern light, you will bear some warmth and expansion, but you will face another danger – you will become meek and flexible. The Turkish have a saying for such a person, “Such a person can get along with everybody.” Wherever he goes, he has a good time – he is ready to do anything and please anybody: he eats meat, drinks wine and won’t say no to a bowl of lentils – he is too pushy and interfering. Such a person could easily find himself in the position of Nesreddin Hodja, who built a furnace but someone came and asked him, “Why does it face east?” “Why? Where else?” “It should face west to burn better.” Nesreddin Hodja listened to the advice and turned the furnace to face west. Shortly another man came and told him, “Whoever told you to turn the furnace to the west, knows nothing of furnaces. Everybody knows that a furnace that faces north burns better.” So Nesreddin Hodja turned the furnace northward. A third man came, however, who told him to change its position to south, and so he did. In the end, he decided to please everybody, so he found a four-wheeled cart and put the furnace on top of it. Whoever came now, he asked him, ‘Where do you want me to turn the furnace?” “To the north.” – And so he did. Someone else came, so he asked, ‘Where do you want me to turn the furnace?” “To the west.” – So he turned the cart to the west. Whatever position people wanted he listened to them, trying to please everybody. Very often one’s character is pretty much like Nesreddin Hodja’s furnace – on wheels. Such a person you call clever. When the moral character finds such an expression, one gets demagnetised, no matter how strong he is. If you fertilize a plant more than it can assimilate, the plant dies. Bad influences coming from other people can sometimes affect us. No one is strong enough to beat off evil. That’s why you are at an age when you should study the forces in Nature. There are destructive forces, affecting both the mind and the heart. Many of your wishes and desires are like a bomb. Many of your thoughts can be equally destructive. When handling such a desire you should be as careful as a sapper handling a bomb – it contains pyroxilin, so you should not touch it. The person who has taken the bomb should carry it far away, about two kilometres, and leave it there. So, leave such a desire; do not toy with it. If you have some bad thought, do not tinker with it. What Jesus Christ said, not to defy evil, should be interpreted as not to examine or tinker with it. You need to have all the possible knowledge in order to be able to handle evil. Not just you, but many occultists dealing with evil get hurt. That’s why I draw your attention to the moral aspect; one has to become morally and spiritually strong. Love should be one of the main constituents of his soul. Love should be strong so that it can live in harmony with all the other elements. This is important because sometimes you might experience some hesitation, doubt, or discontent. When these occur, you should have something to do – you will work. They will occur naturally, no matter whether you experience difficulties or welfare. Such experiments have been carried out, so you might also be tried in the same way – you are left in a room provided with all possible comforts and luxury, and yet you might feel displeased. You should know how to cope with this discontent. If there is no one to guide and advise you, you might become pessimistic. Therefore, at such moments of discontent you should have Light. You need some guidance to know how to make use of these negative forces. Negative forces in Nature can act to your benefit. You should be aware that the outer world will not greet you with laurels, as nobody is welcomed so. If you let any of your hens loose in Sofia, do you think that it will be taken care of and sent back to your henhouse? – No, it will go straight to somebody’s pot to be stewed and that will be the end of it. Do you think that if you let a horse or an ox loose around the town, it will come back to you? – No, it will get lost. It is not only animals that disappear but people, too. Do not think that you are free – you are not. If you think that you are free, it is just an illusion. You say, “We are capable of anything.” Then you should set yourselves a task to cope with these small hindrances life confronts you with. For instance, what are your ways of fighting doubt? Let us say that you deny all possible ways, saying, “There is no future, there is no justice and people are dishonest.” Or you might get offended or angry about something. What should you do? Ask yourselves how do you know that people are bad and that there is no justice in this world, etc. What justifies such an opinion and what are your criteria? You need criteria to say that all people are bad. By what criteria do you judge that everything is an illusion? If everything is an illusion, then you have one criterion by which you judge. What is this criterion? – You take yourselves as a measure and use the same standards. By doing this you seem to claim, “I am the only good person, nobody else is as good as I am.” Yes, you are right, but there is a man next to you, who believes the same –so he says, “I am the best person.” You should agree on this. At first, you assume that there is no one better than you are, but when you meet this person, who thinks as you do, you say, “So it turns out that there is another good one.” Then you encounter one, two, three, four more, etc. One exception suggests that there are many others. Exceptions in people’s judgements show that they are not always right. Now let us come back to the moral type in the drawing. You accept that type as moral, don’t you? But the way he is drawn suggests a kind of disappointment – his mouth is evocative of a certain discontent. Then should the chin be so straight? There should always be a dent on the chin, suggestive of emotional stability and endurance. This dent represents a valley with lush vegetation and springs. Therefore, if the lips are thin, it shows that the folds from where the water supplies come are insufficient. In such a person waters flow only when it rains, while in summer all rivers dry up. That’s why thin-lipped people have their sources dried up in summer; even if they are willing to do much, they cannot. Some say, “Why are my lips so thick?” – They are not happy about it. Actually, full lips can be somewhat dangerous, because when snow starts melting, great floods occur. Such people we call affectionate, as we cannot restrain them from loving. It is not so much love, but an influx of natural energy. Love is sensible. It is a sophisticated force, nobleness. While what you call love is a gale force – it sweeps everything away, burns down and devastates everything in its way. We confuse this dense matter, this intense force with Love, as a result of which the dense matter polarises us and breeds discontent. With the moral type, the ray coming out from the eye should not coincide with the horizontal plane of vision, but be at an angle up, taking an ascending direction. The moral type is also intellectual, endowed with an excellent mind. A person who does not have an excellent mind cannot be moral. There are exceptions, but generally, the moral or the spiritual type has an excellent mind, different from the minds of others. Then, also, the greater the height from the ear to the crown, the better it is for the moral type. There are exceptions, but this height shows intensity of moral senses. Thus, the length of two lines is important: from the eye to the ear (I) and from the crown to the ear (II). The first line (I) determines the strength of the mind, while the second (II) determines the intensity of the moral senses. This is broadly speaking, as there are exceptions that can be corrected. What nose should the moral person have? The jaws of the moral type should not be too protruding, forming a curved line. The face should not be too flat, either. Such people tend to be passive, while the moral type should be extremely mentally and spiritually active. He is always ready to do you a favour; he does not stay indifferent; he is clever and has a good sense of timing. If his face is not well shaped, if the cheekbones are too high – as they are with the Chinese, then his cheeks are hollow. This part of the cheeks is related to the digestive system – it is indicative of indigestion. The width of the cheekbones and the face itself should not be too small. This width has a proportion, as it attaches a kind of stability to the character. People with narrow faces are very stable, while those with broad faces are conservative and not open-minded. It takes a long time before such a man makes up his mind. Naturally, there are exceptions. If such cheekbones are combined with a forehead structured as with the Mongolians, we will have the conservative type. The white race differs mentally from the Mongolian race: the forehead with the white race is well structured. It is equally broad at the lower and the upper part. With the Mongolians the part of the face round the cheekbones is wider than at the forehead. If the cheeks and the cheekbones are slightly protruding, it is indicative of sensuality. The cheekbones show what one’s feelings and potential are. The lower part of the face – down the nose – indicates the will. The nose reveals the spiritual type. We judge one’s mental capacity by the forehead. The lower part – the chin shows the will. You should draw the full face of the moral type and not the profile. If you divide the face of the moral type in three parts – a forehead, a nose and a chin, they should be equal; these three lines should be of equal length. If the forehead is bigger, let us say 7 cm, the nose – 6 cm, and the chin 4 cm, then you have the unstable type. Such a person thinks well, feels well, but when it comes to acting, he fails. You could have the opposite case with others: the forehead – 4 cm, the nose – 6cm and the chin – 7 cm; so the will is dominant – such a person thinks little but does a lot. He will apply any idea that has occurred to him, no matter whether it is good or bad. He says, “We can do without much philosophy. The little we know should be applied in practice.” So you should be working on yourselves. Some of you have to work on the forehead, some on the nose, and others on the chin. Someone will say, ”I have built up my will: In order to build up your will you have to work on the lower part of your face. If within two years you manage to lengthen your chin by two millimetres, then you are a person of strong will. Then if you manage to alter your nose and your cheekbones by a millimetre, it is also a matter of strong will. As for what you say, “I think I have changed.” – It is nonsense. Now watch yourselves. First you should try to alter your nose. For instance, some people have their nose too narrow at the nostrils, which shows that their breathing is poor. You will improve your breathing if you widen your nostrils by a millimetre or two. If you succeed in this, it is a step ahead; you have made some headway. It is more difficult to change the length than the width. If you have managed to change your nose by a millimetre or two, it means that your respiratory system has improved. Then you can acquire a millimetre in length. If you succeed in this you will have acquired a lot of mental furniture. When the process of lengthening and widening your nose stops, you can start modelling it. In this way, you will be able to alter any part of your face. Some of you are melancholic. Notice that all melancholy people have their noses curved inward. It means that melancholy moods affect the nose. If you nose starts getting crooked, you should stop it. How? – By getting rid of all dark thoughts. Do not lose heart! If you get depressed, try to think of something else. Get rid of the matter that nips your hopes. Work on your vision and the pleasant states will occur. Do not be led by your mood. How do I define moods? – The mood is like a weather vane; the feeling is a well, a spring; the thought – a river; sensibility – an orchard full of fruit, and the principle – a school You should bear in mind that working as a painter on your face is a difficult job. One should be working with a free mind. Each trouble and worry leaves an imprint on the face. Nature is not fond of people who worry. It does not like self-willed children. If you stop at a hindrance, it will how[A1] a way out. Nature has enough will to show you the way, but it would rather you found the solution yourselves. It can wait for a year, two years, three, four, ten, a hundred, a thousand, but it will let you solve the problem by yourselves. Nature will not touch what is your share. When you solve the task, it will make a second step – it will give you new Light. If you persist, it persists, too. Nature acts in accordance with what you do. If you remain silent, it is silent, too. If you do not work, it does not either. It has another approach: It gives something to do to those who refuse to work in compliance with its laws. What work? - It does not give them wealth. It gives them poverty, thus making them work. Then it will give them a voracious appetite – they will want to eat a lot, but they will have no food. Hunger will make them search for a job from door to door. Nature can be extremely subtle. Ask advice about this from worldly people. I have noticed that some people do not understand the Occult. Such people reveal many negative features. Let me illustrate this with a good example: Some years ago I met a person who told me the following story. “I invested eight thousand leva in a grocery, but the grocer stole the money and vanished into thin air. Never mind! I’ll make money again.” And indeed, I met him two years later and he told me, “I made that money!” Someone else would have said, “My money went down the drain.” While our fellow said, “This was not my money. Let bygones be bygones! It’s human to err. God is gracious. Let the trouble that would befall me go with the money. I’ll make some money again.” Our fellow is cheerful and in a good frame of mind. You should follow suit! If some trouble befalls you or if you lose something, keep saying, “God is gracious! I’ll be lucky again.” However, you do not do this. You stop and say, “Why should all this happen to me?” There is a method in Nature, which says, “Apply yourself to the task, study it and you will know the answer.” When Nature assigns you a task it never explains until everything is over. As soon as you have accomplished the task, Nature sets you another, then another and another. All great minds have experienced this – whomever Nature encounters, it keeps assigning tasks. You may think that when you accomplish a task it will not be followed by another one. But there are heaps of them – more and more serious! Now you have come up against some difficulties, but when you overcome them, there will be dozens of them and you will be confronted with harder and harder problems to solve. When you solve all of them, you will ask another question, “What is the point in Life?” – In this particular case the point in Life is to find a solution to your problem – nothing more than that. I would like to ask you now, “What’s the point in a bed?” – To have a rest. What should the properties of a bed be? – It should be soft and comfortable. You will say, “It should be a mattress so that when I get up in the morning my back will not ache. I expect to have had a good rest in it.” Then there should also be plenty of light in my room. It should be well aired – the air should be fresh and not thick with nasty smells. You will say, “Can’t we do without sleeping?” What’s the point in sleeping? Under the present circumstances sleep is necessary. There will come a time when you will do without sleep, but for the time being sleep is necessary to restore strength. You waste a lot of energy in this life and it is necessary for you to have a seven or eight hours sleep so the body can restore some energy. Sometimes a crisis occurs. Why? – To relax. You regard this crisis as a waste, saying, “I lose.” Sometimes you think that you cannot feel. What is feeling? – By feeling you waste and indulge, that’s why your feelings need a rest. Another crisis might occur – to think that nobody loves you and understands you. This is a fiction[A2] of the mind. If your hand has become so insensitive that you can’t feel anything when someone touches it – who is to blame – you or me? – It is your fault. Yet if your hand is so hypersensitive that you can feel the touch from afar, is it my fault? You will say, “But you touched me.” No, I haven’t, it is you that have perceived the touch of my thought. So you have become so sensitive that you can’t stand people. Some say, “I can’t stand society.” Then your astral twin leaves your body at a distance of a metre or two and you find yourselves in an unfavourable position. At the present stage of your development the astral twin is not supposed to leave your body even at a centimetre, because your surroundings are rather harsh. This twin is hypersensitive and as such should be close to the body. The more spiritual people grow, the more often their Spiritual bodies leave the physical ones, as a result of which their activities expand. To expand your activities you should be aware of the laws of your body. Now imagine that your body expanded and ten to twenty people fell for you, eager to approach you. If you started driving them away, wouldn’t you get in trouble? – Of course you would. Each person who approaches you needs something; you are like a spring to him. Quench his thirst and give him a bottle to drink. Do not take this literally, as it is just a symbol. By this I mean: Give everyone a comforting thought. Give yourselves a rest and give whomever an intense thought, wishing him good. By wishing someone good, you are likely to fall into another error – you might think, “Did my thought reach its addressee?” Once you have focused on sending a good thought, you needn’t worry about anything. The thought will reach its recipient. But if you start wondering whether it has reached its address or not, it will be stopped and start wandering in blank space. There are thousands of such thoughts, hanging in the air. You are surrounded by thoughts that have not reached their destination. They were written and sent to the wrong address, so they get stuck at post offices. There are Divine Post-offices, where you will be able to find your letters in the future – they will have been waiting for years before they reach you. Next time you come you will correct your moral type. What will you add to it? Here is what you can see in the facial expression of the moral type: whether he is serious, smiling or worried – there are always features that change. His face has a basis. People whose moral senses are not developed might look pleasant before they smile, but as soon as they smile, there is something disgusting about the face. There is something stable in the face of the moral type, around which everything is grouped. Besides, you should study the moral type’s face from a physiognomic point of view. There are two or three lines in his face, which are peculiarly structured. Read his physiognomy to find the finest lines. I am not going to discuss all the lines, because studying the physiognomy presents a certain danger for you. The danger is this: if I speak about pathological features, any of you when coming back home will start searching for them in the mirror or in other people. Whomever you see, you will say, “He is one of those.” Bad is easier to be instilled, so you will see sick people all around. Therefore, it is risky to be shown negative features. Mind one more thing: a feature can be true only if it can be found at three points – on the skull, on the face, and on the hand. It has to be also present on the forehead, on the upper part of the face, on the cheekbones, or on the chin. There should be at least one small indication somewhere on the face, and then on the special parts. Sometimes a certain indication can be seen only on the forehead; in such a case it exists only as a potential state, a possibility. Sometimes it can be seen on the chin – then it refers to the will. However, if a defect is present everywhere - on the head, on the face, and on the arm, it means that the person has sinned a lot by heart, by mind, and by will. Such a person is like a bomb, so you should treat him with extreme caution, or ignore him. You are still developing. It is a process that is incomplete, so you should be working on yourselves. One is unable to work while in his mother’s womb; it is the mother who is working on him, because he is not free. Once born, you can become your own mother – working the way you find appropriate. You could say, “It depends on society.” No, it doesn’t. Any of you is capable of moulding your own personality; all you need is a bright mind, a noble heart and strong will. Equipped with all these, you can achieve anything. You only have to study the laws of Nature. Before accomplishing this, you will be confronted with many difficulties, which, however, are not a bad omen - they can be an asset. One who has faced difficulties is treated more favourably by Nature than those who haven’t. Such is the great law. (- Is there a limit to development?) – No, there isn’t. It is we, following the law of suggestion and heredity, who set the limit. When one gets to forty, fifty, or sixty, he starts saying, “I've grown old!” Either he takes this into his head, or others impress it on him. In this way one accepts old people’s way of thinking and becomes one of them. No, you should try to rise above all old people and say, “I’ll never grow old!” They say, “We are too old now. What remains to us is to die.” Dying is a process in the law of reincarnation so that activities can start again. It is just a temporary method in Nature. We are going to implement better methods than the present ones, but now you have to work. Each of you must work! A secret prayer - Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. - It can give us constant Mirth and Joy. [A1]This is not clear – maybe [hew]. [A2][fantasy]

Note 2p Moral Senses 18th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 17th February, 1924, Sofia - Only the light way to Wisdom can lead us to Truth. - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. Reflection A summary on the topic: ”The basic elements in geometry” was read. A few works on the topic: “The correlation between the moral senses and the mental skills” were read. You speak about many moral senses. How many are they? (- One) What is it? (- The feeling for God) Any other? (- The conscience) If man had only the feeling for God, he would look like a triangle, on top of which would be his head, i.e. his mind. Fig. 1 The moral senses are: conscience ©, compassion (м), faith (в), hope (н), firmness (т) and Love for God (л). You can observe what the centre of compassion with all people is. The sense for compassion is situated on top of the human head. It is determined by the angle ВАМ. This angle also determines one’s mental skills. People are not equally compassionate – the smaller the angle ВАМ is, the less compassionate a person is. The line AB shows the base of the brains, i.e. if you draw a line through the ears, it will cross the plane AB. The height of this plane determines one’s morality. The height of the perpendicular line ДЛ determines the intensity and the properties of the moral senses. Modern psychologists, as well as you, take this line in consideration when determining who is moral and who is not. Different angles also determine to what extent certain senses have developed. It is because everything has its external indications. We say, “This person is beautiful and that one is not.” How do we judge? There are certain signs by which we judge. We also say that someone is clever or intelligent. How do we know? There are signs for that, too. If you examine some clever kittens, you will notice that the middle part of their foreheads is protruding. A domed forehead is indicative of intelligence. Intelligence finds its expression in quick-wittedness and alertness. My word is about feline intelligence; that is why, I compare cats. I do not mean to compare feline intelligence with human intelligence. With some cats though, the consciousness is as much developed as with people. Modern psychologists are confronted with a hard issue – why don’t all people possess equal moral strength and why aren’t they equally developed mentally? The simple reason is that a clever person has organs better developed than the stupid one does. Therefore, a man can be revealed through his organs. Each moral sense has its corresponding organ - a moral sense can be expressed in accordance with the degree of development of the organ. Moral senses do not fall into the category of selfish feelings. The personal feelings refer to the area ACB, which is a pyramid. If we transform the triangles ВАС, ВАМ, АЛВ into pyramids, we will be able to define how these organs perform. If you doubt this, carry out some observation. Examine any two people among you – one compassionate and the other not: you will notice that the structure of their heads differs. The head of the compassionate person differs from the head of the person who is not compassionate at all. The head of the conscientious person is different from the head of the one who is not. All the organs in the human head differ in structure. If one has a well-developed feeling for God, he feels elevated. Such a feeling can engender fanaticism if it is not in accordance with the other senses, no matter how noble it can be. One can become a fanatic if he believes blindly. This happens if his feeling for God is well developed but not in harmony with his intellect. Love can be blind because it is not guided by the mind. When the feeling is related to the mind, it is properly developed and can make one of the finest human attributes. Only such a person can be tender, perceptive and polite. Only a religious person, whose senses are affected by noble feelings, though not ostensibly, can be extremely polite and considerate. It is best when these moral senses – conscience, compassion, faith, hope, firmness, and feeling for God - are well developed. A person who has these can never be melancholy. He can be brave and determined, able to cope with difficulties. If one ever feels melancholy, it means that these senses are not well developed. When compassion is not well developed, one can become a miser. If conscience is not developed, one tends to lie. If firmness is not developed, one is too indecisive or submissive. When there is not Love for God, the body has no head. If one is deprived of moral senses, he will be like an animal. He will not know what is right and what is wrong. It is conscience that tells you what is right and what is wrong. A person without moral senses has no moral principles. Animals have neither will, nor moral principles. They have instincts only, coming from desires and needs. An animal can be brave only when it is hungry. The moment hunger is satisfied, its bravery disappears. The mind of animals is not that alert as the human mind. Animals spend most of their time sleeping. The sheep falls asleep after eating. Why? Because it has nothing else to do. It cannot think; therefore, no philosophical thoughts disturb its mind. At a point it can wake up, then it falls asleep again. It can stay awake only if it feels threatened or hungry, but then it easily falls asleep. Things are different with people. You should remember then that it is moral senses that determine one’s personality, i.e. one is what he is thanks to his moral senses. Deprive him of his conscience, compassion, faith, hope, firmness and Love for God, and you will send him millions of years back to the most inferior monkeys, even lower than that. Besides, monkeys have certain moral senses. Mind that monkeys are complete vegetarians – they eat fruit only. There is no way you can make a monkey eat meat. Now, when studying human mental skills and moral senses objectively, you might ask what other feelings are likely to be revealed. You will say, “One has to be noble.” Well, yes, but what does being noble mean? Let one of you write on nobleness. Let some poet write on the topic: “The noble man.” What would you write? You can write a lot. Generally, you can attribute many qualities to the character of the noble man: conscience, firmness, love, order, intellectual capacity, sensibility, fair and judicious mind, generosity, an easy-going personality, etc. How would you define nobleness? Is it a skill or what? This is a philosophical question, so feel free to express an opinion. What do you think nobleness is? It is not just you – many philosophers would tackle this issue – how to define one’s moral senses? What they define should be correct and in accordance with what happens in Nature. Then to which category would you refer nobleness – to moral senses or to mental skills? You see, a noble man contains a personal element, too. When you say that one is noble, it means that the person is always aware of his high descent. On the other hand, the awareness of one’s nobility involves personal feelings. Nobility is handed down. Such a person is noble by birth and his blood is blue. Some noble people are of royal descent. Nobleness is often attributed to nobility. I will assign the following topic: “The difference between moral, personal, selfish and egotistic feelings”. What would you write to define these? Now I want you to study the issue profoundly. If you do not have profound knowledge of yourselves, all other studies will be futile. Imagine you visit a friend who gives you a stiff welcome. He has given you a friendly, warm welcome many times before, but this time he does not smile at you. You leave his home rather hurt. What feelings make you take offence? – A personal feeling. Why do you feel hurt? (Our personal feeling is hurt.) No, we are not discussing personal matters here. We are examining only their expressions. All of you experience this as it is a social phenomenon and concerns us all. These are things that happen every day. You feel hurt by your friend’s attitude and on leaving his home you say, “I’ll never visit him again!” I would like to ask you why you feel hurt; what has wounded your feelings. (Because he has failed to please you.) Let me give you another example: Assume that every morning I go out to greet the Sun. It smiles at me every morning. I greet it and it greets me back – or at least I think so. However, one morning, when I go out to greet it, I see that the weather is gloomy, the horizon is dark and cloudy and the Sun is hidden. I turn my back and say, “What dull weather! I’ll never go out again to greet the Sun!” Is the Sun to blame? What is the reason for this gloomy weather? Why is the Sun hiding behind the clouds? Why doesn’t it shine through the clouds, disperse them and smile at me? And then I say, ”I’m not going to go out again and offend my nobility.” My question is: “Is there any agreement between the clouds and the Sun? Is the Sun at fault? (-No) Well, why are you angry at it then? (- Because it is our fault.) No, it is not our fault; we only draw the wrong conclusion. Do you know why? Fig.2 Imagine that ав are scales and C is their supporting point. These scales do not function properly as they are a bit rusty. You place the weights on the one side, and on the other side you place the object to be weighed. You have bought half a kilo of something, but on the next morning you place weights measuring a kilo on the other side to balance the scales. Why is this so? - Because there is a kind of resistance somewhere in the scales. Then you make calculations using grams. However, if the person who sold you the commodity goes to some other place to weigh the same commodity, what will he find out? – He has either sold you more, or less. If he has sold you less than the scales show, you will say, “What a dishonest person!” If when weighing the commodity, you see that he has sold you more than half a kilo, you will say, “What a generous, noble person!” In these cases, both dishonesty and nobleness come as a result of a mistake. So, if giving more unconsciously, I am a noble fellow, but when giving less, although involuntarily again, I will be dishonest! Are these two cases connected? – Yes, they are, because every salesman should check his scales. He himself cannot be blamed for selling more or less. The trouble is with his scales, which ought to work properly. Which human quality do the scales stand for? (- Conscience, moral senses.) Do you agree that the scales can represent moral senses? If someone told you that moral senses are the weights you put on the scales, would you find any connection between man and his senses? A moral sense can be identified if it can solve the problem outside the person. For example, justice and conscience do not settle an issue in terms of what is good for you, or what is just and fair for me. A moral sense just says, “That is not fair,” – nothing else. Compassion can settle the issue outside one’s personal life. One has to be compassionate beyond conditions, no matter whether one is poor or not. Compassion says, “You are obliged to do this.” Not that you are obliged really, but it demands that you do it. No excuse can be given to a moral sense. Moral senses do not accept any apologies, while personal feelings do. Moral senses make no exceptions, so you cannot be excused. Therefore, according to the exceptions you make, the more exceptions you make, the weaker your moral senses are. You might happen to have a friend who has never been angry with you. You have always taken gifts to him when paying your visits. However, there comes a day when you call in but he does not give you a warm welcome – that is because you go to his place empty-handed. Think about this – if your friend’s moral senses are not strong enough to assimilate the current conflicts, he will not let you in. The moment he sees you, he will be kind of unwilling to invite you – he will not be ready to do this. If I have to put it in scientific terms, his moral senses are not capable of withstanding the inner conflict that occurs in this case. Let me give you another example: a friend comes to you and asks for a loan of fifty thousand leva. You are very poor and cannot do him a favour. He keeps insisting and says, “Either you find me the money, or I’ll commit suicide.” You somehow feel that you cannot let him enter even before he has come to your place and you say, “There is no way I can do him a favour.” In some other case you might have another conflict: let us say that a friend of yours is drowning, and although you cannot swim, you plunge in the water to save him. He snatches at you and pulls you down to the bottom. Is it wise or moral to try to save someone if you yourself cannot swim? (- No, it isn’t). Then what should you do? You’d better call for help because when two people are drowning, it shows that there is love between them, but it also means that the evil they share doubles. That’s why, anything you do should be morally based. All moral deeds should be reasonable. For the next time I would like some of you to portray a person of morals. The whole class should reach agreement on this portrayal. You are free to choose your source or archetype. I just insist on being moral. You should all agree on it. You could choose him to be one of you, but you’d better think of someone from outside so that you should avoid any rivalry here. I want a truly moral type, and not a fanatical or narrow-minded person. By a moral person I mean someone who has a complete, round-up [A1] outlook on the Mental, Sensual, physical, Spiritual and Divine World – to be a relatively round-up [A2] personality. Not only should he have a well-formed outlook on life, but also he should act in accordance with it, always ready to make a sacrifice. For the next time be ready to present the moral type, and after that you will present the spiritual type, as I would like to see whether you can differentiate between them. Then we will draw a comparison between both types. For instance, a saint is a spiritual person, while a nobleman belongs to the category of the moral type. All noblemen are moral people and all saints belong to the spiritual type. You should study your selves with due discipline and strictness, without worrying about it, because you will come up against many untoward difficulties from now on. Now you can say, “This will happen later.” No, many issues are on the agenda now. You can solve them properly right now and make good use of their solutions. The Bulgarians have noticed that some cows give bitter milk. Do you know why? When the cows graze on wormwood, it goes into the milk and gives it the bitter taste. Very often the personal feelings mingle with the moral senses, which adds a kind of bitterness to them. Besides, one’s egotistic feelings, which are more inferior than the personal feelings, are often awakened. When their juices penetrate the moral senses, this bitterness is added. The Bulgarians are wary not to let the cows eat wormwood. It is necessary for each of us to cultivate moral senses. You can be physically healthy only in the presence of the moral senses. Moral senses give freedom to the human Spirit. They help the veins expand, i.e. breathing is free and easy, blood circulation is good, and one feels at ease. Most diseases come as a result of wrong development of the moral senses. That’s why you should all try to get rid of your shortcomings. I will help you become aware of your shortcomings and teach you how to get rid of them. You are young and you have many shortcomings. You should bear in mind that you cannot fool Nature. You make mistakes because you are ignorant, but ignorance cannot be an excuse – Nature inflicts equally severe punishment. It does not care whether you are ignorant or not. The only difference is that when Nature decides to punish you, and you are aware of your fault, you will know why you suffer. While, if you are not aware of your fault, you won’t know why it beats you so severely. It remains silent; you keep wondering why it continues beating you, so you ask it and it answers, “I don’t know.” Or rather it says nothing. Nature sticks to the following law: for each offence it knows precisely and mathematically calculated how many lashes you deserve. You will count the lashes so that you can identify your mistake. You should keep count of the lashes. If it hurts so much that you lose count, you will be punished again and again. While if it strikes and you count one, then it strikes again and you count two, next three, Nature will know that you are aware of the law. At this point it says, “What a clever child!” – Four – you keep counting and here Nature stops. The number four means that you have broken the law of justice and conscience. Nature will strike you four times only, but it will hurt badly. If it strikes five times, it means that you have violated the human laws – you have offended someone, your brother, or your have hurt their personal feelings. So you will have to rectify your behaviour. Nature has its own images. This is just one possible explanation. When we make mistakes in our lives, certain organs get infected. A particular mistake makes you feel a pain in the stomach, in the heart, in the lungs, in the feet, in the elbow, in the spine, or in the liver. The location of the pain shows exactly what mistake you have made. The medicine of Nature is very special; it has its own pedagogy. So, you will have to apply morals. You will not only philosophise, but you will also try to correct the mistakes you have made. If you do not do this yourselves, someone else will do it; however, it is always best to correct your mistakes yourselves. All gifts and talents, all human abilities – writing, poetry, and arts depend on the moral strength and calmness stemming from our outward confidence to act in compliance with the great laws of Nature. Only then can we be strong. Anything we do should be judged strictly. And the ultimate objective is to be strong. If you are not morally strong enough, how will you differ from the people outside? For instance, if you enter society, where you could easily get bribed, what would attending this lecture be in aid of if you committed a crime? You will say, “We do not need bribes.” Yes, but you should be really strong so that you will not succumb, and not just claim you will not. Your present duty in life is to build up a willingness and readiness to be able to help whomever. Everything else you are going to learn here, on the Earth, is just a temporary burden. What you have learnt through the strength of your will, will stay and accompany you forever. You will forget reading Shakespeare, Plato, and Kant. You will remember what you have experienced, a fair deed, or a live lesson from Nature. The only reliable knowledge comes from Nature, so we can never forget it – we keep it when we enter the other world. Apostle Paul says that we partly know and we partly think but when the perfect comes, i.e. the Divine, this partial knowledge and partial reasoning will disappear. He also says that when he was a child he thought like a child but when he grew up he quit anything childish. Now you know what your assignment for the next time is – to draw a sketch of a moral person. A secret prayer - Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. - It can give us constant Mirth and Joy. [A1][all-round] or [comprehensive] [A2]same as above

Note 2p Complex Movements of the Mind A Spot of Light in the Mind 17th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 10th February, Sofia - Only the light way of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. A summary on the topics: “Origin of the verbal forms” was read. Several works on the topic: “Basic elements in geometry” were also read. For next time you will write on topic Nr 19: “Correlation between moral senses and mental skills”. Now we are going to approach an area referred to as complex movements of the mind. I am going to make a few observations you are invited to think over. Our objective is to make you philosophers by urging you to think. Philosophy lies in one’s ability to think. If one is able to think correctly, philosophy will come along. Human consciousness can be projected outside the individual and strike roots into somebody else’s soul. Naturally, this refers to the supreme Divine consciousness. When saying that the Divine lives within man, we mean that there is a very special place where the Divine is situated. Man is possessed with a special Love - a particular awareness of God as a complete whole within. Fig.1 Let us say that a given mathematical point represents our mind in action. This mind acts beyond space; i.e. it is not present in the physical world. It goes along a straight line and defines itself at point B. The distance covered AB represents an expansion of the mind. When the mind A reaches its utmost limit of expansion, one begins to feel he is getting old and that there is nowhere else to go. When the mind is at point A, one feels young, fit and cheerful enough to reflect upon philosophical matters. When one comes to the middle of the way at point D, after covering the distance AD, he is already middle-aged and says, “I am middle-aged already.” From here the mind takes two directions: one is the continuation of the first direction towards point B, and the other goes at an angle to point C. One, however, is not aware of the second movement, which is an urge upwards in the direction of AC. He is aware only of the straightforward movement. When one is at his strongest, in his prime, then he is in the prime of his mind, too and is at the resultant line. But as he does not understand the law of movement, which continues towards point B, he also feels a kind of descent. However, he does not know point C. For instance, one is aware that he was born and he will die – he knows that he will move from point A to point B. How does he know? He knows because his mother moved from A to B, and so did his father. He knows all this, but he does not know what exists beyond A. Nor is he aware of what can be found in the other world. The other world is up, at point C. One is not aware of this movement, because it is a spiritual element. Occultists who say that we have to awaken the Divine within ourselves mean exactly this movement of the mind towards point C. Man himself is not aware of this movement, nor is he aware of the Divine element. Therefore, you can mathematically form the following proportion: The triangle ABC is equilateral. If the distance between A and B is a hundred kilometres, and at the same time there is a movement from A to C and from C to B, then what will the distance be from A to C? Now you will fall into error: In geometry this distance is equal to AB, because these are the sides of an equilateral triangle. Yet thinking over the Divine Life and about planes and cubes, the question stands differently. Here the distance AC will be twice as much as AB. For instance, in geometry you define the directions as up and down, but when you enter the Spiritual World, where you will study the essence of matter, you will not use up and down – the relations are different there. Fig. 2 Imagine that C is a central cube. Then all other objects and cubes will be examined in relation to that central cube C, i.e. you will consider their position in relation to the central cube – whether they stand on its right or on its left. This means that all things can be examined as related to one central idea – whether they are on the right or on the left; however, the directions up and down do not exist in space. It will be a fallacy if you start regarding matters from the up and down perspective. You say up and down. What do you mean by up – up to your head? Where down – down to your stomach? Then you say, “Up to God.” That would mean that you identify God with your head. Therefore, by God we mean a more comprehensive organism than ours. We constitute only one mind - a small part of this organism. When we say “To God” we only determine our attitude towards the more comprehensive organism. Hence, the Divine Mind moves twice as fast as the human mind. We only think that the distance it covers is twice as long, because we are conscious of the physical mind. Here we have the law of the unit and the two, the ratio of which is 1: 2. In this case the number 2 shows the movement of the unit. This concept is a bit complex, so let me explain it: assume that you are the unit and your horse is 2. You have to go somewhere or accomplish some work, which is an unknown quantity – X. The accomplishment of the work will depend on how fast your horse is – its ability to move. In this case the human mind is just an organ – a bearer of the Divine Mind. So, there are two currents existing simultaneously in man. They have to be felt. Each of you can observe them. For example, walking past an orchard, you see fruit. You want to pick some. At the same time another thought occurs – some voice deep inside tells you: “No, you shouldn’t pick any fruit.” What evokes such a thought? – It comes from the Divine Mind. You say, “But I’m hungry!” How do you know the fruit is not poisonous? The tree might look good, but if you eat from its fruit, your life might be stopped in its development. That’s why the Divine Mind tells you, “No, don’t do this!” – Nothing more. It tells you not to do this or that. Modern moralists and religious people make one and the same mistake to ask, “Why shouldn’t I do this or that?” The Divine never answers. It says, “No!” If you obey what the Divine suggests to you, there will come a time when you grow old and then the Divine will come to you and explain everything. This is what modern philosophers call the supreme Ego in man. Thus, a human being has two minds – inferior and superior. The Divine Mind is the superior one. When it comes, it will explain matters to you, because it draws knowledge on a more superior source. This mind can shed light on all philosophical issues you are interested in. Both philosophers and scientists fall in the error to be eager to understand everything right away. This is impossible. Beauty in Life and beauty in science cannot be found in plenty of knowledge. True beauty is in knowledge of Good. Beauty in science, Nature, and Life can be found only in those minute niceties that are hard to perceive. We can enjoy only what is hard to see. Therefore, you should enjoy only those tiny, microscopic spots no one can deprive us of. Nowadays everybody thinks of the grandiose and the great, though it never comes. The greatest things in the world are always given in microscopic quantities. Some people want to excel instantly and become pure and holy at once. That is a misconception. I would like to draw your attention to what to look at and how to do it. You should look at yourselves, but if I tell you this only, you will be at a loss, because Yourself to you is still just another indefinite quantity. If you look at yourselves the way you understand it, at the bottom of your souls you will notice an almost imperceptible spot. A person who is unable to understand this, searches for his ideal beyond this spot. The intensity of Light always stays one and the same – it never increases or decreases. Its colour is very pleasant. Sometimes at this spot a fire can flare, followed by another. But within a few hours all die out – as if new worlds have come into existence. Sometimes the big fires burning around your Divine Mind can be misleading. The experienced Occult disciple is intent only on this spot and ignores the fires. When an Angel sets off from the Divine World to the Earth, the Earth can be seen just as a small spot. The Angel can see millions of great Suns around but they never misguide it. He holds the small spot as a guiding light to the Earth. However, people on the Earth do not do this. They have changed the law. When on their way to the Divine World they see some big Sun, they say, “This is where Life is.” Then they spot some other Sun, so they say, “This is where Life is.” They move without direction, hither and thither, till their Life is over, so they say, “What a waste!” So it is. These Suns are far too big, and therefore, inaccessible. They represent what unattainable ideals in real life are. So, from now on you will be looking at yourselves without getting confused when differentiating between your mind and the Divine Mind. Try a small experiment to practise how to tell the difference. There is a shade of doubt in the human mind, which can be tried out. You can picture this hesitation as a wavy line. The waves stand for the continual fluctuations of the mind, which is why one always feels discontent. Yet along with this continual movement within, one is always aware of the other mind, which is always calm and peaceful. When one is excited or frustrated, this small spot of light – The Divine Mind – tells the human mind, “Don’t worry! Everything will be all right!” You stop, but it encourages you, “Don’t be afraid!” You start philosophizing, wondering how things will be – “Everything will be all right.” – although the Divine Mind does not tell you more than that, you can restore your peace of mind. And when eventually everything goes straight, The Divine Mind says, “You see, didn’t I tell you?” The Divine Mind never tells you that nothing will come out of you. It is the human mind that splits and says, “You are good for nothing!” Whereas the Divine Mind says, “You will be a regular fellow!” But how will this happen? – By keeping in your mind the awareness AC, i.e. upward to C. Now I will draw your attention to a real philosophy, which might look a bit far-fetched, but it has its proper application. Any tutor, who tells you to expect some great results, does not tell you the truth. The true tutor will show you the small light. If you have some integrity and the will to go ahead, you will go along the line of this small spot of Light in your mind. By moving along this line, you will find the opportunities of a different world. Many saints, Indian hermits and scholars lost their lives in search of the Divine Mind. They lost their lives in vain – they should have searched for the small Light within themselves, which would have brought them far greater joy than all the joys they experienced. If you bring all the joys you have had together, even half of them will not equal the small Joy coming from the spot of Light in your mind. This spot of Light is real. It is this spot of Light that will comfort you in times of hardship. You will be able to benefit from it far more than from anything else. However stormy the sea is, if you see the beacon, you will lose neither confidence, nor your way. But if the light is off and you lose your beacon, you might make a mistake. It is not because you are abandoned, but because you have taken the way opposite to the Divine Mind, due to which you have lost the light and your way. Now the only thing you can do is to find the direction of the Divine Mind and follow its course. You will follow two concurrent tacks, i.e. lead two lives – on the one hand, you will develop your human mind, and on the other hand, you will aspire after God. How would you define aspiring after Yourselves? You see how difficult it is to explain this simple truth! Not only is it difficult to explain, but it is difficult to comprehend it as well. What has to be explained often remains unclear. It is difficult to render these explanations into any human language. Fig. 3 So, there are two movements in your mind: one is from A to B, ant the other is from A to C. We can define the directions these movements take as ACB and ABC. Some define these movements as follows: If A moves towards B, we have a straight line AB; then if A moves towards C and B moves towards C, we have the triangle ACB. Therefore, there are two directions at the same time. Now I would like one of the students to sum up everything said up to now. What do you make of it? Have I thrown any new light? (The main idea is that your whole life depends on one small spot of Light.) Also, the mind has a double movement. You should bear in mind that when you face resistance it is because matter is dense. Therefore, you should know that when your mind takes the ACB direction, i.e. the course towards the Divine, you will face all the favourable conditions. The ACB movement prepares the straight way of your mind, which can go through the dense matter. This is also what can elevate you. So when an individual reaches point C up there, he is elevated and the way takes a new direction. One is at a higher plane, or rather at a higher level of understanding. Sometimes the opposite might happen and you go back the same way. Imagine the triangle ACB! Be always aware of the upward movement AC, because you need this for your philosophical understanding. Some occultists give a different definition of the triangle, saying that AC stands for the way of the heart, CB the way of the mind, and AB the way of the body. This is camouflaging the issues. According to them the mind and the heart aim at organizing the body. It is not true. The line AC represents the movement of the Divine Mind. However, there are cases when this movement in its ascending line goes through the mind. Sometimes the process is reverse. When ascending, the Divine Mind passes through the mind, but descends through the heart. So both things happen. For instance, the Divine Mind does not follow one and the same direction with men and women: With men the Divine Mind starts from point A, i.e. from right to left. You should bear in mind one more thing: there is just one side with God. There is no right and left. The Absolute Beginning has only one side. Therefore, in this particular case, C indicates only the direction to the Divine. Let us say that A starts from the left and goes upwards to the Divine C, but when it reaches this point, it says, “I can’t reach God. Let me come back at least.” Shortly it descends to B. This is how its life is determined. It happens not because it cannot go further up, but because it cannot keep its position at point C. Theosophists claim that when one dies, his soul goes through the Astral World first, then through the Mental world, and, finally through the Causal one. As the soul cannot go further than the Causal World, it lingers there for a while to reflect upon the causes and effects in Life. At this point the soul feels like going back to the Earth. Theosophists speak about this stage of the soul. Everything discussed up to now should boil down to one main idea, because if you pay attention to the details, your understanding will be hindered. The line AC indicates a movement upwards, but if one is incapable of carrying it out, he comes back to B, feeling old. The way the female mind moves is opposite to that in men. The male principle of Wisdom and the female principle of Love meet at the Divine Mind. There is no Love at points A and B as they are spots of movement, indicative of ordinary life. The straight line stands for one’s life. So, one masters only the straight line. Well, let us try some psychological analysis in geometry, i.e. to render it as the living forces of the mind. From this point of view, the straight line stands for all the possibilities of the point. It shows up to where the point can go in its rectilinear movement. If the straight line shows the possibilities of the point and this point has moved from A to B, then what causes the shift from its rectilinear movement and what directs it to C? – This is the Divine element in the mind, which changes man’s direction. What is a plane? – The plane always shows the possibilities for two souls when they merge. And indeed, what can two people form? – They are able to form only a plane. One person is able to form a line and two people are able to form a plane. Therefore, from a purely psychological aspect, these are the properties and the conditions of the forces acting for and against when forming the human organism, as well as the growth and the development of the human Spirit. It is important for you now to observe and check whether this is true or not. I would like you to try this theory. What I tell you is theoretically correct, but many of you are not experienced enough. Are you experienced in this movement? In the first place, how will you manage to find this small spot in yourselves? You are wrong to think that you will find it through focusing and concentrating. That is why you should try to reach a peace of mind [A1] trying to imagine that everything surrounding you is in perfect order. Only in this way will you be able to see this small spot of Light in yourselves. You will be able to find this spot at the most turbulent times in your life when chaos reigns around you and you feel desolate, left to the mercy of fate. Only then will this spot of Light flash in your mind. The only thing that you can keep to, at such a point, will be this Light on the horizon of you mind. While at rough sea, you will be guided by that beacon only. All of you can gain such experience. You will have an anchor in your lives. You will know that there is a Divine spark in you. Whatever sufferings or hardships you are going to face, if you find that small Light, it will bring you Joy. You will know that where the bacon stands there will be land on which you can live, i.e. it will be possible for you to grow and develop. And this is enough. How can you cope with disappointment? I would like to give you some knowledge you can always apply, no matter what happens to you. I would like to convey to you some of the Occult knowledge by adapting it as it is too far-fetched and I want you to make use of it right now in your lives. You have experienced certain disappointments already – this is your way along AB. But you should remember that you could undergo another movement of the mind – from A to C, from where life’s bounties come. These blessings can come at any point and no one can rob you of them. If you keep to this Divine principle, the AC movement will by all means save you from any inner conflicts. It is a different matter whether you believe or not, but if you are patient enough to withstand all difficulties, the Divine Mind will certainly bring you to a good end. The movement of the Divine Mind is referred to as the Divine Providence in spiritual teachings, but it is rather indefinite. I call it a movement of the Divine Mind. One takes two concurrent courses. Every person, as well as each of you, bears these two directions within himself; however, they are not quite distinct in everyone. Not everybody is aware of the movements going on within the self. So, the most important thing for you is this spot of Light in the mind. It is a constant Light, which sometimes glows faintly, but is always on. It is the most beautiful Light you can ever have. When you are happy and joyful, it cannot be seen distinctly, but at times of misery and despair it shines brightly. That’s why, to make you see it the Divine Mind sometimes creates obstacles, like those in the theatre, - it restrains and shuts you out, by guiding you to think of something else. It says, “There is something more important in your life than the AB movement.” You are in two minds and say, “There is nothing like AB.” “No”, it says, “There is something more important than AB. It is ACB.” Anyone who does not understand this law is doomed to suffer. There is an ascent in one’s life; there is also a descent – it is one process. We place these two triangles one next to the other. Why? Fig. 4 Those who understand the law take the direction from A to C, and then they descend to B but immediately go on towards С2. The triangles АСВ and АС2В are connected. We can also say that when the disciple reaches B, he takes the way up again, etc. These triangles represent the microcosm. The triangles are embodied there, while here they represent a movement up and down: the movement downwards represents the descent of the Spirit to the matter, and the movement upwards stands for the ascent of the Spirit to the Divine Mind. It means that the movement in the first triangle is to AC and then to CB. One who understands the laws will continue moving in the second triangle to ВС2, next to CB, then he will pass to a third triangle, etc. One who does not understand the laws will continue moving within the first triangle until, finally, he will say that Life is pointless. Such a person will for years on end, or for a series of existences, remain a materialist. He will say, “Life is nothing but matter.” Yes, according to the materialistic concept of Life, it is nothing but matter, a movement along a straight line. Being a materialist means to be able to perceive only the properties of the point, which moves only straightforward. The materialist says, “One is born, grows old and dies and everything dies with him.” This is a movement along a straight line. According to this philosophy man moves through space like a bubble, and when this bubble goes off, everything ends with it; there is no movement beyond it. An exercise: stand up and move your arms in circles – first from the inside, up, outwards and then back (a few times); second – from the outside to the inside and down. Third – from the back up, above the chest, aside, in front of the chest, in a circle aside and forward (a few times). The right arm – aside, the left arm – in front of the chest, then the left arm aside and the right one – in front of the chest; alternate these movements quickly, then slowly. A secret prayer - Only the light way of Wisdom leads us to Truth - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. [A1][a peaceful frame of mind]

Note 2p ELEMENTS IN GEOMETRY Sixteenth lecture delivered by the Master before the Youth Esoteric Class on February 3, 1924 in Sofia. - Only the bright road of Wisdom leads to Truth - It brings us everlasting joy. Reflection We listened to a summary of the essays on the topic of “The Use of Imagination”. For next time I would like you to write on topic#18 “The Basic Elements in Geometry”. This topic is somewhat philosophical. If you were asked about the elements in chemistry you would know them, right? I would like for all of you to make a list of all the topics that you have been given so far in the last three years and I would like you to mark the date on each topic so as to see their order. These topics are like building stones in the construction of a building. In the same way, every subject that your mind dwells on will bring you either benefit or harm in a given situation. You must think but you cannot ignore the laws of thought. If you do not follow its laws, you will think falsely, i.e. in your mind you will follow a wrong path. There are only two ways of thinking: one is thinking in the dark, the other is thinking in the bright light, i.e. in the Light in general. Under the current conditions of Life you cannot be neutral. And if someone says that he can be neutral, he must be a deity. Even deities cannot be neutral. So, everyone who thinks will be in one position or the other or in both but not at the same moment, but one after the other. Now some of you might ask, “Why can’t our minds be occupied with some greater subjects?” Why not, you may occupy yourselves with whatever subjects you like but then many external thoughts will come to your mind uninvited. All kinds of external topics will enter your mind but you must learn to discipline your mind, for that is why you are disciples. Disciplining one’s mind is the greatest skill. The undisciplined mind can be likened to a wild horse that jumps over all hurdles, no matter how big they are; it will jump over them even if they are hills and mountains. If you want to tame it you need to put a bridle on it. Sometimes when this wild horse starts raging, before you know it, he jumps over you and over the mountain, bridle and all, and you are left looking for him left and right. This is why you need to apply yourself to disciplining your mind. A disciplined mind is a great force in Nature. By disciplining one’s mind one also shapes one’s own character. You should not be troubled if there are bad thoughts that cross your mind along with the good thoughts; you should regard this as a necessary phenomenon. You cannot change the order of things: both Good and bad will come in their turn. Good and bad exist in the world for a reason that you do not know but what you should know is that you cannot change the way in which Good and bad are related to you. In order for you to change these relations you need to know the laws of your mind. When you start managing your mind - in a most wisely way, at that - you will start understanding the way Good and bad are related to you. Right now you think that you are very strong and that you can slam the brakes on your mind. But do you know what a catastrophe you could cause inside yourself if you slammed the brakes on your mind? You should gently step on the brakes, instead. On the other hand, you must study the laws of your heart. Some of you complain about their mind, others complain about their heart and the third, about their willpower. There is no reason for you to complain about your mind, heart or willpower for they are very good. Your mind is very good, your heart is very good and your willpower is very good. Your mind and your heart and your willpower are where they should be but the only thing that is in your way is that you have forgotten the rules according to which your mind, heart and willpower operate. So you should keep in mind this: the most important thing the disciples of all esoteric schools must do is discipline their minds. For example, if you could discipline yourself right now in this class you would reach a state of peace and quiet and you would be undisturbed by anything around you as if you were by yourself. I have noticed that for the past few days a young girl from some village has started coming and do you know how well she is able to concentrate! Her mind is peaceful and quiet, her thought is moving smoothly and harmoniously. I ask you this: do you know what it would mean to you if you were to acquire this state of concentration today? You, too, used to have the ability to concentrate once but you have lost it. Now you need to restore it again. Now you think that you have become very bad while earlier you used to be better. It is the opposite: you used to be worse before and have become better now. However, earlier you used to have less Light so you could not see yourself well. Now you can see yourself because you have more light. Therefore, being bad or good depends on the amount of Light that you have. Truly, there is one difference between how you were earlier and what you are now. This difference is the following: once you spent less on eating and drinking, you had fewer relationships with people and had less tests and temptations, while now you have more relationships with people and more temptations: in a word, you are more exposed. Let me give you the following example: take a scientist who talks about morality all the time and look at the way he so diligently mitigates his own mistakes. If he breaks a glass, for example, he right away has the thought to justify and mitigate his mistake. What should he do? If this man had more Light he would objectively recognize the fact and would not try to find a justifying cause. Often you act this way, too. Other times you make this other mistake: when given a topic you say, “This topic is of little importance.” As soon as you say this you make a basic mistake in your mind. Take, for example, the topic I gave you today, “Basic Elements in Geometry”: this is a very difficult subject. What is one of the first elements in geometry? (It is the point.)1 How can you explain philosophically that the point is an important geometric element? Do geometric points occupy any space? (No, they don’t.) How was the straight line formed? (It was formed by the movement of the point.) Here is what I ask you, then: if the point does not occupy any space then how was the straight line formed? How could imaginary points that occupy no space form objective points that do occupy space? Here we come to the scholastic philosophy where we can philosophize without ever reaching a definitive conclusion. And so, the point is the first element in geometry. What is the second element? (It’s the line.) The third element? (The plane.) The fourth element? (The body.) The fifth element? (There are no more than four elements.) I leave it to you now to think further. You will need to consider the concept of element the way it is in geometry, i.e. as something that geometry is based on. Diagram 1 What does this curvy line on the drawing stand for? (It is a parabola.) This curvy line is formed when you hold your thumb and pointing finger open apart. Tell me, then, what is the difference between a parabola and a hyperbola? (The hyperbola has two branches and the parabola has only one.) Well then, if an object starts from the center of the curvy line on the thumb and keeps moving along this line, how will it be able to come back to the same point? For example, if this object starts from point C it will reach point D. What was the matter of the object like at point C: was it thicker or thinner when the movement started? What forces took effect at point C? Have you followed the process of thinking in your mind? At first, a certain idea sits undefined in your mind, i.e. its boundaries are barely defined, but the more you think the more defined this thought becomes until finally it materializes itself outside of you. Take some inventor as an example: at first a certain idea appears in his mind in the form of a project; all the different wheels and parts of the machine are in action, moving first in his mind, after which he looks for a way to realize this idea externally. If a certain idea that has started in your mind is projected into the physical world but cannot be realized, it comes back. There are many people who suffer from unrealized ideas. The whole danger is in the fact that this energy goes back to its source. (Is this harmful, this going back of the energy to its origin?) It has a harmful effect in most cases. For example, someone wants to graduate from some university but if he cannot do that he develops this inner sadness that he was not able to achieve his idea in reality. This is why all noble ideas need to be realized and be realized not in their finite boundaries but in the human consciousness so that they can give one an impulse or open some room for a new activity. Under these new conditions that you are now, instead of having your mind and intelligence developed in you, you develop sensitivity; however, this is not sensitivity in the sense of mercy, but rather in the sense of personal feelings and pride, thus the energy in the back part of your head becomes very intense. Each one of you thinks that he is the most important person in the world, that he is some kind of a deity. All people think like that and no one wants to recognize the Truth. This is true not only of people but of animals, too. Take a dog as an example: even if you as much as touch its tail, it would jump up, saying, “How dare you touch me, sir? You cannot touch my tail!” This is precisely where you, as disciples, should be very careful, for if you are not careful, you will find yourselves in trouble. And now, all of you, as disciples, study the internal side of Life which comprises all other modern sciences. As you study the science of Life you should keep in mind that if you do not treat other people delicately they will respond with the same; if you like criticizing you will be criticized, as well. You say, “It is all right, he can handle it for he needs to know his faults.” Very well, but someone will say something about you tomorrow and then you object right away, “How come! How dare he talk like that about me?” And how come you dare talk about him? If you talk about others then when they talk about you, too, you should be man enough to say, “Let them talk. I can handle all of it!” And you need to suffer the consequences of your mistake. If a certain fact is true then why don’t you admit it? You say to someone, “You are impatient and rude in your manner; you are not merciful for you do not welcome anyone in your house, etc.” Is all of this not a fact? If it is true, you should admit it and be glad that you have something to work on in yourself. Then there comes the objection, “But I am not all that bad.” This is a different matter. Every one of you should have the courage to recognize how much truth there is in a certain fact, namely, if this fact is seventy-five percent, fifty percent or twenty-five percent true. On the other hand, if a fact is completely false, you can say, “All right, I will think about this.” I am not for that method of discipline where you criticize each other and look for each other’s faults, but I want you to be self-aware of how you are. Some people are quick to boil over. It is good that they boil over for they would be worse off otherwise. But when they boil over they need to know where to channel all this energy. The human body has its own vent, a lid through which this energy can be released. Each of you will open the vent of your heart, mind and will so that the energy during this boiling over can be released. Someone enters his house and starts to shout, throw up his arms, jump and he threatens, “I’m going to do this and I’m going to do that, mark my words”, after which he sits down on his chair and starts working. Many learned people use work to cure their anger. For example, if a scientist is shortchanged by a critic and becomes angry, he would take his ax right away and go split some logs to come[A1] down. It will be good for us to have a garden at our disposal or a vineyard so that every time someone feels offended or insulted by someone he can take the hoe and apply himself to work. You will take turns doing this. You might say, “This is a funny idea.” Yes, it may be funny, but it is also very pleasurable. It is a pleasurable thing to go to the vineyard to cultivate it and talk to it. Only in this way can we find the true method of discipline. All people encounter hardships in their life. Do not think that it is easy to discipline a person, for there is something unbridled in man. Sometimes you become angry with someone and you say to yourself, “No, I will never speak to this man again!” Then you think for a while and say to yourself, “Why not speak to him? I don’t want him to think that I am like this or like that. I will speak to him!” And so then you think and you think until you calm down. Boiling over is not a bad thing - these are all forces that are at work in man. I would grade with a seven2 someone who boils over. And when I am looking for draft horses, I would take those that kick and bite but can work, too. A horse like that may kick and bite but when you harness it in the cart it will pull it; it does excellent work! They say, “This horse kicks a lot.” Yes, this is the kind of horse that I want for he knows how to work. As for a horse that is very placid on the outside and neither kicks nor bites, it will not do any work and it will not pull the cart when you harness it. It is better if we have, inside of us, a force that will make us work than if we do not have anything inside. Do not complain about the bad that is in you, for it is a great force and a great blessing. I use the word bad in a very broad sense. The boiling over, the anger and all other negative traits in you are all a treasure, a special kind of manure that you need to know where and how to apply. It will bring you certain goods in the future but you need to know how to handle it. When you enter school, some of you think that you will not encounter any temptations down this road. No, the world will not welcome you with wreaths, nor will it carry you in its arms. This may happen some day but not yet. Therefore, the road that you are on is still the Narrow Path. You should know that you will encounter a number of hardships in the physical world and in science and in your own ethics. And then the more you know the bigger your hardships and suffering will be. But what is better: to know and to suffer or not to know but suffer, nevertheless? (It is better to know, of course.) I will give you an exercise that you need to do in the course of seven days (from February 3rd to February 10th). This is the exercise: let’s say that your spirit is low on the first day, on Monday. Right away, draw a point, then a straight line and a triangle next to it. Note in your notebook what the weather is outside. You will also note what state of mind has caused you to change. On the second day, on Tuesday you will draw a square on the same piece of paper next to the triangle. Then note again the weather and your state of mind. On the third day, on Wednesday, you will draw in your notebook or on your piece of paper a pentagon next to the square. The pentagon can be in the shape of a house, but it will be even better if it is a right-sided geometrical pentagon. On the fourth day, on Thursday, draw a hexagon; on the fifth day, Friday, a heptagon; on the sixth day, Saturday, an octagon, and on the seventh day, Sunday, a nonagon. Thus in the course of these seven days you will have drawn the following shapes: Diagram 2 You should know all these shapes. They are symbols that represent living forces in Nature. Nature knows these symbols. First you will call into your mind these shapes, then you will draw them in a book, but you need to draw them very correctly, neatly and beautifully. The shape that you draw during a certain day is the one you should keep in your mind throughout the whole day. No matter what your disposition is, good or bad, you will draw a certain shape every morning. Geometry has an excellent effect on people. Therefore, when one is indisposed in one’s spirit, one should take up geometry or should solve mathematical problems. Mathematics, however, is more abstract; it is easier to begin with geometry and end with mathematics. And so, when you draw a point, you will project it in your mind and will reflect on its meaning. The line, on the other hand, stands for a point in motion. When you reflect on each shape, you will cause it to gradually come to life in you. In this way you will understand the source of your indispositions. I will explain to you where indisposition in man comes from: imagine that the house in which you live is well made and it has nice strong walls. But then let’s say that I or someone else came to the house and took away its roof. This will change the nature of your house for it will leave it flat on top. What do you think will be the effect on you; do you think you will feel peaceful in your house; do you think that the rain will think twice before falling down on you? No, your clothes as well as everything else in your house will be subjected to the rain and will be in danger. Then the state of things in you will change, too; your emotions will change. This same thing happens in your mind: often you lift the roof of your mind; you take off your triangle and then only the square is left which is an open plane and by doing this, your mind is thrown out of balance. What should you do? I say this: put the triangle, the roof of your house, on top of the square; cover it with tiles, put the plaster on the walls, attach sturdy doors and then you can have peace in your spirit. Is this not a philosophy? Diagram 3 On this drawing is shown only the base of the triangle of a house (ab). This triangle, albeit looking like this, is put in action. It represents a boat that floats on the water. The pole C is the mast on which the sails A are spread. What will become of your boat if you were to remove the middle pole, i.e. its mast? It will sit motionless in the water. The mast stands for a force that can drive the boat; if you take the mast off your boat it will be at the mercy of the elements. And after all of this you say, “Where did all these troubles come from?” I say: you have all these troubles because you threw the mast away into the water. “What should I do then?” As soon as you step ashore, you should put another mast on your boat. The boat is your heart. The mast C is an object of Love. Often you say, “I don’t want to love; all people are bad.” As soon as you say that all people are bad it is like throwing your pole in the water and your boat remains without an object. What can I do? Put the wood in its place; your life should have an object! Your love for one and your love for all is one and the same thing, for it is one and the same law. Some say, “I cannot love everyone.” You don’t have to love everyone. By loving one you can love everyone: this is how this matter is in the Mental world. If the heart loses its object, it loses its triangle above. This is why I tell you this: set the rudder of your boat against the wind, which represents your desires. If you abide by this law of movement, you will easily reach the shore that you are aiming for. And then I will ask you how the roof of your house is doing and how your pentagon is holding up. I will also ask you if your boat’s pole is standing up, if you have a nice chimney on your steam-boat, if your vents are open, if you have enough water, coal, etc. And after all this, when you are quite strong and when you have acquired the necessary presence of mind, you will be in a position to deal with both the modern and the esoteric sciences. If you do not become strong then the fortune that you acquire from this science will not be of any use to you personally, but will cause you greater suffering. I am not saying that suffering is something bad or useless, but what I am saying is that in this world one can pass with less suffering. Now, that you have removed the triangle, what are you going to do with only the square of your house left? When one sells one’s house, one should purchase a vegetable garden to cultivate if one wants to acquire new capital. If that happens one will not need a triangle but one will have a garden to cultivate then. In this case it is better for his house to stay where it is. If you want to have a house, you must love! If you do not want to love you will have a garden. You can choose not to love but then you will have a hoe and you will toil over the soil all day long and you will grow cucumbers, cabbage and other vegetables. Can a cucumber make you uncomfortable or can you make a cucumber uncomfortable? No, you may watch over it and plant it and it will not say a single word of harm to you, it will not rebel against you: you do not need to love it and it does not need to love you. And so, there are various occupations in the world and there are various methods in the Esoteric school. By using some of these methods you can transform a lower energy into a more superior one. And energies must be transformed! If you are indisposed in your spirit, you can transform this indisposition within five, ten, fifteen, twenty minutes. How? Go and dig in your garden for a while! Therefore, you will become a gardener for a few minutes and as you dig you will focus so intensely so as to transform your indisposition into a good disposition. Your thought needs to be so intensive so as to make you sweat. It happens sometimes that, just as you sit, you can focus so intensively that you break out in sweat. All these methods that I give you now will be useful to you in the future. When someone is sick or indisposed in one’s spirit, one can cure oneself through transforming one’s energies. One can use these lines and geometric shapes, and by doing this, one will channel the energy from his brain into his lungs. This energy transformation should be done correctly. Geometric shapes are the connective thread thorough which energies can be transformed. It is difficult to achieve such a thing at once, of course; one needs to do many exercises, many trials. One needs to apply things in practice! Do five or ten exercises so that you can be convinced that my words are true. If you succeed in one exercise, do not stop at that but keep on; you need to do ten, fifteen, twenty, fifty, ninety, ninety-nine exercises before you can acquire positive knowledge that precludes all doubt. Now, I want you to do very well the week-long exercise that I gave you. You will need to take a nice piece of paper and draw the shapes very neatly and correctly with the help of a compass and a ruler. If you draw them just so you can say that you have done it, then this is not geometry, this is only some ostensible geometry. The laws of geometry do not allow for inaccuracy and imprecision. First exercise: put your arms out in front of you, vibrating your wrists. Next open your arms while again vibrating your wrists and make sure you do not lock your elbows. Next put your arms back in front of you and then back to the side moving them as if flying: lift them slightly up and down as if flying. Next put your arms together in front of you, then move them up and down and put them back in front of you; this time increasing the vibration of the wrists. Then move the arms up and down and straight in front of you this time moving only the wrists very fast. The vibration of the wrists is increasing more and more then it is slowed down and then increased again (move your wrists only up and down). Lastly, open your arms, moving only the wrists up and down. What does this movement remind you of? (Of bees airing their hive.) Second exercise: move your arms in front of you one up, the other down, like scales while keeping the elbows slightly bent. Quicken the movement. Move right arm down, left arm up; move them slowly at first then gradually speed up the movement (move only your wrists on both sides of your head[A2] ). Then gradually slow down the movements until they are almost imperceptible. Now can you feel a certain movement around your fingers as if an electric current is passing? Now move your arms out in front of your chest then up, then to the sides and then down, thus making many slow circular motions. Next move your arms in the opposite direction: first out in front of you then down, then to the side, then up and then back in front of your chest, again making many circular motions. Now put your hands in front of your face waving them quickly in a circular motion. Finally, put your arms out in front of you. Secret prayer - Only the bright road of Wisdom leads to Truth - It brings us everlasting joy. -------------------- 1 Whenever the disciples in the audience respond to a question posed by the Master throughout the lecture, these comments are transcribed in italics and placed in parentheses. 2 Grading in the Bulgarian educational system uses the numbers 2 through 6: 2 being the lowest, failing grade, and 3 through 6 being passing grades with 6 being the highest one. [A1][calm] [A2]I can’t see the connection to the head, maybe this should read [hands] – [move only your wrists on both hands].

Note 2p ENERGY TRANSFORMATION Fifteenth lecture given by the Master before the Youth Esoteric Class on January 27, 1924 in Sofia. - Only the bright road of Wisdom leads to Truth - It brings us everlasting joy. Silent prayer Diagram 1 There is one law of energy transformation in Nature. Picture a straight AB line and let us say that this line stands for the mind’s state of peace. When one’s mind is in this state, things are clearly defined and there is no anxiety. However, there exist a number of external causes that can appear out of the blue like a comet appears in space and can disturb one’s mind’s peace[A1] . Let us appoint C to be such an external cause. It can shake one’s consciousness so much so as to bring it down to a state of disgrace. However, even during such a fall the mind will still reach some plane, for example the MH plane. Of course, when drawn in geometry, these lines do not produce any painful state, but it is a different matter when a man falls in reality. Therefore, the mere drawing of falling produces nothing in a man’s mind, but when man physically falls, he will feel a certain internal psychological suffering and he will experience a certain deep anxiety. Sometimes the fear experienced by such a fall and its effect can be that it can cause one to lose consciousness. Let us pretend that you are standing on a rock when you slip and fall. Now, if the terrain on which you fall is made of soft soil, you will get away only with a slight contusion, but if you fall on rocky terrain you will pay with your life. Diagram 2 Let us say now that we are not talking about some physical fall but about some moral or mental fall. How can you divert such a fall? This can be done by immediately creating in your mind a bent mn line that goes in a direction opposite to that of the fall. This is one way to polarize one’s mind. Do the following experiment as an example: imagine that you are sitting on a rock and you want to jump some five hundred meters down from it. Now picture yourself already hanging in the air, ready to start falling down, but start gradually descending instead. Picture in your mind that instead of falling down, you are consciously and willingly descending one centimeter after another. For the one who has a tremendous willpower or who understands the laws of Nature these forces act in concord with his will. Such a person can polarize these forces, i.e. he is able to have such control over each cell of his body so as to be able to stop wherever he wants. If you use this course of action, you will be able to descend wherever you want but you will need to have a consciousness so intense so that you do not lose connection with Living Nature or think that the laws of Nature can work differently. When you adhere to the laws of Nature it is like when you are holding onto a rope - you will slide gradually down along the rope and you will descend in that manner. In the same way, by using the rope, you can climb up as well. If you can do such a thing by using a rope, can you not also do it by following the laws of Living Nature? Yes, you can. However, Nature’s rope is invisible. If the rope is weak, it will break and you will fall. This is why you should do this procedure very slowly and carefully. The same law applies to your internal being as well: as long as your faith is strong and your hands, i.e. your will, are strong you will be able to descend and ascend safely along this rope. But if your faith and willpower are not strong you will fall. All those people who fall are spiritually drunk, that is all. When one loses his consciousness, he is in the state of spiritual drunkenness. And do you know when people fall? There are special drinks in the Spiritual world and when one drinks them they cause psychological inebriation. People start imagining, like the Turks, a paradise of happiness and bliss, but they do not deserve this paradise. And what things do we call undeserved? Undeserved things are those that one is not ready for. I will give you an example to explain my thought: if a mother gives her newly born baby solid food, it will die for sure. This baby needs only liquid food. Likewise, the happiness and the bliss that you are looking for are not for you yet. Therefore, the most suitable food for the world today is sorrow and suffering. No one has been damaged by suffering but half the people in the world have been damaged by happiness and bliss. People are not ready for blessings given their current state of consciousness and so these blessings beget all the opposites in the world. For example, some of the disciples say, “I have certain difficulties but I cannot endure them.” How come you cannot endure them, why is that? This shows that you lose faith in yourself. In other words, you lose faith in your hands, in your rope. As soon as you lose faith in your rope and in your hands the downfall will come. Success, under the current conditions of life, depends on the strength of your rope and your hands. Now, what should you do to make a difficulty or a weight float on the surface of some liquid? Let us say that you throw in the sea a piece of iron that has a small surface area and weighs one kilogram. What will happen to this piece of iron? It will sink down to the bottom of the sea. What is it that you should do according to the laws of physics with this piece of iron in order to make it float on the surface? We need to enlarge its volume or its surface area. If you enlarge the surface area of this piece of iron and make it two, three meters wide, will it sink then? No it will not. Why? Because it will displace a larger quantity of water and will thus become lighter. In this case the water resistance will be greater than the weight of the piece. Therefore, you need to apply this same law to hardships: when you have a hardship that is small in volume but dense in matter, you will increase its volume in your mind to make it lighter so that it does not sink in your consciousness where it might cause painful states. Let us say that you have a small hardship, namely your finger hurts and you cannot take it any more. In order for you to heal yourself or, rather, to be able to endure this pain, you need to imagine that someone has driven a big nail through your hand. This greater pain will take the place of the smaller one. If you can reproduce in your mind the process of driving the nail through your hand, then the pain will be transformed in your mind. Therefore, in order for you to endure the small hardships in your life, you need to imagine that there are bigger ones than those. Now imagine a different situation in life: imagine that one of you, a disciple, is walking down the street with some of your friends. You want to buy something and take out your purse only to find out that there is not a penny in it. Then your knees start shaking with embarrassment and injured self-esteem and you say to yourself, “How will I tell my friends now that I don’t have a single penny? What am I going to do with this wretched life of mine?” You are worried but you do not say a word to anyone about it, you keep it to yourself. Now imagine the same situation in a different perspective. Imagine that this disciple is in some far-away city and not only does he not have a single penny but he does not have any acquaintances or friends as well. Which of these two situations presents a more difficult problem? The second one, of course. Often the modern man experiences a certain distressing state, a certain spiritual indisposition. For example, you wake up one morning and feel low, angry and out of sorts and you say, “Today I’m feeling low, do not touch me!” And you do not even pause to see why you are feeling this way. The cause of such a state may be internal and it may stem from some place in the sub-consciousness, the consciousness or the self-awareness. There might be a blockage in one of these three areas. What should you do then? What you will need to do is go deeply into yourself and ask yourself the following, “Why am I so impatient, why can I not stand anything?” You will need to strive for a sincere answer as if you are answering to God for only if you do this will you be able to remove the cause of your anxiety and annoyance. Now I will present to you two psychologically opposite situations: imagine that a certain person has offended you deeply and so you say, “I can never forgive this person.” However, you, being a student, need ten thousand leva and you look for someone to help you out by lending you this money. You go to one friend asking for money but he says, “I don’t have any, I’m sorry.” You go to a second one and then to a third one but they all shrug their shoulders and say, “We don’t have any.” They all say the same, “I wish I could help you but…”. Let us say that the person who offended you is the only one who can lend you the money; that person is ready to give you ten thousand leva. He says, “Let him come to me and I will help him.” You say, “No, I’m not going to him!” Now you find yourself in a dilemma; what are you going to do? Your dignity is wrapped around the ten thousand leva which, in itself, is a nuisance, yet, at the same time, you need to go to the person who has offended you, which is another nuisance. Which of these two will you choose? You will need to forgive the offense in the face of this greater difficulty. Your need of ten thousand leva will erase your hurt and you will say, “All right, I will forgive him, and will forget the hurt.” This happens in life. This is a kind of goad that Nature uses with willful people. It puts us in the yoke and says, “You will go straight along the furrow!” It takes the goad, pokes you with it and you go straight along the furrow and that is all. I want to ask you the following question: where does one’s dignity lie? How would you answer this question? A servant’s dignity lies in his accomplishing well the task that he is given; a student’s dignity lies in his learning his lessons well; a preacher’s dignity lies in his preaching well; a writer’s dignity lies in his writing the best works possible; a doctor’s dignity lies in healing according to the best methods. I’m asking this: what about your dignity as disciples; in what does it lie? In applying the esoteric laws to your life. It’s no use if you do not apply these rules to your life. If it is about knowledge, you have that. You have knowledge in physics and in chemistry and in astronomy and in history and in all sciences, but you lack one thing: you do not know how to apply the esoteric laws under the various conditions of Life. Hence, when any difficulty comes up in your Life, say to yourself, “I know that there is a spiritual way, there is a way to solve this problem; it is not a big one, on the contrary, it is one of the smallest ones for me.” And this is how it truly is. The biggest hardships in Life are given to the greatest people and you do not pass as great people yet. Therefore, your hardships are of the smallest in the world and, as such, you can deal with them. I hear some of you say, “I want to be good!” You can be good right at this moment. If one wants to become good, one does not need even an hour, not even a minute to become good for this is beyond space and time. All good people become good in an instant. It is a state of consciousness that depends on the intensity of one’s Light. Once Light has brightened up your consciousness, all sediments in the mind will be dispersed right away. When it is said the Scriptures, “Man can be born again”, it is this moment of consciousness that is implied. It is a very short moment in time: one can become good suddenly and one can become bad suddenly, as well. Now imagine that you are in a great disposition but a friend of yours, whom you do not particularly like, comes to you. What will you do? You will probably think to yourself, “Why did she choose to come today out of all days?” And after she walks away from you, you realize that you have lost all of your great disposition. Why? How could this friend of yours know that you are not very fond of her? Do you know that anecdote about Diogenes that is about a similar situation? When Diogenes was eighty-two years old he decided one day to retreat into solitude somewhere, thinking to himself, “I have spent all these years among people, working and dealing with them all the time. Now I want to dedicate this day only to myself.” He walked away from people, sat down under the shade of a pear tree and started musing, “Life is so beautiful; so beautiful are all the things that time has created!” But, lo and behold, some time around noon a villager comes to Diogenes to ask for some advice. When he saw him, Diogenes frowned a little, but gave him the advice he needed. Afterwards he thought to himself, “Hey, Diogenes, you prescribe patience and peace to other people, but you, yourself, could not do it in this case. You retreated here under the shade of the pear tree so that you can be in solitude but it is not this villager’s fault that he didn’t know that you are not accepting guests today. Do you want to lose everything that you’ve earned after all these eighty-two years by being angry like this? No, you should not be upset with people when they come to you.” Now I’m asking you: do you have the right to be upset with your difficulties? No, you do not. Difficulties are guests; they are those villagers who find you even when you are sitting under the shade of the pear tree. Difficulties are alive. Some difficulty sees you sitting under the pear-tree shade and makes its way towards you like the villager in the story, thinking to itself, “This person over there is a philosopher; he has nothing to do so I will go to him to have him solve my difficulty.” And what you do is boil over and complain, “Why did this person decide to come to me today out of all days? I had just reached this inspired and poetic state and was about to discover something, but now it’s all gone.” No, you should not think like that. These abrupt energies and this harsh behavior that you have sometimes make you say, “I will fail in this task, I cannot endure. This road is not for me, it is for those smarter and more capable than me; me, I have so many weaknesses!” And then you become all evasive. No, tell yourself the truth, “Yes, I want to follow this path. Or no, I do not want to follow it.” You must be sincere with yourselves! For you should know that the reason is not outside of you but is inside you. I am saying this to you, the disciples, who want to use your life wisely. You need to know that the happiness that you are looking for can be found first in your mind then in your heart and finally in your will. Your happiness depends on the harmonious combination of these three forces in life. Now, I am not talking about the grief and the sorrows that you experience. Often some of you fall into melancholic states and you have the thought to commit suicide, to poison yourself or to throw yourself from a five-hundred-meter-tall rock. If you have such a desire to jump from the rock and die, you should do this consciously. How? By climbing on a three-meter tall rock and jumping down from it. Then you can climb on a higher, five-meter tall rock. And so you can keep climbing a taller and a taller rock until you reach a ten-meter tall rock and you try to jump from it. Observe yourself to see what you will go through during this experiment. With this experiment you will say, “I have already solved this issue; I am not going to kill myself.” Otherwise you are too rash to act: as soon as you come to an obstacle in your life you announce all of a sudden, “I will kill myself!” Killing yourself is the grandest experiment that you can attempt. First you need to make the smaller experiment and then gradually move towards bigger ones. Someone else says, “I want to kill myself. I am going to bite the bullet.” I say to you: wait, make the smaller experiment of sticking a needle a centimeter into your skin to see if it will hurt. Stick the needle two centimeters deep after this and make sure you observe your feelings and the change in your thoughts. You need to do experiments! As soon as you think of suicide, take a needle and you will see that even before you have driven it somewhere into your body, you will have rid yourself of all dark thoughts and suicidal desires and you will say to yourself, “No, I should not kill myself. Life is a serious matter!” Therefore, if a negative thought comes to your mind do not try to shoo it away, but take a look at it, talk to it a little and ask it, “How did you come to me? Don’t you have a father, a mother or any relatives? Are they interested in me over there, in your world? Who gave you my address?” This conversation is one of the methods for energy transformation. Through talking to this negative thought you will feel peace gradually settling in you, and finally, you will tell it, “I have changed my mind about you: everybody depicted you as being bad like me, but now I see that you are simply unhappy like I am unhappy.” And then this negative thought will speak back to you, “Because you are as unhappy as I am I will not harm you.” All of this is to say that every energy in a man’s mind needs to be converted and be given room to be born and to live. This is what the Scripture talks about when it says, “Do not resist evil!” If a bad thought enters your mind give it some room; if a good thought enters your mind give it some room, too! Transforming spiritual energies is much the same as transforming physical energies. What do you do in order to convert a certain physical energy from one state to another so as to increase its intensity? Fire is the first means you apply. It is the same with the Spiritual world. For the time being all of you are required to have more Life because it carries Warmth. Many people of today die because of too little Life and too little Warmth. When I use the word life I mean conscientious Life not a mere vegetative existence. With conscientious Life our direction of movement needs to be strictly defined. Life without an object is not Life. You need to have an objective! If you understand how to transform your dark, negative thoughts you will be able to help both yourselves and others. Sometimes, you pass by a fellow sister-disciple and you notice that she is somewhat indisposed, but you think to yourself, “Why is this sister pouting; why the long face; why the annoyance?” Yes, but tomorrow you find yourself pouting and making the long face. This pouting pays a visit to everyone. There is not a single person in the world that has not pouted: all modern people have pouted from childhood to the end of their life. It will be long before people break this habit of pouting. I have seen learned people, philosophers, who also pout. This is a peculiar hypnotic state and after it has passed, people themselves wonder how come they can succumb to such dispositions. These things are clear to me and now they should be clear to you, too. And when one is wrapped up in this hypnotic state he does not know what he is doing and against his will does everything that this state makes him do. This is what happens always when one loses his consciousness. As soon as he regains his consciousness he is able to understand things. Once you enter this current it will drag you away, no matter how strong you are and how hard you try to swim. If you enter the sea when the waves are too strong your boat can turn over. This is why one must have a clear understanding of the forces that one is to face. All hardships that you encounter in life are meant for you and you alone. However, there are such hardships that appear in your path and you take them on but they are not yours and they were not meant for you, but you have called them forth. How can we tell which hardships were meant for us? When you encounter a hardship that is meant for you, you will be able to pick it up yourself, put it onto your back and move on. And when you encounter a hardship that is not yours, you will try a day or two, or three or more to pick it up and you will not be able to do so. So, leave this hardship aside and continue along your path. For example, many of you sit around thinking and wondering, “How can society today be set right?” This thought is not for you; it is a hardship that is not for the young ones, it is not even for the religious people. Many have asked themselves this question and have attempted to solve it in vain. This hardship is awaiting its hero. Who is he? He is the one who will be able to pick up this hardship. When this hero comes along, he will pick up this hardship onto his back and will move forward. This is what you should remember: this, which you can pick up and carry yourself, is for you. In this world everyone picks up a bag, carries it and says, “This bag is mine.” And when some people ask me how to set the world right, I will answer them, “The world will be set right, when all people pick up their own bags of hardships.” Carrying wisely one’s own bag of hardships is what I call energy transformation. Being able to transform a certain state of yours is the most beautiful thing in life at a given moment. For example, you are unhappy with something; how can you transform this unhappiness? Imagine that you are two personas, that there are two Gankas1 living in you simultaneously; for example, one of the Gankas is unhappy and the other is not. Let the second Ganka tell the first one, “You appear to be somewhat angry but wait, let me sing something to you!” After having sung one, two, three songs she should ask the first Ganka, “Are you happy with me now?” The first one will say to the second one, “What’s with all the mirth and happy mood; you should be more serious, for it does not become you to behave this way.” The first Ganka is still serious and unhappy and she thinks to herself, “I need to be serious because life is serious and stern, too.” The second Ganka will think to herself, “I, on the other hand, cannot be serious; I will laugh a little and be merry and I will take half of your sorrows.” Then this merry Ganka should quote a verse from the Scriptures to the angry Ganka or she should read her a poem and tell her afterwards, “Listen, Ganka, you are a good sister of mine; I love you so let’s sing together.” Then this angry Ganka will say, “Oh, is this so; very well, I will become merry right away.” If an outsider hears you talking to yourself, he will think, “This one has a screw loose.” What about that man who is too serious, does he not have a screw loose? What does a loose screw imply? People are so interesting when they speak of loose screws! This is no philosophy whatsoever! If you put a dead man into a coffin and put in all the screws tightly, do you think that he will move about? No, he will not. However, if you screw in a live person, do you think that he will move about? Yes, he will. Then which one is better? The man who moves about, of course. So, when we say that someone has a loose screw, this means that there is a live person in that coffin: this is the right way of looking at this matter. As soon as you notice that you have a screw loose, say to yourself, “Ganka, I am very happy that you have a screw loose; this means that you are alive.” People today have a twisted view of this situation in Life and they say, “This man has a screw loose.” If you have a screw loose, you should be happy, for it means that you are alive. If your screws are all tightened, that is when you should be worried. People think that someone is a positive person and that something is for certain when all the screws are tight. Use all of your various states of mind as living lessons, as living experiments. If you arrive at an intensive and agitated state of mind tell yourself, “I am so energetic today; I can accomplish a lot of things!” If you, women-disciples, become upset over something, grab the broom and say, “Good for you, Ganka, for being so neat and tidy. You sweep so well and so I like you very much for there is no other like you. You should come and visit me again.” This is a practical way to transform the energy. Thus you will be able to learn better because monotony kills. If one focuses one’s mind only in one and the same direction his energy wanes and stalls, for Nature does not like monotony. And this way, with your good mood, you will naturally elevate your activity to your spiritual centers. Joyfulness is a spiritual trait. Only highly spiritual people and wise people can be joyful. The Scriptures say, “May the Lord rejoice in his deeds.” The Lord, too, can rejoice and so I recommend to you joyfulness as one of the most effective tools for correcting many of your flaws. Your flaws will come to light, they will manifest themselves, but when you are joyful you will be able not only to correct yourself but also to give your mind, heart and will an impulse towards more intensive activity. That is why I give you Ganka’s joyfulness as an example. In this case, Ganka is an exemplary quotient for all of you. Not all people are joyful, however. Some people are joyful by nature and that helps them cure themselves easily. In others the center of joyfulness is very undeveloped; they are pessimistic by nature and so they can see only the dark side of Life. No, there is so much beauty and so many blessings in Life for one to see. So, you will transform the hardships that you stumble across in life. You should not look at the dark and gloomy side of Life. Often some of you say, “Too much learning might hurt me.” There is no case recorded in esoteric history of someone gone crazy from too much learning. People do not go crazy from too much learning. Having a clear straightforward thought cannot ruin people’s lives; rather, what ruins people’s lives are the unnecessary worries. Having clear thoughts strengthens the brain and fortifies the whole nervous system. And so, I would recommend to you this: think intensively, but do not worry! I do not tell you to think fear-related thoughts for such thoughts contain poison. Therefore, if you come across some small obstacle in life, create in your mind a bigger one in its place! For this I will give you a number of exercises for tempering your willpower. What do you understand by the word tempered willpower? Tempered steel, for example, is a kind of steel that was originally soft, but later, after being heated in fire and dunked in cold water, hardens off. So, the abrupt changes turn the soft steel into hard steel. First, the fire melts and softens it and then it hardens. Following this analogy we can speculate that all objects, in general, as well as all soft objects, in particular, contain hidden warmth inside themselves. This comes to show that they have passed through fire but have not passed through water yet. Well then, say we have a piece of steel that is tempered and very hard; what can we do to give it another property, namely, the property of being tempered and pliable, at the same time? How can we make it unbreakable? This is what I say, then: if a lot of energy is introduced into man’s willpower the latter will become strong but fragile. In such a case, even though the willpower is not weak, when it encounters more difficulties with greater force than it can endure, it breaks. This is why the human will should be rendered a very important element: softness. I consider the softness of human willpower to be one of the properties of Intelligent life. Only he who is wise and intelligent can also be soft for he has more magnetism in him. What method can you apply to difficulties in Life? Picture a vertical smooth surface that is being bombarded by the enemy. The surface will receive significant damage in this position. If the same surface is placed horizontally and then shot at with grenades it will again receive significant damage. But if we curve it to make it concave the grenades will fall on it at an angle and will not cause such damage. If we are to deal wisely with hardships in Life we should assume a similar, concave position. What does the concaved position stand for? It stands for man’s state of magnetism. This is why we need to make the surface of our consciousness concave so that the gunfire, i.e. the counteracting force will not damage it. It should not fall at a right angle with the surface: this is a law that you should study well. If you encounter some hardship that is aimed at the surface of your consciousness and forms a ninety-degree right angle with it, you will be having great difficulties handling this hardship and it will produce an explosion in you. Under such circumstances this hardship is but a psychological bomb. In order for you to evade these explosions you need to bend the surface of your consciousness in such a way that it forms a thirty to thirty-five-degree angle with the direction of the hardship. This is the only way to divert and drive away those forces that could cause such great damage. This is something that each and every one of you can do. Take, for example, the following simple situation that often takes place between disciples: you owe some money to a friend of yours. You have promised several times to pay back the money but each time you have failed to fulfill your promise. Finally, he decides to beat you up and comes into your room. What can you do in such a moment? You will greet this friend of yours by telling him, “Dear friend, don’t worry, I will give you back the money together will all the interest. I will also cover all other costs that I have caused you.” If you say this, the problem will be immediately solved and your friend will be fifty per cent disarmed. And so, the most difficult thing in the world is for one to be able to deal with oneself and all the forces that are lying inside oneself: this is great science. So, the first important thing is to study your nature and all the inherent forces that have been acting inside you all the way from your previous existences. You should apply wisely all that I taught you about dealing with hardships. Someone read their summary on the subject of “Economy and frugality”. From a phrenological standpoint, when one’s love of material things as well as one’s love of life is overdeveloped he develops a sense of frugality, i.e. a great love of money and then this person starts saving. On the other hand, a person who always tries to economize, plans to use the savings towards a greater goal. For example, such a person would not spend money on clothing and some other needs so that he could save enough to buy books. Only a wise person can economize; he is also frugal but this frugality is under his mind’s control. In a wise person the sense of frugality is not overly developed; instead, he saves up money so that he can have the means to further his personal growth and self-perfection. A frugal man, on the other hand, saves money for riches’ sake. There are some old women who, when given money, would put them in a cloth money purse and tie nine knots on the purse’s opening so as to make sure the money is well-saved. A few years ago a person came to me who took out a cloth moneybag and started unwinding it; it took him a lot of unwinding to open it. Then he opened it, reached inside and took out another cloth money purse. After that he opened this second purse, reached inside and took out yet another, smaller purse that was beautifully made. He opened that smaller purse, too, and when he reached inside it his hand started trembling. He then took out one coin and started wringing the purse shut right away. As soon as you saw this man you could tell that he was frugal. He thinks that by hiding his money in three purses and tucking it away into his shirt he can save it for sure. And every time he moves, he feels his money with his hand to make sure that no one can rob him. He who economizes always saves money and can never have enough to buy what he needs for he is not a rich person but he has no debts either. Make a note also that modern European countries that deal with money all the time are also deeply in debt. Bulgaria is the same way: it deals with money, always economizes and is still in debt up to its neck. Bulgarians are not frugal; they do have a developed sense of economy but they do not economize wisely. For next time I would like you to write on topic#17: “The origin of verb forms.” Do not be intimidated by this topic for I give it to you as a task. You will think about how the verb originated and what it went through to reach the forms in which we encounter it today. One can write a whole thesis on this topic but you will write only little. This topic is very difficult. Did man create verbs or did they exist before him? (They existed before man.)2 The Scriptures say, “Lord spoke before man did.” So, human verbs have originated from the Divine ones. The human verb is only a transformed Divine one. On the same analogy I would like to ask you what came first: the eye or the eyesight? (Eyesight came before the eye.) Therefore, the eyesight created the eye. There is an argument among modern scientists about the origin of the eye. (There are worms that have no eyes but are able to see the light.) This shows that eyesight has existed prior to the eye and so the organ of eyesight was created subsequently. Then, how would you classify verb forms; which domain would you say they belong to: the domain of the mind, the heart, the soul or the Spirit? (They belong to the domain of the Spirit.) Therefore, the wisdom in man speaks up. Secret prayer - Only the bright road of Wisdom leads to Truth - It brings us everlasting joy. ----------------------- 1 Ganka is a common Bulgarian female name and the Master is using it in this text to generalize a given situation. 2 Whenever the disciples in the audience respond to a question posed by the Master throughout the lecture, these comments are transcribed in italics and placed in parentheses. [A1][the peace of one’s mind] or [peace of mind]

Note 2p ACQUISITIONS OF THE MIND 14th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 20th January, 1924, SofiaOnly the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. A summary on the topics: “The difference between being industrious and diligent” was read. Several works on the topic: “The difference between being economical and frugal’’ were read. For next time – topic Nr 16: “The benefits from imagination”.When we speak of being economical and frugal, we mean two human attributes. Phrenologically, frugal people have fingers that are thick and short at the base. An economical person is neat and orderly. The frugal person never runs out of anything, such a person is rich as he is led by his instinct to squirrel. The squirrel is frugal. If you throw it some corn, it will gather it. First, it will eat some grains, and then, it will store the rest. It stores everything it comes across – walnuts, hazelnuts, whatever. While, if you give a hen some corn, it will peck some grains and will scatter the rest. The hen knows no frugality; it doesn’t think of tomorrow. Economical people, on the contrary, have fingers thin at the base. The economical person is not guided by the same considerations as the frugal one, who takes great pleasure in saving money. The economical person will allocate certain sums of money on what he needs and on what he can afford, and then he will act freely. Economy is a mental quality. The economical person can be a statesman or a financier; generally, he is a clever person. When he is saving something, his mind is involved. Frugality is a natural human instinct. People who have it as a strong inclination can have their arms lengthened. And what are the people who have longer arms? All thieves have longer arms, but, certainly, this rule has its exceptions. When? – When a person has a strong conscience. So, when frugality is well developed and the conscience is under developed, frugality can turn into a kind of inner blackmailing and the person becomes a thief. Therefore, frugality is the basis of Life, yet one must be aware that what should be saved and economised sensibly is energy. The digestive system with frugal people is perfectly developed; they have a well-developed corporation. A person without a well-developed digestive system cannot be frugal. Frugality comes as a result of greed and pursuit of wealth. The desire to get rich is related to the mental and thought processes, thus turning into economy, i.e. it assumes a mental character. Frugality is a natural impulse, while economy is mentally based. You, young people, should be wary of many vices. By young I mean a person who has plenty. If this bounty is not properly utilised, it can turn into a surplus. The surplus causes decay, decay causes diseases, which in turn hinder human progress and lead to the degeneration of the human race. Although diseases act as a kind of natural regulator of these energies, one can always come to a hitch. A kind of painful condition can appear caused by disharmony between the individual’s physical body and the ethereal counterpart, or between the individual’s powers and his Astral body. Fig. 1 The individual has two systems: the one, which I call dynamic©, is up in the head, and the other is the sympathetic nervous system (3), where the roots of Life are situated. If you examine the spinal column, you will see that it looks like a tree. The two systems differ – one is connected with the Sun ©, and the other is connected with the Earth (3). Whether you are a good person does not depend only on your connection with the Sun, just as the bad features you have are not attributed entirely to your connection with the Earth. Generally, the Sun has a beneficial effect on you. The earth, just like any living creature, has its own horoscope, following its course of Life. The course of the Earth is not as smooth as it used to be. Sometimes the Earth goes through certain areas in space, which affect it negatively. Then certain protuberances occur. People are often infected by these influences of the Earth, which give rise to various epidemics. Millions of people can die as a result. Many theories about these social and scientific phenomena exist, but we are not going to deal with them now. The occult teaching maintains that the Earth’s influences on people millions of years ago were so harmful that humanity was threatened with extinction. As a result, the Moon came into existence. The occultists say that the human body has some organs, where disharmonious energies are stored. These energies are very destructive and are the reason for the low tides. The influence of the Moon is in extracting these destructive energies from man. The way the Moon changes accounts for the changes of state with some sleepwalkers. Watch how you feel during full moon and what your state of mind is during a crescent moon. Sometimes, when you feel low or dejected, you should pay attention to the stage of the Moon. Intelligent as you are, you are expected to carry out scientific observations. You often say, “I don’t feel well today.” Trace the reasons for your indisposition – whether they are in you, in the surroundings, or in Nature itself. When you pinpoint the reasons, you will be able to solve the problem. If Nature counteracts in some respects, it will show you a way out. If it causes some disease, it will also show you how to cure it; it will show you a way to be saved. I think that you, young people, are very rich. Rich people believe that they have the right to waste their wealth. That’s true, but they would have the right to waste it, as long as they were clever. Here comes the question whether you know how to waste your energy. Let us assume that some of you want to continue their studies at university. You study for a semester or two, and then you say, “I could easily do without studying.” You drop university and you say, “I’m going to become a teacher! I’m going to enlighten people.” So, you become a teacher, but a year or two later you quit teaching. Then, you say, “I’m going to become a merchant!” You go in for trade, but four or five years later you give it up. You take up some other business or trade, but you give it up too. In the end, people say that you’ve tried everything. You have become a person of encyclopaedic knowledge. Not really. Those who try out everything, learn nothing. Some would say. “Let’s try out everything in life!” Do you know what it means? A person who tries out anything will become like that gypsy woman, whose child got ill and asked, “Mother, give me some milk!” “Tomorrow, sweetie, we’ll buy some tomorrow.” But she bought nothing. The kid wanted many things, but ate nothing until, finally, he died. The gypsy said, “At least the poor kid tried everything.” Similarly, modern people, who waste all their energy, end up saying, “At least we learned something.” What exactly have you learned? I have seen many who, after experiencing some hardship, say, “I know now what poverty is.” But if you give them some money, you will see that they know no better. It’s the same old story. Therefore, the knowledge you are acquiring now should have a definite goal. I don’t mean that you should be single-minded, but you should be consistent. For instance, if you have a flair for poetry, write a few lines, but such that should be remembered. It is not enough to say something and let it go. You should have it inscribed both in your mind and heart. Otherwise, writing something you are going to forget is a waste of your energy. One should be the first to benefit from what he has created – such is the Divine Law. Some will say, “Shouldn’t we live for our nearest and dearest?” Your own self is your nearest and dearest. I should be the first to benefit from the knowledge I get, so that I can see what it can give me and only after trying it out and seeing the results, should I apply it to my relatives and friends. It makes sense that I should apply the knowledge to myself. An issue of prime importance in the Occult Teaching is how one should learn to focus. All modern societies can focus. While studying, one can concentrate, but there are laws one needs to know to do this properly. Let’s say that your mind’s eye is developing under the influence of the Moon. At this point you decide to write something. However, after you have written a poem, the Moon affects you so that you mount the high horse and overestimate yourself – you start believing that you are a first-class poet. Yet to think up a plan and carry it out are two thoroughly different stages in life. Nature never likes tackling grandiose plans; it handles only small quantities. It took Nature millions of years to create these rocks and huge mountains out of minute microscopic creatures. What patience it has! Perhaps, some of you are eager to excel quickly. They set out, but the first impediments that come their way frustrate them and make them think that if they opted for something else, their life would be easier. What makes life easy? Let’s take examples from Nature. Nature, for instance, created the human body. But how? Was it easy? – No, it was through the efforts of time. So, today, we say, “The human body is perfect.” However, the body itself is not perfect. It cannot stand upright without human will. What keeps the body upright, what gives it a driving force to move and act is human will. So, everything needs an effort, some work, and not the easy way. There is a spiral, circular movement in the human brain. When this movement is performed properly, one thinks well and walks well without lurching or staggering. Check this to prove it. If while walking along the street, you come to think of an adversary and you start quarrelling with him over what wrong he has done to you, you won’t make ten or twenty steps before you trip and fall. Why? - You have interrupted this circular current in your brain. This current can be interrupted for other reasons such as fear, hesitation, suspicion, etc. Doubt and suspicion are vices that stem from the simple fact that some friend of yours who has promised more than once to do you a favour, breaks his promise. Imagine that this friend of yours has made a promise to a dozen other people at the time he gave his word to you. Is it humanly possible to make a promise to twenty people and keep your word? No, it certainly isn’t. In this respect, young people often make many promises they can’t keep. They are obsessed with too many ideas. They remind me of those farmers who sometimes are foolish enough to plant a large field of 500-600 acres, but can’t find workers to gather the crops. At harvest time the fields stay uncropped and the wheat not reaped and wasted. One might have perfect plans and lofty ideas, but unless he has the potential to mobilise his skills, his plans and ideas remain undeveloped, and not reaped. If one has enough workers, i.e. enough skills and abilities, he should be able to harness them properly. Most of the active forces in you and in the world are negative. At a point you get inspired to do something, but why? Because your father keeps giving you money. You trust your heart, your mind, and your will, so you say, “I can achieve anything through hard work and diligence.” You also say, “I’m not afraid.” Why? – Because your parents stand behind you. But you are on false grounds. To trust yourself means to trust and have faith in the Divine that is imparted into in your heart, mind, and will. If you trust the Divine, no matter what difficulty or failure you face, you will be strong enough to say, “The great principle that guides the world will save me. It will throw me the lifeline.” Yes, it will, but when? – When you are properly connected with Nature. In this respect those who do not believe in God and are not initiated in this matter, but follow the principle, have better results than religious people. Very often believers, who are very sensitive, face the risk to think of themselves in a special way, and as a result, they become quite strange people. Once I met a young Evangelist, who when arriving at the state of rebirth, became so exhilarated that he started regarding himself as omnipotent. He believed that nobody could confront him. One evening he went to Vitosha Mountain and called Satan, “Come and fight with me! I’m strong enough to win. I won’t give up.” However, hardly two years had passed, when Satan defeated him. So, evil exists in the form of sensible, intelligent creatures, who are real diplomats, acting through the forces of Nature. Sometimes they have a direct impact, and sometimes they act through the mind. When an occult class, like yours, is formed, you will have counteractive forces. You are already an open target in the battlefield. You will ask why this is so. The Black Brotherhood acts against all organisations for good and spiritual uplift in order to cause death and disruption among them. The dark forces will implant a negative idea with one, then with another so what will happen next? – You will be distracted by the surrounding world, you will lose faith in yourselves and in God, until you become totally controlled by them. In this respect, the modern Christian world is under the full control of these dark forces. Let’s come back to the influence of the Moon. – It affects imagination. How can its influence be used positively? Let us assume that at a point you are in a melancholic mood. Use your imagination and conjure up a pretty picture, some nice future perspective. Try this: you are ill and dejected, it is winter now and you can’t go out for a walk, so imagine you are climbing a peak you know well because you’ve climbed it many times before. Try to experience the trip as vividly as if you were doing it now. Climb to the top and then descend it. You can go on such a trip every day. This effort of your mind will tone up your brain. When human thoughts and feelings are disharmonious, all the abilities and skills are blurred and a kind of inner darkness is formed. All colours around us disappear and we feel utterly isolated as if screened off from the entire universe. Then it seems that all sufferings are stored on us. Those who go along the way of Divine Growth will waste much of their energy, but this must be done sensibly. Let us assume that two of you, no matter who, strike up a friendship. How can you define what friendship is? It is not a mere acquaintance. Friendship exists in Nature, too. Once you make someone a friend, you won’t forget him. A friendship formed at a younger age stays for a lifetime. People who can be good friends know a kind of inner language, which they speak. If you have one friend only, you will never lose courage or hope. Without a friend you will get frustrated. The law excludes any frustration or despair between two friends. It is impossible to have a friend and lose faith. Two poets, who were in their mid eighties met once. They sat in silence by the fireplace. Five hours later they got up, shook hands and one said to the other, “Thank you very much for the nice talk we had.” Although they spent those five hours in silence, it was an inner talk of soul mates. Do not think that when you remain silent you do not talk. One is capable of conversing even if silent. It is the desire you have to establish a positive atmosphere and help each other. I see that many of you are getting ill. This is due to being careless about your body. You waste too much nervous energy. I can also see in most of you nervous gestures, spasms, impatience and the like. You should control your muscles. In order to be capable of controlling your muscles, you should try to strengthen your will. You need to do a series of exercises. Here is what you can do: You should sit quietly and calmly and ask a friend to jab a needle in a soft spot in your arm or leg around where there are no veins. Try to sit without a flinch. He will start inserting the needle little by little and if you can bear the pain, you will tell him, “Go ahead!” You will tell him to stop if you cannot stand it any longer. The needle should be cleaned in the flame to avoid infection. You should jab it to see to what extent you can bear it. If you do it suddenly, it will be easier to bear, but when it is gradual, it is more painful. So test your strength. Imagine you were a martyr from the dawn of Christianity. How would you endure the torture? If you do this while experimenting with the needle, you will see that your imagination will intensify the pain. You often exaggerate your little problems and only if you experiment in this way, you will have a true notion of the martyrs of the past. Any difficulty, no matter of what nature, should be looked upon as a force working inside us. I am speaking about these things in order to create an atmosphere of harmony among you. You should be aware that good thoughts, feelings and desires, as well as good deeds, form a wonderful atmosphere for work and success in Life. You can achieve anything if you live in agreement and cooperation. However, if you start dividing in parties and express reservation or dissent, you will achieve nothing, because your chief goal is your spiritual development. With any work you can accomplish here, on Earth, you should aspire after developing your mind, strengthening your heart and ennobling your will. Sometimes when you face some difficulty or failure you might say, “I’ll go mad.” No, you should stop and say, “There are sensible laws that guide life.” How can you lose your mind then? Who could possibly drive you crazy? You can become insane, but only under certain circumstances. Only those who live a life of sin can lose their mind. You should bear in mind that insanity is possible only among people who have a shattered nervous system and who have lived a sinful life. Insanity is out of the question when one has lived a life of virtue and purity. An illness or a nervous breakdown as a result of too much stress is possible, but insanity is not. Overstrain can come as a result of two opposite desires. Sometimes you could conduct so much electricity through your nervous system that your nerves get slack. You should know the capacity of your nervous system - how much electricity it can bear. The brain is like a battery. If you send this electricity to the brain through you nervous system, you can cause permanent damage. That’s why as disciples, in something new to you, you should practise self-control. Quite often some of you lose your memory – this is what I call influx, which I explain with the prevalence of your emotions and intensifying the matter. Therefore, in order to refresh your memory, you should direct these energies to your mind. Now I would like to ask you the following question: If one does not love himself, i.e. if one does not appreciate the Divine spirit in himself, how can others love him? Here is another question: If you can’t chew your food, can somebody else do this for you? – No, he can’t. If you visit a friend, he will give you a lavish dinner, but you will have to eat the food by yourselves. This friend of yours is Love. It can create all the necessary conditions for you to study, but it cannot study for you. Your friend can give you all the money for your tuition, but he is not capable of making you an efficient learner. If you do not have the will to study, it’s not your friend’s fault, so you shouldn’t lose heart or blame somebody else. Your friend can create a nice mood or feeling, but the will should be yours. Moreover, a clever student can transfer his ability to another clever student. Similarly, laziness can be transferred, too. Mind that the same thing occurs at school. Students who communicate with capable friends do well, while those who avoid communication with efficient learners, thinking that they could easily do without much schoolwork, lag behind. I often hear some of you say, “We can’t be that good.” No, you shouldn’t think so. You should be good, because Good is fundamental to Life. You shouldn’t say, “I could be less good.” – If you want to succeed not only now, but in future as well, you should be good! This goodness does not depend on you. You are all initially good; you only have to acknowledge good and apply it in your lives. The same refers to your abilities and emotions. You don’t have to acquire any skills, because you already have them; you do not have to cultivate any feelings, because they are within you. The will you need is also part of you already. What Nature has already given you is not necessary to be acquired. You only have to build up and develop these strengths so that you can carry out what you are predetermined to accomplish. Therefore, you shouldn’t go astray. One has to study throughout one’s life- from youth till old age – one should be eager to learn, keeping one’s spirit young. One shouldn’t say, “It’s over now. There is no point in studying.” Even if you are a hundred and twenty years old, you should keep the spirit of a twenty-year-old lad. You should keep your mind clear and inquisitive. One of the dangers you could encounter in your life is to come across a person with whom you will argue over trifles. That’s why you should be aware of the prime, basic thought, and thoughts that are less important should be ignored. You should be guided by the following principle: No one can hinder you in your way! You can be held up or bound, but not hindered. It is impossible to have your mind, heart or will restrained or hypnotised. One can be bound for twenty years in prison and yet capable of passing to the other world with his mind still strong and sober – nothing can possibly restrict him. Such should be the modern heroes! Now, you will come up against hardships in Life and experience them. You should be aware of this! Imagine you appeared on the stage to cite a poem and the audience started heckling. What would you do? You might say, “I’m not going to try again!” No, you should say, “I will have another go!” Do it again and again! You should be more persistent! Have you heard of the eloquent American speaker Bicher? He went to England on a mission. He had to speak on some important issue, but it was at a time when the Americans and the English were on hostile terms. So he takes the floor, says a few words but the audience starts heckling. So he stops speaking and waits for them to calm down. Then he utters a few sentences, but the audience starts making noise and refuses to listen. He stops again and waits for them to calm down so that he can start again. This meeting went on for three or four hours until finally he made them listen to what he had to say. They shouted, and he waited patiently. In the end, he finished his speech. When it was over, they admitted to their mistake. This is a man of character! They may hiss you off, but you will have to stay calm and wait patiently. When the noise subsides, you will say a few words. They will start shouting again, “Off the stage! Shut up!” – Yet you do not lose your nerve. Some will say, “What impertinence!” But if you give up, it will be an act of cowardice. What is better - to be impudent or cowardly? Life is a stage, where you are, and if all keep shouting, “Off the stage! We don’t want to listen to you!” You will say, “Listen, I want to tell you why I am here and who sent me. When I tell you what I have to say, I’ll get off the stage myself. But I won’t leave the stage until I say it. You’d better know that I’ll come back as many times as I leave the stage.” I have noticed that flies have a distinctive feature that is similar in this respect. I am sitting in my room doing something – and all of a sudden a fly perches on my nose. I keep working and it stays there. I try to wave it off but it keeps coming back. So, this is an admirable feature of perseverance students should acquire. Do you know what I do next? I put a few drops of honey on a piece of paper to allure the fly. I say, “I know what you need.” I keep the piece of paper close to my nose; the fly comes to it and perches there. Then I put the paper aside and leave the fly there. I deal with my work and the fly deals with the honey. If it hadn’t perched on my nose, I wouldn’t have given it any honey. What’s more, if it had come just once, I wouldn’t have given it the honey either. But it came twenty or thirty times, so I said, “I’ll reward your persistence with some sugar or honey. You deserve it.” The same law acts in Nature. When we are persevering in achieving our ultimate goal, Nature is ready to open its treasures for us. So, you should be persistent! If you fail once, twice, four, ten, twenty, forty, sixty, ninety, ninety-nine times, rise and try again! You will get what you want at the hundredth time. Now, for example, you will take up publishing a magazine. You should be as persistent as our fly. Do not think that good will come to you at once! You might be criticised – it doesn’t matter – you have to be persistent! This is the only way you can fight your way. Do not think that it would be bad if you came up against some difficulty. This is just a crisis. The most inauspicious conditions present a good inner chance for something good. It is the only way you can become wiser. So, there should be harmony between your brain system and your sympathetic nervous system. If your eyes turn yellowish, it is a signal that your liver needs a rest. You shouldn’t worry or lose your temper – you need full spiritual comfort. You should pretend that all your problems are settled. You need patience until everything is all right. Nature loves those who are patient, brave, determined, persistent and sensible – it always concedes to such people. Shortcomings and vices are the opposite human attributes that I am not going to discuss now. An exercise: Put your arms forward with your fingers relaxed. Now start folding the fingers slowly into a fist and then free them. Repeat this several times. Put your arms in front of the chest and stretch them aside with your fingers tightened in a fist. Place your arms in front of the chest with your fingers free. Repeat this a couple of times. Fold your fingers tight again into a fist and stretch your arms ahead. Flex them back to the chest with the fingers tightened in a fist. Stretch the arms aside with the fingers free and then back to the chest with folded fingers. Stretch the arms forward and open your fists. While doing this exercise, imagine you are holding a big bear by the ears. Hold the bear tightly, thinking that you are equal in strength. Imagine you are holding the bear’s head with your left hand. Stroke the bear with your right hand by the upper part of its head and along the back. Tap it on the back and on the head with an open hand. Then grasp it by the ears. Change your hands now – hold it with your right hand by the head and stroke it with your left hand. Now leave it for a moment and open your hands. Then hold the bear by the head and tap it well on both sides. The second exercise with the imaginary bear should be done very slowly. This exercise might seem too easy to you, but the bear is a symbol. It is the accumulator of a certain type of energy in Nature. It is a creature full of health. For example, if you are feverish, or if you feel low, grasp a bear by the ear with one hand and stroke its back with the other. After finishing the exercise, you will feel that a kind of strength has transferred into you. In such a case, the bear might help you as long as you do not have the impulse to harm it. This exercise cannot be done with the wolf, only with the bear. It is a creature of emotions and can develop a strong attachment, although it can be extremely revengeful. If your sympathetic nervous system is upset, you can tone yourselves up through this exercise. Any person should be able to draw the missing energy from Nature. You should get rid of all fears in the first place. You naturally shiver at the thought of a big furry bear. Practise to overcome your fears. Mind that a flea or lice do not stay in the bear's fur - they run away. Therefore, with all the exercises you do, you should have in mind some living creature along with the vision of a bear. Then both you and the bear can benefit. I view the bear as a symbol of energy. What did those of you who consciously did the exercise feel? (- Ease, peace) the bear is a calm, peaceable creature. It can be bad only if you tease it. You are afraid of the bear as you have a distorted notion of it. Do you know the origin of the bear? According to a Bulgarian legend once upon a time it was a pretty maid. Her mother died and her stepmother treated her very badly. Every morning she sent her to the river to wash a fleece. When the girl came back home her stepmother started beating her. The poor girl couldn’t bear this any longer and said, “I wish God would make me a bear with thick fur. I’d rather live in the woods than with my stepmother.” So she put on the fleece and turned into a bear. It turns out that the bear is that pretty girl, who ran away from her stepmother. I say: It will take long before you form a proper understanding of animals. Secret prayer Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. It gives us constant Mirth and Joy.

Note 2p FLUXES AND REFLUXES OF ENERGIES THE ORIGIN OF MIND AND HEART Thirteenth lecture of the Youth Occult Class, given by the Master Beinsa Douno on 13th January 1924 in Sofia - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It constantly rejoices us. Meditation Summary of the works on “The origin of morals” was read. Several works on the topic “The difference between diligence and industriousness” were read. For next time – topic № 15: “The difference between economy and thriftiness”. Fig.1 Every life, either conscious or unconscious, has its difficulties or in other words, has its limits. At the figure there are two parallel lines MH and PK as well as a third line AB between them. Which of the three lines is the most important? (- The middle one.) - Yes, it is a line of motion. But why is it curved? (- Because it is a living line.) Motion results from Life but the curve does not result from Life. Then from what does the curve of a line result? (- From the difficulties and the obstacles it meets in its way.) Yes, true, obstacles are banks; they are the two worlds MH and PK. These two worlds are rational because their banks are constant. And the curved line AB made by the motion is a world being formed now. Hence, since you have been made to twist and turn sometimes, your motion will change as well. They say for someone: “He is twisting and turning.” This is due to certain forces acting within you. You should not be afraid of these curved lines. Now many of you say, “What is my life going to be? What if I encounter certain difficulties in my life?” Your situation in the present case is like the one of a student or a servant whom the teacher or the master told to pass through a forest. You say, “What if a bear or a bush-ranger comes across?” Let us assume that you are a soldier whom the chief is sending to a reconnoitering. You say, “And what if the enemy comes across me and kills me?” Kills you or does not kill you, you have to go! Do you think that the difficulties in Life cause any harm? No, there is no harm in the difficulties. From where difficulties appear, from there on the entire science begins. Why does line AB curve first towards line MH and after that to line PK? What do you suppose, why does line AB curve so steadily now to line MH, now to line PK? There is probably a rational force here, a centre that attracts the motion of Life and the strength of attraction here must be great. This thing exists in Nature as a flux of energy. So, energy AB towards line MH makes a flux. In its second turn to line PK it makes a reflux. That means that energy AB makes a flux towards line MH and a reflux towards line PK. Why is it like this? Because there is a rational force along lines MH and PK which attracts the energy of line AB. This rational force acts in points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. I say, only a rational being is able to make a point. None of these points covers any space but each one rules over space. In the same way the intelligence or the strength of mind acts beyond time and space. Hence mind, too, acts as a mathematical point which has no dimensions taken alone. But this point may act in space to lead a whole stream out of its way. And this whole line of Life AB passes between two worlds (1, 2). Which are these points separating those two worlds? – Mind and heart. Note the following: the rational forces that have formed the human heart stand higher than the forces that have formed the mind. In this respect the human heart has been formed by the Seraphims and the Cherubims – the Beings of Love that stand higher than Angels in general. Sometimes the word Angel is used in the sense of a Bright being just to mark the nature of these Beings. In this case the term Angel includes all Bright beings but when considering them by the extent of their development the Beings that have formed the heart are of higher hierarchy than those that have formed the mind. But in human life the mind occupies a higher place than the heart. A sharp-minded person is held in respect within society more than a kind-hearted, emotional person. If two servants present themselves before you – one being lead in his actions by his mind and the other – by his heart, you would prefer the one who is sharp-minded to the one lead by his feelings. Why? – For the simple reason that the mind objectively deals with substance. Mind deals with the external side of Life, and as we are passing through the material world, these Beings which have created it, rule over substance. And then the mind, as a living force resulting from them, is better equipped to guide us at the present circumstances of Life. And actually, at the present stage of development, it is better that the mind guides us, rather than the heart. Here, at the figure, which is the world of the heart and which is of the mind? – (- The right side is of the mind and the left one – of the heart.) Which side do you take as the right one and which as the left one? Take the following situation: if you are going from above downwards, from A to B, line MH will be a right side. This law of fluxes and refluxes finds application in Life and if you do not apply it, then it would be a useless burden for you. As soon as some small difficulties appear in your life, you should be aware why this happened. The flux of one world makes a reflux to the other and the reflux of one world makes a flux to the other. These streams constantly alternate: when there is a flux in the mind, there is a reflux in the heart and when there is a reflux in the mind, there is a flux in the heart. Sometime, for example, you say, “My mind seems to have become dull; it does not work at all.” No, this does not mean that your mind has become dull; at that time there was a flux in your heart while in your mind there had been a reflux, due to this you felt certain vacancy. Some other time you say, “I am an intelligent person, I can work well with my mind, but my heart is poorly developed.” I say: this is because there is a flux in your mind and a reflux in your heart. This is the reason why you are not so sensible in this case. Therefore, when your mind is being developed, there will be a reflux in your heart; and when your heart is being developed, there will be a reflux in your mind. This is how mind and heart are developed. Sometime you become embittered, you harden and threaten, you say, “I am going to do this and that.” But the next day you get up; during these twenty four hours a reflux has occurred in you and you say, “All right, I will forget this thing!” It is not as if you will forget it but a reflux has occurred in your feelings. Now, watch to see whether these things happen in your life naturally or unnaturally. Saying naturally or unnaturally I mean to see whether you are under the direct influence of the laws of Nature or under the direct influence of a friend of yours, for example. Man should influence on man [A1] but in accordance with the laws existing in Nature. I will give you an example to see how you may find yourself under the influence of the others: suppose that a friend of yours – a fisherman who lives most time around the sea comes to you. He casts his net in the sea for days, fishes, that is what he is engaged in – the boat and the net are his instruments. And you are a farmer, you live on dry land but both of you are friends, there is a certain connection between you. He invites you for a small voyage on the sea with his boat and you agree. You go in the boat and set out, the sea is quiet and calm, but when reaching within two-three kilometers, the sea gets rough. You start vomiting, you feel bad and begin to feel fear – the sea starts to influence you already. Your friend is with a higher presence of mind because he knows the laws of sea while you, not knowing these laws, are afraid. That man has self-control while you shake. Why? – He can swim and you cannot. You say, “What is going to happen to me?” He is quiet and calm, he tells you, “Do not fear, do not fear!” He controls the boat skillfully and you are under his influence – gradually, gradually you are subsiding[A2] . Well, what is wrong with this influence? Coming to the shore you will cross yourself and will tell yourself, “Thank God for coming out! I am not going to set out to sea any more.” You should not be in a hurry to judge anyone; this one is under the influence of so and so. What is wrong with this? While this person is strong, courageous, has self-control and knows the laws of sea, everyone should be under his influence until the sea has been passed. One day this fisherman will be under your influence: he will pay a visit to you and then you will put him to work – you will give him either to hoe or to plough. If he hoes all day, on returning in the evening his hands will hurt and he will say, “What happened with me, did I fall ill?” You will tell him, “It is all right, everything will pass. Wash your legs with warm water, have a bit of hot soup, go to bed to spend the night and in the morning, when getting up you will be fresh and cheerful.” – “Is that so?” In that case the fisherman was under the influence of the farmer. Such is the law – there is alternation. Sometimes you are under the influence of your heart and sometime - under the influence of your mind. The heart, on its part, has a double influence on man: when the heart as a force is directly connected with your lower soul, it has one influence, whereas when it is connected with the Supreme beings, it has some other influence on you. I call the first state descending and the second one – ascending. When acting as people, we are always egoists because we think for ourselves only. When our feelings are under the influence of the Cherubims, the Seraphims and some other Supreme beings, we are in an ascending state. Then we have noble feelings – to help poor, suffering people. This state is not yours – then you are under the influence of some Elevated, noble beings that guide you in Life. The mind, too, as the heart, has a double influence on man: descending and ascending. The objective mind in man exercises a descending influence. It will go in from here and there, will go round, and surely will steal something. Theft is a property of mind – only a sharp-minded one can steal; a stupid one is not able to. Only the sharp-minded one can lie; the stupid one is not able to. And note, in that story from the Bible where the conversation between the man and the snake is given, the snake is presented as a symbol of the mind. The snake, this is the life beginning between two streams, i.e. between the two worlds MH and PK. The snake walks and laughs, a conversation begins between it and the man. From this conversation ambitions awake in the man and he says, “I should take advantage of the conditions in which I am put in some other way. I must not be engaged in that gardening any more.” So this man wants to improve his situation. But in this case, what is pleasant for the heart is not pleasant for the mind and what is pleasant for the mind is not pleasant for the heart. For that reason man needs some other element in order to reconcile his mind and heart – he needs a soul! Only one who has a soul is able to reconcile the heart with the mind. In people without a soul the mind and the heart are in endless fight. And what people call a fight between body and Spirit is nothing else but a fight between the mind and the heart. Once the heart is underneath while the mind presses from above; the next time, when a reflux comes to the mind, the heart is above while the mind is below. And no one can win in this fight. Sometime you consider that your mind prevails over your feelings but on the next day you see your mind down and your heart up. One day you say, “I have finally understood this thing, I have solved this matter”, but on the next day you say, “No, it seems that I will never solve it.” One day you consider that you know much, on the next day you see that you know nothing; one day you consider that you are noble and on the next day you consider you are not noble. And after all this you say, “What is happening to me, am I going mad?” No, there is no madness, but here you have been faced with a simple occurrence which happens within yourself as is in Nature itself, too, and you should study it, nothing more. Now you are passing between these two worlds MH and PK between which fluxes and refluxes take place. And when these fluxes and refluxes come into you, too, this is the beauty of Life – just in the curved line AB. This line is the line of Life. Fig.2 And so, do not lose heart from the sufferings! A suffering begins with a reflux, joy – with a flux. Then you have joy – flux, sorrow – reflux. So, once you will have sorrow in your heart, the next time you will have sorrow in your mind; once you will have joy in your mind, the next time you will have joy in the heart – these states alternate. Digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are the happy events on the two opposite banks of Life, while 2', 3', 4', 5', 6', 7', 8' are the sorrows or the unhappiness at the two opposite banks of Life. We call them unhappiness for those who do not comprehend the laws of Life, whereas for those who comprehend the laws, unhappiness in Life is happiness for them. I am going to tell you an anecdote about a poor person. This poor man constantly complained about his poverty; every day he used to pass a bridge saying to himself, “Here, being a poor man, I will always pass this bridge on foot, but if I were rich, I would pass on horseback.” He repeated this every day. Often, a prince passed the same bridge to walk in the forest and one day he heard how this poor man was bemoaning his fate. He decided to help him and for this reason one day he took a bag with gold, put it close to a stone in the middle of the road through which the poor man was passing and watched what would happen. When the poor man came to the stone, he said to himself, “So many years I pass this bridge with open eyes, let me close my eyes this time to see whether I can pass the bridge without hurting myself against the stone!” So, I say: sufferings are nothing else but the bridge that you have been passing with closed eyes, and on this bridge, close to the stone that bag with gold lies – the happiness which you do not see. The gold, these are the conditions that can supply you with the horse you have been dreaming of. Often people miss their happiness in this very way. You should be careful: seeing that stone on your way, take an interest to learn who has put this stone, why he has put it, etc. Thus you will see the bag with the gold too. You shall take it and remove the stone from your way. The poor man said to himself, “Let me see whether by closing my eyes I can pass the bridge with closed eyes without hurting myself against the stone!” And indeed, he passed without hurting himself against the stone but did not see the bag either. He was a very sharp-minded man! And all modern people have the same desire – to avoid the sufferings – and they start philosophizing in what way to pass the bridge. How will they pass it? – Either to the left of it or to the right. And then they say, “We passed the bridge!” Yes, this bridge is passed perfectly but always on foot. Can you now benefit from this story for your good? How would you pass the bridge – with closed eyes or with open eyes? Now I will ask you what the difference between the substance of the Supreme beings and man is. – In the way the Supreme beings manifest themselves, their substance is stable, and it does not change as in man. For example, you cannot change the thought of an Angel in any way; you cannot bribe an Angel in any way. In people, however, you can change their minds and can change their hearts as well. Saying that you can change them, I do not understand that they have changed but you can bribe them with something. Bribery always follows from the false apprehension that we can go a facile way. Fig.3 What do you think now, is the life of line AB full? Is there anything it is short of? (- Yes, we are searching for something). Now this figure presents the full Life to us. The curved lines AB and A'B' are the two interwoven snakes in theosophy. In occultism these two interwoven snakes represent the interwoven life of present mankind where the two poles of Life alternate: when there is a flux in one pole, in the other there is a reflux and vice versa. In general, the two poles in Life alternate evenly. For that reason, in order to harmonize with one another in a class, half of the disciples should be joyful and the other half – sorrowful in order to form this figure of eight (8). Under sorrow I do not mean for you to shed tears, as sometimes tears may be shed from wind as well. Sometimes tears are false tokens, chances which you should not introduce into your life. How do you lose your joy or your good mood? I will give you an example: you have a friend, whom first you love and for this you are joyful, contented and you say about her: “How intelligent she is, there is no other like her!” Later your love of her starts cooling, you become indifferent about her and say, “She is like me too.” And you start looking for some other friend having flux. After years you find your first friend again, you become friends with her again and you say, “How wise she has grown!” How is it possible – once this friend of yours was intelligent, after that she became stupid and after three-four years she became intelligent again? She has not become stupid but she has had a reflux in herself and you, not comprehending the law, say that she has become stupid. That is why you should help one another. Some of you are in reflux, others - in flux. Seeing that a sister of yours is in a reflux you shall sympathize with her and shall say, “Let me study what her banks are like and what bridge she is crossing!” Travel over her banks from one end to the other and see whether the place is level from one side and from the other. Travel over these parts well! This means to get deeply acquainted with human life. If you cannot do this, then study its external side at least. All disciples from a class should psychologically study both their own fluxes and refluxes and the same in Living Nature. You shall comprehend both the good and the bad sides of these fluxes and refluxes. Speaking about the good and the bad sides, I mean your moral life. You are young and are beings of joy and sorrow only – you move between fluxes and refluxes. I look at some of you – he is joyful, cheerful; in less than an hour he starts crying, he is sorrowful, his joy has gone away and he becomes pessimistic. Earlier, in his joy he used to write poetry, to study, but once sorrow came he left both poetry and science. Within several days he says again, “No, I am going to study, to finish the work begun.” If he is observed by someone who does not comprehend these things, that one would say, “This young man is off his beam”. No, he is not off his beam, but he rapidly passes certain streams. Do not tell him anything, only study his nature! Some of you, after having undergone a trial say, “I will never amount to anything.” Now it can be just mathematically calculated what would happen. You are an x; you are saying, “I will never amount to anything”, this means that now you become x2. I say: just now you will make good. Do you know why? The strongest proof that you will make good is when you are saying to yourself, “I will never make good”. Saying that your heart will never make good, you engage all those supreme intelligent Beings that have worked on the creating of heart and they say, “No, your work will be finished successfully. We have begun this job and you will make a real human.” You say, “But I know that I will never amount to anything!” No, just now you will amount something. And when someone loses heart this is the strongest proof that they will make good. When you lose heart, take a small diary and write, “Today I spent the happiest day in my life because I passed through many sufferings and did not die, and I realized out of this that I will make good.” You shall note down the day, whether it is Monday, Tuesday or some other day; also, you shall note down briefly the state you have passed. You shall say to yourself, “Now I have more faith in myself. Earlier I used to consider that when some suffering comes I will die with fear, but now I saw that I endured it when it came; it passed over without making me die. Thank God, I have withstood all sufferings!” Sufferings represent inner powers through which these supreme intelligent Beings work within us. Because of the pain we feel when suffering, we do not grasp their deep inner sense but we pause on their negative side only. When these Beings complete their work, some Joy appears within us. This is an absolutely true law which you will try by yourself. So you, the young, should not lose heart. Fig.4 (- Is the time of these fluxes and refluxes in us determined?) – It is different but usually it ranges between the digits 2-10. They begin with the digit 2 representing a reflux, i.e. sorrow. Life always begins with sorrow. The sorrow, i.e. the reflux I mark by the digit 2. After that, joy does not come straight away but a state of balance comes which I mark by the digit 3. Next state is a flux – I mark it by the digit 4. This flux will last as long as the reflux. Then you have the digit 5 – balance, 6 – reflux and so on. The difference between a reflux and a flux, as well as between one state of balance and another is two units: 2, 4, 6; 3, 5 and so on. Sometime these fluxes and refluxes may begin from the digits 6, 7, 8 or 10 but usually the beginning is with the digit 2. Sometimes a certain variation between these digits may occur; these moments may increase or decrease. In this instance, as it is on the figure, there is a reflux of heart at digit 2, at 3 – the physical world, at 4 – manifestation of mind, a flux of mind, after that a descending comes again – balance, then a reflux and so on. After each flux and reflux there is an interval: a reflux in heart, a flux in mind; a flux in heart, a reflux in mind – in such a way these states have constantly been alternating. So, when the sad, the sorrowful moods come, you will ascertain this law by yourself and will be glad. You shall watch your states without criticizing yourself. One should be very fair to oneself. They should not hold false understandings of things but should know that there are still many Beings interested in one’s heart. You have a good mind – be glad for this mind but do know that some other Beings are interested in it as well. The beautiful in the Life of each one is exactly that many Being are engaged concerning them. And you should know that whatever happens to your heart or to your mind, in the end these Supreme beings will take you to a safe place, to a happy ending. One should have an Absolute faith in the great law acting rationally in all of Nature. Some time I will talk to you on the different categories of energies in people, for there are different mental energies as well as different heart energies. Some of them are lower, others are higher. The high energies in people form their character. Exercise: You will say the words heart, mind, soul and Spirit. While pronouncing them you will pull your hands (fingers are just touching one another) from the forehead to the solar plexus (to the stomach) passing along the face, above the breast until reaching the stomach. Having pronounced the word heart, watch what you will feel. After that pull your hands upwards – from the solar plexus to the forehead pronouncing the word mind and watch again what you will feel when pronouncing this word. Try to grasp the difference in the feelings you will feel while pronouncing the word heart and the word mind, as they conceal different powers in themselves. (- When pronouncing the word “mind” it seems as if there is a cool stream while when pronouncing the word “heart” – a tender heat). Now you will pronounce the next two words – soul and Spirit. The fingers of the hands are put on the forehead and are gradually being opened wide aside, pronouncing the word soul. With hands in this position the word Spirit is pronounced and gradually the hands are being brought together on the forehead. Follow what you will feel when pronouncing the words soul and Spirit. And so, there are two streams with these exercises: one is downwards and upwards – heart and mind, the other is aside and inside – soul and Spirit. You may do these exercises in your thoughts as well by pronouncing the words within yourself, without making any movements with the hands. These words have strength only when are pronounced. You shall say quietly the word heart within yourself and in your thoughts you shall draw a line towards your heart. Remain like this for a while and imagine all those Supreme beings that have created your heart and have been working on it. This is a capital you have. Then pronounce the word mind and take your hands upwards in your thoughts. The streams of heart and mind are these two curved lines going between banks MH and PK which are two intelligent beings. If a clairvoyant would look at these things, he would see a wide, wavy stream – very beautiful, similar to the light rays emitting from the Sun. This is a beauty that cannot be described. This stream is not simple; there are beautiful, complex combinations in it. Scientists present the spaces in the light rays to be identical but in fact they are not. Each wave and each space differ from each other, they are not alike. Each wave has its specific quality and its function. This is exactly in what they differ. They are like music tones. Take, for example, lower C and upper C in the octave. They are the same tone by name, but the second tone C contains more waves, i.e. more vibrations. What is the difference in the vibrations of these two tones? The vibrations of each tone can be calculated mathematically. Something new is introduced in every tone. So, every wave differs from the others by the number of its vibrations as it is with every music tone as well. One who has seen such a wave once will never forget this light scene. Just for that reason light is such a wealth in Nature. You will do this exercise ten days in succession: three times you will say these words, at that exactly at ten o’clock in the evening (till 23rd January). If you are on a visit, you should not do as the Turks – to stand in the middle of the room and to do it there. You shall abide by the principle. Wherever you are at this time, even if there are guests around you, you will pause within yourself and quietly, in your thoughts you will do the exercise. If you are alone you will make it with the movements of the hands – then you exercise your will as well. So, wherever you are, you can do the exercise without being suspected by anyone of doing anything unusual. In this way you will avoid the disharmony that the surrounding people would introduce in you. While thinking of heart[A3] you will get in touch with the Cherubims and the Seraphims in your thoughts, whereas while thinking of mind[A4] you will get in touch with the supreme Beings of Wisdom. Do you know how theosophists and occultists call these beings that have formed the mind? – They call them ‘creators or fathers of the mind’. And so, when you think of the heart you will get in touch with the Supreme beings of Love and when you think of mind – with the Supreme beings of Wisdom. This is necessary for your development because there is great harmony in these Beings. All aspirations and ideals are equal in them, but they occupy different positions in the economy of the Divine world. I am going to give you the following rule: do not turn sour when you are joyful and do not fall into despair when you are sorrowful! Because one who is joyful that one turns sour very easily. Do you know when one turns sour? – When they take away the joy, they turn sour as they have no target[A5] any more. For example, you have a hat, a pair of shoes or clothes that you enjoy; once you take away the hat, the shoes or the clothes, you turn sour at once. That is why, when you take away the joy, watch not to turn sour. And if you turn sour, watch not to turn too sour. And when you lose heart watch not to fall into despair! The discouragement will come, it is impossible for it not to come, but you should watch not to fall into despair because despair is of no use to anything. Stop at the discouragement, it will bring a reflux. (- Shall we do the exercise only once a day?) I give it for once a day, but if someone has a great desire to do it more times, they may, but they should do it diligently and with concentration of mind. To watch, to try, but out of mere curiosity, you may do it even more times, it would be of use to you. Do you know what you are like in this case? Imagine that I am taking you to a good spring to drink some water and you ask me how many times you may drink this water. I say: If it is cold you will drink once a day; if it is warm you might drink even ten times a day. Do you comprehend what this means? So, I say: if it is very warm within yourself you can make the exercise even ten times a day, and if it is cold, you will make it only once a day. Did you comprehend the law now? The rule I am giving you is rational. Secret prayer - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It constantly rejoices us. [A1][should have an influence on man] or [should influence man] [A2][your fear is subsiding] or [you calm down] [A3][your heart] or [the heart] [A4][your mind] or [the mind] [A5][goal]

Note 2p RELATIONS BETWEEN THE MANIFESTATIONS IN NATURE Twelfth lecture of the Youth Occult Class, given by the Master Beinsa Douno on 6th January 1924 in Sofia - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It constantly rejoices us. Meditation Summary on the topic “The difference between a myth and a fable” was read. Several works on the topic “The origin of morals” were read. For next time – topic № 14: “The difference between diligence and industriousness”. Fig.1 Line AB on the drawing represents a way passed by a rational being – a way of consciousness C. After having walked its way from A to B and no more directions to go are available, this consciousness goes back and takes the direction to point Д making at that a rectangular. Consciousness is distinguished in that when reaching the final point in its motion, it starts making a spiral around itself. But as consciousness always moves, from point Д it goes to the opposite side to point P making another rectangular. As consciousness has grown weak during this second motion, the circle at point P is smaller. Can you explain to yourselves what the reasons are for the circle being bigger during one motion and smaller during the other? This is a situation existing in Nature itself as well. Line AB, which reveals the way of your consciousness, is also the line of your nose. It denotes the utmost limit of human intelligence. Let us assume that at this diversion of human consciousness to point Д the latter represents the right eye in man which is more open whereas point P – the left eye which is less open. Can you explain to yourselves why the right eye in man is more open than the left one? Each occurrence has its reasons, has it not? Do explain then the reasons! You have scrutinized neither in yourselves nor in the other people yet. Human faces are not quite symmetric - they are asymmetric. Closer scrutiny reveals that one side of human face is finer, softer; also one eye has softer and more pleasant look. If human sensitivity is developed consciously which eye will be developed better? Mind that there are two currents around the eyes: one is of positive and negative electricity flowing in a certain direction and the other is of positive and negative magnetism flowing in the same direction. When the right eye is developing, it is in connection with the left brain hemisphere, whereas when the left eye is developing, it is in connection with the right brain hemisphere. So, motions in the brain criss-cross. For this reason the right hand is governed by the left brain hemisphere whereas the left hand is governed by the right brain hemisphere. Therefore, your sensibility will be reflected in your eyes too – either in the right or in the left one. If the desires and the aspirations of your consciousness are superficial, they will be reflected not only in your eyes but on your face as well. The more superficial the aspiration of your consciousness is the more ball-shaped the eye circle is. But the more the desires and the aspirations of your consciousness are differentiate the more they branch out and obtain a certain face, the more the eye, too, becomes oval. If the energy passing through the eye acts equally everywhere, the centre of your eye, will lie on a resultant line AB passing through the pupil C. Fig. 2 And if your consciousness diverts in whichever direction, either ascending or descending, small lines will be formed around the eye. For example, if you come to be attracted towards the world, i.e. if the outside world influences you, the small lines P will start forming from below. If the direction you are moving to is ascending, the big lines C will be formed from above. Already in the past Nature has used these opposite energies in order to form the lower part of eye. Once Nature had diverted human consciousness but as today it has already finished this work, then if you keep descending in substance in the same way, this descending will reflect not only on your pupil but on the whole eye as well, which will take a position fully towards the centre of the Earth. Consequently many people become cross-eyed. Once there is squint in the principles, there will be squint in the consciousness too. When one is divided in his consciousness this one is split-minded too. Such people are called ‘cock-eyed’. When a person with a divided consciousness is looking at you, you feel some unpleasantness. Why? Because this person is split-minded. This person is looking at you with two different purposes: while looking at you he is listening to what you are saying and at the same time is thinking about what he might do to make use of you. If your sensibility was highly developed and you could comprehend the rays reflected by the eye, you would have noted two different streams in the eye of that person. One stream, i.e. one kind of energy flows out from the lower part of the pupil whereas another kind – from the upper part. In natures having more noble impulses and aspirations, Nature has formed another pit. What difference is there between the upper and the lower eye pits? – There is more space in the lower pit while in the upper one – more depth and beetling of eyebrows. By these vibrations Nature has formed a small dimple below the eye which decorates the human face. And above It has formed human eyebrows. And so, what, according to you, do eyebrows show? Why has Nature put them above eyes? (-Not to allow sweat to go in the eyes). This is one of the services, one of the functions of eyebrows but there is still another reason for which Nature has formed eyebrows. There are people who practically have no eyebrows. Eyebrows and eyelids have been formed by Nature to regulate the light entering the human eye. From all this you should mind the following law: You have no right to abuse the forces functioning within yourselves. Do not think that you can use these forces for whatever you want. No, each force of consciousness has its purpose. And when this energy goes to its purpose, to its main idea, to its aim, then this face regularity is forming. I will give all of you to write down as a topic what should be the perfect forehead of man, what should be its lines, in general – its outward outlines. Talking about the eyebrows, the eyelids, and the forehead of man, I do not say that they determine the character of man, but they are a result of his internal activity. If one is a merry person, he will be pop-eyed. If he is a pessimist and takes a gloomy view of people and life, he will have deep-set eyes. This results from a psychological law. The more the attention of someone is fixed on their inner life, the less the eyes are fed. People of the world, who want to see everything and enjoy life like children, they send more blood to their eyes; that is why their eyes are healthier. People who are very preoccupied ruin their eyes. Mind that to think and to be preoccupied are two different things. Thinking is a conscious process – something elevated and noble is included in it. In preoccupation some elements of feelings are included; you think that life is not going well; the world is not arranged rightly, etc. This is a wrong comprehension of Life. And so, all the energy emerges on your face. You want to have beautiful eyes, don’t you? Right, people should have beautiful eyes. Beautiful eyes are windows of consciousness; they are determined by the right development of consciousness. Make a small trial to bring harmony in your consciousness by putting no obstacles in front of it. An obstacle is, for example, if you say: “I am not talented, I have no talents”, etc. You delude yourself. There are talents in everyone but the conditions at which these talents could be developed are different. Therefore, not all people can develop at equal conditions. More intensive energy is needed for the development of some people. For example, take our hall; is it possible to heat it by one ordinary stove as you heat a small room? The volume of the hall is big; two-three big stoves are needed to heat it well. So, the higher a capability in someone is, the better conditions are required. I ask: if the sea casts ashore a fish by chance, what should that fish do? – Very naturally, it should go back into the water. If you leave it outside what will happen with it? – Death is awaiting it. There, on the shore, it starts stirring, moving; a desire arises in it to leap in the right direction and to return into the water. The difficulties in Life are the conditions of a fish cast ashore. Some ask why people are sorrowful. – Because Life is a great sea and you are the fish in it. You are playing in this sea but a wave is casting you ashore and a sorrow rises in you. You are leaping, stirring on the shore but if you manage to go into the water again, joy arises in you for having found your environment again. But you have to go out of this environment. Why? – As your consciousness should differentiate, you already have to show more activity in Life. Along with your gills a respiratory system will start to form. The formation of the respiratory system in man is a beginning of manifesting the conscious brain, the beginning of thinking. This is true according to the laws of evolution. Birds, for example, have originated from fish. Under the same law, in the Spiritual world human consciousness will pass from one state to another, i.e. from a thicker environment into a thinner one what approximately is air. Your aspirations, your views on things will change as well. For example, sometime you feel old, dropped out of life and you say: “Once I was young but now I am not interested in anything in life.” Do you think that the direction of your life is right? No, you are a fish cast ashore and you say: “Nothing but death is waiting for me.” I say: you shall return into the sea again. (-And what will happen if the fish is very far away from the sea?) Once, in Varna, I watched a fisherman netting with a very large net. Four other fishermen were standing around him to help. The fisherman threw the fishing net in the water, it filled up and as it was heavy, he was pulling it while the others were helping to drag it out to the shore, two from one side and the other two – from the other side. As soon as they pulled the net at a distance of only ten meters from the shore I saw that about two-three hundred fish were leaping out of the net and jumping from two-three meters were going over the net back into the sea. I asked him why the fish were leaping out. – “Oh, let them be, they are very confounded!” Why are they confounded? – Because they did not remain in his net. They were foreboding because he was leading them to the shore where death was waiting and that is why a desire not to remain in the net but to get out of it and return into the sea arose in them. Such nets exist in the world, too –sometimes you fall in such nets as well. What should you do when falling in such a net? – You have strength to jump out of the net and the fisherman has no strength to catch you. All the more, you are in your environment and are master of this environment. However, once you are on the sea shore, you are already in his hands, he is the master. Some people say that there is an exception to this situation. There is an exception unless and until you do not go out on the shore. Once the fisherman catches you with his hand it will be hard to escape. If you are still in the water, mind to change your situation very slowly, like those two-three hundred fish while he is going round you with his net. Fig.3 Now, the sorrows coming to you in Life are safety measures against the hindrances which Nature puts in your way. You should read the notice of each hindrance you meet in your life. You have a small desire, which you want to realize, but Nature places a hindrance before it and you start to sorrow[A1] . No, read what the notice of this hindrance is. You have set off for somewhere, you travel, and you arrive in some place and meet a hindrance. You feel sorrow that you cannot go any farther. Nature has put this hindrance in front of you. Read its notice, It has written concerning this hindrance: “This is not the way.” – “What should I do?” – You should go back to take the right way. You start again along the right way but you lose heart, fall into despair. Nature has put another hindrance for you with the notice “Patience” – this means that in order to continue on the way, you need patience to overcome all hindrances and difficulties. At a third place – another hindrance, you are not allowed again; it is written there: “Diligence!” You will learn diligence there. At a fourth place “Firmness” is written, at a fifth place: “Courage” and so on – you will be stopped at many places on the way. You are excursionists; do not think that once you have started ahead you will be met with date twigs there on the way. No, you will climb upwards but will also meet a number of difficulties and sufferings. Heroes are needed on this way. And it is better if you are hindered in the beginning rather than climb the high places and wait there. Hence, hindrances in Nature are conscious forces which stop you on the way with a sensible purpose – to learn and to acquire a special, particular quality at this place. Since you know this you should not lose heart and say: “My business has come to an end, but…” No, Nature hinders you consciously and says: “Here you will start learning patience!” I ask you: how do you learn patience? I would like to know what your method of learning patience is. Patience – this is transformed misery. This means that misery can be converted into patience. To acquire patience, you should first pass through misery. Misery will be imposed by force on you and you will have to pass through it. All your friends will restrict you, will put you almost in the position of an animal, will deprive you of everything and you shall bear it in spite of yourself. And this law of misery will make you think. You can pass from misery to patience only through a Rational life. Patience is a quality of the strong, the rational one only. Only the strong one, the hero in the world could be patient. And the weak natures are the ones who bear misery. So, you shall distinguish these two states. Where you cannot bear, you are in the misery. That is why the Rational life should be formed in you, should be created in order to be able to bear. I will go back to the matter about eyes again. Sometime you say that you have a high ideal. All right, watch yourself to see whether you do not delude yourself. Look how your nature reveals itself. You have a high ideal but taking a look at someone you quickly move your eyes down towards the earth. You should never look towards the earth; you should not move your eyes downwards so quickly. You may move your eye down towards the earth but only if you want to cultivate this earth. This is another question now. But if you concentrate your mind towards the earth you will be in a passive state and will stay on a slippery slope. Fig. 4 And so, when your eyes are directed towards the earth to point A, at the same time you will divide your consciousness in a way that in your thought you will ascend up towards point B. These two rays AO and BO will form an acute angle of about sixty degrees. And line CO is the resultant or the plane, the field of vision where the eye acts. This means that you should think, should direct your consciousness to all Rational beings, which have passed prior to you, and should say: “I want the assistance of all the Rational beings which have passed this way prior to me!” And if you pause within yourselves and concentrate your consciousness without any hesitation, you will surely have a solution, enlightenment in the mind in a very natural way. Soon after that a small light will appear in your consciousness, which will introduce a new thought in your mind and your difficulty will be solved in a very right way. You will say to yourself: “How easy this thing is and I have not known.” And all talented students, not only in the esoteric schools but in the ordinary schools as well, know this law of concentration of attention. I have noticed that many of you sometimes hesitate when meeting difficulties. In this hesitation one might do great harm to oneself. But to do harm to oneself when Nature is working for their good is a crime on the part of man. For one to sin against oneself is a crime. Hence you shall aim at balancing the energies working within you. First of all you shall not consider that you are poor but shall require conditions to be able to develop. It is said in the Scriptures too, “If any of you lacks Wisdom, let him ask, but ask sincerely.” This means: receiving what asked, to utilize these laws which serve for their development. Make trials on what I say to you. Take a pocket looking-glass and watch what the size of your pupil is in one and in the other eye. When you are in high spirits, or you have a fine emotion or an excellent thought or an excellent conclusion or an excellent principle within yourselves, do watch clearly your left eye, then the right one and then write everything that you have caught. Also, watch your eyes, their pupils in cases when you feel rather poorly or there is a certain variation in your mood, in your feelings, in your thoughts, in your conclusions or in your principles and check to see what the difference is between the first and the second cases. Of course, this contraction and enlargement of the pupil will not be very big. If you watch a cat for example, you will see that it enlarges its pupil a lot. When does this happen? – Most often when it wants to catch a mouse. Hence you can see how strong its desire to catch the mouse is. Such a big enlargement of the pupil happens with all night birds – this shows the intensity of their consciousness in a limited direction only. In such a state eyes get a certain gleam, a certain shine, similar to the shine in the snake’s eye. They say about someone, “This one has a snake’s eye.” Not that they have snake’s eyes but the vibrations coming out of their eyes are like the vibrations coming out of the snake’s eye. We call them self-interested vibrations. Then quick vibrations, by fits and starts are performed in the eyes. You should know that these energies are out of your nature. I call them storms in Nature which come temporarily and go away. Sometime you may fall under some bad desires but do not think that this evil comes from you. Sometime you may get in such storms which are poisonous. What should you do then? – You shall immediately direct your consciousness, your mind to those more advanced than you, Beings that have passed this way prior to you; they will guide you to solve your matter rightly. Once you solve it rightly, an internal ease will come to you and then your mental growth, your heart state and the display of your will, will be in a normal state – in harmony. You need all this in order to fulfill the obligation you have to your consciousness. If you expand your consciousness you will be able to fulfill rightly your aim as man. In the present circumstances, in which you are, you should be sound both in the physical and spiritual respect. Saying sound I mean that whatever moods and trials come to you from outside, you should resist them like a ship navigating in the sea resists the pressure of all waves. Whatever storms come to you from outside, you should stand against them with the same resistance. You have strength to resist the storms falling on you. A verse from the Scriptures says, “No one will get trials greater than they are able to suffer.” Each trial will be exactly adequate to the needs you encounter in your life and to those forces which you have at your disposal in order to be able to carry it through. Therefore you shall guard yourselves to not be divided in your consciousness. Your consciousness should be always directed upwards. Do you know when consciousness is divided? For example, someone does some good and after that says, “I should have not done this good.” Once one regrets having done some good, their consciousness is already being divided and the lines below their eyes increase. The second time that one does some good and again regrets having done it. Do you know what will happen with that one at last? – The bones below their eyes begin growing bigger. Do you know what do these strong-developed bones in some people mean? Have you watched these domed bones in some carnivorous and herbivorous animals? Let those of you who are naturalists and can draw, draw for next time these domed bones in some of the carnivorous and herbivorous animals. After that I, too, will give you several sketches to draw in order to study them. You shall know the following: never regret an offence, a mistake made by you, but correct yourself! Do not regret a good done, but rejoice! You shall place this as a main law in your Life. You have started along the way and have encountered a failure – do not repent, do not regret having entered that way! Some of you may say, “It is not the time for it yet!” No, now is the time. You would say, “I would have started later at least.” What do you think, if you had started later, would you not have encountered these hindrances and difficulties? – You still would have. No one has passed the way without difficulties. Then why do you have to have illusions that you will be the one to pass this great way of Life without difficulties? No, you will travel from town to town but you shall have in your bag some bread, a bottle of warm water, good, sound sandals, at least one centimeter thick, because the way you will go is covered with sharp stones in some places – if you go barefooted your feet will be cut all over. You shall be provided with good shoes! This is the way you should be prepared for Life. At last, after having taken all these precautions, you shall bear within yourself the rationality and this rationality will be manifested in the Divine Spirit that works on man in order to show them the way to the Eternal Life. Secret prayer - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It constantly rejoices us. [A1][start to feel sorrow] or [start to be sorrowful]

Note 2p The Unit and Eternity 11th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 30th December, 1923, Sofia -Only the light way of Wisdom leads to Truth -It gives us constant Joy and Mirth Reflection A summary on the topic: “The difference between the moral and spiritual person” was read. A few works on the topic: “The difference between a myth and a fable were also read. Now, how could you explain the origin of ethics from your personal point of view? Or what accounts for the origin of any human relationship? How can you explain diversity in Nature? – Diversity comes as a result of differences in multiplication. Those of you who are interested in purely occult physics, chemistry, or biology should, in the first place, study fruits, namely early and late fruits. Some fruits, like cherries and morello cherries, ripen in May and June, others in summer and still others in autumn. Cornel cherries, for instance, ripen in autumn. Cherries and morello cherries blossom early and ripen early, while cornel cherries blossom early but ripen late. My question is - why do some fruit trees blossom early and ripen early, whereas others blossom early and ripen late? Do you know the anecdote about the cornel tree? It reads as follows: When the cornel tree first blossomed, the devil saw it and said, ”As it was I who first saw the cornel, it belongs to me.” On hearing this, the other trees decided to blossom later so that people could be the first to see them. The cornel tree thought that being the first to blossom meant that it would be also the first to ripen. But the Lord decided that as the cornel blossomed the earliest, it should be the last to ripen. Now what law can you deduce about the cornel tree? The law is as follows: Not all Life conditions that are pleasant and promising can ensure swift results. Though the cornel blossoms the earliest, it does not ripen the first. There are similar cases among students at school. Some students are excellent when they are in the lower grades at high school, and they fail or rank the lowest when they come to the upper grades. And vice versa, some start badly, and further in the upper grades, they become top students. What’s the reason from a psychological point of view for the cornel to blossom early and ripen late? What makes it blossom early? There was a time when the cornel used to blossom early and ripen early. Initially, it was a tropical plant, which was later transferred to a moderate climate. However, when it was moved to moderate climate, it retained its primary essence and led by the bitter experience it had already gained, it said to itself, ”It is not worth ripening so soon.” So anyone who decides on being healthy and morally strong should possess a nature similar to that of the cornel. In ordinary life cornel cherries are used as a remedy. In case of indigestion you should either eat them raw, or take them stewed. Cherries, on the other hand, have a laxative effect. Mind that all plants with a five-petal corolla have a laxative effect on the stomach. So the number five can be indicative of certain properties. Certainly, I don’t mean to discuss medical issues or the healing effect of plants. I only mean to highlight that an inner aspect of Life is revealed in all plants. Let’s come back to the question why the cornel blossoms early and ripens late. And, finally, why should I ask you a question you can’t answer? It’s not a sin when man cannot solve a problem, because Life is full of insoluble problems. I consider man to be a resolved formula. For the time being, half of the formula is solved, and when in future the other half is solved, human evolution will be complete. I mean an evolution including all forms of existence. We should all develop the power of observation. I don’t mean that you should be inquisitive, just watchful. Curiosity is a negative feature, while watchfulness will help you infer about the moral aspect of the phenomena and facts under observation. For example, if you meet two people in love, by watching, you will immediately establish the connection between them. You should immediately find out why they love each other. If you first meet the couple A and B, then the couple А1 and В1, and finally А2 и В2, do you think that the friendship in these three cases is just the same? Do you think that the conditions and the reasons for this friendship are the same? Certainly not. It is the reasons themselves that are definitely different. I have met people who love someone for his or her blue eyes. Yet the blue-eyed person on meeting someone who is brown-eyed will say, “I have never seen someone with such beautiful brown eyes!” Therefore, one loves another for the brown eyes. However, the person who loves his friend for his blue eyes will say, “There is something special about these blue eyes!” Yes, indeed, there is something special about these blue eyes, just as the brown eyes are unusual. You will meet somebody brown-eyed, too, but you will say, ”I don’t like this fellow very much.” Why is this so? There is a law according to which you can’t have two friends at the same time. By saying that you can’t nave two friends simultaneously, we have something in mind. This means that in the physical world you can have just one friend, and not two friends, for a very simple reason – if you have a vessel that contains only one litre, all you can pour in it is one litre. Can you pour two litres in this vessel? No way. So one litre stands for the one friend you can put in the vessel. You can’t place two friends there. Here is another situation. You know the theory about the communication vessels in physics, don’t you? So I’d like to ask you the following: can the friendly attitude of you friend pass into someone else? Yes, it can. How? - You have a friend, who, in turn, has a friend. Now according to the law of the communicating vessels your friend’s friend should be your friend, too. Then I’d like to ask you whether we could have friends in the Spiritual World. Yes, we can. What will they be like? You have friends now and you have always had friends. Can you tell me what makes your friend special? Everyone stands out by one distinctive feature; therefore, the friend you are fond of should also have a distinctive feature you haven’t. Similarly, you should possess some attribute he hasn’t. Thus, what you have and he hasn’t and vice versa, makes the union possible. From this we can infer an original law for the Occult School, according to which the equal relations cannot be brought together. Consequently, a unit can be added to a unit in one place. The fact that people gather at a place proves that people are not units. They are parts of a unit. Today people think of themselves as separate units. No you are not. You’ve just seen that a unit cannot be added to a unit. What can be added to a unit is a zero, which makes the number 10. So, this friend of yours you are going to unite with should either be nothing, and you a unit, or, just the opposite, you be the zero, and he the unit. When you two come together, you can make the number 10. If someone meets you and tells you that you have no value, you should tell him, “This is exactly what I’m looking for – a unit which if I manage to find, I will make it ten times bigger. If you are a unit, then come to me, because without me you will stay a unit, but if you join me, you will grow ten times as big as you are now.” Here the application of the unit is both original and funny. So, the problem about the units in occult mathematics is as follows: a unit cannot be added to a unit. This, however, is not proven. In order to prove this, you should carry out a number of experiments. Otherwise, you cannot be sure that it is a law. One of the explanations of the unit and the zero is this: nought, or zero, always shows at what conditions the unit can develop. It is the empty space where the unit can ensure its existence. So the circle, the nought, or the zero are the conditions necessary for reasonable life to develop. Therefore, this empty space has its own consciousness. When the unit enters the consciousness of this “nothing”, the “nothing” can transfer its consciousness to the unit, thus manifesting itself in it. The “nothing” cannot reveal by itself. This is true in the occult, as you will experience it yourselves. How? You might have graduated from three or four colleges, but once you have taken to the Occult, you will experience something interesting and extremely funny. At first you will start getting poorer and poorer until you end up being as simple as beans, as is the Bulgarian expression. You will tell yourselves, “Since I started studying the Occult, I have become foolish, common and insane. But this is just an illusion. This empty space, which is marked as nothing, is the Divine principle in man. It will empty you first, then it will purify you, and having emptied you completely, it will start filling you with as much knowledge as you have never dreamt of. Most of you will pass through this space and will say, “I’d rather get out of here. I don’t want to be here. If I stay here, I would go mad. The sooner I am off, the better.” It’s true, but it is because you are at a stage when the law of emptying acts. Some are afraid of the laws of the Occult, but you should bear in mind that things happen despite your fear. Nature has taken care of everything. It will empty you according to all rules. You may keep saying that you’ve become insane or foolish, but Nature will ignore it. This law acts outside the Occult as well. Besides, it is very consistent not only among people, but also among the more Advanced, Superior Creatures. When these Creatures decide to descend from the upper worlds to study the universe, they also undergo a kind of emptying. Some Angels happen to experience just the same – they start considering themselves to be common or foolish and wonder why they fail to understand what is going on, but then again, they commence their evolution. When their knowledge regains its initial state, it is ten times finer and purer than what it was when they descended to the material world. Someone will say, “What is all this in aid of? Look, I am foolish now, I’ve lost my mind, my human nature.” Well, what about all those people who go mad? Don’t they grow old? Look at this old man – he has forgotten everything and is speaking in a childlike fashion. He has childish desires and whims. He doesn’t care about anything. Then you look again and you see the same old man clutching at his cane – it is the only thing he can count on in this material world. Why doesn’t he trust anything else? Why doesn’t he trust God? Because he hasn’t opted for the law of nothingness. He has become simple-minded and he says, “There is nothing to do but eat the humble pie.” What happens next? He dies. When he dies, however, he sees his delusion. The state of death is a transition of the Divine consciousness from one state to another. There is always an interspace called the Death Valley that stands between two stages, or two limits A and B of the Divine Consciousness. This means that one has to get rid of all false views on Life. In this respect death can purify the righteous person, while death lets the sinful and stubborn person bear the consequences. Fig 1. So, you can add the unit to nought. Only one unit exists in this world and it is Lord. Only one eternity exists in the world and it is nought. The manifestation of space is the manifestation of nought or manifestation of eternity. It is part of the whole. The word part, however, does not stand for the true notion. In such a case, we can put it differently. There are concepts that do not appear or disappear. They live forever. In this respect, every human being is a notional form of the initial unit. This is a definite idea for you, young people. If you decide to expand it to its fullest, your life will become meaningless. Could you possibly tell me why you would miss the point in life? A wealthy American invited to a feast a few Americans, who were also rich. Do you know how much it cost him? - Twelve thousand dollars for each guest. How much would it be for a hundred guests? - A million and two hundred thousand dollars. What does it show? – It shows that great ideas consume great energy. Anyone, who is determined to tackle a serious issue, takes on a great responsibility. Someone will say, “I want to find out what the point in Life is.” The point in Life is settled. Such an issue cannot be resolved in a day, two or more, or as you might think in a year, two, a hundred or more. The solution is beyond time and space. Don’t ever try to find what the point in life is. If I happen to encounter a man who has broken his leg, the point in Life at this moment is to bandage his leg. If I come across a student eager to study, but without a book, the point in life at this moment is to give him a book to read if I happen to have it. Further on my way, I meet a widow who has a child eager to go to school, but she has no money to support him. In this case the point in Life is to take this child to school and pay his tuition fee. Then I meet a musician, who wants to play some music but he has nobody to inspire him, so he asks me, “Could you, please, sit by me to listen for a while to me playing?” I stop for a while, listen to him carefully, which inspires him – this is the point in Life in this particular case for both of us. One will be playing, while the other will be listening. Next time we might take turns – I will be playing and he will be listening. If you have a friend, you should do just the same – one will be active, and the other will be passive – you should not be talking simultaneously. It happens sometimes that both are talking simultaneously, but it would be far better if one spoke and the other listened. It means that one should be playing, while the other is listening. One is playing while I am listening, and at a point I give my opinion, saying, “A beautiful piece.” The musician gets inspired and exhilarated. This is how the exchange between people works. The exchange should be reasonable. Therefore, it is diversity that makes Life beautiful. You will always have beautiful feelings as long as you aspire after Divine diversity. If you become uniform, monotonous, you will experience a kind of disharmony and will be exposed to sin. Beauty in the world is the first step to Life. Another mistake you shouldn’t make is to envy someone who is more gifted than you are. You see a poet or a writer that writes well and you say, “I want to be like him.” You shouldn’t want to write as he does. You see a musician who plays well and you say, “I wish I could play as well as he does.” Well, don’t wish to be like him. You’d rather have a good ear for music but be able to express your gift uniquely. There are people who want to be as religious as their rote model, able to perceive God in just the same way. You should be religious but in a specific way, capable of expressing your own soul. If you act accordingly, you will stay free and unaffected by modern society. People in modern society are strongly influenced by each other; as a result, they are impoverished. How can you tell when one is impoverished? When one is obsessed by dark thoughts and takes a pessimistic view on life, he or she is impoverished. Getting impoverished is a moral decline. If you start adopting such a state of mind you should turn to the law of humility. Humility is a way of toning up you Life. You will say, "I will come back to what I have and start developing it.” There are a lot of undeveloped strengths, gifts and abilities that lie hidden in you, waiting to be cultivated. Then you will feel powerful enough to accomplish anything you are given. Imagine now that in such weather as we are having today – cold, windy and snowy – I set ten people the task to climb Mount Cherni vruh tonight and come back here. How many would carry out the task successfully? Some might go but the only way to come back is the astral way. If someone unacquainted with the laws of weather gave such a task, such the result would be. In such weather you would be swept away and you would lose your lives. But if a true Master gave you such a task, you would climb the mount and come back safe and sound. How? First, when you set off, it will be windy, but the Master will be inside this wind. If the Master cannot enter the wind, the wind will be extremely hazardous. What’s hazardous about the wind? – Its coldness. There is not a trace of warmth in this wind. Do people die in the warm wind? – No, they die in the cold wind. Why do the shopps (peasants from the Sofia district) wear two fur coats? They say that one might die of cold and never of heat. As the weather is very changeable in the Sofia district, the shopp says, “I need to wear two fur coats in such changeable weather, otherwise it’s risky.” This wise saying is perfectly true. This shopp saying, if translated into a spiritual language, means: one needs to cherish Knowledge and Light in one’s mind and Warmth in the heart. These are the two fur coats. If you have these, no matter what the weather is, everything will be all right. So, all the currents in Nature are due to certain storms occurring there. They also cause changes in weather. A great Master, for instance, can change these currents. He is able to stop a cold current for six or seven hours till you get to a certain point and come back, then, he can let it go again. A Master can stop a storm, a blizzard, but he is capable of one more thing, namely, he will give you more moisture or water. You still haven’t dealt with live water. Jesus says that the spring He will give people will be the living spring in human souls. There are some problems you have to cope with. If you find yourselves in a depressive state, you shouldn’t lose courage. In this state of yours you are closer to Truth than when you feel strong. Apostle Paul, who was an occultist, said that he was strong when he was weak. A spirit told him, “My strength can be seen only in misery.” Only when one is weak can the Spirit show itself. This refers to school, too. Great attention is demanded from the students dealing with maths. They need concentration and intensity of thought. Which students can be good mathematicians? – Those who are able to concentrate. There is a close correlation between all power lines of the mind, that’s why what is required from a mathematician is not just a mechanical solution of the problem, but also reflection that comes only through concentration. Even a bad student can be successful if he manages to concentrate, thus developing his mathematical skills. What is most important of all mentioned up to now? - (That we should add the unit to the nought.) Yes, that is the most important thing for you. All the rest can be forgotten. This is necessary for your development. The unit is you and the nought stands for all the Reasonable Creatures beyond the physical world. The plus indicates that man can get to the true way only through suffering. Under the current conditions of Life, Truth can be passed to the human mind and heart only through suffering. Suffering for the time being is a transitory stage. If someone thinks that Knowledge can come without suffering, he stands on the left. Then the sufferings will grow ten times as much. If sufferings come your way, you will say, ”My sufferings are as much as I need. ”Each suffering is behind the plus, i.e. a small cross that expresses an arithmetic function – addition. When sufferings come to you, you should start adding. What? – You will add one plus zero. Sometimes you will change the sign into the sign for multiplication (х). The signs used in mathematics are (+), (–), (х), ( : ). These signs complement one another. Next time it will be New Year. You will thank last year for having learnt a piece of Truth that the unit adds to the zero. The last year says, “Although I failed to teach you anything, I am leaving you with this shred of Truth: you can’t add a unit to a unit. A unit can be added to zero, thus giving the number 10. A secret prayer Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth It gives us constant Mirth and Joy.

Note 2p DIRECTIONS. IMAGES 10th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 23rd December, 1923, Sofia Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth It gives us constant Mirth and Joy Reflection A summary on the works: “The benefits from wealth and poverty” was read. Several works on the topic “The differences between the moral and the spiritual person” were read. For next time: Topic Nr13: The origin of morals”. Do you think that a moral person can be spiritual? – Yes, he can. Can a spiritual person be moral? Yes, he can. Who do you rate higher? – The spiritual one. Exercise: The right hand rises upwards, goes forward and reaches the shoulder with the fingers slightly folded. Then you raise the arm with a palm turned downwards. Stretch your arm as much as you can. Move your arm slightly down to the left and then up to the right. Move it in a circle a few times. Then raise your right arm aside and move it in a circle up and down a few times. Now, take your seats and start with your right arm – to the left, forward in front of your chest, and to the left. Then to the right again, folded at the elbow in the shape of a circle. The arm goes in front of the face, to the left, forward and then, turn it to the right in a semi-circle. Finally, put your hands on the table. Straighten your bodies! Put your left arm forward, then to the left and next to the right. Raise your left arm to the right and the right arm to the left. Keep them well stretched. Raise your arms aside and then fold them, the right one on top of the other. Do this a couple of times, changing the hands – first the right one on top, next the left one. Bring the fingers of both hands to meet in front of the face, keeping them in a horizontal position with your palms looking down. Move your hands up and down, in a circle but always in front of the face. Now you should practise breathing. Breathe in while the hands are in front of your chest and the fingers touching up, then making a circle. You should breathe out while the hands are going down in front of the chest. Move your hands aside, then bring them together in front of the face with the fingers touching and the palms down. Tonight I am going to speak on directions and images. Let’s say you have a unit. What does a unit in mathematics mean? What do you, the mathematicians, mean by a unit? What’s the main idea? (-The unit is an immeasurable number). What do you mean by Two? (-Two is a consecutive number or two units. All the remaining numbers are cardinal units). Therefore, the unit is a measure. Let’s say that the metre is a unit of measurement. Is this unit dividable? Yes, it is. Into how much? – Into ten or a hundred equal parts. Each of these parts can be divided into ten more parts. So, a metre has a hundred centimetres and a thousand millimetres. And here is where scientists stop. According to this concept, can the unit of measurement be divided into smaller parts? (-In mathematics there is a distinction between a number and a quantity. Quantities are measurable, while numbers, as they are considered to be abstract notions, are immeasurable. A number itself is a concept and is used as a unit of measuring quantities. A number cannot be measured, while a quantity can). Then, from a purely mathematical point of view, what distinguishes the smallest quantity? – That it cannot be divided. (Mathematics assumes that the smallest quantity is zero because it cannot be measured, or has zero measurement). Naturally, if we deal with bare figures, the matter is settled; however, if we have two, three, or more sand or wheat grains, it is a different matter. Let’s say we have a sand grain and a wheat grain of equal weight. You might ask what distinguishes them. – The wheat grain has a specific force expanding it from the inside outwards. If you plant this seed, when it grows and propagates, will the newborn seed be bigger than the planted one? Under certain conditions it can grow bigger or smaller. If you pick out the best seed and plant it in the richest soil, it will grow and give a better crop than the previous one. Next time it will be even bigger, etc. If we carry on this way, it might become as big as an egg, naturally, under selection. Only a reasonable person can achieve this. One can expand the wheat grain because it contains strength, while the sand grain hasn’t got the power. Now, let’s say we have a crystal of some salt, as big as a seed. This crystal differs in that it can be dissolved in water, and if the water evaporates, you will have the same crystal as before. The question is: When would it be possible to get two crystals if you dissolved one crystal in the water that later evaporated? We are not going to give a definite answer now, but we will study the problem. What goes on in the wheat grain is multiplication. Some occultists think the crystals can multiply, too. They believe that gold does not form in Nature the way most scientists claim. They say that gold in the Earth grows, develops and multiplies the way apple seeds do. Therefore, they refer to the grains of precious metals as fruit. However, this is their specific terminology. So, in order to be able to work with certain ideas, you need to have a clear notion formed in your mind. Do you know what a clear notion is? You can have a clear notion of the seed only if you have handled it, if it has come out under your guidance, if you have gathered the crops and tasted the fruit more than once. You will have a clearer notion if you communicate with it. Is communication between a seed and a person possible? Theoretically it is possible, but how many are the people on Earth capable of communicating with a wheat grain? If you launched the idea that you can do it, everybody would find you insane and say, “Tell me another!” It is true that it is impossible to communicate with a wheat grain. Yet do you think that it is possible to communicate with a person whose heart is overwhelmed by inconsolable grief? Can you attract his attention, or ever strike up a conversation with him? Let’s say that you face a person who is hungry. The only thing he can think about is food – nothing else could interest him. Can you talk with such a person about nice things? Whatever you speak about, nothing will interest him unless it is bread. What can interest a thirsty man? – Water. What can interest a person thirsty for knowledge? – Science. It is psychologically proven that the soul aspires after something that can be satisfied only with a main idea. This idea is alive. Watch yourselves. You all happen to undergo a crisis and to be mentally indisposed. Imagine that at such a point someone spoke to you about the wheat grain. What would you do? You would say, “I don’t care about this unit – the grain.” You would be right. At this point you are interested in other units, other stuff. For example, one could be interested in wheat grains, while another might be interested in diamond grains, yet another in something completely different. However, everyone is interested in one main idea, which is the object of his mind. Hence, every idea that exists in this world must have an object. Let me explain what I mean. Let’s take anger. Any anger without an object is harmful to man. Anger needs to have an object so that it can transform in it. If you get angry without an object, it means that you have no good reason to get angry, so you’d better control your temper. When I say not to get angry, I mean, do not lose your temper without an object or reason. When you get angry you should know why and whom you are angry with. You are all acquainted with Molliere’s “L’Avare”: he gets robbed, so he yells angrily and is suspicious of everybody. They ask him, “Who robbed you?” To which he answers, “The whole world robbed me!” He finds everybody guilty, but everybody can’t be guilty at the same time. Two, three, four, or more people can’t be to blame at one and the same time. If there is someone who has harmed you, it can’t be two people. Such is the law: It is impossible for two people to harm you. Only one person can. From a purely occult point of view, evil can come out of one principle only. Now we are speaking of evil, but we should be clear about what evil is. For instance, you often speak about reality, although you don’t know what reality is. This morning I defined in my lecture what reality is. Reality is what connects all its parts in one complete whole, giving them room for development. Reality is always present in its parts. If it is not present in its parts, then it is not reality. Therefore, we all are a unit or a part, because the unit can comprise its own elements or smaller units. The metre, for example, is a basic unit of measurement, but it is not a unit of measurement of Nature. The French have estimated that the metre is one ten-millionth part of the world meridian, but it’s not true. The French mathematicians should reassess this because the earth expands every year. Many years have passed since this measurement was taken. Therefore, the French need to reform the metre after making new measurements. So, the metre is a conventional unit of measurement, although other basic units exist in Nature. For the time being, we make use of the artificial units. They are not bad, but we can’t solve the great problems in Life through them. So, there are problems the individual should solve by oneself, though there are common problems we have to solve together. For instance, sometimes you are displeased and grumpy. You don’t know why you feel so, but when somebody approaches you, you lose your temper. This is a psychological condition. What has caused it? You should try to find out. Someone comes to you and asks, “What’s the matter with you?” Go out! Can’t you understand I’m not OK?” “Why?” “It’s none of your business!” And then you say, “It’s his fault. He came to me and upset me even more!” However, it happens that no sooner has the first visitor left than a new one comes and you say, “Go out! I don’t feel well. Look how that man upset me.” Then comes another and another until, finally, a cheerful friend of yours comes and gives you a note. You read the note and all your indisposition goes away. You cheer up. Why? – This friend of yours has found your most sensitive spot. It’s so sensitive that the lightest touch can make you jump for joy. Fig.1 You will ask me what makes a person indisposed. Any indisposition comes when the bond with God is severed. I find indisposition comes as a result of a psychological opposite. Indisposition, sorrow, and discontent come as a result of disharmony between two minds united as a whole but going in opposite directions. Take as an example the human mind and the human heart. Let’s say that quantity A is the mind and quantity B is the heart. If the mind and the heart are moving in two opposite directions, a kind of confusion or indisposition occurs in the person, in the soul, in man’s nature. Then you will try to make either your mind or your heart change direction. The mind moves in direction T, and the heart in direction D. How will they change directions now? How will you reconcile your heart with your mind? –(You will merge their directions.) Well, when you merge them you will make the way TD. What will you gain? (-Balance, agreement.) Yet you can’t reach agreement. You just form a battle zone. In this way you have curbed evil. In this circle a war is waged. Let’s come to what is real. If we assume that there is a disagreement between the mind and the heart, how will you reconcile your mind with your heart? Imagine the following situation: On the one hand, the mind wants to study, you are eager to go abroad and study there, on the other hand, your mother is so ill that nobody else can replace you, so you will have to stay and take care of her. How will you bring these two opposites together? Should you give up studying abroad? – No. What should you do then? (- Let’s wait until your mother gets better.) Yes, but the problem now is half solved. Imagine now your mother loved you so much that she wouldn’t let you go abroad. At first, she gives her illness as an excuse, but when she gets better, she doesn’t let you go and says, ”You’ll stay here. You might get ill if you go there, or something might happen to you.” What will you do if you love her? – (You are going to take her with you.) This is not a solution. Another predicament comes your way. Your father is alive and at work, so he doesn’t let your mother go with you abroad. (- Let’s take him, too.) Well, it is impossible for him to come, so he says, “Are you really going to leave me alone?” He lets you go, while your mother doesn’t. What’s the most sensible thing to do now? To take your mother with you after you convince your father to let her go, or convince your mother to stay with your father? (-The mother should stay with the father.) Another situation: Imagine you are a young person but so weak of will that you could easily fail when abroad. In such a case it would be better if your mother came with you. If your father is a clever man, he should let her come with you. If you are strong enough in personality, then the mother should stay with the father. So, who connects the father and the mother? – (Children.) Who connects the father and the children? – (The Mother.) Hence, the mother stands for what is real. It is not the father who makes the home. The mother does. When the father leaves, the mother can take care of the house, whereas if the mother leaves, the father is not capable of sustaining the household. The only thing he can do is find another mother. A mother and a father are relative quantities. Here is another issue, concerning you personally. Let’s say that someone wants to have some fun here, in this world. It is the inferior mind in man that demands this. When the Spirit in a human being demands a pure, chaste and lofty life, then there is an idea in it. The mind is learned, but it wants to go abroad and study there, to try out everything in the world, to enjoy itself. Should the Spirit then, under these conditions, let the mind go alone? What is the Spirit – a man or a woman, a mother or a father? (- A mother.) So, there is a conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. The Spirit tells the flesh, “You can’t go abroad without me. If I don’t join you, you’ll fail.” Therefore, you should bear in mind one basic idea. Which one? (- To listen to our Spirit, our mother.) The basic idea, with which Life begins, the basic idea, which awakens the human mind and with which one starts working on the self, is the unit. The unit is the primary concept that gives impetus to the mind, the heart and the will. It is this primary thought that we should cherish. Why? Because not all people measure their inner world equally. Do not think that God has the same attitude to all people, otherwise you will be wrong. God as a basic idea has a different attitude to all people descending from Him. God treats differently any two human beings - He has a special attitude towards either sensible human being. The attitude He has to a person is very special. He cannot have the same attitude to somebody else. What makes people different is exactly this specific attitude coming from the primary essence, which is God. This primary essence distinguishes the person and gives him/her the urge to grow and develop. It is the basic idea that you all should stick to. If you betray the basic idea, you will enter the realm of shadows and darkness. This is how you can go astray. People always make mistakes when they relinquish this basic idea. Do not give up your primary concept, and by all means stick to it. Anyone who sticks to it will be brave and determined. Sometimes you feel dejected. Why? – Because you do not stick to your basic idea. My lecture now and my attitude to your basic idea aim at the following: I’d like to create the conditions under which your basic idea can develop. However, if you do not treat these conditions with due care, you might arrive at unfavourable results. Why? – Imagine I foresaw that you are eager to build a house on some hill. I know that this place will be flooded and your house may be damaged. What do I do? I start planting trees so that I can protect the soil from the torrential rains. Imagine now me planting a tree and you uprooting it. Then I plant another, and you root it out again. My question is: Can your idea develop? – No, it will be spoiled. The flood will have devastated the whole region. This is what the modern critical mind is. It cannot solve anything; it can only reject. You ask, “Is this a good thing?” It answers, “No, it’s bad”. Well, what is good in this world? At a point when you have to express an opinion, do not say that such is the basic law. On the grounds of the great Divine Teaching, if you find some fault in yourself, do not try to find another fault that can help you justify the first one. Each mistake or fault you have is a shadow, a unit. I indicate the mistakes with a minus unit (-1). The things that are done well I give a plus and indicate them as (+1). So, when you find some fault, do not try to find another. Instead, you should try to find out what has caused the first wrongdoing and what virtue corresponds to it. Some of you often tell me, “I am anger prone. I can’t keep my temper. What should I do?” You all feel angry and you can’t restrain yourselves. Now you are looking for some remedy, a kind of panacea for anger. So, you are seething with anger – don’t think that it is a bad thing. Seething is indicative of instability. It shows that there are some acids in you, which cause the seething. First, you should understand the law of prevention. You should isolate all the acids from yourselves, put them under the control of your will, or keep your will so alert that it can keep the acids away from you. It is you who should deal with them and not vice versa. How do you remedy your anger? You don’t remedy it. You flip your lid to see what this “friend” is doing there. Who actually raises the lid? – The sin does. You flip the lid and your anger is refuelled. Then you put the lid back. No, this is not the way to remedy your anger. Sometimes you lose your temper and you say, “I’ll never forgive this fellow.” Yet you feel a kind of softness, a desire to transform this state of fury into a more elevated state of mind. What should you do? Do this person a favour – this is what I call healing anger. What causes anger? It comes as a result of an unsatisfied desire. I call anger a prematurely born child of five or six months. All people feel angry when a certain idea or thought fails to fulfill. Then one either gets angry, or gets sad. Sadness is just a stage of anger. Sometimes anger can relieve sadness, and sometimes it is sadness that can comfort anger. First, when you get angry, you will turn anger into sadness, and then, mathematically, you will find a small joy between these two sorrows. There is a current C hidden between the small sadness A and the other sadness B. You will find this inner current of Joy. Second, turn your anger into sadness and then, the sadness into Joy. Fig.2 You are going to ask me if this is possible. I’ll give you the following example. Imagine you have a friend, whom you dearly love. He is very kind and very clever, but he wants to try you out. You are a student at some university and your father has sent you ten thousand levs, which you have locked in your chest. Your friend finds the key and takes the money. What would you do on seeing that the money is missing? First, you will experience fear, then sorrow, and, finally indignation and anger. These three emotions – fear, sorrow, and anger stand out simultaneously. What happens, in fact? This friend of yours comes and you tell him, “Someone has stolen my money, I don’t know who?” Your friend says, “I did it.” “No, you are kidding.” “No it was I who did it.” “But how?” “I stole your money and gave it away.” Imagine you found out that it was your friend who took the money and gave it away to people. I’d like to ask you whether you would change you friendly attitude to him because of the ten thousand levs. No, you wouldn’t. Well, if you change you attitude, your deed will be marked as –1, and if you don’t change it, it will be marked as +1. So, if you betray you friend, you have a negative quantity with which you need to work – you no longer trust him. This friend of yours comes back to you a few days later and says, “I’m sorry, I am aware of my fault and I am giving you back twelve instead of ten thousand levs. I shouldn’t have taken your money.” What will happen to you? Your situation will get better, but your attitude towards your friend will get worse. Secret prayer Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth. It gives us constant Mirth and Joy.

Note 2p FIRMNESS, COURAGE AND DILIGENCE 7th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 25th November, 1923, Sofia - Only the light way of Wisdom leads to Truth - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy Reflection The summaries on the topics: “Distinctive Features of Mildness and Temperance” and “The Seven Words and Their Relevant Colours” were read. Some works on the topic “The Distinctive Features of Courage and Firmness” were read. For next time: topic Nr 7: “The Difference between Plato’s and Aristotle’s philosophical views”. After that you will write on topic Nr 7: “The Difference between Fear and Conscience”. Firmness, courage and diligence, or the so-called executive human abilities fall into one and the same category – they are the forces of the will. They can find a graphic expression as the three sides of a triangle. These forces can appear in the subconscious mind, where they act mechanically. Fig.1 АT – firmness. Вс – courage. Си – diligence. Each of these has its three manifestations. In the first case, firmness can be revealed when one’s judgement fails to act. In such a case one is stubborn and self-willed. Such a person fits the Turkish proverb; ”A gypsy will sell his hammer and his rug, but will stand his ground.” In the second case firmness can be revealed when one’s personal feelings are hurt. In the third case firmness can be revealed if one has convictions. This is the ideological manifestation of firmness. So the first manifestation of firmness is physical and unconscious, as consciousness is not involved; in the second manifestation emotions are involved; the third one is ideological. What is your idea of courage? A courageous man is not always diligent or firm. A firm man is not always brave, either. One can be brave without being stalwart, and one can be firm without being courageous. Is the water running down the slope courageous? – No, it flows down out of necessity, as such is the direction given to it. What about the water that goes up under certain pressure? Is it courageous? No, it has to go up because of certain circumstances. Brave are only the high-minded, high-principled people. A courageous person can be a horseman who attacks people to rob them and runs away. A firm man can be someone besieged in a fortress, like the French soldiers at Verdun. (A town in East France, which in 1916, during the First World War withstood a ten months’ siege by the German army.) A firm person can endure a month, two, three, five, eight, even more. A diligent person has a purpose. He is determined to overcome any difficulty. Such a person is the long-range artillery of human nature. These are the three operative forces in a human being. The centre of firmness is located on top of the head. It is a guard, a supervisor at the front door of human moral feelings. When you come to it, it orders you to show your ticket. Courage, on the other hand, arranges things for you. It is the second gate to the will. Destructiveness is the fighting soldier. There are no morals in it. When the manifestation of this feeling is urged only by reason, one becomes an opportunist, seeking benefit from everything. When the manifestation of these virtues is dictated by moral feelings or by spiritual strength, then they can find their ideal expression. Be brave, but you should know why. Your courage should be appropriate! Be firm, but you should know why. Be diligent, but you should know why! Your firmness, courage and diligence should rest on some convictions and beliefs. These three forces are not among the loftiest and most noble human feelings. They have their place only in the material world. They are necessary to those who come to the material world. When the Superior Creatures descend to the Earth, they arm themselves with these weapons. When firmness is not guided by reason, i.e. when the mind is not involved, it can inflict a lot of trouble on man. One gathers certain energies, which have to be transformed. Firmness is like a battery, which stores either electricity, or magnetism. There are firm people who are tenacious of their opinions and never give in; also, there are people who can agree with you only if you manage to prove that they are wrong. And, finally, there are people who accede only to ethical arguments. Fig 2. What would you answer if asked why Nature endowed man with firmness? Firmness is one’s backbone, which shouldn’t be stiff and mechanical, but conscious and flexible. It has to bend without breaking under the pressure of highly ethical feelings. How does firmness move? - It goes upwards along line AB. All firm people grow upwards. Then we can draw the conclusion that short people are not firm enough. Therefore, firmness fosters the growth. And how does courage move? – A courageous person moves in a direction to C, in width. How does destructiveness move? – Its movement is circular an in all directions (along the arcs ab). In fact, all murderers try to catch someone; they strangle the victim by winding the rope around the neck. When they besiege the enemy, they are guided by destructiveness. They have a strategy and they conceive a plan how to attack, murder, etc. Destructiveness is the most violent force in man, and it is of the meanest origin. People who have this feeling well developed are always willing to hang someone, imprison him, or kill him. A courageous person tells someone, ”You shouldn’t be so meek! Punch him in the nose and give him a piece of your mind!” A brave person should attack and step back. A firm person should be like a rock. – Anything that bumps into him should bounce back. Therefore, firmness makes one stand his ground. A courageous person will say, ”You shouldn’t let them ride you! You should show them who you are.” Watch the movements of the hand while these forces are acting. When destructiveness takes the lead, the hand forms a fist to punch something. Follow these movements with children, especially when they appear naturally. What does a stubborn child do? – The child strains all the muscles, stands still like a pole. Any feeling finds its expression in certain kind of movements that reflect one’s inner self. You should bear in mind that all these forces and all human abilities affect the mind. They are strands of the thought. If firmness, courage and destructiveness dominate over the other forces, they will inject much spleen and poison in one’s life. If this person is courageous, he will say, ”I will give him a piece of my mind!” If one is firm, he will say, ”I’ll stand my ground!” One should cultivate his feelings naturally, otherwise a lot of trouble might occur in his life. Fig.3 It is phrenologically proven that when one reveals firmness F (Т), the reverent R (Б) or the religious feelings are well developed, while the reason is not well developed. Such a person is a fanatic, whom you cannot persuade to believe anything else. When a notion gets into his head, nothing can make him change it. Try as you might, you won’t make him renounce his convictions. Only death can reform such a person. When you withstand an idea, you should consider your motives and your incentives, as well as how you can benefit from it. A point that deserves attention is the influence all these forces have on the personality. When one builds up firmness, his nails change their shape. They become wider. If you observe people whose nails are wide, you will see how tough they can be. People who are cowardly and too cautious have small, curved nails. On the other hand, a healthy blood circulation affects the nails. If you want to check your blood circulation, note whether you have a white crescent at the base of the nail. The bigger the crescent is, the better your circulation is. If this crescent is small or practically none, it means that your circulation is weak, so, you should practise breathing deeper. The shorter the nails are, the greater the destructiveness grows. Destructive people have short and wide nails. The shorter nails are indicative of stifled mental abilities and growing physical forces such as destructiveness. People having small, wide and short nails are irritable and cantankerous. So, any feeling affects the nails. Everything that is going on in you can be stored as information in your nails only within 180 days, as this is the time it takes the nail to be shed. The nail can tell about your condition during this period. Your nails should be smooth and round. If some roughness appears, it is indicative of some disharmony. You can study your character by your nails. They can be the best mirrors, and if you look at it every day, you will know what you are missing. If a nail happens to flake out, you should try to find out the reason for this. You will find out that certain changes in your nails have come as a result of the development of some mental skills, or moral strength. So, as students of the Occult you will use your nails as a kind of tool, or a manual that can help your self-education. If you are not ready, you will fear Life. That’s why you are not expected to know much. For instance, you might look at your nail, see something unusual, showing that there is something wrong with you, and if you do not know how to read that sign, you will get frightened. Why? - Because you do not know how to fix it. Consequently, you need knowledge. How can you get rid of your fears? I divide fear into three categories: physical fear, a fear of the emotions and the mind, and moral fear. When a person is morally afraid, he keeps thinking about whether he will be admitted to God’s Kingdom, or not. When one is mentally afraid and when the fear is related to emotions, he fears that he won’t accomplish what is necessary for one’s mental and emotional growth. When the fear is physical, one fears his shadow. Such a person can be compared to the hare, which took a pistol and said, ”I’ll show everybody how brave I am!” At this point something moved, the hare got startled, threw the pistol aside, and hid in the shrubs. The hare is cowardly by nature, so his consciousness does not work in such cases. Then it came back, picked up the pistol and said, ”I’ll show you how firm and brave I am.” But, again, he heard some noise, threw the pistol away and took to its heels. One can make plenty of various promises, but if he does not have the skills developed, he forgets about his promises and breaks them. Now, I can see that some of you have the same weakness as the hare. They join the Occult School, stay here for a while, and then they say, ”This is not for us, we are young, so we’ll opt for something else.” They throw the pistol and run away. What will they choose? – The same as everybody else will. Then what? – Forty, fifty, sixty, or seventy years later, you will be carried to the cemetery, where you will find out that all philosophers, learned or ignorant, rich or poor people have resolved the main issue in Life equally well. They all have a cross or a tombstone above their heads, on which, if the deceased was old, the inscription would read, “Here lies an eighty-year-old man, who died at an old age.” Or if the deceased was young, the inscription would read, “Here lies a young person, who died too young to taste the benefits of Life”. This is what the living people would write. For the student of the Occult, there are things more meaningful than Life, and more important than science itself. Modern science does not exhaust the point in Life; it is just a means to achieve a loftier aim. Apostle Paul says that partly we know, and partly we think. Fig 4 Let’s say that the small circle C represents a living individual. At first, the individual’s consciousness is at the first degree, so it has not revealed itself yet, but is planning to reveal itself. Once it has started to reveal, the individual starts making some moves and the consciousness goes to the second degree (С2). How many directions will it take? – It will take two directions, forming plane D (Д). Has consciousness С2 acquired something in this move? – Yes, it has acquired something, and it is the third degree, where it becomes С3; it has not benefited yet, the benefits will come later. I will illustrate this with the following example. Imagine that this plane D is a field ploughed and planted with seeds. At the first stage consciousness C has planned to reveal and decided to buy this field. At the second stage the consciousness ploughs and plants it, thus going from C to С2 – it has acquired something. At the third stage what has been planted starts coming out and growing, so consciousness С2 goes into consciousness С3 - it acquires something, although it does not reap the fruit. The benefits can be seen in the next stages С4, С5 etc. In the same way, you will be able to make out to what extent your feelings and abilities have developed. For example, you will be able to define how religious you are. If the religious feeling for a person is a line 10 cm long, and for another person the line is 9cm long, and for somebody else the line is 8cm long, do you think that the religious views of these people are the same? – Of course, not. You will say that the mental abilities derive from the moral or spiritual feelings in man. So, when a feeling arises, man starts thinking. Such a feeling is an urge to God. When one separates from God, then he starts thinking of God correctly. Why can’t one think of oneself? When can one think of oneself? When one leaves his body, he will be able to think better of himself, and will know himself better. Therefore, to be able to think of someone, we should distance ourselves and change the perspective. When speaking about God, by God in the philosophical sense I mean thinking. To believe in God one has to think. Those who think can believe in God. Anyone thinking can believe in God. Those who do not think do not believe in God. This is how the idea of God makes sense. According to the modern philosophical concept thinking of God hinders the very process of thinking. So they say, ”You shouldn’t think of God!” This is a materialistic concept. Some perceive God as an enormous creature. God creates all forms, but He has no form whatsoever. In fact, if you try to perceive God as an enormous creature, or as a gigantic sun, you will fail to encompass Him, and, naturally you will lose heart and won’t be able to think. If you have such a notion of God, then it can really hinder your thinking. Some say, “Why should God care about me?” The moment you say this, you stop thinking. From here we can draw the following inference. All great ideas in Life that take a huge form hinder your development. The ideas you have should not take huge forms, as this is in accordance with Nature itself. Take the acorn, for example; what is its ratio to the weight of the whole century-old oak tree? This small acorn can carry in itself the whole oak tree. You can enjoy it, carry it in your pocket and touch it – it has all the characteristics of the oak. But can you carry in your pocket the whole oak tree? – Well, you can’t. Therefore, when you want to examine some ideas in their essence, you should study them while they are growing. And when you want to study the power they have, you should examine them as seeds. You can imagine the oak as a small acorn, which gradually grows and then shrinks. This is a sequence of images. You can trace all the stages of the acorn’s growth into an oak in your mind and then trace its transformation back into an acorn. So, there is nothing bigger in this world than God and nothing smaller than God is. God exists in the two extremes: there is nothing bigger and nothing smaller than God. Then how can you understand God? Your ideas of the small things are associated with weakness. In fact, in practice, small things are weak in material life. However, it is different when it comes to spiritual life. Take a small lighter as an example. It is true that it is small, but if you put this tiny spark under a ton of some inflammable substance, what will this lighter produce? Here, it will transfer its energy to the substance, thus causing a grandiose explosion. The tiny spark in this case produces a lot, while a big, heavy stone thrown at the substance will cause nothing. Therefore, the tiny, microscopic things in this world are the strong ones. So, the point in Life is not in the great ideas, but in the small ones, only we have to transform the matter, make it more flexible and fit for work. Very often you halt at an idea, saying, “I am not going to think this over.” Of course, you shouldn’t, because it is radium. Do you think that if you had ten grams of radium, you would stay in this room? Do you think that if there were fifty grams of radium in Sofia, the residents would stay in town and not run away? The whole town would blow up. The sunshine also contains radioactive power. There are a number of transformers in space through which the sunshine passes and changes so that it falls on objects as beneficial warmth and light. If the sunshine were accepted in its original form the way it comes directly from the sun, it would melt everything that came its way. Do not think that the Sun is very lenient to you! I will tell you a Hindu legend to see how lenient the Sun can be. Hindu people imagined the Sun as a place inhabited by many living creatures, most of whom were girls. Only the Sun was a boy. As He was the only elder brother, He was in the habit of bullying His sisters. One day His mother, who wanted to prevent His sisters from being beaten, placed the Sun in the centre and arranged for His sisters to live and orbit round him in the periphery. This is how His circular shape was formed. The Sun sent His sisters light, quavering with discontent, as He could not beat them any longer. So, it beat them through His light and from these vibrations the whole Earth can benefit today. So you should remember that the tiny, microscopic ideas are the strong ones. You should keep them, so that you will be strong, too. Now I would like to ask you the following question: Is there anything greater in Life beyond God, beyond Love, beyond Wisdom and Beyond Truth? Yes, there is. Then, what is greater than Love? – Life is. Life is the result of Love. What is greater than Wisdom? - Knowledge is. What is greater than Truth? - Freedom is. Keep this to yourself. Love and Life are not one and the same thing. Two processes are constantly going on in Life. One is the process of destruction, and the other is the process of creation. These two processes do not exist in Love. Love is something pure and ideal. There is no differentiation in it, while such a differentiation exists in Life. In such a case, if we say that Life and Love are the same, we won’t be able to explain the controversies that stand out. Love is Beyond Life, and Life is just a partial, temporary manifestation of Love. On the other hand, Knowledge is a manifestation only of Wisdom. Wisdom is more than knowledge. It is absolute. It has no room for misconceptions or theories. Freedom is a manifestation of Truth, but Truth is absolute – it has no room for restrictions or slavery. Freedom in itself has some restrictions, because any human aspiration for freedom shows that man has his restrictions. Then I would like to ask you if you could live without Love. Yes, we can. You will have Life without Love, but you will suffer. Can you live without Wisdom? - Yes, we can. You can have some knowledge without Wisdom, though you will act foolishly. Can you live without Truth? – Yes, we can. You will have freedom without Truth, but you will be enslaved. Therefore, when you act as individuals, deciding to live for yourselves, you deny Love, Wisdom and Truth. Sometimes one can afford oneself such a gesture, but when the results come, one should not be cross. When you suffer, you should say, ”It is my fault, because I betrayed Love.” When you suffer, you should say, ”It‘s my fault, because I gave up Wisdom.” When you suffer, you should say, ”It’s my fault for all these restriction to occur, because I denied Truth.” You may be free, but what freedom can it be if you have to fight for it armed with a revolver and a rifle? You can walk along the street, but always wary of the danger of being robbed or stalked. Can this be Freedom? You, as students of the Occult School when walking along the streets, ask yourselves, ”Am I on the right tack? What if I got lost? What will my life be?” All these are negations. These negations can be found in all philosophical systems. They are a transitional stage of human Life. Young people face the danger of sinking into pessimism. I can compare young people to sponges. They are as light as sponges and when put in water they absorb it, but when taken out of the water they let it go. When you enter the water, you might think that you have expanded into something big, but when pressed, you become as light as you were before. This is not youth. The sponge comes to show that one has to live on small things and should not covet. Things could be small, but pure. If the blackboard is cleaned with a sponge which is too wet, then you can‘t write on the blackboard. The sponge shouldn’t be too soaked. It has to be neither too wet, nor too dry. The young person has to be flexible. An old man is like a stone. Whatever you do, an old man remains as he is. While with the young person, it is possible to clean a blackboard, at least. An old person can be used to build a house, but in such a house people will die. What I am saying refers only to accomplished people. I am not speaking to children. You have all graduated from university – you have graduated from the great university. When Christ spoke to Nicodemus, telling him that if he was not reborn, he would not be admitted to God’s Kingdom, Nicodemus asked Him, ”How can an old man be reborn?” Christ told him, “You are an Israeli teacher[A1] . How come you do not know such elementary things?” Now I would like to ask you how much is 5 х 5? (– 25). I can question this result and say that 5 х 5 = 7. I could prove this mathematically, through formulas but I am pressed for time. This process is true in Nature, because it has the final results as its aim. In this case 5 х 5 = 7. Why? The numbers 5 and 2 are living beings and both are bases, while 7 is an acid. Therefore, you can’t do anything with 25, because the two figures 2 and 5 are two bases, and two bases can’t make anything. In this case, if you plant 25 seeds, you will get nothing. Why does 5 multiplied by itself give 25? It is accepted as an axiom, and though it can’t be proved, it is taken for granted. Such a reflection leads to sophistry. 7. On the other hand, 7 includes 2 and 5. What are the characteristics of this number? Let’s take the following numbers: Fig.5 By the first line we write the numbers from 1 to 9, and by the second line we write the numbers from 10 to 18, etc. When we add the separate figures of the numbers after the first line, we get the numbers above, namely: 10 = 1 + 0 = 1; 13 = 1 + 3 = 4; 11 = 1 + 1 = 2; 14 = 1 + 4 = 5; 12 = 1 + 2 = 3; 15 = 1 + 5 = 6; 16 = 1 + 6 = 7; 19 = 1 + 9 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1; 17 = 1 + 7 = 8; 20 = 2 + 0 = 2; 18 = 1 + 9 = 10; 21 = 2 + 1 = 3... So, the number 1 is the creative power, an acid; 2 is a base, and 3 is the result. Therefore, 3 in Nature stands for a complete process. The triangle is a complete process, a result of some work accomplished. The numbers 1 and 2 have merged, to give a complete result. The numbers 4, 5 and 6 are from the second category: 4 is an acid, 5 is a base, and 6 is the result. The numbers 7, 8 and 9 are from the third category: 7 is an acid, 8 is a base, and 9 is the result. Then the numbers 3, 6, and 9 fall into one category; 2, 5 and 8 fall into a different category –bases; 1, 4, and 7 are acids. As you can see there is diversity among numbers. They are forces that have transformed from one state into another. 1 is the first manifestation of these forces, 4 is the second manifestation, and 7 is the third manifestation. Such a transformation occurs in the human mind as well. Matter, through which consciousness passed, used to be thinner, then it became denser and the deeper consciousness went, the denser and denser matter grew, until finally the existing forms came into being. Now, one unsolved problem stays in your minds. The beauty in Life can be found in the unsolved ideas. A field that is not planted with seeds has a future, while a field already planted has worn out. The issues resolved are over now, and what is ahead is the future basis, the field on which we are going to work. Do not worry when certain problems stay unresolved. The time to do this will come. So, 5 х 5 = 25 = 7. Examine this from all sides and decide whether it can be correct or not. There are terms on which it can be true, but certainly not always. What does it mean when in math a number is multiplied by itself? Do you think that a seed can be multiplied by itself? In order to multiply the seed it is necessary that man, the soil, the sun, the water, and the air should participate. They are the formulas that participate in work. Therefore, when we say that 5 х 5 = 25, we should consider all the elements involved in multiplication. On what conditions does 5 х 5 = 25? The table of Pythagoras shows that 25 comes as a result of certain conditions. So, we should consider the reasonability of the human spirit, which participates in the multiplication. Thus, 5 х 5 = 25 shows all the conditions, acting at a point, so that 5 could turn into 25. Reflection - Only the light way of Wisdom leads to Truth - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. [A1][a rabbi]

Note 2p ANGER AND FEAR 6th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 18th November, 1923, Sophia -Only the light way of Wisdom leads to Truth. -It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. Reflection The summary on the topic: ”The Importance of the Red and White Corpuscles” was read. Some of the works on the topics: “The Distinctive Features of Mildness and Temperance” and “The Seven Words and Their Corresponding Colours” were also read. For next time – Topic Nr 6: “The Distinctive Features of Courage and Firmness” What’s the colour of anger? What gives rise to anger? – Anger is a force transformed into a low degree. It is a surplus energy. How was this energy created? – Each desire that confronts resistance breaks up. Half of its energy transforms into some unnatural heat that goes to the brain. It is this heat that converts into anger. It is anger that raises body temperature. Anger comprises a surplus to the normal body temperature and acts destructively. My word is about anger in ordinary life, where it is a common phenomenon. However, when man deals with the Divine, anger is excluded. Life in the realm of ideas excludes any kind of anger. Anger is not an attribute of the human mind; it is attached to the shortcomings of feelings, which arouses anger. Whenever you get angry, you try to justify your anger as a result of having taken offence. However, you can get angry without being hurt. You might walk along the street and if a passer-by pushes you, you lose your temper. What happens is that your energy is stirred. One is not always in a disposition to get angry. You might try this – if you push the most quick-tempered person, in accordance with the laws of Love, he will smile at you and say, ”Push me once more!” So, we can infer the following law: when two positive forces meet, they always clash, thus forming anger. For example, when two extremely proud and touchy people meet, they can easily lose their temper. Fig.1 Let’s say that point O is the centre of the brain, line CO is the current of the moral forces and line DO is the current of the personal forces. When line OD is longer than line OC anger can be engendered. When line OD is too short, man becomes indifferent. Any kind if energy that cannot be assimilated by the body gives rise to a surplus. This surplus is anger, which is always marked in red. There are a few indications of anger: the face blushes, the brows knit, the muscles around the mouth twitch, the hand folds in a fist and one is ready to act out. The darker side of anger is that one deviates from the right way of growth. Tonight’s topic for discussion was “Mildness and Temperance”. A mild and restrained person knows no anger. It is not so much that there is no anger in him, only such a person is capable of converting budding anger into some positive energy. A Bulgarian scholar told me once about the findings of a method he applied to himself. After graduating from two colleges abroad, he decided to come back to Bulgaria and before starting whatever job, he wanted to find out what kind of a person he was. To this aid he chose to apply the following method: he found a navvy whom he asked to swear at him as much as he could, for which the navvy would be paid. The navvy started swearing uttering the worst obscenities, while our fellow listened until he finally was clear about whether he would ever be able to withstand the cruel blows of reality, and said, “Enough!” The experiment turned out to be very successful indeed. Very often you encounter people who are willing to do you a favour for free, yet you are displeased. The example I gave you is a true story but this is something that can be tried only by people of great integrity, as such an experiment cannot be carried out by anybody. Indeed, all great people have always experienced such self-discipline. If you examine the life of any great person, you will find out that all great people were persecuted, abused, or denigrated just to be tried out. A person capable of bearing all this is strong and reliable enough to be given a mission. Some of you, as students of the Occult School will have to cope with such discipline that’s why I raise the issue. Whether you will have to undergo this as students here or outside the school, does not matter, what counts is that you will have to experience this. So, it is of prime importance for you to restrain your anger. In such cases you need self-control. Besides, you will have to develop your intuition. You need it to be able to understand the human character. You need to know who is like you, and who is not. With people who are like you, you will get on well, while those who are different from you should be kept at a distance. If you can identify people who are like you, you can try the following: when you are very angry, call a friend to place a hand at the back of your head. If you are a good match, your friend will receive your disposition and the balance will be redressed. If you are not a good match, your indisposition will intensify. I have noticed that people from some political circles are extremely ambitious and if it happens that any of them says something about any of the prominent figures, one might get hurt so much, that a series of reactions can be triggered. It is common for statesmen or politicians to have such intense personal feelings that they are capable of waging war even for the slightest offence. Now, you should all have a certain ideal in Life. You are expected to know what the point in Life is. When is one’s dignity hurt? One’s dignity might get hurt when one is told a lie. When you are told the Truth, no matter how rudely, your dignity is raised. Most of you are afraid to tell the Truth. That’s wrong. You should be brave when telling the Truth. When you tell the Truth, you shouldn’t think of the consequences, but when you express your personal opinion, you should be extremely cautious. You shouldn’t fear anything when you tell the Truth. Tell the Truth, and it will take care of itself. But you should distinguish between the Truth and your personal conviction – such a distinction is crucial to your development. If you fail to consider this distinction, you will end up in a dead-end street. Once you find yourself there, you will have to take the way back. Your life needs a firm base, on which the knowledge you are acquiring now should be built up. Which knowledge? - The Knowledge you are going to make use of not only throughout this life, but the knowledge you will need in your long-term future existence. If you acquire the knowledge to utilise only in this life, you will be a mediocre personality. Such transitory knowledge is necessary only for fun. However, anyone of you should have a goal, a positive idea to aspire after. It is also possible for you to encounter another negative aspect of life – fear. Many of you are afraid of anger. Anger can be as dangerous in its positive aspect, as fear can be dangerous in its negative aspect. Anger can force you to commit crimes – to drown somebody, to kill, to set a house on fire, etc. While under the influence of fear you would not commit any of these crimes, but you will let lies, fraud, hypocrisy and meanness grow in you. Anger is a psychological drunkenness; it fosters courage and you feel you are capable of anything, but when you get sober, you might say, “I shouldn’t have got angry. I shouldn’t have done this.” So anger is not a normal state of mind. So you have these two shortcomings, of which you should be wary. These shortcomings are not new to you. They have accompanied you in all your previous forms of existence. They are a useful streak for you as long as you are aware of them. If you know how to make proper use of your fear, it will turn into discretion. If you know how to apply your anger, it will turn into an element of your will – bravery. Therefore, fear can be converted into discretion, and anger into courage. With fear you need something more. Translated into the language of chemistry, fear is a base, which needs some acid to be neutralised. Both a quick-tempered man and a timid man need to be judicious. When a man who easily loses his temper starts thinking, he can become brave, while if a cowardly person starts thinking, he becomes prudent. The first will take out a dagger to solve the problem, while the latter will take a quill, will write for the newspapers and will settle the matter as a writer. Writers are not brave people. They are brave only when armed with their quill, inside their study. They are not brave enough outside. They are brave while writing because they are not aware of the consequences. What is the colour of fear? What does one become when frightened? One grows pale, and turns yellow. So fear makes one think. When one makes a mistake, the yellow colour finds its outward expression. So fear can cure only through the yellow colour. How can anger be cured? – Through the pink colour. This comes to show that the intense, deep red colour should turn into pink or blue. Think about these colours. These vibrations will calm you down and you will start thinking and analysing. Which colour stands out next after pink? Who does the rose fall in love with? When man falls in love, he starts thinking. Therefore, yellow comes right after pink. Pink and yellow are in harmony. When you need to remedy some fault, think about these two colours, and they will have a beneficial effect on you. What’s the ratio between pink and yellow? – Which is the dominant colour on the Earth? – The colour green. We are overwhelmed by green. It is the colour of the human individuality; it makes us independent. As you can see, it is possible to heal with colours. When your nervous system, your mind, or your heart wears out, doubt finds its place. If you feel impoverished, try to imagine the three colours simultaneously – pink, yellow, and green. When these three colours merge, they make a blend, which helps the person feel like a separate individual. And then he can say, “I am capable of anything!” Which word corresponds to pink? What triggers the external expression of the pink colour? – Joy. Isn’t it true that one who falls in love experiences joy first? Any object or face you like makes you rejoice. Which word corresponds externally to the yellow colour or to Wisdom? How can a wise man be recognised? You already know about those in love - they are glad. A child is glad when he or she gets something from their father. What feature will the wise person reveal? – (Seriousness, thoughtfulness, or content) – no, the external expression of the wise person is work. Only a wise person works. If he is an artist, he will take the brush and will start drawing. If he is a poet, he will take a pen and will start writing. No matter in which field, the wise person is active - he works. He works, but he does not toil. Hard labour is not an attribute of the wise. It is typical of the ordinary people. A wise person works and his facial expression shows pleasure. A wise person works with pleasure. So, a person in love can be recognised by the Joy, and the wise person - by work. Someone will ask, “What should I do so that I can become wise?” You shouldn’t toil. You should work. Everybody should work – to brush up one’s character, and to purge evil from his mind and heart. What I call work is to get rid of shortcomings and build up qualities. If you want to become wise, courageous and judicious, you will have to work. That is a noble deed. What prevents modern science from finding the Truth and showing the true methods of forming the personality is that its ideas are chaotic. In modern science ideas are not correlated. On the contrary, all ideas are incoherent. For example, the idea to be good is just a suggestion - it is like a nut that can be eaten. But to be good, you have to turn your opposite idea once or twice; you have to plough the soil, plant the nut, and wait for the fruit to grow. Goodness is a fruit. The hardest subtle skill is to be good. You can’t become good right away. You will have to start with Joy and then Virtue will come. It will appear as a result of Joy and work. Nature is not fond of rumbling ideas. We can be very logical, but Truth can be missing in our logic. Nature, on the other hand, is very precise and can’t tolerate any lie or deception. Don’t think that if Nature tolerates us it will pass. There will come a day when it will take from us everything we have and will destroy it completely. Do not believe that Nature is tolerant to lies. The Gospel says that blessed are those who are punished by Lord. It means that blessed are those whom God shows their faults from the very beginning. If a friend approaches you to tell you that you are wrong, you should be grateful. It is Nature that has sent him. He has come as its messenger. If you refuse to speak to him, there will come a day when Nature will come itself. Then without further ado it will take you and there you are – right into its retort will you go without a trace. Your first task is to learn to love Truth. My word is not about the Absolute Truth. I mean the Truth that is part of Life and that is necessary to build up your character and sustain your studies. Your study needs to be cemented so that it can become a solid element of Life and a stimulus to work. My aim now is not in the least focused on giving you any moral prescriptions. I only want to explain how a well-known law of Nature acts. Through suffering people can achieve the same results as without much talk about it. However, a wise person can make use of other people’s experience. One is capable of attaining the Truth through long suffering. Then he can comprehend Apostle Paul’s words to be always glad and always praying. Now, how can you interpret the word Joy? Imagine that Joy is a monad. What does the initial letter of Joy ”J“ (Р) mean? You know that nothing in Nature is pure accident. So, this sign J (Р) is not chosen by chance. It can be taken from the Latin alphabet, but it can be found among the Egyptian hieroglyphs, too. The same signs exist in Nature. The letter Р (J) stands for a monad, the letter A for the root of the monad downwards. Therefore, if it is a root, it has double meaning – it is sweet and bitter at the same time. As a root, it represents all these things that are present in the matter. Bitterness and sweetness correspond to the conditions of sorrow and joy. These two opposites are present in the current conditions of Life: after a great joy there comes a deep sorrow. A friend of yours, for example, gives you ten thousand leva so you are happy. Shortly he says: “Give me the money back!” I ask what has made him give you the money and then, some time later ask for it back? If you don’t give it back he says: “I used to think of you as a friend of mine, but you let me down, give my money back!” He takes you to court; you get convicted and go to jail. You think: “Why did I have to accept this favor?” The reasons for this could be explained psychologically, but I draw the following conclusion: a person who acts in accordance with the law of Love and Wisdom, would never go to jail for ten thousand leva. The smart person gets imprisoned only for telling the Truth; he says: “It is worth being in jail only for the Truth. Nothing else is worth it!” It is a disgrace for a person to stay in prison for ten thousand leva. To be in jail for the Truth, to get beaten for the Truth, that I can understand, but to get beaten for a small thing – it is a shame! Only for the truth can I give my back – let them beat it! You will remain silent. If you violate this law, Truth itself will punish you. It will tell you: “Forget it, don’t defend yourself!” Somebody will say: “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” However, that is according to Moses preaching, and it has nothing to do with Truth. In other cases we may apply this rule, but when it comes to Truth, you will turn your back. It tells you: “Don’t defend yourself, I will protect you.” If you decide to protect yourself, you are broke, you are lost. Let Truth protect you. The person who hit you thrice today will befriend you in a year. But when? – If you accept it silently because of Truth. Then he will come to you and tell you: “I am sorry, I was wrong about you. That is why I’ll be your friend from now on.” Now, I would like you to devote all your time to studying what I am going to tell you. You will make use only of what you don’t know how to use – your free time. What I mean by free time is the time when you are indisposed. Then you should use your time to study Living Nature. If your mind is busy, you should leave this studying aside. When your life is meaningless, when you are afraid of something, or when you are not in the right frame of mind, then you should study Living Nature. This is how you can restore you balance and regain you strength. If you feel frustrated and if you think that you are good for nothing, get down to studying Living nature. You should deal with colors, Love and Wisdom. If you find that something is of great value to you, you should keep it. I think it is possible for you to find three or four free hours daily, which you can devote to the New Learning. The secret prayer - Only the light way to Wisdom leads to Truth - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy.

Note 2p TRANSFORMATION OF COLOURS 5th lecture given by the Master to the Youth Occult Class 11th November, 1923, Sofia - Only the light way leads to Truth - It constantly gives us Mirth and Joy Reflection A summary on the topics “The Characteristic Features of the Bees” was read. Works on the topic “The Importance of White and Red Corpuscles” were read. For next time – Topic Nr5: “The Characteristic features of Mildness and Temperance *Fig.1 Exercise: You will practise breathing in and out while thinking about the colour white. Imagine the colour pouring over you like a shower. The intake of air should be done rhythmically and with a movement of the arm – with the help of your right thumb count to four. Raise your right arm and start the exercise. Take in air while you first count to four, and then drop your arm from A down to B. Breathe out while you count to four a second time and move your arm to the left – from B to C. Third, count to four while breathing in and out and moving your arm to the right – from C to D. The fourth time you should breathe out and move your arm up – from D to A. All these movements form a human leg. While moving your legs you should follow the same instructions. When the body is in good health, you breathe in when stepping forward and you breathe out when you draw the leg to step back. Why are so many people neurotic? – They breathe out when they step forward and they breathe in when bending the leg. That is why, they get tired easily. It shouldn’t be so, however. The laws of nature are very definite. You do not follow these rules; that’s why, when walking or hiking, you get tired. You should never make abrupt movements. Your movements should be graceful and at ease. So, each time you breathe in and out, you should think both of the colour white and of purity. It would be better to do these exercises in the open if you have a garden. Every morning you should do some rhythmic walking for five minutes. All these exercises will help you redress the balance in your nervous system and get rid of the disharmony you feel. You might ask yourselves,” How can movement restore the harmony in my body?” All movements in Nature, both positive and negative are explicitly definite. They are based on certain laws; consequently, they make sense. For example, a modern physiologist, studying the red and white corpuscles, can dismiss them as major blood factors; hence their importance to the human body is also ignored. Modern scientists have not yet studied the importance of corpuscles profoundly enough. I would like to ask you what the importance of the colour red is. Those dealing with the occult say that it is related to feelings, or Love, in particular. It always bears Life. On what does its intensity depend? It depends on its shade and hue, just as the musical tones do. Let’s take line AB, which represents the scale of the seven basic colours of light. The wavy line stands for the first red colour of light in the first scale. The other red colours come next until you get to the seventh red colour, the purple one (g) The first scale of seven colours ends with this colour, and then another, higher scale starts again with the colour red. And here we have the same colours – A, B, C… to G (purple). The red colour is present again, but on a higher scale. The small forms of the red colour show the outer side of Love, i.e. decrease in Love. Fig.2 What is the physiological state of a person, when the red corpuscles are prevalent? Great activity can be observed. What will the state be if the white corpuscles are reduced to a minimum, let’s say, just one white corpuscle to ten thousand red ones? How many white and red corpuscles does the human body contain? (- one cubic millimetre contains approximately five million red and ten thousand white corpuscles, so the ratio is 1: 200). Which corpuscles take a superior position in the body, and which ones are more cultivated – the red or the white ones? ( - We know that the function of the red ones is to carry oxygen to the cells and the white ones protect the body from harmful foreign elements.) It means that the white corpuscles are capable of fighting. They are aware that they are entrusted with a living organism that they have to defend. You can imagine both the red and white corpuscles as little souls at their embryonic stage, which are going to develop further. Therefore, they undergo a certain stage of their growth. At this stage they are learning diligence and self-denial. Now, if we regard the human soul as a big, important monad A and all the rest little souls as small monads, each representing monad B, then, according to Leibnitz’ theory, will the big monad need all the small ones? The answer is yes. I’ll put it differently. Does the right hand need the left one? Yes, it does. The left hand, too, needs the right one, although a person can live with just one hand. Two hands are better, of course. A person can live with one finger, but it is better to have five. Are all the five fingers equally strong? Certainly not. The strength of the thumb is equal to the strength of all the rest four fingers taken together. It has a plus. The thumb is +5, while all the rest can be –5. If a man loses his thumb, he loses his strength and feels that he has lost something really important, whereas when he loses any of the other four, the loss is not that severe. Therefore, monad A needs monad B. Monad B is a form through which monad A can be expressed. Which monad is higher – A or B? (Monads differ only in degree.) – Monad A is higher. The law is as follows: What is higher can be expressed through what is lower, or the inferior always serves the superior. When you hear me say that monad A is higher than monad B, you might deduce, “It’s only natural. A is higher than B, as A comes first in the alphabet.” Do not think that the letter A is the first letter. You can’t simply know which the first letter is. The fact that Bulgarian, just like all other languages, starts with A does not mean anything. In our language the letter B comes third, while in English and in French it comes second in the place of the Cyrillic Б. Besides, in English the letter A is pronounced in seven different ways. The colour red is a manifestation of a superior world. It is the emblem of Love. It is so pure and delicate that if you touch it, it will give rise to high vibrations and higher life. Yet the more it descends, the denser it gets, thus becoming the cause of aggressiveness among the people in the material world. The red colour does not make man nobler; on the contrary, it annoys and incites him to fight. When someone blushes, it is indicative of a willingness to show something. When the red flag is raised, bloodshed might follow. When the red colour finds its outer manifestation, it is not dangerous. Danger is imminent if the red colour reveals inside. If you have lighted upon the red colour a1 from the first scale, you should go to the red colour a3 in the third scale, which corresponds to The Reasonable World. This will tone you up. Now, let’s discuss how colours can turn from a lower state into a higher state. How can we transform the red colour? You know that the words Life and Love are coloured in red. If you feel slightly indisposed or annoyed, your passions take over. So, what can you do to change that state of mind? You utter the word Love a couple of times, but in vain. Nothing changes. The first letter L is a wedge, which can only split, but cannot transform. Then you should take Love at its third degree, the state of Mildness, and utter it several times. The letter M (Б) consumes your surplus energy, as it is the law of growth. This word will change your state of mind. So, if you pronounce the word Love, and it cannot help you, then take the word Mildness, utter it several times, and see how it will affect you. Try words out to see what impact they can have on your mind. I will write for you the following sentence: Love and Mildness are two forces. Now I would like to ask you whether it is true that Love makes man stronger. Just the opposite, Love makes a strong person weak. You might witness how one has raised a hand to kill, but when possessed by Love, he drops his hand and starts crying like a child. Therefore, in this respect, Love cannot be a force. Then if I say that Love and Mildness are two human attributes, will it be correct? Can Love be an attribute? It contains attributes, but cannot be an attribute itself. So, it would be more correct if we said that Love and Mildness are two forces. If you repeat this utterance a few times, you develop your heart and mind, which start acting in harmony with your inner self. As a result, you get the strength you need. These two words serve man to awaken his strength. When a man thirsts for glory or wealth, and if Love comes, it can act against these forces and manage to restrain them. So, it is a common misconception to want Love in order to become strong. Anyone seeking Love should be strong enough, in the first place. Love has nothing to do with those who are weak. That is a controversy, isn’t it? Mind that children are very strong. It’s widely believed that children are weak, which is wrong. A child orders everybody in the house and everybody fears him. How come a weak person starts crying and everybody rushes to help? Such a child cannot be weak. Such a child is strong. People from the whole neighbourhood rush to offer help if they hear a child crying. The child says, “You must help me!” Such a child can make anybody obey. People say, “What a frail, weak kid!” The child is feeble in terms of his inability to move his body, but he has a lot of inner strength to act on impulse. The child has powerful aspirations. Yet later, when the child starts growing up, he loses his strength little by little. At first, the father does not beat the child, but when the child grows up to the age of five or six, the father gives him some spanking from time to time. While you are a child, everybody loves you: therefore, you are strong because Love affects you. Hence, we want to become children, because we want to be strong. This is the first stage in Life. If we are strong, Love can come, as it will have something to deal with. Love needs to have something to work on. It will take the strength we possess, will process it, and will put it on the right tack. The experiments I assign for you to carry out can sometimes be brought off, or can sometimes fail. As a result, some of you might get discouraged. These trials present a whole branch of human knowledge. You must show the same diligence and perseverance in them as in music. I can offer you some general situation, which you can modify many times till you get some positive results. If you feel ill at ease, say, “Love and Mildness are two forces.” Then, “Love and Mildness are two attributes.” If nothing changes, try with “Love and Mildness are two conditions”, etc. While you keep saying these, watch yourselves to see which utterance exactly is more beneficial at a certain point. The utterance that has the best impact is closest to Truth. Try out the colours, namely, utter some words to see which colour corresponds to each word. Which colour corresponds to the word Plant? – The green colour. Sorrow? – Black. Knowledge? -Yellow. Yellow matches Wisdom. This colour does not exist in Nature. It is just a reflection. It has not manifested itself yet, so we do not know it, though it can manifest itself in the future. A colour that has not manifested yet is alive and conscious – it has strength. If you enter its aura, you can work wonders. Yellow and red are just masks for now. They are not real images. A reasonable force stands behind each colour in the universe. For instance, the hearts of all the Supreme Creatures of Love are related to the red colour, which they send to the Earth in the form of a stream. However, to attain the strength hidden behind this colour, you have to transform it several times, i.e. raise it seven scales higher. Let me explain what I mean. Imagine you have a picture painted in red. You feel a bit sad, and you get closer to the picture to touch it. Will this picture convey something to you, or will it impart some life in you? No, it won’t. You are still sad, so you pick up a pink rose, smell its fragrance to feel its effect on you, but still, it does not help any better. Finally, an affectionate friend of yours calls in and says, “Dear friend!” The moment you hear these words, your sadness changes. The word affection is pink in colour, so it introduces a new element in you. This word has passed through your friend’s soul and triggered high vibrations of the red colour. You perceive these vibrations, which affect you. You should say,” Love you.” and not “I love you.” The word “I” attaches a material streak to Love. So, the effect of the colours depends on their vibrations. The higher the vibrations a colour has, the better the results are. Try these out to start feeling the vibrations. When you are angry, or when you have dark thoughts, focus on yourself and your aura, and you will see in the surrounding belt wide black streaks. Then you will say, ”How black I am!” One is capable of seeing the vibrations of various colours in one’s own aura. The high vibrations coming from the supreme worlds, penetrate your aura and create a pleasant sight, while those coming from the lower worlds create lower moods and make your aura dark in colour. When you feel indisposed, you should know the reasons for this, as well as in which colour you are. Very often you happen to be in disharmony with these higher, lively colours. If your heart fails to feel right, you are in a state of disharmony with the red colour. If you are in a state of disharmony with your thoughts, it is because the yellow colour cannot convey its high vibrations to you. If you have some problems with your liver, it is because you cannot perceive the vibrations of the green colour. Many students of the occult suffer mainly because they cannot establish any harmony with colours. For the next time I would like you to think of a word that corresponds to any of the seven colours. I want you to think of words other than the two ones we have already used here: Love and Affection. It means you have to write seven words. Don’t worry if you can’t determine the colours of the words you decide on. You should be pretty much like the musician who is learning. Certain things can be acquired only through practice and training. This is the way music comes. One can understand music perfectly well in theory, and know nothing in practice. Only through constant listening and practice will you be able to distinguish one tone from another. The same applies to the theory of light. You might know a lot about the application of light in theory, while you can’t use light in practice. That’s why, what you know must be transformed and assimilated. It should become part of your flesh and blood, not literally, of course, but transformed into that living, conscious flesh that succumbs to the human Spirit. This is the knowledge you should utilise for the service of your soul. Now listen to another sentence: ”Love and Mildness are two great virtues to elevate the human soul.” The strength of your soul lies in understanding and applying these two virtues. Fig.3 As you know, these things are lines, but they are by-products. It is necessary for a feeling, a thought, or a desire to appear after it is polarized. The main point is: Let’s say you have a monad A, which wants to manifest itself. It does not go up, but strikes a root down, though not straight down to monad B. This monad B sends back the energy received from monad A through its upward projection, thus forming the first branch up in monad C. Monad A gets a second urge to manifest itself, so it strikes a second root down to form monad D. This monad D projects itself up and forms monad E. This is how monad A grows – by striking a root down, from there a branch up, one more root down, and another branch up, etc. All these are operative secondary monads, while, in effect, it is monad A that manifests itself. All this is some food for thought. It is my wish to give you a new idea to think it over. You all need some kindling. By studying the dynamic properties of matter, you will learn how to handle it. For example, if you light some dynamite in the open using an ordinary lighter,[1] it burns fast and easily without explosion. If there is very little oxygen and you set some dynamite on fire using a chemical lighter, it will be very dangerous, as it will explode. Therefore, each force has its own lighter that can make it act normally. Truth has its specific lighter. Wisdom has its lighter, and so does Love. Each force has its specific fire and its own lighter that can make it active. A different kind of fire can make the forces active, but the effect won’t be the same. A specific lighter is always required. The only lighter for the human thought is to think that God is Love. You can think of your mother, father, or your friends, but these are ordinary lighters. When you think that God is Love, such a lighter is strength. You should start with this lighter. There is no dynamic force in this world that can oppose this lighter. So, you should perceive God as Love. You shouldn’t form any philosophical concepts about Him and you shouldn’t listen to philosophers’ definitions. Although they are philosophers, it doesn’t mean anything. They describe the indescribable, and they speak about the unspeakable. You can’t see God, nor can you define Him. However, when you come into contact with Him, you will feel Him, because no living creature has His vibrations. If your soul is well disposed, when you approach God, you will perceive the most tender and delicate vibrations. However, if you approach God totally unprepared, you will experience the greatest shock. Hence, when sinners approach God, they disappear into thin air, while righteous people rejoice. So, we should try first to adapt to God’s lighter. One should approach God with humility. One even has to be heart-broken. This is the way to survive. Yet if one approaches God with dignity and grandeur as if he were a king, nothing will come out of it. God does not want kings around Him. A king stands for sins. A king lives in fear of his life and crown and has an army to defend him. Can this be a true king? A king, yes, but one capable of taking any position in this world. While a humble man when approaching God, bears all his virtues with him. So the first lighter, the most powerful one in your conscious, self-conscious, and super-conscious life, is to come in contact with God. When you approach God you should become very serious and all your inner conflicts should leave your soul. Your soul should stay open so that you will accept everything you need. This is the only way to feel God. If when approaching God, you doubt whether He will accept you, you put up a barrier yourself. So far the records of the occult do not keep data of a humble man expelled by God, while there are many cases of proud men rejected by Him. God keeps proud men at a distance not because he does not want to speak to them, but because they are unprepared for His vibrations. They cannot bear His vibrations and as a result, they experience great explosions, which bring on great damage. The Gospel says that God does not interfere with the death of a sinner. This is exactly where God’s gentility lies. So, you will come now to the philosophical thought. What I call a philosophical thought is the thought of the heart. First, you will feel, and next, you will think. First, you will taste the apples, and next, you will describe them. Nowadays everyone speaks of Love, without having tried it. I don’t mean that you haven’t tried it at all. Still, what you’ve tried is human love. And what do poets say about human love? They say that it is mutable. Can love that changes be true love? Now I am speaking about Divine Love, which can exist in the human soul. Reflection - Only the light way leads to Truth - It gives us constant Mirth and Joy. [1] It might sound strange in English, but it sounds strange in Bulgarian, too. In Bulgarian the first association is with what you can light a cigarette, and not with what you can start a fire.

Note 2p A Basis of Knowledge Third lecture of the Youth Occult Class, given by the Master Beinsa Douno on 9th November 1923, in Sofia - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It rejoices us all the time. Secret prayer Summary of the topics on “The origin of the egg and the hen” was read Also, several topics on “Origin of the wheel” were read For next time – topic № 3: “The distinctive features of the bee” You shall think over this topic. Take into consideration the cleanliness of the bee. It keeps a perfect cleanliness, it does not tolerate anything unclean, nothing stunted in its hive. The same is in the moral world as well. As regards cleanliness, Heaven is very strict; it acts in the same way as bees do in their hive. A stunted, unclean person cannot set foot there. There is no flattery in Heaven. “This one is one of us” or “This one is one of you” cannot be heard there. Only the worthy, the pure, the intelligent can live in such a hive. Let us assume that there is an erudite person in front of you, a naturalist, who is engaged especially in investigating the life of bees. I ask: After he has been engaged all his life in investigating the niceties in their lives, what has he won from the bees? – He has become a coarse-grained person, nothing more. And most of the contemporary naturalists who investigate Nature in this way become coarse-grained people, materialists; they are not able to extract that great wisdom which is held in it. A degeneration is noticed in some of the contemporary naturalists because they look at matters materialistically. For example, take the bee – by its nobility it is not on a level with man. Its nobility is the nobility of a lower life and for this reason it is natural that all people who deal with a lower substance will be influenced by it. It has the property to attract, to bring down human life to itself. As a result, all naturalists, with small exceptions, are more materialists. This is not the way to study animals, insects, plants and even minerals! You study the bee – you should study it as a stage from the great Life of the human soul; you study the ant – you should study it as a stage from the great Life of the human soul; you study plants, crystals – you should study them in the same way – they all are stages through which the human soul has passed. This is the alphabet from which the book called “The past of the human soul” has been arranged. And everyone should read the book of his past. While studying crystals he should know what these crystals have been in the time when he lived in the stage of a crystal. While studying the vegetable kingdom he should look at the course of his past and draw from this course that great lesson which Life has put in him. Only when studied in this way, natural sciences have some sense, only then there is philosophy in them, only in this way they find application. Now if you, too, as pupils at a secondary school or students at a university would have studied natural sciences as well as all other sciences from this point of view – as an unbreakable stage of your life, you would have totally different views on Life and science. While at present I often meet a great obstacle in my work because of your views. As pupils at a secondary school or students at a university, you have a high opinion of yourself; you think that you know much. It is true, but I will ask you: if you were a hundred year old man and you were asked to dance at the horo[1], would these hundred years be of use to you in this case? Do you think that while advancing in years the force of that old man advances as well? He is told: “Old man, dance for a while at the horo!” – “I cannot, I do not know.” You shall reason along with me in order to comprehend my thought. We will take two quantities the first of which I am marking as +A (A with one plus) – it represents a ten year old child. The second quantity I am marking as ++A (A with two plusses) – it represents a hundred year old man whose years thus are ten times more than the years of the child. Then you have: +A – 10 years and ++A – 100 years. Both quantities are two living beings moving to one and the same direction n. If we add twenty years to +A as well as twenty years to ++A, which one of the two will benefit? - The first. Why? It is assumed that the old man would benefit more because the number 20 is added to a number bigger than 10, i.e. to 100? But the old man does not benefit because he is positive. In what does this positiveness lie? He lives with the idea that he is rich, he is provided for, and he has accumulated a great wealth on which he relies. Yet he lives with the idea that he is an erudite person, he has much experience in life, he is sure of himself, etc. But to live with such ideas in the Life which brings something new in itself any moment means to lose your power, to gain nothing. These are the reasons why when adding twenty years to the life of the old man he becomes weaker whereas when adding these years to the life of the ten years old child, it becomes a strong person. From what does this difference result? What is the law that determines the forces? Why is the old man the one who when increasing in mind does not at the same time increase in force? You will say that old men acquire their force later. This is fifty percent true but there are exclusions in this percentage as well. Sometimes the old man loses not only his force but his bright thoughts too. What is the reason for this? Hence positive forces do not always benefit in the world. I want you to comprehend things well, to reason rightly. Someone says: “One should have a positive will and a positive mind.” It is true but here the law of probability can be applied. Not always the positive will benefits and not always the positive mind benefits. Why? The old man who has two plusses, who has reached one hundred and twenty and lives with positive thoughts, moves in а thicker substance because he meets greater resistances in his life than the young one who lives in a thinner environment with smaller resistances. Hence if the plusses increase, the resistances increase but the force decreases – this is how it is in the life of the old man; and if the plusses decrease, the resistances decrease but the force increases. The law that we can draw from this is the following: the force in our life will be inversely proportional to the resistances that we meet, i.e. big force - small resistances, small force - big resistances. And all this depends on the thickness of the environment. That is why in our life we should go the way with the least resistances. This is quite natural. Why? How do you go to an eating-house, you first check how much money you have in your purse and then you spend according to your funds, don’t you? When you enter a shop you check your purse in the same way and according to it you buy better or plainer cloth, don’t you? When you are going to build a house or to start a long journey you will in the same way check the state of your purse and the opportunities it contains. You should know that when you enter the material world all these things should be taken into consideration, but you often forget them. In this respect the young are like the old. But you should know that with these omissions in Life you sink more in the substance and as a result the thickness of the environment increases, the resistance too and your force decreases. I will ask you from where do you come, how many years have past since you left your home? – “We do not know.” Do you have letters from your departed relatives, from your father, from your mother? – “We do not have any.” And you will tell me now like the old: “We believe in the Only God…” This belief is not of use to you. Why? If I stay in my room and believe that there is a Sun but do not go out to warm myself in that Sun, what do I benefit from it? If I stay in a cellar and from there I calculate the intensity of sun light, how many vibrations the longest sun beams make, and even if I know about all the worlds, what do I benefit from it? Nothing. This knowledge may be of use to my mind to a certain extent, but the calculations regarding sun beams are not in the least bit useful to my soul. Therefore, when we talk about the great Truths in Life we should be in a direct connection not indirect with the beams of the sun, to be at least under the salutary influence of these beams. What is noticed however in the life of the young? – They become old prematurely. Why? A desire to grow up quickly is conceived in you, the young. You are in a hurry and say to yourself: “When will I grow up to be twenty one?” You are in a hurry to become electors, to vote. And some are in a hurry to get to thirty so that they might hope to take a certain ministry post. You all hurry. What will you win with your hurry? The matter[A1] is not in the hurry to grow up sooner. You should not even think about growing; when you will grow up does not depend on you. Many disciples from the Esoteric school stumble in that very question. As soon as you enter the School you hurry to become very erudite, very good. The aim of the School is not to make you good nor to make you clever and to acquire much knowledge. Do you know why this is not a task of the School? What will be the difference in such a case between a rich person who lays up his money in a safe and every day labours after more and more wealth and you wanting to amass more and more knowledge in your mind like a banker? This knowledge will increase your troubles even more. The rich looks at his money everyday, worries and frets. And you, too, when you acquire more knowledge, you will become more sensitive, more ambitious, will start to think yourself to be something great and will not be able to stand all this. And how will you be able to stand it? How absurd we, the people on the Earth are! We have a brain weighing 1.5 kilograms, placed into a skull. Having such a small substance, such a limited mind you want to range over the entire universe, to put everything under your feet and to say: “Do you know who I am?” I say: you are the young man with a weight of 1.5 kilograms in your head. Do you know what the brain of an Angel is? By the intensity of its vibrations and by its quality the brain of an Angel is an aggregate of the brains of the whole mankind. Do you know what is written in the brain of an Angel? How will you feel if you appear before an Angel? Listening to me now, some of you may lose heart but we are talking of encouragement and not of discouragement. You should comprehend Life fundamentally. If you do not comprehend it like that you will depart in the same way as all other young and old people. You will grow like that hundred year old man. Hence when you become one hundred you will start reiterating all your past foolish things, because old people do nothing but to reiterate the wheel of their life like that horse which turns the wheel in the garden. The old man will always keep saying: “Once, when I was young everything was this, was that.” No, there is no sense to repeat life over and over again. You will grow up without thinking, without wanting to grow up sooner. The pleasant in Life is to grow without thinking about it; to become good without thinking that you have become good but to take advantage of the favourable conditions every moment. I have heard some young people say: “I am not so good.” But when have you been good? Another time you say: “I am good.” What is this logic of yours, this philosophy? You shall reason rightly! I ask you: How do you define the Good? Is it possible for a gem to be a diamond today and a coal tomorrow? It is not. If you are good today, you will always be good; if you are bad at a moment, you are always bad. There is one exception to this rule: a coal can be turned into a diamond. How? By subjecting it to a high temperature and a high pressure. So, when a rational force acts on the coal it will change to a diamond. A rational force is able to change a diamond to a coal as well. This may happen but it refers to the diamonds in the physical world. As far as the human soul is concerned, take into consideration the following: there is no force in the world capable to change the soul into a coal. It remains a gem of the Kingdom of God for ever. It has come out of the Divine breath – you should consider this as a law. A pure soul cannot be vitiated, it is always pure! Do remember this; keep this thought in yourselves in order not to lose heart! Once you come to a contradiction, do say: “My soul is pure. If I have stained my record, it is externally; it does not concern the soul.” Therefore, you should consider that your mistake is in the action and not because your soul has become better or worse. I can tell you that sometimes you have acted wisely and sometimes not wisely but this does not concern your soul. When we come to your reasoning I ask: in what does your philosophy lie? It represents the development of the high human thoughts, their contemplation. I ask: what philosophers are most right in their reasoning? I do not criticize them but I say: take whatever philosopher for whom you say has an excellent philosophy and build your life in accordance with his theories to see what result you will have. I want you to reason in substance, in sense. If you ask me: “Then why do we need philosophy?” This question is equivalent to the question: “Why do we need light?” A traveler needs light to light the way he is going. Why do we need Knowledge? It is a light for mind – it shows the way which one is going. Why do we need Love? To make our Life worth living. Why do we need Wisdom? To decorate this Life, to give it sense, intensity. Why do we need Truth? To give us Freedom to transform our Life. And so, you should place the Knowledge that you are acquiring now as a basis of the science on the Earth. These are materials needed to create the right views on things in you. Saying this I do not mind in the least that you, as disciples of the Esoteric school, should travel round the world and explain everywhere your views on things. No, on these matters you will talk with the most erudite people while with the stupid ones you will talk about ordinary things – about onions, garlic, etc. If you keep this rule you will have less sufferings, i.e. you will say as Christ used to say: “Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof.” This means: there are so many sufferings in the world; there is no need for us to add more. For example, sometime you may be asked what you think about Life, if there is a future life. And you get confused at once and start proving in a philosophical way what one philosopher has said in this way, some other philosopher – in that way. The one who listens to you says: “You are an utter fool!” You shrink up and say: “They did not comprehend me.” It is a question who did not comprehend whom – whether he did not comprehend you or you did not comprehend him. I think that you, who speak, did not comprehend the other. Many of you say: “We became stupid since we entered the School as esoteric disciples.” It is natural that one will become stupid. When? When he does not read, does not learn anything. There are erudite people who after finishing a university do not read anything. They know what has been said twenty years earlier but are not acquainted with the new theories. These scientists who keep abreast with the new theories will say about them: “You are far behind.” Life is motion that is why one who does not want to be behind should not stop but should always move. At that you will have to fight with a number of difficulties in the world. You are considered to be esoteric disciples but you are not real idealists yet. I ask you: “Do you have any idea and what is it?” I do not mind discouraging you, but I ask you in order you clarify to yourselves the situation in which you are at present. I will ask you the same question in another form: how much money do you have in your pocket? You say: “A thousand levs[2].” Let us count it! You take it out and count it; it comes out one hundred levs. “How is that, I thought there was one thousand.” The check shows however that there is a hundred levs. Which is the Truth? Do you think that you will not go bankrupt with such ideas? You will. You will ascertain the fact as it is. You have a hundred levs, not a penny more – you will fix the amount exactly without having any illusions. These are not my objections; this is a sum of laws that exist in Nature. Nature would brook absolutely no falseness. Note how wisely Nature has created the entire universe with all the frictions and collisions that take place in the world! It has foreseen all possibilities that may happen between two solar systems. Between Alpha-Centauri[3], for example, there is a distance of twenty five milliard miles of empty space in which three thousand solar systems could be drawn up without any of the smallest collisions between them. Why is this space there? Nature has foreseen all possible frictions that might appear and has left empty spaces to avoid these accidents. Not only between the greatest bodies has it placed certain barriers but between you too. Why? – On the basis of the same law – in order to avoid frictions that could create accidents. Do you think that there is no barrier between the two sexes – men and women? Do you know what barriers are there? But if you remove these sacred barriers that Nature has placed, accidents and misfortunes will await for you. There are barriers between friends as well. When you want to meet a friend of yours more intimately you should not remove the barrier, the fence that Nature has placed but you should climb that fence and say: “My friend, come to have a heart-to-heart talk!” If you destroy these sacred fences you will lose your happiness. You cannot be wiser than God, you cannot be wiser than Nature! Now, these misunderstandings that are notable between you are due to your different opinions, to the difference in your development. Often your good mood is replaced by an unpleasant one. For example, you are invited to dinner somewhere, a hen has been roasted especially for you and you are told: “We have prepared an excellent dinner for you.” You do not know what the dinner is but you make ready for a copious dinner. You sit down at the table, make ready to eat but just in this moment a friend of yours comes, takes the hen from the table, puts a dish with nice apples instead and says: “My friend, I took the hen for me and left a dish of apples for you.” Your good mood changes for an unpleasant one at once. As you have prepared yourself for a copious dinner your expectation remains unappeased because a bitter feeling arises in you. I ask: is there any injustice that your friend took the hen leaving you the apples? Accept this and say: “You did very well to take the hen for yourself and to leave the apples for me.” This is what is understood to be rational, to be able to reconcile all discrepancies in Life and to remain satisfied when it deprives you of something. It takes the hen from you and gives you apples. What does the irrational one do? He is angry, he is dissatisfied, he says: “I do not want to eat any apples, I want a hen, that hen has been roasted for me.” And then he starts to speak ill of his friend. I ask: did he win the hen after he got angry, after he spoke so many insulting words to his friend? – No. Your friend tells you: “I beg your pardon; I brought apples instead of the hen.” Finally you soften and say: “All right, I excuse you.” You excused him, but when? After you have spent so much energy in vain! Also, some other thing is possible: after you have forgiven him, to go to your long home [A2] with the thought: “I have forgiven him, but he did eat the entire hen.” That means that you go to your long home [A3] with ingratitude that you have not eaten the hen. I ask: what did you win then? These are the greatest misfortunes that contemporary disciples suffer at the School. No, an important quality is required from the esoteric disciple – resignation but a rational resignation. Resignation with the conditions, resignation with the privations, in general – resignation grounded on a deep understanding of Life is needed. I will give you an example to see how easy American students resign to the conditions of life. Many of them who have no funds to study at a university but have a strong will can be seen to serve in various eating-houses with aprons tied on. After finishing the lunch they wash the plates, have their meals and go out to meet friends and play cricket, football with them – there is no difference between rich and poor students. These students do not feel ashamed to work, do not murmur against the conditions, they wisely resign to them. And you will see them after several years to have graduated, some - as doctors, others as philosophers, others – as professors and so on. In Bulgaria, however, this will be interpreted in a different way. Every student in America wants to be free to a certain extent, they have grasped the importance of independence, of freedom and they say: “I can make an honest livelihood.” These students do not serve in eating-houses only but also visit rich people to light their stoves, to go shopping, etc., but after four-five years they will already be disengaged from these duties. What conclusion can we deduce from this example? Some of you are in an impasse and ask: “When are we going to finish this school, what help will it be in our life?” What, you come to the Esoteric school for a profit, is that so? No, you should know that you come to the Esoteric school to learn how to live wisely. Once you learn to live wisely you will know how to utilize science in all its branches, in all its positive and negative phases, will know how to eliminate every bad side of it and to take every good side. Each science has both a positive and a negative side and the esoteric disciple should learn to live wisely and to use wisely the knowledge that mankind has acquired so far. The Great Masters of mankind do not allow scientists to acquire too much knowledge at a time because if too much unnecessary knowledge would be given in the present circumstances of their lives this knowledge would not bring such brilliant results as they would expect. Why? The brain of contemporary mankind, its nervous system is not adapted in a way to stand the quick vibrations of this supreme knowledge. There are certain ideas which if pronounced the legs of many of you won’t hold them and they will fall forward on their faces. This happens to many people from the ordinary life that are considered strong, courageous people, they speak a lot but as soon as they appear before some erudite person or before a high-born person such as king or some other, fear seizes them, they start shaking, become tongue-tied and are not able to speak. Why? – Their brains cannot vibrate in accordance with the vibrations of those erudite or high-born people and cannot stand them. No right exchange can take place between them. That is why at the present development of mankind all great erudite people hide themselves, they do not manifest themselves to the world and when they have to, they take most simple form in order to avoid any shock. You may find such facts somewhere in the Old Testimony, for example in Isaiah, in chapter 6, verses 5, 6, and 7: “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.” Therefore, this sacred fire of Love in which there is no treason, no lie and in which the sacred Truth lives should be laid upon you as well. And your souls being of young people, disciples of the Great School should be kneaded by the new leaven of Love. You should have Love between one another. All these doubts, suspicions, misunderstandings which exist in contemporary mankind are remains of a great destruction and because of that they should be thrown out. Do have in mind that there are conditions for everyone to develop, nobody can take them from him, but the important issue is that these conditions will not always last. I ask you: if you are near or under a big tree, will it be of use to you, will it not overshadow you? It is good for a traveler who wants to have a rest, but this shadow of the tree will stop a plant growing. If you are a plant and this tree throws you half a kilometer away from itself, does it do you any harm? – No, it does you good. This tree says to you: “Look here, sonny, you cannot grow under my shadow but I threw you out of me, in the sun beams to grow and to do good.” We do not want to overshadow you; we want all of you to be free. You should not falter from how much others know, do not look at that big tree. The power of man is not in his size. Do not say: “I want to be big!” How big do you want to be, as big as an elephant? What a big head, what a big trunk it has! The human mind stands much higher than the mind of the elephant. The sense of things is not in the external shape. Remember one thing: every pot when made should pass through a fire until it is baked well. And how many times it should pass through the oven! If 250-300 °C is needed for a pot to be baked, do you know how many degrees are needed for your feelings to be baked? – At least fifty thousand degrees of heat are needed. Do you know how many degrees are needed for a wish of your soul to be baked? – At least one hundred millions degrees. This heat of one hundred millions degrees is not the heat that burns, that destroys; it is a heat which imports that great Divine life. Those supreme vibrations in man which stimulate the most elevated and noble are generated at this heat. So, I say: if some of you are submitted to an examination in Life, you should know that these things are strictly determined. We know the laws which determine the examinations in Life. Knowing the laws, in accordance with them I know what will happen to me every day but I never make any attempts to decline or avoid it. I have never made an attempt to change my fate so far. Why? If I change my fate, things a hundred times worse will befall me. When they sent man to the Earth, Nature along with all Elevated beings that work in accordance with its laws have estimated all opportunities, foreseen all conditions at which his mind, his heart and his will can develop normally. Hence the conditions of your life in which you live are the best for you. You cannot be given a life better than you have at present. In the future it can be possible, but under the present circumstances, with the views you have at present, this life of yours is the best. The mistake that you make in your life is that you do not live up to the ideas of your soul. Do you know what the sacred tremor of your soul is? Do you know how tender the human soul is? There is absolutely no rudeness in the soul. It is ready to share its last morsel with a friend, with the poorest person. It does not distinguish between an ant and itself. When the soul directs a tender tremor to a small being, it flutters and says: “Here is a soul that understands me.” The tenderness, the kind-heartedness that the soul has – these are qualities of God. A single look of God is able to change your conditions, to uplift you to grow. His look always brings Knowledge, Wisdom, Freedom, and Life. And so, when you are filled with enthusiasm, being disciples of the Great School, you will not crave to grow up sooner and to become old, but you will study, will apply Love, will accept the Light and will use the Divine freedom. I wish that an internal harmony will be created among all of you so that your class could develop normally, otherwise you will have meager results. This is the right way on which, if you keep, you will acquire a Rational life by which both you and your fellow-men and friends will be satisfied. It is said in the Scriptures, as well: “The Kingdom of God is of the little children.” It is not said that the Kingdom of God is of the old, but of the children, of the young, of those who grow. Only on such a basis the true Knowledge can be acquired. Only in this way you can develop rightly. Out of this principle you will look like old people and you will lose everything after a hundred years, your life will be made senseless. You, the Special, the Youth class, are a class that should always grow and be young and never get old. In a hidden form I call the Youth class “A class of the eternal youth, of the Divine tenderness.” I would like you to remain children forever – not by mind but your souls to be children’s or I will use a term of mine: your souls to be tender! Secret prayer - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It makes us rejoice all the time. [1] Horo – a Bulgarian round chain folk-dance [2] Lev – Bulgarian currency [3] Alpha-Centauri – the closest to our Sun star which is at a distance of 4.3 light years away from it [A1]problem [A2]Unclear. [distant home] or [to go on your long journey home] [A3]Same as above.

Note 2p TASKS OF THE TRUE SCIENCE Fourth lecture of the Youth Occult Class, given by the Master Beinsa Douno on 4th November 1923 in Sofia - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It rejoices us all the time. Meditation Several works on the topic “The distinctive features of the bee” were read Summary on the topic “The origin of wheel” was read For next time – topic № 4: “The role of white and red corpuscles in blood” This evening I will talk to you on the tasks of the true science. When I talk to you many of you see the negative side of the lecture. When we indicate the weaknesses of a certain branch of science, for example of medicine – the science of medical treatment of people, we do not have in view to criticize it, not in the least, but discussing the state of the development of Science today we are indicating the possibilities of its development in the near future. Most physicians start learning medicine from the peccant state of organism. This, however, is not the right way to study. First of all the healthy organism should be examined to have an established norm for the state of health and out of this norm to diagnose when one is in a peccant state, when not, what the disease is, at what extent it is dangerous, etc. Fig.1 Let us assume that point A, as a living point, represents the state of health in man. His organism is growing and develops rightly in his life and is reaching point B where, while striking roots of activities he encounters certain difficulties, certain obstacles for his development. These obstacles cause certain disturbances in the organism. Then A changes into A2 (A to the second degree) while B – into B2 (B to the second degree). The way A2B2 is the way of development of the living point A at the difficulties met which create the internal contradictions in man. To avoid the disturbances which happen in the organism medicine will come to help[A1] , what[A2] shows that its only task is not to merely cure the organism but higher than it as well[A3] . The fault is not in the medical science but in the ideas that contemporary scientists have about this science. They determine its aims and tasks according to their concepts. Let us take another branch of science – astronomy, for example. How do contemporary astronomers study it? Some of them study the way of planets, the composition, certain aberrations, certain disturbances which happen with them but the information they get is external only. A true astronomer should start to study the inner state of planets, to reach those great truths that engage the interest of contemporary scientists. You will say: “We do not know many things because they are far from us whereas we know, study easily those that are near”. But the terms far and near are defined as regards the speed at which we move. If one moves at the speed of light, then the Sun is very near to him, he will need eight minutes to get there; however, if he moves at the speed of man then the Sun will be very far away. From here, the terms of attainable and unattainable things appear in the world. For a clever person everything is attainable in time and space. Now, I want you to comprehend things rightly, not to be followers of a science and to hold strictly within the range of its aims and tasks. Contemporary sciences are not named correctly. The names do not correspond quite to the tasks they assume as the names of many contemporary people do not correspond to their characters. For example, you are christened Ivan but you are not satisfied with this name. You want to be called Stefan or George but the choice does not depend on you. Your father, mother, grandfather got together and said: “Let us christen this child Ivan!” In the future we will have a completely different opinion of sciences; there is no need to criticize them. We are thankful to science for what it has given us in the way of its development until now. Often some young people say: “It has been proved by science!” Once they believed in science they are convinced of their conclusions and do not accept any new thought. So what has been proved by science? Nothing definitely has been proved by it exactly on the matters on which contemporary people dispute most. We individualize science like a personality but actually science is a result of the efforts of the human Spirit. He has created philosophy, mathematics, natural sciences and all other branches of science and has named them by himself. In the future there will be three branches of sciences: one branch will deal with the physical sciences, the second one, the spiritual branch, will deal with the intellectual sciences and the third branch will be a science of the origin of human Spirit which will touch those fields of science which at present are incomprehensible for contemporary scientists. You all should utilize contemporary science for your good. Do study everything in science that is useful for your development and do cast aside everything that is harmful for you. You must not stuff your mind with useless furniture. Fig.2 Phrenology should be of great interest for you as disciples of the esoteric science who will study Life in a rational way. I will outline some thoughts on it. Let us take, for example, line AB which will represent the line above the eyebrows in man. According to contemporary phrenologists all observation capacities are disposed along this line of the forehead, namely at points a1, a2, a3, b4, b5, b6, each of which represents a certain center. For example, what observation centers are there along this line? While you are looking at an object you first specify its shape, then its size, its weight, what place it occupies in the space, etc. These and a number of other centers lie all along this line of the forehead. They collect only the external data from Nature. For this reason, when studying an object first you shall study its external side as a naturalist does and shall develop your observation capacities. And really, in all those people who have been occupied with natural sciences for twenty-thirty years, the lower parts of their foreheads above the eyebrows project strongly while the upper parts of their foreheads remain lying a bit backward. Yet in philosophers, who do not deal so much with the externals of objects but reason more, study the principals in Life, the upper parts of foreheads are developed – reasoning, comparison, imagination – the center of adherence to principles of things. If I show forehead by two lines, upper and lower, then naturalists move along the lower line, while philosophers – along the upper line. Fig.3 Now, if we look at line OP what does it look like? – It looks like steps. The first step is the mouth, the second – the nose and the third – the forehead. This means that in life one ascends a mountain peak that goes uphill, more and more uphill. The circle is going upwards and a new range, new abilities are opening. At first sight there is no sense in this curve but if you draw an eye, an ear to it, then it will make sense. The various branches of contemporary science have this good side which develops people harmoniously. For example, no matter if you study physics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, botany, zoology, philosophy, theology or whichever other science, each of them works on a particular region of your mind and develops respective hidden forces in your soul. Thus in its total all sciences cover the entire reality i.e. develop all those centers in which human capacities are put. The whole of mankind works today on delivering materials for building up the ideal, the new man. When the materials are prepared, the future mankind, the future human form will be built as well. Contemporary culture has at its disposal the materials which have been left by the former one and the future culture will have at its disposal the materials of the present one. When we consider the matter in this way we will come to the deep comprehension that everything in the world is governed by a supreme, rational Power. This Power is not singular, it has a collective manifestation. The total work of this supreme collective Power is distributed in various fields. The things that at first sight seem chance to us are strictly determined in the Rational Nature. The plough that passes through an ant-hill and destroys the whole architecture is a chance occurrence for the ants; they do not know what the reason for this is but the one who ploughs knows the reason, he knows why he has destroyed it. If all philosophers in that ant-hill would meet to consider why their nest has been destroyed, who destroyed it and many other questions they would not be able to solve them in the right way. They would be able to interpret this destruction in different ways but only the rational man who has passed with his plough over their nest would define the reasons for that destruction. And so, for every thing in Life, which you are not able to interpret for yourselves, there are rational reasons which you will understand in future if you do not understand today. Now, you should be consistent in your life, not small-minded to say: “Let us make use of the present life somehow or other.” No, you should use your present life as a condition for laying a sound basis of the future life. You are a pupil at a school, your father is rich, he has resources to support you; what should you do then, do you have to trade, do you have to prepare everything necessary for the study? Your father has arranged a room, clothes, food, a teacher; only work and persistence to study is required from you. Once you have come to the Earth, you should study! If you doubt and say: “But my father may die one day, I have to make provisions for me, don’t I?” No, we think a little differently about this. We agree with Christ who says: “Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof.” One should think of today only. Today is a basis of all other days; and all days of the past are a basis of today. Today holds the opportunities of all future days and all future days are put into today. Once you comprehend things in this way you will have inspiration. If you do not take a philosophic view of Life you will lose heart, will say: “This is not the way of our life, we have to find some other way.” You, the young, should study the life of the young who preceded you. Some people may tell you that you are not on the right way; that you have lost your way, etc. It might be true, do not answer back but only do look intently at their life to see whether they have found the true way of Life. They have not found it either. If the old have not found it how more so about the young! If the old grope about how more so will the young grope about to find their way! This, however, is not groping about. I call it “doubt in Life itself”, because of which contemporary philosophy says that in order to acknowledge things we should reject them. So, we have to lose things in order to evaluate them. How will we evaluate something when we lose it? You have a friend and when he dies you evaluate him to have been very good. What is the use that you have evaluated him after his death? Contemporary philosophy lies in that all evaluate dead people only. That is why it is a culture of the dead. Today Christ is appreciated – thousands of churches have been built in His name, all light candles and church-lamps to Him but whatever crimes are being committed today they all are committed in His name! He keeps silent all time… For this reason Christ is good, ideal, because He never protests. If Christ would live today on the Earth, He would get into contradiction with those who believe in Him. While now all quote: “Christ said like this, Christ said like that.” Yes, because He died. But they even do not want to know what this educated Man has thought, what His deep views on Life have been. All examine things superficially. Now, I do not want you to be of genius, philosophers. My aim is for you to have a sober faith. Do you know what a sober faith means? I will give you an example to see what I call a sober faith. A child is walking on the road but happens to fall to the ground and starts crying. When it sees that there is no one to raise it the child picks itself up and keeps on its way. Some other child, when falling to the ground, picks itself up at once, gives a smile and keeps on forward. This means a sober faith. I want you to be like that cheerful child – when you fall to pick yourself up at once and to say: “Next time I will be careful.” Most of you are like the first child – when you fall you look back for someone to raise you and after that you say: “My heart is broken!” There is nothing that you have fallen[A4] , it is not by chance. Every falling has its good side. I will give you an example that I have given you before as well: while going on business, a Bulgarian dislocated his leg and his friend put him on the horse to take him to a healer to set the leg (this was in Turkish times).[1] At some point in time the horse started kicking, unseated him and he fell to the ground saying to himself: “Not only one leg is broken but the other will break too.” But when he got up, the dislocated leg had set. That the horse kicked you off is not a sign that it wanted to harm you. If you meet an obstacle in your life, this obstacle may set your leg and you will be glad. In this case science may throw you in contradictions but sometimes this science with its theories is able to undeceive you and to set your minds into place. For example, why did materialism appear in the world in the 19thcentury? – To set the minds of people into place. The entire cobweb in their minds cleared. It came in the time when scholasticism was at the summit of its development and a more sober thought had to be lent. Whereas now a new spiritual movement should come to interpret facts as they are in the Living Nature. I told you that you should not be followers of any science nor you are able to. You cannot require from a science more than it is. Why such and such a philosopher thinks in a certain way is his right - this is the way he looks, he thinks, he has come up to there. You should say to yourself: “This philosopher is right for himself, he is fifty percent right as regards the others but I know that there are things that he has not taken into consideration.” You are still young and for this you first see how to build up your life, how to rise in the world. Sometimes you think like the old: how you will get through, how you will find job and often you do not sleep all night and imagine what your life will be after twenty years. I am telling you that after a hundred and twenty years both the cameleer and the camel will leave the desert and will not pass through there any more. Do not think of today only! “You have sufficient of what you need today and the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” – Christ says. A wise man will every day find the conditions needed for his life. These conditions exist, they are always created. All of you do not look at things in the same way; that is why differences may appear in your views. Some of you look more impartially on things - they are more observant, in others reasoning capacities are more developed, in the third – music feelings, in the fourth – imagination, in the fifth – memory, in the sixth – speech, etc. However, all this is not an advantage for either party, on the contrary – with all this you can complement and harmonize one another. One cannot be talented, great in all respects; there will be always something lacking. If one would be perfect in the totality of one’s development, everything would stand differently. Fig.4 If you look at science from this point of view, what should have been, for example, the size of the face towards the body? Ancient Greeks have defined that the length of face should be one tenth of the whole height of man and the forehead should be one third of the face. We may ask why exactly the face should be one tenth of the whole height. They have not given any reasons for this yet, but they have found that exactly with this proportion people are symmetric, ideal, beautiful forms prevail in them. For example, in the Yellow race the forehead is wide in the lower part and is narrow in the upper one, it has the shape of a trapezium, whereas in the White race the upper part of forehead is a bit more domed outwards compared to the same in the Yellow race, and wider, almost right-angled. In the individuals of the White race the Camper’s angle is 800 while in the Yellow race it is 750. This shows that the lower part of their forehead is more domed whereas the upper is straight, lying a bit backwards. You may ask what relation these measures might have that in some the Camper’s angle is 800 while in the others it is 750 or what difference there might be in the intelligence if the forehead is narrower above and wider below or wider above and narrower below? Common people cannot find anything particular to relate these ratios; also, they cannot find the reasons why the upper part of the forehead should be wider and the lower – narrower, but educated people study these things. It is noticed that when one deals with philosophy, his forehead becomes wider above. You will notice that in those among you in whom the forehead is not wide above, the reasoning faculties are less developed. The forehead of those who reason philosophically is wide above, they have worked in the past, and there are certain centers and capabilities awakened in them in which their fortitude manifests. Strong interest towards the different branches of science should be awakened in you to develop gradually the various centers as well. That is why the task of the esoteric science is to develop your supreme capability, to awaken the Divine in you and your supreme intelligence. Once the Divine awakens in you, you will have a different mood towards things and Life. Your will, will be powerful, it will have a new element in itself, i.e. it will have such a powerful impulse upward that in whatever circumstances it gets its power will not change, will not grow weak. When we speak about the Living Rational Nature, some people comprehend it wrong; they say: “God will think of us.” I agree with this but in which case? If the son says that his father will think of him, this will be true. Really, his father will think of a room, food, clothes, books but he cannot study instead of his son. Therefore, God can think over everything instead of us but cannot study instead of us. The Rational Beings can think over everything instead of us but there is one thing that they cannot do instead of us – they cannot study instead of us. This means that there is a special work for which we are here, on the Earth – to study! You all should certainly study; you should live, experience, act, exercise your will, heart and mind. Nobody can live instead of you, nobody can think instead of you; it is not possible to think with somebody else’s mind, to feel by somebody else’s heart, and to act by somebody else’s will. You shall feel by your heart, think by your mind and act by your will! And so, as disciples of the Esoteric school you shall wager on your mind, heart and will to study and the studies shall be accompanied by an internal longing, by Love. Once you have this Love you will achieve the great Truth which is an aim of your Life. And then, whichever branch of science you choose, you will make use of it. We do not impose on you to choose this or that branch of science. Each one of you is free to choose whatever branch he wants but you should know that this branch should be an appliance for the development of your mind, heart and soul. Secret prayer - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It rejoices us all the time. [1] The time when Bulgaria was under the Turkish slavery [A1]will help or will begin to help [A2]which [A3]Unclear. Higher what? {raise it higher] [A4]Unclear. Maybe - [it is not by chance that you have fallen.]

Note 2p THE LIVING POINTS IN NATURE The second lecture of the Master given to the Youth Occult Class 28th October, 1923, Sofia - Only the light way of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It constantly gives us mirth and joy. Reflection The topics on “The Origin of the Egg” were read to the audience. I am going to speak about the living points in Nature. Fig.1 Let us assume that we have a living point A, which is expected to manifest itself. Can you define in which direction this point will move in this particular case? You will say, "This point will move, for example, from the centre to the periphery.” Which direction will this movement take – to the left, or to the right? The answer is to the left. Therefore, the centre, from which point A starts, will be point B, from where point A moves to the left, and will reach the point marked as A. Let us assume that here the living point has reached the extreme limit of its movement and stops. What do you think, will this living point stay here, will it come back to point B, or will it take some other direction? Imagine, also, that centre B, which is also alive, moves in some other direction even faster than point A. It means that point A cannot come back in the same direction to point B, but will take a detour and go perpendicularly straight along AC. This diversion is already called a fall. So, whenever a living force in Nature reaches its utmost limit of movement and cannot come back to the point it has come from, it always makes a diversion from the right way and falls, forming a short line AC. This line always indicates a certain result. AC defines the work accomplished, and it also indicates the force applied. What should the living point A do in order to restore the force used? It should come back to centre B, thus forming the line of movement CB. The two lines formed by the movement of point A are almost equal. What I would like to ask you now is whether point A will have the same attributes in both cases, i.e., the moment it started from point B, and the moment it came back to point B. There will be a certain modification. How will you express such a modification mathematically? Now, I will discuss some psychological processes going on within you so that you can understand them correctly. Take, for instance, the urge A you have, which is eager to reveal itself and go out of centre B in your mind. This urge A, your Ego, starts from B and reaches its limit of manifestation, after which it comes back to B, but with some experience acquired. Can you define what exactly this acquired experience will be? If A starts from B, the centre of your mind, there should be some impulse, proving that each desire you have is conscious. Do you really think that since you entered this class, you have remained just the same? No, you’ve changed within this hour. You have already taken the distance BA, and now you will start the process of returning. This stage can last a second or two, sometimes it can take a minute or more, an hour or more, and sometimes it can take days, weeks, years, etc. – the law is just the same. Thus, the time it takes for a thought or a desire to come back can be given a mathematical expression. Let us take as an example a case when you have the impetus to study music, yet it is hindered by external circumstances, so you cannot take it up right away. It seems that your desire lingers on. But it happens that a month or two later you listen to a concert somewhere and when you return home, your desire is rekindled. I would like to ask you how, in the first place, it happened so that you went to the concert that stirred your desire. The reason for all this to happen is your subconscious mind. As your urge belongs to the Divine World, your subconscious mind came to realise pretty soon that you need music and accordingly, started to prepare the soil for this desire to come out. Your subconscious mind urged you to listen to some music; it led you to the concert without you being aware of all this. Then your conscious mind starts catching up until you finally find all the favourable conditions to fulfill your desire. I believe that four simultaneous processes are going on while your desire is being accomplished. One process is going from the subconscious to the conscious mind, another is going from the self-conscious to the super conscious mind, and the other two processes intervene from the conscious to the self-conscious mind and from the super conscious to the subconscious. So, when a desire you have had does not come true since you were not clever enough, it goes to the super conscious mind. Shortly the Supreme Reasonable Creatures, who are in charge of you life, start examining what has hindered your desire, what impediments you have faced and when they find the reasons, they place your desire back in your subconscious mind, or rather in the Divine World, and from there right back to your conscious mind so that you can start its fulfillment. This process of returning can last a second, a minute, an hour, or even longer. Your subconscious mind will willingly create the necessary conditions for you to visit a concert in order to rekindle your desire and urge you to act towards its fulfillment. If you fail to fulfill it again, it will go back to the subconscious mind, following the same route until the day comes when you will be ready to make it happen. All this comes to make you think that if an idea cannot be achieved today; there will come the time when favourable conditions for its realisation can occur. Fig.2 Now I would like to ask you which the most popular art is. (Music) Do you all agree? (Poetry, too). Well, let’s take music (M) and poetry (P) as symbols to explain the law. Let’s say that you are the living conscious point (L.C.), which has a certain shape and certain direction. This living conscious point moves in the direction of arrow 1 and reaches the material world in point A. However, as a result of some unfavourable circumstances, this point L.C. cannot go up towards its aim, or towards its destination, and taking a detour, it falls at point C along the arrow 2, which causes its delay. During its fall it loses the opportunity to become a musician. It cannot fulfill its desire and ends up in line AC, the line of suffering. Then it says, "I have lost everything, and I do not want to deal with Life.” The moment it says so, the desire goes straight to the super conscious, the Divine Centre B, following the direction of arrow 3, and any stimulus to music is ostensibly blocked. However, once sent to the Divine Consciousness, the thought or the desire cannot be ignored, as God is not among those who will not hear you. The Divine Consciousness starts working and examining the reasons for your failure, trying to eliminate them. After your desire has formed a full circle, tracing the route of arrows 1, 2 and 3, the movement goes from the Divine Centre to the subconscious mind, i.e. all this can be carried out many times – once, twice, ten, a hundred, or a thousand times until finally, it is fulfilled by you and you can see it already fulfilled in the direction of arrow 6 and at point P. So, no human desire remains within its utmost limits. It may stay temporarily there, but there comes a time when it is achieved. Therefore, you should bear in mind that all the good desires you cherish will be fulfilled sooner or later. However, there is another law that can harm you. Let’s say, that you want to become a musician and you send your desire up to the Divine World, but you miss all the favourable conditions to fulfill it until, eventually, you completely forget about it and decide once and for all that your desire is unattainable. The Reasonable Creatures in the Divine World work for the fulfillment of your desire, so they direct it towards your subconscious mind, which stirs your desire and makes you find a way to have it fulfilled. However, you have already lost faith in Life and do not focus on that desire. The more you doubt, the later your thought or desire will recur in your mind. Your hesitation itself stands in your way to becoming a musician. You could carry out a small experiment to prove the validity of this law. Imagine you face a difficult problem and you say, “I can’t solve this problem”. Once you have said this, forget about it, do not come back to it and do not repeat it. Sleep over it and do not doubt. If you do not doubt, it may happen that you will wake up in the middle of the night and have the solution ready. Therefore, you should always get rid of a tormenting thought. Leave such a thought aside for some time. Once you have said, “I am not going to become a musician. I am done.” You should stop there and go for something else. Do not despair; do not say that you will not become a musician, or that you will commit suicide. I am not going to explain now what it means to say that you are going to commit suicide and what the consequences can be. Such workers are in high demand in the other world. When someone commits suicide, he gets caught in the other world and is given an even harder problem to solve, much more difficult than the one he had here, in this world. Fig 3 So, all desires are attainable. This is the first law in the conscious life of point A. With each new failure point A attains a new attribute, or some new experience. I will illustrate this concept: the living point A starts from centre B and moves in the direction of arrow 1 until it reaches its utmost limit at point AP (AT[1]) where it acquires a plus. The letter P (T) on top of A stands for patience. Patience is a rhythmical movement of the conscious mind, which means: I will achieve what I want. Point A, which cannot fulfill its desire falls straight downwards from AP (AT), diverges from point C and takes a direction along arrow 2. Point A starts from point C in the direction of arrow 3 and comes back to the centre B, from where it has originally started. What does this point become now? It becomes reasonable – AR (P), because it has shown patience. So, we have three positions of A: A – AP (T) – AR (P). R cannot appear before P. These letters stand for certain attributes. First, you should build up patience, and then, you should become reasonable. If point A moves out again, what will it acquire? It will acquire its poetry. Then you will possess your ARPP (APПT). Therefore, in order to acquire your poetry, first you should have your patience and reasonability. A patient, reasonable person is always a poet, and an impatient, unreasonable one is always a fool. To fulfill a desire, a thought, or a feeling it is always necessary to go out of the Divine Centre twice and enter It once – and this is a law. Sometimes you say, “We can’t always fulfill our desires.” I would like to ask you whether you went out of the Divine Centre twice and whether you entered It once. You can cry over it as much as you can, but without going out of It twice and entering It once, you cannot achieve what you want. Success comes only if you keep to this law. It means that you are in the centre A of a circle, and along this circle are the centres SC (CC) - the super conscious, SC (ПC) – the subconscious, C – the conscious and SC (CC) – the self-conscious. Fig.4 Thus, for each thought to happen it is necessary to ascend to the super conscious and from there to descend to the subconscious mind, then come back to the conscious mind and finally reach the self-consciousness. This process constitutes a whole circle. Your thought will find its fulfillment after a full circle. This is defined as the Divine Living Wheel for the fulfillment of all human thoughts, wishes and ideas. I give you this essential concept as throughout your life you will have many doubts and you will experience much frustration. So, it would be better if you knew that anybody involved in this Divine Wheel could realise his or her desires. Your thought will be the driving force of this wheel; it will push it go ahead, by going in and out of it. This wheel moves at various speeds, sometimes extremely slowly, sometimes very fast. Remember the essence: any thought that remains unfulfilled goes to the Divine super mind, then descends to the subconscious mind, from there to the conscious mind through the living world it enters the self-consciousness until, finally, it becomes real. Now, those of you involved with Living Nature, those dealing with plants, what do you do when you see that some trees are barren or bear meager fruit? You fertilise the soil. Therefore, when the soil is poor, it has to be fertilised so that your ideas, thoughts or wishes can come true. For this to happen it is important that you have failed once. Then your thought will ascend to the super conscious mind, from where it will descend to the subconscious mind to find some strength, then it will go to the conscious mind, where it will find its fulfillment and bring you the Joy you have been expecting. This is a law that knows no exceptions. Anyone who has patience, sensibility and poetry can become a musician. Patience is not a hardship. It is an attribute typical of the reasonable being. Only a reasonable human being is capable of patience. Such a person needs to be free, and not restrained. Only God is infinitely patient and nobody can restrain Him. He imposes certain restrictions on Himself. When we acquire this attribute of infinite patience, then sensibility, poetry and music will come. Thus, the Divine Wheel can turn for you to achieve some harmony. I would like to see one of you make this wheel turn and set it to motion. When a thought that has stayed in the super conscious mind descends to the subconscious, a movement of the conscious and self-conscious will occur, as a result of which these two points C and SC (CC) will merge at point A and poetry will appear. But it is necessary to accomplish an ascent to the Divine World, because every thought becomes real in the Divine World. It is tried out here, on the Earth, and comes true in the Divine World. Poetry is not earthy, neither is music. Therefore, from both sides of the circle – the conscious mind and the self-consciousness - there should be a movement towards the living point A, so that a thought or a desire can be fulfilled right away. The topic for next time will be “The Origin of the Wheel”. Follow-up: Every evening this week, before going to bed, no matter at what time, you should reflect for five minutes upon the living wheel through which human thought and desire come true. The secret prayer - Only the light way of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It constantly gives us Mirth and Joy. ----------------------------------------------- [1] I have preserved the Cyrillic letters for convenience. The figures are missing and as there is no correspondence between Cyrillic and Latin letters, it might be difficult later to guess which is which.

Note 2p The Wise Life First lecture of the Teacher held before the Young Occult class on 21 October 1923, Sofia - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It rejoices us all the time. Secret prayer This evening I shall talk about the Wise Life. Contemporary science describes Life in different ways. It defines it in its simple form as intention from the inside outwards, that is, from the center to the periphery. The Occult science defines Life as a condition for Wisdom to emerge in the world. This is why the Wise life begins with the manifestation of two passing conditions. These are the conditions of joy and sorrow, but they are not as you understand them. Sorrow is one of the greatest conditions in Life. There is no greater welfare than sorrow hence it precedes Joy. Fig. 1 These conditions of sorrow and joy could be expressed visually in the following way: A movement starts from the point A up to point C. This movement is upwards which expresses the ascending state of mind. From point C to point B there is another movement downward that shows the descending state of the heart. The third movement is from point B to point A – an establishing state of peace and creative gathering of the will energy. So could all the conditions of joy or sorrow in life be classified. For example in the ascending line from A to C, you spend energy; your legs are tired. However, your goal is high above to C and you are approaching it, so you rejoice, because when you will reach it, all your sacrifices will be rewarded. When you reach C, the ascending to point B starts, i.e. the sufferings begin. Then you say, “This is the end, there is no hope, we shall go downwards.” However, the sides AC and CB are constantly moving, and at the same time are constantly getting longer or shorter. Due to this you have bigger or smaller joys and sorrows. For now I take only these two conditions – AC and CB. Some other time I shall explain how the points A and B are connected and what the role is that they play in Life. Sometimes you cause premature sufferings, and this always happens when you cause premature joys. Consequently, if you leave events to flow in the Divine, natural way by the laws defined by Nature, sufferings and joys will come to you on time, and your life shall then be delightful and meaningful. I shall ask you now: how would you explain to me philosophically the following: where the humans desire to seek joy comes from? [A1] What has been noticed with the joys and sorrows in life? The very joy for one being is a sorrow for another being. And the opposite – the sorrow for one being is a joy for another. The horse that some man is riding, suffers, but the ride is a pleasure for the man, even a great joy. So the joy for the rider is not a joy for the horse. But if the man’s horse succeeds somehow to flee away in the woods, then it cheers and jumps, because it is free. In this case however, the man mourns. I would say, when you were riding the horse, you felt delight. Now the horse is cheerful. This signifies a change in the conditions. The man says: “My horse is gone! How can I continue my way on foot?” When the master is merry, the servant is sad. When the servant is merry, the master grieves. This is not an absolute law, only a correlation between certain forces. In your current condition and during this transient life you pass through, you have to look in this way at the situations. This is how your ship shall be able to float freely without sinking somewhere into the sea. When the life shall be arranged differently in the future, the master shall feel joy and the servant shall feel joy simultaneously. Since ancient times, from time immemorial, children are born with their hands folded into fists. What does this mean? With this the child says: ”I come to conquer this world.” The children grow and wrestle with life. They fall down, and get up, until the day of death, when they finally open their hands and let them down. What is the meaning of the opened hands now? It is, ”I was not able to get anything in my life!” In the future the children shall be born with open hands, which shall signify: “We are young and strong, we shall apply ourselves; we shall work to gain something.” The old people that have worked throughout their lives shall die with folded hands, signifying: “I carry a great idea with me and I do not regret leaving this world. I lived with the understanding of life and now I know where I go.” For the current conditions of men, however, the Turks have a saying “A calf came, a bull left.” The sufferings and the doubts in you as students will increase a lot, but you must be strong to endure them. The Occult school’s students must be strong! Weak students cannot enter the Occult school. The weak ones are outside. This school shall test your character first to verify if you live by Love, or you do everything because of your fear. Only the noble men live according to the law of Love. They abide to the laws of the Wise life. Love is not dear to cowards, who are cruel people. When you enter this School, the first test is on fearlessness. Today’s conditions in Bulgaria are favorable for testing the occult students. I shall give you this rule: even if you are angry, don’t be mad! Even if you lose your confidence, keep your faith alive! All of you carry water vessels, but if somebody tells you about a beautiful pure spring, you immediately pour your water on the ground and start searching for the spring. Then you walk for one, two, three, five, ten hours. Eventually with a big effort you find the spring. Do not throw out your water prematurely! Only after you reach the good spring, only then is it fine to empty the vessel! What is the water vessel? – This is your knowledge. Now suppose that a desire to know everything emerges in you. Do you have a clear view what omniscience means? I shall answer only to a degree: if you are in a certain point at a given time, knowing everything means determining all the possibilities and conditions surrounding this point. Every point contains some possibilities for self expression. Those possibilities could be one, two, three, ten or one hundred. The ability to determine all possibilities means that you know everything. Nowadays people want to know not only their own possibilities in life but also the possibilities for others. However, this knowledge shall not be of any use to them. Take for example an expert chemist nowadays. Ask him if he positively knows something about the chemical elements he is manipulating. In fact, he knows their properties and the laws ruling their mutual relations. But what does he know about the reality of the matter itself, about the hidden forces in the elements? Those he knows as much as those who had never studied chemistry. The chemist says that oxygen and hydrogen unite into water, but has he seen it? He has not - science says so. Speaking philosophically one could object that neither hydrogen exists, nor oxygen. That oxygen and the hydrogen unite into water - could be or could not be so. The creation of water could be explained in a different way. We do not want to destroy your current beliefs about life and your current scientific knowledge, but only say that disagreements can emerge into people’s minds. That water exists in the world is a fact. We know its value, its usage, but how is it created – this is a question for science in the future. You have not started to study the real science yet. The science studied now in Universities is only an introduction, a preparation for that great science of the future. The contemporary science prepares small bricks for that great future building. The knowledge that you get in sixty or seventy life years shall be put in the cauldrons of the future science. It will boil in those cauldrons the knowledge gathered by all people and shall collect the extract into a small bottle in the way that rose oil is distilled. Small, yet valuable is this little bottle! Everybody would carry it in one’s pocket and would say: “I labored a lot in my life and barely earned this small bottle.” In a similar manner Nature distills in its cauldrons our experiences, knowledge, and belongings and extracts from them something small but valuable. When a soul begins ascending to Heaven, even a smallest needle attached to it is too heavy. So heavy is the needle that the soul would barely reach the Second sky and stop there. Even the smallest needle from this world is capable to stop you in your way. Similarly all your mundane desires shall stop you and then you will have to go down. When an ascending desire comes after, you shall again start ascending upwards. This way your conditions shall always alter: you shall rejoice and you shall be sorrowful, you shall ascend and you shall descend. Throughout this process the triangle shall move and shall straighten up and up in the points С1С2... You would finally ask: “Where is the end of this triangle?” It has no beginning and no end. Fig. 2 And so, let us return to Life. Life is a condition to express Wisdom. This is why we should seek Life to obtain Wisdom, and only the Wisdom can teach us how to use the conditions in which we are now. All of you are young – somebody has finished High school, some are students, some have already finished University. All is fine for now. However in fifty, sixty, or seventy years you shall become old. Consequently you may lose the inspiration that you possess now. All this that drives you today shall melt like snow and ice. I ask you what will be the basis of your life then? Until you finish your sciences, you say: “Let us finish University, and we shall become teachers.” OK, you finish University and become teachers; you are teaching twenty to thirty years and then you retire. I ask you, what have you obtained from all this? Ask yourself the following philosophical question: what has the watermill gained that has grinded fifteen thousand tons of grain? Nothing. How many millstones are turned into dust until all these grains became flour! In the same way, if your life passes through you, as the water passes through the millstones, what is its usefulness? This is not life, but a mechanical action. Consequently the sufferings show that our life is meaningless – nothing else. Why do we suffer? - Because we are not wise. Why we rejoice? -Because we become wise. This is a simple fact. When the music students finished their education they can play the piano well. Those who finish painting and can paint well, aren’t they merry? They rejoice, because they can express themselves in a reasonable way. An idiot could not be happy. And so, do not ask why sufferings come. When sufferings come, say: “We must be conscious!” Instead, you say: “Why did God give me such sufferings?” - With those sufferings Nature intends to make you wise. She says: “You don’t understand Life, listen to me and I will teach you!” Suffering – this is the language of Nature. This is how you, the students in the Occult school should understand the question. Every day you have at least ten cases to prove that this is correct. If some misfortune happens, say: “I must be wise!” When some failure occurs, say: “I must be wise!” An internal Light and satisfaction shall emerge in you when you say this. The other point you have to keep in mind is that the life you have is not random. There are thousand of Wise beings that care about your life. All thoughts, feelings, desires, all hints, impulses, inspirations you have for the Good, are all results of those Wise forces in Life. They work on your life to bring its fruition to a right direction. They never force you and leave you to act freely, because they work mindfully. But when they want to tell you that you are wrong, they give you a little suffering. When they want to tell you that you gained something in what they have thought you[A2] , they create for you a small joy. If you understand Life this way, the science of today shall always serve you. For example if you are a doctor and you understand the wisdom of Life, your medicines, your methods shall bring good results. Otherwise, soon you shall become insensitive to the diseased and you will run away from the job. With the primitive understanding of Life nowadays, the doctor’s situation is not a blessing! He goes to one diseased person, and then to another; he touches the first one and the other while always giving something from himself. Everybody expects to receive something from him. The condition of the architects, agriculturists, and all scientists is also painful. Why? All those scientists are immersed in some scientific domain; they deal with lower elements than themselves. The elements then in return influence these scientists. Doctors for example study the painful conditions in the human body; agriculturists study the conditions at which the vegetation grows; biologists study the organism cells’ state and development, etc. But all of this is still not science. This is an introduction to the great science to come in the future. If the people would have this science nowadays, they shall change their lives. Have you observed in what way contradictions emerge inside you? Notice how even in an occult class like this or in a high school, between the very nice things some negative ones appear. For example some of the students cannot bear each other’s presence. You talk about moral, about Love, but when the time comes to apply your moral and your love, you do not know how to express them. Unless you understand what Life itself is, you cannot understand Love either, because you go by evolutional path - from down upwards. Life comes from Love. This is why you have first to understand the result, and after you shall be able to understand also the great principle of Love that is the source of Life. When there is such reasoning, the people nowadays often fall into dogmatism. All people understand that life has to be lived, but how? They say: “We have to provide for ourselves!” In the current conditions life is understood as a process of eating and drinking. We shall plant the fields, plug them, collect the harvest, and fill our barns. In everything we do we study the law of eating. Ask anybody you want: “After you die, where would you go? What is there after this life?” All of them say “We do not know, let us live now in a good or a bad way - as God wants. There is no use to think about the future now.” This is not Life; this is only studying the law of eating. When we make Life’s second step, then life shall become a transitory state to the Life of Wisdom. We shall then have the right understanding of life’s substance and everything in it shall become Wise. I do not say that you should not eat. However, eating is only a condition for life, and Life is a condition for embodying the Wisdom in the world. Now when you reflect in this way, you run into an error. What is this error about? You think that you are the only factors in the world and so you say that you have to think about yourselves and to provide for yourselves. This is a great error. Do know that the Divine world and also the Angelic worlds take part in the lives of all of you. In this way the Wise life takes an active part in your lives. Often the melancholy and the distrust put you down. You think that you are not going to succeed, nor reach your goals, that you shall not be able to express yourselves. These are delusions. Everything shall be fulfilled in your life. You need persistence and patience, but you hurry. Another capital error you do is: you try to understand life externally without having understood your internal life. What is a philosophy that wants to understand Life first superficially and after internally? I shall illustrate your condition with an example. Suppose I have prepared a delicious meal in a saucepan and you visit me. If I open the lid and tell you: “Look at the meal and debate, talk about it, but without tasting it”, would you be able to tell something definitive about it? No. The food has to be tasted first and then you shall have truthful, positive conclusions about it. When somebody suffers, go into yourself, then you shall be able to understand why he or she suffers. Do not try to understand what this suffering is by looking from the outside. When one is happy, you could understand why it is so by going into yourself. Now you would say: “But how is this possible when somebody is sorrowful or happy that I go into myself to understand the origin of those feelings?” I shall explain to you how this could happen and why it is necessary. Suppose you go into your friend’s house and in his courtyard you see your friend’s little daughter or son to jump around cheerful about something. You ask yourself why this child is happy. I say: enter into this child’s room and you shall see what this joy is about. When you enter his room, you would see that the father bought a beautiful doll for the girl, or a beautiful horse for the boy child. This is the cause of their happiness and nothing else! From here we bring out the following spiritual law: to understand other people’s life, it is necessary to go into yourself. You have to know how to turn the Light switch on and to enlighten everything around you. Only in this way shall you understand the origins of people’s sufferings and joys. All of you need Light! One understands the others in the extent in which one is able to bring Light into the field they live. When you bring the Light to people, you understand them; if you are not able to do it, their life remains incomprehensible to you. And then, we say: Life is correctly understood only when one has that necessary Absolute faith in God. God is the goal and the essence of the Mindful life. All living beings seek Him, because He brings meaning to their lives. When you are exhausted in your spirit sometimes, do not be discouraged at all! If your life has lost its meaning, if you are disheartened, at the very same moment direct your sight and your reason to the Mindful in the world. The help you need shall come. If you think like that, whatever your conditions, your life shall become meaningful. A young mother was telling me her experience. Her ten year old boy got once a very serious heavy cold. The child became unconscious; his body temperature shot up to forty degrees Celsius. The mother called for a doctor. When the doctor saw the child in such a condition, he prescribed a cold pack. The mother had prepared it but then the child became conscious and barely said: “I do not want a cold one, I want it hot, with hot water.” He said these words and again went into an unconscious sleep. What does this tell us? That the Divine Consciousness in this child says about the illness: hot is cured with hot. This is a great law. Love has to be met with Love. Hatred is treated with hatred. From here we get the following conclusion: sorrow could not be cured with Love. The Bulgarians have a proverb for this case: “One cotter drives out another”. How is the cotter driven out? By splitting the whole trunk. Do you know what splitting is? A splitting that brings Life is good, but I do not understand a splitting that causes death. When you sow a grain in the soil, there is a splitting too. The humidity and the sunlight drive in the grain like a cotter. Splitting and budding occur in the grain and it feels a strong desire to grow up. This mighty impulse directs it to the Sun. When it gets through the soil surface and sees the light of the day, its suffering ceases. Every suffering is thus preceded by a strong impulse towards Life, to achieve a certain goal. The goal may be well known or unknown to you, but you have to always align to these energies and to not suppress them. And so, let the following important thought remain in you: Life is the great condition for the Consciousness to manifest itself. The Consciousness itself brings meaning to the goal we want to reach. If you have this Mindful Divine origin in yourself, you could achieve anything. If you do not possess Mindfulness, you shall suffer until you obtain it. When you get it, your way opens immediately. Christ expressed this idea in the following way: “This is the eternal Life, to understand You, the One and the true God.” This means that when we obtain Mindfulness, we get eternal Life, because God is great Wisdom, great Consciousness. You have to know that everything, which happens in Life, is wise. When I say everything in Life is Wise, I do not mean that all you do or understand is wise. I say that all that takes place in the Living Nature, dictated from an internal necessity, is wise. Whenever it is wise, it is good. Due to this every one of you has to be brave. Do know for sure that no power in the world could impede or divert you from your way except for yourself. In relation to this question now I would ask you another question: are you able to know a person who does not know himself? Only the Conscious could be known. If somebody is unconscious, how can you know him? Let those of you who study philosophy say if they can know a non-conscious man. If they say they are able to know him, their philosophy is a crooked one. Why? Suppose I have a purse and you say you know it. I ask you, what is the information related to the purse? It is in the knowledge of the money it contains. If it is empty, what could you know about it? But if you open the purse and after counting the coins inside it, say: It contains one hundred coins, then I say: yes, you are right, you know it. The purse exists to hold money. But if I open an empty purse, what do I know about it? Therefore, insensible people are empty purses and knowledgeable people are full purses. You could know the full purse, the empty purse you could only kick away. With your philosophy, you say: “I need one empty purse in order to put money when I shall have money.” Then it raises that medieval question, what came first – the hen or the egg? What came first – the purse or the money? We shall leave this deep question for now. For the next time I give you this assignment, “The origin of the egg and the hen”. You shall develop the topic philosophically, well defended and scientifically proved. This evening in connection with the other thoughts, I leave to you the important thought that Life is a great condition for the emerging of the Mindfulness in the world. Happiness is the way up. Sorrows are the road down. Therefore, when the Wise life comes in the world, it carries within itself sorrow too, like a necessary ingredient on the way. This is why, when the Wise beings rejoice in bliss, they take half of their happiness and give it to the suffering ones. In this way they correctly resolve the tasks of their Life. I talk to you about this question because I notice that often you are disheartened. Sometimes you feel elation, enthusiasm. You think you can do a lot. But in short time I see your feathers deplumed. Then you say: “We are finished!” I tell you, Wait, do not hurry. It is true that some feathers had fallen, but they shall grow again soon. In five to six months you shall again be able to fly high. Your balance shall return. Both conditions when you feel a great sorrow, or when you feel a great joy, are pleasant. Do not get discouraged! This is the Consciousness way in Life. This is how you should act as Occult school’s students, as students of Love. Some think they possess greater Love than others. Love couldn’t be greater or smaller. All of you should strive for wise reason, not for ordinary thinking. When suffering begins you have to understand what the causes of it are. This is necessary in order to be able to get profit from these sufferings. When a big joy comes, keep in mind that there is a deep sorrow behind it. And when you meet a great disaster, know that there is a big joy behind it. For example your uncle dies and leaves you a big inheritance, ten million. You rejoice, but behind this joy are hidden great sorrows. What are the troubles that shall come to you? Until this moment you had faith in God; you trusted your fellow men. After you become rich, you withdraw from people. You start thinking only about yourself; you lose your faith in people, you become extremely selfish. All this carries in itself your unhappiness. But if after getting the wealth you are able to believe in God and to love your friends, the wealth shall become a great blessing for you. If the riches are going to bring great unhappiness to you, they are not necessary for you. You would object: “How could we finish University without money?” Do not be silly. Is there anybody who has finished a University through money alone? You finish University with the help of your reason that God had given you. The money is a delusion for you in this case. If you go to America, you shall see many poor students who successfully finish University there. During their studies they perform a service to the rich helping them to fire their stoves, with the household work etc. You shall find some rich American heirs as well whose fathers spend forty to fifty thousands dollars per year. Still, they could not finish anything. There are exceptions among the rich people’s children as among the poor; what I want to say is that the power is not in the money. There are some destitute among the rich, there are also destitute among the poor. Even if rich with money, the fool is poor. Poor people are destitute when they have favorable conditions for obtaining wisdom that are not used. This makes the poverty a real one. Now you have to be inspired by these bright ideas. You have to know that you can make your way to the life of Wisdom and this way is good. Only then you shall understand that this way had been appointed to you. This is why all Wisdom shall help you to achieve it, to start following this good destiny’s way. Do not leave the blessed way given to you by the Lord! This is the Wisdom’s way in you. Exercise: the left hand is put freely on the knee, the right hand moves horizontally aside, then straight, up, back in a circle, down. This rotation of the hand is repeated several times. The same thing is done with the left hand, after – with both hands together. Then the hands are stretched horizontally and finally lowered down. This exercise is to be done when your thoughts and feelings are disturbed throughout the week. When your thoughts are messy, you should make the exercise with only the right hand; when your feelings get disturbed, you shall do the exercise only with the left hand. The exercises I give to you are as completely natural as Nature works. Nature always acts in man, without regard if he or she understands this or not. During a walk for example you swing your hand aside. What does this movement mean? A disturbing thought entered your head and by this movement you chase it out. The movement expresses an act of the will. Because you are in this physical world, your hands should move in a conscious way. If you stretch your right hand to the left you join all the conscious forces directing the motion. As if the motion tells the story that they are giving you something and you are taking it. If you stretch your hand forward you shall take what they give you. Sometimes you ask a friend: “Could you lend me some money?” He immediately reaches for his pocket, gets some money and lends it to you. You take the money and you are happy. This motion is conscious. When your gestures are conscious, they bring joy to you. If you make non-conscious gestures, you spend your energy in vain. All movements have to be conscious and blessed! This is why all of you should have the goal to perform beautiful gestures. Every movement in one or another direction has to produce corresponding mindful forces with which you are able to communicate. Only then the movements are meaningful and profitable. In a prayer for example one should not put his or her hands down, but up, as in the position of the Fig. A. The people with the aim to fight for the sublime and the noble in the world also bring their hands up (in the position A). Fig. 3 The plant growing out from the soil to the Sun takes the same position. On the contrary, those who carry staffs with both hands and prepare to fight for lower, ordinary goals in the world, they hold their hands down in the position B. This position presents an uptight arrow waiting for the moment to attack. The first position A and the second position B are coordinated movements that are interdependent. The two creatures that perform the movements A and B according to the degree of their development are situated in two different worlds. Because of this they understand Life in a totally different way. Nevertheless the first and the second ones express the two poles in Life, up and down. They have to be carefully studied because only Life shall lead you to the connection with Wisdom. Secret player - Only the bright path of Wisdom leads to Truth. - It rejoices us all the time. [A1][where does the desire of humans to seek joy come from?] [A2]thought for you