“THE DIVINE ARCHITECT (Christopher E. Drayton) [you may want to read this...] You just said he created the solar system! And so he did, in matter, but he did not create the spiritual force which inhabits that matter, and he did not create matter itself. No one can create matter, but you can use it as a building material, and all builders do just that, whether it is a Solar Logos, a Planetary Logos, or a brick mason. Speculation on a god personally interested in your ego is indulgence in a fantasy. There is one more aspect of the concept of God we have not yet touched on. What is that? “For most people, our belief in God is very emotional. Any conversation on the subject results in emotional reactions. As long as this happens, we will not be able to analyze the situation with any degree of clarity. Emotions always cloud our vision and prevent clear analysis. To most people, their belief in God is intimately connected with their own ego. Any difference of opinion on the subject leads to a violent emotional reaction, so violent at times that it results in someone’s death. Fanatical religious beliefs have been responsible for the deaths of millions of people in the world, all in the name of their god. More evil has resulted from emotionally-held religious beliefs than from any other cause. How could that be? Because some people’s beliefs are so tightly held that they are unwilling to change any part of it. They are convinced that their beliefs are true, and nothing will change their minds. Otherwise perfectly good candidates for spiritual development who are quite intelligent, pure of motive, and have dauntless courage, are unable to make spiritual progress because their minds are closed and they will not consider new ways of thinking. What about the concept of Satan? It is interesting to note that the percentage of people who believe in God has not changed much over time, but the percentage who believe in Satan, also known as the Devil, has declined. The truth is, there is more evidence of a personal devil than of a personal god. What do you mean? Every human has a dual nature. There is the Divine Nature, the indwelling ātma, but there is also a baser, more evil nature. In some people this dichotomy is very apparent—some days they are radiant angels, and other times they are raving devils. Some are completely incapable of repressing their lower nature, and it comes to the surface with the slightest provocation. Most people, however, manage to keep it under control, often for years at a time. In these people, the lower nature has not ceased to exist, but it only comes to the surface in moments of great stress. The lower nature also surfaces during riots or other events where mob mentality reigns and the basest of our animal nature manifests. Often the worst aspects of human nature are expressed during war and acts of violence. But the opposite may be true for a few individuals, and the atrocities of others may intensify their own divine compassion. Over many lifetimes, many who have made a certain amount of progress in spiritual development are unaware of a hidden factor, the so-called “Dweller on the Threshold.” What is that? The term was coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his novel Zanoni; it is an apt description of something that comes up at some point for everyone on the path. It may not show up during this particular lifetime, but it will at some point. No personal energy ever dissipates on its own. Unless we have done something to re-train and re-orient it, it remains in the background for years. Then, just when we think we are making great spiritual progress, the increase in positive energy awakens the sleeping negative energy and we find ourselves face to face with an entity of our own making, although unknown to us. We have no choice but to do battle with this entity, but it is no physical battle. It is entirely psychological in nature, taking place in the astral and lower mental realms, although the effects are often felt on the physical plane as well. If we vanquish this “Dweller on the Threshold,” we have taken a major step in our progress. If we shrink back in fear and cower, we have lost the battle. It means we are not yet ready for the difficulties of the higher life and have more work to do before we will have another opportunity to prove ourselves. The battle is seldom a one-time event but more often a series of battles. The temptation of Jesus in the desert is a good example of the battle between the higher and lower forces within a person on the verge of spiritual advancement. As you see, dauntless courage is not just an idle phrase. So to your way of thinking, there is no personal god, but there is a sort of personal devil. Is that correct? Yes, but if you state it that way without also giving the background information, you will probably get a variety of reactions from others, ranging from intrigue to amusement and even anger. We are our own personal god and our own personal devil, the god being our innate spiritual nature and the devil being the agglomeration of negative energy from numerous lifetimes. Now you see why it is so difficult to discuss this topic with most people and why we do not use the term God casually. If everyone could lay their emotions aside, useful conversations would ensue, but most people are not ready to do that. You have given me a lot to think about. It will take some time to process it and contemplate some of the ideas you have brought up. I think I have some work to do. “Freedom comes from the knowledge of what is true. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” There is no limit to what we can learn, but if we close our minds to further learning, we are at a standstill for the present time and can make no more progress. Anyone who is so egotistical as to think he has a monopoly on the truth is deluding himself and stunting his own spiritual growth. When that happens, nature intervenes and creates a situation where he has no option but to change his point of view. Some of us willingly accept the changes which are the result of expanding consciousness, and some are dragged along kicking and screaming.” Excerpt From: Terry Hunt & Paul Benedict. “Ancient Wisdom for a New Age.” iBooks. This material may be protected by copyright. Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itunes.apple/us/book/ancient-wisdom-for-a-new-age/id582665974?mt=11
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 22:15:42 +0000
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