How do we develop this recognition? We can talk about the process, we can mentally acknowledge that it should happen, but how do we actually do it? This is one of those situations where we have to tackle the subject from all sides, all dimensions. We do need to talk about the recognition process, but we must not get lost in the maze of words. A lesson in vol 2 of the Temple Teachings tells us that our minds are bound by words, by definitions springing from the depths of life, and that we have become slaves of the false rendering we give to words, even so far as to deal death and poison to our fellow human beings using the forces bound up in those words. This is the negative side of words, but there is a positive side. We have all experienced words that heal, Illuminate, comfort, bring joy, and uplift the human spirit, pointing the way to reunion with God. And then, we are given the choice to use words with as much care as a fine jeweler chooses the gems he sets into an intricate piece he is crafting.
Our fifth rule of Discipleship states, Thou shalt not speak falsely, unnecessarily or critically against thy neighbor, and the Master elaborated on that in a later writing, saying that there is nothing a human being can do which will invite the forces of disruption and disintegration as readily as unkind criticism of each other. By lying, criticizing, or idle voicing waste energy in unnecessary chatter, we bring the energy of sound and word back upon ourselves with intensified force. Then, we often blame others for the very thing we ourselves have put into action.
Although we are a long distance from mastery at this point in time, we can endeavor to pattern ourselves along the lines They layout. We can learn to step back from the plane of personality onto the plane of forces and work there. I do not mean to sit down for hours away from everyone and go to work interiorly, although that is a valid technique also. I am suggesting in our walking around, talking, interacting, everyday life that after encountering the problem on the personality plane, we step back and see if we can recognize the problem on the plane of forces. Then the solid front of Love, Compassion, Understanding, and Insight comes into play. The emotional heat dissipates and the situation often resolves itself, rather than escalating into a wildfire. Like learning to play the piano, or becoming proficient in tennis, this is one of those techniques that one improves with practice. This stepping back to look at a problem from another plane and another angle also involves taking a clear and honest look at one's own part in the situation, and freeing oneself from an attitude of judging the actions of the other person.
These words are as applicable to our lives this morning, as they were ninety-four years ago when they were written. We know the Ten Rules of Discipleship are the foundation for life, strong and permanent, and they tell it like it is. There is no room for negotiation. Our responsibility is to each other, to the Master, and to the future of the Temple. This is played out in every thought, word, and deed of every hour, every day. Indeed there are NO little things. That statement is made over and over again in our teachings. The responsibility of that statement is often overwhelming, and yet when we try to meet that responsibility minute by minute, we receive a flow of love and nurturing from the Master than honors our choices and helps us develop the strength for the next choice. He tells us how we approach our neighbor physically, mentally, or spiritually within the next twenty-four hours, indeed within the next single hour, will do more to affect our spiritual quest and our innate yearning for peace and unity than all our words, all our promises, all our seeming aspirations. We must be gentle; be understanding; use forbearance when tried; be patient; be truthful; be loyal; and above all be silent. It is not our assignment to make over our neighbor. There are many right ways. We must trust in the Divine Law working out a right way through each and every person. Do rather than tell, and do without expectation of reward, knowing it must be done; for if we see a need then it is our task to quietly fill that need. Simply accept each other in balance and trust.
All of this requires that we listen actively, interact with each other actively, and bring all of our talents actively to the rich tapestry of daily living. In our classes, an open mind rather than a closed reading of the lessons leads to deeper insights, shared experiences, and more tools readily accessible. If we take things too literally we can lead ourselves astray. We are looking for balance, balance, balance.
I am reminded of a story that came to me recently by email: "Sitting on the side of the highway waiting to catch speeding drivers, a Hiway Patrolman sees a car puttering along at 22 MPH. He thinks to himself, 'This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!' so he turn on his lights and pulls the driver over.
'Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly: Twenty-two miles per hour!' the old woman says, a bit proudly.
The Hiway Patrolman, trying to contain a chuckle, explains to her that 22 was the route number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error.
'But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask, is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken and they haven't muttered a single peep this whole time,' the officer asks.
The Master goes on to say, "True growth is slow growth guided by the intuition. Start with acceptance of yourselves. Hold yourself still in the silence of your inner beings, and without judging or using such words as "wrong or right," "good or bad," see yourself, with all your faults and strengths, as an expression of the Divine Scheme. With the clarity of your heart, acknowledge your strengths and use them to work consciously on other attributes you need to rectify. Next, use the same techniques to include all others in your clear vision and clear heart. Accept yourself and others as expressions of All That Is, being in the right place, at the right time, doing and saying the right thing. Do this in spite of what your mind is busy shouting at you to the contrary. The more you practice Acceptance, the more you can accept, and the more you become a conscious part of every cell of the manifested universe.
"Sure," said the farmer.. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.