Читать книгу Edgar Cayce's Twelve Lessons in Personal Spirituality - Kevin J. Todeschi - Страница 25

Each of us is a manifestation of all that we have ever been. As we come to know ourselves, we will discover that who and where we are right now is simply the end result of our previous thoughts, desires, and actions. And yet, in spite of any challenges, disappointments, or shortcomings we may face, we each possess a pattern for wholeness which is our birthright. Every aspect of our lives: physically, mentally, and spiritually, has the potential to contribute toward the realization and manifestation of this pattern. All experiences have the potential, ultimately, to be for our own growth and good, for they assist us in coming to know ourselves. As we become attuned to our true inner selves, our daily lives will exemplify the best that is within us and we will finally be worthy to call ourselves Children of God:

Know thyself first. Look within thine own heart. What is it ye would purpose to do? Satisfy thine own appetites? Satisfy thine own desire for power or glory, for fame or fortune? These, as ye have experienced and as ye know within thy deeper self, easily take wings and fly away. Only those things that are just, those things that are beautiful, those things that are harmonious, that arise from brotherly kindness, brotherly love, patience, hope and graciousness, live. 1776-1

In order to be true to others, we must first be true to that inner part of ourselves. We can’t say one thing and yet be and think something entirely differently. As we cultivate this ability to discriminate between right and wrong, good and bad, what we really believe versus what we let others think we believe, even where we want to be versus where we are, we become more completely aware of the motivation of our thoughts, our desires, and our activities. We become aware of where it is our life is leading us and whether or not we need to make a change. But most importantly, we become aware of the potential for wholeness simply waiting to be awakened within ourselves.

We are co-creators with God. Only the application of spiritual principles such as patience, cooperation, tolerance, and love will lead to this awareness and our own spiritual awakening. Through our interactions with others we come to know ourselves, our relationship with one another, and our relationship with our God:

Would ye act before thy God in the manner ye act before thine brother? Love one another. “A new commandment I give, that ye love one another.” In this manner may each see themselves as others see them. Let not thy words and thy actions be so different that they are not children of the same family. Let thy deeds, let thy words, be in keeping with that others see in thee. 262-9

We must challenge ourselves to be willing to begin measuring ourselves against that standard of love. We must begin treating others just as we ourselves would wish to be treated. It is our duty, even our obligation, to discipline ourselves so that our every word, thought, and action begins to reflects the very best that we have within us.