February 1937 I have only the briefest of words for you, my
brother of old and trusted friend. It is not the length of a message, however, but its
quality which is of importance, is it not? I seek to say to you that you have, during the
past seven months, made more definite inner progress than in the previous three years, and
that my heart, as I watch your steps upon the Way, goes out to you with understanding and
with joy. It is not often that I thus write.
I have watched you stand amidst the wrecking of much that you have built, and I have
seen you relinquish desire with a light in your eyes - the light of perception of the
higher values.
The group meditation will give you much during the next six months, and the Review on
joy will stabilize the work you have sought to accomplish since my last instructions to
you. That is all I have to say, my brother. My blessing rests upon you.
ON JOY
- What constitutes a review?
- Am I
confusing a reviewing with a redoing or with a re-experiencing?
- Am I asked
to re-experience, or am I simply asked to observe as a detached onlooker?
Am I capable of detaching myself emotionally from any registration of joy?
Can I see myself mentally, unbiased by any reaction from the emotional, personal self?
Am I personally capable of this? [399]
If I use this review on joy as it should be used, what will be the effect in my
life, and what will be the effect in the life of the group I seek to serve?
Can I honestly say that I serve joyously?.
Which do I desire the most, to serve joyously or to serve intelligently? Do I know my
reasons?
If this review work is a definitely scientific method of development, have I ever given
the method of joy a fair trial? Or the work of the review a fair trial?
What basis can I find in my study that this method of reviewing is the way for me, and
that it will intensify my capacity for increased usefulness in service and thus speed my
progress on the Path?
Is my progress on the Path of importance? Why?
If it is true that the blind must advance by touching, and by keeping hold, but
that those with sight move by seeing and by keeping free and unattached, why then
(having sight) do I close my eyes and hold on, and feel my way instead of seeing it? Those
who can see are full of joy, and can be messengers and helpers. Those who touch have
simply to be led. Of which of these two groups am I a member?
Is my mind the organ of vision for the spiritual man? Am I offering this organ to the
higher self to use?
Can I hold the mind steady in the light of the soul?
As I review my day, what part has joy played?
How do I define the word joy?
Have I been ruled by joy, and has it dominated my day?
Joy is the
quality which grows out of self-realization. Am I able to forget the fragmentary personal
self? Can I recognize the One Self in all selves?
We are told that there is an archetype, a pattern, a way, a goal, and a light which
shines upon the Path. But, realizing this, do I know anything of the joy which
should irradiate my way?
How is the archetypal pattern of joy (which is bliss) reflected in my life?
Do I recognize my fellow pilgrims on the Way of Joy?
Is the
objective of joy always before me? [400]
Can I draw
upon the Joy and Bliss of the Path when others need it?
I am the
redeemer of the lower nature. In what way does joy redeem?
Does
redeeming joyous force flow through me?
My nature is
in truth joy, or bliss. In what fashion does this joy manifest itself? Does it
manifest at all?
In which
body do I most easily express my joy?
If I
demonstrated joy, was it a task, or did I find it easy?
What
activities and qualities of my lower nature need to be eliminated if I seek to serve more
joyously?
What
truthfully hinders my being full of joy?
How does a
joyous spirit affect my fellow men?
In what way
can I most joyously serve my fellow men?
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