The Master Key System by Charles Haanel
Introduction
Nature compels us all to move through life. We could not remain stationary
however much we wished. Every right-thinking person wants not merely to move
through life like a sound-producing, perambulating plant, but to develop - to
improve - and to continue the development mentally to the close of physical
life.
This development can occur only through the improvement of the quality of individual thought and the ideals, actions and conditions that arise as a consequence. Hence a study of the creative processes of thought and how to apply them is of supreme importance to each one of us. This knowledge is the means whereby the evolution of human life on earth may be hastened and uplifted in the process.
Humanity ardently seeks "The Truth" and explores every avenue to it. In this process it has produced a special literature, which ranges the whole gamut of thought from the trivial to the sublime - up from Divination, through all the Philosophies, to the final lofty Truth of "The Master Key".
The "Master Key" is here given to the world as a means of tapping the great Cosmic Intelligence and attracting from it that which corresponds to the ambitions, and aspirations of each reader.
Every thing and institution we see around us, created by human agency, had first to exist as a thought in some human mind. Thought therefore is constructive. Human thought is the spiritual power of the cosmos operating through its creature man. "The Master Key" instructs the reader how to use that power, and use it both constructively and creatively. The things and conditions we desire to become realities we must first create in thought. "The Master Key" explains and guides the process.
"The Master Key" teaching has hitherto been published in the form of a Correspondence Course of 24 lessons, delivered to students one per week for 24 weeks. The reader, who now receives the whole 24 parts at one times, is warned not to attempt to read the book like a novel, but to treat it as a course of study and conscientiously to imbibe the meaning of each part - reading and re-reading one part only per week before proceeding to the next. Otherwise the later parts will tend to be misunderstood and the reader's time and money will be wasted.
Used as thus instructed "The Master Key" will make of the reader a greater, better personality, and equipped with a new power to achieve any worthy personal purpose and a new ability to enjoy life's beauty and wonder.
F.H. BURGESS
Foreword
Some men seem to attract success, power, wealth, attainment, with very little
conscious effort; others conquer with great difficulty; still others fail
altogether to reach their ambitions, desires and ideals. Why is this so? Why
should some men realize their ambitions easily, others with difficulty, and
still others not at all? The cause cannot be physical, else the most perfect
men, physically, would be the most successful. The difference, therefore, must
be mental - must be in the mind; hence mind must be the creative force, must
constitute the sole difference between men. It is mind, therefore, which
overcomes environment and every other obstacle in the path of men.
When the creative power of thought is fully understood, its effect will be seen to be marvelous. But such results cannot be secured without proper application, diligence, and concentration. The student will find that the laws governing in the mental and spiritual world are as fixed and infallible as in the material world. To secure the desired results, then, it is necessary to know the law and to comply with it. A proper compliance with the law will be found to produce the desired result with invariable exactitude. The student who learns that power comes from within, that he is weak only because he has depended on help from outside, and who unhesitatingly throws himself on his own thought, instantly rights himself, stands erect, assumes a dominant attitude, and works miracles.
It is evident, therefore, that he who fails to fully investigate and take advantage of the wonderful progress which is being made in this last and greatest science, will soon be as far behind as the man who would refuse to acknowledge and accept the benefits which have accrued to mankind through an understanding of the laws of electricity.
Of course, mind creates negative conditions just as readily as favorable conditions, and when we consciously or unconsciously visualize every kind of lack, limitation and discord, we create these conditions; this is what many are unconsciously doing all the time.
This law as well as every other law is no respecter of persons, but is in constant operation and is relentlessly bringing to each individual exactly what he has created; in other words, "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap."
Abundance, therefore, depends upon a recognition of the laws of Abundance, and the fact that Mind is not only the creator, but the only creator of all there is. Certainly nothing can be created, before we know that it can be created and then make the proper effort. There is no more Electricity in the world today than there was fifty years ago, but until someone recognized the law by which it could be made of service, we received no benefit; now that the law is understood, practically the whole world is lit by it. So with the law of Abundance; it is only those who recognize the law and place themselves in harmony with it, who share in its benefits.
The scientific spirit now dominates every field of effort, relations of cause and effect are no longer ignored.
The discovery of a region of law marked an epoch in human progress. It eliminated the element of uncertainty and caprice in men's lives, and substituted law, reason and certitude.
Men now understand that for every result there is an adequate and definite cause, so that when a given result is desired, they seek the condition by which alone this result may be attained.
The basis upon which all law rests was discovered by inductive reasoning which consists of comparing a number of separate instances with one another until the common factor which gives rise to them all is seen.
It is this method of study to which the civilized nations owe the greater part of their prosperity and the more valuable part of their knowledge; it has lengthened life, it has mitigated pain, it has spanned rivers, it has brightened the night with the splendor of day, extended the range of vision, accelerated motion, annihilated distance, facilitated intercourse, and enabled men to descend into the sea, and into the air. What wonder then that men soon endeavored to extend the blessings of this system of study to their method of thinking, so that when it became plainly evident that certain results followed a particular method of thinking it only remained to classify these results.
This method is scientific, and it is the only method by which we shall be permitted retain that degree of liberty and freedom which we have been accustomed to look upon as an inalienable right, because a people is safe at home and in the world only if national preparedness mean such things as growing surplus of health, accumulated efficiency in public and private business of whatever sort, continuous advance in the science and art of acting together, and the increasingly dominant endeavor to make all of these and all other aspects of national development center and revolve about ascending life, single and collective, for which science, art and ethics furnish guidance and controlling motives.
The Master Key is based on absolute scientific truth and will unfold the possibilities that lie dormant in the individual, and teach how they may be brought into powerful action, to increase the person's effective capacity, bringing added energy, discernment, vigor and mental elasticity. The student who gains an understanding of the mental laws which are unfolded will come into the possession of an ability to secure results hitherto undreamed of, and which has rewards hardly to be expressed in words.
It explains the correct use of both the receptive and active elements of the mental nature, and instructs the student in the recognition of opportunity; it strengthens the will and reasoning powers, and teaches the cultivation and best uses of imagination, desire, the emotions and the intuitional faculty. It gives initiative, tenacity of purpose, wisdom of choice, intelligent sympathy and a thorough enjoyment of life on its higher planes.
The Master Key teaches the use of Mind Power, true Mind Power, not any of the substitutes and perversions; it has nothing to do with Hypnotism, Magic or any of the more or less fascinating deceptions by which many are led to think that something can be had for nothing.
The Master Key cultivates and develops the understanding which will enable you to control the body and thereby the health. It improves and strengthens the Memory. It develops Insight, the kind of Insight which is so rare, the kind which is the distinguishing characteristic of every successful business man, the kind which enables men to see the possibilities as well as the difficulties in every situation, the kind which enables men to discern opportunity close at hand, for thousands fail to see opportunities almost within their grasp while they are industriously working with situations which under no possibility can be made to realize any substantial return.
The Master Key develops Mental Power which means that others instinctively recognize that you are a person of force, of character - that they want to do what you want them to do; it means that you attract men and things to you; that you are what some people call "lucky", that "things" come you way' that you have come into an understanding of the fundamental laws of Nature, and have put yourself in harmony with them; that you are in tune with Infinite; that you understand the law of attraction, the Natural laws of growth, and the Psychological laws on which all advantages in the social and business world rest.
Mental Power is creative power, it gives you the ability to create for yourself; it does not mean the ability to take something away from someone else. Nature never does things that way. Nature makes two blades for grass grow where one grew before, and Mind Power enables men to do the same thing.
The Master Key develops insight and sagacity, increased independence, the ability and disposition to be helpful. It destroys distrust, depression, fear, melancholia, and every form of lack limitation and weakness, including pain and disease; it awakens buried talents, supplies initiative, force, energy, vitality - it awakens an appreciation of the beautiful in Art, Literature and Science.
It has changed the lives of thousands of men and women, by substituting definite principles for uncertain and hazy methods - and principles for the foundation upon which every system of efficiency must rest.
Elbert Gary, the chairman of the United States Steel Corporation, said "The services of advisors, instructors, efficiency experts in successful management are indispensable to most business enterprises of magnitude, but I deem the recognition and adoption of right principles vastly more importance."
The Master Key teaches right principles, and suggests methods for making a practical application of the principles; in that it differs from every other course of study. It teaches that the only possible value which can attach to any principle is in its application. Many read books, take home study courses, attend lectures all their lives without ever making any progress in demonstrating the value of the principles involved. The Master Key suggests methods by which the value of the principles taught may be demonstrated and put in actual practice in the daily experience.
There is a change in the thought of the world. This change is silently transpiring in our midst, and is more important than any which the world has undergone since the downfall of Paganism.
The present revolution in the opinions of all classes of men, the highest and most cultured of men as well as those of the laboring class, stands unparalleled in the history of the world.
Science has of late made such vast discoveries, has revealed such an infinity of resources, has unveiled such enormous possibilities and such unsuspected forces, that scientific men more and more hesitate to affirm certain theories as established and indubitable or to deny certain other theories as absurd or impossible, and so a new civilization is being born; customs, creeds, and cruelty are passing; vision, faith and service are taking their place. The fetters of tradition are being melted off from humanity, and as the dross of materialism is being consumed, thought is being liberated and truth is rising full orbed before an astonished multitude.
The whole world is on the eve of a new consciousness, a new power and a new
consciousness, a new power and a new realization of the resources within the
self. The last century saw the most magnificent material progress in history.
The present century will produce the greatest progress in mental and spiritual
power.
Physical Science has resolved matter into molecules, molecules into atoms, atoms
into energy, and it has remained for Sir Ambrose Fleming, in an address before
the Royal Institution, to resolve this energy into mind. He says: "In its
ultimate essence, energy may be incomprehensible by us except as an exhibition
of the direct operation of that which we call Mind or Will."
Let us see what are the most powerful forces in Nature. In the mineral world everything is solid and fixed. In the animal and vegetable kingdom it is in a state of flux, forever changing, always being created and recreated. In the atmosphere we find heat, light and energy. Each realm becomes finer and more spiritual as we pass from the visible to the invisible, from the coarse to the fine, from the low potentiality to high potentiality. When we reach the invisible we find energy in its purest and most volatile state.
And as the most powerful forces of Nature are the invisible forces, so we find that the most powerful forces of man are his invisible forces, his spiritual force, and the only way in which the spiritual force can manifest is through the process of thinking. Thinking is the only activity which the spirit possesses, and thought is the only product of thinking.
Addition and subtraction are therefore spiritual transactions; reasoning is a spiritual process; ideas are spiritual conceptions; questions are spiritual searchlights and logic, argument and philosophy is spiritual machinery.
Every thought brings into action certain physical tissue, parts of the brain, nerve or muscle. This produces an actual physical change in the construction of the tissue. Therefore it is only necessary to have a certain number of thoughts on a given subject in order to bring about a complete change in the physical organization of a man.
This is the process by which failure is changed to success. Thoughts of courage, power, inspiration, harmony, are substituted for thoughts of failure, despair, lack, limitation and discord, and as these thoughts take root, the physical tissue is changed and the individual sees life in a new light, old things have actually passed away, all things have become new, he is born again, this time born of the spirit, life has a new meaning for him, he is reconstructed and is filled with joy, confidence, hope, energy. He sees opportunities for success to which he was heretofore blind. He recognizes possibilities which before had no meaning for him. The thoughts of success with which he has been impregnated are radiated to those around him, and they in turn help him onward and upward; he attract to him new and successful associates, and this in turn changes his environment; so that by this simple exercise of thought, a man changes not only himself, but his environment, circumstances and conditions.
You will see, you must see, that we are at the dawn of a new day; that the possibilities are so wonderful, so fascinating, so limitless as to be almost bewildering. A century ago any man with a Gatling Gun could have annihilated a whole army equipped with the implements of warfare then in use. So it is at present. Any man with a knowledge of the possibilities contained in the Master Key has an inconceivable advantage over the multitude.
Part One
It is my privilege to enclose herewith Part One of The Master Key System. Would you bring into your life more power? Get the power consciousness. More health? Get the health consciousness. More happiness? Get the happiness consciousness. Live the spirit of these things until they become yours by right. It will then become impossible to keep them from you. The things of the world are fluid to a power within man by which he rules them.
You need not acquire this power. You already have it. But you want to understand it; you want to use it; you want to control it; you want to impregnate yourself with it, so that you can go forward and carry the world before you.
Day by day as you go on and on, as you gain momentum, as your inspiration deepens, as your plans crystallize, as you gain understanding, you will come to realize that this world is no dead pile of stones and timber, but that it is a living thing! It is made up of the beating hearts of humanity. It is a thing of life and beauty.
It is evident that it requires understanding to work with material of this description, but those who come into this understanding, are inspired by a new light, a new force, they gain confidence and greater power each day, they realize their hopes and their dreams come true, life has a deeper, fuller, clearer meaning than before.
And, now, Part One.
PART ONE
1. That much gathers more is true on every plane of existence and that loss
leads to greater loss is equally true.
2. Mind is creative, and conditions, environment and all experiences in life are
the result of our habitual or predominant mental attitude.
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3. The attitude of mind necessarily depends upon what we think. Therefore, the
secret of all power, all achievement and all possession depends upon our method
of thinking.
4. This is true because we must "be" before we can "do," and we can "do" only to
the extent which we "are," and what we "are" depends upon what we "think."
5. We cannot express powers that we do not possess. The only way by which we may
secure possession of power is to become conscious of power, and we can never
become conscious of power until we learn that all power is from within.
6. There is a world within – a world of thought and feeling and power; of light
and life and beauty and, although invisible, its forces are mighty.
7. The world within is governed by mind. When we discover this world we shall
find the solution for every problem, the cause for every effect; and since the
world within is subject to our control, all laws of power and possession are
also within our control.
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8. The world without is a reflection of the world within. What appears without
is what has been found within. In the world within may be found infinite Wisdom,
infinite Power, infinite Supply of all that is necessary, waiting for unfoldment,
development and expression. If we recognize these potentialities in the world
within they will take form in the world without.
9. Harmony in the world within will be reflected in the world without by
harmonious conditions, agreeable surroundings, the best of everything. It is the
foundation of health and a necessary essential to all greatness, all power, all
attainment, all achievement and all success.
10. Harmony in the world within means the ability to control our thoughts, and
to determine for ourselves how any experience is to affect us.
11. Harmony in the world within results in optimism and affluence; affluence
within results in affluence without.
12. The world without reflects the circumstances and the conditions of the
consciousness within.
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13. If we find wisdom in the world within, we shall have the understanding to
discern the marvelous possibilities that are latent in this world within, and we
shall be given the power to make these possibilities manifest in the world
without.
14. As we become conscious of the wisdom in the world within, we mentally take
possession of this wisdom, and by taking mental possession we come into actual
possession of the power and wisdom necessary to bring into manifestation the
essentials necessary for our most complete and harmonious development.
15. The world within is the practical world in which the men and women of power
generate courage, hope, enthusiasm, confidence, trust and faith, by which they
are given the fine intelligence to see the vision and the practical skill to
make the vision real.
16. Life is an unfoldment, not accretion. What comes to us in the world without
is what we already possess in the world within.
17. All possession is based on consciousness. All gain is the result of an
accumulative consciousness. All loss is the result of a scattering
consciousness.
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18. Mental efficiency is contingent upon harmony; discord means confusion;
therefore, he who would acquire power must be in harmony with Natural Law.
19. We are related to the world without by the objective mind. The brain is the
organ of this mind and the cerebro-spinal system of nerves puts us in conscious
communication with every part of the body. This system of nerves responds to
every sensation of light, heat, odor, sound and taste.
20. When this mind thinks correctly, when it understands the truth, when the
thoughts sent through the cerebro-spinal nervous system to the body are
constructive, these sensations are pleasant, harmonious.
21. The result is that we build strength, vitality and all constructive forces
into our body, but it is through this same objective mind that all distress,
sickness, lack, limitation and every form of discord and inharmony is admitted
to our lives. It is therefore through the objective mind, by wrong thinking,
that we are related to all destructive forces.
22. We are related to the world within by the subconscious mind. The solar
plexus is the organ of this mind; the sympathetic system of nerves presides over
all subjective sensations, such as joy, fear, love, emotion, respiration,
imagination and all other subconscious phenomena. It is through the subconscious
that we are connected with the Universal Mind and brought into relation with the
Infinite constructive forces of the Universe.
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23. It is the coordination of these two centers of our being, and the
understanding of their functions, which is the great secret of life. With this
knowledge we can bring the objective and subjective minds into conscious
cooperation and thus coordinate the finite and the infinite. Our future is
entirely within our own control. It is not at the mercy of any capricious or
uncertain external power.
24. All agree that there is but one Principle or Consciousness pervading the
entire Universe, occupying all space, and being essentially the same in kind at
every point of its presence. It is all powerful, all wisdom and always present.
All thoughts and things are within Itself. It is all in all.
25. There is but one consciousness in the universe able to think; and when it
thinks, its thoughts become objective things to it. As this Consciousness is
omnipresent, it must be present within every individual; each individual must be
a manifestation of that Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent Consciousness.
26. As there is only one Consciousness in the Universe that is able to think it
necessarily follows that your consciousness is identical with the Universal
Consciousness, or, in other words, all mind is one mind. There is no dodging
this conclusion.
27. The consciousness that focuses in your brain cells is the same consciousness
which focuses in the brain cells of every other individual. Each individual is
but the individualization of the Universal, the Cosmic Mind.
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28. The Universal Mind is static or potential energy; it simply is; it can
manifest only through the individual, and the individual can manifest only
through the Universal. They are one.
29. The ability of the individual to think is his ability to act on the
Universal and bring it into manifestation. Human consciousness consists only in
the ability of man to think. Mind in itself is believed to be a subtle form of
static energy, from which arises the activities called ‘thought,’ which is the
dynamic phase of mind. Mind is static energy, thought is dynamic energy - the
two phases of the same thing. Thought is therefore the vibratory force formed by
converting static mind into dynamic mind.
30. As the sum of all attributes are contained in the Universal Mind, which is
Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, these attributes must be present at all
times in their potential form in every individual. Therefore, when the
individual thinks, the thought is compelled by its nature to embody itself in an
objectivity or condition which will correspond with its origin.
31. Every thought therefore is a cause and every condition an effect; for this
reason it is absolutely essential that you control your thoughts so as to bring
forth only desirable conditions.
32. All power is from within, and is absolutely under your control; it comes
through exact knowledge and by the voluntary exercises of exact principles.
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33. It should be plain that when you acquire a thorough understanding of this
law, and are able to control your thought processes, you can apply it to any
condition; in other words, you will have come into conscious cooperation with
Omnipotent law which is the fundamental basis of all things.
34. The Universal Mind is the life principle of every atom which is in
existence; every atom is continually striving to manifest more life; all are
intelligent, and all are seeking to carry out the purpose for which they were
created.
35. A majority of mankind lives in the world without; few have found the world
within, and yet it is the world within that makes the world without; it is
therefore creative and everything which you find in your world without has been
created by you in the world within.
36. This system will bring you into a realization of power which will be yours
when you understand this relation between the world without and the world
within. The world within is the cause, the world without the effect; to change
the effect you must change the cause.
37. You will at once see that this is a radically new and different idea; most
men try to change effects by working with effects. They fail to see that this is
simply changing one form of distress for another. To remove discord, we must
remove the cause, and this cause can be found only in the world within.
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38. All growth is from within. This is evident in all nature. Every plant, every
animal, every human is a living testimony to this great law, and the error of
the ages is in looking for strength or power from without.
39. The world within is the Universal fountain of supply, and the world without
is the outlet to the stream. Our ability to receive depends upon our recognition
of this Universal Fountain, this Infinite Energy of which each individual is an
outlet, and so is one with every other individual.
40. Recognition is a mental process, mental action is therefore the interaction
of the individual upon the Universal Mind, and as the Universal Mind is the
intelligence which pervades all space and animates all living things, this
mental action and reaction is the law of causation, but the principle of
causation does not obtain in the individual but in the Universal Mind. It is not
an objective faculty but a subjective process, and the results are seen in an
infinite variety of conditions and experiences.
41. In order to express life there must be mind; nothing can exist without mind.
Everything which exists is some manifestation of this one basic substance from
which and by which all things have been created and are continually being
recreated.
42. We live in a fathomless sea of plastic mind substance. This substance is
ever alive and active. It is sensitive to the highest degree. It takes form
according to the mental demand. Thought forms the mold or matrix from which the
substance expresses.
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43. Remember that it is in the application alone that the value consists, and
that a practical understanding of this law will substitute abundance for
poverty, wisdom for ignorance, harmony for discord and freedom for tyranny, and
certainly there can be no greater blessing than these from a material and social
standpoint.
44. Now make the application: Select a room where you can be alone and
undisturbed; sit erect, comfortably, but do not lounge; let your thoughts roam
where they will but be perfectly still for from fifteen minutes to half an hour;
continue this for three or four days or for a week until you secure full control
of your physical being.
45. Many will find this extremely difficult; others will conquer with ease, but
it is absolutely essential to secure complete control of the body before you are
ready to progress. Next week you will receive instructions for the next step; in
the meantime you must have mastered this one.
Study Questions with Answers
1.What is the world without in its relation to the world within?
The world without is a reflection of the world within.
2. Upon what does all possession depend?
All possession is based on consciousness.
3. How is the individual related to the objective world?
The individual is related to the objective world by the objective mind; the
brain is the organ of this mind.
4. How is he related to the Universal Mind?
He is related to the Universal Mind by the subconscious mind; the Solar Plexus
is the organ of this mind.
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5. What is the Universal Mind?
Universal Mind is the life principle of every atom which is in existence.
6. How can the Individual act on the Universal?
The ability of the individual to think is his ability to act upon the Universal
and bring it into manifestation.
7. What is the result of this action and interaction?
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The result of this action and interaction is cause and effect; every thought is
a cause and every condition an effect.
8. How are harmonious and desirable conditions secured?
Harmonious and desirable conditions are obtained by right thinking.
9. What is the cause of all discord, inharmony, lack and limitation?
Discord, inharmony, lack and limitation are the result of wrong thinking.
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10. What is the source of all power?
The source of all power is the world within, the Universal Fountain of Supply,
the Infinite Energy of which each individual is an outlet.
Part Two
Our difficulties are largely due to confused ideas and ignorance of our true interests. The great task is to discover the laws of nature to which we are to adjust ourselves. Clear thinking and moral insight are, therefore, of incalculable value. All processes, even those of thought, rest on solid foundations.
The keener the sensibilities, the more acute the judgment, the more delicate the taste, the more refined the moral feelings, the more subtle the intelligence, the loftier the aspiration -- the purer and more intense are the gratifications which existence yields. Hence it is that the study of the best that has been thought in the world gives supreme pleasure.
The powers, uses and possibilities of the mind under the new interpretations are incomparably more wonderful that the most extravagant accomplishment, or even dreams of material progress.
Thought is energy. Active thought is active energy; concentrated thought is a concentrated energy. Thought concentrated on a definite purpose becomes power. This is the power which is being used by those who do not believe in the virtue of poverty, or the beauty of self-denial. They perceive that this is the talk of weaklings.
The ability to receive and manifest this power depends upon the ability to recognize the Infinite Energy ever dwelling in man, constantly creating and recreating his body and mind, and ready at any moment to manifest through him in any needful manner. In exact proportion to the recognition of this truth will be the manifestation in the outer life of the individual.
Part Two explains the method by which this is accomplished.
PART TWO
1. The operations of the mind are produced by two parallel modes of activity,
the one conscious, and the other subconscious. Professor Davidson says: "He who
thinks to illuminate the whole range of mental action by the light of his own
consciousness is not unlike the one who should go about to illuminate the
universe with a rushlight."
2. The subconscious’ logical processes are carried on with a certainty and
regularity which would be impossible if there existed the possibility of error.
Our mind is so designed that it prepares for us the most important foundations
of cognition, whilst we have not the slightest apprehension of the modus
operandi.
3. The subconscious soul, like a benevolent stranger, works and makes provision
for our benefit, pouring only the mature fruit into our lap; thus ultimate
analysis of thought processes shows that the subconscious is the theatre of the
most important mental phenomena.
4. It is through the subconscious that Shakespeare must have perceived, without
effort, great truths which are hidden from the conscious mind of the student;
that Phidias fashioned marble and bronze; that Raphael painted Madonnas and
Beethoven composed symphonies.
5. Ease and perfection depend entirely upon the degree in which we cease to
depend upon the consciousness; playing the piano, skating, operating the
typewriter, the skilled trades, depend for their perfect execution on the
process of the sub-conscious mind. The marvel of playing a brilliant piece on
the piano, while at the same time conducting a vigorous conversation, shows the
greatness of our subconscious powers.
6. We are all aware how dependent we are upon the subconscious, and the greater,
the nobler, the more brilliant our thoughts are, the more it is obvious to
ourselves that the origin lies beyond our ken. We find ourselves endowed with
tact, instinct, sense of the beautiful in art, music, etc., or whose origin or
dwelling place we are wholly unconscious.
7. The value of the subconscious is enormous; it inspires us; it warns us; it
furnishes us with names, facts and scenes from the storehouse of memory. It
directs our thoughts, tastes, and accomplishes tasks so intricate that no
conscious mind, even if it had the power, has the capacity for.
8. We can walk at will; we can raise the arm whenever we choose to do so; we can
give our attention through eye or ear to any subject at pleasure. On the other
hand, we cannot stop our heartbeats nor the circulation of the blood, nor the
growth of stature, nor the formation of nerve and muscle tissue, nor the
building of the bones, nor many other important vital processes.
9. If we compare these two sets of action, the one decreed by the will of the
moment, and the other proceeding in majestic, rhythmic course, subject to no
vascillation, but constant at every moment, we stand in awe of the latter, and
ask to have the mystery explained. We see at once that these are the vital
processes of our physical life, and we can not avoid the inference that these
all-important functions are designedly withdrawn from the domain of our outward
will with its variations and transitions, and placed under the direction of a
permanent and dependable power within us.
10. Of these two powers, the outward and changeable has been termed the
"Conscious Mind," or the "Objective Mind" (dealing with outward objects). The
interior power is called the "Subconscious Mind," or the "Subjective Mind," and
besides its work on the mental plane it controls the regular functions which
make physical life possible.
11. It is necessary to have a clear understanding of their respective functions
on the mental plane, as well as of certain other basic principles. Perceiving
and operating through the five physical senses, the conscious mind deals with
the impressions and objects of the outward life.
12. It has the faculty of discrimination, carrying with it the responsibility of
choice. It has the power of reasoning - whether inductive, deductive, analytical
or syllogistic - and this power may be developed to a high degree. It is the
seat of the will with all the energies that flow therefrom.
13. Not only can it impress other minds, but it can direct the subconscious
mind. In this way the conscious mind becomes the responsible ruler and guardian
of the subconscious mind. It is this high function which can completely reverse
conditions in your life.
14. It is often true that conditions of fear, worry, poverty, disease, inharmony
and evils of all kinds dominate us by reason of false suggestions accepted by
the unguarded subconscious mind. All this the trained conscious mind can
entirely prevent by its vigilant protective action. It may properly be called
"the watchman at the gate" of the great subconscious domain.
15. One writer has expressed the chief distinction between the two phases of
mind thus: "Conscious mind is reasoning will. Subconscious mind is instinctive
desire, the result of past reasoning will."
16. The subconscious mind draws just and accurate inferences from premises
furnished from outside sources. Where the premise is true, the subconscious mind
reaches a faultless conclusion, but, where the premise or suggestion is an
error, the whole structure falls. The subconscious mind does not engage in the
process of proving. It relies upon the conscious mind, "the watchman at the
gate," to guard it from mistaken impressions.
17. Receiving any suggestions as true, the subconscious mind at once proceeds to
act thereon in the whole domain of its tremendous field of work. The conscious
mind can suggest either truth or error. If the latter, it is at the cost of
wide-reaching peril to the whole being.
18. The conscious mind ought to be on duty during every waking hour. When the
"watchman" is "off guard," or when its calm judgment is suspended, under a
variety of circumstances, then the subconscious mind is unguarded and left open
to suggestion from all sources. During the wild excitement of panic, or during
the height of anger, or the impulses of the irresponsible mob, or at any other
time of unrestrained passion, the conditions are most dangerous. The
subconscious mind is then open to the suggestion of fear, hatred, selfishness,
greed, self-depreciation and other negative forces, derived from surrounding
persons or circumstances. The result is usually unwholesome in the extreme, with
effects that may endure to distress it for a long time. Hence, the great
importance of guarding the subconscious mind from false impressions.
19. The subconscious mind perceives by intuition. Hence, its processes are
rapid. It does not wait for the slow methods of conscious reasoning. In fact, it
can not employ them.
20. The subconscious mind never sleeps, never rests, any more than does your
heart, or your blood. It has been found that by plainly stating to the
subconscious mind certain specific things to be accomplished, forces are set in
operation that lead to the result desired. Here, then, is a source of power
which places us in touch with Omnipotence. Here in is a deep principle which is
well worth our most earnest study.
21. The operation of this law is interesting. Those who put it into operation
find that when they go out to meet the person with whom they anticipate a
difficult interview, something has been there before them and dissolved the
supposed differences; everything is changed; all is harmonious; they find that
when some difficult business problem presents itself they can afford to make
delay and something suggests the proper solution; everything is properly
arranged; in fact, those who have learned to trust the subconscious find that
they have infinite resources at their command.
22. The subconscious mind is the seat of our principles and our aspirations. It
is the fount of our artistic and altruistic ideals. These instincts can only be
overthrown by an elaborate and gradual process of undermining the innate
principles.
23. The subconscious mind cannot argue controversially. Hence, if it has
accepted wrong suggestions, the sure method of overcoming them is by the use of
a strong counter suggestion, frequently repeated, which the mind must accept,
thus eventually forming new and healthy habits of thought and life, for the
subconscious mind is the seat of Habit. That which we do over and over becomes
mechanical; it is no longer an act of judgment, but has worn its deep grooves in
the subconscious mind. This is favorable for us if the habit be wholesome and
right. If it be harmful, and wrong, the remedy is to recognize the omnipotence
of the subconscious mind and suggest present actual freedom. The subconscious
being creative and one with our divine source will at once create the freedom
suggested.
24. To sum up: The normal functions of the subconscious on the physical side
have to do with the regular and vital processes, with the preservation of life
and the restoration of health; with the care of offspring, which includes an
instinctive desire to preserve all life and improve conditions generally.
25. On the mental side, it is the storehouse of memory; it harbors the wonderful
thought messengers, who work, unhampered by time or space; it is the fountain of
the practical initiative and constructive forces of life: It is the seat of
habit.
26. On the spiritual side, it is the source of ideals, of aspiration, of the
imagination, and is the channel through which we recognize our Divine Source,
and in proportion as we recognize this divinity do we come into an understanding
of the source of power.
27. Some one may ask: "How can the subconscious change conditions?" The reply
is, because the subconscious is a part of the Universal Mind and a part must be
the same in kind and quality as the whole; the only difference is one of degree.
The whole, as we know, is creative, in fact, it is the only creator there is,
consequently, we find that mind is creative, and as thought is the only activity
which the mind possesses, thought must necessarily be creative also.
28. But we shall find that there is a vast difference between simply thinking,
and directing our thought consciously, systematically and constructively; when
we do this we place our mind in harmony with the Universal Mind, we come in tune
with the Infinite, we set in operation the mightiest force in existence, the
creative power of the Universal Mind. This, as everything else, is governed by
natural law, and this law is the "Law of Attraction," which is that Mind is
creative, and will automatically correlate with its object and bring it into
manifestation.
29. Last week I gave you an exercise for the purpose of securing control of the
physical body; if you have accomplished this you are ready to advance. This time
you will begin to control your thought. Always take the same room, the same
chair, and the same position, if possible. In some cases it is not convenient to
take the same room, in this case simply make the best use of such conditions as
may be available. Now be perfectly still as before, but inhibit all thought;
this will give you control over all thoughts of care, worry and fear, and will
enable you to entertain only the kind of thoughts you desire. Continue this
exercise until you gain complete mastery.
30. You will not be able to do this for more that a few moments at a time, but
the exercise is valuable, because it will be a very practical demonstration of
the great number of thoughts which are constantly trying to gain access to your
mental world.
31. Next week you will receive instructions for an exercise which may be a
little more interesting, but it is necessary that you master this one first.
Cause and effect is as absolute and undeviating in the hidden realm of
thought as in the world of visible and material things. Mind is the master
weaver, both of the interior garment of character and the outer garment of
circumstance
James Allen
Study Questions with Answers
11. What are the two modes of mental activity?
Conscious and subconscious.
12. Upon what do ease and perfection depend?
Ease and perfection depend entirely upon the degree in which we cease to depend
upon the conscious mind.
13. What is the value of the subconscious?
It is enormous; it guides us, warns us, it controls the vital processes and is
the seat of memory.
14. What are some of the functions of the conscious mind?
It has the faculty of discrimination; it has the power of reasoning; it is the
seat of the will and may impress the subconscious.
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15. How has the distinction between the conscious and subconscious been
expressed?
"Conscious mind is reasoning will. Subconscious mind is instinctive desire, the
result of past reasoning will."
16. What method is necessary in order to impress the subconscious?
Mentally state what is wanted.
17. What will be the result?
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If the desire is in harmony with the forward movement of the great Whole, forces
will be set in motion which will bring about the result.
18. What is the result of the operation of this law?
Our environment reflects conditions corresponding to the predominant mental
attitude which we entertain.
19. What name has been given to this law?
The Law of Attraction.
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20. How is the law stated?
Thought is a creative energy, and will automatically correlate with is object
and bring it into manifestation.
Part Three
You have found that the Individual may act on the Universal, and that the result of this action and interaction is cause and effect. Thought, therefore, is the cause, and the experiences with which you meet in life are the effect.
Eliminate, therefore, any possible tendency to complain of conditions as they have been, or as they are, because it rests with you to change them and make them what you would like them to be.
Direct your effort to a realization of the mental resources, always at your command, from which all real and lasting power comes.
Persist in this practice until you come to a realization of the fact that there can be no failure in the accomplishment of any proper object in life if you but understand your power and persist in your object, because the mind-forces are ever ready to lend themselves to a purposeful will, in the effort to crystallize thought and desire into actions, events and conditions.
Whereas in the beginning of each function of life and each action is the result of conscious thought, the habitual actions become automatic and the thought that controls them passes into the realm of the subconscious; yet it is just as intelligent as before. It is necessary that it become automatic, or subconscious, in order that the self-conscious mind may attend to other things. The new actions will, however, in their turn, be come habitual, then automatic, then subconscious in order that the mind again may be freed from this detail and advanced to still other activities.
When you realize this, you will have found a source of power which will enable you to take care of any situation in life which may develop.
PART THREE
1. The necessary interaction of the conscious and subconscious mind requires a
similar interaction between the corresponding systems of nerves. Judge Troward
indicates the very beautiful method in which this interaction is effected. He
says: The cerebro-spinal system is the organ of the conscious mind and the
sympathetic is the organ of the subconscious. The cerebro-spinal is the channel
through which we receive conscious perception from the physical senses and
exercise control over the movements of the body. This system of nerves has its
centre in the brain.
2. The Sympathetic System has its centre in a ganglionic mass at the back of the
stomach known as the Solar Plexus, and is the channel of that mental action
which unconsciously supports the vital functions of the body.
3. The connection between the two systems is made by the vagus nerve which
passes out of the cerebral region as a portion of the voluntary system to the
thorax, sending out branches to the heart and lungs, and finally passing through
the diaphragm, it loses its outer coating and becomes identified with the nerves
of the Sympathetic System, so forming a connecting link between the two and
making man physically a "single entity".
4. We have seen that every thought is received by the brain, which is the organ
of the conscious; it is here subjected to our power of reasoning. When the
objective mind has been satisfied that the thought is true it is sent to the
Solar Plexus, or the brain of the subjective mind, to be made into our flesh, to
be brought forth into the world as reality. It is then no longer susceptible to
any argument whatever. The subconscious mind cannot argue; it only acts. It
accepts the conclusions of the objective mind as final.
5. The Solar Plexus has been likened to the sum of the body, because it is a
central point of distribution for the energy which the body is constantly
generating. This energy is very real energy, and this sun is a very real sun,
and the energy is being distributed by very real nerves to all parts of the
body, and is thrown off in an atmosphere which envelopes the body.
6. If this radiation is sufficiently strong the person is called magnetic; he is
said to be filled with personal magnetism. Such a person may wield an immense
power for good. His presence alone will often bring comfort to the troubled
minds with which he comes in contact.
7. When the Solar Plexus is in active operation and is radiating life, energy
and vitality to every part of the body, and to every one whom he meets, the
sensations are pleasant, the body is filled with health and all with whom he
comes in contact experience a pleasant sensation.
8. If there is any interruption of this radiation the sensations are unpleasant,
the flow of life and energy to some part of the body is stopped, and this is the
cause of every ill to the human race, physical, mental or environmental.
9. Physical because the sun of the body is no longer generating sufficient
energy to vitalize some part of the body; mental because the conscious mind is
dependent upon the subconscious mind for the vitality necessary to support its
thought, and environmental, because the connection between the subconscious mind
and the Universal mind, is being interrupted.
10. The Solar Plexus is the point at which the part meets with the whole, where
the finite becomes Infinite, where the Uncreate becomes create, the Universal
becomes individualized, the Invisible becomes visible. It is the point at which
life appears and there is no limit to the amount of life an individual may
generate from this Solar centre.
11. This centre of energy is Omnipotent because it is the point of contact with
all life and all intelligence. It can therefore accomplish whatever it is
directed to accomplish, and herein lies the power of the conscious mind; the
subconscious can and will carry out such plans and ideas as may be suggested to
it by the conscious mind.
12. Conscious thought, then, is master of this sun centre from which the life
and energy of the entire body flows and the quality of the thought which we
entertain determines the quality of the thought which this sun will radiate, and
the character of the thought which our conscious mind entertains will determine
the character of the thought which this sun will radiate, and the nature of the
thought which our conscious mind entertains will determine the nature of thought
which this sun will radiate, and consequently will determine the nature of the
experience which will result.
13. It is evident, therefore, that all we have to do is let our light shine; the
more energy we can radiate, the more rapidly shall we be enabled to transmute
undesirable conditions into sources of pleasure and profit. The important
question, then, is how to let this light shine; how to generate this energy.
14. Non-resistant thought expands the Solar Plexus; resistant thought contracts
it. Pleasant thought expands it; unpleasant thought contracts it. Thoughts of
courage, power, confidence and hope all produce a corresponding state, but the
one arch enemy of the Solar Plexus which must be absolutely destroyed before
there is any possibility of letting any light shine is fear. This enemy must be
completely destroyed; he must be eliminated; he must be expelled forever; he is
the cloud which hides the sun; which causes a perpetual gloom.
15. It is this personal devil which makes men fear the past, the present and the
future; fear themselves, their friends and their enemies; fear everything and
everybody. When fear is effectually and completely destroyed, your light will
shine, the clouds will disperse and you will have found the source of power,
energy and life.
16. When you find that you are really one with the Infinite power, and when you
can consciously realize this power by a practical demonstration of your ability
to overcome any adverse condition by the power of your thought, you will have
nothing to fear; fear will have been destroyed and you will have come into
possession of your birthright.
17. It is our attitude of mind toward life which determines the experiences with
which we are to meet; if we expect nothing, we shall have nothing; if we demand
much, we shall receive the greater portion. The world is harsh only as we fail
to assert ourselves. The criticism of the world is bitter only to those who
cannot compel room for their ideas. It is fear of this criticism that causes
many ideas to fail to see the light of day.
18. But the man who knows that he has a Solar Plexus will not fear criticism or
anything else; he will be too busy radiating courage, confidence, and power; he
will anticipate success by his mental attitude; he will pound barriers to
pieces, and leap over the chasm of doubt and hesitation which fear places in his
path.
19. A knowledge of our ability to consciously radiate health, strength and
harmony will bring us into a realization that there is nothing to fear because
we are in touch with Infinite Strength.
20. This knowledge can be gained only by making practical application of this
information. We learn by doing; through practice the athlete comes powerful.
21. As the following statement is of considerable importance, I will put it in
several ways, so that you cannot fail to get the full significance of it. If you
are religiously inclined, I would say, you can let your light shine. If your
mind has a bias toward physical science, I would say you can wake the Solar
Plexus; or, if you prefer the strictly scientific interpretation, I will say
that you can impress your subconscious mind.
22. I have already told you what the result of this impression will be. It is
the method in which you are now interested. You have already learned that the
subconscious is intelligent and that it is creative, and responsive to the will
of the conscious mind. What, then, is the most natural way of making the desired
impression? Mentally concentrate on the object of your desire; when you are
concentrating you are impressing the subconscious.
23. This is not the only way, but it is a simple and effective way, and the most
direct way, and consequently the way in which the best results are secured. It
is the method which is producing such extraordinary results that many think that
miracles are being accomplished.
24. It is the method by which every great inventor, every great financier, every
great statesman has been enabled to convert the subtle and invisible force of
desire, faith and confidence into actual, tangible, concrete facts in the
objective world.
25. The subconscious mind is a part of the Universal mind. The Universal is the
creative principle of the Universe, a part must be the same in kind and quality
as the whole. This means that this creative power is absolutely unlimited; it is
not bound by precedent of any kind, and consequently has no prior existing
pattern by which to apply its constructive principle.
26. We have found that the subconscious mind is responsive to our conscious
will, which means that the unlimited creative power of the Universal Mind is
within control of the conscious mind of the individual.
27. When making a practical application of this principle, in accordance with
the exercises given in the subsequent lessons, it is well to remember that it is
not necessary to outline the method by which the subconscious will produce the
results you desire. The finite cannot inform the Infinite. You are simply to say
what you desire, not how you are to obtain it.
28. You are the channel by which the undifferentiated is being differentiated,
and this differentiation is being accomplished by appropriation. It only
requires recognition to set causes in motion which will bring about results in
accordance with your desire, and this is accomplished because the Universal can
act only through the individual, and the individual can act only through the
Universal; they are one.
29. For your exercise this week, I will ask you to go one step further. I want
you to not only be perfectly still, and inhibit all thought as far as possible,
but relax, let go, let the muscles take their normal condition; this will remove
all pressure from the nerves, and eliminate that tension which so frequently
produces physical exhaustion.
30. Physical relaxation is a voluntary exercise of the will and the exercise
will be found to be of great value, as it enables the blood to circulate freely
to and from the brain and body.
31. Tensions leads to mental unrest and abnormal mental activity of the mind; it
produces worry, care, fear and anxiety. Relaxation is therefore an absolute
necessity in order to allow the mental faculties to exercise the greatest
freedom.
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32. Make this exercise as thorough and complete as possible, mentally determine
that you will relax every muscle and nerve, until you feel quiet and restful and
at peace with yourself and the world.
33. The Solar Plexus will then be ready to function and you will be surprised at
the result.
Study Questions with Answers
21. What system of nerves is the organ of the Conscious Mind?
The Cerebro-spinal.
22. What system of nerves is the organ of the subconscious mind?
The sympathetic.
23. What is the central point of distribution for energy which the body is
constantly generating?
The solar plexus.
24. How may this distribution be interrupted?
By resistant, critical, discordant thoughts, but especially fear.
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25. What is the result of such interruption?
Every ill with which the human race is afflicted.
26. How may this energy be controlled and directed?
By conscious thought.
27. How may fear be completely eliminated?
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By an understanding and recognition of the true source of all power.
28. What determines the experiences with which we meet in life?
Our predominant mental attitude.
29. How may we awake the solar plexus?
Mentally concentrate upon the condition which we desire to see manifested in our
lives.
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30. What is the creative principle of the Universe?
The Universal Mind.
Part Four
Enclosed herewith I hand you Part Four. This part will show you why what you think, or do, or feel, is an indication of what you are.
Thought is energy and energy is power, and it is because all the religions, sciences and philosophies with which the world has heretofore been familiar have been based upon the manifestation of this energy instead of the energy itself, that the world has been limited to effects, while causes have been ignored or misunderstood.
For this reason we have God and the Devil in religion, positive and negative in science, and good and bad in philosophy.
The Master Key reverses the process; it is interested only in cause, and the letters received from students tell a marvelous story; they indicate conclusively that students are finding the cause whereby they may secure for themselves health, harmony, abundance, and whatever else may be necessary for their welfare and happiness.
Life is expressive and it is our business to express ourselves harmoniously and constructively. Sorrow, misery, unhappiness, disease and poverty are not necessities and we are constantly eliminating them.
But this process of eliminating consists in rising above and beyond limitation of any kind. He who has strengthened and purified his thought need not concern himself about microbes, and he who has come into an understanding of the law of abundance will go at once to the source of supply.
It is thus that fate, fortune, and destiny will be controlled as readily as a captain controls his ship, or an engineer, his train.
PART FOUR
1. The "I" of you is not the physical body; that is simply an instrument which
the "I" uses to carry out its purposes; the "I" cannot be the Mind, for the mind
is simply another instrument which the "I" uses with which to think, reason, and
plan.
2. The "I" must be something which controls and directs both the body and the
mind; something which determines what they shall do and how they shall act. When
you come into a realization of the true nature of this "I", you will enjoy a
sense of power which you have never before known.
3. Your personality is made up of countless individual characteristics,
peculiarities, habits, and traits of character; these are the result of your
former method of thinking, but they have nothing to do with the real "I."
4. When you say "I think" the "I" tells the mind what it shall think; when you
say "I go" the "I" tells the physical body where it shall go; the real nature of
this "I" is spiritual, and is the source of the real power which comes to men
and women when they come into a realization of their true nature.
5. The greatest and most marvelous power which this "I" has been given is the
power to think, but few people know how to think constructively, or correctly,
consequently they achieve only indifferent results. Most people allow their
thoughts to dwell on selfish purposes, the inevitable result of an infantile
mind. When a mind becomes mature, it understands that the germ of defeat is in
every selfish thought.
6. The trained mind knows that every transaction must benefit every person who
is in any way connected with the transaction, and any attempt to profit by the
weakness, ignorance or necessity of another will inevitably operate to his
disadvantage.
7. This is because the individual is a part of the Universal. A part cannot
antagonize any other part, but, on the contrary, the welfare of each part
depends upon a recognition of the interest of the whole.
8. Those who recognize this principle have a great advantage in the affairs of
life. They do not wear themselves out. They can eliminate vagrant thoughts with
facility. They can readily concentrate to the highest possible degree on any
subject. They do not waste time or money upon objects which can be of no
possible benefit to them.
9. If you cannot do these things it is because you have thus far not made the
necessary effort. Now is the time to make the effort. The result will be exactly
in proportion to the effort expended. One of the strongest affirmations which
you can use for the purpose of strengthening the will and realizing your power
to accomplish, is, "I can be what I will to be."
10. Every time you repeat it realize who and what this "I" is; try to come into
a thorough understanding of the true nature of the "I"; if you do, you will
become invincible; that is, provided that your objects and purposes are
constructive and are therefore in harmony with the creative principle of the
Universe.
11. If you make use of this affirmation, use it continuously, night and morning,
and as often during the day as you think of it, and continue to do so until it
becomes a part of you; form the habit.
12. Unless you do this, you had better not start at all, because modern
psychology tells us that when we start something and do not complete it, or make
a resolution and do not keep it, we are forming the habit of failure; absolute,
ignominious failure. If you do not intend to do a thing, do not start; if you do
start, see it through even if the heavens fall; if you make up your mind to do
something, do it; let nothing, no one, interfere; the "I" in you has determined,
the thing is settled; the die is cast, there is no longer any argument.
13. If you carry out this idea, beginning with small things which you know you
can control and gradually increase the effort, but never under any circumstances
allowing your "I" to be overruled, you will find that you can eventually control
yourself, and many men and women have found to their sorrow that it is easier to
control a kingdom than to control themselves.
14. But when you have learned to control yourself you will have found the "World
Within" which controls the world without; you will have become irresistible; men
and things will respond to your every wish without any apparent effort on your
part.
15. This is not so strange or impossible as it may appear when you remember that
the "World Within" is controlled by the "I" and that this "I" is a part or one
with the Infinite "I" which is the Universal Energy or Spirit, usually called
God.
16. This is not a mere statement or theory made for the purpose of confirming or
establishing an idea, but it is a fact which has been accepted by the best
religious thought as well as the best scientific thought.
17. Herbert Spender said: "Amid all the mysteries by which we are surrounded,
nothing is more certain than that we are ever in the presence of an Infinite and
Eternal Energy from which all things proceed."
18. Lyman Abbott, in an address delivered before the Alumni of Bangor
Theological Seminary, said: "We are coming to think of God as dwelling in man
rather than as operating on men from without."
19. Science goes a little way in its search and stops. Science finds the
ever-present Eternal Energy, but Religion finds the Power behind this energy and
locates it within man. But this is by no means a new discovery; the Bible says
exactly the same thing, and the language is just as plain and convincing: "Know
ye not that ye are the temple of the living God?" Here, then, is the secret of
the wonderful creative power of the "World Within."
20. Here is the secret of power, of mastery. To overcome does not mean to go
without things. Self-denial is not success. We cannot give unless we get; we
cannot be helpful unless we are strong. The Infinite is not a bankrupt and we
who are the representatives of Infinite power should not be bankrupts either,
and if we wish to be of service to others we must have power and more power, but
to get it we must give it; we must be of service.
21. The more we give the more we shall get; we must become a channel whereby the
Universal can express activity. The Universal is constantly seeking to express
itself, to be of service, and it seeks the channel whereby it can find the
greatest activity, where it can do the most good, where it can be of greatest
service to mankind.
22. The Universal cannot express through you as long as you are busy with your
plans, your own purposes; quiet the senses, seek inspiration, focus the mental
activity on the within, dwell in the consciousness of your unity with
Omnipotence. "Still water runs deep;" contemplate the multitudinous
opportunities to which you have spiritual access by the Omnipresence of power.
23. Visualize the events, circumstances and conditions which these spiritual
connections may assist in manifesting. Realize the fact that the essence and
soul of all things is spiritual and that the spiritual is the real, because it
is the life of all there is; when the spirit is gone, the life is gone; it is
dead; it has ceased to exist.
24. These mental activities pertain to the world within, to the world of cause;
and conditions and circumstances which result are the effect. It is thus that
you become a creator. This is important work, and the higher, loftier, grander
and more noble ideals which you can conceive, the more important the work will
become.
25. Over-work or over-play or over-bodily activity of any kind produces
conditions of mental apathy and stagnation which makes it impossible to do the
more important work which results in a realization of conscious power. We
should, therefore, seek the Silence frequently. Power comes through repose; it
is in the Silence that we can be still, and when we are still, we can think, and
thought is the secret of all attainment.
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26. Thought is a mode of motion and is carried by the law of vibration the same
as light or electricity. It is given vitality by the emotions through the law of
love; it takes form and expression by the law of growth; it is a product of the
spiritual "I", hence its Divine, spiritual, and creative nature.
27. From this it is evident that in order to express power, abundance or any
other constructive purpose, the emotions must be called upon to give feeling to
the thought so that it will take form. How may this purpose be accomplished?
This is the vital point; how may we develop the faith, the courage, the feeling,
which will result in accomplishment?
28. The reply is, by exercise; mental strength is secured in exactly the same
way that physical strength is secured, by exercise. We think something, perhaps
with difficulty the first time; we think the same thing again, and it becomes
easier this time; we think it again and again; it then becomes a mental habit.
We continue to think the same thing; finally it becomes automatic; we can no
longer help thinking this thing; we are now positive of what we think; there is
no longer any doubt about it. We are sure; we know.
29. Last week I asked you to relax, to let go physically. This week, I am going
to ask you to let go mentally. If you practiced the exercise given you last week
fifteen or twenty minutes a day in accordance with the instructions, you can no
doubt relax physically; and anyone who cannot consciously do this quickly and
completely is not a master of himself. He has not obtained freedom; he is still
a slave to conditions. But I shall assume that you have mastered the exercise
and are ready to take the next step, which is mental freedom.
30. This week, after taking your usual position, remove all tension by
completely relaxing, then mentally let go of all adverse conditions, such as
hatred, anger, worry, jealousy, envy, sorrow, trouble or disappointment of any
kind.
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31. You may say that you cannot "let go" of these things, but you can; you can
do so by mentally determining to do so, by voluntary intention and persistence.
32. The reason that some cannot do this is because they allow themselves to be
controlled by the emotions instead of by their intellect. But those who will be
guided by the intellect will gain the victory. You will not succeed the first
time you try, but practice makes perfect, in this as in everything else, and you
must succeed in dismissing, eliminating and completely destroying these negative
and destructive thoughts; because they are the seed which is constantly
germinating into discordant conditions of every conceivable kind and
description.
There is nothing truer than that the quality of thought which we entertain
correlates certain externals in the outside world. This is the Law from which
there is no escape. And it is this Law, this correlative of the thought with its
object, that from time immemorial has led the people to believe in special
providence
Wilmans
Study Questions with Answers
31. What is thought?
Thought is spiritual energy.
32. How is it carried?
By the law of vibration.
33. How is it given vitality?
By the law of love.
34. How does it take form?
By the law of growth.
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35. What is the secret of its creative power?
It is a spiritual activity.
36. How may we develop the faith, courage, and enthusiasm which will result in
accomplishment?
By a recognition of our spiritual nature.
37. What is the secret of Power?
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Service.
38. Why is this so?
Because we get what we give.
39. What is the Silence?
A physical stillness.
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40. Of what value is it?
It is the first step to self-control, self-mastery.
Part Five
Enclosed herewith you will find Part Five. After studying this part carefully, you will see that every conceivable force or object or fact is the result of mind in action.
Mind in action is thought, and thought is creative. Men are thinking now as they never thought before.
Therefore, this is a creative age, and the world is awarding its richest prizes to the thinkers. Matter is powerless, passive, inert. Mind is force, energy, power. Mind shapes and controls matter. Every form which matter takes is but the expression of some pre-existing thought.
But thought works no magic transformations; it obeys natural laws; it sets in motion natural forces; it releases natural energies; it manifests in your conduct and actions, and these in turn react upon your friends and acquaintances, and eventually upon the whole of your environment. You can originate thought, and, since thoughts are creative, you can create for yourself the things you desire.
PART FIVE
1. At least ninety per cent of our mental life is subconscious, so that those
who fail to make use of this mental power live within very narrow limits.
2. The subconscious can and will solve any problem for us if we know how to
direct it. The subconscious processes are always at work; the only question is,
are we to be simply passive recipients of this activity, or are we to
consciously direct the work? Shall we have a vision of the destination to be
reached, the dangers to be avoided, or shall we simply drift?
3. We have found that mind pervades every part of the physical body and is
always capable of being directed or impressed by authority coming from the
objective or the more dominant portion of the mind.
4. The mind, which pervades the body, is largely the result of heredity, which,
in turn, is simply the result of all the environments of all past generations on
the responsive and ever-moving life forces. An understanding of this fact will
enable us to use our authority when we find some undesirable trait of character
manifesting.
5. We can consciously use all the desirable characteristics with which we have
been provided and we can repress and refuse to allow the undesirable ones to
manifest.
6. Again, this mind which pervades our physical body is not only the result of
hereditary tendencies, but is the result of home, business and social
environment, where countless thousands of impressions, ideas, prejudices and
similar thoughts have been received. Much of this has been received from others,
the result of opinions, suggestions or statements; much of it is the result of
our own thinking, but nearly all of it has been accepted with little or no
examination or consideration.
7. The idea seemed plausible, the conscious received it, passed it on to the
subconscious, where it was taken up by the Sympathetic System and passed on to
be built into our physical body. "The word has become flesh."
8. This, then, is the way we are consistently creating and recreating ourselves;
we are today the result of our past thinking, and we shall be what we are
thinking today, the Law of Attraction is bringing to us, not the things we
should like, or the things we wish for, or the things some one else has, but it
brings us "our own," the things which we have created by our thought processes,
whether consciously or unconsciously. Unfortunately, many of us are creating
these things unconsciously.
9. If either of us were building a home for ourselves, how careful we would be
in regard to the plans; how we should study every detail; how we should watch
the material and select only the best of everything; and yet how careless we are
when it comes to building our Mental Home, which is infinitely more important
than any physical home, as everything which can possibly enter into our lives
depends upon the character of the material which enters into the construction of
our Mental Home.
10. What is the character of this material? We have seen that it is the result
of the impressions which we have accumulated in the past and stored away in our
subconscious Mentality. If these impressions have been of fear, of worry, of
care, of anxiety; if they have been despondent, negative, doubtful, then the
texture of the material which we are weaving today will be of the same negative
material. Instead of being of any value, it will be mildewed and rotten and will
bring us only more toil and care and anxiety. We shall be forever busy trying to
patch it up and make it appear at least genteel.
11. But if we have stored away nothing but courageous thought, if we have been
optimistic, positive, and have immediately thrown any kind of negative thought
on the scrap pile, have refused to have anything to do with it, have refused to
associate with it or become identified with it in any way, what then is the
result? Our mental material is now of the best kind; we can weave any kind of
material we want; we can use any color we wish; we know that the texture is
firm, that the material is solid, that it will not fade, and we have no fear, no
anxiety concerning the future; there is nothing to cover, there are no patches
to hide.
12. These are psychological facts; there is no theory or guesswork about these
thinking processes; there is nothing secret about them; in fact, they are so
plain that every one can understand them. The thing to do is to have a mental
house-cleaning, and to have this house-cleaning every day, and keep the house
clean. Mental, moral and physical cleanliness are absolutely indispensable if we
are to make progress of any kind.
13. When this mental house-cleaning process has been completed, the material
which is left will be suitable for the making of the kind of ideals or mental
images which we desire to realize.
14. There is a fine estate awaiting a claimant. Its broad acres, with abundant
crops, running water and fine timber, stretch away as far as the eye can see.
There is a mansion, spacious and cheerful, with rare pictures, a well-stocked
library, rich hangings, and every comfort and luxury. All the heir has to do is
to assert his heirship, take possession, and use the property. He must use it;
he must not let it decay; for use is the condition on which he holds it. To
neglect it is to lose possession.
15. In the domain of mind and spirit, in the domain of practical power, such an
estate is yours. You are the heir! You can assert your heirship and possess, and
use this rich inheritance. Power over circumstances is one of its fruits,
health, harmony and prosperity are assets upon its balance sheet. It offers you
poise and peace. It costs you only the labor of studying and harvesting its
great resources. It demands no sacrifice, except the loss of your limitations,
your servitudes, your weakness. It clothes you with self-honor, and puts a
scepter in your hands.
16. To gain this estate, three processes are necessary: You must earnestly
desire it. You must assert your claim. You must take possession.
17. You admit that those are not burdensome conditions.
18. You are familiar with the subject of heredity. Darwin, Huxley, Haeckel, and
other physical scientists have piled evidence mountain high that heredity is a
law attending progressive creation. It is progressive heredity which gives man
his erect attitude, his power of motion, the organs of digestions, blood
circulation, nerve force, muscular force, bone structure and a host of other
faculties on the physical side. There are even more impressive facts concerning
heredity of mind force. All these constitute what may be called your human
heredity.
19. But there is a heredity which the physical scientists have not compassed. It
lies beneath and antecedent to all their researches. At a point where they throw
up their hands in despair, saying they cannot account for what they see, this
divine heredity is found in full sway.
20. It is the benignant force which decrees primal creation. It thrills down
from the Divine, direct into every created being. It originates life, which the
physical scientist has not done, nor ever can do. It stands out among all forces
supreme, unapproachable. No human heredity can approach it. No human heredity
measures up to it.
21. This Infinite Life flows through you; is you. Its doorways are but the
faculties which comprise your consciousness. To keep open these doors is the
Secret of Power. Is it not worthwhile to make the effort?
22. The great fact is, that the source of all life and all power is from within.
Persons, circumstances and events may suggest need and opportunities, but the
insight, strength and power to answer these needs will be found within.
23. Avoid counterfeits. Build firm foundations for your consciousness upon
forces which flow direct from the Infinite source, the Universal Mind of which
you are the image and likeness.
24. Those we have come into possession of this inheritance are never quite the
same again. They have come into possession of a sense of power hitherto
undreamed of. They can never again be timid, weak, vacillating, or fearful. They
are indissolubly connected with Omnipotence. Something in them has been aroused;
they have suddenly discovered that they possess a tremendous latent ability of
which they were heretofore entirely unconscious.
25. This power is from within, but we cannot receive it unless we give it. Use
is the condition upon which we hold this inheritance. We are each of us but the
channel through which the Omnipotent power is being differentiated into form;
unless we give, the channel is obstructed and we can receive no more. This is
true on every plane of existence and in every field of endeavor and all walks of
life. The more we give, the more we get. The athlete who wishes to get strong
must make use of the strength he has, and the more he gives the more he will
get. The financier who wishes to make money must make use of the money he has,
for only by using it can he get more.
26. The merchant who does not keep his goods going out will soon have none
coming in; the corporation which fails to give efficient service will soon lack
customers; the attorney who fails to get results will soon lack clients, and so
it goes everywhere; power is contingent upon a proper use of the power already
in our possession; what is true in every field of endeavor, every experience in
life, is true of the power from which every other power known among men is
begotten -- spiritual power. Take away the spirit and what is left? Nothing.
27. If then the spirit is all there is, upon the recognition of this fact must
depend the ability to demonstrate all power, whether physical, mental or
spiritual.
28. All possession is the result of the accumulative attitude of mind, or the
money consciousness; this is the magic wand which will enable you to receive the
idea, and it will formulate plans for you to execute, and you will find as much
pleasure in the execution as in the satisfaction of attainment and achievement.
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29. Now, go to your room, take the same seat, the same position as heretofore,
and mentally select a place which has pleasant associations. Make a complete
mental picture of it, see the buildings, the grounds, the trees, friends,
associations, everything complete. At first, you will find yourself thinking of
everything under the sun, except the ideal upon which you desire to concentrate.
But do not let that discourage you. Persistence will win, but persistence
requires that you practice these exercises every day without fail.
Study Questions with Answers
41. What proportion of our mental life is subconscious?
At least ninety per cent.
42. Is this vast mental storehouse generally utilized?
No.
43. Why not?
Few understand or appreciate the fact that it is an activity which they may
consciously direct.
44. Where has the conscious mind received its governing tendencies?
From heredity -- which means that it is the result of all the environments of
all past generations.
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45. What is the law of attraction bringing to us?
Our "Own."
46. What is our "Own"?
What we inherently are, and is the result of our past thinking, both conscious
and subconscious.
47. Of what is the material with which we construct our mental home composed?
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The thoughts which we entertain.
48. What is the Secret of Power?
A recognition of the omnipresence of omnipotence.
49. Where does it originate?
All life and all power is from within.
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50. Upon what is the possession of power contingent?
Upon a proper use of the power already in our possession.
Part Six
It is my privilege to enclose Part Six. This part will give you an excellent understanding of the most wonderful piece of mechanism which has ever been created. A mechanism whereby you may create for yourself Health, Strength, Success, Prosperity or any other condition which you desire.
Necessities are demands, and demands create action, and actions bring about results. The process of evolution is constantly building our tomorrows out of our todays. Individual development, like Universal development, must be gradual with an ever-increasing capacity and volume.
The knowledge that if we infringe upon the rights of others, we become moral thorns and find ourselves entangled at every turn of the road, should be an indication that success is contingent upon the highest moral ideal, which is "The greatest good to the greatest number." Aspiration, desire and harmonious relations constantly and persistently maintained will accomplish results. The greatest hindrance is erroneous and fixed ideas.
To be in tune with eternal truth we must possess poise and harmony within. In order to receive intelligence the receiver must be in tune with the transmitter.
Thought is a product of Mind and Mind is creative, but this does not mean that the Universal will change its modus operandi to suit us or our ideas, but it does mean that we can come into harmonious relationship with the Universal, and when we have accomplished this we may ask anything to which we are entitled, and the way will be made plain.
PART SIX
1. The Universal Mind is so wonderful that it is difficult to understand its
utilitarian powers and possibilities and its unlimited producing effects.
2. We have found that this Mind is not only all intelligence but all substance.
How, then, is it to be differentiated in form? How are we to secure the effect
which we desire?
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3. Ask any electrician what the effect of electricity will be and he will reply
that "Electricity is a form of motion and its effect will depend upon the
mechanism to which it is attached." Upon this mechanism will depend whether we
shall have heat, light, power, music or any of the other marvelous demonstration
of power to which this vital energy has been harnessed.
4. What effect can be produced by thought? The reply is that thought is mind in
motion (just as wind is air in motion), and its effect will depend entirely on
the "mechanism to which it is attached."
5. Here, then, is the secret of all mental power; it depends entirely on the
mechanism which we attach.
6. What is this mechanism? You know something of the mechanism which has been
invented by Edison, Bell, Marconi and other electrical wizards, by which place
and space and time have become only figures of speech, but did you ever stop to
think that the mechanism which has been given you for transforming the
Universal, Omnipresent Potential Power was invented by a greater inventor than
Edison?
7. We are accustomed to examining the mechanism of the implements which we use
for tilling the soil, and we try to get an understanding of the mechanism of the
automobile which we drive, but most of us are content to remain in absolute
ignorance of the greatest piece of mechanism which as ever come into existence,
the brain of man.
8. Let us examine the wonders of this mechanism; perhaps we shall thereby get a
better understanding of the various effects of which it is the cause.
9. In the first place, there is the great mental world in which we live and move
and have our being; this world is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent; it
will respond to our desire in direct ratio to our purpose and faith; the purpose
must be in accordance with the law of our being, that is, it must be creative or
constructive; our faith must be strong enough to generate a current of
sufficient strength to bring our purpose into manifestation. "As thy faith is,
so be it unto thee," bears the stamp of scientific test.
10. The effects which are produced in the world without are the result of the
action and reaction of the individual upon the universal; that is the process
which we call thinking; the brain is the organ through which this process is
accomplished; think of the wonder of it all! Do you love music, flowers,
literature, or are you inspired by the thought of ancient or modern genius?
Remember, every beauty to which you respond must have its corresponding outline
in your brain before you can appreciate it.
11. There is not a single virtue or principle in the storehouse of nature which
the brain cannot express. The brain is an embryonic world, ready to develop at
any time as necessity may arise. If you can comprehend that this is a scientific
truth and one of the wonderful laws of nature, it will be easier for you to get
an understanding of the mechanism by which these extraordinary results are being
accomplished.
12. The nervous system has been compared to an electric circuit with its battery
of cells in which force is originated, and its white matter to insulated wires
by which the current is conveyed; it is through these channels that every
impulse or desire is carried through the mechanism.
13. The spinal cord is the great motor and sensory pathway by which messages are
conveyed to and from the brain; then, there is the blood supply plunging through
the veins and arteries, renewing our energy and strength, the perfectly arranged
structure upon which the entire physical body rests, and, finally, the delicate
and beautiful skin, clothing the entire mechanism is a mantle of beauty.
14. This then is the "Temple of the living God" and the individual "I" is given
control and upon his understanding of the mechanism which is within his control
will the result depend.
15. Every thought sets the brain cells in action; at first the substance upon
which the thought is directed fails to respond, but if the thought is
sufficiently refined and concentrated, the substance finally yields and
expresses perfectly.
16. This influence of the mind can be exerted upon any part of the body, causing
the elimination of any undesirable effect.
17. A perfect conception and understanding of the laws governing in the mental
world cannot fail to be of inestimable value in the transaction of business, as
it develops the power of discernment and gives a clearer understanding and
appreciation of facts.
18. The man who looks within instead of without cannot fail to make use of the
mighty forces which will eventually determine his course in life and so bring
him into vibration with all that is best, strongest and most desirable.
19. Attention or concentration is probably; the most important essential in the
development of mind culture. The possibilities of attention when properly
directed are so startling that they would hardly appear credible to the
uninitiated. The cultivation of attention is the distinguishing characteristic
of every successful man or woman, and is the very highest personal
accomplishment which can be acquired.
20. The power of attention can be more readily understood by comparing it with a
magnifying glass in which the rays of sunlight are focused; they possess no
particular strength as long as the glass is moved about and the rays directed
from one place to another; but let the glass be held perfectly still and let the
rays be focused on one spot for any length of time, the effect will become
immediately apparent.
21. So with the power of thought; let power be dissipated by scattering the
thought from one object to another, and no result is apparent; but focus this
power through attention or concentration on any single purpose for any length of
time and nothing becomes impossible.
22. A very simple remedy for a very complex situation, some will say. All right,
try it, you who have had no experience in concentrating the thought on a
definite purpose or object. Choose any single object and concentrate your
attention on it for a definite purpose for even ten minutes; you cannot do it;
the mind will wander a dozen times and it will be necessary to bring it back to
the original purpose, and each time the effect will have been lost and at the
end of the ten minutes nothing will have been gained, because you have not been
able to hold your thought steadily to the purpose.
23. It is, however, through attention that you will finally be able to overcome
obstacles of any kind that appear in your path onward and upward, and the only
way to acquire this wonderful power is by practice -- practice makes perfect, in
this as in anything else.
24. In order to cultivate the power of attention, bring a photograph with you to
the same seat in the same room in the same position as heretofore. Examine it
closely at least ten minutes, note the expression of the eyes, the form of the
features, the clothing, the way the hair is arranged; in fact, note every detail
shown on the photograph carefully. Now cover it and close your eyes and try to
see it mentally; if you can see every detail perfectly and can form a good
mental image of the photograph, you are to be congratulated; if not, repeat the
process until you can.
25. This step is simply for the purpose of preparing the soil; next week we
shall be ready to sow the seed.
26. It is by such exercises as these that you will finally be able to control
your mental moods, your attitude, your consciousness.
27. Great financiers are learning to withdraw from the multitude more and more,
that they may have more time for planning, thinking and generating the right
mental moods.
28. Successful businessmen are constantly demonstrating the fact that it pays to
keep in touch with the thought of other successful businessmen.
29. A single idea may be worth millions of dollars, and these ideas can only
come to those who are receptive, who are prepared to receive them, who are in
successful frame of mind.
30. Men are learning to place themselves in harmony with the Universal Mind;
they are learning the unity of all things; they are learning the basic methods
and principles of thinking, and this is changing conditions and multiplying
results.
31. They are finding that circumstances and environment follow the trend of
mental and spiritual progress; they find that growth follows knowledge; action
follows inspiration; opportunity follows perception; always the spiritual first,
then the transformation into the infinite and illimitable possibilities of
achievement.
32. As the individual is but the channel for the differentiation of the
Universal, these possibilities are necessarily inexhaustible.
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33. Thought is the process by which we may absorb the Spirit of Power, and hold
the result in our inner consciousness until it becomes a part of our ordinary
consciousness. The method of accomplishing this result by the persistent
practice of a few fundamental principles, as explained in this System, is the
master key which unlocks the storehouse of Universal Truth.
34. The two great sources of human suffering at present are bodily disease and
mental anxiety. These may be readily traced to the infringement of some Natural
Law. This is, no doubt, owing to the fact that so far knowledge has largely
remained partial, but the clouds of darkness which have accumulated through long
ages are beginning to roll away and with them many of the miseries that attend
imperfect information.
That a man can change himself, improve himself, re-create himself, control his
environment, and master his own destiny is the conclusion of every mind who is
wide-awake to the power of right thought in constructive action
Larsen
Study Questions with Answers
51. What are some of the effects which can be produced by electricity?
Heat, light, power, music.
52. Upon what do these various effects depend?
Upon the mechanism to which electricity is attached.
53. What is the result of the action and interaction of the individual mind upon
the Universal?
The conditions and experiences with which we meet.
54. How may these conditions be changed?
By changing the mechanism by which the Universal is differentiated in form.
55. What is this mechanism?
The brain.
56. How may it be changed?
By the process we call thinking. Thoughts produce brain cells, and these cells
respond to the corresponding thought in the Universal.
57. Of what value is the power of concentration?
It is the very highest personal accomplishment which can be acquired, and the
distinguishing characteristic of every successful man or woman.
58. How may it be acquired?
By faithfully practicing the exercises in this System.
59. Why is this so important?
Because it will enable us to control our thoughts, and since thoughts are causes
conditions must be effects; if we can control the cause we can also control the
effect.
60. What is changing conditions and multiplying results in the objective world?
Men are learning the basic methods of constructive thinking.
Part Seven
Through all the ages man has believed in an invisible power, through which
and by which all things have been created and are continually being re-created.
We may personalize this power and call it God, or we may think of it as the
essence or spirit, which permeates all things, but in either case the effect is
the same.
So far as the individual is concerned, the objective, the physical, the visible,
is the personal, that which can be cognized by the senses. It consists of body,
brain and nerves. The subjective is the spiritual, the invisible, the
impersonal.
The personal is conscious because it is a personal entity. The impersonal, being the same in kind and quality as all other Being, is not conscious of itself and has therefore been termed the subconscious.
The personal, or conscious, has the power of will and choice, and can therefore exercise discrimination in the selection of methods whereby to bring about the solution of difficulties.
The impersonal, or spiritual, being a part or one with the source, and origin
of all power, can necessarily exercise no such choice, but, on the contrary, it
has Infinite resources at its command. It can and does bring about results by
methods concerning which the human or individual mind can have no possible
conception.
You will therefore see that it is your privilege to depend upon the human will
with all its limitations and misconceptions, or you may utilize the
potentialities of Infinity by making use of the subconscious mind. Here, then,
is the scientific explanation of the wonderful power which has been put within
your control, if you but understand, appreciate and recognize it.
One method of consciously utilizing this omnipotent power is outlined in Part Seven.
PART SEVEN
1. Visualization is the process of making mental images, and the image is the
mold or model which will serve as a pattern from which your future will emerge.
2. Make the pattern clear and make it beautiful; do not be afraid; make it
grand; remember that no limitation can be placed upon you by any one but
yourself; you are not limited as to cost or material; draw on the Infinite for
your supply, construct it in your imagination; it will have to be there before
it will ever appear anywhere else.
3. Make the image clear and clean-cut, hold it firmly in the mind and you will
gradually and constantly bring the thing nearer to you. You can be what "you
will to be."
4. This is another psychological fact which is well known, but unfortunately,
reading about it will not bring about any result which you may have in mind; it
will not even help you to form the mental image, much less bring it into
manifestation. Work is necessary - labor, hard mental labor, the kind of effort
which so few are willing to put forth.
5. The first step is idealization. It is likewise the most important step,
because it is the plan on which you are going to build. It must be solid; it
must be permanent. The architect, when he plans a 30-storey building, has every
line and detail pictured in advance. The engineer, when he spans a chasm, first
ascertains the strength requirements of a million separate parts.
6. They see the end before a single step is taken; so you are to picture in your
mind what you want; you are sowing the seed, but before sowing any seed you want
to know what the harvest is to be. This is Idealization. If you are not sure,
return to the chair daily until the picture becomes plain; it will gradually
unfold; first the general plan will be dim, but it will take shape, the outline
will take form, then the details, and you will gradually develop the power by
which you will be enabled to formulate plans which will eventually materialize
in the objective world. You will come to know what the future holds for you.
7. Then comes the process of visualization. You must see the picture more and
more complete, see the detail, and, as the details begin to unfold the ways and
means for bringing it into manifestation will develop. One thing will lead to
another. Thought will lead to action, action will develop methods, methods will
develop friends, and friends will bring about circumstances, and, finally, the
third step, or Materialization, will have been accomplished.
8. We all recognize the Universe must have been thought into shape before it
ever could have become a material fact. And if we are willing to follow along
the lines of the Great Architect of the Universe, we shall find our thoughts
taking form, just as the universe took concrete form. It is the same mind
operating through the individual. There is no difference in kind or quality, the
only difference is one of degree.
9. The architect visualizes his building, he sees it as he wishes it to be. His
thought becomes a plastic mold from which the building will eventually emerge, a
high one or a low one, a beautiful one or a plain one, his vision takes form on
paper and eventually the necessary material is utilized and the building stands
complete.
10. The inventor visualizes his idea in exactly the same manner, for instance,
Nikola Tesla, he with the giant intellect, one of the greatest inventors of all
ages, the man who has brought forth the most amazing realities, always
visualizes his inventions before attempting to work them out. He did not rush to
embody them in form and then spend his time in correcting defects. Having first
built up the idea in his imagination, he held it there as a mental picture, to
be reconstructed and improved by his thought. "In this way," he writes in the
Electrical Experimenter. "I am enabled to rapidly develop and perfect a
conception without touching anything. When I have gone so far as to embody in
the invention every possible improvement I can think of, and see no fault
anywhere, I put into concrete, the product of my brain. Invariably my devise
works as I conceived it should; in twenty years there has not been a single
exception."
11. If you can conscientiously follow these directions, you will develop Faith,
the kind of Faith that is the "Substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen"; you will develop confidence, the kind of confidence that leads
to endurance and courage; you will develop the power of concentration which will
enable you to exclude all thoughts except the ones which are associated with
your purpose.
12. The law is that thought will manifest in form, and only one who knows how to
be the divine thinker of his own thoughts can ever take a Master's place and
speak with authority.
13. Clearness and accuracy are obtained only by repeatedly having the image in
mind. Each repeated action renders the image more clear and accurate than the
preceding, and in proportion to the clearness and accuracy of the image will the
outward manifestation be. You must build it firmly and securely in your mental
world, the world within, before it can take form in the world without, and you
can build nothing of value, even in the mental world unless you have the proper
material. When you have the material you can build anything you wish, but make
sure of your material. You cannot make broadcloth from shoddy.
14. This material will be brought out by millions of silent mental workers and
fashioned into the form of the image which you have in mind.
15. Think of it! You have over five million of these mental workers, ready and
in active use; brain cells they are called. Besides this, there is another
reserve force of at least an equal number, ready to be called into action at the
slightest need. Your power to think, then, is almost unlimited, and this means
that your power to create the kind of material which is necessary to build for
yourself any kind of environment which you desire is practically unlimited.
16. In addition to these millions of mental workers, you have billions of mental
workers in the body, every one of which is endowed with sufficient intelligence
to understand and act upon any message or suggestion given. These cells are all
busy creating and recreating the body, but, in addition to this, they are
endowed with psychic activity whereby they can attract to themselves the
substance necessary for perfect development.
17. They do this by the same law and in the same manner that every form of life
attracts to itself the necessary material for growth. The oak, the rose, the
lily, all require certain material for their most perfect expression and they
secure it by silent demand, the Law of Attraction, the most certain way for you
to secure what you require for your most complete development.
18. Make the Mental Image; make it clear, distinct, perfect; hold it firmly; the
ways and means will develop; supply will follow the demand; you will be led to
do the right thing at the right time and in the right way. Earnest Desire will
bring about Confident Expectation, and this in turn must be reinforced by Firm
Demand. These three cannot fail to bring about Attainment, because the Earnest
Desire is the feeling, the Confident Expectation is the thought, and the Firm
Demand is the will, and, as we have seen, feeling gives vitality to thought and
the will holds it steadily until the law of Growth brings it into manifestation.
19. Is it not wonderful that man has such tremendous power within himself, such
transcendental faculties concerning which he had no conception? Is it not
strange that we have always been taught to look for strength and power
"without?" We have been taught to look everywhere but "within" and whenever this
power manifested in our lives we were told that it was something supernatural.
20. There are many who have come to an understanding of this wonderful power,
and who make serious and conscientious efforts to realize health, power and
other conditions, and seem to fail. They do not seem able to bring the Law into
operation. The difficulty in nearly every case is that they are dealing with
externals. They want money, power, health and abundance, but they fail to
realize that these are effects and can come only when the cause is found.
21. Those who will give no attention to the world without will seek only to
ascertain the truth, will look only for wisdom, will find that this wisdom will
unfold and disclose the source of all power, that it will manifest in thought
and purpose which will create the external conditions desired. This truth will
find expression in noble purpose and courageous action.
22. Create ideals only, give no thought to external conditions, make the world
within beautiful and opulent and the world without will express and manifest the
condition which you have within. You will come into a realization of your power
to create ideals and these ideals will be projected into the world of effect.
23. For instance, a man is in debt. He will be continually thinking about the
debt, concentrating on it, and as thoughts are causes the result is that he not
only fastens the debt closer to him, but actually creates more debt. He is
putting the great law of Attraction into operation with the usual and inevitable
result -- Loss leads to greater "Loss."
24. What, then, is the correct principle? Concentrate on the things you want,
not on the things you do not want. Think of abundance; idealize the methods and
plans for putting the Law of Abundance into operation. Visualize the condition
which the Law of Abundance creates; this will result in manifestation.
25. If the law operates perfectly to bring about poverty, lack and every form of
limitation for those who are continually entertaining thoughts of lack and fear,
it will operate with the same certainty to bring about conditions of abundance
and opulence for those who entertain thoughts of courage and power.
26. This is a difficult problem for many; we are too anxious; we manifest
anxiety, fear, distress; we want to do something; we want to help; we are like a
child who has just planted a seed and every fifteen minutes goes and stirs up
the earth to see if it is growing. Of course, under such circumstances, the seed
will never germinate, and yet this is exactly what many of us do in the mental
world.
27. We must plant the seed and leave it undisturbed. This does not mean that we
are to sit down and do nothing, by no means; we will do more and better work
then we have ever done before, new channels will constantly be provided, new
doors will open; all that is necessary is to have an open mind, be ready to act
when the time comes.
28. Thought force is the most powerful means of obtaining knowledge, and if
concentrated on any subject will solve the problem. Nothing is beyond the power
of human comprehension, but in order to harness thought force and make it do
your bidding, work is required.
29. Remember that thought is the fire that creates the steam that turns the
wheel of fortune, upon which your experiences depend.
30. Ask yourself a few questions and then reverently await the response; do you
not now and then feel the self with you? Do you assert this self or do you
follow the majority? Remember that majorities are always led, they never lead.
It was the majority that fought, tooth and nail, against the steam engine, the
power loom and every other advance or improvement ever suggested.
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31. For your exercise this week, visualize your friend, see him exactly as you
last saw him, see the room, the furniture, recall the conversation, now see his
face, see it distinctly, now talk to him about some subject of mutual interest;
see his expression change, watch him smile. Can you do this? All right, you can;
then arouse his interest, tell him a story of adventure, see his eyes light up
with the spirit of fun or excitement. Can you do all of this? If so, your
imagination is good, you are making excellent progress.
Study Questions with Answers
61. What is visualization?
The process of making mental pictures.
62. What is the result of this method of thought?
By holding the image or picture in mind, we can gradually but surely bring the
thing nearer to us. We can be what we will to be.
63. What is Idealization?
It is a process of visualizing or idealizing the plans which will eventually
materialize in our objective world.
64. Why are clearness and accuracy necessary?
Because "seeing" creates "feeling" and "feeling" creates "being." First the
mental, then the emotional, then the illimitable possibilities of achievement.
65. How are they obtained?
Each repeated action renders the image more accurate than the former one.
66. How is the material for the construction of your mental image secured?
By millions of mental workers. Brain cells they are called.
67. How are the necessary conditions for bringing about the materialization of
your ideal in the objective world secured?
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By the Law of Attraction. The natural law by which all conditions and
experiences are brought about.
68. What three steps are necessary in order to bring this law into operation?
Earnest Desire, Confident Expectation, Firm Demand.
69. Why do many fail?
Because they concentrate on loss, disease and disaster. The law is operating
perfectly; the things they fear are coming upon them.
70. What is the alternative?
Concentrate on the ideals which you desire to see manifested in your life.
Part Eight
In this Part you will find that you may freely choose what you think but the result of your thought is governed by an immutable law! Is not this a wonderful thought? Is it not wonderful to know that our lives are not subject to caprice or variability of any kind? That they are governed by law. This stability is our opportunity, because by complying with the law we can secure the desired effect with invariable precision.
It is the Law which makes the Universe one grand paean of Harmony. If it were not for law, the Universe would be a Chaos instead of a Cosmos.
Here, then, is the secret of the origin of both good and evil, this is all the good and evil there ever was or ever will be.
Let me illustrate. Thought results in action, if your thought is constructive and harmonious, the result will be good; if your thought is destructive or in harmonious, the result will be evil.
There is therefore but one law, one principle, on cause, one Source of Power, and good and evil are simply words which have been coined to indicate the result of our action, or our compliance or non-compliance with this law.
The importance of this is well illustrated in the lives of Emerson and Carlyle. Emerson loved the good and his life was a symphony of peace and harmony, Carlyle hated the bad, and his life was a record of perpetual discord and inharmony.
Here we have two grand men, each intent upon achieving the same ideal, but one makes use of constructive thought and is therefore in harmony with Natural Law, the other makes use of destructive thought and therefore brings upon himself discord of every kind and character.
It is evident therefore that we are to hate nothing, not even the "bad," because hatred is destructive, and we shall soon find that by entertaining destructive thought we are sowing the "wind" and in turn shall reap the "whirlwind."
PART EIGHT
1. Thought contains a vital principle, because it is the creative principle of
the Universe and by its nature will combine with other similar thoughts.
2. As the one purpose of life is growth, all principles underlying existence
must contribute to give it effect. Thought, therefore, takes form and the law of
growth eventually brings it into manifestation.
3. You may freely choose what you think, but the result of your thought is
governed by an immutable law. Any line of thought persisted in cannot fail to
produce its result in the character, health and circumstances of the individual.
Methods whereby we can substitute habits of constructive thinking for those
which we have found produce only undesirable effects are therefore of primary
importance.
4. We all know that this is by no means easy. Mental habits are difficult to
control, but it can be done and the way to do it is to begin at once to
substitute constructive thought for destructive thought. Form the habit of
analyzing every thought. If it is necessary, if its manifestation in the
objective will be a benefit, not only to yourself, but to all whom it may affect
in any way, keep it; treasure it; it is of value; it is in tune with the
Infinite; it will grow and develop and produce fruit an hundred fold. On the
other hand, it will be well for you to keep this quotation from George Matthews
Adams, in mind, "Learn to keep the door shut, keep out of your mind, out of your
office, and out of your world, every element that seeks admittance with no
definite helpful end in view."
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5. If your thought has been critical or destructive, and has resulted in any
condition of discord or inharmony in your environment, it may be necessary for
you to cultivate a mental attitude which will be conducive to constructive
thought.
6. The imagination will be found to be a great assistance in this direction; the
cultivation of the imagination leads to the development of the ideal out of
which your future will emerge.
7. The imagination gathers up the material by which the Mind weaves the fabric
in which your future is to be clothed.
8. Imagination is the light by which we can penetrate new worlds of thought and
experience.
9. Imagination is the mighty instrument by which every discoverer, every
inventor, opened the way from precedent to experience. Precedent said, "It
cannot be done;" experience said, "It is done."
10. Imagination is a plastic power, molding the things of sense into new forms
and ideals.
11. Imagination is the constructive form of thought which must precede every
constructive form of action.
12. A builder cannot build a structure of any kind until he has first received
the plans from the architect, and the architect must get them from his
imagination.
13. The Captain of Industry cannot build a giant corporation which may
coordinate hundreds of smaller corporations and thousands of employees, and
utilize millions of dollars of capital until he has first created the entire
work in his imagination. Objects in the material world are as clay in the
potter's hand; it is in the Master Mind that the real things are created, and it
is by the use of the imagination that the work is done. In order to cultivate
the imagination it must be exercised. Exercise is necessary to cultivate mental
muscle as well as physical muscle. It must be supplied with nourishment or it
cannot grow.
14. Do not confuse Imagination with Fancy, or that form of daydreaming in which
some people like to indulge. Daydreaming is a form of mental dissipation which
may lead to mental disaster.
15. Constructive imagination means mental labor, by some considered to be the
hardest kind of labor, but, if so, it yields the greatest returns, for all the
great things in life have come to men and women who had the capacity to think,
to imagine, and to make their dreams come true.
16. When you have become thoroughly conscious of the fact that Mind is the only
creative principle, that it is Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, and that
you can consciously come into harmony with this Omnipotence through your power
of thought, you will have taken a long step in the right direction.
17. The next step is to place yourself in position to receive this power. As it
is Omnipresent, it must be within you. We know that this is so because we know
that all power is from within, but it must be developed, unfolded, cultivated;
in order to do this we must be receptive, and this receptivity is acquired just
as physical strength is gained, by exercise.
18. The law of attraction will certainly and unerringly bring to you the
conditions, environment, and experiences in life, corresponding with your
habitual, characteristic, predominant mental attitude. Not what you think once
in a while when you are in church, or have just read a good book, BUT your
predominant mental attitude is what counts.
19. You can not entertain weak, harmful, negative thoughts ten hours a day and
expect to bring about beautiful, strong and harmonious conditions by ten minutes
of strong, positive, creative thought.
20. Real power comes from within. All power that anybody can possibly use is
within man, only waiting to be brought into visibility by his first recognizing
it, and then affirming it as his, working it into his consciousness until he
becomes one with it.
21. People say that they desire abundant life, and so they do, but so many
interpret this to mean that if they will exercise their muscles or breathe
scientifically, eat certain foods in certain ways, drink so many glasses of
water every day of just a certain temperature, keep out of drafts, they will
attain the abundant life they seek. The result of such methods is but
indifferent. However, when man awakens to the truth, and affirms his oneness
with all Life, he finds that he takes on the clear eye, the elastic step, the
vigor of youth; he finds that he has discovered the source of all power.
22. All mistakes are but the mistakes of ignorance. Knowledge gaining and
consequent power is what determines growth and evolution. The recognition and
demonstration of knowledge is what constitutes power, and this power is
spiritual power, and this spiritual power is the power which lies at the heart
of all things; it is the soul of the universe.
23. This knowledge is the result of man's ability to think; thought is therefore
the germ of man's conscious evolution. When man ceases to advance in his
thoughts and ideals, his forces immediately begin to disintegrate and his
countenance gradually registers these changing conditions.
24. Successful men make it their business to hold ideals of the conditions which
they wish to realize. They constantly hold in mind the next step necessary to
the ideal for which they are striving. Thoughts are the materials with which
they build, and the imagination is their mental workshop. Mind is the
ever-moving force with which they secure the persons and circumstance necessary
to build their success structure, and imagination is the matrix in which all
great things are fashioned.
25. If you have been faithful to your ideal, you will hear the call when
circumstances are ready to materialize your plans and results will correspond in
the exact ratio of your fidelity to your ideal. The ideal steadily held is what
pre-determines and attracts the necessary conditions for its fulfillment.
26. It is thus that you may weave a garment of spirit and power into the web of
your entire existence; it is thus that you may lead a charmed life and be
forever protected from all harm; it is thus that you may become a positive force
whereby conditions of opulence and harmony may be attracted to you.
27. This is the leaven which is gradually permeating the general consciousness
and is largely responsible for the conditions of unrest which are everywhere
evident.
28. In the last Part you created a mental image, you brought it from the
invisible into the visible; this week I want you to take an object and follow it
back to its origination, see of what it really consists. If you do this you will
develop imagination, insight, perception, and sagacity. These come not by the
superficial observation of the multitude, but by a keen analytical observation
which sees below the surface.
29. It is the few who know that the things which they see are only effects, and
understand the causes by which these effects were brought into existence.
30. Take the same position as heretofore and visualize a Battleship; see the
grim monster floating on the surface of the water; there appears to be no life
anywhere about; all is silence; you know that by far the largest part of the
vessel is under water; out of sight; you know that the ship is as large and as
heavy as a twenty-story skyscraper; you know that there are hundreds of men
ready to spring to their appointed task instantly; you know that every
department is in charge of able, trained, skilled officials who have proven
themselves competent to take charge of this marvelous piece of mechanism; you
know that although it lies apparently oblivious to everything else, it has eyes
which see everything for miles around, and nothing is permitted to escape its
watchful vision; you know that while it appears quiet, submissive and innocent,
it is prepared to hurl a steel projectile weighing thousands of pounds at an
enemy many miles away; this and much more you can bring to mind with
comparatively no effort whatever. But how did the battleship come to be where it
is; how did it come into existence in the first place? All of this you want to
know if you are a careful observer.
31. Follow the great steel plates through the foundries, see the thousands of
men employed in their production; go still further back, and see the ore as it
comes from the mine, see it loaded on barges or cars, see it melted and properly
treated; go back still further and see the architect and engineers who planned
the vessel; let the thought carry you back still further in order to determine
why they planned the vessel; you will see that you are now so far back that the
vessel is something intangible, it no longer exists, it is now only a thought
existing in the brain of the architect; but from where did the order come to
plan the vessel? Probably from the Secretary of Defense; but probably this
vessel was planned long before the war was thought of, and that Congress had to
pass a bill appropriating the money; possibly there was opposition, and speeches
for or against the bill. Whom do these Congressmen represent? They represent you
and me, so that our line of thought begins with the Battleship and ends with
ourselves, and we find in the last analysis that our own thought is responsible
for this and many other things, of which we seldom think, and a little further
reflection will develop the most important fact of all and that is, if someone
had not discovered the law by which this tremendous mass of steel and iron could
be made to float upon the water, instead of immediately going to the bottom, the
battleship could not have come into existence at all.
32. This law is that, "the specific gravity of any substance is the weight of
any volume of it, compared with an equal volume of water." The discovery of this
law revolutionized every kind of ocean travel, commerce and warfare, and made
the existence of the battleship, aircraft carriers, and cruise ships possible.
33. You will find exercises of this kind invaluable. When the thought has been
trained to look below the surface everything takes on a different appearance,
the insignificant becomes significant, the uninteresting interesting; the things
which we supposed to be of no importance are seen to be the only really vital
things in existence.
Look To This Day For it is Life, the very Life of Life. In Its brief course lie
all the Verities and Realities of your existence; The Bliss of Growth; The Glory
of Action; The Splendor of Beauty; For Yesterday is but a Dream, And tomorrow is
only a Vision: But Today well lived makes every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
and Every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope. Look well, therefore, to This Day!
From the Sanskrit
Study Questions with Answers
71. What is the imagination?
A form of constructive thought. The light by which we penetrate new worlds of
thought and experience. The mighty instrument by which every inventor or
discoverer opened the way from precedent to experience.
72. What is the result of imagination?
The cultivation of the imagination leads to the development of the ideal out of
which your future will emerge.
73. How may it be cultivated?
By exercise; it must be supplied with nourishment or it cannot live.
74. How does imagination differ from daydreaming?
Day dreaming is a form of mental dissipation, while imagination is a form of
constructive thought which must precede every constructive action.
75. What are mistakes?
The result of ignorance.
76. What is knowledge?
The result of man's ability to think.
77. What is the power with which successful men build?
Mind is the very moving force with which they secure the persons and
circumstances necessary to complete their plans.
78. What pre-determines the result?
The ideal held steadily in mind attracts the necessary conditions for its
fulfillment.
79. What is the result of a keen analytical observation?
The development of imagination, insight, perception and sagacity.
80. To what do these lead?
Opulence and harmony.
Part Nine
In this Part you may learn to fashion the tools by which you may build for yourself any condition you desire. If you wish to change conditions you must change yourself. Your whims, your wishes, your fancies, your ambitions may be thwarted at every step, but your inmost thoughts will find expression just as certainly as the plant springs from the seed.
Suppose, then, we desire to change conditions, how are we to bring this about? The reply is simple: By the law of growth. Cause and effect are as absolute and undeviating in the hidden realm of thought as in the world of material things.
Hold in mind the condition desired; affirm it as an already existing fact. This indicates the value of a powerful affirmation. By constant repetition it becomes a part of ourselves. We are actually changing ourselves; are making ourselves what we want to be.
Character is not a thing of chance, but it is the result of continued effort. If you are timid, vacillating, self-conscious, or if you are over-anxious or harassed by thoughts of fear or impending danger, remember that is axiomatic that "two things cannot exist in the same place at the same time."
Exactly the same thing is true in the mental and spiritual world; so that your remedy is plainly to substitute thoughts of courage, power, self-reliance and confidence, for those of fear, lack and limitation.
The easiest and most natural way to do this is to select an affirmation which seems to fit your particular case.
The positive thought will destroy the negative as certainly as light destroys darkness, and the results will be just as effectual.
Act is the blossom of thought, and conditions are the result of action, so that you constantly have in your possession the tools by which you will certainly and inevitably make or unmake yourself, and joy or suffering will be the reward.
PART NINE
1. There are only three things which can possibly be desired in the "world
without" and each of them can be found in the "world within." The secret of
finding them is simply to apply the proper "mechanism" of attachment to the
omnipotent power to which each individual has access.
2. The three things which all mankind desires and which are necessary for his
highest expression and complete development are Health, Wealth and Love. All
will admit that Health is absolutely essential; no one can be happy if the
physical body is in pain. All will not so readily admit that Wealth is
necessary, but all must admit that a sufficient supply at least is necessary,
and what would be considered sufficient for one, would be considered absolute
and painful lack for another; and as Nature provides not only enough but
abundantly, wastefully, lavishly, we realize that any lack or limitation is only
the limitation which has been made by an artificial method of distribution.
3. All will probably admit that Love is the third, or maybe some will say the
first essential necessary to the happiness of mankind; at any rate, those who
possess all three, Health, Wealth, and Love, find nothing else which can be
added to their cup of happiness.
4. We have found that the Universal substance is "All Health," "All Substance"
and "All Love" and that the mechanism of attachment whereby we can consciously
connect with this Infinite supply is in our method of thinking. To think
correctly is therefore to enter into the "Secret Place of the Most High."
5. What shall we think? If we know this we shall have found the proper mechanism
of attachment which will relate us to "Whatsoever things we desire." This
mechanism may seem very simple when I give it to you, but read on; you will find
that it is in reality the "Master Key," the "Aladdin's lamp," if you please; you
will find that it is the foundation, the imperative condition, the absolute law
of well-doing, which means, well-being.
6. To think correctly, accurately, we must know the "Truth." The truth then is
the underlying principle in every business or social relation. It is a condition
precedent to every right action. To know the truth, to be sure, to be confident,
affords a satisfaction beside which no other is at all comparable; it is the
only solid ground in a world of doubt, conflict and danger.
7. To know the Truth is to be in harmony with the Infinite and Omnipotent power.
To know the truth is, therefore, to connect yourself with a power which is
irresistible and which will sweep away every kind of discord, inharmony, doubt
or error of any kind, because the "Truth is mighty and will prevail."
8. The humblest intellect can readily foretell the result of any action when he
knows that it is based on truth, but the mightiest intellect, the most profound
and penetrating mind loses its way hopelessly and can form no conception of the
results which may ensue when his hopes are based on a premise which he knows to
be false.
9. Every action which is not in harmony with Truth, whether through ignorance or
design, will result in discord, and eventual loss in proportion to its extent
and character.
10. How then are we to know the truth in order to attach this mechanism which
will relate us to the Infinite?
11. We can make no mistake about this if we realize that truth is the vital
principle of the Universal Mind and is Omnipresent. For instance, if you require
health, a realization of the fact that the "I" in you is spiritual and that all
spirit is one; that wherever a part is the whole must be, will bring about a
condition of health, because every cell in the body must manifest the truth as
you see it. If you see sickness; they will manifest sickness; if you see
perfection they must manifest perfection. The affirmation, "I am whole, perfect,
strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy", will bring about harmonious
conditions. The reason for this is because the affirmation is in strict
accordance with the Truth, and when truth appears every form of error or discord
must necessarily disappear.
12. You have found that the "I" is spiritual, it must necessarily then always be
no less than perfect, the affirmation. "I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful,
loving, harmonious and happy" is therefore an exact scientific statement.
13. Thought is a spiritual activity and spirit is creative, therefore the result
of holding this thought in mind, must necessarily bring about conditions in
harmony with the thought.
14. If you require Wealth a realization of the fact that the "I" in you is one
with the Universal mind which is all substance, and is Omnipotent, will assist
you in bringing into operation the law of attraction which will bring you into
vibration with those forces which make for success and bring about conditions of
power and affluence in direct proportion with the character and purpose of your
affirmation.
15. Visualization is the mechanism of the attachment which you require.
Visualization is a very different process from seeing; seeing is physical, and
is therefore related to the objective world, the "world without," but
Visualization is a product of the imagination, and is therefore a product of the
subjective mind, the "world within." It therefore possesses vitality; it will
grow. The thing visualized will manifest itself in form. The mechanism is
perfect; it was created by the Master Architect who "doeth all things well," but
unfortunately sometimes the operator is inexperienced or inefficient, but
practice and determination will overcome this defect.
16. If you require Love try to realize that the only way to get love is by
giving it, that the more you give the more you will get, and the only way in
which you can give it, is to fill yourself with it, until you become a magnet.
The method was explained in another lesson.
17. He who has learned to bring the greatest spiritual truths into touch with
the so-called lesser things of life has discovered the secret of the solution of
his problem. One is always quickened, made more thoughtful, by his nearness of
approach to great ideas, great events, great natural objects, and great men.
Lincoln is said to have begotten in all who came near him the feeling awakened
when one approaches a mountain, and this sense asserts itself most keenly when
one comes to realize that he has laid hold upon things that are eternal, the
power of Truth.
18. It is sometimes an inspiration to hear from someone who has actually put
these principles to the test, someone who has demonstrated them in their own
life. A letter from Frederick Andrews offers the following insight:
19. I was about thirteen years old when Dr. T. W. Marsee, since passed over,
said to my mother: "There is no possible chance, Mrs. Andrews. I lost my little
boy the same way, after doing everything for him that it was possible to do. I
have made a special study of these cases, and I know there is no possible chance
for him to get well."
20. She turned to him and said: "Doctor, what would you do if he were your boy?"
and he answered, "I would fight, fight, as long as there is a breath of life to
fight for."
21. That was the beginning of a long drawn-out battle, with many ups and downs,
the doctors all agreeing that there was no chance for a cure, though they
encouraged and cheered us the best they could.
22. But at last the victory came, and I have grown from a little, crooked,
twisted, cripple, going about on my hands and knees, to a strong, straight, well
formed man.
23. Now, I know you want the formula, and I will give it to you as briefly and
quickly as I can.
24. I built up an affirmation for myself, taking the qualities I most needed,
and affirming for myself over and over again, "I am whole, perfect, strong,
powerful, loving, harmonious and happy." I kept up this affirmation, always the
same, never varying, till I could wake up in the night and find myself
repeating, "I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and
happy." It was the last thing on my lips at night and the first thing in the
morning.
25. Not only did I affirm it for myself, but for others that I knew needed it. I
want to emphasize this point. Whatever you desire for yourself, affirm it for
others, and it will help you both. We reap what we sow. If we send out thoughts
of love and health, they return to us like bread cast upon the waters; but if we
send out thoughts of fear, worry, jealousy, anger, hate, etc., we will reap the
results in our own lives.
26. It used to be said that man is completely built over every seven years, but
some scientists now declare that we build ourselves over entirely every eleven
months; so we are really only eleven months old. If we build the defects back
into our bodies year after year, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
27. Man is the sum total of his own thoughts; so the question is, how are we
going to entertain only the good thoughts and reject the evil ones? At first we
can't keep the evil thoughts from coming, but we can keep from entertaining
them. The only way to do this is to forget them -- which means, get something
for them. This is where the ready-made affirmation comes into play.
28. When a thought of anger, jealousy, fear or worry creeps in, just start your
affirmation going. The way to fight darkness is with light -- the way to fight
cold is with heat -- the way to overcome evils is with good. For myself, I never
could find any help in denials. Affirm the good, and the bad will vanish. -
Frederick Elias Andrews
29. If there is anything you require, it will be well for you to make use of
this affirmation; it cannot be improved upon. Use it just as it is; take it into
the silence with you, until it sinks into your subconsciousness, so that you can
use it anywhere, in your car, in the office, at home; this is the advantage of
spiritual methods; they are always available. Spirit is omnipresent, every
ready; all that is required is a proper recognition of its omnipotence, and a
willingness or desire to become the recipient of its beneficent effects.
30. If our predominant mental attitude is one of power, courage, kindliness and
sympathy, we shall find that our environment will reject conditions in
correspondence with these thoughts; if it is weak, critical, envious and
destructive, we shall find our environment reflecting conditions corresponding
to these thoughts.
31. Thoughts are causes and conditions are effects. Herein is the explanation of
the origin of both good and evil. Thought is creative and will automatically
correlate with its object. This is a Cosmological law (a universal law), the law
of Attraction, the law of Cause and Effect; the recognition and application of
this law will determine both beginning and end; it is the law by which in all
ages and in all times the people were led to believe in the power of prayer. "As
thy faith is, so be it unto thee," is simply another, shorter and a better way
of stating it.
32. This week visualize a plant; take a flower, the one you most admire, bring
it from the unseen into the seen, plant the tiny seed, water it, care for it,
place it where it will get the direct rays of the morning sun, see the seed
burst; it is now a living thing, something which is alive and beginning to
search for the means of subsistence. See the roots penetrating the earth, watch
them shoot out in all directions and remember that they are living cells
dividing and subdividing, and that they will soon number millions, that each
cell is intelligent, that it knows what is wants and knows how to get it. See
the stem shoot forward and upward, watch it burst through the surface of the
earth, see it divide and form branches, see how perfect and symmetrical each
branch is formed, see the leaves begin to form, and then the tiny stems, each
one holding aloft a bud, and as you watch you see the bud begin to unfold and
your favorite flower comes to view; and now if you will concentrate intently you
will become conscious of a fragrance; it is the fragrance of the flower as the
breeze gently sways the beautiful creation which you have visualized.
33. When you are enabled to make your vision clear and complete you will be
enabled to enter into the spirit of a thing; it will become very real to you;
you will be learning to concentrate and the process is the same, whether you are
concentrating on health, a favorite flower, an ideal, a complicated business
proposition or any other problem of life.
34. Every success has been accomplished by persistent concentration upon the
object in view.