You could not possibly know…- 1991

Greetings,

You could not possibly know how just one, then two, can pivot circumstance in any position of loving employment. The gesture of assistance alone endows the work (and the word) with new birth into a cold world; and you will nurture this work until it has the strength to stand of its own and greet the world.

So do not underestimate this effort, even if we appear to make little of it and converse personally only a little; for we address time and time again the matter at hand and know that you receive and appreciate the messages brought into your little room. And from such appreciation it shall multiply, and what is experienced now shall be received and appreciated by others tenfold, twentyfold and so forth.

It is true that there are always people who might initiate and carry through tasks when the time is right and proper. However it is mistaken to suggest that any one can take the place of another. Think that for any sequence of events, if one were to remove any of the vital links, any one element, could the outcome of that particular be possible? In this much there is great importance of all in their individual contribution, as the removal of just one cell, one grain, one shower of rain, one cog in cognition! Removal of one being should alter the course of events inextricably, with a vacuum and a vortex and a void, and a sequence whereby, as with a cardhouse, those who depend also on that sequence are disbanded.

We hope that in this, when you may tire, you may feel the comfort and solace in this knowledge. It is not a matter of being 'used', but goodwill in a mutual project. There are no promises on either side, therefore no lies. There are no obligations and no disappointments, but a genuine affection, a respect for such relations, a respect for the law and goodwill to humanity; a desire to help further the cause of spiritual prosperity, with the inner illuminations of the words of truth.

One must expect that there will be many who shall make demands more often than attend to their own duties, and any experience with your children, should help you to understand and try to quieten such demands. "Be satisfied with what you are given for the time" should be your reply; and that you are sorry if there is nothing more to offer, but they may go into the world and seek there for what they require.

You may explain your limitations when they make their demands plain to you, for they are hungry for guidance and seek security desperately. You may offer sympathy in this, and certainty that they shall receive all the help that they may require, even if it is not from you directly - and certainly cannot be. You may explain that your work cannot be consumed or interfered-with by personal endeavors of any nature.

If it is contact that they ask for, then assure them it is only a prayer away, and vital that they establish through themselves such a relationship; no other can offer that for them, as mouthpiece or spokesperson. That they might reflect on their duties and welcome them; that they might look to the grit in their personalities and expel it. That they hold the keys to the spirit - you may explain that you yourself have enough problems sorting through your own keys!

We know that chastisement does not concern you; well and good. Do not fear grave interference, for you are not alone and must trust in that, for if fear of evil repercussions were to dissuade you from good and great endeavors then the evil would have won at the outset, wouldn't it?

Do not worry of becoming 'puffed up with pride' as there are many remedies for this, should it happen. Life is full of such remedies that sting, biting to the quick, answering such a need.

Each day is important, and brings us closer to that day when all men shall find value with the life that the spirit has bestowed, endowed, instilled and infilled. Your concerns are our concerns.

God bless and see you tomorrow.

Telepathy- 1991

ABSOLUTES are always fallible in the context of that which a man's mind can conceive, but absolutes within the context of reality are simply explicit and undeniably what they are.

Thoughts become 'soluble' within the thinking process, and intangible as they may seem they are as the supernova, active within the life-plasma itself - gregarious, forthcoming, vortexual, and immanent.

Telepathy is not so strange. The use of words to impart meanings from one to another by way of the voice, that too is preliminary. The issue is for both the meanings imparted and the meanings comprehended; the space between the two is not dissimilar. For when one talks freely with another, there is quite frequently an element of telepathic linkage which breaches the actuality of the verbal or implied message. If one is sensitive to this they can begin to perceive the unique workings of language, both spoken and unspoken or read, so disseminated.

The sole importance of communication is not in that which we receive, but that it has been delivered and answered by us in such communication- from one to another or one to many, whatever. One alone cannot know this. 

All thoughts are perpetuated and forever passed on. Men receive thoughts continually. They do not create them; they pluck them from the ethers. Telepathy is no different in matters of reception, save that the sequence of thought has a source and is so 'plucked' or received with intention as to that overall source and sequence - a 'package deal' so to speak. 

This is why the differentiation of distinguishing one's thinking from certain messages is so difficult. For whereupon one might conduct each concept measured and identified, they are choosing rather to be guided by a 'communicator' who has already undergone much of that process and passed it on at the later stage. Although actual reasoning may still be within the functioning recipient, it is unnecessary for them to slave at a sequence of reasoning factors in order to call forth certain thoughts en masse. Therefore it is within their powers to respond (unlike the trance medium's capabilities) but far quicker in the overall result - depending upon with whom they communicate.

Most folk have had an experience whereupon they are with another and exclaim, "I was just about to say that!" having received the thought with rapidity, before the words or thoughts were verbalized. It need not be simple coincidence. The individual retains the right to refute, furthermore there is no imposition because it is required that one is by choice, so spoken to. Whereas in the case of the psychic, they are actually overcome with impressions or with being, and the distinction between the two processes is important because unlike the thought being soluble, the dissolution of self is required in mediumship, that they might accommodate fluidic forces which characteristically will not be dissolved and assimilated. 

The process of telepathic inquiry and communication takes place far often than men do realize. One must make efforts to concentrate and work upon those thoughts which are desirous and worthy to hold attention upon, and like to attract to us: to discriminate at all times.

It is common for men who hold to a group to become quite like-minded; and even whilst they may disagree on particulars, their level of attention and thought-streams become shared with same focus. This is no comment upon the dangers of such, just another element of actual circumstance. Neither is it symptomatic of mutual interests and thus companionship. To a degree one must be careful of the company they keep and mindful of that which they impart. . . in silent, communicative thought.

If one feels disorientated within their thinking and amassed with overflowing concepts, then it is possible to draw such randomness to conclusion by way of imagining something alike to a sea anemone: having opened, now drawing closed, contracting inwardly, all points to the middle. Again - the fissure opened, the fissure drawing in and closing. This does assist with the concentration, also of course, in one's attempts to contain and 'make tight' the concentration and be aware of such. So it is the tricky consciousness of knowing when to be relaxed and open to inspiration, and when to be in management of reason and her divinations. At times one may be so unsettled as to be able to be neither. 

When a student begins review of his or her own thinking, it may come to pass that the thoughts dissolve with such rapidity and pass through the mind's eye without correspondence. This mental confusion leads to more of the same and interpretation is difficult indeed, as it is at these times that one must become quite active, so that the measures of thinking may be given to useful purpose and be applied. 

When we dream or we imagine, we enter into realms unfathomable to the senses, and the senses may protest, if protracted, if denied. One must satisfy the natural urge of activity within the natural world, and balance our imaginings and concept-worlds alongside this of our daily existence. In order to maintain such balance we are to be reminded of our duties and considerations to both, and give ourselves lovingly to both. For a dreamer may not deny the world indefinitely, or the worldly man deny his dreams, for in both extremes the man shall be troubled. 

Sanity holds provisions for those who wish to remain clarified - and remarkably, sanity prevails and withstands even the most broken of men. The idiot, the lunatic, the fanatic, the man who has lost his powers of containment or exactment - all of these men remain completely sane, throughout it all. Whether recognized or not, they may comprehend another's thoughts or attitude as clearly as any other. One's faculties may be amiss, but ever the individuality comprehends and retains lasting impressions of that which is of their experience.

For overall, the individuality which is the man, endures and withstands, with a 'view from the top' as it were. Whilst we move ever on to consciously observe and consciously hold view, we are not our talents, but we make of our talents what we will. 

***

"By the magic power of the will a person on this side of the ocean may make a person on the other side hear what is said on this side, and a person in the East thus converse with another person in the West. The physical man may hear and understand the voice of another man at a distance of a hundred steps, and the ethereal body of a man know what another man thinks at a distance of a hundred miles and more."

"What can be accomplished by ordinary means in a month (such as the sending of messages) can be done by this art in one day. If you have a tube a mile long, and you speak through it at one end, a person at the other end will hear what you say. If the elementary body can do this, how much easier will it be for the ethereal body, which is much more powerful (in relation to other ethereal bodies) than the former!" (Philosoph. Sag.,i. cap. 60)

-Paracelsus

Works of Substance-10th September 1991

THERE are more talismanic objects and reference replicas surrounding us all in daily life than is consciously realized; coded as they are with distinguishable qualities which incite all manner of cosmic influences, because of design, because of that imbued in the very physicality through either formation or added value so imparted.

Perhaps in former times of general sensitivity and clairvoyant insights it was far easier for men to hold certain physical objects and come to know their qualities and that which they drew forth from the ethers; also too, that which they imparted. It was a natural determination whereby some which were to hold properties of affinity or of healing for disorders were given to be special and regarded as important to the household; as important as the daily requirement for food, water, clothing and shelter.

 

We have all known as children the experience of confronting a pile of pebbles and singly with great intent, choosing those special pebbles which feel particularly 'right' to collect. They were special, they fired the imagination and became very special that final handful, rather than the group or pile of rocks in total. Perhaps they were so lovingly regarded that they did find their way home in pocket or in bag, with seashell or with seed, to be fondled and examined and kept in treasure box or closet.

This was the ability to find those very special objects harmonious to us in a particular way. And although the shells or the rocks would collectively share the same substances, and perhaps formative patterns and grids, it is true to say that they also, individually held a certain uniqueness which was either interpreted at the outset or then imparted to by the examining youngster. For all physical substance is impressionable.

Yes, one might also add that indeed the physical substance which constitutes the physical form of our own body is also impressionable, from without and within.

In an earlier lesson when speaking of prayer, we made reference to complications of 'inside' prayer being quite interrupted by the chattering furniture and curios within the room. This was no joke but meant in all earnestness, that there are many disruptive curiosities in which we generally surround ourselves; as well as those which are harmonious and healthful to our daily being. It does well to try to examine each and every one with this in mind.

All men have the ability to come to know by instinct, at the very least, those objects which are desirous to be incorporated in our household and those which would be better off burnt or buried. This is not to suggest that there is devastating evil surrounding such influences imparted by certain physical objects. However there may through circumstances both major and minor or through the material composition itself, be influences which grate and unnerve the individuals who are predisposed to their tone or their color, or their 'song' or their memory or that which is impregnated through environment, through the maker, through their history and so forth.

Also in this one may happily draw conclusions in regards to those object-inhabitants that coexist, which are synthetic in material or perhaps downright ugly, and keep them to a minimum. It often eludes us all, we are habitually ignoring our immediate environment because of the pain which would be felt accordingly, were we to acknowledge the true presence which surrounds us in that immediate physical surrounding. However, where possible it is better to address that which is contrasting from the extremes of the very beautiful, the harmonious and with pleasing and healthful quality and tone, to that which furthers upset and confuses the sensibilities.

When one becomes aware (although not consumed) that the properties of everything visible have invisible emanations, it may be helpful in understanding those relics which have been so treasured in the past. Also conversely, how unfortunate for the man who is in a hospital bed, whereupon a multitude of sufferers have formerly lain and perhaps come to grief. The very environment of a hospital has a formidable task to effect purification of the atmospheric infilled and incised characteristics which have been so left by the former diseased and disabled.

One may come to appreciate those objects which were formerly kept and admired, not for monetary value but rather the sentimental memory impressed records of joyous episodes: mementos truly of the past.

Careful observation which is diagnosed without prejudice will help one to procure the necessary talents of divining certain characteristics of objects. One might possibly consult another and ask of them what the first impressions are. However, it is also true to say that responses are different, and are as unique to the individual, as also the uniqueness of the object. Interpretations are best kept personal.

The world is a cosmic spirit imbued talisman, and that which comprises the constitution of the physical matter of that our globe is no less. Divination of such materials and forms is imperative to discernment and the development of further awareness.

Futility- 9th September 1991

OF ALL the evils which hold men captive at task there is perhaps none greater than the illusion of futility. The very word is onerous and unworthy of any great meaning - especially as its nature is of itself held within the extreme negative.

However the concept and its carrier word 'futility' exemplifies great submissiveness and depressions which seek to oppress Man. And if nowhere else it has been witnessed and thus expressed in connection with the wars which have left those remaining quite devastated and forlorn. For all of those who suffer and see no cause, perhaps one might understand the common usage of this word to be permitted.

Although there is the extreme example cited, there are those who might put forth the notion that many aspects which coherently conspire within the multitude of events which fill a man's life are futile. There are those who would lay all aside and negligently call life itself in essence to hold no meaning, and express all efforts of men, all ideals and treasured works as becoming less than dust; and conjecturing therefore all aspirations to be futile.

One may come to perceive the dangerousness of this thinking- destructive to the core, unravelling, abandoning. For this one can learn to realize that there are important decisions to be made, there are certain reviews and open terms of reference; that we should all come to acknowledge that either we really see no importance whatsoever in life and its therefore meaningless meanings, or more correctly ascertain, assert and pronounce the very opposite: nay, that within the spectrum and circumference of all Life there is no such thing as futility.

Some would have it that they are undecided. Some would suggest that there is and there isn't. The very nature of our attitude and how we seek to understand the world thereby is totally dependent upon the basis of our adopted approach.

Fortunately it is commonplace today to find that there is a growing concern for conservation and a move towards a less wasteful society. In part these considerations should move towards one becoming instinctively awakened to the usefulness of that which we have formerly regarded as waste. That perhaps the matter might be redirected or not used at all, and that folk who consume have now weighty options put before them considering effects upon environment and ecological systems; upon which they were formerly unaware.

But it can be said that also too, there is much unseen that is wasted by men: lost opportunities, lost considerations. Although there may be little responsibility claimed throughout a lifetime and thought through with great deliberation, even this of itself may not be regarded as futile, however wasteful.

It comes back to responsibility and that wondrous experience of gratitude. The men who shirk from responsibility and condemn those around them to a hopelessness without design, without direction and care less for the needs of their family, care less for their dead or for those generations which are on the advance - those men have not the graciousness of reverential wonder because they are infused with only the immediate considerations of their lower ego. One may not come to know of gratitude until the emmeshed condition of the lower ego is disentangled from the worldly arena and allowed a full perspective of life herself and the larger considerations.

The selfish man is self-interred ever seeking to gratify personal needs and wants; and yet at the same time, in self-inflicted ignorance, presumes that 'in the end', 'all in all', we have futility.

It is this that the despairing suicide presumes so injuriously. It is this that corporations, who battle daily with inflamed impassioned greed, justify their hazardous and irresponsible effects upon the world economy. This one word is but a password into evil and acts thereby. For if consequences were truly perceived and weighed or even considered and asked for, there would be few who would pursue the selfish road which causes so much turmoil to the already disheartened. It is the concept which suggests that all roads have been encountered, that there is no explanation, that there is no hope, or reason or results. 

For the man of faith will ever look for that one road which leads out of a problem and back to the Kingdom. He shall have patience to endure enough to trust that although unseen there is always an explanation, that hope is ever and reasons so many: comprehended or not, they are divinely placed.

The only futility that truly is, is within that of the concept itself. Elsewhere it holds no reality, being only real unto itself. Beware of the knowing impressions which some may impart, suggesting a hopelessness, a meaningless, a dead-end or annihilation. For in essence, corruption seeks to propagate itself and does just that when it is given the soil to seed itself in.

If a man suggests in somber tone that there is futility, ask from what may he base this assumption and if nothing more is it worthy of consideration. No, it may never be worthy; characteristically the notion of futility offers nothing. Absolutely nothing. And so anything else makes for a better consideration. There is simply no excitement or enlightenment to be gained from the concept of futility.

One hears "What do I care! When I am dead, I am dead and there is nothing which remains. I am dust." And the man who claims this, who cares not, does not even move to question the possibility of that being wrong, for he has already decided that it is futile to question, futile to dream, futile to envisage, futile to have concern. It is as a sickness, a death to the soul-life. The ego is bound by immediate considerations and would have no other. It is an inability to commune with the higher aspects that know too well that which is otherwise.

From where does this sickness come, this false notion of futility, the foregone conclusion of doom which suggests to man that life itself is crazy? It comes from those who have vested interests, who are not men but desire men to be as themselves. It comes from the hauntings of shells who died pitiably, who were not pious or of love but did seek and find a hell whilst on Earth. It comes in sleepy whispers from the cheated and the cheating, the revengeful, the deceitful, from the predators, from all vice and sin, in promptings and through recklessness, in the dark of night, before a man jumps before a train or from a cliff or as he takes up the knife.

The illusion of futility suggests that we give up our asking and our higher instincts, that they are not real; and in place gives over to disastrous impulses excused by the fact that life is seemingly disconnected and meaningless.

Most men are destructive unconsciously and without calculation, and if there are acts of violent rage they must be executed swiftly, that the demons who whisper the promptings to outburst allow no time for the conscience to recall, give no time for considerations of reality. So it must always be impressed upon men that all of life holds reasons, consequence and continuum, and that they must seek this out for themselves. A man who knows this to be true and rejects the illusion of futility will not be swayed by actions rash, will not give over himself to evil suggestions. In this we find the importance of the consideration to today's lesson, that it be acknowledged and restated as a beginning to all future actions and intentions of the precious hours, days and eons ahead.

Heads & Hats, Being Elusively Allusive- 1st September 1991

THE WOK conducts the heat from the fire and enhances dispersion with concentration, and yet diffusion. Versatile for rapid conductivity, simple in design it looks almost like a Chinaman's hat turned topsy-turvy.

Hats are like that: one receives many forces which radiate down from the top of the head, and the protection from the fiery rays in a manner which conducts and diffuses is similar to the extreme example of the wok.

From one race to another, one people to another, there have been unique preferences for headdress, and of course examples of hair-shaving. All of the preferred appendages have their corresponding results which affect the entire constitution of the man who adorns himself so. In the case of baldness one finds that the man in question is so 'open' to the heavens and the lower substrata rays which impede, that it is quite a remarkable feat, withstanding and directing those untranslated fiery forces.

Usually the tentai, being the hair, serves well in conducting the transmitted rays and can help regulate and assimilate the lower cosmic fodder which respectively channels through from that 'north pole' (being the top of the head) down through to the south (the ends of the feet). And so the man who does summon and gather together the uninterrupted flowing vitalities through bare scalp without hair or hat, has the difficulty of irregular activity concentrated around the head region- much to do with the forces of the will and of thinking. The baldness may either enhance such properties within the constitution or completely negate them depending on the receptivity and the management thereof.

One may witness in the case of illness or aging the loss of hair through expended vitalities, and the redirection which may or may not be necessary in further adaptation for prolonged life. The yogi who seeks to interrupt the currents and redirect, often finds useful the flames on bare head rather than those which are distributed and made diffused.

There are most certainly physical characteristics which enhance or inhibit the inflowing vitalities through the top of the head, for no physical representative goes without its corresponding form, made apparent within the boundaries of a subtler matter and material. And the waves of vitalities received into a man by a man so channeled, are transmuted in a variety of means, causing this and that repercussion (literally repercussion) within the constitution. 

Whilst perspiration exudes something of the man from which it comes, containing many elements so worked upon and exacted with his fiery ethers, it also plays an essential part in the outer conductivity and the buffers, barriers and fields, necessarily pertaining to existence.

Without their being any magic performed, one may take the opportunity to observe certain differences at particular times when one alternates the conditions of the scalp. Not by taking the shaver and shearing the growth, but rather by noticing the variety of hats and scarves, hair-gel or whatever, and witnessing the differences between those and hairstyles.

There is no hard and fast rule as to which best suits an individual. Nature herself is very wise, and the condition of balding which comes naturally is all to a purpose. One can say that Moses for the most part was bald, and Socrates too for that matter.

There can be the risk of obsession and of too much repetition when a man comes to find the marked differences which he will come by. However an intuition that exceeds the calls of fashion, if heeded will prompt a man to recognize that which befits him best in his needs; and certain ills may be rectified: certain maladies of many varieties, by simple observance and application.

The infant is much comforted by the wearing of a hat. Exposure is not always desirable for an infant or a man. This is not only in reference to having 'too much sun', and also need not be relevant to whether or not one is in or outdoors.

One already knows the great difference in attitude and composure between being fully clothed or completely naked. The very gait of a man will alter from one attire to another. Man's nakedness: the fineness of the bodily hair today and being without total covering of fur-like growth all over, is very much an example of the 'open' condition in which he greets the world.

Chemical concoctions which are used as colorants and for hairstyling, can have terrible consequences upon the individual who has covered his or her head and hair so. Apart from the fact that much is absorbed through the skin and so scalp, the hair is made 'dead' and ineffectual in its manner of processing the vitalities in normal ways.

Usually folk consider that the hair is already quite dead, but indeed this is far from the truth. Any part of a man which remains in form and does not dissipate is not without function, nor dead, until dispersed. The connections to that man are his, and have great bonds with him at whatever distance, with living essences that continue until the point of physical breakdown. However, the chemical applications disrupt and interfere with the subtle ethers which surround and encompass their physical counterparts, and by so doing negate further usage. They are deemed inadequate. One might as well go for the bald look, instead of the 'permanent wave', for permanent wave it is!

Whilst on the subject, a hat which is made of animal fiber shall have a marked effect upon the constitution - a hat of vegetable fiber will completely differ, whilst a hat which is of synthetic fiber will be almost useless. Adornments of straight metals are another matter and have been favored for certain reasons throughout the ages by priests, magicians and the like; but most certainly are not worthy of consideration for daily attire. One can leave the crowns for kings, but at the same time come to learn of their wearing the metals and the jewels they saw useful respectful to them.

The 'crown' of thorns was indeed specific to the powers so transmitted into and transmuted thereby. The points of the thorns do travel this way and that, outwardly in receptive form. The purity of the etheric nature of that vine has transcended the 'animal' receptivity of transmutation of the surrounding ethers. And although this is not the time or place to comment further or speculate, one might suggest that at present it is unsuitable for the ordinary man to consider beginning that particular fashion for himself.

One has trouble when picturing the physical characteristics of our Christ when he was so connected in this way to living form, largely because what appeared as one thing was not exactly what it was. An Israelite with flaming orange hair is conspicuous to say the least, and hair-dyes of vegetable origin were easy to come by- the blacker the better or so was the fashion of the time. Now whether or not it was effected by hair-dyes or simply within the vision of men and with what they were used to, is another matter. For the body of Christ being not made by Him, was nonetheless completely imbued and re-exacted at the time of his bonding, and characteristic in every way; in-line and attuned completely.

In summation: one might pay a visit to the milliner without being as 'mad as a hatter' in doing so.

More truths about long hair.

The Waffles of Men - 31st August 1991

“The wispy, wafty, waffles of men,

Conjugate with sticky incline,

Sickly the syrup,

Slippery it slides,

From top of the waffle,

And into the mind!” 

 THERE are parcels of speech which lend themselves to blunt or poignant interpretations, whilst other packaged concepts more delightfully conceal. Some wrappings of presents for example, are so lavishly designed that the present underneath is but a disappointment; and whilst this can be true to say, it need not be the case.

The art of presentation applies not only to food or a gift given, but also to language with all of its radiant stimuli. Certain languages lend themselves better to practical use - some are soul-expressive and of older origins, and many an offspring and a derivative is formed for the application in modern-speak.

One usually does not go about interpreting poems for others, unwrapping so to speak, the prose and the qualitative expressions that the 'essence' of the stanzas become more readily understood. For in doing so, one has lost ten meanings, giving over to a certain perspective of logic which may or may not be highlighted according to the wishes of the writer.

Of course it is all well meant: That we should desire to rephrase and present again, so many ideas which have inspired us and talked to us, with multifold aspects. However, the way to do this in the case of an already pleasurable artwork, is to best display it 'intact', rather than pluck the colors from the painting or make piecemeal rationalizations of a spirited verse.

Even a joke loses much spark upon the second telling.

The Articles of Association- 31st August 1991

DYNASTIES have long been clung to by those who are in place: being central to the power, the stranglehold of an empire. An empire may be sovereignty in respect to geographical regions, or more precisely assumed lordship over a group of people. 

There are many who have been positioned as leaders, who from past experience carry on as such trying to re-establish more of the same pecking order with them as chief pecker. If it cannot be achieved through the more simple forms of power endorsed - respectfully money - other means will be found in order to cajole a community to subservience.

It is novel to find that there are folk who seek authority and come to such unquestioningly when won over. Often there are mutual ideals bandied about here and there: some pleasing enticements, some promise of personal gain.

Usually the leader of such a group, whether it be local council or local church, submits them to the whims of their beloved, even if degradation is part of the privy to become members. It is uncomfortable to cite these distinctions, but necessary in the consideration of equality, equality in its true perspective. 

Whilst some individuals are certainly capable of bearing far more than others and by heading-up a particular group do serve that group with talents and expertise required, it is also a temptation for them to misinterpret their status and their standing, and also that the others may do the same.

Granted, there is always a Queen bee, and that Queen bee is distinguishably separate and different. But the Queen bee does not need to fall upon artificial means for establishing her role, and presume what she is not. She is what she is because of what she does and this is apparent.

In the case of men who assume the roles of leadership, many are appointed and continually overstate their position with irrelevant acts that pertain more to their standing, than their actual work effort. Badges and uniforms may have practical usage, but moreover are statements and license for a certain superiority assumed. It is quite a bizarre quirk that men in these times still feel the need for ego-identification in this way.

It is necessary for men to be able to be comfortable in almost any attire and greet others in like manner. There are stories which tell of this: stories of beggar-like men, or old wise women, who at the roadside are met by an unsuspecting soldier. Stories of the 'Frog Prince' and also 'Cinderella' - all which speak to us of first impressions and soul impressions, pertaining to judgments which are more relevant.

Costumes are insidious - they represent very little indeed. It is understandable, commendable for that matter, that one should assume a neat and tidy appearance or even embellish one's self with a flair of individuality. To wish to appear to 'look good' is either one step towards self-betterment or two steps towards the deceit of conceit. However, that which is worn not for the sake of the individual and their harmony, but rather as a statement of pomposity and stature, is at best silly.

Replication within a group is viewed as respect to that group and symbolic of the tenuous fibers which cross-link each member throughout; followed by certain customs ordained and patterns of behavior acceptable to the leader and the people in the group.

To any outsider who may happen upon such a group (be it Bowling Club or Masonic Lodge) one immediately finds uncomfortable the social statutes that pertain to participation. It is not the theme or the spirit of the group which is so off-putting, but rather all the accessories that accompany the purpose. If one views any club or group of people who have gathered with mutual interest in a particular domain, one will find that usually the organizational demands and the periphery conduct has consumed most of the time given to that group with uneven proportions.

For example: The Bowling Club -

Many folk gather (or so they say) for the love of the game, in this instance bowling. They love also the uniforms, the badges and the trophies, the speeches and the afternoon tea, along with the afternoon gossip. Then there are meetings of designating positions, for there are those required to organize and those who must organize the organizers, and secretaries to the organizers of the organizers, and badges to be bought by someone for the echelon, arguments as to presidencies, Christmas parties and tournaments. None of which relate to the actual playing of the game; and in reality the participants of which, have a great interest in social politics with a little bowling recreation on the side. And so most suitably, one could call the group (of a particular suburb or town), 'The White Faction of Social Discourse and Discovery' or perhaps, 'The Lonely Hearts Club'.

When viewing a club one may call a spade a spade. Look to the heart of the club and find the diamond within. And then decide.

One does not suggest the abandonment of societies, but merely that an overview is essential, especially when conduct is claimed to be of first priority to that particular group. So many who might enjoy the game of bowling might be rebuked by the nature of those periphery activities that the club is so immersed in. They are simply turned away - especially if their desire was to simply play bowls.

Groups are open to misrepresentation. Clubs which are spiritually inclined, with a mix of serious and no-so-serious members, can unfortunately become entangled within limitations that should perhaps more correctly fall under a totally different name. No organization is beyond constant review.

One might ask, "If the people are happy, who cares? Who cares if the name and the activities do not correspond?" Or, "Who are we to judge?" And it is true to say that within the system which best supports an army, no soldier may question the authority of his officer. There is no provision for individuality or conscience and it is deemed acceptable to place infinite trust and responsibility with he whom we might call the 'General'. But is the way of conformity and denial of questioning the way of the Christian soldier? Too often men confuse the superiority of men with the authority of the One who truly gives back all respect paid. The dangers of conformity are the dangers of 'backing the wrong horse', so to speak.

Complacency is comfortable: it is an act of denying the conscience. But men must afford time to review all matters for themselves, and weigh them within their own judgment. Without self-questioning and the habit to cast further inquiries, they shall elevate on false premise only those attributes which in the end are meritless because they are unworked for.

This is not criticism for criticism's sake. It is asking for careful and cautious inquiry, when one meets with an awesome body of men that for whatever reason have gathered under one name. For all groups of men who give over their individualities and presume a particular identity, submit to some other in the association of those conformities. It is to great (as in large) consequence, when this is put to activity. 

Therefore, it is reasonable to ask the true nature of the operation and to be clear with honesty from the outset, and be vigilant that it remains true to its purpose or else restated for what it is.

There is a serious aspect to every activity of Man. Jokes aside, most problems occur because of the deficit of self-consciousness and awareness with honest review, that one may be better equipped with discernment before engaging in any conduct.

Conformity requires that men sleep, that their awareness is negated through habit, through ritual, through the similarities that if they place themselves beneath another, another may do their thinking for them. Although we are equally responsible, one may begin to perceive the dangerousness of compliance.

So many times we do bear from others and give over to their demands - slightly or greatly, we comply and conform. It is one thing to heed one's conscience, and perhaps reluctantly comply; it is better to love one's conscience and love one's duty, and give with complete love. But it is painful to be motivated against one's inner reckoning and force the individuality out from ourselves - and there are so many temptations to man to coerce him to do just that.

To lose one's individuality, to lose what consciousness we have- one can perceive this submission in so many modes of conduct. That we might be more perfect is to realize consciously that perfection. What is the point of perfection if we are to sleep through it? Or if another pre-attains it, on our behalf? Association is not enough. We cannot look to another man and truly expect a little of the glamour to rub off, that he may artificially do our work for us! 

Politeness does not need to go out the window. For in regards to the conscience, we regard its endeavors to meet with people kindly. The conscience will dictate much more about politeness, than conforming to table manners deemed acceptable. So true individuality does not mean to say that we ignore our brothers, and do as we please. True individuality means that we consult our conscience accordingly, rather than conform to another's. That we seek to err on the side of God, than the side of another man.

We try so hard to please others, but there are times when this causes pain to both ourselves and to them. We may do injury to someone by placing more burden of adulation on their shoulders, by asking them to be responsible, when in fact they do what they can, in the way they know how - no more and no less.

Who we choose to associate with and encourage with the submission of silence or with encouragement which is deceitful, that too may be injurious. One must learn to find the ways (tactfully) which severely assess and discriminate that which says it is from that which it really is.

This is what was meant by our alluding to a society which defined 'tea and biscuits' in its articles of association, that all men may partake as 'plate-bearers' and take their turn in the boiling of the water.