The philosopher will fall neither into the cold unfeeling indifference of the recluse nor into the frothy effervescing fussiness of the sentimentalist. He knows that the first attitude is generated by excessive introversion, the second by excessive extroversion. His ideal being the balance between them, he will attend properly to his own self-development but, side by side with it, work helpfully for mankind.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25747 – 13.20.4.213

BN – Z

He notes that other people's outer sufferings are greater than his own, while their inner understanding of those sufferings is less. He is both willing and ready to disturb his own bliss with their misery and he will do this not in condescension but in compassion. Saint Paul, following the master whom he never saw in the flesh but knew so well in the spirit, put all other virtues beneath compassion. Are the few who try to be true Christians, in this point at least, utterly wasting their time? For so say the yogis who would abolish all effort in service and concentrate on self-realization alone. Yet neither Jesus nor Paul was a mere sentimentalist. They knew the power of compassion in dissolving the ego. It was thus a part of their moral code.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25748E – 13.20.4.214

BN – ZEL1/2 – DEK

Neither Jesus nor Paul was a mere sentimentalist. They knew the power of compassion in dissolving the ego. It was thus a part of their moral code. They knew, too, another reason why the disciple should practise altruistic conduct and take up noble attitudes. With their help he may bring one visitation of bad karma to an earlier end or even help to prevent the manifestation of another visitation which would otherwise be inevitable.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25748E – 13.20.4.214

BN – ZEL2/2 – DEK

The last marks of the ego's grip will linger on him in various subtle forms. Perhaps the willingness to be saved himself while leaving behind so many others entangled in illusion is the final mark to be erased. But it is a mark which only philosophical mystics, not ordinary mystics, are likely to be troubled with. Only a compassion of unparalleled depth and immense impartiality will put anyone on such a course as voluntarily to remain on liberation's threshold so as to help the unliberated.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25751 – 13.20.4.217

BN – X – DEK

Philosophy rejects the egocentric ideal of the lower mysticism and why it trains its votaries from the very start to work altruistically for humanity's enlightenment. No man is so low in the evolutionary scale that he cannot help some other men with a rightly placed word, cannot strike a flickering match in their darkness, cannot show the example of a better life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25752E – 13.20.4.218

BN – Z – DEK

There is a fundamental difference between mystical escapism and mystical altruism. In the first case, the man is interested only in gaining his own self-realization and will be content to let his endeavours stop there. In the second case, he has the same aim but also the keen aspiration to make his achievement, when it materializes, available for the service of mankind. And because such a profound aspiration cannot be banished into cold-storage to await this materialization, he will even sacrifice part of his time, money, and energy to doing what little he can to enlighten others intellectually during the interval. Even if this meant doing nothing more than making philosophical knowledge more easily accessible to ordinary men than it has been in the past, this would be enough. But he can do much more than that.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25756E – 13.20.4.222

BN – ZEL1/3 – DEK1

There is a fundamental difference between mystical escapism and mystical altruism. In the first case, the man is interested only in gaining his own self-realization and will be content to let his endeavours stop there. In the second case, he has the same aim but also the keen aspiration to make his achievement, when it materializes, available for the service of mankind. Both types recognize the indispensable need of deliberately withdrawing from society and isolating themselves from its activities to obtain the solitude necessary to achieve intensity of concentration, to practise meditative reflection upon life, and to study mystical and philosophical books. But whereas the first would make the withdrawal a permanent, lifelong one, the second would make it only a temporary and occasional one. And by "temporary" we mean any period from a single day to several years.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25756E – 13.20.4.222

BN – ZEL2/3 – DEK1

There is a fundamental difference between mystical escapism and mystical altruism. In the first case, the man is interested only in gaining his own self-realization and will be content to let his endeavours stop there. In the second case, he has the same aim but also the keen aspiration to make his achievement, when it materializes, available for the service of mankind. The first is a resident of the ivory tower of escapism, the second merely its visitor. The first can find happiness only in his solitariness and must draw himself out of humanity's disturbing life to attain it. The second seeks a happiness that will hold firm in all places and makes retirement from that life only a means to this end. Each is entitled to travel his own path. But at such a time as the present, when the whole world is being convulsed and the human soul agitated as never before, we personally believe that it is better to follow the less selfish and more compassionate one.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25756E – 13.20.4.222

BN – ZEL3/3 – DEK1

Never again will it be possible for him wilfully to injure another; but on the contrary the welfare of the All will become his concern. In Jesus' words he is "born again." He will find his highest happiness, after seeking reality and truth, in seeking the welfare of all other beings alongside of his own. The practical consequence of this is that he will be inevitably led to incessant effort for their service and enlightenment.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25758E – 13.20.4.224

BA11 – P – DEK

The realization of the hidden unity of his own life with the life of the whole world manifests finally in infinite Compassion for all living things. Thus, he learns to subdue the personal will to the cosmic one, narrow selfish affection to the wide-spreading desire for the common welfare. Compassion comes to full blossom in his heart like a lotus flower in the sunshine. From this lofty standpoint, he no longer regards mankind as being those whom he unselfishly serves but rather as being those who give him the opportunity to serve.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25758E – 13.20.4.224

BSG_4 – Z – DEK

The peace to which he has become heir is not self-absorbed rest from old activities that he deserts, but a divine awareness that subsists beneath new ones that he accepts.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25759 – 13.20.4.225

BN – ZZ – K1

When he first attains to this clear vision, he sees not only that which brings him great joy but also that which brings him great sorrow. He sees men bewildered by life, pained by life, blinded by life. He sees them wandering into wrong paths because there is no one to lead them into right ones. He sees them praying for light but surrounded by darkness. In that hour he makes a decision which will fundamentally affect the whole of his life. Henceforth he will intercede for these others, devote himself to their spiritual service.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25760 – 13.20.4.226

B_01 – ZZZ – DK1

After the desire for the fullest overshadowing by the Overself, which must always be primal, his second desire is to spread out the peace, understanding, and compassion which now burn like a flame within him, to propagate an inward state rather than an intellectual dogma, to bless and enlighten those who seek their divine parent.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25761 – 13.20.4.227

BN – Z – DK1

There is every reason why a human being who accepts the gospel of Inspired Action should become a beneficent force in the world. Whatever role falls to him in the game of life, he will play it in a vital and significant way. More than ever before in its history, the world's need is for such active philosophers.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25763E – 13.20.4.229

BSG_4 – P – DE

The philosophic man's care for his own welfare does not make him insensitive to the welfare of others. His concern is not concentrated on, and does not end with, himself. Rather he puts both claims into sound balance and lets neither emotion nor self-interest run away with him.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25764 – 13.20.4.230

BN – Z

Philosophy has never had a popular appeal and philosophers have always been small in number, but this is not to say that they have not affected the life of society and the trend of events. On the contrary, the intellectual capacity and moral character of philosophers have naturally made them members of the influential classes in their community, while the ideal of service, constantly thought about and acted upon, has by the law and power of recompense inevitably brought them into positions where there was opportunity to express it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25765 – 13.20.4.231

BN – Z

Consequently, if we meet him in the flesh, we meet a citizen of the world, a man utterly free from all racial, colour, or class prejudice. He is ready to live in the world, therefore, even as a worldly person. He loves knowledge and will not disdain it when it deals with the things of earth alone; nothing that is human is unfit for him to learn. He will foster brains, practicality, self-reliance, strength, resolution, perseverance. He considers his word sacred and unfailingly keeps a promise and throughout the entire course of his worldly life he never cherishes ill will to anyone, not even to enemies who have insulted, injured, betrayed, or burnt him with their hate. For he remembers that he is a Bodhisattva—one who intends loving-kindness to all.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25767E – 13.20.4.233

BN – Z

This ideal of a spiritualized worldly life on the part of an illuminate is held even where it might be thought the last place to be found—in Buddhism. For of the three Goals it sets before men, the last is that of the Bodhisattva. Linguistically, the term means one who is bent upon wisdom but technically the term means one who is destined to become a Buddha. Practically, it means one who stands on the very threshold, as it were, of Nirvana, but refuses to enter because he wishes to remain behind and relieve suffering humanity. This tremendous self-sacrifice indicates the tremendous spirit of compassion which actuates him. "I cannot have pleasure while another grieves and I have the power to help," said Gautama while yet a Bodhisattva. For he refuses to break his ties with common humanity. Thus, he is reborn in the most diverse bodies, environments, and ranks and undergoes the most varied vicissitudes, thus giving the benefit of his altruistic presence on the most universal and large-hearted scale.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25767E – 13.20.4.233

BN – Z

This ideal of a spiritualized worldly life on the part of an illuminate is held even where it might be thought the last place to be found—in Buddhism. For of the three Goals it sets before men, the last is that of the Bodhisattva. Linguistically, the term means one who is bent upon wisdom but technically the term means one who is destined to become a Buddha. Practically, it means one who stands on the very threshold, as it were, of Nirvana, but refuses to enter because he wishes to remain behind and relieve suffering humanity. This tremendous self-sacrifice indicates the tremendous spirit of compassion which actuates him. 'I cannot have pleasure while another grieves and I have the power to help,' said Gautama while yet a Bodhisattva.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25767E – 13.20.4.233

UR_3.2 – Z – K

That which sustains each individual mind is a universal one. Therefore, that which is best for him in social and ethical action must also fulfil the requirement of being what is best for all. Otherwise it is incomplete.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25769 – 13.20.4.235

BN – X – D

If his earlier life has been self-centered, the attainment of this stage will provide him with the opportunity to escape from our miserable planet and to pass into a world of harmony, peace, and light, although this escape cannot in the nature of things mature until his physical body dies. But if his earlier life has been compassionate and altruistic in ideal—however unsuccessful in practice—the attainment will provide him with the power to implement this ideal, the strength to realize it in actuality. The thought will then present itself to him, "How best can I serve mankind?" This will lead him to seek for ways of helpfulness appropriate to his times, environment, and circumstances. Naturally the knowledge that helping others toward a similar enlightenment is the best service he can render them will predominate, but he will understand that their physical existence cannot be separated from their mental one and that it may sometimes be needful as a step toward that ultimate purpose to take up a duty which seems to belong solely to the external sphere of things.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25770 – 13.20.4.236

BN – Z – K

Those who engage in unselfish service are temporarily loosened somewhat from the ego. This of course is true only to the extent that the service is done with pure, and not with ulterior or mixed or quite selfish, motives.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25772 – 13.20.4.238

BN – X – D

Has it any moral realization of its responsibilities in the present world crisis? Can it say anything that is worthwhile and that will help humanity? What vital contribution does it offer to our generation? The answer to these questions is that philosophy is definitely alive to contemporary needs and extremely desirous of serving creatively. Although its votaries are primarily engaged upon spiritual studies, this does not mean that they must have a blank mind about other problems. They realize that their studies have an indirect bearing upon them too. However, the points of view being different, the conclusions are inevitably different too. For example, democracy says that public opinion should determine a government's course. Philosophy says that wisdom and virtue should determine it. At times, of course, the two coincide and then democracy is gloriously vindicated.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25773 – 13.20.4.239

BN – ZZZ

Those who have received its benefits will one day have to repay its obligations. This they can do only in the way suited to their individual circumstances. It is a duty laid upon them from within by no one but themselves, but it is not less imperative than if it had been laid from without, and by "higher authorities".

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25774 – 13.20.4.240

BN – Z

He has no other course than paradoxically to separate himself from mankind if he is to serve mankind in the most effectual way—by living for it instead of being martyred by it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25775 – 13.20.4.241

BN – Z

If those of higher ideals and unselfish character withdraw from society, leaving the world to be run by more materialistic and selfish persons, then society will certainly degenerate and thus bring karmic suffering upon itself. Wisdom, however, dictates the reverse policy.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25777 – 13.20.4.243

BN – X – D

The sage may invite co-operation in this work not for their personal aggrandizement but for the philanthropic enlightenment of the eager, questioning few.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25779 – 13.20.4.245

BN – ZZZ – K

If he gives his services to humanity, he does so without pricing them—without thought of or request for any external reward.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25781 – 13.20.4.247

BN – Z

He is not a psychoanalyst who charges a hundred dollars an hour for consultations. He gives his services for nothing. Because he wants to conduct his life of service on the highest possible plane, he accepts no money for these consultations.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25782 – 13.20.4.248

BN – Z

The mystic's error is to believe that his duty toward God cancels his duty towards man. Philosophy corrects the error and unites the two.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25783 – 13.20.4.249

BN – Z

It is proper for the mystical novice to feel apathetic and lethargic about his duties toward and intercourse with society. He is trying to turn inwards and they would only disturb him. It is equally proper, however, for the mystical adept, if he has developed on philosophic lines, to feel led towards abundant activity and social service.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25784 – 13.20.4.250

BN – Z

His ultimate aim is to enjoy the blessed presence of the Overself in his heart. But it is not, as with inferior mystics, to enjoy it alone. He ardently desires to share it with others.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25785 – 13.20.4.251

BN – Z – D

He approaches men not as a beggar seeking help but as a benefactor offering it.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25786 – 13.20.4.252

BN – Z

If he serves a race, a nation, a class, or a group, his service will not be for them as such—his outlook is too wide for that—but as human beings.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25788 – 13.20.4.254

BN – Z

The mystic feels he has accomplished his task when he has accomplished this blessed reunion with the Overself. The philosopher feels that it is not enough and that without ceasing to maintain this union, he must spiritually guide the few who seek truth and materially serve the many who do not.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25790 – 13.20.4.256

BN – Z

If anyone can make a spiritual, aesthetic, reasonable, and ethical contribution to mankind, he serves God too, even if he belongs to no religion. For he is harmonizing himself with the World-Idea.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25792 – 13.20.4.258

BN – X – D

It must not be thought that a non-selfish actively altruistic attitude in his dealing with other men is the chief characteristic of the philosopher's practical life. If this were so then it would only be a good human life but not a divinely human life. Humanitarianism serves men whereas philosophy serves what is sacred in men.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25793 – 13.20.4.259

BN – Z

Whoever wishes to attract people to philosophy must start by supporting its preachings with the attractiveness of his own personal example in day-to-day living. He must continue by practising love to all and depending on the power of truth. He must end by praying for others in secret and offering himself to the Divine as a pure instrument of service.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25794 – 13.20.4.260

BN – X – D

When the Higher Power leads a man to a position produced by his constant aspiration to serve coupled with his personal qualifications for it, the strength and wisdom he may need to fulfil it will also be granted.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25795 – 13.20.4.261

BN – ZZ – D

To understand the mysterious language of the Silence, and to bring this understanding back into the world of forms through work that shall express the creative vitality of the Spirit, is one way in which you may serve mankind.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25796 – 13.20.4.262

BA11 – ZZZ – DK1

The man who lives in the physical senses alone reaches and affects those other men only whom he can come into contact with physically. He is entirely limited by time and space. The man who lives in the developed intellect or feelings also reaches and affects those other men who can respond to his written or printed ideas or his artistic inspirations. He is limited only partially by time and space. But the man who lives in the godlike Overself within him is freed from time and space and uplifts all those who can respond intuitively, even though they may never know him physically. For in the spiritual world he cannot hide his light.

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#25797 – 13.20.4.263

BN – ZZZ – DEK1

It may be said that the world's supreme need is exactly what the illumined man has found, therefore his duty is to give it to the world. This is true, but it is equally true that the world is not ready for it any more than he himself was ready for it before he underwent a long course of purification, discipline, and training. Accepting these realities of the situation, he feels no urge to spread his ideas, no impulse to organize a following. However that does not mean that he does nothing at all; it only means that he will help in the ways he deems to be most effective even if they are the least publicized and the least apparent. He is not deaf to the call of duty but he gives it a wider interpretation than those who are ignorant of the state and powers which he enjoys.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25798 – 13.20.4.264

BA11 – ZZZ – K1

Imagination could not grasp, even if sympathy could sustain, all this planet's inescapable human misery and animal pain at once. No man living could ever measure the one or alleviate the other. During the 1940s, millions of men and women and beasts lived in torture or died in agony, starved in famine or were liquidated in explosion. He must perforce accept the quantitative limits which Nature, insulating his personality, sets for him here or else set up his own. However distressed a man may be when confronted by depressing national situations or by painful international tragedies, knowing that he can do nothing about them, that they are beyond his limited power as a single individual to influence, alter, or reshape, he will have to let the responsibility for them rest on the proper shoulders and accept the lesson in karma's working. He is not a second Atlas to bear the enormous burden of the whole world's accumulated agony on his little shoulders.

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#25800E – 13.20.4.266

BN – ZEL1/2

Given a man who is at all sensitive enough to respond emotionally to all the piled-up misery that lies around him, imaginative enough to recall it even when he is isolated from it by good fortune, can such a one remain immured in his own individuality and become impassive enough to live undistressed by the woes of others, untouched by their cries? Hence although personally helpless in such present matters, he can at least work patiently to improve future ones by working to improve future humanity. He will seek to find a sensible balance between the good manners of attending to his own spiritual business and the compassionate duty of making his knowledge and experience available to others.

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#25800E – 13.20.4.266

BN – ZEL2/2

It is not by overmuch fussy activity that we necessarily serve others best. We may, if we have opened ourselves to divine influences, become radiations of such influences. Merely by being faithful to them, we become the best missionaries for them.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25803 – 13.20.4.269

B_01 – ZZZ – K

The idea that he has a fancy for writing down his intuitions and inward experiences does not make him a whit greater than another who wraps the veil of silence around his ideas, his intuitions or experiences, which, though now unuttered, may yet dictate themselves through other channels to generations unborn.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25804 – 13.20.4.270

BN – ZZ

His personal destiny or spiritual dedication will decide his future course—whether deliberately to remain obscure and avoid the notice which excites opposition, or publicly to accept a mission and bring inspiration to a particular kind of activity.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25805 – 13.20.4.271

BN – Z – D

To come to a philosopher with expectations gleaned from religio-mystic circles, and to find that he refuses to play up to them, is to invite disappointment, perhaps even disillusionment. Yet, in being himself, in rigidly holding to the best he knows, the philosopher has really rendered the other a better service than if he had responded agreeably to anticipations. The ego's incapacity to recognize this does not destroy the seed that has been sown. Athens was handed truth by Socrates but handed him the cup of poison in return. But who knows what minds picked up thirty years later ideas he had left behind?

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#25806 – 13.20.4.272

A241129 – ZZZ – K

Spiritual work for the enlightenment of others is more important than physical-plane charity. The particular form it should take must naturally vary widely with different cases and different circumstances. It is understood that such service is limited by the extent of one's own development, the purity of one's motives, and the destiny of one's present incarnation. When external limitations permit nothing more, it might be done in the secrecy of one's own meditation chamber. It does not mean proselytizing others. It is not necessarily talking or writing about spiritual truths. It is a way of life and thought resulting from inward self-dedication and compassionate wisdom.

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#25807 – 13.20.4.273

BN – Z

Philosophy "as a search for truth" must and does look at life as a whole, must and does take all human activities into its perspective, instead of leaving them outside. It is only because the philosophic teacher's human limitations prevent him from dealing with all things and compel him to specialize in one thing that he economizes time and strength by serving humanity as a spiritual educator rather than as a politician. Both services are needed by humanity but one is infinitely more needed than the other. Save in the exceptional cases where he feels charged by fate and duty to render some public service in connection with them, he holds aloof from practical politics, theoretical economics, religious controversy, and social questions. He knows that the inner issue is really at stake behind all these others and this in turn depends on the metaphysical world-view. To formulate such a correct world-view and to guide men in the realization of their higher selves is then his chief and only task.

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#25808E – 13.20.4.274

BN – ZEL1/2

He reserves his best thought and energy for the fundamental task of, on the one hand, unveiling hidden laws of life and imparting a knowledge which improves mankind morally, mentally, and mystically and, on the other hand, to improving his own self so as to be better able to help change human character, reduce its selfishness, and dissipate its materialism. The social usefulness of teaching philosophy is ultimately on a deeper level than the social usefulness of stimulating worldly reform. For here man is dealing with causes, but there with effects. The philosophical mystic's work is limited in area to this single domain, but it is very much deeper and therefore very much more important just because of that limitation.

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#25808E – 13.20.4.274

BN – ZEL2/2

No other work could measure up, in eventual importance, to the work to which his life is dedicated, however insignificant his part may seem to him at any time. "God regardeth the duty of proclaiming His message as the most meritorious of all deeds," wrote the Persian prophet Baha'u'llah. Once fully engaged in this endeavour, he will feel more and more that he is part of a movement which is on the coming wave. Meanwhile, although he is to do whatever he can wherever circumstances allow it, in the way of such service, he is not to be over-anxious about results, on the one hand, nor utterly indifferent, on the other. A calm spirit, a patient mind, must never be deserted, yet a rejoicing heart over anyone that is guided to the Quest must never be repressed. His task is one of the oldest in human history—to convince men and women that it is worthwhile asking themselves: What are the ultimate values of human life?

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#25809 – 13.20.4.275

BN – ZZZ – DEK

Whoever by speech or by silence, by art or by example, helps to improve mankind or increase knowledge of the higher truth, renders the best service. No other charity or philanthropy equals this upliftment of creatures struggling—unwittingly or deliberately—to a purified, disciplined, and refined consciousness.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25811 – 13.20.4.277

BN – Z – D

The noblest calling in life and the most useful vocation is philosophical teaching.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25812 – 13.20.4.278

BA11 – P – D

The philosopher's work with others shines best in a literary function. There he gives light and healing, calm and hope to the many on their way who could never hope, owing to the lapse of time after his death or the distance in space before it, to encounter him in a consultative function.

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#25813 – 13.20.4.279

BN – Z – D

He will not care to meddle in politics, for an arena of strife, struggle, the clash of selfish interests, lies, and libels will naturally be distasteful to him. But if destiny bids it, he will swallow his reluctance.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25814 – 13.20.4.280

BN – Z

It is not the duty of a philosopher to solve personal problems for others or to make decisions for them or to play the role of a healer. Leaders of religio-mystical sects often claim to do so but he has no such pretensions. Nor will he seek to attract disciples, making them more and more dependent on him, and form organizations, as those leaders often do seek. A clear distinction in thought and practice between these two departments is necessary.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25816 – 13.20.4.282

BN – Z

So far as philosophy is to be saved from becoming obliterated, it must become embodied in a remnant of persons who understand, follow, and practise it, and it must also be recorded in writing for posterity.

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#25822 – 13.20.4.288

BN – ZZ

If he cannot show a shortcut out of the jungle of contemporary spiritual bewilderment, he can contribute some valuable compass readings which may help to form a better notion where the way out lies.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25823 – 13.20.4.289

BN – Z

He does not claim to be a walking encyclopaedia nor ask for a halo of infallibility. There are many questions to which he does not know the true answers. He is neither pontifically infallible nor deifically omniscient. What the philosophical teacher seeks to establish are the basic principles in which all true seeking must end.

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#25825 – 13.20.4.291

BN – Z

Whoever attains this, the topmost peak of the philosophic life, will naturally possess the capacity—rather the genius—to help the internal evolutionary advance of mankind. Indeed, it will be the principal and secret business of his life, whatever his external and conventional business may be. Those who stood closest to Jesus were asked to preach the gospel. Clearly therefore he conceived the spreading of truth to be their primary task. That other tasks, such as feeding and clothing the poor, had their own particular importance too, was acknowledged in his injunction to other persons. But that such tasks were secondary ones is clear inference from his instructions to the apostles. And in this critical passage of humanity from a used-out standpoint to a newer one which confronts it today, such a service is more than important.

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#25826E – 13.20.4.292

BN – ZEL1/3 – DEK1

Those who stood closest to Jesus were asked to preach the gospel. Clearly therefore he conceived the spreading of truth to be their primary task. In his own humbler way and in a quiet unobtrusive manner, remembering always that people will find the best account of his beliefs in his deeds, even the neophyte who has still to climb the foothills of philosophy can and must communicate so much of this knowledge as he finds men may be ready for, but not an iota more. His task is not, like that of the apostles, to convert them but to help them. He may be only a firefly with little light to shed but he should desert the esotericism of former centuries and try to enlighten others because he must understand the unique character of this century and see the dangerous gaping abyss which surrounds its civilization.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25826E – 13.20.4.292

BN – ZEL2/3 – DEK1

Moreover he may take refuge in the words of Tripura, an archaic Sanskrit text, which, if its archaic idiom be translated into modern accents, says: "An intense student may be endowed with the slenderest of good qualities, but if he can readily understand the truth—however theoretically—and expound it to others, this act of exposition will help him to become himself imbued with these ideas and his own mind will soak in their truth. This in the end will lead him to actualize the Divinity within himself."

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25826E – 13.20.4.292

BN – ZEL3/3 – DEK1

If the statements of philosophers are to possess meaning and value, they have to be related to the comprehension of men. This is why the philosopher assumes the function of religious prophet with the masses, dons the mantle of mystical leader or metaphysical teacher with the few, fills the role of a sage with the rare individual.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25827 – 13.20.4.293

BN – Z

He has become, by virtue of his inner attainment, a responsible guardian of ancient truths. They are neither to be hoarded in a miserly way nor propagated indiscriminately.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25828 – 13.20.4.294

BN – Z

Because he believes that a higher power is in very truth taking thought for men and taking care of the universe, he does not seek excitedly to convert them but simply to state the fact of its existence.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25829 – 13.20.4.295

BN – ZZ

It is not by making a person—be he disciple or learner—subservient and dependent that we serve him best, but by helping him to help himself, to develop himself.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25831 – 13.20.4.297

BN – Z

Appreciation of these truths is the beginning of the philosophic life. Application of them is the end.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25833 – 13.20.4.299

BSG_4 – P – D

Unless he puts his abstract principles into concrete deeds, unless his highest thoughts are reflected in his lowliest acts, the student is no philosopher. These teachings have not been easy to comprehend in theory; they will certainly be still less easy to follow in practice. Nevertheless these rarefied principles must be translated into terms of everyday living. The skeleton must now be fleshed out and the warm living blood of action must course around it. Hence the third path seeks to connect this knowledge with the practical obligations of mundane existence and to associate these practices with the social and personal responsibilities of men who lead active lives.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25834 – 13.20.4.300

BN – Z

The reader has had most of this system now presented to him. His work in following these difficult abstruse thoughts has not been easy. Now he may face, if he wishes, an entirely fresh task, that of bringing ultimate truth down from theory to practice. It has to be made real to himself. It has to be fully and finally realized. Constant recollection and constant practice are the only way to do this. When he comes to this final frontier of all existence, he must bow his head in humble homage to the fact that here neither yoga nor religion can venture across alone. Here the man alone may pass who can live utterly and fully what he has thought in metaphysics, what he has felt in religion, and what he has experienced in the tense stillness of yoga.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25835 – 13.20.4.301

BN – Z

The discovery that our existence as well as the world's existence is like that of a dream need not alarm us, need not cause us to become impractical, inefficient, uninterested in life and half-hearted in action. For as we should prefer a pleasant dream during sleep to a horrible nightmare, so should we try to live this waking world dream of ours as pleasantly, as profitably, and as successfully as possible. If these doctrines cannot be made subservient to the ends of living, then they are metaphysical and not philosophical. For the business of the metaphysician is to lose himself in abstractions, but the business of the philosopher is to find himself in common life.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25837 – 13.20.4.303

BN – X – DEK

When what he receives from within at the intuitive level is transplanted without at the active level, it becomes complete.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25839 – 13.20.4.305

BN – X – D

There is a gratifying secret entwined with this injunction to serve mankind. Whoever gives himself in such service will inevitably receive a boomerang-like return one day when others will display a readiness to serve him. For karma is a divine law which brings back to him whatever he has given forth.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25841E – 13.20.4.307

BA11 – ZZZ – DEK

There is a gratifying secret entwined with this injunction to serve mankind. Whoever gives himself in such service will inevitably receive a boomerang-like return one day when others will display a readiness to serve him. For karma is a divine law which brings back to him whatever he has given forth. The area and depth of his own service will mark the area and depth of that which mankind will extend toward him. Only the form of it will be different because this will depend both on prevailing circumstances and his own subconscious or conscious desire. It may take only a mental or emotional form. The moral of this is that the wise altruist loses nothing in the end by his altruism, although the foolish altruist may lose much as the karmic consequence of his foolishness.

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25841 – 13.20.4.307

BN – ZZZ – DEK

A true power will inform the hands of those who will act at the behest of the god within, whose daily admonishment to him is: "Go out and live for the welfare of man the Light you find in the deep recesses of your own heart."

What Is Philosophy? > Its Realization Beyond Ecstasy > Service

#25842 – 13.20.4.308

BN – X – D

The goal of self-elimination which is held up before us refers only to the animal and lower human selves. It certainly does not refer to the annihilation of all self-consciousness. The higher individuality always remains. But it is so different from the lower one that it does not make much sense to discuss it in human language. Hence, those who have adequately understood it write or talk little about its higher mysteries. If the end of all existence were only a merger at best or annihilation at worst, it would be a senseless and sorry scheme of things. It would be unworthy of the divine intelligence and discreditable to the divine goodness. The consciousness stripped of thought, which looks less attractive to you than the hazards of life down here, is really a tremendous enlargement of what thought itself tries to do. Spiritual advance is really from a Less to a More. There is nothing to fear in it and nothing to lose by it—except by the standards and values of the ignorant.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25847 – 13.20.5.5

BN – X – K1

Resurrection—to die and live again—is a symbol. It means to leave the ego and enter the Overself ‘in full consciousness’.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25849 – 13.20.5.7

BN – Z – D

When the two selves become one, the inner conflict vanishes. Peace, rich and unutterable, is his.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25851 – 13.20.5.9

BSG_4 – P – D

He has extended his consciousness to the Overself, displaced the ego from its age-old tyranny, and become the full human he intended to be.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25852 – 13.20.5.10

BN – X – D

We who honour philosophy so highly cannot afford to be other than honest with ourselves. We have to acknowledge that the end of all our striving is surrender. No human being can do other than this—an utterly humble prostration, where we dissolve, lose the ego, lose ourselves—the rest is paradox and mystery.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25853 – 13.20.5.11

BN – X – D

It is out of such a splendid balance of utter humility and noble self-reliance that the philosopher gets his wisdom and strength. He is always kneeling metaphorically before the Divine in self-surrendering renunciation and often actually in self-abasing prayer. Yet side by side with this, he is always seeking to develop and apply his own intellect and intuition, his own will and experience in life. And because they are derived from such a balanced combination, this wisdom and strength are beyond any that religion alone, or metaphysics alone, could give.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25858 – 13.20.5.16

BN – Z – DEK

The philosopher will be a karma yogi to the extent that he will work incessantly for the service of humanity and work, too, in a disinterested spirit. He will be a bhakti yogi to the extent that he will seek lovingly to feel the constant presence of the Divine. He will be a raja yogi to the extent that he will hold his mind free from the world fetters but pinned to the holy task he has undertaken. He will be a gnana yogi to the extent that he will apply his reflective and reasoning power to a metaphysical understanding of the world.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25860 – 13.20.5.18

BN – ZZ – DK

From that moment when he understands human problems with the wisdom of the Overself, his thinking will become illumined from within, as it were. He will comprehend clearly the inner significance of each problem that presents itself.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25861 – 13.20.5.19

BN – ZZ

In the philosopher, the sense of living in the Overself is continuous and unbroken.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25863 – 13.20.5.21

BN – Z

In observation a scientist, at heart a religious devotee, in thought a metaphysician, in secret a mystic, and in public an efficient, honorable useful citizen–this is the kind of man philosophy produces.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25864 – 13.20.5.22

BN – ZZZ – K1

He only is worthy of the name philosopher who not only possesses a knowledge of mentalism, and understands it well, but who reverently lets the higher power be ever present in, and work through, him. Otherwise he is only a student of philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25865 – 13.20.5.23

BN – Z

His thoughts are guided by the Overself, his emotions inspired by it, and his actions expressive of it. Thus his whole personal life becomes a harmoniously and divinely integrated one.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25866 – 13.20.5.24

BN – Z – D

A man acts philosophically when wisdom and service become the motive power behind his deeds. These are the two currents which must flow through his external life.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25867 – 13.20.5.25

BN – ZZZ – DEK

The true philosopher is conscious daily of the blessed inward life of the Overself, indescribable in its serenity, loveliness, strength, and sacredness. Keeping the mind in equilibrium, in a state of equipoise which remains undistracted and undisturbed by external forces and events, becomes perfectly natural in time, and is a state in which he continues until death. It is not a monotonous condition as some might believe, but one of such satisfaction that we can only faintly envisage it in comparison with our material joys deprived of their emotional excitements.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25871 – 13.20.5.29

BN – Z

His wisdom must be equal to calamity or prosperity, the bad or the good—to all situations, in fact.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25873 – 13.20.5.31

BN – ZZ – K

The flower grows into a balanced and complete entity. This is the way he is to grow. It is perfect in itself, and nothing need be added to it. This is the Ideal he is to realize.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25879 – 13.20.5.37

UR_2.3 – ZZZ – K

In his practical life he will evidence a compassionate heart but a clear head, a strong will but a sensitive intuition.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25880 – 13.20.5.38

BSG_4 – P – D

He is a scientist to the extent that he respects fact, a metaphysician to the extent that he wants reality, a religionist to the extent that he recognizes a higher power.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25881 – 13.20.5.39

BN – X – D

Although he dwells in the Eternal, he lets the passing hour take from him what it needs. This is balance.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25882 – 13.20.5.40

BN – Z – D

By starting to live from the core itself, we start to live harmoniously, undivided and whole.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25883 – 13.20.5.41

BN – X – D

Neither the life of action nor the life of reason is able to satisfy him, nor even their combination, however good it be. He comes, in time, to the last question and, with the finding of its answer, to the life of intuition. Henceforth he is to be taught from within, led from within, by something deeper than intellect, surer than intellect. Henceforth he is to do what needs doing under the influx of a higher will than his merely personal one.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25887 – 13.20.5.45

BN – Z – DEK

When he has silenced his desires and stilled his thoughts, when he has put his own will aside and his own ego down, he becomes a free channel through which the Divine Mind may flow into his own consciousness. No evil feelings can enter his heart, no evil thoughts can cross his mind, and not even the new consequence of old wrong-doing can affect his serenity.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25890 – 13.20.5.48

BN – Z – D

In the true philosopher the distance between the thought of a right deed and the deed itself is nil. There is no inner conflict in such a man, no wavering between the lower nature and the higher ordinance. What he knows, he is. His wisdom has become welded into his moral outlook and practical activity. There are no schizophrenic dissociations or unconscious complexes. Righteousness is a profound instinct with him.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25891 – 13.20.5.49

BN – Z

It is not that he sees beauty where others see ugliness—on the contrary, he recognizes the place of ugliness and its inevitability in this Yin-Yang existence—but that he sees all things, including ugly things, as manifestations of divine Mind.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25892 – 13.20.5.50

BN – Z

There is a charm which emanates from goodness, a vigour which radiates from truth, and a peace which belongs to reality.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25893 – 13.20.5.51

BN – Z

The philosopher does not hold any views. Views are held by those who depend on the intellect or the emotions alone for their judgements. His dependence is on the intuition, the voice of his higher self.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25894 – 13.20.5.52

BN – Z – D

The philosopher lives in a great serene equilibrium upon whose boundaries rage and envy, greed and frenzy beat in vain.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25895 – 13.20.5.53

BN – Z

He is above moods, neither exuberant nor restrained but always equable.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25896 – 13.20.5.54

BN – Z

He combines the simple purity and direct honesty of a child with the discretion and prudence of an adult.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25897 – 13.20.5.55

BN – Z

Sanctity is deep within him but his conduct and speech are never sanctimonious.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25898 – 13.20.5.56

BN – Z

He will act according to the pressure of circumstances and the necessity of upholding principles. At times he may be so wrapped up in his own studies and meditations as to seem cut off from society altogether. But at other times he may keep so busy in the world as to seem one of its most eager members.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25899 – 13.20.5.57

BN – Z

If such philosophy is lived by him, what he says cannot be valueless. Out of the deep stillness within there will emerge genuine truth, invisible substance, measured quality, or he will hold his peace and say little or nothing.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25900 – 13.20.5.58

BN – Z

His conduct shows a calmness which seems invulnerable and a detachment which seems implacable.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25901 – 13.20.5.59

BN – Z

In his mind he separates time and its trifles from the Himalayan massiveness of the Eternal. If he is forced by conditions to plan ahead for a few months or a few years, he never allows them to force him into deserting this inner loyalty to the timeless Now.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25902 – 13.20.5.60

BN – Z

The philosophic mind is a civilized one. It is free from narrow prejudices, tolerant even when it disagrees, informed by wide studies, calm and controlled even in the encounter with provocative untruth, exaggeration, or fanaticism.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25903 – 13.20.5.61

BN – Z

We would not expect an enlightened man to utter careless statements.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25904 – 13.20.5.62

BN – Z

The discovery of a philosophic truth is, in time and as it is lived, a deeply felt thing even though its expression or communication may be quiet and composed. The stoical side of the philosophic character does not destroy the warmth of this feeling. It will be present in the communication itself as freshness and originality, as if heart were speaking to heart and, for those who need it, head to head.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25905 – 13.20.5.63

BN – ZZZ – K

He will possess the trained mentality and disciplined character which reacts swiftly to urgent situations, calmly to dangerous ones, and wisely to unexpected ones.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25912 – 13.20.5.70

BN – Z

He feels the truth deep within himself: his ideas are warmly held, not coldly intellectualized. Yet despite this love for them, the intellect is not absent, only it is put into a kind of balance with the heart so that light and power are combined.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25914 – 13.20.5.72

BN – ZZ

He is idealistic without being fanatical, realistic without being materialistic, reformist without being obsessed.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25915 – 13.20.5.73

BN – Z – K

He senses the power of the ever-accompanying Presence: it makes him sturdily independent.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25917 – 13.20.5.75

BN – Z

A philosopher is not necessarily a man who lectures on philosophy, be it genuine wisdom or mere academic and scholarly word-spinning. He is a man who knows that life is not only for thought about it, and for insight into its deepest reality, but also for living. He is withal as sensitive as a mystic and feels nuances beyond the ordinary, but he cultivates calmness in the midst of normal activity and remains unflappable.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25920 – 13.20.5.78

BN – Z

The man whose thinking is unbiased by prejudice and whose feeling is untainted by selfishness is invested with a moral authority which others lack.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25922 – 13.20.5.80

BN – Z

Attention is forever being caught by some thought or some thing, by some feeling or some experience. In the case of the ordinary man, consciousness is lost in the attention; but in the case of the philosophic man there is a background which evaluates the attention and controls it.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25923 – 13.20.5.81

BN – X – DK1

The enlightened man may outwardly appear to live like others, a normal and ordinary life, but whether he does so or not, there will always be this vital difference between him and ordinary men: that he never forgets his true nature.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25924 – 13.20.5.82

BN – Z – D

The Stoic, whose highest lights are his ethical principles, may attain cold neutral peace. The philosopher, who lives by trans-egoic awareness, finds a gracious tranquillity.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25927 – 13.20.5.85

BN – X – K

All men are subject to some effect from the people around them but only philosophers are able to be fully conscious of the influences impinging on them and to reject part or all of them if necessary.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25928 – 13.20.5.86

BN – Z

Such a man can feel as joyfully enthusiastic about impersonal ideas as other men can feel only about personal fortunes.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25929 – 13.20.5.87

BN – Z

He who has attained to this utter calm of the Overself, or come near enough to feel it every day, individualizes himself out of the crowd and finds his own soul. He no longer has to be with the majority to feel at ease.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25931 – 13.20.5.89

BN – Z

The practical difference between a fool and a philosopher is that the first is always impatient with the second, whereas the second is always patient with the first.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25932 – 13.20.5.90

BN – Z

Like men speaking in different languages, they are unable to establish any real intercourse with one another. Yet there is this difference, that whereas the philosopher has a clear enough perception of what is in their hearts they cannot comprehend what is in the philosopher's.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25933 – 13.20.5.91

BN – Z

If they cannot make any inner contact with one another, the fault is not the philosopher's but the crowd's. He is ever ready to give every man he meets a mental handshake, ever ready to accept all people for what they are. Moreover, he is inwardly laid by his higher self under obligation to benefit mankind by what he knows and is.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25934 – 13.20.5.92

BN – Z

His eyes look upon the same world as other men's but he sees much in it which they do not see.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25935 – 13.20.5.93

BN – Z

It is the difference in world-view which explains why one man fills his heart with anger and hate at exactly the same mistreatment under which another man fills his heart with forbearance and forgiveness.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25936 – 13.20.5.94

B_14 – ZZ – K

Philosophy takes into account the whole personality of man. The sage knows more about human nature than the psychoanalyst for, besides noting the structure of human behaviour, he takes into account both karmic factors of cause and effect and the higher reaches of the mind.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25937 – 13.20.5.95

BN – Z

Do not put a tag on the philosopher. To the observer staring at him and his life, he is a bundle of contradictions and inconsistencies. But whereas he reconciles them, they cannot.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25939 – 13.20.5.97

BN – ZZ

Is the philosopher affected by his surroundings like everyone else? He is, so far as they report their nature to his senses. But there the likeness ends. For his mind then steps in to work constructively on the report and to interpret it philosophically.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25940 – 13.20.5.98

BN – Z

He lives in the world like other men and beholds all but, unlike other men, accepts all.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25941 – 13.20.5.99

BN – Z

The philosophic attitude is to be in the world but not of it, to hold necessary useful or beautiful possessions but not to be held by them. It knows the transiency of things, the brevity of pleasures, the movement of every situation. This is the way of the universe, the ebb and flow of life, the power of time to alter the pattern of every existence. So the philosopher adjusts himself to this rhythm, learns how and when to let go and when to hold on, and so retains his inner equilibrium, his inner poise and peace. During stormy times he stands firm as a rock, he studies their meaning and accepts their lesson; during sunny times he avoids identifying himself with the little ego and remembers his true security is in the Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25942 – 13.20.5.100

BN – ZZ

He knows full well how illusory the form of the world is, yet he keeps this knowledge in perfect balance with his duties responsibilities and tasks in that world. He does what needs doing as effectually as any man of action, yet is inwardly as detached as any idle dreamer.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25943 – 13.20.5.101

BN – Z

Some part of his mind and heart will always be elsewhere, out of all this activity, above and detached from it all.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25946 – 13.20.5.104

BN – ZZ – K

It is not that he becomes a mere onlooker at life—although during the pre-philosophic period this temptation is present—but that the difference between absolute reality and relative existence becomes all too plain.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25947 – 13.20.5.105

BN – X – K

The ordinary man who loves comfort and desires possessions, property, or position is not acting wrongly. He is wrong when he lets himself get tied to them and suffers intensely at their loss. The philosopher may also have these things, but there is this difference: that he will be inwardly free of them.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25948 – 13.20.5.106

BN – Z – K

The philosopher's duty leaves him free to live in the world or leave it. There are no compulsive rules for him. But if he decides to stay, or is compelled by his need to earn a livelihood, he will take care not to be of the world.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25949 – 13.20.5.107

BN – ZZ

A perfect degree of impersonality is unlikely to be found because it is generally unsought and ordinarily unattainable. But a large measure of it may be arrived at.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25950 – 13.20.5.108

BN – Z – K

The modern philosopher cannot fail to be a most paradoxical gentleman. He works as actively and apparently as ambitiously as other men, relaxes with entertainment or with the arts, but withal keeps his innermost self aloof and detached from the scenes and agitations around him.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25951 – 13.20.5.109

BN – ZZZ – K

In the philosophic experience, feeling is there and must be there, as it is with the unphilosophical. But it is more and more impersonalized—that is the vital difference. Yet it is a difference which repels, chills, or even terrifies some persons when the philosopher comes under their observation.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25952 – 13.20.5.110

BN – ZZ

If the intellect of the philosopher is a developed one, it will be active in the creation of ideas if he is working with them, or of images if he is working in an artistic pursuit. But, in either case, he will still be detached from them, unbound by them, free to pursue them or to drop them.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25953 – 13.20.5.111

BN – ZZ

The so-called dehumanized coolness of the philosopher is frightening to some, while to others its lack of negative passions and animal wraths is felt as a silent accusation, is catalytic in causing a feeling of guilt to arise—and so his company becomes uncomfortable.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25954 – 13.20.5.112

BN – Z – K

He will grow into a great-hearted man with a clear insight into human motivation and a calm acceptance of men and women as he finds them. Something of Nature's patience in working out her evolutionary scheme will enter into his soul. When he thinks of those who have wronged him, he will spontaneously and effortlessly forgive them.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25955 – 13.20.5.113

B_14 – Z

He will look at experience from a new centre. He will see all things and creatures not only as they are on earth but also as they are "in heaven."

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25956 – 13.20.5.114

BN – Z

He takes people just as he finds them and events just as they happen. He does not outwardly express any desire for them to be different from what they are. There are at least two reasons for this attitude. First, he knows that the divine thought of the universe contains the idea of evolution. So he believes that however bad people may be, one day they will be better; however untoward circumstances may be, divine wisdom has brought them about. Second, he knows that if he is to keep an unruffled peace inside him, he must allow nothing outside him to disturb it. Because he regards the outer life as being as ephemeral as a dream, he is reconciled to everything, rebellious against nothing.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25957 – 13.20.5.115

BN – ZZZ – K

Another characteristic of the philosopher is his capacity to see the point of view of all, of the sinner and the criminal, the weak and the ignorant, equally with that of the saint and the sage. This is born partly out of his developed intelligence, partly out of his profound impersonality, and partly out of his wide compassion. This leads to the consequence that when seeking practical remedies for social wrongs, or redress for private ones, he seeks beneath the surface for ultimate causes. A merely superficial view, which may deceive millions of people, is rejected by him. The punishment of a crime without accompanying ethical education, for instance, he regards as clumsy and inefficient brutality. Prison punishment, especially, should be set in a framework of ethical instruction which includes the doctrine of karma. Without such a setting its deterrent effect is not sufficient to make it more than a half-success and a half-failure.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25958 – 13.20.5.116

BN – Z – K

The philosophic attitude, being a truth-seeking attitude, never criticizes merely for the sake of criticizing, and never seeks to uncover what is bad in a thing without seeking at the same time to uncover what is good. Its critical judgements are fair, never destructive but always constructive. Whatever it attacks because of the error and evil it contains, it also defends because of the truth and good it contains.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25959 – 13.20.5.117

BN – ZZ

Even if he finds it necessary to give cautionary criticism, it will be philosophically balanced, truly constructive, and entirely free from condemnation.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25960 – 13.20.5.118

BN – ZZ

His attitude is always fair and unbiased, because his sincerity is illumined by knowledge.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25961 – 13.20.5.119

BN – ZZ

The philosopher will be patient with the moral and intellectual deficiencies of others. He will arrive at this patience not by a long training, but by immediate insight.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25962 – 13.20.5.120

BN – ZZ

Feeling this sympathy with his fellow-beings, understanding why they act as they do, he can no longer bring himself to fear, hate, or condemn them.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25963 – 13.20.5.121

BN – ZZ

A tender, world-embracing compassion overwhelms him.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25964 – 13.20.5.122

BN – Z

He is able to determine precisely what ethical principle is their guiding and dominant force, and what mental status they have reached. Yet paradoxically enough, the greater clarity with which he can now view the souls of others does not diminish his tolerance but, on the contrary, increases it. For he understands that everything and everyone are the result of the previous experience which life has given them, that they cannot help being other than what they are, and that all occupy a certain place at some stage or other in the universal evolutionary scheme—even those who are actuated by devilish and evil characteristics. Instead of placing himself in inward opposition to the wicked and thus setting up conflict, he silently pities them in his own heart, for he knows that the karmic law will reflect back to its perpetrator suffering for every evil deed. On the other hand, he will not hesitate impersonally to perform a drastic punitive duty should it be his duty to do so according to his position in the outer world.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25965 – 13.20.5.123

B_13 – ZZZ

If the world is merely indifferent to these ideas he is not troubled. If it is actually hostile to them, he is understandingly tolerant, calm, and compassionate.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25967 – 13.20.5.125

BN – Z

This is the paradox of the philosophic attitude, a paradox which few of its critics understand, that it directly faces or analyses its problems and yet turns away from them in utter unconcern. It is able to do this only because it functions on two levels, the immediate and the ultimate, because it refuses to leave either one of them out of its picture of life.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25968 – 13.20.5.126

BN – Z

You will know R E A L I T Y, and know it too as your own ultimate being, indestructible and ever-existent. Amid the most prosaic surroundings, deep in the core of your own heart there will be perfect calm for yourself and goodwill for all others.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25969 – 13.20.5.127

UR_1 – ZZZ – DK

He enters into the mastery of philosophy when he not only sees its truth but also feels it fully and loves it deeply. He has attained peace of mind, yes, but he is still a human being, has known suffering and sometimes even tragedy, has blundered and groped his way through a necessary apprenticeship. He has acquired knowledge, yes, but with it a paradoxical sensitivity.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25971 – 13.20.5.129

BN – Z

At last he will have reached a point where his thinking can be utterly free of past periods and present influences, where it can embody his own research and its independent results, where it is the voice of his own source.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25972 – 13.20.5.130

BN – ZZZ

His own fine balance not only saves him from falling into any one-sidedness but also allows him to recognize unhesitatingly and value justly whatever is worthwhile in all the sides of a subject or a situation. It keeps him inwardly free to admire without exaggeration or to criticize without prejudice.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25974 – 13.20.5.132

BN – Z

The sanity with which he negotiates life's practical problems is impressive.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25975 – 13.20.5.133

BN – Z

He will not gladly bear any label, for he considers truth a state of being rather than a set of dogmas, and he prefers the freedom to search and hold it to the shackles of sectarian connection. But if the world insists on his identifying himself, he will take the name of philosopher, as being broader, more universal, and less restrictive than any other. It is a name which links and limits him to no religious denomination, which detaches him from all intellectual schools, and which puts him under no organizational, party, or sectarian roof.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25977 – 13.20.5.135

BN – ZZ

When he reaches this understanding he will no longer look to any personage for inspiration, he will no longer take any guru at his self-asserted or disciple-asserted value; he will be attached only to principles, to Truth itself. Thus at long last he will achieve liberation from guru-hunting and find true self-sufficing peace.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25979 – 13.20.5.137

BN – Z

The philosopher more than other men is a cosmopolitan creature. He scorns the fierce nationalisms which run riot in the world and feels the truth of Jesus' message of goodwill towards all men.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25985 – 13.20.5.143

B_12 – P – D

If you have understood philosophy you will follow no spiritual leader, be he P.B. or anyone else.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25986 – 13.20.5.144

UR_2.4 – ZZ – K

The philosopher is non-partisan in the sense that he maintains his freedom to think independently and to make individual judgements throughout. He is free from bias and prejudice. If his conclusions happen to coincide with those of any group or denomination he will note the fact but does not necessarily support their other doctrines nor join their ranks.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25988 – 13.20.5.146

BN – ZZ

When he has the confidence to speak from personal discovery and the authority to speak from a superior level, a few may then listen, but more will do so later.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25990 – 13.20.5.148

BN – X – D

The philosopher accepts his predestined isolation not only because that is the way his position has to be, but also because his physical presence arouses negative feelings in the hearts of ordinary people as it arouses positive ones in the hearts of certain seekers. The negatives may range all the way from puzzlement, bewilderment, and suspicion to fear, opposition, and downright enmity. The positives may range from instinctive attraction to a readiness to lay down life in his defense or service. All these feelings arise instantly, irrationally, and instinctively. And they are unconnected with whether or not he reveals his true personal identity. This is because they are the consequence of a psychical impingement of his aura upon theirs. The contact is unseen and unapparent in the physical world, but it is very real in the mental-emotional world.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25993E – 13.20.5.151

BN – ZEL1/3 – K1

There is a psychical impingement of a philosopher's aura upon the seekers. The contact is unseen and unapparent in the physical world, but it is very real in the mental-emotional world. It is truly a psychical experience for both: clear and precise and correctly understood by him, vague and disturbing and utterly misunderstood by ordinary people as well as pseudo-questers. It is both a psychical and a mystical experience for those genuine questers with whom he has some inward affinity, a glad recognition of a long-lost, much revered Elder Brother.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25993E – 13.20.5.151

BN – ZEL2/3 – K1

Despite the generous compassion and enormous goodwill which he bears in his heart for all alike, it is the unpleasant contacts which make up the larger number whenever the philosopher descends into the world. Let him not be blamed if he prefers solitude to society. For there is nothing he can do about it. People are what they are. Most times when he tries to make himself agreeable to them, as though they both belonged to the same spiritual level, he fails. He learns somewhat wearily to accept his isolation and their limitation as inevitable and, at the present stage of human evolution, unalterable. He learns, too, that it is futile to desire these things to be otherwise.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25993E – 13.20.5.151

BN – ZEL3/3 – K1

The more he advances in power and consciousness, the more he grows in humility. Now, when he has something really worth being vain about, he takes especial care to be inconspicuous and not to seem extraordinary or holy above others. This is one of the causes of his secretiveness.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25995 – 13.20.5.153

BN – ZZ

This silence which enwraps him does so only where his spiritual life is concerned. It is not quite the pride of feeling inner greatness nor a way of protecting that life against sneering laughter or inquisitive intruders. It is the sense of a holiness around it, the attitude of reverence for it.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25996 – 13.20.5.154

BN – Z

It is not an exclusiveness born of spiritual pride but of spiritual humility. For the philosopher feels profoundly that he must respect other people's viewpoint because it is the result of their own individual experience of life.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25997 – 13.20.5.155

BN – Z – D

The philosopher's inner life is an isolated one. It would be very foolish to blurt out all that he believes, thinks, or knows in any and every company. He recognizes the graded character of human mentality. This recognition compels him quite often to listen without dispute and with all tolerance to statements embodying extremely limited conceptions, half-developed ideas, or wholly biased views. A consequence of this attitude is that he usually understands more than anyone guesses.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25998 – 13.20.5.156

BN – ZZ

If he has to live among those to whom his inner life would be uncomprehended, he guards his words, practises secrecy, and meets them on their own level.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#25999 – 13.20.5.157

BN – ZZ

He who seeks truth beyond the horizon of common humanity thereby sets up a difference which is no less actual and deep because it is invisible. But it is not merely because he is conscious that he is different from the herd that the philosopher wears a mask of secrecy over the face of his philosophy: it is also because he is conscious that there is little he can do about it, that the long discipline of life will do better whatever is necessary to bring the herd into the same perception.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26000 – 13.20.5.158

BN – ZZ

What he carries within his heart and mind is, he feels, to be treasured. It is a spiritual treasure. He winces away from showing it to those who may despise it or even hate it.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26001 – 13.20.5.159

BN – ZZ

The philosopher is not interested in drawing attention to himself but only to his ideas, his discoveries, and his revelations.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26002 – 13.20.5.160

BN – ZZ – D

He accepts his inner isolation and learns to live in it, realizing that he can do nothing about it. The compensation for such acceptance is that his serenity remains impregnable.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26004 – 13.20.5.162

BN – ZZ

Philosophy touches life at all points. The philosopher willingly comes into contact with all kinds and conditions of men—to observe, to study, and to learn. But there are times when he may not do this, may not expose himself to psychic infections or disturbances.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26005 – 13.20.5.163

BN – Z

Why should he confide this knowledge to those who are likely to treat it with either disdain or disbelief? Hence at the first sign of these reactions he draws back and says no more.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26006 – 13.20.5.164

BN – ZZZ

It is by the maintenance of such secrecy that they succeed in avoiding conflict with the prejudice and narrowness, the dogmatism and intolerance prevailing among those around them.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26007 – 13.20.5.165

BN – Z

The earlier philosophic training in self-restraint enables him easily to conceal from the world what ought to be concealed.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26008 – 13.20.5.166

BN – Z

Neither his speech nor his manner will divulge his secret.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26009 – 13.20.5.167

BN – Z

Whenever he happens to be forced into closer contact with worldlings, he will be polite to them but that is the end of the contact. His inmost thoughts will remain unshared.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26012 – 13.20.5.170

BN – ZZ

His silence and reserve, his secrecy, become a kind of fortress for his protection.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26013 – 13.20.5.171

BN – ZZ

He who appears amongst humanity bearing the chalice of pure truth in his hands must expect insult and endure isolation.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26015 – 13.20.5.173

BN – Z

He has no banners to unfurl, so sure is he that the eternal truths can take care of themselves. Men and movements can try to destroy the belief in them, but given enough time it will reappear.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26016 – 13.20.5.174

BN – Z

Instead of proclaiming himself among the greatest of the Great, the philosopher confesses, "I am nothing." Instead of pretentiously gathering followers around his name as the High Prophet, he pushes them away, for this is related to his degree of inner development.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26017 – 13.20.5.175

BN – Z

He will remain indifferent whether he be calumniated or revered, sneered at or glorified.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26019 – 13.20.5.177

BN – Z

Whatever his task or profession in the world may be, he will so contrive that it will become a labour for the good of his fellow creatures not less than for personal profit.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26020 – 13.20.5.178

BN – ZZ – DM

To know the truth, to express it crisply with full calm authority—this is to be his mission henceforth.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26021 – 13.20.5.179

BN – ZZ

The free soul has brought his thought and actions into perfect harmony with Nature's morality. He lives not merely for himself alone, but for himself as a part of the whole scheme. Consequently, he does not injure others but only benefits them. He does not neglect his own benefit, however, but makes the two work together. His activities are devoted to fulfilling the duties and responsibilities set for him by his best wisdom, by his higher self.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26022E – 13.20.5.180

BN – ZEL1/2 – K1

The world is necessarily affected by his presence and activities, and affected beneficially. First, the mere knowledge that such a man exists helps others to continue with their efforts at self-improvement, for they know then that the spiritual quest is not a vain dream but a practicable affair. Second, he influences those he meets to live better lives—whether they be few or many, influential or obscure. Third, he leaves behind a concentration of spiritual forces which works on for a long time, through other persons, after he leaves this world. Fourth, if he is a sage and balanced, he will always do something of a practical nature for the uplift of humanity instead of merely squatting in an ashram.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26022E – 13.20.5.180

BN – ZEL2/2 – K1

In every situation where he is involved with other persons, he will consider neither his own welfare solely to the exclusion of others nor theirs to the detriment of his own. He will do what is just and wise in the situation, taking the welfare of all into consideration and being guided ultimately by the impersonal intuition of the Overself.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The Philosopher

#26027 – 13.20.5.185

BSG_4 – P – D

Although the pure truth has never been stated, nevertheless it has never been lost. Its existence does not depend upon human statement but upon human sensitivity. In this it is unlike all other knowledge.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26033 – 13.20.5.191

BN – Z

There is but one God, one Truth, one Reality, although there are several different degrees in their perception by man.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26034 – 13.20.5.192

BN – Z

Is there a universal truth? Is there a doctrine which does not depend on individual opinion or the peculiarities of a particular age or the level of culture of a particular land? Is there a teaching which appeals to universal experience and not to private prejudice? We reply that there is, but it has been buried underneath much metaphysical lumber, much ancient lore, and much Oriental superstition. Our work has been to rescue this doctrine from the dead past for the benefit of the living present. In these pages we explode false counterfeits and expound the genuine teaching, the genuine philosophy.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26036 – 13.20.5.194

BSG_1 – ZZZ – DM1

To arrive at great certitude is to arrive at great strength. Truth not only clears the head but also arms the will. It is not only a light to our feet but is itself a force in the blood.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26038 – 13.20.5.196

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DK1

The coming of truth can be devastatingly cruel to some persons and immeasurably kind to others. Or it can be both to the same person at different periods of his life. It is not directly concerned with personal happiness.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26042 – 13.20.5.200

BN – Z

Just as the sun can be seen only by its own light, so truth can be discerned only by its own self-revelation in the mind. That is, only by grace leading to insight. There is no other way.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26043 – 13.20.5.201

BN – Z – D

Truth is our only salvation, the final truth that in essence as Mind nobody is really disconnected from God, that the delusion of being alone and separate from the infinite life creates all our weaknesses, which in turn lead to most of our troubles, and that we are here to learn by experience what sort of stuff we are made really of.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26046 – 13.20.5.204

BN – Z

All other questions resolve themselves in the end into a single one: "What is truth?" For this will not only have to include the world but also, and not less important: "What am I?"

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26047 – 13.20.5.205

BN – Z

All other truths need word or picture, demonstration or laboratory when they are to be conveyed to others, but the one truth which is an exception to this rule is also the deepest of all, the supreme wisdom. It comes to man, whether from another man or from God, only when the fullest silence reigns and when he himself is fully passive.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26050 – 13.20.5.208

BN – Z

Truth can frighten many by its high impersonality, but it can also warm their hearts by its putting order, and meaning, into life.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26060 – 13.20.5.218

BN – Z

Truth is not only to be learned and known but also to be felt and worshipped.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26061 – 13.20.5.219

BN – Z

Henceforth we must cease to associate truth with any particular race or people, country or man. Henceforth we must cease to look for it here or there. We must begin to comprehend its universality. It may manifest itself anywhere and amongst any people. Let us shed the delusion that Shangri-la has or ever had the monopoly of it.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26066 – 13.20.5.224

BN – Z

What does it matter at this distance of time, either to us or to them, whether ancient Indians or modern Europeans have written down the truth? It does matter, however, whether we can recognize in both their literatures the truth as such and receive it into our minds.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26067 – 13.20.5.225

BN – Z

Even if all written Truth vanished from the world, and all remembered Truth passed from men's minds or memories, a time would come again when someone, somewhere, somehow, and sometime would rediscover the knowledge.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26068 – 13.20.5.226

BN – Z

Whoever claims to know Truth, God, Reality, must feel and love it too, or it is not Truth.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26069 – 13.20.5.227

BN – Z

If he is seeking tranquillity alone he may get it, whereas if he is seeking truth the two together will be his reward.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26072 – 13.20.5.230

BN – Z

It does not matter that philosophy is a lone voice now, for it is an enduring one. Other and more orthodox voices will make themselves better heard but they will also fade eventually into silence. The truth can never perish but its counterfeits and substitutes, must.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26073 – 13.20.5.231

BN – ZZZ – K

Truth can be neither antiquated nor modernized, but its formulation into words can.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26074 – 13.20.5.232

BN – ZZ

Even if only a single man in the whole world believes it, and all the others believe a falsity, truth still remains what it is.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26080 – 13.20.5.238

BN – ZZZ

The truth can take care of itself. Nothing can kill it although clouds of falsehood or illusion may obscure it. Therefore philosophers have ever been content to be denounced and reviled, while refusing to stoop to denunciation and revilement themselves.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26081 – 13.20.5.239

BN – Z

Truth does not offer itself up to the call but awaits the right moment.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26082 – 13.20.5.240

BN – Z – K

The persuasive character of truth exists only for those who are ready for it.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26083 – 13.20.5.241

BN – Z

Full knowledge of the Truth can be sudden or slow: the first way is through knowledge, the second through devotion and meditation.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26095 – 13.20.5.253

BN – X – D

If some aspects of the truth sadden us, other aspects cheer us.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26100 – 13.20.5.258

BN – X – K

These truths belong to every mortal even though their discovery has remained in a select and enquiring group. They belong to no particular people, no special time. They are as ageless as they are universal.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26102 – 13.20.5.260

UR_1 – ZZZ – K

Truth existed before the churches began to spire their way upwards into the sky, and it will continue to exist after the last academy of philosophy has been battered down. Nothing can still the primal need of it in man. Priesthoods can be exterminated until not one vestige is left in the land; mystic hermitages can be broken until they are but dust; philosophical books can be burnt out of existence by culture-hating tyrants, yet this subterranean sense in man which demands the understanding of its own existence will one day rise again with an urgent claim and create a new expression of itself.

What Is Philosophy? > The Philosopher > The philosopher's view of Truth

#26104 – 13.20.5.262

BA11 – ZZZ – DK1

One thousand years ago the doctrine of mentalism was taught at Angkor, according to an inscription of that time which I saw there, the inscription of Srey Santhor. It likened the appearance of the doctrine in the world of faith and culture to the sun bringing back the light.

Mentalism > Mentalism > Mentalism

#26105 – 13.21.0.1

BN – Z

The philosopher today has a twofold path: to cultivate the gentle feeling of Overself in the heart within and to study the mentalness of the world without. A whole new generation is beginning to seek a better and higher life physically and emotionally, as well as more understanding of what it is all about. Here is where absorbing the knowledge of mentalism leads to dissolving the futility of materialism.

Mentalism > Mentalism > Mentalism

#26106 – 13.21.0.2

BN – Z

The truth is that the hands touch and the eyes see but the surface of things. They do not touch nor see the completeness, the inner reality of things. In our ignorance we look upon forms as reality, we must needs have something to touch and handle if we are to believe in its real existence. The forms are alright where they are but they do not exhaust existence. That which tells us they are there, the consciousness which causes our senses to function and our ego to become aware of the results of this functioning, is itself closer to real being than the physical forms or mental images which are but tokens of its presence. We look always for mere forms and so miss their infinite source. We try to reduce life to arithmetic, to make one thing the effect of some other thing as cause, never dreaming that the sublime essence of both is unchanging and uncaused, formless and bodiless, the self-existent reality of Mind!

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26108 – 13.21.1.2

A251217 – Z – K

Our trouble is that our notion of what constitutes reality is incorrectly limited to the world of the five senses, with the sad consequence that we devise dozens of ways of finding happiness but never arrive at it.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26109 – 13.21.1.3

BN – X – D

This thought that we are hermetically sealed in our five senses, that our sense-world is but a mere fragment of the total existence, and that such existence is itself a mere shadow of reality, is enough to awe us into a feeling of utter insignificance and helplessness. 

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26112 – 13.21.1.6

BN – X – K

Do the senses give you any real knowledge of a world outside your mind? Is it not rather that your sensations of such a world are only ideas inside that mind, and that you have no positive assurance of the existence of anything beyond those ideas themselves?

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26113 – 13.21.1.7

BN – X – D

He will come to see by experience, as science is coming to see by experiment, that this vast universe is real in its present form to his bodily senses only. As soon as his mind is freed from them, it takes on quite a different form, the old form having no further existence at all. He is then compelled to correct his false belief in the world's reality. If there were nothing more than the five senses, then this correction would make the universe an illusion. But the presence of mind in him makes it an idea.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26116 – 13.21.1.10

BN – ZZ – K1

The distinction which is often made (especially by the school of Faculty-Pyschology) between sensation and idea or between sense-data and thought was once believed to be an actuality, but it is now believed to be only a convenience for intellectual analysis. A compromise view now regards our experience of the world as being a compound of the two, but a compound which is never split up into separate elements. This view represents a big step towards the mentalist position but is still only a step. And this position is that there is only a single activity, a single experience—thought. The idea is the sensation, the sensation is the idea. The sense datum which our present day psychologists find as an element of experience, is really their interpretation of experience. Hence it is nothing else than a thought. And that which it unconsciously professes to interpret is likewise a thought!

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26117 – 13.21.1.11

BN – ZZ – K1

Men are not to be blamed for making the eye and the brain their measure of truth or reality: they are to be blamed for stubbornly refusing to heed the reports of those who have not so limited themselves.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26118 – 13.21.1.12

BN – ZZ

What actually happens when you see something is that you become conscious of two pictures which are made upon the curved sensitive retinas of your two eyes. The reflected pictures—and not the solid thing itself—are all you directly know and hence all that you see. The whole world in which you really live and move is indeed only a picture-world!

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26121 – 13.21.1.15

BN – X – D

The real power to see, hear or feel, taste or smell does not dwell in the body. A deep unbiased analysis of the physiology of sensation will show that this power dwells in the mind.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26129 – 13.21.1.23

BN – X – D

The totality of the immeasurably rich nature of the universe never reaches the human senses. This is not their fault. They cannot help but receive nothing more than a limited selection from it. There are numerous vibrations beyond their range and also beneath it. And yet we have the temerity to assert that the world of our experience, the only one we know, is the real world and that all others are illusory!

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26135 – 13.21.1.29

BA11 – ZZ – DK1

A curious example, but one helpful to the enquirer, exists in the case of bodily pain. It is utterly impossible for us to imagine pain in the abstract—existing without any mind to be conscious of it. The word becomes quite meaningless if we try to separate it from someone or something to perceive or feel it. Its very existence depends entirely on being thought of, on being related to a conscious percipient. The sensation of being felt, this alone gives reality to pain. This fact refers equally to past or present pain. It should be easy to apply this analogy to the case of mere ideas, for the latter, like pain, can never come into existence without something, some mind, to think of them. Consciousness, on the part of someone or something, alone makes them real and factual.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26138 – 13.21.1.32

BN – ZZ – K1

The body's surface organs explain the nature and reveal the qualities of things in our environment. But without the mind such explanation and such revelation could never be possible. This is easily proven. When we withdraw the mind from the sense-organs, as in deep thinking or profound remembrance, we alienate the environment and hardly observe the things in it. In other words, we sense ultimately only what the mind senses.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26142 – 13.21.1.36

BN – X – D

It is not the five senses which know the world outside, since they are only instruments which the mind uses. It is not even the intellect, since that merely reproduces the image formed out of the total sense reports. They are not capable of functioning by themselves. It is the principle of Consciousness which is behind both, and for which they are simply agents, that really makes awareness of the world at all possible. It is like the sun, which lights up the existence of all things.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The Sensed World

#26162 – 13.21.1.56

BN – ZZ – DK1

No discoveries made in a physiological laboratory can ever annul the primary doctrine of mentalism. The mechanism of the brain provides the condition for the manifestation of intellectual processes but does not provide the first originating impulse of these processes. The distinction between mind and its mechanism, between the mentalness of experience and the materiality of the content of that experience, needs much pondering.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > Body, brain, consciousness

#26169 – 13.21.1.63

BN – ZZZ – K1

The scientist's statement that the workings of the consciousness are associated with physiology of the brain and the nervous system does not contradict in any way the mentalist's statement that our experience of the separate existence of that brain and nervous system is itself a working of consciousness—that is, an idea.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > Body, brain, consciousness

#26174 – 13.21.1.68

A251217 – Z – K

Mind is its own reality: it does not need "matter" from which to derive itself.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > Body, brain, consciousness

#26177 – 13.21.1.71

BN – X – D

Consciousness really does exist whereas the things which it makes known are present only when they are perceived, felt, heard, or otherwise sensed by one or more of the five reporting agents. This consciousness is in itself always the same, unvarying, the one thing in us in which thoughts and bodies make their appearance and from which they also vanish.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > Body, brain, consciousness

#26184 – 13.21.1.78

BN – X – D

The materialist who regards thought as solely an activity in the brain, and consequently as a physiological product in its entirety, has overlooked the thinker of the thought.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > Body, brain, consciousness

#26193 – 13.21.1.87

BN – Z

Psychology, like all the sciences, has to turn itself into philosophy the moment it puts to itself such a radical question as "what is mind?"

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The leap from sense to thought

#26208 – 13.21.1.102

BN – Z – K1

Medical science still does not know how to answer with any certainty two questions which seriously affect its knowledge of how the body works. They are: (a) What is thought? and (b) Why do nerves—which are physical objects—feel pain and pleasure—which are not?

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The leap from sense to thought

#26212 – 13.21.1.106

BN – Z

There is no adequate explanation why the nerves feel. The medical one only "describes" what happens; it does not explain. The mentalist one alone solves the mystery.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The leap from sense to thought

#26215 – 13.21.1.109

BN – Z

Mind is the great mystery, so little known by the glib expounders of psychology who flounder within and never transcend the ego-bubbles thrown up to its surface.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The leap from sense to thought

#26222 – 13.21.1.116

BN – Z

In their haste to assert that mind is only a function of brain flesh they use the very mind whose existence, unnoticed and overlooked, makes their assertion possible.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The leap from sense to thought

#26223 – 13.21.1.117

BA11 – ZZZ – DK

Nowhere in the physical brain can any anatomist find that which creates thought, although he may find conditions in it which prevent thought or distort it or weaken it. This is because the principle of consciousness exists before the physical body's brain exists, while it lives, and after its death.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The leap from sense to thought

#26225 – 13.21.1.119

BA11 – P – D

The powers of the mind increase with age in some men (as with Winston Churchill) even when the powers of the body decay. If thought were the product of flesh, it would "always" become enfeebled along with it. But this is not the case. Therefore the materialistic argument fails here.

Mentalism > The Sensed World > The leap from sense to thought

#26235 – 13.21.1.129

BN – Z

Only when an object is registered in consciousness is it really seen at all. Not even all the physical details of vision constitute the real experience of seeing it, for the awareness of it is not a physical experience at all.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26256 – 13.21.2.11

BN – X – K1

The mind deals directly with its objects and not through the intermediary working of ideas for the ideas are its only objects.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26258 – 13.21.2.13

BN – X – K1

All we can rightly say is that the idea of the world is present in our consciousness. The moment we assert that the real world corresponding to it is outside, independent, and apart from us, we assert a supposition.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26264 – 13.21.2.19

BN – X – D

The statement that we can know only our own sensations and that we do not experience the world directly constitutes the very beginning of the doctrine of mentalism.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26277 – 13.21.2.32

BN – X – K1

We are not asked to doubt the actuality of the ground beneath our feet or the music in our ears, but to understand that they have reached our consciousness because we have thought them.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26282 – 13.21.2.37

BA11 – ZZZ – K

The mind has the power to externalize the very thing it perceives.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26288 – 13.21.2.43

BN – X – K

If the past is a memory and the future a dream, then both are thoughts. And if the past was once the present and the future will one day be the present, what else but a thought too can today's present be?

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26311 – 13.21.2.66

BN – Z

All questions about the universe's creation presuppose the previous existence of time and space since they unwittingly look for its beginning in a particular place at a particular moment which, in turn, suggests a previous one, and so on in an endless series. These questions defeat themselves: unaskable and unanswerable. Every experience of the world involves thoughts of it: this remains true when going backward into its past or forward into its future. Thoughts rise, or appear, in Consciousness. The universe is inseparable from this consciousness of it. This, isolated from every thing, should be the subject of our questions.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the projector

#26312 – 13.21.2.67

BN – Z

The difference between the chair thought and the table thought, the red thought and the green thought, the innumerable relationships among ideas, are all explicable by the fact that the mind's primary power is "image" making. This is a power which, in human beings, can be called into play deliberately and voluntarily, as we often do during wakefulness, or spontaneously and involuntarily, as we invariably do during dreams. The moment mind emerges from deep sleep and becomes active, it begins to "imagine" the wakeful world. What happens with men on a small scale happens also with the Universal Mind (God, if you like) on a cosmic scale. Its first activity is imagining.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26313 – 13.21.2.68

A251217 – Z – K

The mind exists and develops on its own latent resources and needs nothing from outside. There is nothing outside. Nevertheless, its imaginative and creative power calls into play an environment which seems to be outside and which elicits those resources.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26314 – 13.21.2.69

A251217 – Z – K

If Matter has any existence at all, it is as the externalizing power of the mind.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26319 – 13.21.2.74

A251217 – Z – K1

It is not possible to explain intellectually how sensations of the physical world are converted into ideas, how the leap-over from nervous vibrations into consciousness occurs, and how a neurosis becomes a psychosis. No one has ever explained this, nor will any scientist ever succeed in doing so. Truth alone can dispose of this poser by pointing out that sensations never really occur, but that the Self merely projects ideas of them; just as a man sees a mirage and mistakes it for real water merely by his mental projection, so people regard the world as real when they are merely transferring their own mental ideas to the world.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26323 – 13.21.2.78

BN – Z – K1

We must firmly grasp this principle, that the only objects we know, the only world of our experience, have no existence apart from the mind. They do not and cannot subsist externally by themselves. That which projects them into space is mind, and as space itself is within the mind, their independent existence is sheer illusion, or Maya as Indians call it. We must look behind their illusory independence into the mind from which they spring.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26326 – 13.21.2.81

BN – Z

Analyse your awareness of the physical world and, if your analysis is deep enough, you will be unable to avoid the conclusion that it is really a series of changes, or a group of states, of your consciousness. In other words, matter is something presented in my consciousness, whether it be now, at some time past, or in the future, even though it gives the impression of outsideness.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26327 – 13.21.2.82

BN – Z

His own past, once so intensely real, so vividly actual, has become only a faded and broken panorama of mental pictures. The "matter" of which it was made is now nothing more than "thought-stuff."

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26339 – 13.21.2.94

BN – Z

The moods succeed each other—sometimes bright, sometimes dark—but who is the experiencer of them? It is the ego. The first stage of philosophy is to learn the secret of mentalism. Look upon every mood as a bunch of thoughts. The second stage is to look upon the experiencer as an object of those thoughts.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26341 – 13.21.2.96

BN – Z

This is knowledge of the highest order, that everything around us and within us, every bit of Nature and creature, the experience of life with a physical body and of death without it—all are but forms of consciousness.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26342 – 13.21.2.97

BA11 – P – D

My experience of a thing is received from the body's senses. Sight: the eyes tell me its shape and colour. Touch: the skin tells me its hardness or softness, solidity or liquidity. Smell and taste may give more information. These perceptions make up the thing for me. But they would be non-existent if they failed to reach consciousness as thoughts. It exists because my consciousness exists. If this consciousness did not exist 'by itself alone before the thought' my experience would be impossible. It is primary. It will continue to exist even between two thoughts, and, even more important, between two sensorial thoughts—sight and touch—connected with the physical body. But the brain is part of the body. So mind is not the same thing but exists as an independent entity, however close their working connection may be. This mind has no shape or colour, whereas the brain has. It being formless, no one can see or take hold of it, yet it is there.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26343E – 13.21.2.98

BN – EL1/3

But the brain is part of the body. So mind is not the same thing but exists as an independent entity, however close their working connection may be. This mind has no shape or colour, whereas the brain has. It being formless, no one can see or take hold of it, yet it is there. Now drop the term mind, the term consciousness, and let the term spirit take their place. Here psychological analysis of experience seems to cross the border into religion. For mind is a real thing, not a no-thing. It exists in its own right. More, all experience is an uninterrupted spiritual experience, whatever man has done to degrade it.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26343E – 13.21.2.98

BN – EL2/3

Every man knows that he is aware of himself, others, the world. But that awareness exists also in an unlimited uninterrupted way he does not know. Yet to the extent that he has this limited kind of consciousness he derives from It, shares the spirit, is part of it.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26343E – 13.21.2.98

BN – EL3/3

It would be absurd for him to deny the actuality, the living presence, of all that is happening to him in every moment of the day. They are there and they are real as experiences and he would be a fool indeed to deny them. Nor does mentalism ask him to do so. What it does say is that if he analyses the actuality of all these experiences, if he tries to trace out their beginning and end, their existence and continuity, he will discover that consciousness is their seat, that this consciousness can by profound thought be separated from its projections—the thoughts, the scenes, the objects and events, the people and the world—in short, that everything 'including himself' is in the mind.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26344 – 13.21.2.99

BN – Z

It is not merely a personal speculation but a commonplace fact of science, an item of the accepted physiology of the senses, a known result of anatomical research, that the consciousness of what we see and feel is what we really experience, not the things themselves. In the end all our facts are mental ones, all our surroundings are known only as our own thoughts.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26345 – 13.21.2.100

BA11 – P – D

In the end all our facts are mental ones, all our surroundings are known only as our own thoughts.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26345E – 13.21.2.100

BSG_4 – P – DE

The mentalness of all existence is not a theory nor a belief. It is an incontrovertible actuality.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26346 – 13.21.2.101

BN – Z

It is not possible for sincere, scrupulous thinking to admit, and never possible to prove, the existence of a world outside of, and separate from, its consciousness. The faith by which we all conventionally grant such existence is mere superstition.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26349 – 13.21.2.104

BN – Z – K1

The world is never really given to us by experience nor actually known by the mind. What is given is idea, what is known is idea, to be transcended only when profound analysis transforms the Idea into the Reality.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26350 – 13.21.2.105

BN – Z – K1

It is not because a thing is existent that you think it but because you think it, even if involuntarily, that it is existent. And this thought of it is a part of your own consciousness, not outside you.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26352 – 13.21.2.107

BN – Z – K1

It is a generative idea. Here is a whole philosophy congealed into a single phrase: the world is an idea.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26354 – 13.21.2.109

BN – ZZZ – K1

Unless we are in personal touch with the world, it is not present for us. The relation ends the moment our ego is withdrawn. Without it, without a viewing subject, the world as object simply does not exist. And nobody living in the ego-consciousness has any way of knowing what the world is in and by itself.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26355 – 13.21.2.110

BN – Z

All experience is experience in the world of consciousness. There is no other.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26356 – 13.21.2.111

BN – Z

So far as it appears in any creature's experience, the world is only a thought in that creature's mind. All creatures may banish the thought by sleep but only a human creature may banish it by yoga.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26357 – 13.21.2.112

BN – Z

The only world we know, the only one we can ever know, is the one within our mind. The first proof of this is that when it leaves the mind in deep sleep, it has no existence for us at all; the second proof is that when it re-enters the mind on awakening, the sense-perceptions which tell us of its existence re-enter it also.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26358 – 13.21.2.113

BA11 – P – D

The doctrine of mentalism begins and ends with the bold pronouncement that all experience and even all being is in the mind.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26365 – 13.21.2.120

BN – Z

Mind is the foundation of all our existence. It is always there even when, as in deep sleep, we are not personally conscious that it is there. Any materialistic denial of its self-existence can be made only because mind is present to make it.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the image-maker

#26372 – 13.21.2.127

BN – Z

What is Mind? It is that in us which thinks, which is aware, and which knows.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26373 – 13.21.2.128

BN – X – K1

There is one natural capacity which is common to every human being and to every animal being—a capacity which is the very essence of its selfhood. It is consciousness. The most important of all states of consciousness is knowledge.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26374 – 13.21.2.129

BN – X – D

The only real existence is the mind's. But we ordinarily know only its projections and retractions, its phases and states, its consciousnesses and lapses.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26375 – 13.21.2.130

BN – Z

We are conscious of a world outside through the knowing faculty, the mind. The various ideas which we form of the world are simply states of the mind. These ideas are not separate from the mind itself and could not be. If they were, then we would have to become conscious of them, as we are of the world, through other ideas, through other states of the mind.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26377 – 13.21.2.132

BN – Z

It is not that there are different minds in man, but different qualities of one and the same mind in each.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26379 – 13.21.2.134

BN – Z – D

What we are is what we are conscious of. The mind makes its own reality. Consciousness is king.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26380 – 13.21.2.135

BN – Z

Why is it that so many people are so unaware of their own higher existence? The answer is that their faculty of awareness itself is that spiritual existence. Whatever they know, people know through the consciousness within them. That in them which knows anything is their divine element. The power of knowing—whether it be a thought that is known, a complex of thoughts such as memories, a thing such as a landscape—is a divine power for it derives from the higher self which they possess.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26381 – 13.21.2.136

BN – Z – DEK

The mind interprets its own experience in a particular way because, owing to its structure, it could not do so in another way. But these limitations are not eternal and absolute. When, as in dream, yoga, death, or hallucination, they are abruptly loosened, then experience is interpreted in a new and different way.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26382 – 13.21.2.137

BN – X – DK1

To feel and to know are attributes of consciousness, not of brute matter.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26383 – 13.21.2.138

BN – Z

Just as we first find water to be a liquid and later to be a gaseous combination, so we first find in vision that all the world is light, and later, in knowledge, that it is Mind.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26385 – 13.21.2.140

BN – Z

Thinking is an act done mentally and, like all acts, points to the existence of someone who already exists or to something independent of it.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26386 – 13.21.2.141

BN – Z

The writer George Moore was not particularly interested in metaphysics and usually left the subject alone. Yet half of a sentence he wrote upon writing itself contained the most important and significant metaphysical principle. It was: "My own mind alone is known to me."

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26387 – 13.21.2.142

BN – X – D

There can be no thought without a thinker, and when we begin to search for that which thinks, we begin to follow a trail which leads to the Soul.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26388 – 13.21.2.143

BN – Z

I see and "I know" are two very ordinary phrases. But what tremendous metaphysical meanings are hidden behind them!

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26389 – 13.21.2.144

BN – Z

When man turns to observe himself in the effort to know himself, what he first notices is not at all what he will have to notice later in the end: that is Consciousness.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26390 – 13.21.2.145

BN – Z

If the human being finds that he has the capacity to think, to produce ideas, to discover the words or pictures in which he can clothe these ideas, he should remember that all this becomes possible only because of the primacy of the mind; that is, mind consciousness already existed, and hence they are able to exist. Without its prior existence they could not come to birth.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26392 – 13.21.2.147

BN – Z

This deep unknown basis of mind determines its surface life and is the key to its conscious trends; therefore it should become our chief object of study.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26393 – 13.21.2.148

BN – Z

That which enables us to know the world outside and to be aware of the self inside, is Mind.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26394 – 13.21.2.149

BN – Z

It is mind which makes thoughts intelligible, things experienceable, and the thinker (the experiencer) self-conscious—Mind! the mysterious unknown background of our life.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26396 – 13.21.2.151

BN – Z

It is impossible for a thinkable object or idea to exist in a state where thought itself is impossible. It is impossible for a seeable thing to exist in a state where sight is impossible, as in deep sleep. And, since everything material is either thinkable or seeable or both, it follows that the entire material universe has its being in being thought of or perceived. It is only an appearance within the mind of the thinker or dependent upon the perceiver. No idea, no object, could have any conceivable existence if the perceiver himself never had any. If we imagine a universal state wherein there was no body present, no mind that could think of anything, perceive it, or be conscious of it, then we are quite unable to put any idea or object or sound or colour into this state. The point cannot be grasped by the understanding without previous reflection and meditation, for it appears to be contrary to common experience and common sense. In short, matter 'is' a mental sensation and not the cause of a mental sensation.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26399E – 13.21.2.154

BN – ZEL1/1

We never know things by and in themselves but only by and in the mind.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26402 – 13.21.2.157

BN – Z

Mind can know only that which is of the same nature as itself, namely, thought.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26403 – 13.21.2.158

BN – Z

The mind can have dealings only with kindred objects formed from its own substance, that is, with thoughts, ideas. Therefore when it knows material objects they must really be ideas.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26406 – 13.21.2.161

BN – Z

The human mind can enter into relation with—that is, become aware of—that which is of the same nature as itself, that which is correlated to it, that which is also mental. It is impossible for material things to enter directly into the immaterial consciousness of man.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26408 – 13.21.2.163

BN – Z – D

Were our consciousness of the world and the world itself so essentially different after all, then no real contact between them could ever be possible. But contact does happen. And it does happen because the world is nothing less than the mind's idea.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26409 – 13.21.2.164

BN – Z

Mind cannot project itself outside itself to observe what it is. Only through what it knows or does or desires, only as its existence is expressed in any given situation, can it perceive itself.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26416 – 13.21.2.171

BN – Z

The object seen, the eye which sees it, and the act of seeing are all part of a mentally created scene; all are idea.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26417 – 13.21.2.172

BA11 – P – D

Because I am a conscious being I am aware of physical sensations and mental thoughts; but the consciousness which enables such awareness to exist itself existed before sensation and before thought, and this is as true of newborn babies as it is of dying men. This is what the materialistic anatomist dissecting the body fails to perceive. This is the forgotten self of the fabled ten persons crossing a river in Indian mythology, and this is the great secret which mentalism unveils for us.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26420 – 13.21.2.175

BN – Z – DEK

The tenth man in the Hindu story, who failed to count himself when checking if all the party who waded across a river were safe; the Hebrew rabbi who said on his deathbed, "If there proves to be no future life, how I shall laugh!"; and the scientist who denied the existence of mind because brain-flesh produces consciousness—all three show how easy it is to forget the subject when looking at the object.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26421 – 13.21.2.176

BN – Z

The object which the senses directly establish contact with is regarded as one thing; the mental impression they have when thinking of that object is regarded as another and totally different thing. This is a very simple and apparently very obvious view of the matter. To the ordinary mind, by which I mean the metaphysically unreflective mind, the statement is unarguable and its implied division of Nature into mental and material, uncontestable. But if you analyse the way you perceive objects you will find that both the perceiver and the perceived are inseparable in the act of perception. You cannot show a duality of idea and thing but only a unity of them.

Mentalism > The World As Mental > Mind, the knower

#26422 – 13.21.2.177

BN – Z – DEK1

There is no other way in which we can think of things than as really existent. This will remain true whether we pause, reflect, and grasp their mentalness or whether, with the unthinking millions, we accept the appearance of matter for their sole reality and seek to penetrate no further.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26424 – 13.21.3.2

BN – Z

He is quite right in questioning the usefulness of getting involved in an endless study of the intricate classifications of his surroundings if they are illusory. From the standpoint of the Ultimate Path such a study is a waste of time and therefore is not indulged in. The aim of this path is to know the Ultimate Reality—knowing which, all its illusory reflections are naturally understood. However, he must be careful in the use of the word "illusory." The world is not illusory but the apprehension of it through the senses is. Each object regarded separately as an independent entity is illusory but regarded as what it is in its formless essence it is real. To put this in plainer language: everything seen is merely an idea in the mind. Ideas come and go and in this sense only are unreal; but the stuff out of which they are formed—that is, Mind—does not come and go and constitutes the ultimate basis of all ideas and therefore of their ultimate reality. He seeks to understand what this Mind is.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26425E – 13.21.3.3

UR_2.2 – ZEL1/2 – K

He may now begin to realize that all the theosophical teachings about the seven principles of man, the five tattvas (cosmic forces), and prakriti (root matter) are teachings given to beginners who are unable to grasp the great truth that all these are merely ideas and that Mind alone is what he should seek to know. H.P. Blavatsky gave these teachings because she knew that the nineteenth-century West was not metaphysically minded but rather scientifically inclined and science in those days was horribly materialistic. What else could she do but give out these lower grade teachings? She herself writes in one of her books that she has given only three or four turns of the key in the lock of universal mystery. The time has come in the mid-twentieth century to give the remaining turns which will make known the higher philosophical truth for which mankind is now better prepared.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26425E – 13.21.3.3

UR_2.2 – ZEL2/2 – K

To say that the world does not exist helps neither the cause of truth nor the seeker after truth. To admit that it does exist but to qualify the admission by adding "but not materially, only mentally" is to describe experience accurately. The dream exists in the dreaming mind as a series of thoughts, even though its world is not physical.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26426 – 13.21.3.4

A231220 – P – D

The nature of world experience, such as moving, talking, or reading, must eventually be understood as mental or mind-made; but your 'experience' of its activity or forms does not change, 'only' your understanding of it: that is, that it is basically 'mental' activity and these are 'mental' forms. For whatever they do and however they behave or seem to behave, whatever you can know of them can be grasped only with the mind. They obviously have their own mental existence and activity even when you are not present to observe it. We must keep our common sense even when learning to reason philosophically.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26428 – 13.21.3.6

A251217 – Z – K

But all this does not mean that philosophy asks us to mistrust the witness of our senses. That is correct enough for all ordinary, practical uses. But it does ask us to search more deeply into the significance of all sense-experience.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26429 – 13.21.3.7

BN – Z – K1

Mentalism is not so foolish as to deny the existence of our familiar world, the one we daily experience; it does deny that it is experienced independently of the mind or externally to the mind.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26435 – 13.21.3.13

BN – Z

In the higher philosophy the existence of the world is not denied, as it is by Indian Vedantins and Christian Scientists. It is no less real than humanity. Only it must be understood that it is a manifestation of Mind, not an illusion. This being the One Reality, it follows that the world cannot be unreal. The form it takes is transient, however, but its absence is not. Also, as far as world-manifestation is concerned, causality is not denied but accepted. However, it cannot be separated from succession in time. When, by ultramystic methods, the Mind-in-itself is known in its unmanifest state—that is to say, its timeless state—causality disappears.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26436E – 13.21.3.14

BN – EL1/2

The human mind as ordinarily known is certainly incapable of inventing so many marvellous processes in Nature. The world is the invention of Universal Mind. But the latter functions in and through the human mind. What it presents is common for all men. But it enters into humanity in consciousness only and is therefore an idea. Owing to individual uniqueness the idea is not quite the same for all; each gets an aspect, as it were. But even the disappearance of humanity from the earth would not entail the disappearance of all natural phenomena, for this cannot happen if other beings exist, such as animals.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26436E – 13.21.3.14

BN – EL2/2

He who thinks in a balanced fashion can accept the world's presence as a fact of experience without accepting the crude materialistic theory which makes its physical presence the only one. He can find its reality in conscious-mind, not in matter, without running to the opposite extreme of rejecting that presence and denying that experience.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26439 – 13.21.3.17

BN – Z

If they are only waves of energy, they are still recognizable as men and trees; if they are only ideas in consciousness, they are still taken for real men and palpable trees.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The Individual and World Mind

#26441 – 13.21.3.19

BN – Z

That life is a kind of dream is the hint given by religion, the experience felt in meditation, the knowledge correctly understood by philosophy.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26444 – 13.21.3.22

BN – X – D

The world is neither an illusion nor a dream but is analogically 'like' both. It is true that the mystics or yogis do experience it as such. This is a step forward but not liberation itself. When they pass upward to the higher or philosophic stage they will discover that all is Mind, whether the latter be creatively active or latently passive; that the world is, in its essential stuff, this Mind although its particular forms are transient and mortal; and that therefore there is no real difference between earthly experience and divine experience. Those who are wedded to forms, that is, appearances, set up such a difference and posit spirit and matter, nirvana and samsara, Brahman and Maya, and so forth, as antithetic opposites, but those who have developed insight perceive the essential stuff of everything even while they perceive its forms; hence they see all as One. It is as if a dreamer were to know that he was dreaming and thus understand that all the dream scenes and figures were nothing but one and the same stuff—his mind—while not losing his dream experience.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26446 – 13.21.3.24

A251217 – Z – DEK

The common objections to mentalism may be summarized in three forms: (1) A thing does not cease to exist when we cease to think about it; thus, Australia is still to be found on the map even when we are not thinking about Australia. (2) The fact that we do not think of a thing does not prevent such a thing coming into existence. (3) Our awareness of things is largely quite involuntary; we do not choose to think them into existence—they just are there. The answer which mentalism makes to these objections, and to all others which may arise, is a simple one. It is this: consider your life as a dream! All possible objections will then have no ground on which to stand. They appear true while we are under the illusion of dreaming, but they are seen to be false as soon as we awake from the dream itself.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26447 – 13.21.3.25

BN – Z

"Do not tell me that the bomb which destroys my home is only an idea!" To this there is the reply that once again we may call on the help of dreams to illustrate a difficult point: the tiger which mauls you in a dream is admittedly an idea. Both tiger and bomb are vividly present to your mind—but both are mental. How is it that sensations of pain in an amputated foot still occur although the external material foot is no longer there? [Editor's note: in medical science it is known as 'phantom limb syndrome'] In both cases we are clearly dealing with workings of the mind. That is undeniable.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26450 – 13.21.3.28

BN – Z

Just as it is the dreamer himself who unknowingly makes the figures and creates the things which appear to him, so the waking man experiences only his own thoughts of the world. When those thoughts are not there, he is not there. And his world is not there: he and his experiences are contents of the mind. It is not, as commonly fancied, that he has a mind but that he—the ego-thought—is in the mind and never apart from it. The world comes before the waking dreamer just as it comes before the sleeping dreamer, only it comes more coherently and consistently and logically. The mystery of the universe is in the end the mystery of mind. The reasonable question to which scientists should address themselves, and will in the end have to, is "What is Mind?" To call it brain, flesh, is a misleading answer.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26451 – 13.21.3.29

BN – Z – DEK

His physical senses tell him that this world is as real as anything can be. His intellectual reflection and intuitive experience tell him that it is dreamlike.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26452 – 13.21.3.30

BN – Z

Life is a dream, an infinite dream, without beginning and without end.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26453 – 13.21.3.31

BN – Z

That pain is the mental end-result of a physical process is not denied by materialists, but that its mentalistic nature can exist independently of that process is denied. We must ask them to look at their dreams and especially at their nightmares.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26455 – 13.21.3.33

BN – Z

To awaken from the world-dream and to tell one's fellow dreamers that its reality is a supposed one is to become a voice crying in the wilderness.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26456 – 13.21.3.34

BN – Z

The grim illusions of a man's dreaming nightmare cause him trouble and suffering so long as he accepts them as real. If he arouses himself and awakes, they are seen for the hallucinations they are. The disciple's long-drawn endeavours at self-arousal throughout the quest meet with success when he knows and feels that waking life itself is like a dream, is after all only a thought that is taken up again and again.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26457 – 13.21.3.35

BN – Z

Life is only a dream. Nothing we learn can change that hard fact. But we can be conscious dreamers.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26458 – 13.21.3.36

BN – Z

They instinctively shrink from the notion that this entire life of theirs, the possessions, the family, the ambitions—all is like a dream, mere ideas. The ego winces at the blow thus struck at its own reality. The flesh rebels.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26459 – 13.21.3.37

BN – Z

It is true that only a person of much intelligence can understand the mentalist doctrine in all its fullness, but it is also true that the simple statement "Life is like a dream" can be understood by any ordinary intelligence.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26461 – 13.21.3.39

BN – Z

Like a dreamer, we see a world around us and act in it but are mesmerized into accepting the reality of our experience so long as the dream itself persists. And, like a dreamer, we remain basically unaffected by all this illusory experience, for we are still the Overself, not the mesmerized ego.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26462 – 13.21.3.40

BN – Z – D

A man's attempt to find significance in the universe's life (which must therefore include his own) need not prevent his holding it all—quest, self, the daily show—lightly. For the notion may be strongly implanted in him that life has the quality of a dream, that the world and its history is a flow of ideas through consciousness, and that all personality, including his own, is part of the entertainment.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26463 – 13.21.3.41

BN – Z

In the end he will discover that man as Mind creates his own world of objects. To understand this let him just look at his dreams. He is not conscious of having created them, yet where else but from pure consciousness have they emerged? This shows how mind has the power to manufacture scenes, people, and such. The reference here is to what is called the Unconscious Mind.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26464 – 13.21.3.42

BN – Z

Many have felt during meditation or even outside of it the dreamlike character of the world. As dreams are only thoughts, this means that they have felt the truth of mentalism. However, the world is only like but not actually a dream. When one meditates on the reason still more subtly he finds that it is really the substance of God reflected forth, the self-externalization of Cosmic Mind. It is there divine in essence. Its form is changing and an appearance but its ultimate stuff is, in reality, God. Life here on earth is divine in this sense. Once this is grasped, he finds a fresh basis for conduct, a deeper inspiration for activity. He cannot be a mere dreamer, cave dweller, or drifter. He must act. But actions will now be inspired by and performed for that deeper self within, and will therefore be impersonal and altruistic.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26465 – 13.21.3.43

BN – Z

There is only one mind and all such names as cosmic mind, over-mind, and so forth are merely imperfect and partial concepts of that ultimate single mind which philosophy puts forth in order to help students advance to a higher stage. These concepts are not false, however. They represent aspects of the same ultimate mind as seen from different standpoints. As these standpoints are not the highest they do not yield the final truth. It will be well therefore for him to accustom himself to the highest standpoint and to remember always that there is but one mind, one reality, one principle, one substance, one being only. All things are forms or shapes which it appears to take temporarily. The key to the understanding of these admittedly difficult points is to think of the universe seen during dream and then to remember that that universe itself, its seas and continents, its peoples and animals, its happenings in time, its distances in space, do not exist apart from the mind of the dreaming person.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26466E – 13.21.3.44

BA11 – ZEL1/2 – DEK

There is only one mind and all such names as cosmic mind, over-mind, and so forth are merely imperfect and partial concepts of that ultimate single mind. All things are forms or shapes which it appears to take temporarily; that even if millions of people exist within that universe they are nothing else than ideas passing through the mind of the dreamer; and that their ultimate stuff or reality is mind although to the dreamer they appear real, as do also water, fire, gas, and even the ninety-odd chemical elements. Now he must try to regard the waking universe in the same way, with this difference: that because the ego is one of the dreamed-of figures in the waking dreams it must be eliminated if one is to break through the dream and ascertain that it is a dream in the universal mind.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26466E – 13.21.3.44

BA11 – ZEL2/2 – DEK

When we realize how the mind weaves a whole host of creatures during sleep out of its own self, we comprehend a little of the meaning of the statement that the entire world is but a mental creation.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26467 – 13.21.3.45

BN – ZZ – DK

Only when we wake from a dream do we begin to grasp its significance, but before then we may be utterly deceived by it. Only when we wake from the dream of materialism do we begin to see how utterly it has deceived us.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26468 – 13.21.3.46

BN – Z

If they discover the mentalist truth that this existence is like a dream, will not men's practical existence in the world become imperilled? Those who are already unbalanced will become more so. Those who are rigidly fixed in materialistic attitudes will become uncertain and unsettled. But those who come to it previously prepared by their intellectual and emotional history will be able to use their worldly life responsibly but without being mastered by it.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26469 – 13.21.3.47

BN – Z

Not only does one's past life turn all-too-quickly into the likeness of a dream but, what is worse, into a distant dream.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26475 – 13.21.3.53

BN – Z

We are all like figures seen in a cinema show, where they and the episodes are illusory but the screen and projector real. Where do they go when the show ends?

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26476 – 13.21.3.54

BN – Z

The abstract idea that life is like a dream and that the world is but a thought-form is converted into a felt experience by the philosopher.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > The dream analogy

#26477 – 13.21.3.55

BN – Z

The thought of the external world comes from the Universal Mind (God) originally, while thoughts which pertain to personal characteristics come out of the subconscious tendencies developed in previous incarnations. In both cases the power which initiates thoughts is outside the conscious self but for that very reason is irresistible. The work of the Spiritual Quest is to enter into co-operative activity with God, on the one hand, and to conquer those subconscious tendencies, on the other.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26478 – 13.21.3.56

A251217 – Z – K

How hard for the average mind to grasp this central fact, that the World-Idea is the world-creation. The one does not precede the other. The second is not a copy in matter of the first. Man has to work, with his senses and his intellect, when he wants to convert his ideas into objects. But the World-Mind does not need to make an effort in order to make a universe, does not in reality have anything to do at all, for Its thought is the thing. Some mystics and most occultists have failed to perceive this. Their realization of the Spirit did not bring with it the full revelation of the Spirit. This is because they have not thoroughly comprehended—usually through lack of competent instruction—its utter emptiness. Nothing can come out of the Universal Mind that is not mental, not even the material world which men believe they inhabit and experience. Science is on its way, through its delvings into atomic structure, to a suspicion of this tremendous fact; but so many scientists are so devoid of metaphysical faculty that they uphold materialism and deny mentalism!

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26479 – 13.21.3.57

BN – Z

All these little minds which people the Universe and are active in Nature's kingdoms could not have come into being unless there were a universal originating Mind. They point to its existence, silently speak of their divine Source. The materialistic notion that individual centres of intelligent life could have been produced by non-intelligent "matter" is an utter absurdity.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26484 – 13.21.3.62

BSG_5 – P – D

A popular misconception of mentalism must be cleared. When we say that the world does not exist 'for man' apart from his own mind, this is not to say that man is the sole world-creator. If that were so he could easily play the magician and reshape a hampering environment in a day. No!—what mentalism really teaches is that man's mind perceives, by participating in it, the world-image which the World-Mind creates and holds. Man alone is not responsible for this image, which could not possibly exist if it did not exist also in the World-Mind's consciousness.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26488 – 13.21.3.66

BN – ZZ – K1

The precise shape which the idea will take when it reaches consciousness will depend on the general tendencies of the person.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26489 – 13.21.3.67

BN – Z – K1

Since the world is never found to be apart from our own minds, we are forced to relate it to them. And since it is equally obvious that the surface part of them does not deliberately bring it into existence we are further forced to deduce, first, that the deeper and unconscious part must do so and, second, that this second part must be cosmic in nature and hold all other individual minds rooted in its depths. This deduction, arrived at by reason, is confirmed by experience but not by ordinary experience. It is confirmed by sinking a shaft down through the mind in mystical meditation and arriving at our secondary cosmic self.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26490 – 13.21.3.68

BN – Z – K1

The World-Mind is not a magnified man and the world-image is not "pushed" into our consciousness by its personal and persistent effort. The mere presence of this image in it is sufficient to produce a reflected image in all other minds although they will absorb only so much as their particular plane of space-time perception can absorb.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26491 – 13.21.3.69

BN – X – K1

The individual mind presents the world-image to itself through and in its own consciousness. If this were all the truth then it would be quite proper to call the experience a private one. But because the individual mind is rooted in and inseparable from the universal mind, it is only a part of the truth. Man's world-thought is held within and enclosed by God's thought.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26492 – 13.21.3.70

BN – Z – DK1

Consciousness, with all its wonderful attributes and capacities, is a faculty shared with the World-Mind, however shrunken it may be in man.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26500 – 13.21.3.78

BN – X – D

When the mind is not active one is unaware of its existence—for instance, when attention is wandering or in deep sleep. A study of physiology shows that eye, nerve, and brain must combine to tell a person that he sees something and even then he does not see it until the mind pays attention to it. The truth is that the mind creates its own objects—but not the individual, finite mind; only the Mind which is back of it and which is infinite and common to all individuals. This is difficult to understand, so to make it easier one has to think of dream. In that state he can see cities, men, women, and children, mountains and flowers, hear voices, feel pain, and so forth. What is more, everything is so real then that at the time it is the waking state to him, not dream. Now who created all these scenes and things? Not his finite mind, for he is not conscious of having done so. Hence there is a larger mind within him which has this power of manufacturing scenes, objects, and events so vividly that he takes them to be real. This reality is a myth or, as the Indians call it, Maya.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26510E – 13.21.3.88

BN – EL1/4 – DEK

Mrs. Eddy came extremely close to grasping this point [that there is a larger Mind which is back of the individual mind] and indeed of all the Western cults Christian Science stands closest to the ultimate teaching. Unfortunately it has mixed much error with truth and is ignorant of other vital teachings which are needed to complete the circle of knowledge. This impurity is due to the ego—the selfish, grasping personality which Mrs. Eddy possessed and which prevented her full initiation. The ego must be utterly yielded if one wants truth.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26510E – 13.21.3.88

BN – EL2/4 – DEK

All this [the subject of the power of the Mind] implies that matter is also a myth, unreal. Still more it implies that the ego is a myth, illusory. Here, then, is the first practice of the ultimate path: think constantly of that Mind which is producing the ego, all the other egos around, and all the world, in fact. Keep this up until it becomes habitual. The consequence is that one tends in time to regard his own ego with complete detachment, as though he were regarding somebody else. Furthermore, it forces him to take the standpoint of the 'all', and to see unity as fundamental being.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26510E – 13.21.3.88

BN – EL3/4 – DEK

Those who have shown the worst features of hate, selfishness brutality, and separateness, are as much productions of this infinite Mind as others—only they have concentrated their full attention on the ego, and they have clouded reason by passion, while submitting to the stronger mental forces which propaganda has hypnotically let loose upon them.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26510E – 13.21.3.88

BN – EL4/4 – DEK

So long as men fail to understand that they are able to know they are experiencing the world only because there is an infinite Consciousness which is behind and which makes possible their own little consciousnesses, so long will they spurn truth and sneer at truth-revealers.

Mentalism > The Individual and World Mind > Individual mind and the world image

#26515E – 13.21.3.93

BN – ZZZ – K

Mentalism is the first and best way of breaking through the glamour which the world's materiality throws over most people. The Real is hidden from them. Consciousness is then supposed to be a property belonging to a lump of matter. This upside-down assumption is a false piece of knowledge. It must be dropped from possession, from held faith and reasoned conclusion—and each person must do this for himself: no other can take his place, not even a guru—or the illusion will return.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26521 – 13.21.4.3

BN – Z

So long as a man does not see that his sense experiences are really mental experiences, so long will the truth of spiritual being remain effectually veiled from him.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26522 – 13.21.4.4

BN – Z

If he wants to ferret out what is real in existence he must put himself to some trouble. He must persevere, read and re-read these pages until the meaning of it all dawns suddenly upon him, as it will if he does. The reflective study of these high-grade writings forces the mental growth of the student. The absorption of their spirit elevates him for a while to the spiritual plane of the author.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26525EM – 13.21.4.7

BA12 – ZZZ – DX

We do not intend to deal here with some supernatural "spirit" which does not explain the world but only mystifies us, which is beyond all ordinary experience and whose existence cannot be irrefutably proved. We do not need to go beyond Mind—which explains the world as a form of consciousness, which is everyone's familiar experience at every moment of the day or night, and whose existence is unquestionably self-evident, for it makes us aware of every other kind of existence.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26527 – 13.21.4.9

BN – Z – K1

It is because men are deceived by their senses into accepting materialism that they are deceived by their ego into committing sin. Mentalism is not only an intellectual doctrine but also an ethical one.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26528 – 13.21.4.10

BN – Z – K1

To be initiated into "The Mysteries" is to be introduced to the revelation of Mentalism, to what it means and to what startling consequences it leads; it is to discover that life, after all, no matter how thrilling, is like a dream passing in the night. But even the uninitiated are not allowed to stay in perpetual ignorance. For the tremendous event of leaving the body at death is attended by the enforced learning of this lesson, however much a man clings to his memories of this world.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26542 – 13.21.4.24

BN – X – D

When we ask what is the purpose of the individual's existence, we shall find that the physical world can give us neither a complete nor a satisfying answer.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26551 – 13.21.4.33

UR_4map – ZZZ – DK

This doctrine is the spinal column of the whole body of philosophic teaching.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26552 – 13.21.4.34

BN – Z

From this single idea of mentalism, several others take their birth.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism

#26554 – 13.21.4.36

BN – Z – K

Mentalism, the teaching that this is a mental universe, is too hard to believe for the ordinary man yet too hard to disbelieve for the illumined man. This is because to the first it is only a theory, but to the second it is a personal experience. The ordinary man's consciousness is kept captive by his senses, each of which reports a world of matter outside him. The illumined man's consciousness is free to be itself, to report its own reality and to reveal the senses and their world to be mere ideation.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26563 – 13.21.4.45

BA11 – ZZ – DEK1

The spirit of true Science must be ours, too. We can accept nothing as true which is dubious as undemonstrable. The modern world, and especially the Western world, can sympathize with a teaching only if it will stand the double test of reason and experience.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26564 – 13.21.4.46

BN – Z – K1

Only a highly educated mind can appreciate 'intellectually' the truth which lies in mentalism, as only a highly intuitive one can 'feel' its truth.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26565 – 13.21.4.47

BN – Z – K1

It is a truth which, because of its tremendous importance, its eternal unchanging character, clamours to be proclaimed to every age afresh but which, because of its very nature, is the least mentioned, the most unfamiliar of all. However late in his life a man discovers this truth for himself, its surprise is overwhelming. For most people are simply not ready to receive it.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26573 – 13.21.4.55

BN – ZZ

Wide experience shows that it is not worth trying to convince those who deny this fundamental axiom. They lack the power to think abstractly and mere reiteration will not supply it. To expect them to be able to set aside their present standpoint and leap up to a higher one is vain; to explain what is incomprehensible to them is useless.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26591 – 13.21.4.73

BN – ZZ

The central truth of mentalism is both easy and hard to understand.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26596 – 13.21.4.78

BN – Z

It is not easy to perceive the truth of mentalism: if it were, religion would not have been needed nor mysticism practised. Thought and feeling must struggle with themselves, and suffer, before illusion is shifted out of the way.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26600 – 13.21.4.82

A251217 – ZZ – K

Many who tried to understand mentalism have complained that they could not do so. Such an intellectual failure is understandable. The old thought-habits need a total reconstruction. The new ones, bringing in new ideas, must be learned until acceptable and then practised patiently.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26601 – 13.21.4.83

BN – Z

No man becomes a confirmed mentalist save after many doubts and some lapses, after strenuous reflections extending over years, and mystical intuitions manifesting in spite of himself. The strangeness and mystery of this doctrine are too baffling to be overcome either easily or quickly.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26603 – 13.21.4.85

BN – Z

A modern man, educated in the scientific outlook, feels as a first reaction to such statements the impulse to reject them. A wiser reaction would be to take second thoughts and enquire into the reasons which prompted the seers to make them.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26605 – 13.21.4.87

BN – Z

Unreflective minds are amazed, then scornful, when they first hear someone deny the existence of matter. Reflective minds are equally amazed but less scornful. If they take the trouble to investigate the assertion, they may be left with an uncomfortable suspicion that there might be something in it, even though they feel it too deep or too difficult for a final judgement.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26606 – 13.21.4.88

BN – Z

A man needs to be extremely scrupulous about his own thinking, about what it contains of influences, suggestions, and preconceptions, before he can reflect philosophically about the Truth. That few persons arrive at mentalism is mostly because they fail to do so.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26607 – 13.21.4.89

BN – Z

The physical world exists as a reality only with reference to the physical senses. For when insight is developed it is seen to be a mental state. How can the two views be harmonized? By analysis and study, by pondering over the very idea itself, and by deeper meditation. Spirit is thenceforth no enigma to the intellect.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26609 – 13.21.4.91

BN – Z

The very idea that this world is not what it seems to be would yield an uncanny feeling did it not yield a derisive one much more to the vulgar mind.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26611 – 13.21.4.93

BN – Z

In dealing with those who have not evolved enough to understand, much less accept, such a high doctrine as mentalism, it becomes necessary to modify, simplify, or even withhold it for a time.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26612 – 13.21.4.94

BN – ZZ

Up to a certain point, the teachings are well within the mental grasp of any average mentality, but beyond that point they are not.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > The effort required

#26613 – 13.21.4.95

BN – ZZ

All life is a paradox, being at once a combination of reality and appearance. An obstacle to the comprehension of mentalism is that one persistently, if unconsciously, views the world from the standpoint of the lower personality, which is extremely limited, and not from that of the higher individuality, which transcends both the intellect and the senses. Even life on earth in the body is really a kind of mystical experience from the standpoint of the mentalist but it is only a blurred, vague, and symbolic one. The thinking intellect finds it hard to grasp this situation because it is itself something which has been greatly filtered down out of the higher individuality. Mentalism can be understood up to a point through the use of reasoning but after this point it can only be understood through the use of intuition.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26636 – 13.21.4.118

BN – Z

Materialists of the scientific kind believe that there is a real material world of nature which is reflected, through sensation and thought, in the human mind. Materialists of the religious kind hold the same belief but add to it belief in a second real world—that of the Spirit. Mentalists reject this belief in a material world and declare the latter to be an appearance to sensation, an idea to thought; they know only a single reality—MIND—and a direct relationship only with its products—ideas.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26640 – 13.21.4.122

BN – Z

We must understand that matter is not a thing but a thought within consciousness.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26641 – 13.21.4.123

BN – Z

The truth of mentalism can be appreciated and accepted only by those who are either mentally competent to do so or intuitively ready for it. If any man cannot free his mind sufficiently from the erroneous suggestions with which either scientific materialism or religious dogma have straitjacketed it, he will reject the idea. And if he cannot ponder the questions involved with sufficient discernment and penetrate them with sufficient depth, he will reject it too.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26642 – 13.21.4.124

BN – Z

The deceptions bred by an unreflective attitude towards the reports of sense and an unintuitive one towards the feeling of personality, enter so deeply into his mental principle because of their growing prevalence during a large number of births that they become almost an integral part of it. The melancholy consequences of this disposition are an inability to believe in mentalism and an incapacity to progress in mysticism.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26644 – 13.21.4.126

BN – X – K1

It is the incapacity of our thinking, the poverty of our perception, the vividness of our sense-experiences, and the encrustation of our habitual outlook which creates and maintains the illusion of the world's materiality and prevents us from noting that it is really a presence within consciousness. How can those who test reality like Dr. Johnson by using their feet or like any bricklayer by using their hands affirm any other doctrine than that of materialism? Contrarily, how can those who use their God-given intelligence to test reality arrive in the end at any other doctrine than that of mentalism?

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26646E – 13.21.4.128

BN – ZEL1/2

Those materialists who tell us today that the line of the soul is an unscientific one and that it is a legacy left to us by primitive simpletons are themselves unscientific and oversimple. For science, which began by repudiating mind and exalting matter, is being forced by facts to end by repudiating matter and exalting mind. This is why philosophy today must sharply emphasize and teach, alongside of ancient lore, the profounder mentalist import of vital facts of modern discovery which have not yet received their deserved reward of recognition from the world.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26646E – 13.21.4.128

BN – ZEL2/2

Some people complain that knowledge of mentalism or belief in it cuts off the enjoyment of life and blunts the keenness with which we meet it. I answer: Is their enjoyment of a play at the theatre cut off in any way by their knowledge that it too is only a series of ideas? Are their feelings blunted because the whole show is only the imagination of some author sitting in his study? Are they less able to appreciate its drama, its humour, or its pathos because they know that, like every other thought, it must pass and end?

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26647 – 13.21.4.129

BN – Z

The materialist may turn all the knobs on his radio and adjust them as he will, but he remains unable to tune in to mentalism's wavelength. This is because he insists on missing the point, which is: What about the person who is doing all this?

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26650 – 13.21.4.132

BN – Z

The mentalist meaning gets lost alas! before this constant confrontation with hard outside objects, reminders of a presumed material stuff out of which they are made.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26654 – 13.21.4.136

BN – Z

Mentalism startles us because our thinking habits are still coloured throughout with materialistic assumptions.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26656 – 13.21.4.138

BN – Z

He puts onto the body, its brain and sense organs, powers and attributes which belong to the mind. This is his error: this is materialism.

Mentalism > The Challenge of Mentalism > Accepting the Truth

#26658 – 13.21.4.140

BN – Z