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FIRST VOLUME

PORTAL NOVITIATE STEP

IN THE

SEVEN STEPS OF SELF-REALIZATION

Copyright 1934 by Swami Yogananda

All Rights Reserved

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSPIRATIONAL POEMS PRAECEPTUM

The Lord‟s Prayer............................................................................................................. 1

An Inspirational Resolution............................................................................................... 2

Come Into The Garden Of My Dreams.............................................................................. 3

Friendship......................................................................................................................... 4

The Divine Gypsy............................................................................................................. 5

Eternity............................................................................................................................. 6

God! God! God!............................................................................................................. 7

„Tis All Unknown............................................................................................................. 8

Smile Forever.................................................................................................................... 9

In The Land Of Dreams.................................................................................................... 10

My Devotion..................................................................................................................... 11

Divine Love...................................................................................................................... 12

Thy Magic Power............................................................................................................. 13

The Candle Of Peace......................................................................................................... 14

For Thee I Was Made....................................................................................................... 15

In Stillness Dark................................................................................................................ 16

We Are One...................................................................................................................... 17

Where I Found Thee......................................................................................................... 18

I Shall Catch Thee............................................................................................................ 19

Divine Joy......................................................................................................................... 20

Rock Me To Sleep On Thy Bosom Of Peace..................................................................... 21

The Heavens..................................................................................................................... 22

TheWavelet...................................................................................................................... 23

Shafts Of Joy..................................................................................................................... 25

PRAECEPTA PRAYERS

PRAECEPTUM

The Universal Prayer......................................................................................................... 1

Awakening Prayer............................................................................................................. 2

A Demand For Prosperity................................................................................................. 3

Teach Me To Use The Gift Of Thy Love........................................................................... 4

Teach Me To Heal The Body............................................................................................ 5

That I May Touch Nothing But Purity............................................................................... 6

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PRAECEPTA PRAYERS

PRAECEPTUM

I Come To Thee With The Song Of My Smiles................................................................. 7

Inflame Our Minds With Thy Thoughts............................................................................. 8

To Be Calmly Active, Actively Calm................................................................................. 9

Usher Me Along The Path Of Life..................................................................................... 10

To Conquer Myself By Myself.......................................................................................... 11

I Have Come To Love Thee.............................................................................................. 12

Teach Me To Discipline My Sense Cravings...................................................................... 13

My Little Prayers Are All Aroused in Thee........................................................................ 14

Let Every Sound Have The Vibration Of Thee.................................................................. 15

The Dove Of My Love...................................................................................................... 16

I Wandered Through Forests............................................................................................. 17

Many Doors Opened Of Themselves................................................................................. 18

I Come To Thee With The Songs Of Smiles...................................................................... 19

Bless Me That I May Behold Nothing But Thee................................................................ 20

Make Us Feel That Our Hearts.......................................................................................... 21

Teach Me To Behold Myself In Others.............................................................................. 22

Teach Me To Consider No Work Greater Than................................................................. 23

The Breeze Of Thy Love Wafts Through Me.................................................................... 24

Smile Through My Soul.................................................................................................... 25

SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES PRAECEPTUM

Becoming Owner Of Three Worlds................................................................................... 1

Definite Technique Of Attaining Ecstasy........................................................................... 1

Dynamic Power Of Will.................................................................................................... 2

What Is The Best Religion?............................................................................................... 3

Friendship: How To Attract Friends.................................................................................. 3

The Art Of Rejuvenation

Physical Body Constantly Changing....................................................................... 5

Will Power And Energy......................................................................................... 6

Body Battery And Relaxation................................................................................ 7

The Technique....................................................................................................... 8

Mental Relaxation................................................................................................. 9

Dreams: The Phenomena Of Dreams................................................................................. 10

Plain Living And God-Thinking......................................................................................... 11

The Inner Laws Of Soul Magnetism.................................................................................. 12

Destroy Depression By Substituting Prosperity................................................................. 13

Humbleness vs. Egotism.................................................................................................... 14

Good And Bad Habits....................................................................................................... 15

The Art Of Concentration And Meditation........................................................................ 16

Popular Misconception Of Concentration.......................................................................... 17

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SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES PRAECEPTUM

The Right Method Of Concentration................................................................................. 18

The Art Of Concentration...................................................................................... 19

Further Instructions On Concentration................................................................... 20

The Technique....................................................................................................... 21

Routine Of Concentration...................................................................................... 22

Further Facts On Concentration............................................................................. 23

How To Cure Nervousness.................................................................................... 24

Cultivate The Inner Joys Of Happiness.................................................................. 25

THE APOLOGUES PRAECEPTUM

A Saint Who Chose A King For His Spiritual Master........................................................ 1

The Big Frog And The Little Frog..................................................................................... 2

Two Blind Men Who Sought Riches................................................................................. 3

The Man Who Refused Heaven......................................................................................... 4

The Boatman And The Philosopher................................................................................... 5

The Mouse Who Became A Tiger..................................................................................... 6

The Snake......................................................................................................................... 7

Buddha And The Courtesan.............................................................................................. 8

The Bandit And The Bull.................................................................................................. 9

The Man Who Became A Buffalo...................................................................................... 10

The Man Who Wouldn‟t Be King...................................................................................... 11

The Himalayan Musk Deer................................................................................................ 12

The Holy Squirrel............................................................................................................. 13

The man Of India Who Was The World‟s Most Humble Man............................................ 14

The Strange Musician....................................................................................................... 15

Monkey Consciousness..................................................................................................... 16

We Are All A Little Bit Crazy........................................................................................... 17

The Hunter Who Became A Saint..................................................................................... 18

The Alaskan Sourdough.................................................................................................... 19

The Lion Who Became A Sheep....................................................................................... 20

The Woman Who Loved God As Her Son........................................................................ 21

The Love Of God And Nations......................................................................................... 23

Sense Happiness............................................................................................................... 25

HEALTH CULTURE PRAECEPTUM

Healing Colds By Proper Diet; Eating Habits.................................................................... 2

Vitamins; Twelve Hints..................................................................................................... 3

Dietary Laws.................................................................................................................... 4

Fasting And Diet.............................................................................................................. 5

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Breathing; Sunbaths; Lunches........................................................................................... 6

HEALTH CULTURE PRAECEPTUM

Fasting.............................................................................................................................. 7

Alkalinity And Acidity; Elimination................................................................................... 8

Your Skin: A Pictorial Barometer Of Your Kidneys.......................................................... 9

A Lovely Skin................................................................................................................... 10

Skin Beauty; Do‟s And Don‟ts.......................................................................................... 11

Growing Younger............................................................................................................. 12

Organic Chemicals And Properties.................................................................................... 13

Curative Foods; Alfalfa..................................................................................................... 14

Seasonal Foods; Liver Cocktail Tonic............................................................................... 15

No Time For Myself.......................................................................................................... 16

Properly Combining Foods; Do‟s and Don‟ts.................................................................... 17

Hydrogen; Citrus Fruits..................................................................................................... 18

Your Heart....................................................................................................................... 21

Health Via Change............................................................................................................ 23

A Health Inspiration; Health Admonition........................................................................... 25

RECIPES PRAECEPTUM

A Refreshing Summer Salad.............................................................................................. 2

Stuffed Mushrooms........................................................................................................... 3

Curried Eggs With Bananas.............................................................................................. 4

Roasted Vegetables........................................................................................................... 5

Maple Walnut Crustless Pie............................................................................................... 6

Delicious Vegetable Soup................................................................................................. 7

Cooked Vegetable Salad................................................................................................... 8

A Skin-Beauty Salad; French Dressing.............................................................................. 9

A Skin-Beauty Tea............................................................................................................ 10

Protein Entree And Builder............................................................................................... 11

A Delicious Youth Dish.................................................................................................... 12

Youth Cocktails................................................................................................................ 13

Alfalfa Tea........................................................................................................................ 14

Tomato Salad.................................................................................................................... 15

Vegetable Stew................................................................................................................. 16

Food Combinations........................................................................................................... 17

Grapefruit Tonic............................................................................................................... 18

Watermelon Cocktail........................................................................................................ 19

Limes, Oranges, Pineapples, Grapefruit............................................................................. 20

Mineral Broth................................................................................................................... 21

Nourishing Soup............................................................................................................... 22

Choyote Croquettes.......................................................................................................... 23

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Sample Health Meals......................................................................................................... 24

Unfired Applesauce Dessert.............................................................................................. 25

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES PRAECEPTUM

Repent Of Your Indifference Unto Him............................................................................. 2

Teach Me How To Dive In Thy Ocean Of Plenty.............................................................. 3

One Friend........................................................................................................................ 4

Thou Who Dost Directly Support My Body...................................................................... 5

Wise, Persevering Activity With Unfading Smiles Brings Sure Success.............................. 6

Realize That You Are Not A Fleshly Being....................................................................... 7

God Is Infinite Omnipresence............................................................................................ 8

Little Bubble Of Joy Appears In You................................................................................ 9

Come Into The Garden Of My Dreams.............................................................................. 10

Think Of God In Every Action.......................................................................................... 11

The Ocean Of Spirit Has Become The Little Bubble Of Joy............................................... 12

Oneness With God............................................................................................................ 13

Guard Against An Inflated Ego......................................................................................... 14

Be The Creator Of Good Habits........................................................................................ 15

Our Conception Of God.................................................................................................... 16

Concentrate For Happiness............................................................................................... 17

Interiorize Your Attention................................................................................................. 18

The Mirror Of Silence....................................................................................................... 19

Inner Mental Whispers...................................................................................................... 20

The Four States Of Consciousness.................................................................................... 21

The Rose Plant Of Our Happiness..................................................................................... 22

Perfect Success Is Yours................................................................................................... 23

All Healing Comes From God........................................................................................... 24

Bathe Yourself In The Ocean Of Peace............................................................................. 25

AFFIRMATIONS PRAECEPTUM

I Will Reason, I Will Will, I Will Act................................................................................. 1

I Shall Tune My Free Will With The Infinite Will Of God.................................................. 2

I Care Not What I May Permanently Possess..................................................................... 3

I Will Try To Please Everyone.......................................................................................... 4

Awaken Within Me Conscious Will................................................................................... 5

I Am Youthful, I Am Youth.............................................................................................. 6

The Lord Is My Strength And Song.................................................................................. 7

I Am Renewed And Strengthened By Thy Life-Giving Energy.......................................... 8

I Relax And Cast Aside All Mental Burdens...................................................................... 9

My Dreams Of Perfection Are The Bridge......................................................................... 10

To Open The Only Gate Of Meditation............................................................................. 11

As I Radiate Love And Good Will To Others.................................................................... 12

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Since Our Thoughts And Words Are The Seeds................................................................ 13

In The Stillness Of My Soul.............................................................................................. 14

I Form New Habits Of Thinking........................................................................................ 15

Teach Me To Find Thy Presence....................................................................................... 16

Teach Me To Open The Gate Of Meditation..................................................................... 17

AFFIRMATIONS PRAECEPTUM I Shall Seek Thee.............................................................................................................. 18

Every Star, Every Pure Thought, Each Good Act Will Be My Window............................. 19

That I May Find Thee In The Temple Of Each Thought And Activity................................ 20

Thou Art The Power That Keeps Me Healthy................................................................... 21

Show Thy Flowing Face Of Joy........................................................................................ 22

I Will Worship God In Deep Silence.................................................................................. 23

I Will Open The Door Of My Calmness............................................................................. 24

I Will Radiate My Cheer To Everyone............................................................................... 25

SPECIAL FEATURES PRAECEPTUM

Greeting Letter................................................................................................................. 1

Historical Background...................................................................................................... 2

Babaji Lahiri Mahasaya Jesus Krishna Sri Yukteswarji Yoganandaji

Mother Hamilton Yogacharya David

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HOW TO STUDY THE PRAECEPTA

The truths of life which you will receive in forthcoming Praecepta are universally practical, can

be applied by young and old alike, are simple and can be comprehended by the layman as well as

the scholar. They can be easily followed both by the tired business man and the busy housewife,

and require but a very small portion of the day or night to study and apply.

Undoubtedly, a system of study that meets these needs and covers the field of Self-Realization

must be interestingly comprehensive. Therefore, you will find that many detailed studies will

necessarily be continued from Praeceptum to Praeceptum in order to give you a complete,

harmonious picture of the subject: the solid foundation for progressive Self-Realization.

THE METHOD

As regards the method of study to be followed for best results, it has been found that a more

discriminative understanding is realized after reading the Praeceptum over once and then

repeating the process with this change: Read a paragraph through, focus your thoughts on the

meaning, and weigh the importance of the words in the balance of your mind, then proceed on to

the next paragraph, following the same method. In this way you will grasp the full meaning

without fatigue of memorizing or loss of time through wandering thoughts.

If, after this procedure of study, you do not comprehend clearly, do not hesitate to request further

enlightenment from your guru, giving a full reference to the points in question. I wholeheartedly

invite your comments of interest and constructive suggestions to enable us to serve you more

perfectly in your study of the Seven Steps of Self-Realization.

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“Thy Self-Realization Will Blossom Forth From Thy Soulful Study”

YOUR PRAECEPTUM

from

SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP PARAMHANSA YOGANANDA - FOUNDER

MOUNT WASHINGTON ESTATES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

TO BE CONFIDENTIALLY RESERVED FOR MEMBER’S USE ONLY

THE LORD’S PRAYER

An Interpretation

by

SWAMI YOGANANDA

O Heavenly Father, may the halo of Thy presence spread over all minds, all lands.

May matter-worship be changed into Thy worship. Since we cannot love

anything without Thee, may we learn to love Thee first and most, above all things

else. May Thy Heavenly Kingdom of Bliss, which is in Thy Spirit, be manifest in

all its Divine qualities on earth, and make this earth free from limitations,

imperfections, and miseries.

Father, leave us not in the pit of temptations, wherein we fell through our

own misuse of Thy given reason, and when we are free and stronger, if it is Thy

wish to test us to see if we love Thee more than temptation, then, Father, make

Thyself more tempting than temptation itself. Father, if it is Thy will to test us,

develop our powers to stand and conquer Thy tests.

Give us our daily bread: food, health, and prosperity for the body, efficiency for

the mind, and above all, wisdom and Thy love for our Souls. Teach us to deliver

ourselves, with Thy help, from the meshes of ignorance, woven by our own

carelessness.

Let Thy Kingdom which is within manifest itself without.

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Dear Member:

Remember, we do not want to burden your mind with untested, impracticable, unfruitful

theological beliefs and assertions. Our humble desire is to build and expand the temple of your

consciousness until it can envelop and glorify all Truths on the Altar of your own Self

realization.

Most religious denominations are founded on speculation, and are often based upon individual

opinions of truth. That probably explains the apparent stagnation in religion. Furthermore, if

scientists cannot find material truths by merely praying, how can anyone find spiritual truths by

mere blind prayer?

Every day science is inventing or discovering some new method or mechanism for increasing the

material comforts of man. If scientists had journeyed to a temple, locked the doors, and prayed

to God for the inventions of radio, airplanes, television, and so forth, they would not have found

them. Scientists discover the hidden truths only by using concentration, systematic activity and

experimentation within the laws of nature, emanating from God. So must religious followers do

in order to get anywhere.

These lessons of Self-Realization are formed for the distinct purpose of presenting to you

practical truths which have already been scientifically tested and proved universally beneficial in

thousands of lives. We have taken only the best and most usable truths of all religions, omitting

the unproved, dogmatic theologies. Our instructions foster good will and fellowship among all

true religions, and invite them to cooperate in God‟s name to find those spiritual truths which

develop man to the highest extent, no matter whether he is Christian, Hindu, Jew or

Mohammedan.

Spanish inquisitions and murders have been committed through misinterpretation of the

teachings of the Bible, which says, “Thou shalt not kill...Love thine enemies.” So people twist

the scriptural sayings with their wicked minds in order to condone their evil actions. You are to

learn the truths which Christ and the Masters want you to know, as they gave them to your Guru-

Preceptor through direct perception.

Self-Realization Teachings have formed an Association of the Master Minds of the East

(especially India) and of the West, in order to offer a solution to the present intricate and

perplexing religious and social and esoteric truths of all scriptures, especially the highly

developed, usable techniques of the Masters of India, we shall show you superior ways of ever-

blessed living.

As America has specialized in material efficiency, so India has specialized in spiritual efficiency.

Therefore, the Self-Realization Teachings are veritable psychophysical and spiritual laboratories.

The Founder of Self-Realization Fellowship and his intimate disciples have applied and

experienced these truths in their own lives, and teach them to others throughout the world; and

the essence of these truths, which they think will be beneficial in the highest degree, will be sent

to you in the Praecepta. We do not teach any hypnotism or mysticism, but concentrate upon

Western-tested Eastern truths.

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The lesson consists of many vital parts, including the scientific theory pertaining to a technique,

the concise technique itself, invigorating health recipes, a highly enlightening Apologue, a

vibrant affirmation and an inspirational poem. Each lesson is complete, with a thread of

advancing spiritual continuity running through all instructions.

To actually realize these truths in your own consciousness, you must devote yourself to regular,

continued effort. Most people consume their time in non-productive reading, and lack real

creative activity. That is why they suffer from limitations. For the most beneficial results you

must give time to the finding and analyzing of truth. Any time during the day or night—but

regularly—you should conscientiously devote a half hour to the study of these essentials for Self-

realization. Analyze these truths and rearrange the routine of your life accordingly, for therein

lies the key to the Infinite.

If you want to be different and reap the richest harvest of truth in this short span of life, you must

faithfully make these practical instructions a part of your life. Do not put off studying until

tomorrow. That “tomorrow” will be ever-receding, while your bad habits will swallow your

precious, opportune days of immortal achievement. By adapting these truths to your life, you

will more clearly understand the religion you have embraced. In brief, kindly bear in mind that

procrastination and subsequent postponement of effort will only lead to stagnation and

retardation in the climb up the Seven Steps to Self-realization.

We graciously welcome your correspondence if we can be of further assistance in enlightening

your understanding by clarifying or detailing any particular point or problem in the practice of

the instructions.

UNIVERSAL PRAYER1

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Babaji Krishna, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswarji, Guru-

Preceptor Paramhansa Yogananda, saints of all religions, I bow to you all. Free my life

from all obstacles of delusion and give me material, mental, and spiritual development.

1VARIATION found in earlier Praecepta versions:

UNIVERSAL PRAYER

O Spirit, Saints of All Religions, Jesus Christ, Supreme Master Babaji, Great

Master Lahiri Mahasaya, Master Swami Sri Yukteswarji, Swami-Guru-Preceptor,

I bow to You All. Free my life from all obstacles and give me material, mental,

and Spiritual development.

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THE LAWS OF HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS

Of all the wonders immanent in God‟s creation, man stands paramount. Just as an artist has a

purpose in the production of his masterpiece, so God has a purpose to be manifested through His

creation—man. But before that purpose can be glimpsed or prudently directed, one must

acquaint oneself somewhat with the true nature of man. From a physiological standpoint, man

possesses a physical body, psychologically he possesses a mind, while metaphysically speaking

he also possesses an invisible Spirit, or soul. We therefore say that man‟s nature is threefold,

namely, physical, mental, and spiritual.

In the mind of the deep thinker, the question frequently arises as to which phase of man‟s nature

should be most highly developed. In regard to this question few people have been able to agree.

However, let us take into consideration the three aspects separately and note the results when any

one has been emphasized by a race. One has only to reflect upon the Greek concept to note what

takes place when the physical nature of man is stressed. Such physical prowess as that exhibited

by the Olympic athletes is the result. When the mental side of man‟s nature is emphasized, as

during the Renaissance, the intelligentsia predominate, and when the spiritual nature is

emphasized, the world becomes acquainted with outstanding and dynamic personalities such as

Mahatma Gandhi of India. To say that only one phase of man‟s nature should be emphasized

over and above that of another would be a mistake. That man‟s three-fold nature should be

equally developed, maintaining a perfect balance on all planes, is coming more and more to be

stressed by far-sighted leaders of the race.

Having accepted the above fact, how and when and where is one to proceed? What is the avenue

through which that balanced regime is to be attained? According to the Bible, “Man is created in

the image and likeness of God.” Since God is Mind and all things that exist are created by mind

and mind-action, it is evident that the avenue for any attainment is through the mind. To say that

God is mind means that He is the First Cause, that which was in the beginning; in other words,

the Creative Spiritual Consciousness of the universe, which is in everything, both expressed and

unexpressed. This Creative Spiritual Consciousness abides in that spark of divinity within the

soul of man, and man may do with it whatsoever he wishes, for he has been created in the image

and likeness of God with unlimited powers. He is the master of his own destiny if he will but

accept and use that God-given power. The only limitation placed upon man is imposed by

himself, through his thought-world. It is a well-known psychological fact that “Thoughts are

things,” and the statement taken from Proverbs, 23:7, which says that “As a man thinketh in his

heart, so is he,” is not merely a pretty biblical phrase, but it is a truth which has revolutionized

and transformed the lives of thousands.

Since God has created man for a specific purpose—that of orientating the outer self with the

God-Self within—should not every one be concerned about the state of consciousness which one

develops? It is true that all people were not meant to be ministers or preceptors, but is it not

possible for one to be employed in some field of endeavor and at the same time use one‟s leisure

moments in developing a consciousness of the higher, the better and the greater things of life?

TYPES OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Knowing that God is just behind the fringe of our mind; that the great Creative Spiritual

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Consciousness of the universe abides at the center of one’s being, man has only to use the

tools at his command to create that consciousness in which he chooses to abide. Consciousness is a very tangible thing. It is something people talk of, yet know little about. It is

something that we can describe in glorious terms, but cannot define at all satisfactorily. When we

try to grasp it, we find it very elusive. However, everything that there is—all knowledge, all

beauty, all experiences, all things that captivate and enrapture one‟s soul—have value only when

felt by and in consciousness.

Philosophers and psychologists tell us a great deal about the laws of mind and consciousness, but

very little as to what they are in essence. When one wants to know their inherent characteristics

their whys and wherefores, and their origin and destiny, it is difficult to attain anything but a

vague answer. The electrical wizard, while he does not in truth know the essence of electricity,

has learned the laws governing its use, and when he applies those laws with exactness he attains

the desired results. So it is in the case of consciousness. While we do not understand the true

essence of it, we may be content in knowing that consciousness is a state of being, and, having

learned the laws governing it, we may apply them with exactness, and the desired results will be

forthcoming.

Just what does one mean when one speaks of “Types of Consciousness?” In fact, we mean a

specific state of mind. Whether aware of the fact or not, every individual exists in some definite

state of consciousness, often so pronounced that it is written large upon his personality. The fact

is, there are as many types of consciousness as there are fields of endeavor. For example, the

man who devotes the major portion of his time to the development of the physical body, lives in

and develops a physical consciousness. The person who devotes much time and thought to the

field of aesthetics develops an aesthetic consciousness. The business man frequently develops a

money consciousness, while in the spiritual devotee the spiritual consciousness is paramount.

But why should so much consideration be given to the subject of consciousness? Because it has

already been noted that everything there is—all knowledge, all beauty, all things that

captivate and enrapture the soul have value only when felt by and in consciousness; that

consciousness ultimately becomes reality. Pondering upon that significant statement will help

one to realize the significance of consciousness. By way of illustrating the effect of

consciousness, let us note the following cases: The individual who becomes morose and

melancholy, and allows that state of mind to predominate, will create for himself a consciousness

which will culminate in the reality of insanity or his life‟s destruction. On the other hand, the

individual who, in spite of dire circumstances, takes Jesus the Christ as his guide for daily living,

will develop a high spiritual consciousness leading to life abundant.

CENTERS OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE BODY

Wherever your consciousness is, there you will live. Consciousness has certain centers in the

body. It lives in the heart, in the spinal centers and between the eyes (which is the highest

center), and when your consciousness is turned heavenward you are filled with God, or we might

say, when you are filled with God-thoughts, you are in heaven—or here in this spiritual region

(between the eyes). When your thoughts are of a baser nature, you are away from the Spiritual

center; you are then not in heaven. Bad or negative thoughts cause psychological conditions that

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give you neither peace nor joy. Do you need to go further to know that you have fallen from

heaven and are living under satanic influence right here on earth?

The physical body is divided into different “directions” or areas according to localized

consciousness. Southward is downward from the head or chin, while northward is above.

Eastward is in front, and the place between the eyebrows, where the spiritual eye is found, is the

East. Higher consciousness finds us here, and when darker thoughts come, we find the localized

consciousness flowing downward, together with the corresponding flow of Prana (Cosmic

Energy, or vital forces of the body) outward. Now, if the mind is calm, the eyes are calm, the

breath is calm and the bodily relations are harmonious—because the flow of Prana goes on

normally and naturally—and we have wisdom. But with a restless mind, the eyes, the breath and

the whole body are restless. The attention, or consciousness, is then away from the calm spiritual

center, and although God Consciousness knocks at our temporary bodily abode, we do not hear.

The inner body is made up of rays. The will can expand this body or it can keep it small and

limited. We bring that limitation upon ourselves. We can stay cooped up in the narrow lane of

delusion, or we can expand to the un-measurable region of God Consciousness. How can this be

done? Through the “Only Begotten Son,” the Christ Consciousness, that slender thread of pure

consciousness which comes down into delusion—that unpolluted, divine, all-satisfying Cosmic

Consciousness that is found in the deepest recess of the subtle light which we see. Even though

we may not be able to plunge fully into that Cosmic Consciousness, still, if we have a degree of

calmness, divine will shall flow through us‟ we shall be able to see the hand of God guiding our

lives.

WHAT THE DEVOTEE MUST HAVE

1. A knowledge of one’s Dharma, or Life law:

By this statement is meant that the devotee must have some idea or inkling of his

true nature and the avenue through which he is to reach his God-Self. In short he

must know his duty. Every individual in the world has a specific purpose to

fulfill, which he can do better than any one else. In His creation God has

implanted the power for that realization.

2. A deep-seated desire:

One usually becomes cognizant of one‟s purpose in life through that deep-seated

desire.

3. Familiarity with the laws governing desire:

That deep-seated desire should prompt one to familiarize oneself with the laws

governing one‟s desire and one‟s talents. To do so may require many months of

training, or it may even require years of intensive study and training in a

University of Learning, the time being dependent upon the strength of the desire

and the talent.

4. Concentration and Devotion:

Having learned the laws, the next step is to use them diligently. Tender to

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mankind the highest service which your talent and preparation afford. Through

expression and experience one attains a higher consciousness.

5. Meditation:

Meditation is the avenue through which contact is made with God, and since God

is all and in all, He supplies one‟s every need. He knows no limitation. The

individual who meditates habitually and deeply, until he is consciously aware of

his oneness with God, will not only attain a higher state of consciousness, but he

will also reach the God-Self within.

THE APOLOGUE

“A Saint Who Chose a King for His Spiritual Master”

Long ago there lived a great Sage named Byasa (Vyasa). He was the writer of the greatest Hindu

Scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. By his super power he invoked a saintly Soul to occupy the little

body of the baby his wife carried, and taught the unborn child the secrets of the Scriptures

through the subconscious mind of the mother. This baby, when born, was named Suk Deva, and,

through the training he received while still in his mother‟s body, he proved to be a most unusual

child. At the age of seven he was already versed in all the difficult Hindu Scriptures and was

ready to renounce the world in search of a true Master.

In India it is customary to seek teachers until one finds the real God-chosen Master. The novice2,

through fitful urgings, receives lessons from various sources, but when his Spiritual ardor

becomes very great, God sends him a Master. This Divine-Soul-vehicle God uses through one

life, or through several incarnations, as His messenger to bring the novitiate back to His Spiritual

mansion.

When Suk Deva decided to go in search of his Spiritual teacher or Master, his father, Sage

Byasa, advised him to go to King Janaka, the ruler of that province. As Suk Deva entered the

palace grounds, his eyes caught sight of the King sitting on an emerald-and-diamond-studded,

golden throne, surrounded by flatterers and scantily clad ladies fanning him with big palm

leaves, as is the custom in India during the hot season. King Janaka was smoking a big oriental

pipe. This sight was enough for Suk Deva and, shocked, he turned back and started walking

briskly out of the palace gates, inwardly ridiculing and muttering: “Shame on my father for

sending me to that matter-soaked King. How could that object be my teacher?”

But, King Janaka was both a King and a Saint. He was in the world, but not of the world. He was

highly advanced spiritually, and could telepathically sense the thoughts of the fleeing Suk Deva,

son of Byasa. So, the Saint-King sent a messenger after Suk Deva, commanding him to come

back.

2earlier edition: novitiate

S1P1 15

Thus, the Master and the devotee met.3 The King sent all his courtiers away and entered into an

absorbing discourse on the all-protecting God, with Suk Deva. Four hours passed and Suk Deva

was getting restless and hungry, but nobody dared to disturb the God-intoxicated King.

Another hour passed when two messengers came running to the King and exclaimed: “Your

Highness, the capital of your Kingdom is on fire4 and the flames threaten to spread toward your

palace. Won‟t you come and supervise the efforts to extinguish the flames?” To that the King

replied: “I am too busy discussing the all-protecting God with my friend Suk Deva. I have no

time. Go and put out the flames yourselves.”

When another hour passed5 and the same two messengers came running to the King and cried:

“Your Royal Excellency, please flee, for the flames have caught the palace and are fast

approaching your chamber.” To this the King indifferently said: “Never mind. Don‟t disturb me,

for I am drinking God with my friend. Go, do the best you can.”

Suk Deva was rather puzzled at the King‟s action. Still another hour passed and two scorched

messengers leaped in front of the king and shouted: “Mighty King, behold the flames

approaching your throne! Run, before you both are burnt to death!” To that the King

replied:”You both run, and save yourselves. I am too busy resting in the arms of the all-

protecting God to fear the audacity of the destructive flames.”

The messengers fled and the flames leaped toward the pile of books which Suk Deva had by his

side, but the King sat motionless, indifferent to them6, talking about God.

At last Suk Deva lost his poise and slapped at the flames and tried to prevent them from burning

his precious books. The King, satisfied, smilingly waved his hand at the flames and they

disappeared at his miraculous touch. Then, as Suk Deva, in great awe, regained his composure

and settled down in his seat, the King kindly7 and wisely spoke:

“O young son of Byasa8, you thought of me as a matter-drenched King, but look at yourself.

You forsook the all-protecting thought of God to protect a pile of books, while I paid no attention

to my burning Kingdom and palace. God worked this miracle to show you that you, though a

man of renunciation, are more attached to your books than to God, or than I am to my Kingdom,

even though I live in the world instead of in a monastery or hermitage.”

3earlier edition: the Saint-King Janaka and Suk Deva, son of Sage Byasa, met.

4earlier edition: Your Highness, your Kingdom is on fire

5earlier edition: Another hour passed

6earlier edition: indifferent, talking about God.

7earlier edition: the King smilingly and wisely spoke:

8earlier edition: O, Young Saint Suk Deva,

S1P1 16

This humbled the young Saint Suk Deva, who then took this Saint-King Janaka as his Master and

Preceptor, or Spiritual teacher.

The King began to put Suk Deva through a process of discipline, and taught him the art of living

in the world without misery-making-attachment to it. All of us should remember this lesson in

order to live happily in the material world without allowing it to make us miserable through

ignorance.

One day9 the King Janaka gave his new disciple two cup-shaped oil lamps filled to the brim and

commanded: “Hold a lamp on the palm of each hand, and go about visiting all the gorgeously

furnished rooms of my palace. Then come back to me after you have seen everything, but

remember, I will send you back home and refuse to train you if you dare to spill a drop of oil on

my carpets.”

The King instructed two messengers to accompany Suk Deva and keep the two lamps full of oil

as they burned down. This was a hard test. However, after two hours Suk Deva returned

triumphantly without dropping any oil from the oil cups he held.

Then the King said: “Young Suk Deva, tell me in detail what you saw in each chamber of my

palace.” To this Suk Deva replied: “Royal Preceptor, all I accomplished was, that I did not spill

any oil on your carpets. My mind was so concentrated upon the thought of not dropping oil that I

could not possibly see anything that was in the rooms.”

The King cried out: “I am disappointed. You have not completely passed my test. My injunction

was that you should see everything that was in all the chambers of my palace and, at the same

time, you should not drop any oil from the oil lamps. Go back with the lamps, and remember, no

spilling of the oil while you look carefully at everything about the palace.”

Suk Deva calmly returned at the end of ten hours, and behold, he had not dropped any oil, nor

was he sweating with excitement as before, and he could now answer all the King‟s questions

about the most minute contents of all the palace chambers.

Then the King gently whispered: “My son, attachment to possessions—not possession10

—is the

source of misery. In this world we do not own anything; we are only given the use of things.

Some have more to use than others, but remember, the millionaire and the poor man alike have

to leave everything, all possessions, when death comes. People must not live one-sided lives,

thinking only of God, like your concentrating on the oil lamp and not seeing my palace, but, as

on the second trip, you kept your attention principally on the oil lamps without spilling oil, and,

at the same time, thoroughly and minutely saw everything in the palace, so must you keep your

major attention on God without letting a drop of your desire slip away from the lamp of God-

9earlier edition: The King Janaka gave his new disciple

10earlier edition: attachment to possessions and not possession

S1P1 17

revealing wisdom. And then, also, you must keep part of your attention on thoroughly

performing the God-given duties of maintaining yourself and others given in your charge.”

This instructive story shows you what could be the basis of our modern depressions11

, which are

caused by indifference to Spiritual matters, leading to industrial selfishness, and unequal

prosperity amidst plenty. Hence, if you want the unlimited, Divine Power to work for you in

your business and family affairs, then be as earnest about meditation as you are about earning

money. If you make it a business to contact God first, then you will find imperishable happiness

as well as the material comforts you need. So, remember, you must not be too busy to try to

contact God. If God stops your heart beating, you will not have any chance for business success.

Since all your success depends upon the powers borrowed from God, you must give enough time

for God-contact.

Our purpose is not to make a theological phonograph12

out of you, by constantly repeating

beautiful phrases. We want you to teach you to attain, by the quickest method, Cosmic Power,

which you can use in everything. Remember, one hour‟s deep meditation will give you far more

power and peace than one month‟s reading of holy books for six hours a day. Try it!

AFFIRMATION

Heavenly Father, I will reason,

I will will, I will act,

But guide Thou my reason, will, and activity,

To the right thing that I should do in everything.

11earlier edition: our modern depression which is caused

12earlier edition: Victrola