Rejoice Always

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! – Philippians 4:4

Looking around us today at the social scene in our society and observing the increasing turbulence in world governments, financial systems, religious and educational organizations, it is easy to become pessimistic about the future. As evidence of the breakdown in the old paradigm accumulates, and if we have developed dependency through identity with these institutions and forms, much ‘inner’ turmoil is created as our values are constantly challenged by change. As students of SNO, how do we find something to cling to, to guide us each day in our practice of self-development?

“The disciple stands unshaken on the battlefield of his nature, in the midst of the turmoil of life, and resolutely effects the transmutation within himself. The feeling within him, the agony of emotion which an intense situation in human life has called into existence, can be changed into power, and used to a great end. The highest motive he can see or reach to must be his guide, that and none other; the most selfless action possible must be the one of his choice.”

~ Mabel Collins, “When the Sun Moves Northward”

Some of us may find ourselves hoping that a few of our cherished traditions and supporting Aristotelian institutions might somehow survive the present transition period between two great cycles, each with quite different motivating forces. At the same time, we know as students who are developing orientation to the Mind level of the “energy world” that we will suffer great disappointment if we put our faith in first order abstractions (our own private world) or in the private worlds of any other person, no matter how sincere or well-meaning these individuals might be.

“The disciple…has entered upon that place where there are footprints solid as though cut in rock, because through the ages and before Time was, each one who has entered upon the great path has of necessity stepped in the prints of the feet of the one who has gone before him. The steps of all are identical…Only this higher self of man, in its full consciousness, can realize the intense reality and solidity of spiritual life; how brilliant the light of the spiritual sun, how firm that which is beneath the footsteps of the one who can walk…” – ibid.

We are living in a time of accelerated changes, which we cannot avoid, and are being precipitated into situations that most of us would not have willingly created or agreed to. Can we take this situation and make it a blessing? Can we grasp the many opportunities to change our former attitudes towards everything that is presented to us on a daily basis? This is the great challenge for every sincere student of SNO, as it is indeed a blessing to be in a situation where our growth and development will be significantly speeded up if we can handle our opportunities correctly.

“The mystic and occult ritual is exemplified and fulfilled in the daily life of the world – the very purpose of this daily life being the awakening and purifying of the spirit of man, which is only possible through the heart and its emotions. “ – ibid.

Doctor John Gozzi recommended that we handle these ongoing challenges and situations as 'class work' in self-regulation, in self-organization and self-discipline. Can we really “give freedom to each one, and then take our own freedom?” If we have the courage to do so, we can count our daily opportunities as practice sessions and move ever forward on our journey, finding hope and joy in each success, in each challenge met without flinching or drawing back. This is the overwhelming beauty of the Roadmap Vitvan left for us students– if we just keep following in the footsteps of the ones who have gone before us on the path, we cannot possibly lose our way.

“Oh, sleeping souls that go blindly on to death, be warned and awake! There is no death for those that live love. See then, that you open your hearts and let the green leaves of spring burst forth within them, making new life for those who look upon the miracle taking place within you. Those to whom your tenderness is given will taste the sweetness of divine life, will witness the majesty of resurrection, will themselves become aware of the power of the unseen...” – ibid.

Image: Photo generously donated by Gwen Tyler, Vitvan's granddaughter