Difference between revisions of "Practices"

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[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Step practice===
 
===Step practice===
<big>Following the guidelines in the texts ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'' and ''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'' for consistent and thorough practice is an efficient initiation into the Way of Knowledge for those who haven't found adequate resource in other traditions. These texts require a three- to five-year [[commitment]] for completion.   
+
<big>Following the guidelines in the texts ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'' and ''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'' for consistent and thorough practice is an efficient initiation into The Way of Knowledge for those who haven't found adequate resource in other traditions. These texts require a three- to five-year [[commitment]] for completion.   
 
</big>   
 
</big>   
  
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an hour is missed, do not worry, but rededicate yourself to practice in
 
an hour is missed, do not worry, but rededicate yourself to practice in
 
the remaining hours as you proceed."
 
the remaining hours as you proceed."
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 58</ref>
+
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 58</ref>
 +
 
 
====Suggestions for hourly practice====
 
====Suggestions for hourly practice====
 
=====Affirmation=====
 
=====Affirmation=====
 
"Upon the hour think [about today's idea] after you repeat the idea for today."
 
"Upon the hour think [about today's idea] after you repeat the idea for today."
<ref name="stk243">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 243</ref>
+
<ref name="stk243">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 243</ref>
  
 
"Repeat [the] affirmation upon the hour and consider it in
 
"Repeat [the] affirmation upon the hour and consider it in
 
light of all things that happen today."
 
light of all things that happen today."
<ref name="stk141">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 141</ref>
+
<ref name="stk141">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 141</ref>
  
 
"Remember your idea upon the hour and attempt to utilize all
 
"Remember your idea upon the hour and attempt to utilize all
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you will feel love towards the world. Your deeper inclinations will
 
you will feel love towards the world. Your deeper inclinations will
 
spark and encourage the deeper inclinations in others, and thus you
 
spark and encourage the deeper inclinations in others, and thus you
will be a force for Knowledge in the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 316</ref>
+
will be a force for Knowledge in the world."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 316</ref>
  
 
=====Observation=====
 
=====Observation=====
  
 
"Upon the hour practice looking and seeing. Check the mental environment. Check how you feel. Check what is going on inside of you, taking this moment to come back to yourself."
 
"Upon the hour practice looking and seeing. Check the mental environment. Check how you feel. Check what is going on inside of you, taking this moment to come back to yourself."
<ref name="stkct17">''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 17</ref>
+
<ref name="stkct17">''[[Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training]]'', Step 17</ref>
  
 
"Each hour you will
 
"Each hour you will
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made, make them as expediently as possible. Allow your inner guidance
 
made, make them as expediently as possible. Allow your inner guidance
 
to influence you, which it will do if you are not governed by impulses,
 
to influence you, which it will do if you are not governed by impulses,
fear or ambition. Observe yourself this day."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 29</ref>
+
fear or ambition. Observe yourself this day."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 29</ref>
  
 
[The next] day observe your world, following the same practice
 
[The next] day observe your world, following the same practice
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hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will
 
hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will
 
become more swift, more keen and more effective."
 
become more swift, more keen and more effective."
<ref name="stk30">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 30</ref>
+
<ref name="stk30">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 30</ref>
  
 
===Daily===
 
===Daily===
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"Enter into stillness and peace .... Do not petition for answers because you do not need to do this in your meditation practices. Your time now is to practice receiving
 
"Enter into stillness and peace .... Do not petition for answers because you do not need to do this in your meditation practices. Your time now is to practice receiving
 
Knowledge."
 
Knowledge."
<ref name="stk243"/>
+
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 243</ref>
  
 
"Begin by taking three deep breaths and then
 
"Begin by taking three deep breaths and then
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your full attention, without judgment and evaluation. Do not be
 
your full attention, without judgment and evaluation. Do not be
 
discouraged if early attempts prove difficult."
 
discouraged if early attempts prove difficult."
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 8</ref>
+
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 8</ref>
  
 
"Practice without the expectation of a result. Do not use this practice to
 
"Practice without the expectation of a result. Do not use this practice to
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all speculation, all questions and all searching end. For 15 minutes,
 
all speculation, all questions and all searching end. For 15 minutes,
 
twice today, practice stillness...."
 
twice today, practice stillness...."
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 9</ref>
+
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 9</ref>
  
 
"Repeat your idea for the day and enter into
 
"Repeat your idea for the day and enter into
 
stillness .... Allow this to be a day where Knowledge is
 
stillness .... Allow this to be a day where Knowledge is
 
strengthened."
 
strengthened."
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 269</ref>
+
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 269</ref>
  
 
"Attempt to give yourself
 
"Attempt to give yourself
 
wholeheartedly to your practice."
 
wholeheartedly to your practice."
<ref name="stk274"/>
+
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 274</ref>
  
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
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yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your
 
yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your
 
responsibility today."
 
responsibility today."
<ref name="stk288"/>
+
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 288</ref>
  
 
"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that
 
"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that
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away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge
 
away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge
 
according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now
 
according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now
becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 282</ref>
+
becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." <ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 282</ref>
  
 
===Community===
 
===Community===
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all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you
 
all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you
 
are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is
 
are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is
supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of
+
supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 170</ref>
God in the universe."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 170</ref>
 
  
 
"In your longer practice
 
"In your longer practice
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Family really means. Try to understand that it is intrinsic to you. You
 
Family really means. Try to understand that it is intrinsic to you. You
 
did not choose it. You are simply born of it. It represents your
 
did not choose it. You are simply born of it. It represents your
accomplishment in Knowledge thus far."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 300</ref>
+
accomplishment in Knowledge thus far."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 300</ref>
  
 
"In your longer meditations attempt to penetrate [the]
 
"In your longer meditations attempt to penetrate [the]
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the world itself must unlearn ambivalence, as you are now learning to
 
the world itself must unlearn ambivalence, as you are now learning to
 
do, and your accomplishments will assist it in its great undertaking, for
 
do, and your accomplishments will assist it in its great undertaking, for
this is your contribution to the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 309</ref>
+
this is your contribution to the world."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 309</ref>
  
 
"Repeat today's idea ['ALONE I CAN DO NOTHING'] upon the hour and realize that it is an
 
"Repeat today's idea ['ALONE I CAN DO NOTHING'] upon the hour and realize that it is an
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you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who
 
you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who
 
have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice
 
have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice
with you now."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 337</ref>
+
with you now."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 337</ref>
  
"Today's lesson ... holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of [I MUST FIND MY TRUE RELATIONSHIPS IN ORDER TO KNOW MY DIRECTION]. <ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 5</ref>
+
"Today's lesson ... holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of [I MUST FIND MY TRUE RELATIONSHIPS IN ORDER TO KNOW MY DIRECTION]. <ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training]]'', Step 5</ref>
  
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
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influence.... Begin, then, to clear out your life, to simplify."<ref name="gwc5"/>
 
influence.... Begin, then, to clear out your life, to simplify."<ref name="gwc5"/>
  
==Practices addressing human inclinations==
+
==Remedial practices==
Topical issues with remedial practices  
 
 
 
===Ambition===
 
"Allow yourself to be without ambition, for
 
you do not know what to do with Knowledge. In your longer
 
meditations, allow this to free you so that you may enter stillness and
 
leave the world of physical things."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 219</ref>
 
 
 
"Allow yourself to be
 
instructed in how to reveal greatness in the world. Realize that the
 
world is ambivalent and accept this, for this is the current state of the
 
world. Realize that you must give with Wisdom and discernment. And
 
realize that you must let Knowledge give of itself and not try to give
 
from your own ambition or need to avoid a sense of inadequacy. Allow
 
your giving to be true and your giving will be true."<ref name="stk360">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 360</ref>
 
 
 
"On two occasions today, spend 15 minutes concentrating upon
 
the idea for today [I WANT TO BE SEPARATE TO BE UNIQUE]. Think seriously about what this lesson means and
 
call upon your own experience to reflect upon its relevance to your
 
life. Reflect upon what your desire for separation has cost you in time,
 
energy and pain."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 13</ref>
 
 
 
===Ambivalence===
 
"Strengthen your conviction that you must escape from
 
ambivalence. Realize the deadly cost of ambivalence. See how it keeps
 
people lost in their ideas, denying their engagement with life. See the
 
human cost around you. It is tremendous. Realize that with certainty
 
everyone will find their rightful place."<ref name="stk274">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 274</ref>
 
 
 
"Once again realize how ambivalence is still
 
robbing you of inspiration, robbing you of motivation, robbing you of
 
courage and robbing you of relationship."<ref name="stk310"/>
 
 
 
"In your deeper practice periods, escape your own ambivalence
 
and re-enter the sanctuary of Knowledge where in stillness and in
 
peace you can fully experience the power of Knowledge and the truth
 
of your own nature."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 317</ref>
 
 
 
"Recognize thus far how ambivalent you have been regarding
 
your life and regarding this preparation. Realize that for this reason,
 
this preparation has been given to you in very incremental steps, one
 
step at a time, day after day. One step at a time, you learn to develop
 
and to accept your [[Desire and Capacity|desire and capacity]] for [[Knowledge]] and you learn to
 
express Knowledge as well."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 360</ref>
 
 
 
"Practice feeling the strength of your own will. Do not let fear
 
and doubt cloud your mind. You need not try to feel the will of
 
God. It is simply there. It only requires your attention for you to
 
recognize it. Therefore, practice deeply by simply being present
 
to this experience."<ref name="stk 43"/>
 
 
 
===Anger===
 
"In your deeper practice
 
periods, actively engage your mind in looking at every single thing
 
that you are angry about, from very tiny things that are specific to
 
things in general that upset or discourage you. Remind yourself as you
 
review your inventory of anger that your anger is unjustified. Remind
 
yourself that it calls for the application of Knowledge and that within
 
each angry experience or feeling that you have, there is a seed which
 
is true. Therefore, your anger need not be rejected but cleansed, for in
 
cleansing your anger you will be able to communicate that which you
 
intended to communicate in the beginning where you initially failed.
 
Then your self-expression will be complete, and anger will be no
 
more."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 241</ref>
 
 
 
===Change===
 
 
 
"You are not expected to
 
take great leaps, yet each small step will seem like a great leap, for it
 
will give you so much more than you have ever had before. Allow
 
your external life to become rearranged as your [[inner life]] begins to
 
emerge and to shine its light upon you. Maintain your focus and
 
accept change in your outer life, for it is for your benefit."<ref name="stk84"/>
 
 
 
"Bear witness to the
 
unfoldment of the world....[W]ith your eyes open, gaze upon the world around you. Spend these
 
times alone, gazing upon the world around you. Look without
 
judgment. Feel the world unfolding.You need not try to feel this. You
 
will feel it because it is natural."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 348</ref>
 
 
 
===Complaining===
 
"Each hour spend a minute not complaining about the
 
world. Do not let the hours go by unattended, but be present for
 
practice. Recognize the extent to which others are complaining about
 
the world and how little it gives them and how little it gives the
 
world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 66</ref>
 
 
 
"Thank the world ... for what it has
 
given to you.... Do not complain
 
about this day. Recognize that everything that happens is an
 
opportunity for you to apply your practice and to develop the true
 
faculties of your mind."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 180</ref>
 
 
 
===Condemnation===
 
"Allow yourself to repeat ['THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION
 
FOR FAILING TO RECLAIM KNOWLEDGE'] upon the hour. Come to
 
this in your longer practice periods in stillness and receptivity. Be
 
grateful today that your errors have been forgiven. Be grateful today
 
that condemnation is not justified. Be grateful today that you have this
 
opportunity to come to Knowledge, which will affirm that which is
 
truest and greatest within you. Be grateful today that there is no
 
justification in denying this, for without guilt and blame you can only
 
receive that which life has to offer you.
 
Let this be a day to celebrate your freedom. Let this be a day
 
to affirm that you are blameless, though you are a student of Knowledge.
 
Let this be a day to affirm that all the problems of the world can be
 
solved without condemnation, for without condemnation all problems
 
in the world will be solved." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 246</ref>
 
 
 
===Conflict===
 
"Dedicate yourself today to ending war within the world by
 
ending war within yourself so that you may be a peacemaker and a
 
peacekeeper. Upon the hour remind yourself [that 'ENEMIES ARE ONLY FRIENDS
 
WHO HAVE NOT LEARNED TO JOIN'] and
 
apply it to the world that you see around you. Apply it to all of the
 
conflicts in the world of which you are aware. Try to understand its
 
complete relevancy to these conflicts. This will require that you see
 
these conflicts from a different point of view in order to realize the full
 
impact and meaning of today’s idea. It is this point of view that you
 
must cultivate, for you must learn to see as Knowledge sees, to think as
 
Knowledge thinks and to act as Knowledge acts. All this you will most
 
certainly accomplish as you follow Knowledge each day."<ref name="stk288">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 288</ref>
 
 
 
===Confusion===
 
"Today
 
allow yourself to be confused, for you are confused, and you must
 
always begin from where you are. Knowledge is with you. You are free
 
to be confused. In your longer practice periods today, enter into
 
stillness whether you are confused or not, for stillness, grace and peace
 
are always available to you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 221</ref>
 
 
 
"Each hour as you look upon the world and all of its
 
activities, judge it not, for it is merely confused. If you are in distress
 
today, judge yourself not, for you are merely confused."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 222</ref>
 
 
 
===Doubt===
 
"PRACTICE ..., and do not let doubt or
 
confusion dissuade you. Be a true student today. Allow yourself to
 
concentrate on your practice. Give yourself to practice. Be a true
 
student today."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 20</ref>
 
 
 
===Emotions===
 
"Repeat ['MY EMOTIONS CANNOT DISSUADE MY KNOWLEDGE'] and then enter into
 
stillness. Today learn to value that which is certain and to understand
 
that which is uncertain, to recognize that which is cause and that
 
which obstructs cause but which may in time serve cause itself."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 89</ref>
 
 
 
===Error===
 
"In your practice periods review the errors that come to
 
mind as you sit quietly alone, and then see how each one can be
 
utilized to your current benefit. What needs to be learned from them?
 
What must be done that was not done before? What must not be done
 
that was done before? How can these errors be recognized in advance?
 
What were the signs that preceded them and how can such signs be
 
recognized in advance of error in the future?
 
Use these practice periods for this introspective process and
 
when you are done, do not speak of the results to any other person,
 
but allow the investigation to continue naturally, as it naturally will."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 26</ref>
 
  
"Upon each hour of [the] day, repeat to yourself that you wish to
+
*''see'' [[Practices to release]]
learn from your errors and feel for a moment what this means. Thus,
 
through many periods of practice today, you will begin to understand
 
the statement you are making and will perhaps then perceive how it
 
can be brought about. If you are willing to learn from your errors, you
 
will not be so afraid to recognize them. Then you will wish to
 
understand them, not to deny them, not to bear false witness against
 
them, not to call them by other names, but to admit them for your
 
own benefit. From this recognition, you will be able to assist others in
 
the reclamation of Knowledge, for they too must learn how to learn
 
from their errors."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 73</ref>
 
 
 
"Examine the qualities
 
within yourself which aid you in your preparation and the qualities
 
within yourself that make your preparation more difficult. Observe
 
these things objectively. Learn to strengthen those aspects of yourself
 
that encourage and strengthen your participation in the reclamation of
 
Knowledge, and learn to adjust or correct those qualities that interfere."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 77</ref>
 
 
 
===Failure===
 
"Remind yourself [that 'WHEN OTHERS FAIL,
 
I AM REMINDED OF THE NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE'] upon the hour and in your two
 
longer practice periods, actively engage your mind in comprehending
 
this idea. Think of every individual that you think has failed and realize
 
the meaning of today’s lesson in light of those individuals serving you.
 
Realize the need for Knowledge within their lives and within your
 
life."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 245</ref>
 
 
 
===Fear===
 
 
 
"Evaluate the existence of your fears and remind yourself that your reality is beyond them, but that you must recognize them to understand their damaging presence in your life. Close your eyes and repeat the idea for today [LET ME RECOGNIZE MY FEARS
 
SO THAT I MAY SEE THE TRUTH BEYOND THEM]; then consider each fear that arises in your mind. Remind yourself that the truth is beyond that specific fear. Allow all fears to arise and be evaluated in this way."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 51</ref>
 
 
 
"In [two thirty-minute] practice periods today, practice letting
 
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
receptive without making demands will be a [[demonstration]] that you
 
are trusting Knowledge. It will give you reprieve from the afflictions
 
and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a
 
different world." <ref name="stk87">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 87</ref>
 
 
 
"Repeat [the] idea for the day [I WILL NOT FOLLOW FEAR WITHIN THE WORLD] upon the hour,  and consider it
 
in light of all that you experience today. In your two longer practice
 
periods, apply your mind actively in attempting to understand today’s
 
lesson. Again, this is a form of mental application. We shall not practice
 
stillness and mental silence today but mental application so that you
 
may learn to think constructively. For when your mind is not still, it
 
should be thinking constructively. It should be investigating. Do not
 
rely upon early conclusions. Do not rely upon self-comforting ideas.
 
Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to
 
Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm
 
within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the
 
world can never change. Learn of this today so that you may be a
 
source of Knowledge within the world so that your Source may
 
express itself through you."<ref name="stk152"/>
 
 
 
"In ... two meditation practices today, once again enter into
 
stillness. Today there will be no mental speculation or activity, for the
 
mind will once again come to rest so that it may experience its reality.
 
Let not fear or anxiety dissuade you. Remember, this is your negative
 
imagination only. Only Knowledge can indicate if you are doing
 
something inappropriate, and that will only be in the face of
 
immediate events. You will find that this is quite different from
 
negative imagination and will require a different response from you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 128</ref>
 
 
 
"Remind yourself upon the hour not to let fear overtake you.
 
When you begin to feel its effects, in whatever manner that it exerts
 
its influence upon you, withdraw from it and claim your allegiance to
 
Knowledge. Give your confidence to Knowledge. In your two deeper
 
practice periods today, give yourself to Knowledge. Give your mind
 
and your heart so that you may be strengthened in that certainty
 
where fear can never enter. Your fearlessness in the future must not be
 
born of pretense, but born of your certainty in Knowledge."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 162</ref>
 
 
 
"Upon the hour abide with Knowledge. Dispel fear and remind
 
yourself that Knowledge is with you. Remind yourself that your
 
Teachers are with you. Remind yourself that students everywhere who
 
are involved in the reclamation of Knowledge are with you. In this, the
 
world will become small and you will become great. In your deeper
 
practices, allow yourself the freedom of experiencing Knowledge.
 
Enter the great depth and stillness of the mind, as it immerses itself
 
into the presence of love."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 226</ref>
 
 
 
"Whenever you enter into fear, practice this day
 
recognizing that a Greater Power is in the world. Utilize this
 
recognition to bring yourself out of fear by remembering that a
 
Greater Power is in the world and by remembering that a Greater
 
Power is in your life. Think about this on the hour and in your two
 
deeper meditation practices, re-enter your sanctuary where in stillness
 
and in confidence you receive the Greater Power that is in the world.
 
Here you must realize that your preparation requires that you step
 
away from fear and darkness and that you step forward into the light of
 
truth. These two activities will confirm your nature and will betray
 
nothing that is real within you or within the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 319</ref>
 
 
 
===Idealism===
 
"Recognize the extent of
 
your own idealism. Observe carefully what you want yourself to be,
 
what you want your world to be and what you want your relationships
 
to be. Repeat today’s idea and, with eyes closed, examine each of your
 
ideals."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 54</ref>
 
 
 
"Concentrate on accepting things exactly as they are. You are not
 
condoning violence, conflict or ignorance in doing this. You are merely
 
accepting the conditions that exist so that you may work with them
 
constructively. Without this acceptance, you have no starting place for
 
true engagement. Allow the world to be exactly as it is, for it is this
 
world that you have come to serve."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 55</ref>
 
 
 
===Judgment===
 
"Upon the hour repeat ['I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE WORLD'] as you look upon the world.
 
Remind yourself that you do not understand what you see, so you are
 
free to look again.... In your two deeper practice
 
periods today, allow your mind to enter stillness, for without the
 
burden of attempting to justify your fantasies, your mind will naturally
 
seek its true place in service to Knowledge." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 213</ref>
 
 
 
"Listen to others today so that you may experience yourself in
 
relationship with them, so that their true message to you may be given
 
and comprehended." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 193</ref>
 
 
 
"Upon the hour repeat [the] statement ['I WILL NOT USE FEAR TO SUPPORT MY JUDGMENTS'] and consider it in
 
light of all things that are occurring today. In your two deeper
 
practices, consider the meaning of today’s idea as you think about it
 
carefully. Apply your mind in a state of work as you attempt to
 
penetrate the meaning of today’s lesson. Do not be comforted by
 
premature conclusions. Investigate deeply with your mind in your
 
practice periods. Use your mind actively. Consider many things within
 
yourself while maintaining a concentration on today’s idea."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 151</ref>
 
 
 
"Take a moment and look at the world
 
without judgment. Repeat the affirmation for today and spend a
 
moment looking at the world without judgment. Regardless of what
 
appearance you may see, whether it pleases you or displeases you,
 
whether you find it beautiful or ugly, whether you think it is worthy
 
or unworthy, look at it without judgment."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 60</ref>
 
 
 
===Limitation===
 
 
 
"With your
 
eyes open, concentrate now on your limitations. Recognize them. Do
 
not judge them as good or bad. Simply recognize them. This gives you
 
humility, and in humility you are in a position to receive greatness."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 45</ref>.
 
 
 
"Allow yourself to be
 
limited but without judgment. There is no condemnation. Actively
 
engage your mind in focusing on your limitations. Focus without
 
condemnation. Look objectively. You are meant to be a vehicle for a
 
Greater Reality to express itself in this world. Your vehicle for
 
expression is quite limited, but it is fully adequate to accomplish the
 
task that is yours to accomplish. In accepting its limitations, you can
 
understand its mechanism and learn to work with it constructively.
 
Then it is no longer a limitation but a form of joyful expression for
 
you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 46</ref>
 
 
 
===Loss===
 
 
 
"In your two 30-minute practice periods, look
 
and see how the truth has served you. Look at experiences that were
 
happy. Look at experiences that were painful. Particularly in painful
 
experiences, look at how the truth has served you. Look openly.
 
Do not defend a former position if you are tempted to do so. If
 
pain still exists from a loss of an earlier time, accept that pain and its
 
discouragement, but try to look and see how you were truly served
 
by that loss.
 
This point of view of being served by your experience is
 
something you must cultivate. It does not justify the experience itself.
 
Understand this. It merely gives you an opportunity to use your
 
experience for your advancement and your empowerment."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 27</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-deception===
 
 
 
"Begin to look more deeply at those things
 
that are forms of obstruction to you. Think of this upon the hour. In
 
your two deeper practice periods, engage your mind actively in
 
attempting to discern specific forms of self-deception and self-obstruction.
 
Do this without condemnation, but with the objectivity that
 
is necessary to view yourself clearly. Do not be dismayed that there are
 
many subtle forms of self-deception. They are merely slight variations
 
upon very simple themes. Their seeming complexity and number are
 
unimportant except that you recognize them."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 228</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-doubt===
 
 
 
"Upon the hour today practice repeating ['I WILL NOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT I KNOW'] and consider its meaning. Upon the hour you will learn to
 
release fear from your life, for Knowledge will dispel all fear, and you
 
will dispel fear to give Knowledge its right to express itself. Trust what
 
you know.... In your two longer practice periods today, practice letting
 
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
receptive without making demands will be a demonstration that you
 
are trusting Knowledge. It will give you reprieve from the afflictions
 
and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a
 
different world."<ref name="stk87"/>
 
 
 
===Self-judgment===
 
"As you penetrate your own self-judgment, realize it
 
is born of your fear and based upon assumption." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 262</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-justification===
 
"Upon the hour remind yourself that you do not understand
 
yourself. Free yourself from the burden of justifying your own
 
judgments. Look upon yourself in your deeper meditation practices
 
and remind yourself that you do not understand yourself. Now you are
 
free to enter into stillness, for you are not attempting to use your
 
experience to justify your fantasies about yourself. Here your mind
 
becomes free to be itself, and you become free to appreciate yourself." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 214</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-pity===
 
"Upon the hour, then, repeat [I WILL NOT PITY MYSELF TODAY]. Allow it to enter your
 
mind and consider it for a moment. In your two practice periods,
 
repeat this affirmation and then enter into stillness. No being who is
 
pitiful can enter into silence, for silence is the experience of profound
 
relationship, and stillness is the acceptance of profound love." <ref name="stk123">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 123</ref>
 
 
 
===Social conditioning===
 
"As you practice today, be aware of the many subtle forms of
 
self-pity that you entertain. Be aware of the many subtle forms of
 
manipulation of others as you attempt to make them like or accept
 
you according to a view of yourself that you are attempting to claim."<ref name="stk123"/>
 
 
 
===Suffering===
 
"Upon the hour confirm that you do not want to suffer
 
today and realize the inevitability of your suffering if you attempt to
 
engage yourself in the world without Knowledge."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 293</ref>
 
  
 
==Capacity-strengthening practices==
 
==Capacity-strengthening practices==
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[[Guidelines for Living the New Message]]
 
[[Guidelines for Living the New Message]]
 +
 +
[[category:practice]]
  
 
[[Stillness]]
 
[[Stillness]]

Revision as of 04:43, 3 May 2015

The Practices of The Greater Community Way of Knowledge

"We give only so much methodology as is necessary to aim your mind in the proper direction." [1]

"There are specific activities that can be called spiritual practices, but for them to be truly effective and to be truly meaningful, they must be integrated with a more complete approach [addressing the] Four Pillars of life." [2]

"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself. What you affirm within yourself you affirm for all individuals, in all circumstances, in all worlds and in all dimensions. Thus, you affirm the reality of Knowledge. Thus, you affirm your Ancient Home while you are here." [3]

"You will find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you to practice this today." [4]

Directives

"Carry forth that which you need to do to deepen your practice, to utilize your practice, to utilize your experience in the world for practice, to carry your practice into the world and to allow your world to support your practice. Do not neglect this, for if you neglect this, you but neglect yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness." [5]

Core practices

Regular habits particular to The Way of Knowledge

The Great Practices

Step practice

Following the guidelines in the texts Steps to Knowledge and Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training for consistent and thorough practice is an efficient initiation into The Way of Knowledge for those who haven't found adequate resource in other traditions. These texts require a three- to five-year commitment for completion.

"In your deeper meditations you practice receiving, and in your hourly practices you practice giving." [6]

"In your hourly remembrances and in your longer meditations in stillness today, allow your efforts to supplement the efforts of others, which will supplement your efforts. Allow the combination of your mutual dedication, then, to be a source of strength which you will experience this day and which will be experienced by those whom you have not yet met in this life." [7]

The Great Practices

Hourly

"You will find that there are many situations that you thought were inappropriate for practice where you can practice. In this way, you will find that you have the power to govern your experience to meet your true inclinations, and you will find that any circumstance is an adequate environment for true preparation and self-application. Try to practice each hour. Remain conscious of your time. If an hour is missed, do not worry, but rededicate yourself to practice in the remaining hours as you proceed." [8]

Suggestions for hourly practice

Affirmation

"Upon the hour think [about today's idea] after you repeat the idea for today." [9]

"Repeat [the] affirmation upon the hour and consider it in light of all things that happen today." [10]

"Remember your idea upon the hour and attempt to utilize all situations that you encounter today for the purpose of reclaiming Knowledge. In this way, you will see that your entire life can be used for practice. As this is done, everything that happens will serve you, and you will feel love towards the world. Your deeper inclinations will spark and encourage the deeper inclinations in others, and thus you will be a force for Knowledge in the world."[11]

Observation

"Upon the hour practice looking and seeing. Check the mental environment. Check how you feel. Check what is going on inside of you, taking this moment to come back to yourself." [12]

"Each hour you will need to check in to see your thoughts and to observe your current behavior.... Each practice period need only take several minutes but should be given your full attention. You need not close your eyes to do this, though if it is appropriate, it will be helpful. You may practice in the middle of a conversation with another. In fact, there are very few circumstances that will prevent this moment of introspection. In practice you simply ask yourself,'How do I feel?' and 'What am I doing now?' That is all. Then feel if there is something you must do that you are not doing. If there are no corrections to be made, continue on with what you are doing. If there are corrections to be made, make them as expediently as possible. Allow your inner guidance to influence you, which it will do if you are not governed by impulses, fear or ambition. Observe yourself this day."[13]

[The next] day observe your world, following the same practice plan as practiced the previous day. Observe your world without judgment and observe what you are doing in the world without judgment.Then feel if anything needs to be done. Again, your hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will become more swift, more keen and more effective." [14]

Daily

The Great Practices

Suggestions for stillness

"Enter into stillness and peace .... Do not petition for answers because you do not need to do this in your meditation practices. Your time now is to practice receiving Knowledge." [15]

"Begin by taking three deep breaths and then focusing on an internal point. It may be an imaginary point or it may be a point in your physical body.With eyes closed, simply give this your full attention, without judgment and evaluation. Do not be discouraged if early attempts prove difficult." [16]

"Practice without the expectation of a result. Do not use this practice to ask any form of question because you are practicing stillness, in which all speculation, all questions and all searching end. For 15 minutes, twice today, practice stillness...." [17]

"Repeat your idea for the day and enter into stillness .... Allow this to be a day where Knowledge is strengthened." [18]

"Attempt to give yourself wholeheartedly to your practice." [19]

The Great Practices
Invocative language

"Enter into stillness using the word RAHN to take you deep into meditation." [20]

"Upon each exhale, speak the word RAHN. RAHN. RAHN. You only need speak the word RAHN upon the exhale in your meditation. Let this be your total focus. This word will serve to stimulate Ancient Knowledge within you and give you the strength that you most need at this time." [21]

The Great Practices

Suggestions for contemplation

"Actively engage your mind in considering the idea for today. Its true meaning is not superficial, and you must investigate it to understand its full value. Do not be complacent with premature conclusions. Do not stand on the outside of Knowledge and attempt to judge it for yourself. Enter into it so that you may be a student today, for you are now a student of Knowledge. You are now giving yourself to the world in your preparation." [22]

"Actively engage your mind in thinking about [the idea for the day]. Let your mind be a useful instrument of investigation. Once again review all your ideas and beliefs that are associated with today’s idea." [23]

"Engage your mind actively in attempting to understand the depth and the meaning of today’s idea. Recognize objectively all of the feelings and the thoughts that are in favor of it and all of the feelings and the thoughts that are opposed to it. Take special care to recognize any objection that you might have to today’s idea. Then, recognize the power of this idea within your own mind. This will give you a recognition of today’s idea and its true meaning. This will also help enable you to realize objectively the current construction of your mind. This is all part of your education as a student of Knowledge. Give yourself to considering today’s idea and do not be complacent with simple answers and explanations, for today’s idea contains a gift you have not yet experienced." [24]

"These thinking meditations require mental work. Here you will not be still.You will be investigating. You will be exploring. You will be actively using your mind to penetrate things that you recognize exist there. This is a time for serious introspection. When you realize that what you thought you knew is only a form of imagination, then you will realize your great need for Knowledge." [25]

"Exploration and analysis [constitute] a useful application of your mind. Think about [the] message and all of your ideas surrounding it, and you will begin to understand your own current belief system. You will be able to understand this objectively. Then, you will be able to work with it, for the mind is fixed in a certain structure until it is utilized for other purposes. Do not accept this structure as your reality, for the outward manifestation of your mind is a structure that you have imposed upon it. Yet, its real inward harmony and nature seek only to be expressed.To enable this to happen you must have an adequate structure in the mind to enable the mind to express itself in the physical world without restraint or distortion."[26]

"Practice ... mental application so that you may learn to think constructively. For when your mind is not still, it should be thinking constructively. It should be investigating. Do not rely upon early conclusions. Do not rely upon self-comforting ideas. Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the world can never change." [27]

Weekly

The Great Practices

Steps review

"Review the practices and instructions for the preceding week. Review your progress objectively. Realize how great your learning must be. Your steps now are small, but substantive. Small steps lead you all the way." [28]

"Review objectively the extent of your involvement and realize the opportunities to give yourself more fully and more completely." [29]

"Beginning with the first day in [the past] two-week period, read the lesson for that day and remember your practice. Continue on in this way to cover all the days in this two-week period, and then attempt to have an overview of your life during this practice time. Begin to see what has occurred in your life in this two-week period." [30]

"Try to gain an overview of all that has transpired in the past [week or two]. Try to see how you could deepen and improve your practice. Recognize how much time and energy are wasted in ambivalence and idle speculation. Realize how much of your energy is being wasted in doubt and confusion when you need only abide with Knowledge." [31]

"Review with great emphasis and discrimination. Do not allow yourself to miss the recognition of your learning process." [28]

"Be very thorough in your investigation. Begin with the first lesson in the two-week period and follow it day by day. Recognize what happened in your life each day. Try to remember. Try to concentrate here. In this way, you will feel the movement of your own life. It is in recognizing this movement over a period of time and seeing how the stages of your life progress that you will realize that you are firmly on the road to Knowledge. You will then see that there will be less and less behind you to hold you back and that the future will open itself to accommodate you increasingly. This is the beneficence of life bowing before you who are becoming a student of Knowledge." [32]

"Review the past week of practice, rereading all of the instructions and with each step reviewing what has transpired in your times of practice. Be sure to ask yourself how deeply you were involved in practice—how much you wanted to search and investigate, how carefully you examined your own experience and to what extent you felt motivated to penetrate whatever barriers that might exist." [33]

"Be objective and recognize where your practice could have become deeper or more conscientious. Recognize how you still let the world overtake you and how you need to reapply yourself with greater certainty and determination. Do this objectively. Condemnation will only discourage you and will only lead you to quit your participation, for condemnation is simply the decision not to participate and the justification for not participating. Therefore, do not fall into this habit, but view your participation objectively." [34]

"Refrain from self-judgment if you have not met your expectations. Merely realize what is required to follow the instructions as they are given and involve yourself with them as fully as possible. Remember that you are learning to learn, and remember that you are learning to reclaim your self-worth and your true abilities." [35]

The Great Practices

Four-pillar review

  • "Come then [after reviewing the Step lessons of the week] to the first pillar, the Pillar of Relationship, and ask within yourself, 'Is there anything I need to know about any of my relationships?' Ask for a 'Yes' or a 'No' answer. If the answer is 'No,' fine. Yet, if the answer is 'Yes,' seek out who that might be. Maybe it is the relationship that you need to attend to at this moment. Ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?' "Then open yourself to receive what that could be. This may only take a moment, but you must be very present.
  • "Then go on with the Pillar of Career and Providership, the Pillar that deals with work, money, and contribution in the world. Apply the same process: 'Is there anything I need to know regarding my Career and Providership in the world?' If something comes to mind, ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?" Then open yourself to what that could be.
  • "Then you go on to the Pillar of Health and ask yourself, 'Is there anything I need to know about my health or about the health of those who are close to me?' If something comes to mind, ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?" If there is, open yourself to it. Face it. Receive it.
  • "Then go on to your Pillar of Spiritual Advancement and ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know regarding my spiritual advancement?' And as with all of the other pillars, if something comes to mind, ask, 'Is there something I need to know here?'"

[36]

"Turn to your Four Pillars Review, once again checking, checking, and checking again to see if there is anything that you need to know, if there is anything that is amiss that requires your attention. Look and see if anything is producing consistent discomfort--any relationship or any activity that constantly reminds you that there is a problem or a conflict. Pay special attention should you find this during your Review." [37]

Occasional practices

Practices particular to a time or purpose

Advocacy

"Return to stillness and silence so that you may strengthen your ability to cultivate and prepare yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your responsibility today." [38]

"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that you have a responsibility to cultivate your faculties of mind as a student of Knowledge. Exercise these responsibilities and do not drift away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." [39]

Community

"In your deeper practices in stillness, receive the benefit of all who practice with you. Remind yourself that you are not alone and that their rewards are given to you as your rewards are given to them. Thus, you share in your accomplishments together. The power of your undertaking is so tremendously supported by the endeavor and the giving of others that it far exceeds your own abilities. When this is realized, it will give you all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."[40]

"In your longer practice periods, engage your mind actively in attempting to understand ... what Spiritual Family really means. Try to understand that it is intrinsic to you. You did not choose it. You are simply born of it. It represents your accomplishment in Knowledge thus far."[41]

"In your longer meditations attempt to penetrate [the] idea [of one world community]. Do not be complacent here, but actively engage your mind as your mind was meant to be engaged. Try to recognize your own ambivalence about the world becoming one community. Try to recognize your fears and concerns about this. Try to recognize as well your desire for one community and your understanding that this is necessary. Once you take inventory of your own thoughts and feelings concerning today’s idea, you will further understand why the world is in its current predicament. The world has a certain destiny and a certain course to follow, yet it is ambivalent about everything. Thus, the world itself must unlearn ambivalence, as you are now learning to do, and your accomplishments will assist it in its great undertaking, for this is your contribution to the world."[42]

"Repeat today's idea ['ALONE I CAN DO NOTHING'] upon the hour and realize that it is an affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of Knowledge where it will become evident that you are not alone. Here you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice with you now."[43]

"Today's lesson ... holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of [I MUST FIND MY TRUE RELATIONSHIPS IN ORDER TO KNOW MY DIRECTION]. [44]

The Great Practices

Deep evaluation

"Think for a moment in terms of everything being a relationship.... The next thing to consider is that each of these relationships represents an influence. Each influences you, and you influence them." [45]

"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus and your interests. Where is your life being given away? What is it being focused upon? Where is it being assigned? You only have so much energy in the day, so much time in the day, so much space within your mind to consider things. Where is that all going now? What are you doing? Who are you with? What are your priorities? Where are you gaining energy in your life, and where are you losing it? And to whom are you losing it, and to what are you losing it? Where do you feel certainty, and where do you feel uncertain? What relationships are you in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it completely? [46]

"As you can see, there are many questions, and these are not all of them. That is why this deep evaluation takes time. It is not something you do in an hour as a process or an exercise. It is not something you spend a weekend thinking about. Instead, it is something you must give yourself to as one of the main priorities of your life, particularly at this time."[45]

"Begin then with simple things. Review everything that you own. Everything that you own, even insignificant things, have a value to you of some kind and in a subtle way represent an influence.... Begin, then, to clear out your life, to simplify."[45]

Remedial practices

Capacity-strengthening practices

The Great Practices

References

  1. Steps to Knowledge, Step 185
  2. Living The Way of Knowledge, Chapter 6
  3. Steps to Knowledge, Step 149
  4. Steps to Knowledge, Step 62
  5. Steps to Knowledge, Step 323
  6. Steps to Knowledge, Step 329
  7. Steps to Knowledge, Step 232
  8. Steps to Knowledge, Step 58
  9. Steps to Knowledge, Step 243
  10. Steps to Knowledge, Step 141
  11. Steps to Knowledge, Step 316
  12. Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 17
  13. Steps to Knowledge, Step 29
  14. Steps to Knowledge, Step 30
  15. Steps to Knowledge, Step 243
  16. Steps to Knowledge, Step 8
  17. Steps to Knowledge, Step 9
  18. Steps to Knowledge, Step 269
  19. Steps to Knowledge, Step 274
  20. Steps to Knowledge, Step 172
  21. Steps to Knowledge, Step 134
  22. Steps to Knowledge, Step 165
  23. Steps to Knowledge, Step 310
  24. Steps to Knowledge, Step 230
  25. Steps to Knowledge, Step 97
  26. Steps to Knowledge, Step 127
  27. Steps to Knowledge, Step 152
  28. 28.0 28.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 84
  29. Steps to Knowledge, Step 252
  30. Steps to Knowledge, Step 294
  31. Steps to Knowledge, Step 280
  32. Steps to Knowledge, Step 266
  33. Steps to Knowledge, Step 28
  34. Steps to Knowledge, Step 322
  35. Steps to Knowledge, Step 56
  36. Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 14
  37. Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 63
  38. Steps to Knowledge, Step 288
  39. Steps to Knowledge, Step 282
  40. Steps to Knowledge, Step 170
  41. Steps to Knowledge, Step 300
  42. Steps to Knowledge, Step 309
  43. Steps to Knowledge, Step 337
  44. Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 5
  45. 45.0 45.1 45.2 The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 5
  46. The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 5: The Deep Evaluation

Further study

See also

Spiritual practice

Recommendations for People Everywhere

Guidelines for Living the New Message

Stillness

The Great Practices

Advocacy