Practices
"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]
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." [3]
Core practices
Regular habits particular to The Way of Knowledge
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. The texts require a three- to five-year commitment for completion.
"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."
[4]
Hourly
Suggestions for hourly practice
"Upon the hour think [about today's idea] after you repeat the idea for today." [5]
"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."
[6]
"Repeat [the] affirmation upon the hour and consider it in
light of all things that happen today."
[7]
"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."
[8]
Daily
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." [5]
"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."
[9]
"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...."
[10]
"Repeat your idea for the day and enter into
stillness .... Allow this to be a day where Knowledge is
strengthened."
[11]
"Attempt to give yourself
wholeheartedly to your practice."
[12]
Invocative language
"Enter into stillness using the word RAHN to take you deep into meditation." [13]
"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."
[14]
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." [15]
"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."
[16]
"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."
[17]
"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."
[18]
"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."
[19]
"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."
[20]
Weekly
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." [21]
"Review objectively the extent of
your involvement and realize the opportunities to give yourself more
fully and more completely."
[22]
"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."
[23]
"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."
[24]
"Review with great emphasis and discrimination. Do not allow
yourself to miss the recognition of your learning process."
[21]
"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."
[25]
"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."
[26]
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?'" [27]
Occasional practices
Practices particular to our 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." [28]
"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."
[29]
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." [30]
"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."
[31]
"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."
[32]
"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."
[33]
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." [34]
"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?
"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." [34]
"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."
[34]
Practices addressing human inclinations
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." [35]
"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."
[36]
"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."
[37]
[38]
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." [12]
"Once again realize how ambivalence is still
robbing you of inspiration, robbing you of motivation, robbing you of
courage and robbing you of relationship."
[16]
"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."
[39]
"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 for Knowledge and you learn to
express Knowledge as well."
[36]
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." [40]
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." [21]
"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."
[41]
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." [42]
"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."
[43]
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." [44]
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." [28]
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." [45]
"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."
[46]
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." [47]
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." [48]
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." [49]
"Upon each hour of [the] day, repeat to yourself that you wish to
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."
[50]
"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." [51]
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." [52]
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; 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." [53]
"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."
[54]
"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."
[20]
"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." [55]
"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."
[56]
"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."
[57]
"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."
[58]
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. If you are not free to look, it simply means that you are attempting to justify your own judgments. This is not seeing. This is merely entertaining your own fantasies. 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." [59]
"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. This will affirm for you the presence of
Knowledge and the need for Knowledge in the world all at once."
[60]
"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."
[61]
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." [62]
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." [63]
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." [54]
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." [64]
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." [65]
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." [65]
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." [66]
Capacity-strengthening practices
The gifts of The Way of Knowledge
Awareness
"In stillness, then, practice twice today feeling the power of God. Do not seek for answers from God. You need not speak at all but only be present, for as you learn to be in relationship with that which is the source of all your relationships, the information that you need can come easily to you to guide you, comfort you and correct you when necessary. But first you must feel the power of God, and in this you will find your own strength." [67]
"Be attentive upon the hour today and have confidence that
being attentive will yield its own true results for you.... In your deeper meditation practices be attentive, be present
and give yourself in stillness within the sanctuary of Knowledge. You
need only be attentive. Judgment is not necessary."
[68]
Beginner's mind
"Three times today spend 10 minute thinking about what Knowledge is, not merely applying your own ideas, not merely applying your past understanding, but thinking about what Knowledge really is." [69]
Certainty
"Allow your confidence to dispel fear, doubt and anxiety. Support your efforts today, for they require your support on behalf of a greater certainty that you are now learning to receive." [7]
"Spend two ... periods of 15 to 20 minutes in
considering what your true foundation may be. Think of all your ideas
about this."
[70]
Clarity
"In your two deeper practices return to being with Knowledge, in humility and simplicity, in stillness and in silence. Breathe Knowledge in. Allow Knowledge to enter and fill your body. Allow yourself to be immersed in Knowledge and all things will become clear, for with Knowledge all things become clear and all questions disappear." [71]
Confirmation
"Silently and in stillness, as you sink into the depths of Knowledge, receive the peace and the confirmation that are your birthright." [72]
Consistency
"PRACTICE CONSISTENTLY. Practice upon the hour, reminding yourself to be consistent. In your two meditations, practice keeping your mind steady and focused, allowing it to settle into itself so that it may experience its own nature. Do not repress what is occurring within you. Do not control what is occurring without. Simply maintain consistency, and all things will find a right balance and relationship to this. Thus, you are bringing forth Knowledge into the world, for Knowledge is entirely consistent. This will render you a person of great presence and power. Others will come to experience your consistency in time as it is more fully received by you and more fully developed. They will find refuge in your consistency, and this will remind them of their purpose as well, which waits to be discovered." [73]
Decision making
"In your two longer meditation practices today, using the word RAHN, enter deeply into Knowledge. Enter deeply into the presence of life. Enter deeply into this experience. Continue to direct your mind towards this accomplishment. Continue to set aside anything that affects you or holds you back. In this way, you train the mind and prepare it as well for that which is most natural to it to occur. Follow Knowledge this day. If Knowledge indicates something and you are very certain about this, follow it and be observant. See what happens and try to learn to distinguish Knowledge from your impulses, your wishes, your fears and your avoidances." [74]
Detached observation
"Practice looking upon one simple mundane object. Do not take your eyes off of that object, but look and practice looking very conscientiously. You are not trying to see anything. You are simply looking with an open mind. When the mind is open, it experiences its own depth, and it experiences the depth of what it is perceiving. Choose one simple object that has very little meaning for you and gaze upon it twice today for at least 15 minutes. Allow your mind to become very still. Breathe deeply and regularly as you gaze upon this object. Allow your mind to settle down into itself." [75]
Determination
"Try to see in your observations of others how captivating the world is and how captivating the mind is. Ultimately, the only thing that can keep you from Knowledge is the mind. It may seem like the world is dominating you, but in reality it is the mind. Observe this. You will not have to look far. It is all around you. You can look at your own experience to see how close at hand this is and how important it is for you to be present wherever you are and with whatever you are doing." [6]
Discernment
"In your longer practice periods, engage yourself ... with attempting to comprehend today’s lesson. Do not be happy with false assumptions. Consider all thoughts and feelings in favor of or against today’s idea [I MUST LEARN TO GIVE WITH DISCERNMENT]. Begin to observe your own ambitions. Begin to observe how they are born of your fears. Begin to discern how simple it is to follow Knowledge. With simplicity comes power. You must learn discernment. Learning this will take time. In this, you learn to utilize all experiences for good, for no experience should be condemned. It should always be used for learning and preparation. In this way, you will not justify error, but use it for your own development and for the advancement of the world." [76]
Fire
"Wherever you go, whatever you do, the fire of Knowledge is burning within you. Feel it burning. Upon the hour feel it burning. Regardless of what you see and what you think, feel the fire of Knowledge burning.... In your two deeper practice periods re-enter the fire of Knowledge in the sanctuary of Knowledge. Remember that this fire will comfort you and release you." [77]
Fulfillment
"Upon the hour today, repeat today’s idea ['I DO NOT KNOW WHAT FULFILLMENT IS'] and consider it seriously in view of yourself and the world around you. Today, in your two long practice periods, once again spend time seriously considering this idea. Remember to think of your own life in these practice periods and apply today’s idea to the plans that you are aware of concerning your own fulfillment. 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." [18]
Gratitude
"Today in your two deep practice periods, you are asked to think of those people who have given to you, to think of them and nothing else during your period of practice. You are asked to consider very deeply what they have done for you. With those with whom you are angry and upset, try to see how they, too, have given service to you in the reclamation of Knowledge. Do not bear false witness against your feelings, but in spite of your feelings towards them, if there are ill feelings, attempt also to recognize their service to you.... Allow your two practice periods to be quite focused. Concentrate. Use the power of your mind. Think of those individuals who have served you. If individuals come to mind whom you had not considered having served you, think how they have served you as well. Let this day be a day of recognition. Let this be a day of restitution." [78]
"Upon the hour, then, repeat this statement [I WILL REMEMBER THOSE
WHO HAVE GIVEN TO ME TODAY] and take a
moment to recall those who have given to you. Try to think very
carefully of the individuals who have given benefit to you, both by
demonstrating their Wisdom and their error. Think of those who have
illustrated the way to go and the way not to go. As you inquire further
into this in your two longer practice periods today, try to think more
carefully and allow any individual who comes to mind to be the
subject of your investigation. This is an active practice time in your
meditation periods."
[79]
Greatness
"Take this idea with you [that KNOWLEDGE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN I REALIZE] and practice it upon the hour. Keep it in mind throughout the day. In your two longer practice periods, allow yourself to experience the depth of Knowledge. Feel the power of Knowledge. Strengthen your resolve to do so. Dedicate your self-discipline, for here self-discipline is wisely employed. Knowledge is greater than you realize. Therefore, you must learn to receive its greatness." [80]
Honor
"Upon the hour repeat ['I AM HONORED BY GOD'] and consider it seriously. In your two practice periods, allow your mind once again to be still and receptive so that you may learn to receive the honor that God has for you." [81]
Inner listening
"[In] one practice today of 45 minutes ... listen without judgment of yourself, even if the content of your thoughts is disturbing. Even if the content of your thoughts is disagreeable, you must listen without judgment to allow your mind to open." [82]
"Listen for deeper inclinations.
Again you must listen without judgment. You must not edit anything.
You must listen deeply so that you may learn to hear."
[83]
"In ... three 15-minute practice periods, practice
listening to the truth, trying to listen beyond the mind and emotions.
Again do not be concerned if all you hear is the rushing about of your
own thoughts.... [T]his day
practice listening, taking these practice periods to devote yourself so
that you may feel the truth arising within you.
[84]
Intercession
"Think of someone in need and then give them a quality that you wish to receive yourself. Send that individual that quality. Send them love or strength or faith or encouragement or determination or surrender or acceptance or self-discipline—whatever they need to bring about resolution in their lives.” [85]
Objectivity
"Today ask yourself what you really know and distinguish what you know from what you think or hope for or want for yourself or your world, what you are afraid of, what you believe in, what you cherish and what you value. Distinguish this question from all such orientations to the very best of your ability and ask yourself, 'What do I really know?'" [86]
"Today in ... three brief practice periods, in which you
devote your total attention to examining your assumptions, think
about the things you really think you know, including things that you
have not thought to question before—things that you think you know."
[87]
"In ... three practice periods today, think
about this statement [I BELIEVE WHAT I WANT TO BELIEVE]. Examine what you believe and then examine
what you want."
[88]
Poise
"Today think about where you are. If you are not with Knowledge, where are you? Therefore, three times today, 10 minutes each, think about where you are, not just physically or geographically, but where you are in terms of your awareness of yourself in the world. Think very, very carefully. Do not allow your mind to distract you from this orientation." [89]
Potency
"Know that all of your efforts on behalf of Knowledge are supplemented by those who practice with you—those whom you can see and those whom you cannot see. In your deeper practices allow your own self-discipline, which prepares you to enter into stillness and peace, to be supplemented as well." [90]
Presence
"Feel the presence of your teachers today who abide with you and oversee your preparation as a student of Knowledge. Feel their presence today and you will feel your own presence, for you are joined together in this presence that you feel. Remember that you are not alone, and you will not become isolated in your own thoughts.... Allow yourself to experience the presence of love, which is the presence of Knowledge, which is the presence of Wisdom, which is the presence of certainty, which is the source of your purpose, meaning and direction in the world and which contains for you your calling in the world. Come into the proximity and into the experience of this presence in your deeper meditations. Do not neglect this, for here you will experience self-love, self-worth and true inclusion in life.Take this presence with you today and receive this presence in your deeper meditations, and you will know that the presence is with you every day." [91]
"Practice remembering this upon the hour by once again
concentrating on the presence that is with you. You need only relax to
feel it, for it is most certainly with you. In your deeper practices, once
again enter stillness in the sanctuary of Knowledge so that you may
receive this presence and the great confirmation and comfort that it
gives to you. Allow yourself to leave self-doubt and the sense of
unworthiness aside, for these things will be consumed in the fire of
Knowledge and purified from your mind. When this is done, you will
not need to give yourself grandiose ideas of yourself. You will not need
to misrepresent yourself in the attempt to escape your sense of guilt
and inadequacy, for guilt and inadequacy are consumed in the fire of
Knowledge. Therefore, bring all that obstructs your participation and
all fears that haunt and oppress you to the fire of Knowledge so that
they may be consumed. You will sit in front of this fire, and you will
see them being consumed, and you will feel your mind being bathed
and cleansed in the loving fire of Knowledge. The presence is with you
every day. The fire of Knowledge is with you every day."
[92]
Purpose
"In your deeper practice periods today, actively engage your mind to review all of your small personal problems. Review all of the things you think hold you back and all of the things you think you must resolve for yourself. As you look at each one objectively, without denial, remember and remind yourself that a greater calling is given you which will correct these things or make their correction unnecessary. Remind yourself that Knowledge will provide correction at all levels as your life becomes uniform and directed, as your Knowledge begins to emerge and as your true sense of self begins to be recognized and received." [93]
"Upon the hour remind yourself not to define your purpose,
and begin to think of the cost of doing so in terms of your own past
experience."
[14]
Resolution
"What are the behaviors that you engage in now that are not in keeping with your values or your sense of integrity? Write these down and really focus upon them. And see what kind of behaviors or activities can replace these things that would be in keeping with your values and sense of integrity." [94]
Self-trust
"In stillness take refuge in the temple of Knowledge within you. Attempt here to be still and simply feel the power of Knowledge in your life. Bring not your questions, for they will be answered by Knowledge as it emerges within you. Come in openness, seeking relief, seeking comfort, seeking power and seeking certainty. These you will experience because these emanate from the essence of Knowledge within you. Let this day be a day of self-trust and therefore a day of self-love." [8]
Simplicity
"In your two deeper practice periods, abide with Knowledge. Do not attempt to answer your problems, but simply be still and receptive. Knowledge is aware of what things must be addressed and will cast its influence upon you so that you may respond to it and follow its direction. Without continual interference from you, the obvious will arise, and you will learn what to do step by step. Thus it is that you will realize there is a simple answer for all problems that face you." [93]
References
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 185
- ↑ Living The Way of Knowledge, Chapter 6
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 323
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 232
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 243
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 17
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 141
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 316
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 8
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 9
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 269
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 274
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 172
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 134
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 165
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 310
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 230
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 97
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 127
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 152
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Steps to Knowledge, Step 84
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 252
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 294
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 280
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 266
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 322
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 14
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 288
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 282
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 170
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 300
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 309
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 337
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 5
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 219
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 13
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 13
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 317
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 241
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 348
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 66
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 180
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 246
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 221
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 222
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 20
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 89
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 26
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 73
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 77
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 245
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 51
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 87
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 128
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 162
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 226
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 319
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 213
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 193
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 151
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 27
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 228
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 214
- ↑ 65.0 65.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 123
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 293
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 41
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 338
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 1
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 6
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 263
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 171
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 142
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 176
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 19
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 261
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 335
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 86
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 178
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 195
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 103
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 15
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 16
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 17
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 121
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 3
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 4
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 5
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 2
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 233
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 333
- ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 334
- ↑ 93.0 93.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 312
- ↑ Freedom from Addiction and Obsession (January 23, 2009)
Further study
See also
Recommendations for People Everywhere