http://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Society&feedformat=atomNew_Message_from_God_Wiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T14:42:30ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.35.2http://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=3850Main Page2012-08-19T05:17:21Z<p>Society: /* Truths and Teachings */</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, or by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]], [[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]], [[Practices|Other Practices]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
:''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
::[[Muhammad]]<br />
::[[Jesus]]<br />
::[[Buddha]]<br />
::[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of higher purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual practice|Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]]<br />
::[[Steps to Knowledge|Steps]]<br />
::[[Stillness]]<br />
::[[Inner listening]]<br />
::[[Hourly practice]]<br />
::[[Seeing]]<br />
::[[Contemplation]]<br />
::[[Discernment]] and [[Discretion]]<br />
::[[Decision making]]<br />
::[[The Four Pillars of life|4 Pillars]]<br />
::[[The Watchtower]]<br />
::[[Self-Knowledge]]<br />
:[[Invocative Language|Invocations]]<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
==Truths and Teachings==<br />
:[[The wise must remain hidden]]<br />
:[[To Give is to Receive]]<br />
:[[All conflicts in the world are fundamentally conflicts over resources]]<br />
:[[Time equals suffering for those who cannot respond]]<br />
:[[What you affirm for yourself you affirm for all individuals in all worlds]]<br />
<br />
==The New Message Wiki==<br />
[[Editing the wiki]]<br />
<br />
New Message [[Wiki standards]] and [[Talk:Wiki standards|discussion thereof]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=3848Main Page2012-08-19T05:12:13Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, or by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]], [[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]], [[Practices|Other Practices]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
:''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
::[[Muhammad]]<br />
::[[Jesus]]<br />
::[[Buddha]]<br />
::[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of higher purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual practice|Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]]<br />
::[[Steps to Knowledge|Steps]]<br />
::[[Stillness]]<br />
::[[Inner listening]]<br />
::[[Hourly practice]]<br />
::[[Seeing]]<br />
::[[Contemplation]]<br />
::[[Discernment]] and [[Discretion]]<br />
::[[Decision making]]<br />
::[[The Four Pillars of life|4 Pillars]]<br />
::[[The Watchtower]]<br />
::[[Self-Knowledge]]<br />
:[[Invocative Language|Invocations]]<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
==Truths and Teachings==<br />
:[[The wise must remain hidden]]<br />
:[[To give is to receive]]<br />
:[[All conflicts in the world are fundamentally conflicts over resources]]<br />
:[[Time equals suffering for those who cannot respond]]<br />
:[[What you affirm for yourself you affirm for all individuals in all worlds]]<br />
<br />
==The New Message Wiki==<br />
[[Editing the wiki]]<br />
<br />
New Message [[Wiki standards]] and [[Talk:Wiki standards|discussion thereof]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=3847Main Page2012-08-19T05:09:32Z<p>Society: /* Truths and Teachings */</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, or by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]], [[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]], [[Practices|Other Practices]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
:''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
::[[Muhammad]]<br />
::[[Jesus]]<br />
::[[Buddha]]<br />
::[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of higher purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual practice|Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]]<br />
::[[Steps to Knowledge|Steps]]<br />
::[[Stillness]]<br />
::[[Inner listening]]<br />
::[[Hourly practice]]<br />
::[[Seeing]]<br />
::[[Contemplation]]<br />
::[[Discernment]] and [[Discretion]]<br />
::[[Decision making]]<br />
::[[The Four Pillars of life|4 Pillars]]<br />
::[[The Watchtower]]<br />
::[[Self-Knowledge]]<br />
:[[Invocative Language|Invocations]]<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
==Truths and Teachings==<br />
:[[The Wise Must Remain Hidden]]<br />
:[[To Give is To Receive]]<br />
:[[All Conflicts in the world are fundamentally conflicts over resources]]<br />
:[[Time equals suffering]]<br />
:[[What you affirm for yourself you affirm for all individuals in all worlds]]<br />
<br />
==The New Message Wiki==<br />
[[Editing the wiki]]<br />
<br />
New Message [[Wiki standards]] and [[Talk:Wiki standards|discussion thereof]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=3846Main Page2012-08-19T05:07:58Z<p>Society: /* Truths and Teachings */</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, or by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]], [[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]], [[Practices|Other Practices]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
:''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
::[[Muhammad]]<br />
::[[Jesus]]<br />
::[[Buddha]]<br />
::[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of higher purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual practice|Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]]<br />
::[[Steps to Knowledge|Steps]]<br />
::[[Stillness]]<br />
::[[Inner listening]]<br />
::[[Hourly practice]]<br />
::[[Seeing]]<br />
::[[Contemplation]]<br />
::[[Discernment]] and [[Discretion]]<br />
::[[Decision making]]<br />
::[[The Four Pillars of life|4 Pillars]]<br />
::[[The Watchtower]]<br />
::[[Self-Knowledge]]<br />
:[[Invocative Language|Invocations]]<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
==Truths and Teachings==<br />
:[[The Wise Must Remain Hidden]]<br />
:[[To Give is To Receive]]<br />
:[[All Conflicts in the world are fundamentally conflicts over resources]]<br />
:[[Time equals suffering<br />
:[[What you affirm for yourself you affirm for all individuals in all worlds]]<br />
<br />
==The New Message Wiki==<br />
[[Editing the wiki]]<br />
<br />
New Message [[Wiki standards]] and [[Talk:Wiki standards|discussion thereof]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=3843Main Page2012-08-19T04:51:21Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, or by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]], [[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]], [[Practices|Other Practices]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
:''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
::[[Muhammad]]<br />
::[[Jesus]]<br />
::[[Buddha]]<br />
::[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of higher purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual practice|Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]]<br />
::[[Steps to Knowledge|Steps]]<br />
::[[Stillness]]<br />
::[[Inner listening]]<br />
::[[Hourly practice]]<br />
::[[Seeing]]<br />
::[[Contemplation]]<br />
::[[Discernment]] and [[Discretion]]<br />
::[[Decision making]]<br />
::[[The Four Pillars of life|4 Pillars]]<br />
::[[The Watchtower]]<br />
::[[Self-Knowledge]]<br />
:[[Invocative Language|Invocations]]<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
==Truths and Teachings==<br />
:[[The Wise Remain Hidden]]<br />
:[[To Give is to Receive]]<br />
<br />
==The New Message Wiki==<br />
[[Editing the wiki]]<br />
<br />
New Message [[Wiki standards]] and [[Talk:Wiki standards|discussion thereof]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Steps_to_Knowledge_study_group_guidelines&diff=3728Steps to Knowledge study group guidelines2012-06-26T22:35:23Z<p>Society: /* Benedictions */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Meeting in person==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help new students establish a regular Steps practice, deepen and strengthen their practice, learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives, and then be able to move on to continue the Steps practice on their own.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace.<br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole.<br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person needs to be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and logistics. This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator should rotate among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge.<br />
<br />
5. COMMITMENT - All new members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. They should let the facilitator know in advance if they cannot be at a specific meeting. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present. When a student at some point feels it is time to end his or her participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell.<br />
<br />
6. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
7. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, personal issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
8. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even to attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know, and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work.<br />
<br />
9. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary, at least bi-weekly. Consistency enables students to attend regularly and to make the Study Group a part of their lives. If meetings are less frequent, group participation never becomes strong, and people cannot benefit from the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
10. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice.<br />
<br />
11. GUESTS - Often members want to share the study and practice of Steps with others, yet unexpected guests could be inhibiting. Therefore, guest nights can be scheduled upon request, as needed.<br />
<br />
12. FORMAT - Staying with a regular format gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues.<br />
;Here is a sample agenda<br />
:a) Invocation*<br />
:b) Meditation – about 20 minutes<br />
:c) ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]''<br />
::Each person chooses the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example, Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:d) Read and/or discuss a chapter in one of the Books of Knowledge.<br />
:e) Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night.<br />
:g) Benediction*<br />
<br />
==Phone Conferencing==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help students establish a regular Steps practice, to deepen and strengthen their practice and learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace. <br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole. <br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person will be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and agenda (see item 13). This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator will rotate monthly among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge. <br />
<br />
5. CALL SCHEDULING - A designated person will schedule the phone conference through [https://www.freeconference.com/Home.aspx freeconference.com] which provides free phone conferencing services. For simplicity the same person will do the scheduling for each meeting and arrange email notification of time, date, conference phone number and access code to group members. <br />
<br />
6. COMMITMENT - All members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present during the conference call. However, if a member finds it impossible to attend a specific meeting, the group should be notified by email or when enough notice is available, during a meeting. When a student at some point feels it is time to end their participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group during a conference call. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell. <br />
<br />
7. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
8. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, these issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
9. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work. <br />
<br />
10. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary and the group will meet weekly on the established day and time determined by the group. Attending consistency enables students to make the Study Group a part of their lives. This provides strength in Knowledge which people can benefit from and is the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
11. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice. <br />
<br />
12. GUESTS – Due to the nature of a group meeting by phone conference, no quests will be allowed. <br />
<br />
13. FORMAT/MEETING AGENDA - Staying with a regular format and an established agenda gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues. <br />
<br />
;Agenda: Total time – approximately 1.5 hours<br />
:20 or 30 minute meditation prior to phone conference in preparation<br />
:Call in and announce arrival (this can be done up to 10 minutes before start time)<br />
:Invocation* (read by facilitator)<br />
:''[[Steps to Knowledge ]]''<br />
::The facilitator for the month will establish the order in which participants share. (Example: East to West, alphabetical, calling on them, etc)<br />
::Each person shares the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example: Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way has stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:Discuss the assigned reading from the New Message (established at the last meeting by the facilitator for the month). <br />
:Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night. (Contact The Society for instructions) <br />
:Facilitator to announce next week’s reading for discussion.<br />
:Benediction* (read by facilitator)<br />
:End call<br />
<br />
==Possible Invocations & Benedictions== <br />
<br />
<br />
===Invocation===<br />
“Rahn Ekan Novay Trenansa, Misu Veda Maya Toom. Nasi Novare Coram.” TRANSLATION: “We call upon the power of those who have achieved the state of Knowledge within the world and beyond to assist us in this great mission of bringing the Way of Knowledge into the world. The Presence of the Teachers is with us.” <br />
--from Greater Community Services<br />
<br />
===Benedictions===<br />
“Feel the presence of all the Spiritual Families, all the means of God in all worlds, in all places, in all hearts and in all minds. The call of God is Universal. The response is Universal. This is the purpose of life: the call, the response, the expression, the forgiveness, and the return.” “Cay Mavran Tomay Naya Tay. Coma Navran Tay Misu Veda Re Tranan.” TRANSLATION: “Beyond all boundaries of race and tolerance, the Way of Knowledge flows to those who can receive it well.”<br />
--from Greater Community Services<br />
<br />
“Knowledge is the great endowment. It is within me and you today. Knowledge is calling us and the world is calling us. We must prepare. Knowledge is the bridge to the world and to each other. Let us learn to cross over this bridge. We are not alone, and those who are with us have been with us in the past and are with us now. We need them now. And we must call upon them now. For we have come to serve a greater purpose in all of the humble ways that a greater service must be given. This is the blessing of life. This is the calling of life. This is the requirement of life. And this is the gift of life.” <br />
--Prayer at the end of ''Living The Way of Knowledge''<br />
<br />
“The presence of Knowledge throughout the Greater Community invigorates and unites all life and gives purpose and meaning beyond the disassociation of ignorance, hatred and contempt. Let me, then, be a recipient of Knowledge. Let me, then, embody Knowledge. Let me, then, learn to be an expression of Knowledge. Let my mind be illuminated. Let my body be invigorated. Let my relationships be balanced and harmonized. And let the way open before me, for I am ready to begin. Nasi Novare Coram"<br />
--Prayer from ''The Meaning of Christmas''<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Steps_to_Knowledge.html ''Steps to Knowledge''], “Concordance” – ‘Prayers and Invocations’ (the index near the end of the document)</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Steps_to_Knowledge_study_group_guidelines&diff=3727Steps to Knowledge study group guidelines2012-06-26T22:31:57Z<p>Society: /* from Greater Community Services: */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Meeting in person==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help new students establish a regular Steps practice, deepen and strengthen their practice, learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives, and then be able to move on to continue the Steps practice on their own.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace.<br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole.<br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person needs to be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and logistics. This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator should rotate among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge.<br />
<br />
5. COMMITMENT - All new members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. They should let the facilitator know in advance if they cannot be at a specific meeting. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present. When a student at some point feels it is time to end his or her participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell.<br />
<br />
6. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
7. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, personal issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
8. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even to attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know, and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work.<br />
<br />
9. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary, at least bi-weekly. Consistency enables students to attend regularly and to make the Study Group a part of their lives. If meetings are less frequent, group participation never becomes strong, and people cannot benefit from the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
10. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice.<br />
<br />
11. GUESTS - Often members want to share the study and practice of Steps with others, yet unexpected guests could be inhibiting. Therefore, guest nights can be scheduled upon request, as needed.<br />
<br />
12. FORMAT - Staying with a regular format gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues.<br />
;Here is a sample agenda<br />
:a) Invocation*<br />
:b) Meditation – about 20 minutes<br />
:c) ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]''<br />
::Each person chooses the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example, Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:d) Read and/or discuss a chapter in one of the Books of Knowledge.<br />
:e) Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night.<br />
:g) Benediction*<br />
<br />
==Phone Conferencing==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help students establish a regular Steps practice, to deepen and strengthen their practice and learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace. <br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole. <br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person will be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and agenda (see item 13). This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator will rotate monthly among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge. <br />
<br />
5. CALL SCHEDULING - A designated person will schedule the phone conference through [https://www.freeconference.com/Home.aspx freeconference.com] which provides free phone conferencing services. For simplicity the same person will do the scheduling for each meeting and arrange email notification of time, date, conference phone number and access code to group members. <br />
<br />
6. COMMITMENT - All members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present during the conference call. However, if a member finds it impossible to attend a specific meeting, the group should be notified by email or when enough notice is available, during a meeting. When a student at some point feels it is time to end their participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group during a conference call. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell. <br />
<br />
7. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
8. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, these issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
9. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work. <br />
<br />
10. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary and the group will meet weekly on the established day and time determined by the group. Attending consistency enables students to make the Study Group a part of their lives. This provides strength in Knowledge which people can benefit from and is the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
11. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice. <br />
<br />
12. GUESTS – Due to the nature of a group meeting by phone conference, no quests will be allowed. <br />
<br />
13. FORMAT/MEETING AGENDA - Staying with a regular format and an established agenda gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues. <br />
<br />
;Agenda: Total time – approximately 1.5 hours<br />
:20 or 30 minute meditation prior to phone conference in preparation<br />
:Call in and announce arrival (this can be done up to 10 minutes before start time)<br />
:Invocation* (read by facilitator)<br />
:''[[Steps to Knowledge ]]''<br />
::The facilitator for the month will establish the order in which participants share. (Example: East to West, alphabetical, calling on them, etc)<br />
::Each person shares the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example: Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way has stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:Discuss the assigned reading from the New Message (established at the last meeting by the facilitator for the month). <br />
:Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night. (Contact The Society for instructions) <br />
:Facilitator to announce next week’s reading for discussion.<br />
:Benediction* (read by facilitator)<br />
:End call<br />
<br />
==Possible Invocations & Benedictions== <br />
<br />
<br />
===Invocation===<br />
“Rahn Ekan Novay Trenansa, Misu Veda Maya Toom. Nasi Novare Coram.” TRANSLATION: “We call upon the power of those who have achieved the state of Knowledge within the world and beyond to assist us in this great mission of bringing the Way of Knowledge into the world. The Presence of the Teachers is with us.” <br />
--from Greater Community Services<br />
<br />
===Benedictions===<br />
“Feel the presence of all the Spiritual Families, all the means of God in all worlds, in all places, in all hearts and in all minds. The call of God is Universal. The response is Universal. This is the purpose of life: the call, the response, the expression, the forgiveness, and the return.” “Cay Mavran Tomay Naya Tay. Coma Navran Tay Misu Veda Re Tranan.” TRANSLATION: “Beyond all boundaries of race and tolerance, the Way of Knowledge flows to those who can receive it well.”<br />
--from Greater Community Services<br />
<br />
<br />
“Knowledge is the great endowment. It is within me and you today. Knowledge is calling us and the world is calling us. We must prepare. Knowledge is the bridge to the world and to each other. Let us learn to cross over this bridge. We are not alone, and those who are with us have been with us in the past and are with us now. We need them now. And we must call upon them now. For we have come to serve a greater purpose in all of the humble ways that a greater service must be given. This is the blessing of life. This is the calling of life. This is the requirement of life. And this is the gift of life.” <br />
--Prayer at the end of ''Living The Way of Knowledge''<br />
<br />
<br />
“The presence of Knowledge throughout the Greater Community invigorates and unites all life and gives purpose and meaning beyond the disassociation of ignorance, hatred and contempt. Let me, then, be a recipient of Knowledge. Let me, then, embody Knowledge. Let me, then, learn to be an expression of Knowledge. Let my mind be illuminated. Let my body be invigorated. Let my relationships be balanced and harmonized. And let the way open before me, for I am ready to begin. Nasi Novare Coram"<br />
--Prayer from ''The Meaning of Christmas''<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Steps_to_Knowledge.html ''Steps to Knowledge''], “Concordance” – ‘Prayers and Invocations’ (the index near the end of the document)</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Steps_to_Knowledge_study_group_guidelines&diff=3726Steps to Knowledge study group guidelines2012-06-26T22:18:49Z<p>Society: /* Benedictions */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Meeting in person==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help new students establish a regular Steps practice, deepen and strengthen their practice, learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives, and then be able to move on to continue the Steps practice on their own.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace.<br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole.<br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person needs to be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and logistics. This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator should rotate among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge.<br />
<br />
5. COMMITMENT - All new members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. They should let the facilitator know in advance if they cannot be at a specific meeting. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present. When a student at some point feels it is time to end his or her participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell.<br />
<br />
6. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
7. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, personal issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
8. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even to attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know, and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work.<br />
<br />
9. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary, at least bi-weekly. Consistency enables students to attend regularly and to make the Study Group a part of their lives. If meetings are less frequent, group participation never becomes strong, and people cannot benefit from the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
10. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice.<br />
<br />
11. GUESTS - Often members want to share the study and practice of Steps with others, yet unexpected guests could be inhibiting. Therefore, guest nights can be scheduled upon request, as needed.<br />
<br />
12. FORMAT - Staying with a regular format gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues.<br />
;Here is a sample agenda<br />
:a) Invocation*<br />
:b) Meditation – about 20 minutes<br />
:c) ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]''<br />
::Each person chooses the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example, Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:d) Read and/or discuss a chapter in one of the Books of Knowledge.<br />
:e) Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night.<br />
:g) Benediction*<br />
<br />
==Phone Conferencing==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help students establish a regular Steps practice, to deepen and strengthen their practice and learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace. <br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole. <br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person will be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and agenda (see item 13). This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator will rotate monthly among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge. <br />
<br />
5. CALL SCHEDULING - A designated person will schedule the phone conference through [https://www.freeconference.com/Home.aspx freeconference.com] which provides free phone conferencing services. For simplicity the same person will do the scheduling for each meeting and arrange email notification of time, date, conference phone number and access code to group members. <br />
<br />
6. COMMITMENT - All members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present during the conference call. However, if a member finds it impossible to attend a specific meeting, the group should be notified by email or when enough notice is available, during a meeting. When a student at some point feels it is time to end their participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group during a conference call. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell. <br />
<br />
7. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
8. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, these issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
9. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work. <br />
<br />
10. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary and the group will meet weekly on the established day and time determined by the group. Attending consistency enables students to make the Study Group a part of their lives. This provides strength in Knowledge which people can benefit from and is the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
11. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice. <br />
<br />
12. GUESTS – Due to the nature of a group meeting by phone conference, no quests will be allowed. <br />
<br />
13. FORMAT/MEETING AGENDA - Staying with a regular format and an established agenda gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues. <br />
<br />
;Agenda: Total time – approximately 1.5 hours<br />
:20 or 30 minute meditation prior to phone conference in preparation<br />
:Call in and announce arrival (this can be done up to 10 minutes before start time)<br />
:Invocation* (read by facilitator)<br />
:''[[Steps to Knowledge ]]''<br />
::The facilitator for the month will establish the order in which participants share. (Example: East to West, alphabetical, calling on them, etc)<br />
::Each person shares the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example: Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way has stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:Discuss the assigned reading from the New Message (established at the last meeting by the facilitator for the month). <br />
:Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night. (Contact The Society for instructions) <br />
:Facilitator to announce next week’s reading for discussion.<br />
:Benediction* (read by facilitator)<br />
:End call<br />
<br />
==Possible Invocations & Benedictions== <br />
<br />
==from Greater Community Services:==<br />
===Invocation===<br />
“Rahn Ekan Novay Trenansa, Misu Veda Maya Toom. Nasi Novare Coram.” TRANSLATION: “We call upon the power of those who have achieved the state of Knowledge within the world and beyond to assist us in this great mission of bringing the Way of Knowledge into the world. The Presence of the Teachers is with us.”<br />
===Benedictions===<br />
“Feel the presence of all the Spiritual Families, all the means of God in all worlds, in all places, in all hearts and in all minds. The call of God is Universal. The response is Universal. This is the purpose of life: the call, the response, the expression, the forgiveness, and the return.” “Cay Mavran Tomay Naya Tay. Coma Navran Tay Misu Veda Re Tranan.” TRANSLATION: “Beyond all boundaries of race and tolerance, the Way of Knowledge flows to those who can receive it well.”<br />
<br />
::::--Prayer at the end of ''Living The Way of Knowledge'':<br />
“Knowledge is the great endowment. It is within me and you today. Knowledge is calling us and the world is calling us. We must prepare. Knowledge is the bridge to the world and to each other. Let us learn to cross over this bridge. We are not alone, and those who are with us have been with us in the past and are with us now. We need them now. And we must call upon them now. For we have come to serve a greater purpose in all of the humble ways that a greater service must be given. This is the blessing of life. This is the calling of life. This is the requirement of life. And this is the gift of life.”<br />
<br />
::::--Prayer from ''The Meaning of Christmas'' (December 23, 1994):<br />
“The presence of Knowledge throughout the Greater Community invigorates and unites all life and gives purpose and meaning beyond the disassociation of ignorance, hatred and contempt. Let me, then, be a recipient of Knowledge. Let me, then, embody Knowledge. Let me, then, learn to be an expression of Knowledge. Let my mind be illuminated. Let my body be invigorated. Let my relationships be balanced and harmonized. And let the way open before me, for I am ready to begin. Nasi Novare Coram"<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Steps_to_Knowledge.html ''Steps to Knowledge''], “Concordance” – ‘Prayers and Invocations’ (the index near the end of the document)</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Steps_to_Knowledge_study_group_guidelines&diff=3725Steps to Knowledge study group guidelines2012-06-26T22:17:20Z<p>Society: /* See also */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Meeting in person==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help new students establish a regular Steps practice, deepen and strengthen their practice, learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives, and then be able to move on to continue the Steps practice on their own.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace.<br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole.<br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person needs to be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and logistics. This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator should rotate among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge.<br />
<br />
5. COMMITMENT - All new members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. They should let the facilitator know in advance if they cannot be at a specific meeting. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present. When a student at some point feels it is time to end his or her participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell.<br />
<br />
6. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
7. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, personal issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
8. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even to attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know, and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work.<br />
<br />
9. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary, at least bi-weekly. Consistency enables students to attend regularly and to make the Study Group a part of their lives. If meetings are less frequent, group participation never becomes strong, and people cannot benefit from the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
10. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice.<br />
<br />
11. GUESTS - Often members want to share the study and practice of Steps with others, yet unexpected guests could be inhibiting. Therefore, guest nights can be scheduled upon request, as needed.<br />
<br />
12. FORMAT - Staying with a regular format gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues.<br />
;Here is a sample agenda<br />
:a) Invocation*<br />
:b) Meditation – about 20 minutes<br />
:c) ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]''<br />
::Each person chooses the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example, Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:d) Read and/or discuss a chapter in one of the Books of Knowledge.<br />
:e) Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night.<br />
:g) Benediction*<br />
<br />
==Phone Conferencing==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help students establish a regular Steps practice, to deepen and strengthen their practice and learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace. <br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole. <br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person will be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and agenda (see item 13). This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator will rotate monthly among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge. <br />
<br />
5. CALL SCHEDULING - A designated person will schedule the phone conference through [https://www.freeconference.com/Home.aspx freeconference.com] which provides free phone conferencing services. For simplicity the same person will do the scheduling for each meeting and arrange email notification of time, date, conference phone number and access code to group members. <br />
<br />
6. COMMITMENT - All members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present during the conference call. However, if a member finds it impossible to attend a specific meeting, the group should be notified by email or when enough notice is available, during a meeting. When a student at some point feels it is time to end their participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group during a conference call. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell. <br />
<br />
7. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
8. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, these issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
9. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work. <br />
<br />
10. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary and the group will meet weekly on the established day and time determined by the group. Attending consistency enables students to make the Study Group a part of their lives. This provides strength in Knowledge which people can benefit from and is the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
11. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice. <br />
<br />
12. GUESTS – Due to the nature of a group meeting by phone conference, no quests will be allowed. <br />
<br />
13. FORMAT/MEETING AGENDA - Staying with a regular format and an established agenda gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues. <br />
<br />
;Agenda: Total time – approximately 1.5 hours<br />
:20 or 30 minute meditation prior to phone conference in preparation<br />
:Call in and announce arrival (this can be done up to 10 minutes before start time)<br />
:Invocation* (read by facilitator)<br />
:''[[Steps to Knowledge ]]''<br />
::The facilitator for the month will establish the order in which participants share. (Example: East to West, alphabetical, calling on them, etc)<br />
::Each person shares the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example: Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way has stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:Discuss the assigned reading from the New Message (established at the last meeting by the facilitator for the month). <br />
:Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night. (Contact The Society for instructions) <br />
:Facilitator to announce next week’s reading for discussion.<br />
:Benediction* (read by facilitator)<br />
:End call<br />
<br />
==Possible Invocations & Benedictions== <br />
<br />
==from Greater Community Services:==<br />
===Invocation===<br />
“Rahn Ekan Novay Trenansa, Misu Veda Maya Toom. Nasi Novare Coram.” TRANSLATION: “We call upon the power of those who have achieved the state of Knowledge within the world and beyond to assist us in this great mission of bringing the Way of Knowledge into the world. The Presence of the Teachers is with us.”<br />
===Benedictions===<br />
“Feel the presence of all the Spiritual Families, all the means of God in all worlds, in all places, in all hearts and in all minds. The call of God is Universal. The response is Universal. This is the purpose of life: the call, the response, the expression, the forgiveness, and the return.” “Cay Mavran Tomay Naya Tay. Coma Navran Tay Misu Veda Re Tranan.” TRANSLATION: “Beyond all boundaries of race and tolerance, the Way of Knowledge flows to those who can receive it well.”<br />
<br />
::::--Prayer at the end of ''Living The Way of Knowledge'':<br />
“Knowledge is the great endowment. It is within me and you today. Knowledge is calling us and the world is calling us. We must prepare. Knowledge is the bridge to the world and to each other. Let us learn to cross over this bridge. We are not alone, and those who are with us have been with us in the past and are with us now. We need them now. And we must call upon them now. For we have come to serve a greater purpose in all of the humble ways that a greater service must be given. This is the blessing of life. This is the calling of life. This is the requirement of life. And this is the gift of life.”<br />
<br />
::::--Prayer from ''The Meaning of Christmas'' (December 23, 1994):<br />
“The presence of Knowledge throughout the Greater Community invigorates and unites all life and gives purpose and meaning beyond the disassociation of ignorance, hatred and contempt. Let me, then, be a recipient of Knowledge. Let me, then, embody Knowledge. Let me, then, learn to be an expression of Knowledge. Let my mind be illuminated. Let my body be invigorated. Let my relationships be balanced and harmonized. And let the way open before me, for I am ready to begin. Nasi Novare Coram"<br />
<br />
<br />
[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Steps_to_Knowledge.html ''Steps to Knowledge''], “Concordance” – ‘Prayers and Invocations’ (the index near the end of the document)</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Steps_to_Knowledge_study_group_guidelines&diff=3724Steps to Knowledge study group guidelines2012-06-26T22:06:14Z<p>Society: /* Possible Invocations & Benedictions from Greater Community Services */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Meeting in person==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help new students establish a regular Steps practice, deepen and strengthen their practice, learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives, and then be able to move on to continue the Steps practice on their own.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace.<br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole.<br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person needs to be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and logistics. This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator should rotate among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge.<br />
<br />
5. COMMITMENT - All new members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. They should let the facilitator know in advance if they cannot be at a specific meeting. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present. When a student at some point feels it is time to end his or her participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell.<br />
<br />
6. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
7. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, personal issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
8. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even to attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know, and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work.<br />
<br />
9. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary, at least bi-weekly. Consistency enables students to attend regularly and to make the Study Group a part of their lives. If meetings are less frequent, group participation never becomes strong, and people cannot benefit from the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
10. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice.<br />
<br />
11. GUESTS - Often members want to share the study and practice of Steps with others, yet unexpected guests could be inhibiting. Therefore, guest nights can be scheduled upon request, as needed.<br />
<br />
12. FORMAT - Staying with a regular format gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues.<br />
;Here is a sample agenda<br />
:a) Invocation*<br />
:b) Meditation – about 20 minutes<br />
:c) ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]''<br />
::Each person chooses the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example, Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:d) Read and/or discuss a chapter in one of the Books of Knowledge.<br />
:e) Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night.<br />
:g) Benediction*<br />
<br />
==Phone Conferencing==<br />
<br />
1. PURPOSE - The primary purpose of the group is to help students establish a regular Steps practice, to deepen and strengthen their practice and learn how to apply Knowledge in their daily lives.<br />
<br />
2. PACE - Since the Steps journey is a very mysterious, individual and organic process, it is essential that each student move at his or her own pace. Sometimes it is necessary to spend more than a day on a particular Step. Attempting to do each Step in sync with another student or with the whole group stifles this process and can constrain the experience of Knowledge. It takes an average of one and a half years to complete Steps to Knowledge once, and a lifetime to learn its lessons, so find your own pace. <br />
<br />
3. GROUP IDENTITY - Beware of falling into group identity. The first relationship is to the practice and to Knowledge. A study group should not replace this relationship because the group is not the focus. There may come a point when the group will end as a whole. <br />
<br />
4. FACILITATION - One person will be recognized by and responsible to the group for the meetings' format and agenda (see item 13). This keeps the group focused and organized. The role of facilitator will rotate monthly among the members, giving everyone the opportunity to serve. Regardless of the length of time each member has been a Steps student, all are beginning students of Knowledge. <br />
<br />
5. CALL SCHEDULING - A designated person will schedule the phone conference through [https://www.freeconference.com/Home.aspx freeconference.com] which provides free phone conferencing services. For simplicity the same person will do the scheduling for each meeting and arrange email notification of time, date, conference phone number and access code to group members. <br />
<br />
6. COMMITMENT - All members are asked to make a three-month commitment to be in the Study Group. To have a strong and meaningful group, everyone needs to be present during the conference call. However, if a member finds it impossible to attend a specific meeting, the group should be notified by email or when enough notice is available, during a meeting. When a student at some point feels it is time to end their participation and practice Steps independently, it is encouraged that they state their intention to the group during a conference call. This demonstrates respect for the group and offers everyone an opportunity to practice Inner Listening, to experience closure and to say farewell. <br />
<br />
7. FOCUS - The first job of everyone in the Study Group is to practice the Steps as they are given in Steps to Knowledge. People may come to a group for community and relationship. As important as these social needs are, the main task of everyone present is to follow the practices in Steps. This focus gets lost when personal issues and logistical problems divert or weaken the group's concentration. Economy of speech when sharing is essential. It is important for students to be open, honest and supportive of each other's progress, yet it is more important to create an environment for Knowledge to emerge.<br />
<br />
8. INTERPERSONAL ISSUES - Keep interpersonal issues from dominating the Study Group. Personal issues do come up and managing them may be a challenge. When the focus of the group is maintained, however, these issues can be effectively addressed.<br />
<br />
9. FEEDBACK - It can be very tempting for members to give each other feedback or even attempt to solve each other's problems in the group. When this happens, the Study Group becomes a therapy group, which is not its purpose. Let Steps be the therapist. Everyone is in the group to learn from Steps and to strengthen the ability to see, to know and to act with wisdom in their daily lives. The facilitator must keep this focus. Learning to share and listen to others without cross-talk or trying to fix or rescue others is an important skill. Let the Teaching do the work. <br />
<br />
10. MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings are necessary and the group will meet weekly on the established day and time determined by the group. Attending consistency enables students to make the Study Group a part of their lives. This provides strength in Knowledge which people can benefit from and is the primary purpose of the Study Group.<br />
<br />
11. GROUP SIZE - Three to eight members are optimal. Yet, since there are students of Knowledge all over the world who must practice alone, it is of great benefit if even two committed students are able to form a Study Group to support one another’s practice. <br />
<br />
12. GUESTS – Due to the nature of a group meeting by phone conference, no quests will be allowed. <br />
<br />
13. FORMAT/MEETING AGENDA - Staying with a regular format and an established agenda gives everyone certainty about what they are doing and keeps the group from drifting or becoming bogged down in personal or other issues. <br />
<br />
;Agenda: Total time – approximately 1.5 hours<br />
:20 or 30 minute meditation prior to phone conference in preparation<br />
:Call in and announce arrival (this can be done up to 10 minutes before start time)<br />
:Invocation* (read by facilitator)<br />
:''[[Steps to Knowledge ]]''<br />
::The facilitator for the month will establish the order in which participants share. (Example: East to West, alphabetical, calling on them, etc)<br />
::Each person shares the Step which has had the most impact on them since the last meeting. For example: Which Step has challenged you? Clarified something for you? Moved you to act on something? Or in any way has stopped you in your tracks and gotten your attention? This should be done without interruption or feedback from others.<br />
:Discuss the assigned reading from the New Message (established at the last meeting by the facilitator for the month). <br />
:Once the group is established, try to schedule a Four-Pillars Practice night. (Contact The Society for instructions) <br />
:Facilitator to announce next week’s reading for discussion.<br />
:Benediction* (read by facilitator)<br />
:End call<br />
<br />
==Possible Invocations & Benedictions== <br />
<br />
==from Greater Community Services:==<br />
===Invocation===<br />
“Rahn Ekan Novay Trenansa, Misu Veda Maya Toom. Nasi Novare Coram.” TRANSLATION: “We call upon the power of those who have achieved the state of Knowledge within the world and beyond to assist us in this great mission of bringing the Way of Knowledge into the world. The Presence of the Teachers is with us.”<br />
===Benedictions===<br />
“Feel the presence of all the Spiritual Families, all the means of God in all worlds, in all places, in all hearts and in all minds. The call of God is Universal. The response is Universal. This is the purpose of life: the call, the response, the expression, the forgiveness, and the return.” “Cay Mavran Tomay Naya Tay. Coma Navran Tay Misu Veda Re Tranan.” TRANSLATION: “Beyond all boundaries of race and tolerance, the Way of Knowledge flows to those who can receive it well.”<br />
<br />
::::--Prayer at the end of ''Living The Way of Knowledge'':<br />
“Knowledge is the great endowment. It is within me and you today. Knowledge is calling us and the world is calling us. We must prepare. Knowledge is the bridge to the world and to each other. Let us learn to cross over this bridge. We are not alone, and those who are with us have been with us in the past and are with us now. We need them now. And we must call upon them now. For we have come to serve a greater purpose in all of the humble ways that a greater service must be given. This is the blessing of life. This is the calling of life. This is the requirement of life. And this is the gift of life.”<br />
<br />
::::--Prayer from ''The Meaning of Christmas'' (December 23, 1994):<br />
“The presence of Knowledge throughout the Greater Community invigorates and unites all life and gives purpose and meaning beyond the disassociation of ignorance, hatred and contempt. Let me, then, be a recipient of Knowledge. Let me, then, embody Knowledge. Let me, then, learn to be an expression of Knowledge. Let my mind be illuminated. Let my body be invigorated. Let my relationships be balanced and harmonized. And let the way open before me, for I am ready to begin. Nasi Novare Coram"<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Steps_to_Knowledge.html ''Steps to Knowledge''], “Concordance” – ‘Prayers and Invocations’ (the index near the end of the document)</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Freedom&diff=3100Quotes About Freedom2012-02-08T21:55:04Z<p>Society: /* Short Quotes */</p>
<hr />
<div>== In the Greater Community ==<br />
"[In the Greater Community], freedom itself is rare.... Free nations in regions of space such as the one in which your world exists remain largely self-sufficient or will only trade to a limited degree with one another. They will seek to be very discreet, for free societies in the Universe do not coexist well with those that are not."<br />
<ref name="emerge">Humanity’s Emergence into the Greater Community (July 19, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Knowledge must come forth in your life as an individual and must become stronger in the human family. This is the requirement of freedom in the Universe."<br />
<ref name="emerge"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"For the power of freedom and the power of God are the same. Here and everywhere in the Universe. And here and everywhere in the Universe, freedom must be protected and nurtured and supported. For everywhere in life, it is challenged. It is a gift. And it is a gift that you as an individual and you as a member of a Spiritual Family must advocate for, preserve and protect."<br />
<ref>Resisting the Intervention (September 10, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Beyond this solar system... war and conflict have been suppressed, and freedom is rare within this larger arena of life."<br />
<ref name="contact">Contact with Intelligent Life in the Universe (October 1, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"To be free in the universe you must be self-sufficient, you must be united and you must be very discreet. Those are the requirements that every nation, every world, every race must establish in a Greater Community of life. Here you can see the danger and the seduction of humanity receiving technology and resources from beyond the world. What a great attraction that would be! What a great seduction that is! Once you lose your self-sufficiency, everything is lost that you value, for you will not be able to establish the terms of engagement to gain access to those things upon which you have now become dependent. Other nations will determine your behavior and your participation. It is a fact of life." <br />
<ref name="enter">Entering the Greater Community (May 27, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"[In the competitive environment of The Greater Community] you would find it to be very difficult to maintain whatever degree of freedom you have established thus far in the world, for free races do not coexist well with races that are not free, with other governments that do not value individual freedom. And there would be great pressure from the outside for you not only to restrict this freedom, but to eliminate it altogether."<br />
<ref name="contact"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"Freedom is difficult. It tends to be disorderly. It does not have the kind of stability that other races have acquired through dominance and control. But freedom is more important. It is more significant. It is more creative. And it is more beneficial."<br />
<ref name="contact"/><br />
<br />
<br />
== On Earth ==<br />
===Directives===<br />
"Humanity must regain its confidence. It must regain the power and the presence of Knowledge. It must unite for its own survival and well-being. And it must cultivate individual freedom here and face the challenge of living within the environmental constraints of this world. If you can do this, you have a greater future in the universe."<br />
<ref name="contact"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"If humanity does not preserve its freedom, it will be lost. If you cannot recognize you are facing competition from beyond the world, this presence and this power will gain ever-greater strength and persuasion here."<br />
<ref>Resisting the Intervention (September 10, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
===Short Quotes===<br />
"Your freedom is precious, to whatever extent it has been established in the world. It has been gained through great effort and human sacrifice. It must be protected with great vigilance."<br />
<ref name="enter"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"Humanity does not realize what will be required for it to build and maintain its freedom and sovereignty in this world. It is a very critical problem that very few people are aware of."<br />
<ref name="contact"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"Humanity is facing the loss of its freedom and sovereignty in this world to intervening forces from the Universe."<br />
<ref>The Proclamation (July 7, 2006)</ref><br />
<br />
"Life does not give you freedom. It gives you the chance for freedom."<br />
<ref> The Great Calling (March 22,2000)</ref><br />
<br />
===Long Quotes===<br />
"Everyone who is born into the world is on this freedom journey. Yet most people cannot go very far because of oppressive circumstances. Political oppression, extreme poverty, deaden the spirit, deaden the soul. They are struggling to have the simple and basic things of life, and this occupies all of their time and energy."<br />
<ref name="free">The Freedom Journey (March 2, 2011) </ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Your freedom ... will come under increasing challenge by those who seek to gain access to this world and by the reality of your own circumstances here on Earth. The governments of the world apparently have not recognized this and have not prepared their people accordingly. The religious institutions have not recognized this and are not preparing their people accordingly. Instead, humanity continues in its desperate struggle with itself—for wealth, for power, for dominance, for righteousness, for hostility and for revenge."<br />
<ref>A New Way Forward for Humanity (December 31, 2006 )</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Your allies will not interfere because they realize that if they interfere, they will have to manipulate your perception and your understanding. In order for you even to act correctly, they would have to manipulate you. They would have to control you. And this they will not do because they are freedom-loving races. They know, through the lessons of life in the universe, that the attempt to control the future and destiny of another world will require subjugation. And this they will not do. Free races in your local universe are rare, and they must remain discreet."<br />
<ref name="contact"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"There are many races today who are watching humanity—waiting for an opportunity to gain advantage here, waiting for an opportunity to gain access to this world’s immense biological resources, waiting for an opportunity for humanity to be in a state of desperation where such influences will have tremendous impact. This is the greatest threat to humanity’s freedom and future."<ref>*The New Message on the Environment (December 15, 2006)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
== For the Individual ==<br />
===Short Quotes===<br />
"Spirituality is fundamentally a quest for freedom—freedom from certain things and freedom for certain things."<br />
<ref name="free"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"It is a very, very courageous thing to do to gain your freedom. You do not live in a free world and you are not a free person. Not really."<ref name="take">*Taking the Steps to Knowledge (April 21, 2000)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Personal freedom is valuable only in that it gives you this opportunity to find Knowledge."<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]]'' vol. I, chap. 7, p. 86</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Your greatest responsibility is to the Knowledge that God has placed within you to respond to, to follow and to express. This is an unparalleled freedom, but it requires great inner strength and forbearance."<br />
<ref name="build">Building a Bridge to a New Life (February 25, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"The Way of Knowledge and the power of Knowledge in the individual ... is the source of your freedom. More than anything else it will enable you to see, to know and to have the strength to act on your own behalf in the face of other intervening forces."<br />
<ref name="contact"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"Freedom is looked upon fearfully by those who are not free. It is looked on with suspicion by those who are still a slave to their own mind, a slave to their fear, a slave to their cultural conditioning, a slave to their weakness."<br />
<ref>New Year's Message 2010 (December 27, 2009)</ref><br />
<br />
===Long Quotes===<br />
"If you are discontented with your life as it is, then you will have an incentive for Knowledge. You will want to find freedom and purpose. Yet if you still think that your life is fine, and you are comfortable with it up to a point, then Knowledge will seem like a great threat. You will avoid it, which is tragic, because you will be avoiding yourself. You will be avoiding your deepest feelings, your emotional honesty, your integrity and your deepest and most fundamental values. This is why people are strangers to themselves. They are identified with things on the outside, but they have very little relationship with themselves on the inside. They are not free. They are not free to be who they are, what they are and to follow their deepest inclination. Even if they are free on the outside and have political and social freedom of movement, which is rare in the world, this freedom does not reach to the depths of their own nature. And so they are not free."<br />
<ref>The First Commitment (September 25, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Many of your thoughts will have to be reconsidered. Many of your firmly held beliefs will have to be questioned and in some cases even set aside. This is the price of freedom. This is the price one pays for having the opportunity to live a greater life, an authentic life, a life that is in keeping with Knowledge within themselves, a life that fulfills the destiny that they were sent into the world to fulfill."<br />
<ref name="build"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"Humanity must regain its confidence. It must regain the power and the presence of Knowledge. It must unite for its own survival and well-being. And it must cultivate individual freedom here and face the challenge of living within the environmental constraints of this world."<br />
<ref name="contact"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"To break out of the personal hell of isolation, to break out of the domination of the mind and the domination of your social conditioning, represents freedom in the most fundamental way! For you can be free in the world, but if you are not free inside, well, you cannot really take advantage of your external freedom. Look about you in the world. People seem to be free, relatively speaking, compared to, say, other people in the world. And look what they do with their freedom. They become lost in addictions, they make horrendous mistakes in their relationships, they abuse themselves physically and emotionally.... Even within yourself, you know you are not free. Freedom is not simply having no obligations in life or not being accountable to anyone. Freedom really in its greatest and most real sense is the ability to find and to follow Knowledge because here you are finally free to do what you came here to do, which is the source of all real integrity and satisfaction."<br />
<ref name="take"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"There are people who are freedom oriented and there are people who are control oriented, and the control oriented are afraid of freedom, and they are afraid of Mystery because they do not believe in the essential goodness of the human spirit. They have lost their faith in humanity and have placed all their faith in their ideology and their prescriptions that they believe have come from God. But God has only given recommendations through the great Teachers, not rules—recommendations for living, guidelines for living to help people orient their lives correctly and productively and beneficially."<br />
<ref>The New Message on Religion (July 20, 2009)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Do not call chaos freedom, for this is not freedom. Do not think because others do not limit you that you are in an exalted state. Realize that your freedom is to enable you to find your purpose and to fulfill it.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 94</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“If you are not free to follow Knowledge, then you are a slave to other forces. You can escape slavery, but you must exercise great strength and determination to do it. You must face discomfort, for when you break the laws of manipulation, you will feel fear because fear is what governs them. Beyond this fear, there is freedom and release.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 27</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“What is worth protecting if it denies you your freedom? What is worth having if it binds you and bonds you to the past? Who is worth being with if all that they can do is remind you that you are weak and pathetic and unable to follow what you know? These are all valid questions. The impediments to freedom are still greatly valued, and freedom is looked at with anxiety and uncertainty. Your prison cell door is open and has been all along. But are you willing to venture out of the seeming security of your bondage?”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 46</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“What is freedom except the ability to unite with who you are and why you are here? The inability to do this represents the lack of freedom in all of its manifestations.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 67</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“When we speak of freedom, we mean the freedom to be what you are, to follow what you know, and to give what you came here to give. This is a definition of freedom in the more ultimate sense.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 68</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You lose your freedom every day when you lose contact with Knowledge, when you are lost to yourself, when you act in such a way that betrays your true understanding, when you say things you don’t mean to say and do things you don’t really intend to do and when you follow others mindlessly out of fear and concern.”<br />
<br />
“If it is genuine, freedom brings with it responsibility, a commitment to give, accountability to others and a dedication to service. Freedom without these things is not freedom. It is avoidance. It is true freedom that must be protected and preserved. You lose your freedom every day when you lose contact with Knowledge, when you are lost to yourself.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 69</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Freedom is a state of no-choice. Now you are dealing with what is unequivocal and absolutely vital; you are not dealing with casual choices. Life is vital every moment. If you are entertaining choices, you can be certain you have not arrived at Knowledge in that situation.”<br />
<br />
“Your only real freedom is the freedom to live your purpose. Freedom without purpose is chaos. It is living aimlessly without direction, with only your fears for survival, your wants and your desires to motivate you. It is a very desperate situation.”<br />
<br />
“To give up your personal freedom is to reclaim God and all your real power. Your personal freedom is driving you crazy.”<br />
<br />
“Freedom is the great reason people will not accept God, and yet God gives you freedom and power of such magnitude that you could not give it to yourself meaningfully. God gives you responsibility so that you may reclaim your power and value yourself. You cannot come closer to God unless you have this value. You cannot be a little crumb and go to God. God does not know you as a little crumb. God knows you as a magnificent creation. You cannot go to God all self-inflated with a big name tag saying, “I am a magnificent creation!” and be a little crumb inside, either. You must go to God as God made you, not as you made yourself.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 7</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Why do people destroy all that they have created that makes them so secure? Because it is imprisoning them, and they cannot stand it anymore. They would rather start all over again. So if your own stability begins to eliminate your possibility for progress, you will destroy it. You will destroy your financial state, your health, your relationships—whatever seems to be infringing upon you.”<br />
<br />
“What is the value of freedom if there is no purpose? It is only license to be chaotic. But the true meaning of freedom is so true purpose may continue to be discovered and expressed. To have this freedom, you must learn to live in Knowledge and use Knowledge.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 8</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You do not know what to do with your freedom. God is not interfering. You can do anything here, but very few people know what to do with their freedom. It is very sad because you have may everything and you are still empty. Your true desire inside has not been quenched.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 11</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You must all become followers because you all are followers. There are no leaders in the world. Those who appear to be leaders are either following Knowledge or they are following their ambitions. They are bound to what they follow. There is no freedom except following the right calling.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 15</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“What keeps people from being free is not their external circumstances. It is their own mind and their own thoughts. They are prisoners to their thoughts. They cannot stop watching their thoughts. It is as if you were watching a movie on a screen and you could never tear yourself away. The screen then becomes ever more real to you, for you have no contrast. You have no experience to remind you that it is just a movie you are watching.”<br />
<br />
“Freedom without purpose is quite meaningless. What is the value of freedom if there is no purpose? It is only license to be chaotic. But the true meaning of freedom is so that true purpose may continue to be discovered and expressed. To have this freedom, you must learn to live in Knowledge and to use Knowledge. If you do not use Knowledge, you will only have your thoughts to guide you, and they are remarkably chaotic. They are so temporary, sporadic and conflicted that they make a very poor guide for you.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 20</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Finally you can see. Finally you can know. Finally your eyes are clear. Finally you are no longer intoxicated by people, by images or by ideas. Your mind becomes free and open to think, to rethink, to renew itself, to adapt itself and to refocus itself. What a great freedom this is!”<br />
<ref>''[[Living The Way of Knowledge]]'', Chapter 3</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You are needed in the world. It is time to prepare. It is time to become focused and determined. There is no escape from this, for only those who are developed in The Way of Knowledge will have capability in the future and will be able to maintain their freedom in a Mental Environment that will be increasingly influenced by the Greater Community.”<br />
<ref>''[[Living The Way of Knowledge]]'', Chapter 5</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Freedom is not a right in the universe. It is a privilege and a luxury. Your values may argue with this, but your expectations eventually must conform to the real circumstances of life. Individual freedom is extremely valuable, but it is not guaranteed, and you cannot claim it as a right. You will be shocked to find, as you begin to learn about and even experience the Greater Community in which you live, how rare freedom really is.”<br />
<ref>The Reality and Spirituality of ''[[Life in the Universe]]'', Chapter 8</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“The problems that you face in this world are the same problems that individuals in all worlds face. The need for freedom is a need that is experienced everywhere—the freedom to think, the freedom to act, the freedom to move around, the freedom to discern one’s own inner direction, the freedom to pursue that direction, the freedom to create, the freedom to discover one’s greater purpose and to express that purpose, without oppression, without condemnation and without subjugation.”<br />
<ref>The Reality and Spirituality of ''[[Life in the Universe]]'',Chapter 12</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You can never take your freedom for granted in the universe. Freedom is a privilege and not merely a right. It must be built with strength and wisdom, and it must be protected with vigilance, always.”<br />
<ref>''[[The Allies of Humanity]] Book Three''</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You cannot give up your spiritual reality to become a completely worldly person, or you will never have a real sense of your life and destiny. And you will never understand or be able to experience consistently the greater purpose that has brought you here. You will make all your decisions based upon your ideas or the ideas of your culture, and you will be bound and chained to your culture. It, more than you, will dictate who you are with and what you will do, what you will value and what you will avoid. You will not be a free person, even if you live in a free nation.”<br />
<ref>The Mystery (June 8, 2010)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“To Knowledge, wealth, beauty and power mean nothing, and to be free of these seductions is to have a freedom in life that is so unparalleled. When you are free like this, everyone else will look like they are in chains, slaves. And whether the chains are made of iron or made of gold, they are all the same.”<br />
<ref>The First Commitment (September 25, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Knowledge will guide you to take certain actions. You must be free to take these actions.<br />
Knowledge will reveal certain things to you about yourself and the people around you. You must be free to consider these things and to respond.<br />
Knowledge will take you to certain places. You must be free to go there.<br />
Knowledge will build real relationships with people who have great promise for you. You must be free to participate there.<br />
Knowledge will take you out of situations that are unhealthy or that have no future. You must be free to withdraw.<br />
Knowledge will ask you to wait. You must have the freedom to wait.<br />
Knowledge will require forbearance. You must be able to practice forbearance.<br />
Knowledge will require real discernment and the development of discernment on your part. You must be free to undertake this development.<br />
Knowledge will require that you be discreet and not talk foolishly or mindlessly. You must gain the freedom and the strength to do this.<br />
Knowledge will require that you face the world and the Great Waves of change that are coming to humanity. You must have the freedom and the courage to do this.<br />
All of these freedoms require breaking away from certain things and building other things. They require a thousand little liberations and new beginnings in every aspect of your life.”<br />
<br />
“Spirituality is fundamentally a quest for freedom—freedom from certain things and freedom for certain things. Seen in this way, the picture becomes more complete. For you have a greater destiny in the world, a greater purpose for being here, a purpose that you are not living now, despite your definitions and proclamations. It is to free you from the life that you are living now to prepare you for a greater life in service to the world that represents the core and essence of all spiritual development.”<br />
<ref name="free"/><br />
<br />
"Whatever form the desire for freedom takes, it is universal, both within this world and within the Greater Community of worlds in the Universe around you. Beyond meeting certain basic requirements of life, freedom represents a deeper need of the soul, and this deeper need expresses itself through a person’s understanding—through their ideas and associations. But the pure impulse comes from deeper within them, beyond the realm of the intellect or intellectual understanding."<br />
<ref name="nmof">The New Message on Freedom (February 23, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
"Ultimately, freedom has to do with why you are in the world and what brought you into the world. You are not here by accident. You did not simply wash up on the shore one day. You are not simply just a product of the mechanisms of nature. You have come here for a greater purpose. You have come here to do something unique and special. You were sent into the world to make a contribution to the world, to the quality of life, and ultimately your freedom is about this."<br />
<ref name="nmof"/><br />
<br />
"There must be a fundamental shift in your understanding of freedom. Said most simply, your freedom here is to find your purpose and to fulfill it. All of the other freedoms that you seek—the freedom for stability, the freedom for certainty, the freedom to find the truth out about your life, the freedom to think, the freedom to feel, the freedom to know, the freedom to express yourself, the freedom to go where you need to go, the freedom to become educated, even the freedom to survive, are for this greater purpose. If you take the desire for freedom to its full expression, if you take it down to its absolute foundation, it is about this.<br />
<br />
To finally come to this realization after you have tasted the pleasures and the sorrows of this world, after you have tried to fulfill yourself with people and places and activities and holidays and hobbies and sports and every other form of distraction that may be available to you—when you finally come to yourself, whether it be from a great disappointment or a sudden realization or a lucid moment in your hectic life, when you finally come to this, you will realize there is a greater need within you and that it cannot be fulfilled by all the desperate attempts at happiness that everyone around you is attempting and committing themselves to."<br />
<ref name="nmof"/><br />
<br />
"There is a way to Knowledge. The way will save you time because you need to save time now. You are needed in the world, and your preparation must become accelerated. You do not now have the luxury of endless exploration and diversion, for the world needs you. It is emerging into the Greater Community. This is not a time to fiddle with your mind or your emotions or play around with different therapies or modalities because The Way of Knowledge is being offered to you. You are needed in the world. It is time to prepare. It is time to become focused and determined. There is no escape from this, for only those who are developed in The Way of Knowledge will have capability in the future and will be able to maintain their freedom in a Mental Environment that will be increasingly influenced by the Greater Community."<br />
<ref>''[[Living The Way of Knowledge]]'', Chapter 6</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
[[Freedom from the Past]]<br />
<br />
[[Free Will]]<br />
<br />
[[category:the Intervention]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Children&diff=2996Quotes About Children2012-01-18T02:14:43Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Directives==<br />
"The most difficult thing in the early stages is people’s obligation to others,<br />
to their friends, their family. The only exception to this obligation is the<br />
raising of your children, which you must do until they reach adulthood. But<br />
to all others, your relationship is now put into doubt. There are circumstances<br />
where you will have to care for an elderly or infirm parent, and that<br />
is appropriate. But beyond this, you are building your allegiance to God, and<br />
that will challenge your allegiance to others and their hold upon you."<br />
<ref name="babtanl">Building a Bridge to a New Life (February 25, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Tell your children that there is a Greater Power within them that will guide and protect them if they listen. Share with them your insights."<br />
<ref name="babtanl"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"Teach your children the<br />
power and the presence of Knowledge within themselves and<br />
the great dangers of self-deception and social manipulation."<br />
<ref>''[[The Great Waves of Change]]'', Chapter 14</ref><br />
==Short Quotes==<br />
<br />
"Many of the greatest contributors to humanity were born under very unpleasant or impoverished circumstances. Often they were not the children of loving and protective parents."<br />
<ref name="hr">Healing Relationships (September 9, 2008)</ref><br />
==Long Quotes==<br />
<br />
It is incredible that people have not been encouraged as children to develop this looking and listening ability. This is a critical part of your child’s development. Developing discretion and discernment is so important, and yet it is not part of children’s curriculum. They are being prepared to have overworked minds like their parents, to be constantly exhausted by having the mind try to consider so many things and do so many things and plan so many things. Children are naturally observant, but this is schooled right out of them. Children are naturally inquisitive, but this somehow becomes lost in their education as they are demanded to think and to recite and to believe and to analyze. It is important to learn these things to a certain point, but not to dominate your mind and life.<br />
Relationships and the Mental Environment, Chapter 2, Paying Attention<br />
<br />
"Much of what holds people back in life is their unresolved feelings and judgments regarding their relationships, even relationships in the distant past. These feelings and judgments act as a kind of dam, holding people’s feelings back, arresting them in place, influencing their perception of other people and disabling them from being able to be emotionally open and accessible to their children and to other people....<br />
People carry this restraint into their parenting of their own children—keeping them distant from their children, disabling them from empathizing with their children. And they often end up acting like their own parents, reflecting their experience of parenting in their own childhood, carrying this forward now inappropriately with their own children, often subjecting their children to anger and harshness and emotional distance. It is a fundamental problem in human relationships, and it is not a problem that is unknown to people. It has become the focus for much therapy and mental health."<br />
<ref name="hr"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"For parents everywhere, it is important over time, instead of casting expectations and demands on the performance of their children, they should look to see what signs are being given to them from their children about their children’s inclinations and strengths, weaknesses and natural abilities. Sometimes this cannot be discerned until a person reaches young adulthood. But to give a young person the encouragement and to teach them to learn the Way of Knowledge so they can gain access to this great intelligence that God has given them is perhaps the greatest gift a parent can give a child beyond providing for their basic material needs."<br />
<ref>The Age of Women (November 14, 2007)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"After your day of hard labor, you come back and you learn to still your mind and to listen. Here you are not simply asking God for things. You are learning to receive. It is difficult at first because the condition of your mind is so aggravated, is under so much pressure, is so consumed with trying to offset the effects of poverty and oppression that at first it seems almost impossible. But like all accomplishments, it takes time, patience and daily application. Even if you are living in a refugee camp or a slum of a city, you have the opportunity to develop an inner life and to teach this to your children."<br />
<ref>The New Message for the Impoverished and Oppressed (April 18, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"Knowledge within you will not condemn the world. It is only here to activate a certain kind of change in the world. The more you become like Knowledge within yourself, the more you will benefit from its immense strength and fearlessness and power and effectiveness.<br />
<ref name="tnmfyp">The New Message for Young People (Aug 18, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
These are all recommendations for young people, but they apply to people of all ages. These are things you should teach your children. This helps them to build the foundation for becoming strong, balanced and powerful in their lives. This message is for young people, but again, its wisdom is for people of all ages. For learning the wisdom of the world is necessary and can be initiated at any age, and gaining contact with Knowledge and taking the steps to Knowledge within yourself is needed by all people at all times."<br />
<ref name="tnmfyp"/><br />
<br />
<br />
"Much of what holds people back in life is their unresolved feelings and judgments regarding their relationships, even relationships in the distant past. These feelings and judgments act as a kind of dam, holding people’s feelings back, arresting them in place, influencing their perception of other people and disabling them from being able to be emotionally open and accessible to their children and to other people....<br />
People carry this restraint into their parenting of their own children—keeping them distant from their children, disabling them from empathizing with their children. And they often end up acting like their own parents, reflecting their experience of parenting in their own childhood, carrying this forward now inappropriately with their own children, often subjecting their children to anger and harshness and emotional distance. It is a fundamental problem in human relationships, and it is not a problem that is unknown to people. It has become the focus for much therapy and mental health."<br />
<ref>Healing Relationships (September 9, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
While it is not necessary that a young person learn about the New Message from God, it is important that they can participate in gaining the skills that the New Message provides: learning to experience Knowledge, learning to discern what is going on objectively, learning to value one’s own experience over the expectations of others, recognizing the hazards and opportunities of the world, developing wisdom around how to participate with people, when to express oneself and not to express oneself, how to listen to others to discern what they are really communicating, how to interpret the forces around them. This all seems very advanced, but really, in essence, it is quite simple if the individual can value their own experience and over time gain skill in interpreting what is happening within them and around them.”<br />
<ref name="rc">Raising Children, December 18, 2007</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Religious education at an early age can be very damaging to a young person, for it is necessary, ultimately, that a people, instead of praising God or believing in the dictates or the principles of a particular religion, value and follow what God has placed within them. In the New Message, this is called Knowledge. It is the deeper mind within each person.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“While the child is born with Knowledge intact fully, they must learn wisdom. Wisdom must be learned, and therefore it is very important in beginning to support your child to teach them wisdom at a very fundamental level—what will help them from what will hurt them, what looks good from what really is good, what is advantageous and what is dangerous.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“In the New Message, there is not a great emphasis placed on teaching children because it is the parents that must gain a foundation in Knowledge and must learn to discern their own worldly wisdom to whatever extent it has been established thus far from their own desires, beliefs and preferences. To prepare the parents, then, is really the first step, for they cannot give their children what they themselves have not yet learned. If the parent has not yet learned real discernment, has not yet learned the value of discretion, has not yet learned how to listen within themselves objectively, has not yet learned how to restrain judgment and condemnation of others, well, what can they give their children except their own prejudices, their own expectations and the burden of whatever was placed upon them in their childhood as well? What is important for children is what is important for adults – Knowledge, wisdom, relationship and purpose.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“You do not need to teach children Knowledge because you cannot teach Knowledge. You can only remind people that Knowledge is alive within them and that there is a way to Knowledge, that there are steps to Knowledge that they can take.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“For the young child, then, what is important is for them to begin to value what they see and feel. It is too soon at a very early age to learn discrimination regarding their own experience. First, they must learn how to pay attention to their own experience and how to value their own experience.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“You want a child to begin to listen to their experience. Ask them what they see. Ask them what they feel. Let them express themselves even if what they are seeing and feeling seems absurd or untrue. What is important is that they can learn to listen within themselves. What they hear is not so important yet, not as important as the desire and ability to hear and to listen and to feel what their own experience is telling them…For the very young child, have them listen to their experience. ‘What did you feel today in seeing this thing? How did you feel about being around these people? What are you feeling at this moment?’ And just let them express themselves. Let them listen. Let them try to understand what their own experience is and encourage their expression.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“Do not think that children are wise. They have no wisdom yet. They will walk off the cliff if you let them. They will put their hands in the fire if you let them. They do not have wisdom yet. Wisdom now is very important. Certainly every parent knows they must teach their children certain basic things to avoid danger. And this is the very, very beginning of wisdom training, which ultimately is how to be in the world, how to be in the world guided by Knowledge.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“This wisdom training should not be accompanied by very fearful language. You do not want to terrorize children; you simply want them to be able to understand on their own what they are looking at while giving them certain guidelines—places that are safe, places that are unsafe, human engagements that are safe, human engagements that are not safe. This is normal, of course, in nearly all families, but it is not taken very far in most circumstances. You have to stay with this throughout your child’s development.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“Share the wisdom from other people—from teachers, from poets, from musicians, from great thinkers. Expose them to wisdom. Don’t tell them what it means or how they should regard it. Let them deal with it themselves when they are able, when they reach an age when they can consider more complex thoughts or deeper insights, when their evaluative skills grow.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“By all means, share with them the wisdom you have learned in your life, the things that you did that did not work, the things that you did that were real mistakes, the things you did do that really made a difference, that were very wise and effective. Share your experience here, but do not add a great deal of evaluation. Just say, ‘I did this and this is what happened and it was a mistake.’ Or ‘I did this and this is what happened and it really worked out very well for me.’ And any insights you have that prove to be correct, share these with your children. They want to know. They are interested in these things. But you must start early. You cannot start speaking to your child when they are an adolescent, for they may not be listening to you anymore. They are trying to listen to other people. They are already differentiating themselves from you.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“Ultimately, the greatest gift you can give your child regarding purpose is to be living a real purpose yourself, to be demonstrating a purpose yourself. In fact, all four of these things We have mentioned—Knowledge, wisdom, discernment and purpose—are best taught through demonstration. If a child grows up in an environment where his or her parents are engaged in real purposeful work, well, that is worth more than all the words in the world. That says more than words can convey.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“Sexuality prematurely is damaging. It is preemptive. It shifts a person’s focus before they have gained a sense of themselves and their direction in life. And it is true that young boys and girls who had not had a lot of social exposure in this way later went on to become real contributors and successful in their endeavors in life.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
<br />
“You want your children to be free thinkers, not simply echoes of the culture. You want children to think for themselves, to make decisions, not simply follow what their friends are telling them or what they think they must believe in order to be socially acceptable. You have to deal with these forces of compromise, and in many cases, they cannot be overcome, but the greatest strength that a child has in thinking for themselves and in reconsidering their ideas and beliefs, the greater advantage they will have in the future to set a true course in their life as they grow.”<br />
<ref name="rc"/><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==See Also==<br />
[[category:relationship]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=2667Main Page2011-12-19T20:09:27Z<p>Society: /* Spiritual Practice */</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]],[[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
:''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
::[[Muhammad]]<br />
::[[Jesus]]<br />
::[[Buddha]]<br />
::[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of Life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of Higher Purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual practice|Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[[The Great Practices]]<br />
:[[Stillness]]<br />
:'''Invocations'''<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:right;">Click here to learn about [[editing the wiki]].</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=2666Main Page2011-12-19T20:08:44Z<p>Society: /* The Messenger */</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]],[[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
:''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
::[[Muhammad]]<br />
::[[Jesus]]<br />
::[[Buddha]]<br />
::[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of Life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of Higher Purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[[The Great Practices]]<br />
:[[Stillness]]<br />
:'''Invocations'''<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:right;">Click here to learn about [[editing the wiki]].</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=2665Main Page2011-12-19T20:08:17Z<p>Society: Adding a meta-outline to the whole New Message, this front page will be an ongoing project of The Society</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
<br />
==About the New Message from God==<br />
:[[The New Message from God|Introduction]]<br />
:[[The Messenger]]<br />
:[[Mandates for the World]]<br />
:[[The Warning]],[[The Blessing]], [[The Opportunity]]<br />
<br />
==Major Corridors of the New Message from God==<br />
<br />
===[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]===<br />
:[[God]]<br />
:[[God's Will]]<br />
:[[Creation]]<br />
:[[Angelic Presence]]<br />
:[[The Separation]]<br />
:[[Evolution]]<br />
:[[Humanity]]<br />
:[[The world]]<br />
<br />
===[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]===<br />
:[[Marshall Vian Summers]]<br />
<br />
''in relationship to other great [[Messengers]]:''<br />
:[[Muhammad]]<br />
:[[Jesus]]<br />
:[[Buddha]]<br />
:[[Moses]]<br />
<br />
===[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]===<br />
:[[War]]<br />
<br />
===[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Greater Community]]===<br />
<br />
===[[The Intervention]]===<br />
:[[The Allies of Humanity]]<br />
:[[The Greater Darkness]]<br />
<br />
===[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]===<br />
<br />
===[[Knowledge]]===<br />
:[[Steps to Knowledge]]<br />
:[[The Presence]]<br />
<br />
===[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]===<br />
:[[The Four Pillars of Life]]<br />
:[[Freedom]]<br />
<br />
===[[relationship|Relationships]]===<br />
:[[Relationships of Higher Purpose]]<br />
<br />
===[[Spiritual Practice]]===<br />
:[[The Great Practices]]<br />
:[[Stillness]]<br />
:'''Invocations'''<br />
::[[Nasi Novare Coram]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:right;">Click here to learn about [[editing the wiki]].</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=New_god&diff=2664New god2011-12-19T19:51:50Z<p>Society: moved New god to The New God</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[The New God]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=The_New_God&diff=2663The New God2011-12-19T19:51:50Z<p>Society: moved New god to The New God</p>
<hr />
<div>==Not the old God ==<br />
*misapprehended, a projection of human personality and tendencies<br />
*preoccupied with Earth<br />
*judgmental, condemnatory<br />
*needing praise and worship, obedience and adulation<br />
*tribal, favoring one nation over another, leading people to war<br />
*responsible for natural disasters, plagues, illness and catastrophe<br />
*useful for political justification<br />
*dominated by institutional ideology<br />
*a God of one world, one people or one tribe<br />
*a God that thinks, acts or behaves as humans do<br />
*limited to one Revelation for humanity<br />
<br />
== The new God ==<br />
*set into motion the forces of nature, evolution, and geologic change at the beginning of time<br />
*watches over all worlds<br />
*calls the separated to return through the avenues of religion, of conscience, of true love and recognition<br />
*does not care what your religious beliefs are if they facilitate Knowledge<br />
<br />
== Things that interest the new God ==<br />
*the deeper movement of the heart and the conscience <br />
*acts of selfless giving and forgiveness<br />
*the desire to contribute beyond one's own personal needs and preferences<br />
*the recognition of one to another<br />
*an enemy becoming a friend<br />
*the healing of a despoiled world<br />
<br />
<br />
== Misapprehensions about God ==<br />
"People have great expectations of God once they accept that God is a reality. They expect God to solve their personal problems, to save them from their own calamities, to restore their loved ones when they are sick, to prevent death and difficulty for those whom they love, to bring about peace and equanimity amongst warring tribes, to effect sweeping change without upsetting anyone's concerns or priorities and to bring about miracles great and small, yet in such a way that no one is offended, no one is challenged and no one has to change."<br />
*[[Greater Community Spirituality]], chap. 9, p. 95<br />
<br />
"[M]any people think that God is using everything as a lesson for them as if God is pulling all the strings. When something good happens, it's a blessing from God. When something bad happens, it's a punishment from God. When something cruel or tragic happens, well, people are disappointed, and they secretly resent the Divine for being cruel and heartless." <br />
*[[Greater Community Spirituality]], chap. 9,p. 101<br />
<br />
[[category:God]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=2662Main Page2011-12-19T19:36:30Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome. The New Message Wiki is a searchable, cross-referencing encyclopedia of the New Message from God. Each page is a subject of the New Message, containing excerpts from the New Message, as well as summaries and explanations provided by [[The Society]].<br />
<br />
It is important to note that the New Message from God is much more than a collection of words, of quotations and teachings, so the New Message as a whole is not represented by the wiki. Beyond the wisdom and the correction that it offers, the New Message from God is a pathway of preparation. It is an ongoing connection from the Divine to humanity. And it is an attraction, a calling, a force. <br />
<br />
The simplest ways to explore the New Message Wiki are with the search box on the top right of the page, by browsing from the [[Special:AllPages|list of all pages]], or by entering one of the Corridors of the New Message from the list below.<br />
<br />
===Major Corridors of the New Message from God===<br />
<br />
==:[[god|God, Creation and cosmology]]==<br />
<br />
:[[The Messenger|The Messenger]]<br />
<br />
:[[Great Waves of Change|The Great Waves of change]]<br />
<br />
:[[The New Message Prophecy|The Future World]]<br />
<br />
:[[The Greater Community]]<br />
<br />
:[[The Intervention]]<br />
<br />
:[[Mental Environment|The Mental Environment]]<br />
<br />
:[[Knowledge]]<br />
<br />
:[[Higher Purpose|Higher Purpose]]<br />
<br />
:[[relationship|Relationships]]<br />
<br />
:[[stillness|Spiritual practice]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:right;">Click here to learn about [[editing the wiki]].</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Spiritual_practice&diff=2610Quotes About Spiritual practice2011-12-15T04:47:45Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>“Spiritual practices for learning and living The Way of Knowledge are presented in ''Steps to Knowledge''. When you are ready to have a real practice in life, a practice you can carry into all of your activities, then you can begin to take the steps to Knowledge. Practicing will lead you one step at a time, to bring your mind into harmony with Knowledge and to teach you a way of seeing the world as the world really is. It will provide a means of escape from the conventional myths and falsities that condition humanity and have led it astray.” <br />
::::''Living the Way of Knowledge'', Chapter 6<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“You are undertaking an Ancient Rite in the reclamation of<br />
Knowledge. Born of the Great Will of the Universe, this preparation<br />
has been constructed for the advancement of students of Knowledge.<br />
You are working in tandem now with many other individuals, both<br />
within this world and within other worlds as well. For Knowledge is<br />
being taught in all worlds where intelligent life exists.” <br />
<br />
“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<br />
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.” <br />
<br />
::::''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 170</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Death&diff=2607Quotes About Death2011-12-15T03:57:59Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>“Life without God is extremely complicated and terribly fearful. It is always beset by anxiety and the threat of annihilation.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 23</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"The fear of death is a very pervasive fear…It is the great price of consciousness. And with the fear of death is the loss of peace and equanimity…This is the great price of being conscious of one’s future…This is the burden of the awareness of life and death. It is the price one pays for having a greater consciousness in a world of change. It is the difficulty an eternal being must face in living in a temporary reality."<br />
<br />
::::Fear of Death and the Return to Life, January 21, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You have come into the world to fulfill a purpose. It is that purpose that redeems you. It is that service that restores to you the memory and the sense of your Ancient Home. It is this purpose and this awareness that dispels and weakens the weight of the world on you. Then, if you are a success, death is looked at very differently. It is still an anxiety-provoking event, certainly. 'Oh, my God, what will happen? Oh, my God, I’m not going to be here any more. Oh, my God, what will remain? What will happen? What will be next?' But in your heart there is a sense of completion and relief. 'It is ok. I’m ready to move on. I have done what I came here to do to the best of my ability. I’m not sure what I did, but I did something and it feels right and I think I’m ready to go on to the next thing.' It’s a natural progression, you see."<br />
<br />
::::Fear of Death and the Return to Life, January 21, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You should know that no one is ever condemned to death in the name of religion. God has never given prescriptions for this, in any form, in any tradition. If you see this written in religious texts, it is because it has been added by people. It has been invented. It is a human invention. God never prescribes death as a punishment under any circumstances. So if it is prescribed, it is done not with God’s blessing. Whatever justification is given for capital punishment, it is given by people and not by God. That must be clearly understood, and the fact that it is not clearly understood gives rise to much confusion and much misinterpretation of what religion is and what it is for and what it is here to promote… To claim death or physical abuse or punishment in the name of God is an abomination. It is a violation. It is a misunderstanding and misuse of religion. And there are no exceptions to this. No matter how grievous a person’s errors, no matter how difference a person’s view might be, capital punishment and physical abuse are never allowed in the name of God. It is untrue fundamentally. It is inherently wrong. It is an abomination."<br />
<br />
::::The Admonition, February 1, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You have come from death to here. Death is both the beginning and an ending, but it is only a stage of your great existence and your great service to life."<br />
<br />
::::What happens after death? July 11, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“When you leave this life, when your body passes away, it is not like you disappear and go somewhere else. You just awaken to what has always been there. There are those who sent you into the world, waiting to greet you. And there is the Presence, the magnificent Presence. You did not journey from one place to another to experience this. It was always there.”<br />
<br />
::::"The Presence," December 7, 2009<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Thus it is when you are complete in this life, you will leave, but you will not leave alone, for in your heart you will embrace the memory, the presence and the reality of all those whom you have touched and who have touched you, and there will not be any spot or residue, not even any hint of unforgiveness that will remain behind you to spoil your gift and your giving.”<br />
<br />
::::''Steps to Knowledge Level II''<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
[[Judgment Day]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Death&diff=2606Quotes About Death2011-12-15T03:55:46Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>“Life without God is extremely complicated and terribly fearful. It is always beset by anxiety and the threat of annihilation.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 23</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
"The fear of death is a very pervasive fear…It is the great price of consciousness. And with the fear of death is the loss of peace and equanimity…This is the great price of being conscious of one’s future…This is the burden of the awareness of life and death. It is the price one pays for having a greater consciousness in a world of change. It is the difficulty an eternal being must face in living in a temporary reality."<br />
<br />
::::Fear of Death and the Return to Life, January 21, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You have come into the world to fulfill a purpose. It is that purpose that redeems you. It is that service that restores to you the memory and the sense of your Ancient Home. It is this purpose and this awareness that dispels and weakens the weight of the world on you. Then, if you are a success, death is looked at very differently. It is still an anxiety-provoking event, certainly. 'Oh, my God, what will happen? Oh, my God, I’m not going to be here any more. Oh, my God, what will remain? What will happen? What will be next?' But in your heart there is a sense of completion and relief. 'It is ok. I’m ready to move on. I have done what I came here to do to the best of my ability. I’m not sure what I did, but I did something and it feels right and I think I’m ready to go on to the next thing.' It’s a natural progression, you see."<br />
<br />
::::Fear of Death and the Return to Life, January 21, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You should know that no one is ever condemned to death in the name of religion. God has never given prescriptions for this, in any form, in any tradition. If you see this written in religious texts, it is because it has been added by people. It has been invented. It is a human invention. God never prescribes death as a punishment under any circumstances. So if it is prescribed, it is done not with God’s blessing. Whatever justification is given for capital punishment, it is given by people and not by God. That must be clearly understood, and the fact that it is not clearly understood gives rise to much confusion and much misinterpretation of what religion is and what it is for and what it is here to promote… To claim death or physical abuse or punishment in the name of God is an abomination. It is a violation. It is a misunderstanding and misuse of religion. And there are no exceptions to this. No matter how grievous a person’s errors, no matter how difference a person’s view might be, capital punishment and physical abuse are never allowed in the name of God. It is untrue fundamentally. It is inherently wrong. It is an abomination."<br />
<br />
::::The Admonition, February 1, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You have come from death to here. Death is both the beginning and an ending, but it is only a stage of your great existence and your great service to life."<br />
<br />
::::What happens after death? July 11, 2008<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Death<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“When you depart this life, you will be able to see more clearly why certain things happened for you and who was behind it after all.”<br />
<br />
Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume II, Chapter 4<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“When you leave this life, when your body passes away, it is not like you disappear and go somewhere else. You just awaken to what has always been there. There are those who sent you into the world, waiting to greet you. And there is the Presence, the magnificent Presence. You did not journey from one place to another to experience this. It was always there.”<br />
<br />
::::"The Presence," December 7, 2009<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Thus it is when you are complete in this life, you will leave, but you will not leave alone, for in your heart you will embrace the memory, the presence and the reality of all those whom you have touched and who have touched you, and there will not be any spot or residue, not even any hint of unforgiveness that will remain behind you to spoil your gift and your giving.”<br />
<br />
::::''Steps to Knowledge Level II''<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
[[Judgment Day]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Illness&diff=2605Illness2011-12-15T03:46:59Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Exerpts==<br />
"Becoming ill is a part of life, a hazard of life, a consequence of life. There are many causes: exposure to dangerous substances, stress, disappointment, the desire to retreat from the challenge of one’s life, exposure to other people who are ill, depression, grief. Any and all of these things may be present to initiate illness."<br />
<ref>Illness and Health (May 28, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Because any dysfunction, mental or<br />
physical, is part of your total life here, it cannot be isolated and separated<br />
out. If you wish to address a chronic problem, you must address your<br />
entire life. But because addressing your entire life is a far greater quest<br />
than most people are willing or desiring to undertake, they merely wish<br />
to address the symptoms of the discomfort and erase them as quickly and<br />
as easily as possible. <br />
::::''Wisdom from the Greaer Community Volume One,'' Chapter 31<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"When does your life become really important, not just to secure pleasures and advantages and avoid difficulties, but really to accomplish something that you know you are here to accomplish? Then if you are ill, even seriously ill, you have the commitment to change your life, to alter your habits and involvements with others if necessary. You are going to focus on moving forward rather than succumbing to the conditions of the moment.”<br />
::::"Illness and Health," May 28, 2011<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
[[Healing]]<br />
<br />
[[Health]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Illness&diff=2603Illness2011-12-15T03:02:06Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Exerpts==<br />
"Becoming ill is a part of life, a hazard of life, a consequence of life. There are many causes: exposure to dangerous substances, stress, disappointment, the desire to retreat from the challenge of one’s life, exposure to other people who are ill, depression, grief. Any and all of these things may be present to initiate illness."<br />
<ref>Illness and Health (May 28, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Within the context of building a foundation for learning and living The Way of Knowledge, let us say fundamentally that health is vitality. It is the vitality born of living a genuine life—a life that is full of meaning and purpose, a life that has direction and a life that is meaningfully engaged with others and with the world. This produces a vitality, a will to live and a desire to contribute—a certain zest for life, you might say. It is remarkable that this vitality is lacking in so many people who meet other criteria for health, even in people who meet a very high level of fitness and in people who have never experienced serious illness. And it is equally remarkable that vitality can be found in certain individuals who have physical handicaps or who have had a history of physical illness."<br />
::::''Living the Way of Knowledge'', Chapter 4<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"There is no casual sex; there is<br />
no recreational sex. If you attempt this, you will be attempting complete<br />
union with no intention whatsoever and will risk your physical well-being.<br />
Nature prohibits this. That is why there are so many indigenous illnesses<br />
associated with this. It is not wise and it is not natural. It is not<br />
good for you, so do not seek this stimulation. Seek true relationship."<br />
::::''Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One'', Chapter 2<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
[[Healing]]<br />
<br />
[[Health]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Illness&diff=2602Illness2011-12-15T02:53:26Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Exerpts==<br />
"Becoming ill is a part of life, a hazard of life, a consequence of life. There are many causes: exposure to dangerous substances, stress, disappointment, the desire to retreat from the challenge of one’s life, exposure to other people who are ill, depression, grief. Any and all of these things may be present to initiate illness."<br />
<ref>Illness and Health (May 28, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Within the context of building a foundation for learning and living The Way of Knowledge, let us say fundamentally that health is vitality. It is the vitality born of living a genuine life—a life that is full of meaning and purpose, a life that has direction and a life that is meaningfully engaged with others and with the world. This produces a vitality, a will to live and a desire to contribute—a certain zest for life, you might say. It is remarkable that this vitality is lacking in so many people who meet other criteria for health, even in people who meet a very high level of fitness and in people who have never experienced serious illness. And it is equally remarkable that vitality can be found in certain individuals who have physical handicaps or who have had a history of physical illness."<br />
::::''Living the Way of Knowledge'', Chapter 4<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
[[Healing]]<br />
<br />
[[Health]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Guilt&diff=2601Quotes About Guilt2011-12-15T02:35:58Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"Go where you are needed, where you need to go. <br />
Discern the actual motivation for this and distinguish it from any<br />
sense of guilt or obligation to others. Do not place artificial demands<br />
upon yourself. Do not allow others to place artificial demands upon<br />
you beyond your simple duties in this day. Go where you are truly<br />
needed." <br />
::::''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 194<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Realize in your current relationships that with Knowledge<br />
all things will be clear, and you may proceed without guilt or blame<br />
and without compulsion or need. With Knowledge you may follow<br />
that which is precisely beneficial to you and to your beloved, for all<br />
relationships are honored and blessed through Knowledge, and all<br />
individuals find their rightful place with one another. In this, each<br />
person is honored, and his or her Knowledge is confirmed. <br />
::::''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 251<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Within yourselves, each of you, there<br />
must be a way to reconcile this dilemma, to heal this primary relationship<br />
with God. I assure you that if you heal that relationship, you will not have<br />
problems with each other. This dilemma is the source of all of your guilt<br />
and anxieties, and as a consequence, it produces the world that you see. <br />
::::''Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One'', Chapter 19<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You will not need to misrepresent yourself in the attempt to escape <br />
your sense of guilt and inadequacy, for guilt and inadequacy are <br />
consumed in the fire of Knowledge. <br />
::::''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 334</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Short_Quotes_About_Relationships&diff=2585Short Quotes About Relationships2011-12-14T20:26:51Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Excerpts==<br />
"Much of human engagement is merely an escape from one's self."<br />
<ref>Harmful Influences (May 13, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Knowledge is your primary relationship because it is your connection to God."<br />
<ref>Ending Separation (March 3, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Great truth is a product of great relationship.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 25</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Short quotes ==<br />
“Here every relationship is either strengthening you or weakening you, for there are no neutral relationships. Everyone casts influence on one another, and that influence is either strengthening you and bringing you closer to Knowledge, or it is weakening you and taking you further away.”<br />
<ref>Spiritual Community, March 11, 2011</ref><br />
<br />
"Underneath everyone’s desperate pursuits, addictions, goals and fears is the desire to be known and recognized.”<br />
<ref>Deeper Recognition in Relationships, September 11, 2008</ref><br />
“Through Knowledge you can feel the Presence of all relationships. This is the experience of God.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 169</ref><br />
<br />
"Many of the relationships that people initiate out of desire, passion or need are premature because it is important to get your bearings in life before you engage yourself or commit yourself to others." <br />
<ref name="living">''[[Living the Way of Knowledge]]''</ref><br />
<br />
"If Knowledge cannot be brought into your relationships and into your decisions regarding relationships, then Knowledge remains only a potential within you."<br />
<ref name="living"/><br />
<br />
“A relationship is only as good as the strength that its participants bring to it. It is the sum of your accomplishments.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 78</ref><br />
<br />
“You have a relationship with yourself, which is primarily your relationship with your mind and your body.”<br />
<ref>''[[Relationships & Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 2</ref><br />
<br />
“Choose your engagements carefully, enter into them slowly and allow your Knowledge, as opposed to your ambition, to guide your actions. You lose nothing by moving slowly; you risk everything by moving quickly. If you cannot allow yourself to move slowly, you have good cause to distrust your motives already.”<br />
<ref>''[[Relationships & Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 3</ref><br />
<br />
“You cannot be given a new realization if your life is full of relationships with people, places and things that are not right for you, that will not help you.<br />
<ref name="pftf">Preparing for the Future, September 5, 2007</ref><br />
“Every relationship you have should give you the strength to do this. Every possession you have should be either useful or inspiring to you. Every commitment and obligation must help you to prepare and to gain a foundation in Knowledge. For there are no neutral relationships in life. All your relationships with people, where you live, your possessions, your activities, are either strengthening or weakening you in taking the steps to Knowledge and in building a real foundation for your life.”<br />
<ref name="pftf"/><br />
<br />
“There is a means for you to escape the world of ideas and enter the world of relationship, where everything is viable and real and based upon a foundation that can never change.”<br />
<ref>Steps to Knowledge, Step 277</ref><br />
“There is only Knowledge and the need for Knowledge. These are the only two things that any relationship can demonstrate to you.”<br />
<ref name="stkII">''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Level II''</ref><br />
<br />
“Your purpose has been established and relationships have been designed for you already. Therefore, you need not be the author of your relationships, only a wise participant.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“What you have brought from your Ancient Home is meant to be given here and what you have brought is needed here as well. What you have brought from your Ancient Home is the power of relationship.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“Once you prepare a place in your life for true purpose, true relationship must find you, for purpose requires relationship and will draw relationship unto itself.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“The power of relationship is the power given to carry out true purpose in the world. The power of relationship is to engage each person beyond their preferences and fear so that their true gifts may be brought forth into the world. The blessing of true relationship is the blessing born of Knowledge, which is the greatest gift that can be rendered, which is the gift that I am sent here to give and to receive, to discover and to leave behind. Let me, then, prepare for my Ancient Home by recognizing the quality of relationship here that truly exists there.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
"Build real relationships. Begin with your relationship with Knowledge and develop character by developing patience, forbearance, restraint, objectivity, compassion, the ability to observe others and the ability to have your life be undefined. This builds character, and with this you gain a greater capacity for experience. This is Wisdom. And in order for you to be a vehicle for Knowledge in life-to be an inspiration to others and to give your life wholeheartedly-you must have this foundation and you must have your essential relationships."<br />
<ref name="living"/><br />
<br />
“Without Knowledge, relationship is trial and error only. There are many people who have spent their primal energy on relationships with very little to show for it. They have wasted their lives, and yet they have justified this waste by saying that they have grown personally and that they have learned so much. But they are right back where they began. They are alone and they are still seeking for a meaningful union.”<br />
<ref name="wgc5">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 5</ref><br />
<br />
“What is God, what is the return to God, but the return to relationship? Some people wish to return to God and commit themselves to God, but they cannot be with anybody. And so they are trying to be with everything, but they do not know how to be with any one thing.”<br />
<ref name="wgc5"/><br />
<br />
“Your Knowledge cannot emerge within you alone. It must emerge in the context of relationship. It is absolutely hopeless for you alone to find out why you are here. You may have some wonderful definitions, but you are still a slave of your mind.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 13</ref><br />
<br />
“The great lives, what did they accumulate here? Only one thing and that is relationship. When they left, whether they were penniless or rich, what did they take Home with them? They took relationship.”<br />
<ref name="wgc15">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 15</ref><br />
<br />
“You see, if your life is about contribution, you do not have a problem finding people to be with you. Your problem now is choosing the right people to be with. You do not have to worry about a good career. Your problem is choosing the right career. Life bends itself to you who give, so thirsty for giving is life here. If the Presence is with you, people will come to you like magnetism.”<br />
<ref name="wgc15"/><br />
== Relationship with God ==<br />
"If you cannot engage with God, how are you going to really engage with anyone else? If you cannot experience affinity with the Power and the Presence of God, how are you going to experience affinity with anyone else? You may become intoxicated, falling in love temporarily with someone. You may be delighted with another’s presence, but will you be able to experience true affinity with them? If you do not trust God, how will you trust anyone else?"<br />
<ref>God’s Power & Presence in the World (April 23, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
"This relationship, however, which is so primary, can never be your sole focus, for God wants your eyes turned to the world where you have come to serve and to work. The more God abides with you as your work progresses and becomes a deeper experience and a greater commitment for you, the more God grows in your experience. Here God becomes more a context than an individual, more a greater experience of relationship than an authority. In this way, God is able to work through you without distracting you. In this way, you are able to work with God without losing your focus in the world."<br />
<ref name="greater">[http://www.newmessage.org/books/greater-community-spirituality-contents.php ''[[Greater Community Spirituality]]'']</ref><br />
<br />
== Relationship with the World ==<br />
"The world represents a relationship in which your purpose is initiated, fostered and realized. That is why seeking escape from the world or a permanent retreat from the world is counterproductive. The very tribulations in the world that you find so difficult and so unpleasant are the very things that will call out of you the greatness that you have come to give."<ref name="greater"/><br />
<br />
==Starting Relationships==<br />
<br />
==Maintaining Relationships==<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[category:relationship]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Short_Quotes_About_Relationships&diff=2584Short Quotes About Relationships2011-12-14T20:24:41Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Excerpts==<br />
"Much of human engagement is merely an escape from one's self."<br />
<ref>Harmful Influences (May 13, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Knowledge is your primary relationship because it is your connection to God."<br />
<ref>Ending Separation (March 3, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Great truth is a product of great relationship.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 25</ref> <br />
== Short quotes ==<br />
“Here every relationship is either strengthening you or weakening you, for there are no neutral relationships. Everyone casts influence on one another, and that influence is either strengthening you and bringing you closer to Knowledge, or it is weakening you and taking you further away.”<br />
<ref>Spiritual Community, March 11, 2011</ref><br />
<br />
"Underneath everyone’s desperate pursuits, addictions, goals and fears is the desire to be known and recognized.”<br />
<ref>Deeper Recognition in Relationships, September 11, 2008</ref><br />
“Through Knowledge you can feel the Presence of all relationships. This is the experience of God.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 169</ref><br />
<br />
"Many of the relationships that people initiate out of desire, passion or need are premature because it is important to get your bearings in life before you engage yourself or commit yourself to others." <br />
<ref name="living">''[[Living the Way of Knowledge]]''</ref><br />
<br />
"If Knowledge cannot be brought into your relationships and into your decisions regarding relationships, then Knowledge remains only a potential within you."<br />
<ref name="living"/><br />
<br />
“A relationship is only as good as the strength that its participants bring to it. It is the sum of your accomplishments.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 78</ref><br />
<br />
“You have a relationship with yourself, which is primarily your relationship with your mind and your body.”<br />
<ref>''[[Relationships & Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 2</ref><br />
<br />
“Choose your engagements carefully, enter into them slowly and allow your Knowledge, as opposed to your ambition, to guide your actions. You lose nothing by moving slowly; you risk everything by moving quickly. If you cannot allow yourself to move slowly, you have good cause to distrust your motives already.”<br />
<ref>''[[Relationships & Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 3</ref><br />
<br />
“You cannot be given a new realization if your life is full of relationships with people, places and things that are not right for you, that will not help you.<br />
<ref name="pftf">Preparing for the Future, September 5, 2007</ref><br />
“Every relationship you have should give you the strength to do this. Every possession you have should be either useful or inspiring to you. Every commitment and obligation must help you to prepare and to gain a foundation in Knowledge. For there are no neutral relationships in life. All your relationships with people, where you live, your possessions, your activities, are either strengthening or weakening you in taking the steps to Knowledge and in building a real foundation for your life.”<br />
<ref name="pftf"/><br />
<br />
“There is a means for you to escape the world of ideas and enter the world of relationship, where everything is viable and real and based upon a foundation that can never change.”<br />
<ref>Steps to Knowledge, Step 277</ref><br />
“There is only Knowledge and the need for Knowledge. These are the only two things that any relationship can demonstrate to you.”<br />
<ref name="stkII">''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Level II''</ref><br />
<br />
“Your purpose has been established and relationships have been designed for you already. Therefore, you need not be the author of your relationships, only a wise participant.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“What you have brought from your Ancient Home is meant to be given here and what you have brought is needed here as well. What you have brought from your Ancient Home is the power of relationship.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“Once you prepare a place in your life for true purpose, true relationship must find you, for purpose requires relationship and will draw relationship unto itself.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“The power of relationship is the power given to carry out true purpose in the world. The power of relationship is to engage each person beyond their preferences and fear so that their true gifts may be brought forth into the world. The blessing of true relationship is the blessing born of Knowledge, which is the greatest gift that can be rendered, which is the gift that I am sent here to give and to receive, to discover and to leave behind. Let me, then, prepare for my Ancient Home by recognizing the quality of relationship here that truly exists there.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
"Build real relationships. Begin with your relationship with Knowledge and develop character by developing patience, forbearance, restraint, objectivity, compassion, the ability to observe others and the ability to have your life be undefined. This builds character, and with this you gain a greater capacity for experience. This is Wisdom. And in order for you to be a vehicle for Knowledge in life-to be an inspiration to others and to give your life wholeheartedly-you must have this foundation and you must have your essential relationships."<br />
<ref name="living"/><br />
<br />
“Without Knowledge, relationship is trial and error only. There are many people who have spent their primal energy on relationships with very little to show for it. They have wasted their lives, and yet they have justified this waste by saying that they have grown personally and that they have learned so much. But they are right back where they began. They are alone and they are still seeking for a meaningful union.”<br />
<ref name="wgc5">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 5</ref><br />
<br />
“What is God, what is the return to God, but the return to relationship? Some people wish to return to God and commit themselves to God, but they cannot be with anybody. And so they are trying to be with everything, but they do not know how to be with any one thing.”<br />
<ref name="wgc5"/><br />
<br />
“Your Knowledge cannot emerge within you alone. It must emerge in the context of relationship. It is absolutely hopeless for you alone to find out why you are here. You may have some wonderful definitions, but you are still a slave of your mind.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 13</ref><br />
<br />
“The great lives, what did they accumulate here? Only one thing and that is relationship. When they left, whether they were penniless or rich, what did they take Home with them? They took relationship.”<br />
<ref name="wgc15">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 15</ref><br />
<br />
“You see, if your life is about contribution, you do not have a problem finding people to be with you. Your problem now is choosing the right people to be with. You do not have to worry about a good career. Your problem is choosing the right career. Life bends itself to you who give, so thirsty for giving is life here. If the Presence is with you, people will come to you like magnetism.”<br />
<ref name="wgc15"/><br />
== Relationship with God ==<br />
"If you cannot engage with God, how are you going to really engage with anyone else? If you cannot experience affinity with the Power and the Presence of God, how are you going to experience affinity with anyone else? You may become intoxicated, falling in love temporarily with someone. You may be delighted with another’s presence, but will you be able to experience true affinity with them? If you do not trust God, how will you trust anyone else?"<br />
<ref>God’s Power & Presence in the World (April 23, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
"This relationship, however, which is so primary, can never be your sole focus, for God wants your eyes turned to the world where you have come to serve and to work. The more God abides with you as your work progresses and becomes a deeper experience and a greater commitment for you, the more God grows in your experience. Here God becomes more a context than an individual, more a greater experience of relationship than an authority. In this way, God is able to work through you without distracting you. In this way, you are able to work with God without losing your focus in the world."<br />
<ref name="greater">[http://www.newmessage.org/books/greater-community-spirituality-contents.php ''[[Greater Community Spirituality]]'']</ref><br />
<br />
== Relationship with the World ==<br />
"The world represents a relationship in which your purpose is initiated, fostered and realized. That is why seeking escape from the world or a permanent retreat from the world is counterproductive. The very tribulations in the world that you find so difficult and so unpleasant are the very things that will call out of you the greatness that you have come to give."<ref name="greater"/><br />
<br />
==Starting Relationships==<br />
<br />
==Maintaining Relationships==<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[category:relationship]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Short_Quotes_About_Relationships&diff=2583Short Quotes About Relationships2011-12-14T20:21:55Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Excerpts==<br />
"Much of human engagement is merely an escape from one's self."<br />
<ref>Harmful Influences (May 13, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Knowledge is your primary relationship because it is your connection to God."<br />
<ref>Ending Separation (March 3, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Great truth is a product of great relationship.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 25</ref> <br />
== Short quotes ==<br />
“Here every relationship is either strengthening you or weakening you, for there are no neutral relationships. Everyone casts influence on one another, and that influence is either strengthening you and bringing you closer to Knowledge, or it is weakening you and taking you further away.”<br />
<ref>Spiritual Community, March 11, 2011</ref><br />
<br />
"Underneath everyone’s desperate pursuits, addictions, goals and fears is the desire to be known and recognized.”<br />
<ref>Deeper Recognition in Relationships, September 11, 2008</ref><br />
“Through Knowledge you can feel the Presence of all relationships. This is the experience of God.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 169</ref><br />
<br />
"Many of the relationships that people initiate out of desire, passion or need are premature because it is important to get your bearings in life before you engage yourself or commit yourself to others." <br />
<ref name="living">''[[Living the Way of Knowledge]]''</ref><br />
<br />
"If Knowledge cannot be brought into your relationships and into your decisions regarding relationships, then Knowledge remains only a potential within you."<br />
<ref name="living"/><br />
<br />
“A relationship is only as good as the strength that its participants bring to it. It is the sum of your accomplishments.”<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 78</ref><br />
<br />
“You have a relationship with yourself, which is primarily your relationship with your mind and your body.”<br />
<ref>''[[Relationships & Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 2</ref><br />
<br />
“Choose your engagements carefully, enter into them slowly and allow your Knowledge, as opposed to your ambition, to guide your actions. You lose nothing by moving slowly; you risk everything by moving quickly. If you cannot allow yourself to move slowly, you have good cause to distrust your motives already.”<br />
<ref>''[[Relationships & Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 3</ref><br />
<br />
“You cannot be given a new realization if your life is full of relationships with people, places and things that are not right for you, that will not help you.<br />
<ref name="pftf">Preparing for the Future, September 5, 2007</ref><br />
“Every relationship you have should give you the strength to do this. Every possession you have should be either useful or inspiring to you. Every commitment and obligation must help you to prepare and to gain a foundation in Knowledge. For there are no neutral relationships in life. All your relationships with people, where you live, your possessions, your activities, are either strengthening or weakening you in taking the steps to Knowledge and in building a real foundation for your life.”<br />
<ref name="pftf"/><br />
<br />
“There is a means for you to escape the world of ideas and enter the world of relationship, where everything is viable and real and based upon a foundation that can never change.”<br />
<ref>Steps to Knowledge, Step 277</ref><br />
“There is only Knowledge and the need for Knowledge. These are the only two things that any relationship can demonstrate to you.”<br />
<ref name="stkII">''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Level II''</ref><br />
<br />
“Your purpose has been established and relationships have been designed for you already. Therefore, you need not be the author of your relationships, only a wise participant.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“What you have brought from your Ancient Home is meant to be given here and what you have brought is needed here as well. What you have brought from your Ancient Home is the power of relationship.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“Once you prepare a place in your life for true purpose, true relationship must find you, for purpose requires relationship and will draw relationship unto itself.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
“The power of relationship is the power given to carry out true purpose in the world. The power of relationship is to engage each person beyond their preferences and fear so that their true gifts may be brought forth into the world. The blessing of true relationship is the blessing born of Knowledge, which is the greatest gift that can be rendered, which is the gift that I am sent here to give and to receive, to discover and to leave behind. Let me, then, prepare for my Ancient Home by recognizing the quality of relationship here that truly exists there.”<br />
<ref name="stkII"/><br />
<br />
"Build real relationships. Begin with your relationship with Knowledge and develop character by developing patience, forbearance, restraint, objectivity, compassion, the ability to observe others and the ability to have your life be undefined. This builds character, and with this you gain a greater capacity for experience. This is Wisdom. And in order for you to be a vehicle for Knowledge in life-to be an inspiration to others and to give your life wholeheartedly-you must have this foundation and you must have your essential relationships."<br />
<ref name="living"/><br />
<br />
“Without Knowledge, relationship is trial and error only. There are many people who have spent their primal energy on relationships with very little to show for it. They have wasted their lives, and yet they have justified this waste by saying that they have grown personally and that they have learned so much. But they are right back where they began. They are alone and they are still seeking for a meaningful union.”<br />
<ref name="wgc5">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 5</ref><br />
<br />
“What is God, what is the return to God, but the return to relationship? Some people wish to return to God and commit themselves to God, but they cannot be with anybody. And so they are trying to be with everything, but they do not know how to be with any one thing.”<br />
<ref name="wgc5"/><br />
<br />
“Your Knowledge cannot emerge within you alone. It must emerge in the context of relationship. It is absolutely hopeless for you alone to find out why you are here. You may have some wonderful definitions, but you are still a slave of your mind.”<br />
<ref>''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 13</ref><br />
<br />
“The great lives, what did they accumulate here? Only one thing and that is relationship. When they left, whether they were penniless or rich, what did they take Home with them? They took relationship.”<br />
<ref name="wgc15">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]] Volume One'', Chapter 15</ref><br />
<br />
“You see, if your life is about contribution, you do not have a problem finding people to be with you. Your problem now is choosing the right people to be with. You do not have to worry about a good career. Your problem is choosing the right career. Life bends itself to you who give, so thirsty for giving is life here. If the Presence is with you, people will come to you like magnetism.”<br />
<ref name="wgc15"/><br />
== Relationship with God ==<br />
"If you cannot engage with God, how are you going to really engage with anyone else? If you cannot experience affinity with the Power and the Presence of God, how are you going to experience affinity with anyone else? You may become intoxicated, falling in love temporarily with someone. You may be delighted with another’s presence, but will you be able to experience true affinity with them? If you do not trust God, how will you trust anyone else?"<br />
<ref>God’s Power & Presence in the World (April 23, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
"This relationship, however, which is so primary, can never be your sole focus, for God wants your eyes turned to the world where you have come to serve and to work. The more God abides with you as your work progresses and becomes a deeper experience and a greater commitment for you, the more God grows in your experience. Here God becomes more a context than an individual, more a greater experience of relationship than an authority. In this way, God is able to work through you without distracting you. In this way, you are able to work with God without losing your focus in the world."<br />
<ref name="greater">[http://www.newmessage.org/books/greater-community-spirituality-contents.php ''[[Greater Community Spirituality]]'']</ref><br />
<br />
== Relationship with the World ==<br />
"The world represents a relationship in which your purpose is initiated, fostered and realized. That is why seeking escape from the world or a permanent retreat from the world is counterproductive. The very tribulations in the world that you find so difficult and so unpleasant are the very things that will call out of you the greatness that you have come to give."<ref name="greater"/><br />
<br />
==Starting Relationships==<br />
<br />
==Maintaining Relationships==<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[category:relationship]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Loss&diff=2582Quotes About Loss2011-12-14T20:19:29Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"The first kind of suffering is something that you experience daily,<br />
even every hour — the loss of things and the anticipated loss of things. Loss<br />
of experiences, loss of objects, loss of friends, loss of abilities, loss of opportunities,<br />
loss of securities and loss of pleasures. Loss, loss, loss! This is very<br />
dominating, this 'loss' phenomenon. It is the down side of happiness. It is<br />
like a great shadow that follows you about.” <br />
::::Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One, Chapter 22<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"The more you experience Knowledge, the less you will be concerned<br />
about loss and survival because you will have confidence that you will be<br />
guided by what you need to do. This will not lead to passivity at all but to<br />
a very heightened engagement and a very great sense of responsibility, a<br />
responsibility that is not motivated by fear."<br />
::::''Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One'', Chapter 35<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"When you are experiencing true change, true development and true<br />
progress, well, the idea of self undergoes tremendous change. And while it<br />
is changing, you go through periods when you don’t know who you are<br />
or what you are doing—you seem out of control. Here you must go through periods where your idea of self is lost, and you are not so sure who you are. These are the most<br />
important times. This is when something very important happens. That is<br />
when a new direction is recognized and new abilities are discovered."<br />
::::''Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One'', Chapter 29<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"If a loss has occurred in your life, a loss of a loved one, you may still be happy, though you may shed tears. It is all right to shed tears, for this does not need to betray a greater happiness within you, for these also may be tears of happiness."<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'' Step 197</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"If someone dies suddenly, assess what you have given to them and what you did not give to them that was needed. Assess who they were in your life, and learn to recognize the benefit of your relationship, whether it was a benefit born of error or a benefit born of truth. When you begin to experience the true value of your bond together, express your gratitude. If you do this in prayer, your expressions will reach the recipient because those who have left the world can be reached through prayer. If your mind is open, you can receive their response because the mind is the medium between Heaven and Earth."<br />
::::Relationships & Higher Purpose, Chapter 14<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Loss&diff=2578Quotes About Loss2011-12-14T19:44:11Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"The first kind of suffering is something that you experience daily,<br />
even every hour — the loss of things and the anticipated loss of things. Loss<br />
of experiences, loss of objects, loss of friends, loss of abilities, loss of opportunities,<br />
loss of securities and loss of pleasures. Loss, loss, loss! This is very<br />
dominating, this 'loss' phenomenon. It is the down side of happiness. It is<br />
like a great shadow that follows you about.” <br />
::::Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One, Chapter 22<br />
<br />
"The more you experience Knowledge, the less you will be concerned<br />
about loss and survival because you will have confidence that you will be<br />
guided by what you need to do. This will not lead to passivity at all but to<br />
a very heightened engagement and a very great sense of responsibility, a<br />
responsibility that is not motivated by fear."<br />
::::''Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One'', Chapter 35<br />
<br />
"When you are experiencing true change, true development and true<br />
progress, well, the idea of self undergoes tremendous change. And while it<br />
is changing, you go through periods when you don’t know who you are<br />
or what you are doing—you seem out of control. Here you must go through periods where your idea of self is lost, and you are not so sure who you are. These are the most<br />
important times. This is when something very important happens. That is<br />
when a new direction is recognized and new abilities are discovered."<br />
::::''Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One'', Chapter 29<br />
<br />
"If a loss has occurred in your life, a loss of a loved one, you may still be happy, though you may shed tears. It is all right to shed tears, for this does not need to betray a greater happiness within you, for these also may be tears of happiness."<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'' Step 197</ref><br />
<br />
"If someone dies suddenly, assess what you have given to them and what you did not give to them that was needed. Assess who they were in your life, and learn to recognize the benefit of your relationship, whether it was a benefit born of error or a benefit born of truth. When you begin to experience the true value of your bond together, express your gratitude. If you do this in prayer, your expressions will reach the recipient because those who have left the world can be reached through prayer. If your mind is open, you can receive their response because the mind is the medium between Heaven and Earth."<br />
::::Relationships & Higher Purpose, Chapter 14<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Sexuality_Quotes&diff=2571Sexuality Quotes2011-12-14T18:42:14Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Short Quotes==<br />
"In their ignorance, other priorities drive them--the needs of their weaknesses--fear of loneliness, the desire for security, the craving for financial power or social recognition. Even the need for sexual reproduction can have a dominant force on people, and bond them to those with whom they have no true purpose."<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 41</ref><br />
<br />
== Long Quotes ==<br />
"When you engage in sexuality with another, you are engaging your physical life force. If this life force is not shared within a meaningful relationship, it will be wasted. If it is wasted, you will lose energy and vitality. Physically, you will experience a loss of power, vitality and health. Mentally, you will experience discouragement, depression, a loss of vision and your sense of direction and a loss of your sense of purpose and meaning.<br />
If you continue to engage sexually in a relationship where true purpose and meaning cannot be generated and supported, you will literally be killing yourself slowly — mentally and emotionally. You will dissipate your life force. Your emotions will become confused, and you will lose the awareness of Knowledge within yourself."<br />
::::Relationships & Higher Purpose, Chapter 12 <br />
<br />
"This first stage is a trial-and-error period. Many relationships will be attempted for various forms of gratification: sexual gratification, companionship, financial gain, shared political or social views and even marriage itself. Here, again and again in relationship, people will attempt to use the other person to fulfill their ambitions. And again and again, this will prove to be painful, destructive and disappointing, for the other person will be attempting to use them for a similar purpose."<br />
<ref name="rahp">''[[Relationships and Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 9</ref><br />
<br />
"Here it is important to observe people to learn more about them before you become engaged with them. In terms of sexuality, this is quite important. As you learn to become more discerning and therefore wiser in your decisions, eventually you will only want to have sexual engagement with one individual with whom you can become fully united. This represents wisdom. For, in truth, this is the purpose of sex. Sex is to regenerate the race and to establish union with a true partner. Sex merely for recreation or for temporary stimulation ceases to be pleasurable and is recognized as leading to grave disappointment and even physical danger in terms of illness."<br />
<ref name="rahp"/><br />
<br />
"Sexuality... serves two functions: First, it serves to regenerate the race, to provide a vehicle of entry for new life here—intelligent life like yourself. Secondly, it is a means of establishing deeper union through the body; it is a physical exercise to experience<br />
union. Beyond this, sexuality loses meaning very drastically. When you join your physical electromagnetic system—your body—to another, you are transferring energy to one another.We are not speaking of orgasm.We are speaking of uniting your physical vehicles.This has a very great impact on the body and a very great impact on the emotional self.Your nature does not discriminate at this level. If you have sex with someone, your body and emotions will attempt complete union.Your body and emotions do not discriminate. It is like digesting food.<br />
<ref name="wftgc">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]]'' Vol I, chap. 2</ref><br />
<br />
If you have this engagement with someone you are not in true relationship with, you will damage your physical system and you will disrupt yourself emotionally.You will lose energy and efficacy as a result.This depletion of your physical vehicle and disruption of your emotional nature has serious consequences if it is repeated over and over."<br />
<ref name="wftgc"/><br />
<br />
“Sexuality is for reproduction and for union. Sexual energy is only life force experienced in a certain part of the body. Relationships must serve in the current stage of the individuals involved, yet in all stages there can be completion and progress. Serious students of Knowledge must become responsible for their sexual energy and their engagements with others. It becomes evident what must be done if this is their intent. Sexuality will not be a problem when you are with Knowledge, for you will not be attempting to use your physical vehicle inappropriately. You will experience your energy being drawn where it can be of the greatest service, and your sexuality will be for union. It will not be a problem.”<br />
<ref name="wftgc"/><br />
<br />
“Sexual union is meaningful between people who can experience real union. It should never be used for recreation. It should never be used to prove one’s worth or one’s attractiveness. It should never be used to offset loneliness. It is too serious an engagement, for there is no real casual sex. Every sexual engagement is a real engagement. At the level of nature, it is the real thing. If you involve yourself in this way with people, your life will be cheapened. You will feel used. You will lose a sense of your own value, and you will lose the sense of other people’s value as well. There is nothing to be gained here and much to be lost.”<br />
<ref>The New Message for Young People, August 18, 2008</ref><br />
<br />
"Sexuality is very important. It is something sacred to preserve. It is where life force is exchanged in the physical world. It is an expression of vulnerability and intimacy. Do not take it lightly. Do not engage in it casually. Do not use it for personal gratification.<br />
When you engage in sexuality with another, you are engaging your physical life force. If this life force is not shared within a meaningful relationship, it will be wasted. If it is wasted, you will lose energy and vitality. Physically, you will experience a loss of power, vitality and health. Mentally, you will experience discouragement, depression, a loss of vision and your sense of direction and a loss of your sense of purpose and meaning."<br />
<ref name="rhp">''[[Relationships and Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 12</ref><br />
<br />
“Sexuality is important, but it is not the source of your worth, your identity or your self-expression. Nor is sexuality in any way the most important avenue for the expression of these things. Sexuality is something which must be properly comprehended and managed wisely. Your household must be managed; otherwise, everything turns to chaos. Your sexuality must be managed or it too turns to chaos. If your sexuality is not properly managed, it can dominate your mind and obliterate your ability to comprehend your spiritual life. This will keep you in darkness.”<br />
<ref name="rhp"/><br />
<br />
“It is possible to have a genuine relationship within the context of homosexuality. Yet it may be more difficult to adjust together physically, and you will have problems in dealing with society because society may not accept your relationship. This will make a successful relationship more difficult. However, success is still possible and you should still strive for success. Here you must realize that because you are in a relationship that society does not accept, there will be greater challenges…Do not attempt to use your homosexuality to define yourself. The emphasis is still the development of primary relationships. Your sexuality should be a small, essential and important part of that. If sexuality is used to experience union with one person, it is meaningful, but it should not be your identity, nor define you…Monogamy is essential. Using sexuality to build the experience of union is essential. Establishing contribution in the world is essential. Developing union and harmony is essential. The requirements of life do not change because of sexual orientation.”<br />
<ref name="rhp"/><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[category:relationship]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Sexuality_Quotes&diff=2570Sexuality Quotes2011-12-14T18:41:36Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Short Quotes==<br />
"In their ignorance, other priorities drive them--the needs of their weaknesses--fear of loneliness, the desire for security, the craving for financial power or social recognition. Even the need for sexual reproduction can have a dominant force on people, and bond them to those with whom they have no true purpose."<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 41</ref><br />
<br />
== Long Quotes ==<br />
"When you engage in sexuality with another, you are engaging your physical life force. If this life force is not shared within a meaningful relationship, it will be wasted. If it is wasted, you will lose energy and vitality. Physically, you will experience a loss of power, vitality and health. Mentally, you will experience discouragement, depression, a loss of vision and your sense of direction and a loss of your sense of purpose and meaning.<br />
"If you continue to engage sexually in a relationship where true purpose and meaning cannot be generated and supported, you will literally be killing yourself slowly — mentally and emotionally. You will dissipate your life force. Your emotions will become confused, and you will lose the awareness of Knowledge within yourself."<br />
::::Relationships & Higher Purpose, Chapter 12 <br />
<br />
"This first stage is a trial-and-error period. Many relationships will be attempted for various forms of gratification: sexual gratification, companionship, financial gain, shared political or social views and even marriage itself. Here, again and again in relationship, people will attempt to use the other person to fulfill their ambitions. And again and again, this will prove to be painful, destructive and disappointing, for the other person will be attempting to use them for a similar purpose."<br />
<ref name="rahp">''[[Relationships and Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 9</ref><br />
<br />
"Here it is important to observe people to learn more about them before you become engaged with them. In terms of sexuality, this is quite important. As you learn to become more discerning and therefore wiser in your decisions, eventually you will only want to have sexual engagement with one individual with whom you can become fully united. This represents wisdom. For, in truth, this is the purpose of sex. Sex is to regenerate the race and to establish union with a true partner. Sex merely for recreation or for temporary stimulation ceases to be pleasurable and is recognized as leading to grave disappointment and even physical danger in terms of illness."<br />
<ref name="rahp"/><br />
<br />
"Sexuality... serves two functions: First, it serves to regenerate the race, to provide a vehicle of entry for new life here—intelligent life like yourself. Secondly, it is a means of establishing deeper union through the body; it is a physical exercise to experience<br />
union. Beyond this, sexuality loses meaning very drastically. When you join your physical electromagnetic system—your body—to another, you are transferring energy to one another.We are not speaking of orgasm.We are speaking of uniting your physical vehicles.This has a very great impact on the body and a very great impact on the emotional self.Your nature does not discriminate at this level. If you have sex with someone, your body and emotions will attempt complete union.Your body and emotions do not discriminate. It is like digesting food.<br />
<ref name="wftgc">''[[Wisdom from The Greater Community]]'' Vol I, chap. 2</ref><br />
<br />
If you have this engagement with someone you are not in true relationship with, you will damage your physical system and you will disrupt yourself emotionally.You will lose energy and efficacy as a result.This depletion of your physical vehicle and disruption of your emotional nature has serious consequences if it is repeated over and over."<br />
<ref name="wftgc"/><br />
<br />
“Sexuality is for reproduction and for union. Sexual energy is only life force experienced in a certain part of the body. Relationships must serve in the current stage of the individuals involved, yet in all stages there can be completion and progress. Serious students of Knowledge must become responsible for their sexual energy and their engagements with others. It becomes evident what must be done if this is their intent. Sexuality will not be a problem when you are with Knowledge, for you will not be attempting to use your physical vehicle inappropriately. You will experience your energy being drawn where it can be of the greatest service, and your sexuality will be for union. It will not be a problem.”<br />
<ref name="wftgc"/><br />
<br />
“Sexual union is meaningful between people who can experience real union. It should never be used for recreation. It should never be used to prove one’s worth or one’s attractiveness. It should never be used to offset loneliness. It is too serious an engagement, for there is no real casual sex. Every sexual engagement is a real engagement. At the level of nature, it is the real thing. If you involve yourself in this way with people, your life will be cheapened. You will feel used. You will lose a sense of your own value, and you will lose the sense of other people’s value as well. There is nothing to be gained here and much to be lost.”<br />
<ref>The New Message for Young People, August 18, 2008</ref><br />
<br />
"Sexuality is very important. It is something sacred to preserve. It is where life force is exchanged in the physical world. It is an expression of vulnerability and intimacy. Do not take it lightly. Do not engage in it casually. Do not use it for personal gratification.<br />
When you engage in sexuality with another, you are engaging your physical life force. If this life force is not shared within a meaningful relationship, it will be wasted. If it is wasted, you will lose energy and vitality. Physically, you will experience a loss of power, vitality and health. Mentally, you will experience discouragement, depression, a loss of vision and your sense of direction and a loss of your sense of purpose and meaning."<br />
<ref name="rhp">''[[Relationships and Higher Purpose]]'', Chapter 12</ref><br />
<br />
“Sexuality is important, but it is not the source of your worth, your identity or your self-expression. Nor is sexuality in any way the most important avenue for the expression of these things. Sexuality is something which must be properly comprehended and managed wisely. Your household must be managed; otherwise, everything turns to chaos. Your sexuality must be managed or it too turns to chaos. If your sexuality is not properly managed, it can dominate your mind and obliterate your ability to comprehend your spiritual life. This will keep you in darkness.”<br />
<ref name="rhp"/><br />
<br />
“It is possible to have a genuine relationship within the context of homosexuality. Yet it may be more difficult to adjust together physically, and you will have problems in dealing with society because society may not accept your relationship. This will make a successful relationship more difficult. However, success is still possible and you should still strive for success. Here you must realize that because you are in a relationship that society does not accept, there will be greater challenges…Do not attempt to use your homosexuality to define yourself. The emphasis is still the development of primary relationships. Your sexuality should be a small, essential and important part of that. If sexuality is used to experience union with one person, it is meaningful, but it should not be your identity, nor define you…Monogamy is essential. Using sexuality to build the experience of union is essential. Establishing contribution in the world is essential. Developing union and harmony is essential. The requirements of life do not change because of sexual orientation.”<br />
<ref name="rhp"/><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[category:relationship]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Loss&diff=2569Quotes About Loss2011-12-14T18:31:25Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"If a loss has occurred in your life, a loss of a loved one, you may still be happy, though you may shed tears. It is all right to shed tears, for this does not need to betray a greater happiness within you, for these also may be tears of happiness."<br />
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'' Step 197</ref><br />
<br />
"If someone dies suddenly, assess what you have given to them and what you did not give to them that was needed. Assess who they were in your life, and learn to recognize the benefit of your relationship, whether it was a benefit born of error or a benefit born of truth. When you begin to experience the true value of your bond together, express your gratitude. If you do this in prayer, your expressions will reach the recipient because those who have left the world can be reached through prayer. If your mind is open, you can receive their response because the mind is the medium between Heaven and Earth."<br />
::::Relationships & Higher Purpose, Chapter 14<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Manipulation_Quotes&diff=2568Manipulation Quotes2011-12-14T18:18:01Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"It is time to find the power and the presence of Knowledge and to come to terms with the fact that your mind, thinking and feelings are in fact being dominated by so many forces in the mental environment." <br />
<br />
"Certainly a marriage and a family creates a powerful mental environment, an environment of influence. And in this regard, whoever you marry is really who you are choosing to be your primary influence in your life. In people’s romantic pursuits, of course, this is almost never considered. But this is a chief factor in determining whether someone is an appropriate partner for you. You will be assigning them the role as your chief and primary influence if you unite with them in marriage or partnership."<br />
<br />
"The real secret here to be able to avoid manipulation and to avoid making critical mistakes in your relationships and your engagements with others is the discovery of Knowledge within yourself."<br />
<br />
"Various groups from the Universe are in the world today to try to take advantage of the weak and divided humanity. They will not use force to achieve their goals because they are more intelligent. They will use the powers of persuasion and intimidation to gain advantage here.<br />
<br />
"Nothing in the Universe can overtake Knowledge. Your intellect can be overtaken. Your feelings can be overtaken. Your attitudes can be directed. Your thoughts can be conditioned. Your feelings can be aroused and manipulated. But Knowledge within you is beyond persuasion and manipulation. And this is why it represents the greatest source of strength and freedom for you and for everyone."<br />
::::"Freedom from Manipulation," October 7, 2008</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Manipulation_Quotes&diff=2566Manipulation Quotes2011-12-14T17:41:51Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"The real secret here to be able to avoid manipulation and to avoid making critical mistakes in your relationships and your engagements with others is the discovery of Knowledge within yourself."<br />
<br />
"Nothing in the Universe can overtake Knowledge. Your intellect can be overtaken. Your feelings can be overtaken. Your attitudes can be directed. Your thoughts can be conditioned. Your feelings can be aroused and manipulated. But Knowledge within you is beyond persuasion and manipulation. And this is why it represents the greatest source of strength and freedom for you and for everyone."<br />
::::"Freedom from Manipulation," October 7, 2008</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Manipulation_Quotes&diff=2565Manipulation Quotes2011-12-14T17:35:38Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"Nothing in the Universe can overtake Knowledge. Your intellect can be overtaken. Your feelings can be overtaken. Your attitudes can be directed. Your thoughts can be conditioned. Your feelings can be aroused and manipulated. But Knowledge within you is beyond persuasion and manipulation. And this is why it represents the greatest source of strength and freedom for you and for everyone."<br />
::::"Freedom from Manipulation," October 7, 2008</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Manipulation_Quotes&diff=2564Manipulation Quotes2011-12-14T17:34:25Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>"Nothing in the Universe can overtake Knowledge. Your intellect can be overtaken. Your feelings can be overtaken. Your attitudes can be directed. Your thoughts can be conditioned. Your feelings can be aroused and manipulated. But Knowledge within you is beyond persuasion and manipulation. And this is why it represents the greatest source of strength and freedom for you and for everyone."</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Self-expression_Quotes&diff=2536Self-expression Quotes2011-12-14T05:35:49Z<p>Society: Created page with ""Following Knowledge engages you in real interaction between people, teaches you the subtle forms of communication that are occurring and brings you into an awareness of your ..."</p>
<hr />
<div>"Following Knowledge engages you in real interaction between people, teaches you the subtle forms of communication that are occurring and brings you into an awareness of your own behavior and thinking so that you can come to realize what your self-expression is, what it is expressing and the avenues in which it renders its communication most effectively."<br />
<br />
"People with conviction will be able to do far more and will have much greater impact in the world. They will be able to influence other minds."<br />
<br />
"The more you are engaged with Knowledge, the more Knowledge can flow through you and speak through you." <br />
::::Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume Two, Chapter 12</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Spiritual_practice&diff=2533Quotes About Spiritual practice2011-12-14T04:51:19Z<p>Society: Created page with "“Spiritual practices for learning and living The Way of Knowledge are presented in ''Steps to Knowledge''. When you are ready to have a real practice in life, a practice you..."</p>
<hr />
<div>“Spiritual practices for learning and living The Way of Knowledge are presented in ''Steps to Knowledge''. When you are ready to have a real practice in life, a practice you can carry into all of your activities, then you can begin to take the steps to Knowledge. Practicing will lead you one step at a time, to bring your mind into harmony with Knowledge and to teach you a way of seeing the world as the world really is. It will provide a means of escape from the conventional myths and falsities that condition humanity and have led it astray.” <br />
::::''Living the Way of Knowledge'', Chapter 6<br />
<br />
“You are undertaking an Ancient Rite in the reclamation of<br />
Knowledge. Born of the Great Will of the Universe, this preparation<br />
has been constructed for the advancement of students of Knowledge.<br />
You are working in tandem now with many other individuals, both<br />
within this world and within other worlds as well. For Knowledge is<br />
being taught in all worlds where intelligent life exists.” <br />
<br />
“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<br />
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<br />
God in the universe.” ''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 170</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Short_Quotes_About_Success&diff=2532Short Quotes About Success2011-12-14T04:46:16Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Short Quotes==<br />
Even if you have a great position and have acquired wealth and stature in society, the empty nature of your life will be pervasive unless you have found your greater work and are doing it to the best of your ability.<br />
<br />
Those who do this experience a satisfaction and a sense of value and power that is lost to everyone else, no matter what they proclaim for themselves.<br />
*The Initiation (June 28, 2011)<br />
<br />
“What is success? Success is the ability to experience and express the greater purpose that has brought you into the world, a greater purpose that will require strong relationships, a greater purpose that will require that you are stable and that you can adapt to changing circumstances in the world, a greater purpose that will require that you have a deep connection to the greater Knowledge that God has placed within you, to guide you and to protect you and to lead you to your greater life.”<br />
<br />
“That really is success, in a greater sense, in a greater way. It is not just success in terms of what your culture values or in what your family thinks is significant. It is success in terms of your real nature and the Creator of all life, who has sent you into the world to give special gifts to a world in need."<br />
::::“Building the Four Pillars of Your Life,” September 15, 2008 <br />
<br />
[[category:higher purpose]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Short_Quotes_About_Success&diff=2531Short Quotes About Success2011-12-14T04:45:20Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Short Quotes==<br />
Even if you have a great position and have acquired wealth and stature in society, the empty nature of your life will be pervasive unless you have found your greater work and are doing it to the best of your ability.<br />
<br />
Those who do this experience a satisfaction and a sense of value and power that is lost to everyone else, no matter what they proclaim for themselves.<br />
*The Initiation (June 28, 2011)<br />
<br />
“What is success? Success is the ability to experience and express the greater purpose that has brought you into the world, a greater purpose that will require strong relationships, a greater purpose that will require that you are stable and that you can adapt to changing circumstances in the world, a greater purpose that will require that you have a deep connection to the greater Knowledge that God has placed within you, to guide you and to protect you and to lead you to your greater life.”<br />
<br />
“That really is success, in a greater sense, in a greater way. It is not just success in terms of what your culture values or in what your family thinks is significant. It is success in terms of your real nature and the Creator of all life, who has sent you into the world to give special gifts to a world in need.<br />
::::“Building the Four Pillars of Your Life,” September 15, 2008 <br />
<br />
[[category:higher purpose]]</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Trust&diff=2526Quotes About Trust2011-12-14T04:40:40Z<p>Society: Created page with ""The personal side cannot trust because it is alone and afraid. Its foundation is unstable. Its assumptions are weak. Its associations are fragile and uncertain. It has no bas..."</p>
<hr />
<div>"The personal side cannot trust because it is alone and afraid. Its foundation is unstable. Its assumptions are weak. Its associations are fragile and uncertain. It has no basis for trust. It is only as your deeper nature emerges that trust can finally be established within yourself, yet you must extend trust to allow this emergence to occur."<br />
::::Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume One, Chapter 4<br />
<br />
"Trust your deepest inclinations for they are trustworthy, but you must learn to discern them and distinguish them from the many other desires, compulsions and wishes that you feel and that affect you. You can only learn this through experience. You can learn this because your deepest inclinations always lead you into meaningful relationships and away from isolation or divisive engagements."<br />
::::Steps to Knowledge, Step 72<br />
<br />
"Your deepest inclinations emanate from Knowledge. As your mind becomes clear of its restraints and as your life begins to open to the greater calling that is emerging for you now, these deeper inclinations will become more powerful and more evident. You will be able to discern them more easily. This will require great self-trust, which of course will require great self-love. To trust your deepest inclinations, to follow Knowledge and to be a student of Knowledge will re-establish your self-love and will place it upon a firm foundation that the world cannot shake."<br />
::::Steps to Knowledge, Step 316</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Suicide&diff=2523Quotes About Suicide2011-12-14T04:36:31Z<p>Society: Created page with "“If life disappoints you, if there is a loss of love or privilege, a loss of respect or admiration from other people, this could be shattering to your mind! There are people..."</p>
<hr />
<div>“If life disappoints you, if there is a loss of love or privilege, a loss of respect or admiration from other people, this could be shattering to your mind! There are people who commit suicide when their ideas about themselves are seriously challenged or thrown into doubt.” <br />
::::“What Happens After Death,” July 11, 2008<br />
<br />
“If a person has taken their life, forgive them for their actions. Learn from their life. If given similar circumstances and influences, you might have ended up doing the same thing. Their life is a teaching and a warning to you. Learn from this. Be grateful for what you have learned. Forgive them for departing in this manner. Bless them in their new undertaking, and ask that their life may be a service to you so that you may serve others as well.” <br />
::::Relationships & Higher Purpose, Chapter 14</div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Angelic_Presence&diff=2488Angelic Presence2011-12-13T19:54:51Z<p>Society: /* Long Quotes */</p>
<hr />
<div>There is an Angelic Presence that oversees the development of this world and other worlds in the Greater Community. They represent and translate the Will of the Creator to the physical world. <br />
<br />
== Short Quotes ==<br />
<br />
“The Angelic Presence translates God’s Will into language, form, images, stories, ideas, explanations—everything, so that you can comprehend this and be able to relate to it within your own circumstances in life.”<br />
<ref name="angelic">God, Knowledge and the Angelic Presence (Sept. 17, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
“The Angelic Presence … translates the Will of the Creator into words, ideas and application.”<br />
<ref>Destiny (April 12, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
"Over the course of time, God has sent Messengers into the world, Messengers who have been sent here by the Angelic Presence that oversees this world’s evolution and well-being."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"But the Angelic Presence cannot interfere uninvited unless they are requested with great earnestness to be of assistance."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"The Angelic Presence that is here will respond to the yearning of the heart and the soul. They will respond to what is truly being communicated and expressed through your requests, through your prayers."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"All of the great Revelations to humanity have been given by the Angelic Presence. They speak as ''We'' not as ''I''. They are a group and not just a magnificent individual."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"There are Angels of the Creator who help humanity with more immediate things, with practical matters, with urgent needs for the well-being of communities and for the advancement of people's efforts that are truly beneficial."<br />
<ref>''[[There is a New Message from God in the World]]'', chap. 1, p. 24</ref><br />
<br />
== Long Quotes ==<br />
"Humanity’s success and failure is largely in its hands. The Angelic Presence is here to encourage and to stimulate those individuals who are open to its presence, who are willing to follow its recommendations and to live a more ethical and purposeful life based on service to humanity and to this world. All others who seek the Angelic Presence to enrich themselves, to gain advantage over others or to destroy their enemies will find no response and no assistance."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
“In the history of this world and all worlds, the process of Revelation is the same. An individual is selected and sent into the world, and when they reach a certain stage in their development and maturity, they are called out of normal circumstances, called to a great rendezvous, a great encounter with the Angelic Presence that oversees that particular world.”<br />
<ref>Living at the Time of Revelation (September 27, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
“God’s Will is expressed and communicated to the Angelic Presence, who oversee all worlds where intelligent life has evolved. The Will of the Creator is then expressed in the words and language of that world, for that people…God speaks the truth through the Angelic Presence.”<br />
<ref>Voice of the Revelation (April 14, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
"When your history or your legends speak of God communicating to the world, what is really being described here is the Angelic Presence communicating to certain individuals. A sacred book, for example, if it is claimed that it comes from God, or is the word of God, is actually the words of the Angelic Presence, for God does not use words to communicate."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"The Angelic Presence translates God’s Will into language, form, images, stories, ideas, explanations—everything, so that you can comprehend this and be able to relate to it within your own circumstances in life."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"God has assigned to each world where sentient beings live or have colonized a force of redemption for these nations and groups of individuals. In worlds such as yours, which are largely inhabited, where there is a great diversity and complexity of life, this Angelic Presence has many different levels of expression and different levels of service. Yet its overall purpose is to oversee the progress and the well-being of humanity."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
[[category:god]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Addiction&diff=2487Quotes About Addiction2011-12-13T19:52:20Z<p>Society: /* Long Quotes */</p>
<hr />
<div>Addiction is the result of being disconnected from Knowledge. It can represent addiction to a variety of things including drugs, alcohol, relationships, seeking pleasure, recreational activities. <br />
==Short Quotes==<br />
"An addiction is a replacement for real relationships."<br />
<ref name="addiction">Freedom from Addiction and Obsession (January 23, 2009)</ref><br />
<br />
"There are countless things that people are addicted to, but they all represent a substitute for Knowledge, and a kind of compensation for a life that is fundamentally out of balance, and filled with insecurity and uncertainty."<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
"You know are addicted when you cannot do without something that is really not essential."<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
"The manifestation of addiction is tremendous and varied. People can be addicted to the most innocuous things or the most dangerous things."<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
==Long Quotes==<br />
"To really break an addiction you must have a different kind of focus for the mind that must really be all-consuming. It may even look like another addiction. But it must be strong enough to displace and replace what has captivated your mind previously, and what still tends to captivate your mind. Instead of being addicted to a drug, you become addicted to God. You become addicted to the experience of Knowledge within yourself, the deeper intelligence that God has placed within you. You become addicted to serving others. You become addicted to maintaining your health. This new addiction may be temporary but it serves as a bridge."<br />
<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
[[category:relationship]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Addiction&diff=2486Quotes About Addiction2011-12-13T19:52:02Z<p>Society: /* Long Quotes */</p>
<hr />
<div>Addiction is the result of being disconnected from Knowledge. It can represent addiction to a variety of things including drugs, alcohol, relationships, seeking pleasure, recreational activities. <br />
==Short Quotes==<br />
"An addiction is a replacement for real relationships."<br />
<ref name="addiction">Freedom from Addiction and Obsession (January 23, 2009)</ref><br />
<br />
"There are countless things that people are addicted to, but they all represent a substitute for Knowledge, and a kind of compensation for a life that is fundamentally out of balance, and filled with insecurity and uncertainty."<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
"You know are addicted when you cannot do without something that is really not essential."<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
"The manifestation of addiction is tremendous and varied. People can be addicted to the most innocuous things or the most dangerous things."<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
==Long Quotes==<br />
"To really break an addiction you must have a different kind of focus for the mind that must really be all-consuming. It may even look like another addiction. But it must be strong enough to displace and replace what has captivated your mind previously, and what still tends to captivate your mind. Instead of being addicted to a drug, you become addicted to God. You become addicted to the experience of Knowledge within yourself, the deeper intelligence that God has placed within you. You become addicted to serving others. You become addicted to maintaining your health. This new addiction may be temporary but it serves as a bridge."<br />
<br />
“There are countless things that people are addicted to, but they all represent a substitute for Knowledge, and a kind of compensation for a life that is fundamentally out of balance, and filled with insecurity and uncertainty.”<br />
<ref name="addiction"/><br />
<br />
[[category:relationship]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Anxiety&diff=2485Quotes About Anxiety2011-12-13T19:48:33Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Short Quotes==<br />
“Life without God is extremely complicated and terribly fearful. It is always beset by anxiety and the threat of annihilation.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 23</ref><br />
<br />
==Long Quotes==<br />
At the surface of your mind, you suffer over every little thing, and you have great anxieties about your future and well-being—always the fear of future loss, always the fear of the innumerable things that can happen to you and to those that you care for.<br />
<br />
How can you ever know anything at this level, so filled with fear and ambition, so easily distracted, so easily manipulated, so easily controlled, so easily dominated by the opinions or the determinations of others?<br />
<ref>The Shock of the Future (April 30, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
“When Knowledge disappears, thought begins. When people can’t know, they invent things to give themselves temporary stability to allay their own anxiety. For without Knowledge, all there is, is anxiety.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 15</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“To be a student of Knowledge, allow your life to have its mysteries. Do not try to explain everything and justify everything. Knowledge will emerge within you once you have chosen that this be your life. You will become less certain about particulars and more certain about your purpose, meaning and direction. Then you will begin to find freedom from anxiety and ambivalence, and that is the greatest gift of all because a life without anxiety or ambivalence is completely rendered into the world.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You are sent from God to be a message. Your life is a message, but it is concealed from you and from others as well. This is the source of all of your anxiety and discomfort within yourself. No matter how you may identify your problems, no matter what aggravates you on the outside, this is the source of your discomfort: You are not being your True Self.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 20</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“As you use Knowledge, you come closer to happiness, and as you neglect or avoid Knowledge, you go away from happiness. So you learn the simple lesson that if you go towards Knowledge, you become happier and if you go away, you go back into confusion, anxiety, anger, sadness and all forms of unhappiness.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 20</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[category:mental environment]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Anxiety&diff=2484Quotes About Anxiety2011-12-13T19:47:07Z<p>Society: /* Long Quotes */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Long Quotes==<br />
At the surface of your mind, you suffer over every little thing, and you have great anxieties about your future and well-being—always the fear of future loss, always the fear of the innumerable things that can happen to you and to those that you care for.<br />
<br />
How can you ever know anything at this level, so filled with fear and ambition, so easily distracted, so easily manipulated, so easily controlled, so easily dominated by the opinions or the determinations of others?<br />
<ref>The Shock of the Future (April 30, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
“When Knowledge disappears, thought begins. When people can’t know, they invent things to give themselves temporary stability to allay their own anxiety. For without Knowledge, all there is, is anxiety.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 15</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“To be a student of Knowledge, allow your life to have its mysteries. Do not try to explain everything and justify everything. Knowledge will emerge within you once you have chosen that this be your life. You will become less certain about particulars and more certain about your purpose, meaning and direction. Then you will begin to find freedom from anxiety and ambivalence, and that is the greatest gift of all because a life without anxiety or ambivalence is completely rendered into the world.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You are sent from God to be a message. Your life is a message, but it is concealed from you and from others as well. This is the source of all of your anxiety and discomfort within yourself. No matter how you may identify your problems, no matter what aggravates you on the outside, this is the source of your discomfort: You are not being your True Self.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 20</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“As you use Knowledge, you come closer to happiness, and as you neglect or avoid Knowledge, you go away from happiness. So you learn the simple lesson that if you go towards Knowledge, you become happier and if you go away, you go back into confusion, anxiety, anger, sadness and all forms of unhappiness.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 20</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[category:mental environment]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Quotes_About_Anxiety&diff=2483Quotes About Anxiety2011-12-13T19:46:36Z<p>Society: /* Long Quotes */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Long Quotes==<br />
At the surface of your mind, you suffer over every little thing, and you have great anxieties about your future and well-being—always the fear of future loss, always the fear of the innumerable things that can happen to you and to those that you care for.<br />
<br />
How can you ever know anything at this level, so filled with fear and ambition, so easily distracted, so easily manipulated, so easily controlled, so easily dominated by the opinions or the determinations of others?<br />
<ref>The Shock of the Future (April 30, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
“When Knowledge disappears, thought begins. When people can’t know, they invent things to give themselves temporary stability to allay their own anxiety. For without Knowledge, all there is, is anxiety.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 15</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“To be a student of Knowledge, allow your life to have its mysteries. Do not try to explain everything and justify everything. Knowledge will emerge within you once you have chosen that this be your life. You will become less certain about particulars and more certain about your purpose, meaning and direction. Then you will begin to find freedom from anxiety and ambivalence, and that is the greatest gift of all because a life without anxiety or ambivalence is completely rendered into the world.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“You are sent from God to be a message. Your life is a message, but it is concealed from you and from others as well. This is the source of all of your anxiety and discomfort within yourself. No matter how you may identify your problems, no matter what aggravates you on the outside, this is the source of your discomfort: You are not being your True Self.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 20</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“As you use Knowledge, you come closer to happiness, and as you neglect or avoid Knowledge, you go away from happiness. So you learn the simple lesson that if you go towards Knowledge, you become happier and if you go away, you go back into confusion, anxiety, anger, sadness and all forms of unhappiness.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 20</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
“Life without God is extremely complicated and terribly fearful. It is always beset by anxiety and the threat of annihilation.”<br />
<ref>Wisdom from the Greater Community Volume I, Chapter 23</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
[[category:mental environment]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Societyhttp://www.wiki.newmessage.org/mediawiki/en/w/index.php?title=Angelic_Presence&diff=2482Angelic Presence2011-12-13T19:43:03Z<p>Society: </p>
<hr />
<div>There is an Angelic Presence that oversees the development of this world and other worlds in the Greater Community. They represent and translate the Will of the Creator to the physical world. <br />
<br />
== Short Quotes ==<br />
<br />
“The Angelic Presence translates God’s Will into language, form, images, stories, ideas, explanations—everything, so that you can comprehend this and be able to relate to it within your own circumstances in life.”<br />
<ref name="angelic">God, Knowledge and the Angelic Presence (Sept. 17, 2008)</ref><br />
<br />
“The Angelic Presence … translates the Will of the Creator into words, ideas and application.”<br />
<ref>Destiny (April 12, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
"Over the course of time, God has sent Messengers into the world, Messengers who have been sent here by the Angelic Presence that oversees this world’s evolution and well-being."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"But the Angelic Presence cannot interfere uninvited unless they are requested with great earnestness to be of assistance."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"The Angelic Presence that is here will respond to the yearning of the heart and the soul. They will respond to what is truly being communicated and expressed through your requests, through your prayers."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"All of the great Revelations to humanity have been given by the Angelic Presence. They speak as ''We'' not as ''I''. They are a group and not just a magnificent individual."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"There are Angels of the Creator who help humanity with more immediate things, with practical matters, with urgent needs for the well-being of communities and for the advancement of people's efforts that are truly beneficial."<br />
<ref>''[[There is a New Message from God in the World]]'', chap. 1, p. 24</ref><br />
<br />
== Long Quotes ==<br />
"Humanity’s success and failure is largely in its hands. The Angelic Presence is here to encourage and to stimulate those individuals who are open to its presence, who are willing to follow its recommendations and to live a more ethical and purposeful life based on service to humanity and to this world. All others who seek the Angelic Presence to enrich themselves, to gain advantage over others or to destroy their enemies will find no response and no assistance."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
“In the history of this world and all worlds, the process of Revelation is the same. An individual is selected and sent into the world, and when they reach a certain stage in their development and maturity, they are called out of normal circumstances, called to a great rendezvous, a great encounter with the Angelic Presence that oversees that particular world.”<br />
<ref>Living at the Time of Revelation (September 27, 2011)</ref><br />
<br />
"When your history or your legends speak of God communicating to the world, what is really being described here is the Angelic Presence communicating to certain individuals. A sacred book, for example, if it is claimed that it comes from God, or is the word of God, is actually the words of the Angelic Presence, for God does not use words to communicate."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"The Angelic Presence translates God’s Will into language, form, images, stories, ideas, explanations—everything, so that you can comprehend this and be able to relate to it within your own circumstances in life."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
<br />
"God has assigned to each world where sentient beings live or have colonized a force of redemption for these nations and groups of individuals. In worlds such as yours, which are largely inhabited, where there is a great diversity and complexity of life, this Angelic Presence has many different levels of expression and different levels of service. Yet its overall purpose is to oversee the progress and the well-being of humanity."<br />
<ref name="angelic"/><br />
[[category:god]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/></div>Society