by Matthew Webb
From the perspective of
consciousness-as-self, there really is no contradiction between
"creationism" and "evolution". The evolutionary
process is creative. The intelligent creation of the natural world in
which we live, accounts for our evolution as mammals. When we realize
that self and universe are based on consciousness, both creationist and
evolutionary models of existence become complimentary, rather than
antagonistic. Neither creation nor evolution have stopped. In order for
something to evolve, higher forms must be created. Every new phase of
life that is created accelerates the evolutionary process even further.
Humanity is no exception to this rule. Even now there are natural,
intelligent forces acting upon us, propelling us forward to new levels
of being, regardless of social trends to the contrary.
It is the wise who actively
participate in the process of their own evolution. They purposefully
harness their ultimate creative force…intent. When we INTEND to expand
our consciousness to greater and greater degrees, we are in essence
engaging, "the intentional evolution of the human being".
Always does
evolution imply change. That which does not change through growth begins
to stagnate and die. It is important to understand this natural law on a
social level. Society behaves in a manner which implies a belief in an
unchanging status quo. Our lives however, will not remain eternally
consistent with current norms. Within the span of a decade, we will no
doubt see unprecedented change at all levels of human life. The fact is,
the current norms cannot last. Change is upon us, and if we are to
evolve we must embrace it.
Human evolution involves social
revolution.
A grass roots revolution of modern
lifestyle will be coupled with a shift of inner focus. We will be
compelled by necessity, to turn away from materialistic goals that exist
for the sake of social ego. From this essential shift of values there
will arise a general realization; that the material world is best seen
only as a tool for greater things.
Material achievement is essentially
useless, when it is not also accompanied by spiritual purpose.
Thus the building of cities and
factories is trivial compared to the building of greater levels of being
within. Edwin Markham said, "In vain we build the city, if we do
not first build the man". Ultimately then, material achievement is
not the goal of human existence. Material improvements are useful only
to the degree they are applied to the unification of humankind, in
spiritual purpose. Our purpose on this planet is to further advancement
our own evolution, and that of nature in general. This is the purpose of
all life in fact. As the spiritual stewards of the Earth it is our
responsibility and privilege, to wisely apply natural laws for the sake
of enhancing Nature itself.
The present motive of nations and
persons in the modern world, is still based primarily upon the idea that
"progress" is defined in terms of economics and technology,
rather than by wisdom. It is not. Material existence is only a
reflection of hidden spiritual forces, just as the pattern of iron
filings around a magnet, demonstrate unseen cause. Strangely
enough, despite much talk of God and spirituality, most of us still
behave as though the material world should be our first priority. We are
all well acquainted with the concept of soul. Yet we think of ourselves
in terms of bodies, and to a lesser extent, minds. We tend to think of
nations as gross national products and cultural trends, rather than as a
collection of souls in group-mind consensus. But the truth is, human
beings are spirits in bodies. Our purpose is therefore inherently
spiritual. The true source of the natural world is universal laws and
the sentience of Consciousness itself. Nature is a spiritual entity, as
it too is composed of consciousness. It as much a "manifestation of
God", (Consciousness) as we are.
The progressive minded embrace of
nature, can be found through Native, Indigenous views…that the
interconnectedness and diversity of all life is sacred. Nature is as
much a Holy temple for sincere, sacred contemplation, as is any church,
mosque or shrine. This Consciousness, (as it is referred to in the East)
or God, (as it is referred to in the West) is the true source of
material forms. It is the shaper of physical events. This same
Consciousness composes our very souls. It is likewise contained in the
merger of electron and proton, and in the slow swirl of galaxies.
Connecting consciousness is the unified field of physics. This Force
provides a felt glance from across a crowded room, the ecstatic, mutual
aura of lovers and the simultaneous roar of concert or sporting crowds.
Consciousness Watches and Moves through us all. It flows in streams and
rises up in various feeling currents through the body. It similarly
provokes spontaneous images in the mind, which originated from other
people or the cosmos in general. Consciousness patterns, directs and
shapes all of existence. It is in each atom and cell of our bodies, and
is evidenced in breakfast table conversations as well as international
relations.
The Watcher and Mover, (the awareness
and intent of consciousness) within, survives physical death with calm
self-assurance. This it does just as the physical body shrugs off a
change of clothes. The traveler of lifetimes that is the soul, calls no
one life its own. Each is seen as yet another passing phase in a long
process of discovery. Without particular attachment the soul views a
given physical lifetime, simply as a single set of experiences.
Interestingly, this is just what the ego does in its treatment of a
given calendar week. Most day to day memories are basically unimportant
to us in the long-term scope of life. This is why only the highlights of
memory are retained by our minds with regard to the events of a given
week last year, for instance. The vast majority of perceptions in our
daily lives do not last, which is fortunate since this clears the mind
for new information and experiences. Most day to day memories would
clutter the mind with trivia if they were preserved. So it is for the
soul, while it oversees the events of many physical lives. Each
incarnation taken by the soul, (and there have been a great many) is but
a single link of experience, in a very long chain of lifetimes. A
physical lifetime for a soul is like a single week for the mind. Only
the soul possesses the oversight to recall the highlights of the entire
chain. This is the expanded perspective of an immortal, who picks and
chooses the best of each life, like a collector of sacred objects. These
it preserves for the sake of greater enlightenment and self-mastery.
Primarily, the best qualities of human
endeavor come from the soul, or are at the very least channeled through
it. The soul or true self acts as a spiritual conduit to the Universal
Intelligence, (that is the Soul, or "God-Consciousness") of
the Cosmos. Our inner reality then, has the potential for unlimited
creativity and insight. To tap this unlimited potential however,
necessitates our personal identification with soul and Spirit, rather
than money and nations. Making such a shift of values and lifestyle,
requires honesty, commitment and most of all detachment, from almost
everything we have been raised to hold as desirable. This is true if
even if it means departing from old ways and old relationships. Each
person alive today must soon conclusively choose; as to which life they
will lead. Will you lead the inner life as a first priority, or will you
lead the outer one? Will you choose freedom through the trial of change,
or will you choose a sense of false security through material
distractions?
Inspired soulic qualities express
themselves in the arts, in music, dance, painting, sculpture, writing,
film, and other (potentially) enlightening mediums. Inspiration,
invention, social progress and spiritual motivation, most often spring
from the deep roots of the consciousness within. In fact it is very
often the case that so-called "channels", who claim intimate
communication with advanced entities from other planes, (or planets) are
actually "channeling" their own souls. In essence, we are all
"channels" to "entities", (our own souls). Many
channels are merely connecting to their own inner source of wisdom, and
mistakenly "flavoring" that connection with personality
constructs. This fact reflects the current cultural trend of denying
direct human responsibility in all areas of life. We are conditioned to
"give our power away" to external agencies, including
governments, corporations, religions, ethnic bias, doctors, lawyers,
judges, armies and inter-galactic visitors. As the human spiritual
perspective matures, it will carry with it a greater emphasis upon
personal and collective responsibility. This will be seen as a matter of
correct prioritization. When such prioritization occurs, people will
experience an increasing willingness to See, Know and Act for ourselves,
as conscious beings. We will then be prepared to take full
responsibility for our collective actions, as a global species.
Also of soulic origin, (usually) are
those tendencies of kindness seen occurring spontaneously among our
race. Basic human benevolence and its associated good will, stems from
the recognition had by the true self of soulic oneness. Deep
within we all know of the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity, as One
in Unity. Our souls are composed of consciousness, and conscious
knows no true boundaries, politics, or philosophies.
As souls we are all made spiritual
equals, in potential and essence. Thus, the soul understands unity
because this is its continual experience, as a sophisticated center of
consciousness. There is no point of disconnection in this ocean of
energy, awareness and intent in which we live. We only feel disconnected
by believing we are merely minds trapped in bodies. Cooperation and
unity will be our natural and continual experience, upon embracing
connectivity as the soul does.
From the true self springs the
compassion to aid those in pain, and to alleviate the cause of
suffering. It seeks to replace ignorance with self-reliance and
realization. From the soul arises the will to love others in peace, as
the mutual keepers of our common welfare. It is within acts of good will
that render aid to any or all, without the expectation of social
compensation, that qualify themselves to be called "spiritual, (soulic)
ministry".
Spiritual practice enhances the
"qualities of the soul", which our current society so deeply
thirsts for. For such qualities humanity is said to strive, but they are
all too often overshadowed by unnatural values. The prime cause then of
our "moral dilemma", is not some esoteric reservoir of cosmic
evil, but rather, the way life is viewed and lived day to day. Of
kindness, love, compassion and charity we may collectively speak, but
words only do these remain, until more among our kind achieves a deep
rapport with the true self.
The prime requisite in the
accomplishment of a steady soul-mind-body connection is strong desire,
based on a love for Truth. This must become an intention that is evidenced
by action, each and every day. Truth that is lived becomes wisdom.
Wisdom is our practical, concrete need. Our intention to expand
consciousness must be firm, with resolve as spiritual practitioners
ultimately unshakable, regardless of current world conditions.
Regardless of what happens in human society, the needs of spirit and
self realization will always remain constant. Truth is all that is, or
will ever be of any real importance. In realizing this we find the
strength to transcend culturally induced fears or bias. Much inertia
exists behind the destructive trends of millennia past. Today these
trends are witnessed in unnatural social values, egotism and
consumerism. These three entropic forces are destroying our world faster
than any other cause. Only the expansion of consciousness, which itself
accounts for motive, (intent) in every act ever performed, will provide
a lasting cure to the modern crisis. As a race, we greatly need the
perspective of the soul and its overview of the true purpose of life.
Then our spiritual progression will become a daily reality.
The results of destruction have caused
many to assume that the presence of God, (or the good graces of Nature)
has been withdrawn from the face of the world in disfavor. This has
never been, nor will it ever be the actual case. Our crisis is a matter
of karma, (cause and effect). The world effects we see today spring from
the cause of unnatural aims, compounded over millennia of time. It is we
who have drawn away from the purposes of our own souls, of Nature and
God, in favor of material rewards for their own sensual or egotistical
sake. Humanity’s self-fashioned errors have made the world seem
spirit-less, as a place forsaken of quality living. Our alignment with
the paradise that is nature and natural law, has become only a distant
memory for most of us. To regain paradise, we must again embrace the
natural qualities of love and crystalline perception. These are known
most clearly by the soul.
The diligent practices of meditation,
of physical and mental purification, as well as social unity in
spiritual cause, are needed more by each of us now than in any previous
era. We must ever realize the purposes of the soul through these
consciousness-expanding mediums. Through an identification with
consciousness itself, society may regain natural purity in daily living.
In knowing self as soul, we shall also perceive the common essence of
Self within our fellow human beings. In self-realization we eventually
see what is mutual and universal, regardless of social training. In
consciousness there is a unity of cosmic purpose. Such self-realization
will enable our race to survive the current planetary turning point.
Collective crisis is not essentially
different by nature, than that which is experienced by the individual
seeker of truth. Both are a matter of de-conditioning from common
assumptions, and the gaining of self-knowledge. In self-knowingness
alone, will right action be found. The question is whether or not the
majority of us will act upon the truth of self as consciousness,
when that becomes known. Knowledge itself is not wisdom. Only the true
application of spiritual knowledge will provide us with real prosperity.
Personal evolution is a continuous
process of. transformation. It comprises a series of progressive steps
or thresholds without end, for there is no ultimate realization of
God/Consciousness. The potentials and vistas of consciousness are
infinite. The purpose of life is the greater and greater embodiment of
universal Truth. In each step along this path, brain and body become the
increasingly refined vehicles for soulic expression. Evolutionary
progress made by the spiritual practitioner, results in a raised
vibration and receptive mind. Such inner conditions make us capable of channeling
soulic Intent. Greater attunement with the soul then occurs more and
more quickly. As our soul-mind-body alignment increases, we are given
clearer and clearer guidance by the true self, with regard to how to
best life a spiritual life. Through an increasing soul alignment, we
also achieve a greater alignment with cosmic purpose. Intuitive insight
dramatically improves, as does one’s level of manifest intelligence
and wisdom.
As the spiritual path proceeds,
attunement with the soul becomes a complete identification of
the personality with the true self. The ego is then absorbed by the
soulic purpose. This is one of the attributes of Mastery. Consciousness
itself then becomes the intentional basis for daily affairs. The
arbitrariness of ego is exchanged for the natural, spiritual mind. Fear
is replaced by love, belief by clarity, cultural "norms" by
universal truth, and selfishness by group service. Truth becomes the
pattern for right social action, when we identify ourselves as souls
instead of job titles. In soulic alignment the whole of humanity and its
welfare, (as part of the planetary group mind) is recognized as
Self in oneness, rather than in separation.
Meditation is a primary key to this
spiritually noteworthy attainment, which the soul knows well. It is only
when we mistakenly believe in the arbitrary limitations of historical
time, place and culture that we experience separation, warfare and
misery.
The human-wrought planetary crisis of
our age, like most self-induced problems, may be seen as a learning
device for humanity. It is through trial and suffering that the ego
cries out. It then demands emotionally reassuring answers, to the
apparent dilemmas of life. From the viewpoint of the soul however, trial
and suffering are sometimes the very best means through which lessons
are learned. Through the pressure of circumstance, the significant steps
to personal growth are most often taken, since crisis gets us in a
"sufficiently serious" frame of mind. There is nothing wrong
with taking truth and life very seriously. Life is not a game. It has
specific purposes and parameters, (natural laws) that define all living
things.
Unfortunately, we do not often cry out
to that which is called God with earnest pleas, until the time of
ultimate crisis strikes. For this reason the soul finds value in taking
a physical life. The added limitations of physical existence, require
extra attentiveness to lessons learned. These facts show us that the New
Age concept of "unconditional love" is incomplete. Pain and
fear can sometimes serve as equally effective teaching agents.
Unconditional love is only spiritually effective when it is also
accompanied by unconditional clarity. The clarity of the soul shows us
that life and existence are not unconditional. On the contrary, life is
very conditional. For this reason alone we do not have the luxury of
acting blindly, even through love itself. The current state of the world
should prove this to the inquiring mind without a doubt.
The trials and sufferings of the
world, are increasingly providing the impetus for greater collective
self-reflection. Environmental and international circumstances are
forcing us to strongly reconsider old ways. Everyone can clearly see the
need for definitive social change. The pressure we are exerting on
ourselves through past errors of unnatural judgment, may now motivate
spiritual revolution like no other force in previous centuries.
In the impending world crisis ahead,
(which will no doubt be of unparalleled scope) the practitioner must
recognize that adverse, often-painful experiences are excellent
opportunities for growth. They will then make use of such experiences,
be they pleasant, unpleasant or otherwise, and act accordingly. The
steel that is not tempered by stress is left brittle. The plant that
never feels the wind becomes spindly. These lessons of nature give us a
spiritual pattern for success, so long as we view life from a spiritual
perspective. This we must do without undue attachment to form or
concept, or to nationality, belief system and culture.
The true merit of the
"values" of modern society, (such as those seen in television
commercials) speaks for itself. All of these forms are but smoke in the
wind, whose ephemeral nature both cannot and will not withstand the next
millennium, given their present direction. The supposedly sacred and
unquestionable tenets of consumerism, will soon be revealed to all as
sheer fraudulence. This is often horrible and incomprehensible to the
inflexible ego. But it is a circumstance that offers what will likely
be, the greatest gains in experiential wisdom for the soul in each of
us, ever to be made available. Only Spirit and spiritual practice as a
first priority in personal lifestyle, can fully sustain the practitioner
in the times to come.
Evolution is about becoming more than
previous forms. The soul knows of this universal purpose, and strives to
fulfill it in each incarnation. Through alignment with the soul in daily
affairs, the personality also aligns itself with the process of
evolution. The desire to teach and aid spiritual progress in others, is
one manifestation of the evolutionary urge. A soulic focus in life
predictably results in a taking up of spiritual ministry, in one form or
another. As the Teacher awakes, the true potentials of the Divine Human
unfold. Truth is then catalyzed in others, who become teachers in their
own right.
The practitioner realizes that living
in accord with natural law, is the most effective way to live. Such a
practice affords cooperation with all of Nature and humanity alike. Good
deeds or the giving of money to charity alone, will not suffice to
fulfill these soulic goals. Nor will the making of pleasant spiritual
speeches alone, aid our planetary progression. As practitioners of
natural law, we must be as "practical minded" as nature is.
This means seeing things as they are and taking appropriate action.
The tough and sometimes harsh lessons ahead, require teachers of spirit
who are not afraid to convey equally tough lessons in straightforward
terms. It is time to see and explain things as they are, without any
sugar coating or unnecessary poetic license. This is why it is sometimes
the most loving act of kindness one can extend to another, to simply
tell them flatly where personal and collective faults can be corrected.
Love is not just about flowers, but also thorns, in balance with one
another. From a combination of honest clarity and love for its own
spiritual sake, will we find the strength to re-shape the world in a
sane fashion.
The mind/soul connection quickly
becomes an unclouded conduit for the Divine. Through soulic and
therefore Divine influence, we are clearly guided in what is now needed
for our personal and collective evolution. Soulic perception and
intuition must collectively rise among us, to check the conclusions of
government, science, religion and society, insuring that they are the
correct ones. When these institutions are (often) found to be in error,
it is the wise who will not hesitate to publicly discard the values and
conclusions they promote altogether, for the sake of truth. This is what
is known as "social right action". Revolution, (change)
enables evolution!
The phrase "to incarnate"
simply refers to the act of a soul taking a physical body, through which
it may function on the physical plane. The motivation for incarnating is
the gaining of new insights, the refinement of previously learned
lessons and a subsequent enhancement of personal mastery. As the
overseer of life experiences, the soul provides the forming personality
with those benefits and detriments most likely to induce the learning of
needed lessons. Through the trials, joys and realizations of the
personality in worldly affairs, the true self consequently draws
strength and further refinement. This is particularly true when the
personality consciously engages this true purpose of life, through
spiritual practice.
Even such circumstances as deformity
or pre-mature death, can provide very valuable experiences that promote
soulic unfoldment. From this perspective the practitioner can also
realize the deeper causes and meanings behind life events. Apparently
tragic and fortunate circumstances alike, when viewed from a soulic
perspective, take on comprehensible meaning. Upon realizing these
universal facts, it becomes our privilege as fellow souls within the
body of God, (Consciousness) to help each other spiritually advance. We
all must travel this path toward increasing clarity, unity and
self-mastery. Such objectives are a keystone to spiritual ministry, and
successful international relations alike. When they are generally
realized, love and wisdom will be the expected social norms, for an
entirely new kind of human society.
When we incarnate as souls into
physical bodies, this experience provides valuable insights. Only on the
material plane are certain lessons made both painfully and joyfully
clear. These include the ability to retain positivity, (of vibration and
mind) regardless of circumstance, as well as steadfast spiritual
perseverance. We learn the values of loyalty to cause, diplomacy in
opposition, and sheer determination. Our lessons also include the
ability to convert negative emotional/psychic Energy, (such as fear or
pain) into more elevated states. Progressively enhanced, is the capacity
to love for the sake of love itself, rather than as the result of
sentimentality, circumstance or personal preference. Also significant is
the ability to retain a purity of Intent, in accord with universal
design.
[Note that the following is, (of
course) not a complete list.]
Other valuable lessons for the
evolution of soul, mind and body include:
- The recognition of the oneness of all beings,
places and things, (unified field).
- The right use of thought, thought-forms and mind,
in progressive application, (tools of manifestation-creation).
- The right use of emotional and psychic Energy,
(particularly in the mastery of the chakras).
- Greater facility in the manifestation of Intent,
awareness and energy, both in self and in the environment, (the
basis of manifestation-creation).
- Understanding of the dynamics and subtleties of
group mind phenomena, (particularly group spiritual focus).
- Greater mastery of the physical, mental and psychic
vehicles.
- The enhanced ability to raise ones’ vibrational
rate at will.
- The enhanced ability to raise ones’ level of
clarity at will.
- The enhanced ability to align oneself with God,
Nature, Soul and other sources of high spiritual
intention, with fidelity.
- The enhanced ability to expand or project useful
states of consciousness to others.
- The greater employment of truth and fact, which is
focused upon spiritual progress as a first p
- An understanding that Truth takes precedence above
all else, regardless of circumstance or common opinion.
- An understanding of progressiveness in all
ways, particularly with regard to spiritual practice.
- The value of providing an example of progressive
action, based on good will.
- The ability to "travel" to ever higher
states of consciousness, with detachment and proficiency.
- The recognition, application and embodiment of
natural laws.
From such lessons as these does the soul, mind and
body alike, draw strength. It is extremely useful to actually place
ourselves in circumstances which will enhance the learning of this
essential knowledge. In so doing we work directly for the Divine force
of evolution, whether this is realized or not. In the case of
individuals wherein ego remains the dominant influence in daily affairs,
the fuller expression of human Divinity is never achieved. This is
unfortunately the case with the majority of people today. When the ego
remains attached to the artificiality of materialism, or other
"paradigms of selfishness", it may well be that the best
soulic lesson derived from that life will be, what not to do in
future incarnations. This too has its value as a teaching device,
following the principle of learning through mistakes made. The advantage
of a life lived in earnest spiritual practice however, is a greatly
accelerated rate of personal evolution.
What is not maintained by the soul
after physical death, are the idiosyncrasies which tend to infest most
ego-based minds. Individual preferences of an every day nature, as well
as the majority of specific memories most of humanity still holds as
dear as life, are basically irrelevant in the cosmic scope of things.
This is why the soul discards them. When we discard that which is not
necessary or progressive in our own lives, spiritual opportunities open
wide to us. When this happens we can take our personal and collective
evolution, to levels of being rarely dreamed of. Better still, we can
take this journey TOGETHER.
