THE REAL BARRIERS BETWEEN PEOPLE

The real barriers between people lie in the differences of evolution . . . and in the ignore-ance of these differences. The less evolved can know only so much of the more highly evolved as he/she is able to respond to. If we understood this fact of life we might perhaps experience on these three lower planes of interaction, more tolerance, love and genuine goodwill towards each other; competition and its aggressive tendencies would give way to a better and clearer understanding of life, its plan, and true purpose.

The evolution of consciousness progresses through the instrumentality of time, space and matter which are the divine tools of Maya! We grow in awareness by the accumulation of knowledge and experience gained as we plough our way through varying fields of matter in the course of our many lives. In time, we come to know of everything that is in and around us, and so approach nearer to Reality with each step forward. Men and women are not equal, in terms of consciousness, for we are all at varying stages of development. This process of evolution, with its resulting distinctions and differences, is undeniable.

The process of evolutionary development constitutes every man’s history and destiny in a nutshell. Some individuals are at earlier stages of development; others are at more evolved levels; others still are beginning to demonstrate qualities and expressions that border on the super-human. Individual experiences on the journey of life are based, in every instance, on the particular level of understanding already gained through personal experience, and on the innate drive for transcendence. The law of cause and effect is factual and is the process whereby change and transformation is forged in consciousness. It is summed up beautifully in the simple maxim: ‘As a man thinketh, so he is‘. Here lies the reason for differences in character and modes of expression.

In the development of intelligence and in the gain of deeper understanding through long personal experience, those who are further along on the evolutionary arc are naturally more able to relate creatively to the challenges of life, and also within the parameters of their personal human relations; they have gained a greater capacity for recognition of those limiting early stages in humanity’s journey towards freedom, because they themselves have passed through them successfully. All knowledge and memory of past experiences are stored – whether we are aware of it or not – in the subconscious mind, and to a large extent they guide instinctively our present actions in daily living; they are active and effective and lie just below the threshold of consciousness.

It has been stated that ‘Humanity is a collection of energy units of varying capacities, advancing AS A GROUP towards Reality’. The three worlds of human endeavour (the physical, emotional and mental) have their many subtle veils of glamour and illusion created over millennia by man himself. We know instinctively that every human being has his/her own physical, emotional and mental atmosphere, the freedom from which is ever dependent on the ability to dismantle the veils which prevent the Light of truth from shining forth; impressions coming through these personal auras are mostly discoloured and distorted. For aeons the eyes of men remain clouded by Maya (glamour and illusion) until the Light pierces the ignorance and shines more brightly from within; in the shining it dissolves the many veils that obscure Reality. True power in an individual is gained only when this Light is evoked consciously.

As we learn to polarise our consciousness onto higher mental levels – as opposed to the physical and emotional – we become increasingly cognisant of the natural causes and effects in the events of life, and so develop in course of time and through right effort those much-needed powers of discrimination which steer us towards greater freedom and further expansions. If we look around at our daily acquaintances we may observe more accurately the differences between people, and perhaps begin to see ourselves more truthfully. It is important while doing so, to hold clearly in mind the very real presence of the Inner Light seated within, for in that true Light there is Life without distinction. The essential Life is the Heart of all and is ever and always One.

Personality differences will be apparent if we take the time to look objectively at our life situations, and remember that the differences we see exist as a result of conscious development, or lack of, and knowing at the same time that full development is gained eventually by all in course of time. The required duty – in terms of right human relations – for those who have attained a higher development is to express and demonstrate the way forward for the benefit of those who wish to know but who have not yet attained. This, of course, is easier said than done, and requires that selfless and deep-seated love for humanity, which, when applied painstakingly and intelligently, manifests as right action in the right direction. It is, essentially, universal love, free of sentiment and attachment.

The destiny of mankind is to go beyond the limitations of the personality ring-pass-not and to enter knowingly and fully into the Life of the One Heart. This requires many shifts in consciousness which are most definitely attainable as we learn to let the Light in . . . this inner Light which provides the required knowledge, love, understanding and will to take each step forward.