12
Enlightenment Journal | 35
th
Anniversary Issue | Fall/Winter 2016–2017
are blended for a few hundred years. Although we are currently discovering and
utilizing subtle forces in nature, beginning to develop mental and intellectual
powers, and learning to apprehend and appreciate the existence of higher reali-
ties, influences of the recent era of confusion are still obvious in the collective
consciousness of people. Half of the estimated seven billion people on earth are
impoverished; one-third are illiterate; regional wars are common; racial, cultural,
and religious intolerance exists; extreme political and fundamentalist religious
opinions are promoted; crimes are committed; and millions of people of all age
groups lack a clear sense of meanitngful purpose for their lives.
On a more positive note: more people are healthier and living longer and
productively, are better educated, and are interested in learning how to elicit
and actualize their innate, divine qualities. The current trend of evolution is
supportive of all who are willing to learn how to cooperate with it. During the
21st century, conditions will become more harmonious, poverty and illiteracy
will be greatly reduced, and hundreds of millions of people will be sincerely
engaged in cultivating spirituality to benefit themselves and society.
Regardless of the era in which we live, when aspiration to Self- and God real-
ization is compelling, rapid spiritual growth is possible. When we are spiritually
aware, we are impervious to environmental influence of all kinds. Thus, even in
an era of confusion, we can be enlightened. Since the events and circumstances
we encounter correspond to our mental states, states of aware ness, and behaviors,
our experiences will be fortunate.
Effectively Relate to External Conditions
Your temporary sojourn in space-time provides you with many opportunities
to learn, unfold innate knowledge, improve your abilities, and grow to emotional
and spiritual maturity. Use your available time and your skills to become aware of
and actualize your full potential.
You are not a mortal, physical creature aspiring, hoping, or trying to become a
spiritual being—you are an immortal unit of God's being relating to the human
condition. Think and live in accord with your highest understanding. Be the
master of your mental and emotional states and behaviors.
Faithfully adhere to your wholesome lifestyle routines and spiritual practices
and you will always be cheerful, optimistic, energetic, and enthusiastic. It will
then be easy to direct your attention to matters of importance and to ignore those
which are of little or no value.
Every day, calm the waves of the mind by meditating until you are established
in superconsciousness. Master meditation, train yourself to be superconscious
when you are engaged in normal activities and relationships. You will then be
able to relate to this world while also aware of a larger Reality.