HEAL THYSELF

An explanation of the real cause and cure of disease

EDWARD BACH

M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H.

This electronic edition !!" The Bach Centre #irst pu$lished in %reat Britain &"'&

Reprinted 1937, 1946, 1949, 1953, 1957, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 (twice), 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 New edition 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003
(e) edition !!* The Dr +d)ard Bach Centre Mount ,ernon Ba-ers Lane Bri.ht)ell/cu0/Sot)ell 1xon 12&! !P3 4nited 5in.do0 ))). $achcentre .co0 Cop6in. and distri$ution of this pu$lication is allo)ed for non/co00ercial purposes pro7ided nothin. is altered. All other ri.hts reser7ed.This $oo- is dedicated to all )ho suffer or )ho are in distress

#1R+81RD
Dr Bach is )ell -no)n for his .enuine 0ix of hu0$le spiritualit6 and do)n/to/earth understandin., and his si0ple philosoph6 has $een a source of .reat inspiration and co0fort to 0an6 people. Heal Thyself has aroused 0uch interest )hich in turn has pro0pted certain 9uestions a$out particular aspects of the $oo-. :n the final para.raph )e are ur.ed to unite )ith ;that .reat $and of the 8hite Brotherhood;. So0e people ha7e expressed concern that this )as a racist re0ar-. 8e )ould li-e to 0a-e it a$solutel6 clear that the use of the ter0 had nothin. )hatsoe7er to do )ith s-in colour or race or reli.ion. :n fact, Dr Bach found e7er6 for0 of racis0 a$horrent. <uite si0pl6, he used the )ord ;)hite; to 0ean so0ethin. li.ht, $ri.ht, clean and fresh in ori.in, and he re.arded e7er6one of li-e 0ind as $ein. part of a co00on $and or ;$rotherhood;. :n Chapter ' Dr Bach directl6 lin-s ph6sical s60pto0s to ne.ati7e e0otions. Ho)e7er, it is i0portant to note that he )rote Heal Thyself at the 7er6 $e.innin. of his disco7eries. He later a$andoned the idea that ph6sical afflictions )ere a .uide to underl6in. e0otions, as clearl6 expressed in The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies: =The 0ind $ein. the 0ost delicate and sensiti7e part of the $od6, sho)s the onset and the course of disease 0uch 0ore definitel6 than the $od6, so that the outloo- of 0ind is chosen as the .uide as to )hich re0ed6 or re0edies are necessar6. Ta-e no notice of the disease, thin- onl6 of the outloo- on life of the one in distress.;

CHAPT+R 1(+
:t is not the o$>ect of this $oo- to su..est that the art of healin. is unnecessar6? far $e fro0 it an6 such intention? $ut it is hu0$l6 hoped that it )ill $e a .uide to those )ho suffer to see- )ithin the0sel7es the real ori.in of their 0aladies, so that the6 0a6 assist the0sel7es in their o)n healin.. Moreo7er, it is hoped that it 0a6 sti0ulate those, $oth in the 0edical profession and in reli.ious orders, )ho ha7e the )elfare of hu0anit6 at heart, to redou$le their efforts in see-in. the relief of hu0an sufferin., and so hasten that da6 )hen the 7ictor6 o7er disease )ill $e co0plete. The 0ain reason for the failure of 0odern 0edical science is that it is dealin. )ith results and not causes. #or 0an6 centuries the real nature of disease has $een 0as-ed $6 0aterialis0, and thus disease itself has $een .i7en e7er6 opportunit6 of extendin. its ra7a.es, since it has not $een attac-ed at its ori.in. The situation is li-e to an ene06 stron.l6 fortified in the hills, continuall6 )a.in. .uerrilla )arfare in the countr6 around, )hile the people, i.norin. the fortified .arrison, content the0sel7es )ith repairin. the da0a.ed houses and $ur6in. the dead, )hich are the result of the raids of the 0arauders. So, .enerall6 spea-in., is the situation in 0edicine toda6? nothin. 0ore than the patchin. up of those attac-ed and the $ur6in. of those )ho are slain, )ithout a thou.ht $ein. .i7en to the real stron.hold. Disease )ill ne7er $e cured or eradicated $6 present 0aterialistic 0ethods, for the si0ple reason that disease in its ori.in is not 0aterial. 8hat )e -no) as disease is an ulti0ate result produced in the $od6,the end product of deep and lon. actin. forces, and e7en if 0aterial treat0ent alone is apparentl6 successful this is nothin. 0ore than a te0porar6 relief unless the real cause has $een re0o7ed. The 0odern trend of 0edical science, $6 0isinterpretin. the true nature of disease and concentratin. it in 0aterialistic ter0s in the ph6sical $od6, has enor0ousl6 increased its po)er, firstl6, $6 distractin. the thou.hts of people fro0 its true ori.in and hence fro0 the effecti7e 0ethod of attac-, and secondl6, $6 localisin. it in the $od6, thus o$scurin. true hope of reco7er6 and raisin. a 0i.ht6 disease co0plex of fear, )hich ne7er should ha7e existed. Disease is in essence the result of conflict $et)een Soul and Mind, and )ill ne7er $e eradicated except $6 spiritual and 0ental effort. Such efforts, if properl6 0ade )ith understandin. as )e shall see later, can cure and pre7ent disease $6 re0o7in. those $asic factors )hich are its pri0ar6 cause. (o effort directed to the $od6 alone can do 0ore than superficiall6 repair da0a.e, and in this there is no cure, since the cause is still operati7e and 0a6 at an6 0o0ent a.ain de0onstrate its presence in another for0. :n fact, in 0an6 cases apparent reco7er6 is har0ful, since it hides fro0 the patient the true cause of his trou$le, and in the satisfaction of apparentl6 rene)ed health the real factor, $ein. unnoticed, 0a6 .ain in stren.th. Contrast these cases )ith that of the patient )ho -no)s, or )ho is $6 so0e )ise ph6sician instructed in, the nature of the ad7erse spiritual or 0ental forces at )or-, the result of )hich has precipitated )hat )e call disease in the ph6sical $od6. :f that patient directl6 atte0pts to neutralise those forces, health i0pro7es as soon as this is successfull6 $e.un, and )hen it is co0pleted the disease )ill disappear. This is true healin. $6 attac-in. the stron.hold, the 7er6 $ase of the cause of sufferin..

1ne of the exceptions to 0aterialistic 0ethods in 0odern science is that of the .reat Hahne0ann, the founder of Ho0eopath6, )ho )ith his realisation of the $eneficent lo7e of the Creator and of the Di7init6 )hich resides )ithin 0an, $6 stud6in. the 0ental attitude of his patients to)ards life, en7iron0ent and their respecti7e diseases, sou.ht to find in the her$s of the field and in the real0s of nature the re0ed6 )hich )ould not onl6 heal their $odies $ut )ould at the sa0e ti0e uplift their 0ental outloo-. Ma6 his science $e extended and de7eloped $6 those true ph6sicians )ho ha7e the lo7e of hu0anit6 at heart. #i7e hundred 6ears $efore Christ so0e ph6sicians of ancient :ndia, )or-in. under the influence of the Lord Buddha, ad7anced the art of healin. to so perfect a state that the6 )ere a$le to a$olish sur.er6, althou.h the sur.er6 of their ti0e )as as efficient, or 0ore so, than that of the present da6. Such 0en as Hippocrates )ith his 0i.ht6 ideals of healin., Paracelsus )ith his certaint6 of the di7init6 in 0an, and Hahne0ann )ho realised that disease ori.inated in a plane a$o7e the ph6sical / all these -ne) 0uch of the real nature and re0ed6 of sufferin.. 8hat untold 0iser6 )ould ha7e $een spared durin. the last t)ent6 or t)ent6/fi7e centuries had the teachin. of these .reat 0asters of their art $een follo)ed, $ut, as in other thin.s, 0aterialis0 has appealed too stron.l6 to the 8estern )orld, and for so lon. a ti0e, that the 7oices of the practical o$structors ha7e risen a$o7e the ad7ice of those )ho -ne) the truth. Let it $e $riefl6 stated that disease, thou.h apparentl6 so cruel, is in itself $eneficent and for our .ood and, if ri.htl6 interpreted, it )ill .uide us to our essential faults. :f properl6 treated it )ill $e the cause of the re0o7al of those faults and lea7e us $etter and .reater than $efore. Sufferin. is a correcti7e to point out a lesson )hich $6 other 0eans )e ha7e failed to .rasp, and ne7er can it $e eradicated until that lesson is learnt. Let it also $e -no)n that in those )ho understand and are a$le to read the si.nificance of pre0onitor6 s60pto0s disease 0a6 $e pre7ented $efore its onset or a$orted in its earlier sta.es if the proper correcti7e spiritual and 0ental efforts $e underta-en. (or need an6 case despair, ho)e7er se7ere, for the fact that the indi7idual is still .ranted ph6sical life indicates that the Soul )ho rules is not )ithout hope.

CHAPT+R T81
To understand the nature of disease certain funda0ental truths ha7e to $e ac-no)led.ed. The first of these is that 0an has a Soul )hich is his real self? a Di7ine, Mi.ht6 Bein., a Son of the Creator of all thin.s, of )hich the $od6, althou.h the earthl6 te0ple of that Soul, is $ut the 0inutest reflection@ that our Soul, our Di7init6 8ho resides in and around us, la6s do)n for us our li7es as He )ishes the0 to $e ordered and, so far as )e )ill allo), e7er .uides, protects and encoura.es us, )atchful and $eneficent to lead us al)a6s for our ut0ost ad7anta.e@ that He, our Hi.her Self, $ein. a spar- of the Al0i.ht6, is there$6 in7inci$le and i00ortal. The second principle is that )e, as )e -no) oursel7es in this )orld, are personalities do)n here for the purpose of .ainin. all the -no)led.e and experience )hich can $e o$tained throu.h earthl6 existence, of de7elopin. 7irtues )hich )e lac- and of )ipin. out all that is )ron. )ithin us, thus ad7ancin. to)ards the perfection of our natures. The Soul -no)s )hat en7iron0ent and )hat circu0stances )ill $est ena$le us to do this, and hence He places us in that $ranch of life 0ost suited for that o$>ect. Thirdl6, )e 0ust realise that the short passa.e on this earth, )hich )e -no) as life, is $ut a 0o0ent in the course of our e7olution, as one da6 at school is to a life, and althou.h )e can for the present onl6 see and co0prehend that one da6, our intuition tells us that $irth )as infinitel6 far fro0 our $e.innin. and death infinitel6 far fro0 our endin.. 1ur Souls, )hich are reall6 )e, are i00ortal, and the $odies of )hich )e are conscious are te0porar6, 0erel6 as horses )e ride to .o a >ourne6, or instru0ents )e use to do a piece of )or-. Then follo)s a fourth .reat principle, that so lon. as our Souls and personalities are in har0on6 all is >o6 and peace, happiness and health. :t is )hen our personalities are led astra6 fro0 the path laid do)n $6 the Soul, either $6 our o)n )orldl6 desires or $6 the persuasion of others, that a conflict arises. This conflict is the root cause of disease and un happiness. (o 0atter )hat our )or- in the )orld / $oot$lac- or 0onarch, landlord or peasant, rich or poor / so lon. as )e do that particular )or- accordin. to the dictates of the Soul, all is )ell? and )e can further rest assured that in )hate7er station of life )e are placed, princel6 or lo)l6, it contains the lessons and experiences necessar6 at the 0o0ent for our e7olution, and .i7es us the $est ad7anta.e for the de7elop0ent of oursel7es. The next .reat principle is the understandin. of the 4nit6 of all thin.s@ that the Creator of all thin.s is Lo7e, and that e7er6thin. of )hich )e are conscious is in all its infinite nu0$er of for0s a

0anifestation of that Lo7e, )hether it $e a planet or a pe$$le, a star or a de)drop, 0an or the lo)liest for0 of life. :t 0a6 $e possi$le to .et a .li0pse of this conception $6 thin-in. of our Creator as a .reat $laAin. sun of $eneficence and lo7e and fro0 the centre an infinite nu0$er of $ea0s radiate in e7er6 direction, and that )e and all of )hich )e are conscious are particles at the end of those $ea0s, sent out to .ain experience and -no)led.e, $ut ulti0atel6 to return to the .reat centre. And thou.h to us each ra6 0a6 appear separate and distinct, it is in realit6 part of the .reat central Sun. Separation is i0possi$le, for as soon as a $ea0 of li.ht is cut off fro0 its source it ceases to exist. Thus )e 0a6 co0prehend a little of the i0possi$ilit6 of separateness, as althou.h each ra6 0a6 ha7e its indi7idualit6, it is ne7ertheless part of the .reat central creati7e po)er. Thus an6 action a.ainst oursel7es or a.ainst another affects the )hole, $ecause $6 causin. i0perfection in a part it reflects on the )hole, e7er6 particle of )hich 0ust ulti0atel6 $eco0e perfect. So )e see there are t)o .reat possi$le funda0ental errors@ dissociation $et)een our Souls and our personalities, and cruelt6 or )ron. to others, for this is a sin a.ainst 4nit6. +ither of these $rin.s conflict, )hich leads to disease. An understandin. of )here )e are 0a-in. an error B)hich is so often not realised $6 usC and an earnest endea7our to correct the fault )ill lead not onl6 to a life of >o6 and peace, $ut also to health. Disease is in itself $eneficent, and has for its o$>ect the $rin.in. $ac- of the personalit6 to the Di7ine )ill of the Soul? and thus )e can see that it is $oth pre7enta$le and a7oida$le, since if )e could onl6 realise for oursel7es the 0ista-es )e are 0a-in. and correct these $6 spiritual and 0ental 0eans there could $e no need for the se7ere lessons of sufferin.. +7er6 opportunit6 is .i7en us $6 the Di7ine Po)er to 0end our )a6s $efore, as a last resort, pain and sufferin. ha7e to $e applied. :t 0a6 not $e the errors of this life, this da6 at school, )hich )e are co0$atin.? and althou.h )e in our ph6sical 0inds 0a6 not $e conscious of the reason of our sufferin., )hich 0a6 to us appear cruel and )ithout reason, 6et our Souls B)hich are oursel7esC -no) the full purpose and are .uidin. us to our $est ad7anta.e. (e7ertheless, understandin. and correction of our errors )ould shorten our illness and $rin. us $ac- to health. 5no)led.e of the Soul;s purpose and ac9uiescence in that -no)led.e 0eans the relief of earthl6 sufferin. and distress, and lea7es us free to de7elop our e7olution in >o6 and happiness. There are t)o .reat errors@ first, to fail to honour and o$e6 the dictates of our Soul, and second, to act a.ainst 4nit6. 1n account of the for0er, $e e7er reluctant to >ud.e others, $ecause )hat is ri.ht for one is )ron. for another. The 0erchant, )hose )or- it is to $uild up a $i. trade not onl6 to his o)n ad7anta.e $ut also to that of all those )ho0 he 0a6 e0plo6, there$6 .ainin. -no)led.e of efficienc6 and control and de7elopin. the 7irtues associated )ith each, 0ust of necessit6 use different 9ualities and different 7irtues fro0 those of a nurse, sacrificin. her life in the care of the sic-? and 6et $oth, if o$e6in. the dictates of their Souls, are ri.htl6 learnin. those 9ualities necessar6 for their e7olution. :t is o$e6in. the co00ands of our Soul, our Hi.her Self, )hich )e learn throu.h conscience, instinct and intuition, that 0atters. Thus )e see that $6 its 7er6 principles and in its 7er6 essence, disease is $oth pre7enta$le and cura$le, and it is the )or- of spiritual healers and ph6sicians to .i7e, in addition to 0aterial re0edies, the -no)led.e to the sufferin. of the error of their li7es, and of the 0anner in )hich these errors can $e eradicated, and so to lead the sic- $ac- to health and >o6.

CHAPT+R THR++
8hat )e -no) as disease is the ter0inal sta.e of a 0uch deeper disorder, and to ensure co0plete success in treat0ent it is o$7ious that dealin. )ith the final result alone )ill not $e )holl6 effecti7e unless the $asic cause is also re0o7ed. There is one pri0ar6 error )hich 0an can 0a-e, and that is action a.ainst 4nit6? this ori.inates in self/lo7e. So also )e 0a6 sa6 that there is $ut one pri0ar6 affliction /disco0fort, or disease. And as action a.ainst 4nit6 0a6 $e di7ided into 7arious t6pes, so also 0a6 disease / the result of these actions / $e separated into 0ain .roups correspondin. to their causes. The 7er6 nature of an illness )ill $e a useful .uide to assist in disco7erin. the t6pe of action )hich is $ein. ta-en a.ainst the Di7ine La) of Lo7e and 4nit6. :f )e ha7e in our nature sufficient lo7e of all thin.s, then )e can do no har0? $ecause that lo7e )ould sta6 our hand at an6 action, our 0ind at an6 thou.ht )hich 0i.ht hurt another. But )e ha7e not 6et reached that state of perfection? if )e had, there )ould $e no need for our existence here. But all of us are see-in. and ad7ancin. to)ards that state, and those of us )ho suffer in 0ind or $od6 are $6 this 7er6 sufferin. $ein. led to)ards that ideal condition? and if )e )ill $ut read it ari.ht, )e 0a6 not onl6 hasten our steps to)ards that .oal, $ut also sa7e oursel7es illness and distress. #ro0 the 0o0ent the lesson is understood and the error eli0inated there is no lon.er need for

the correction, $ecause )e 0ust re0e0$er that sufferin. is in itself $eneficent, in that it points out to us )hen )e are ta-in. )ron. paths and hastens our e7olution to its .lorious perfection. The real pri0ar6 diseases of 0an are such defects as pride, cruelt6, hate, self/lo7e, i.norance, insta$ilit6 and .reed? and each of these, if considered, )ill $e found to $e ad7erse to 4nit6. Such defects as these are the real diseases Busin. the )ord in the 0odern senseC, and it is a continuation and persistence in such defects after )e ha7e reached that sta.e of de7elop0ent )hen )e -no) the0 to $e )ron., )hich precipitates in the $od6 the in>urious results )hich )e -no) as illness. Pride is due, firstl6, to lac- of reco.nition of the s0allness of the personalit6 and its utter dependence on the Soul, and that all the successes it 0a6 ha7e are not of itself $ut are $lessin.s $esto)ed $6 the Di7init6 )ithin? secondl6, the loss of the sense of proportion, of the 0inuteness of one a0idst the sche0e of Creation. As Pride in7aria$l6 refuses to $end )ith hu0ilit6 and resi.nation to the 8ill of the %reat Creator, it co00its actions contrar6 to that 8ill. Cruelt6 is a denial of the unit6 of all and a failure to understand that an6 action ad7erse to another is in opposition to the )hole, and hence an action a.ainst 4nit6. (o 0an )ould practise its in>urious effects a.ainst those near and dear to hi0, and $6 the la) of 4nit6 )e ha7e to .ro) until )e understand that e7er6one, as $ein. part of a )hole, 0ust $eco0e near and dear to us, until e7en those )ho persecute us call up onl6 feelin.s of lo7e and s60path6. Hate is the opposite of Lo7e, the re7erse of the La) of Creation. :t is contrar6 to the )hole Di7ine sche0e and is a denial of the Creator? it leads onl6 to such actions and thou.hts )hich are ad7erse to 4nit6 and the opposite of those )hich )ould $e dictated $6 Lo7e. Self/lo7e a.ain is a denial of 4nit6 and the dut6 )e o)e to our $rother 0en $6 puttin. the interests of oursel7es $efore the .ood of hu0anit6 and the care and protection of those i00ediatel6 around us. :.norance is the failure to learn, the refusal to see Truth )hen the opportunit6 is offered, and leads to 0an6 )ron. acts such as can onl6 exist in dar-ness and are not possi$le )hen the li.ht of Truth and 5no)led.e is around us. :nsta$ilit6, indecision and )ea-ness of purpose result )hen the personalit6 refuses to $e ruled $6 the Hi.her Self, and lead us to $etra6 others throu.h our )ea-ness. Such a condition )ould not $e possi$le ha d )e )it h in u s t he -n o )le d .e of t he 4ncon9uera$le :n7inci$le Di7init6 )hich is in realit6 oursel7es. %reed leads to a desire for po)er. :t is a denial of the freedo0 and indi7idualit6 of e7er6 soul. :nstead of reco.nisin. that e7er6 one of us is do)n here to de7elop freel6 upon his o)n lines accordin. to the dictates of the soul alone, to increase his indi7idualit6, and to )or- free and unha0pered, the personalit6 )ith .reed desires to dictate, 0ould and co00and, usurpin. the po)er of the Creator. Such are exa0ples of real disease, the ori.in and $asis of all our sufferin. and distress. +ach of such defects, if persisted in a.ainst the 7oice of the Hi.her Self, )ill produce a conflict )hich 0ust of necessit6 $e reflected in the ph6sical $od6, producin. its o)n specific t6pe of 0alad6. 8e can no) see ho) an6 t6pe of illness fro0 )hich )e 0a6 suffer )ill .uide us to the disco7er6 of the fault )hich lies $ehind our affliction. & #or exa0ple, Pride, )hich is arro.ance and ri.idit6 of 0ind, )ill .i7e rise to those diseases )hich produce ri.idit6 and stiffness of the $od6. Pain is the result of cruelt6, )here$6 the patient learns throu.h personal sufferin. not to inflict it upon others, either fro0 a ph6sical or fro0 a 0ental standpoint. The penalties of Hate are loneliness, 7iolent uncontrolla$le te0per, 0ental ner7e stor0s and conditions of h6steria. The diseases of introspection / neurosis, neurasthenia and si0ilar conditions / )hich ro$ life of so 0uch en>o60ent, are caused $6 excessi7e Self/lo7e. :.norance and lac- of )isdo0 $rin. their o)n difficulties in e7er6da6 life, and in addition should there $e a persistence in refusin. to see truth )hen the opportunit6 has $een .i7en, short/si.htedness and i0pair0ent of 7ision and hearin. are the natural conse9uences. :nsta$ilit6 of 0ind 0ust lead to the sa0e 9ualit6 in the $od6 )ith those 7arious disorders )hich affect 0o7e0ent and co/ordination. The result of .reed and do0ination of others is such diseases as )ill render the sufferer a sla7e to his o)n $od6, )ith desires and a0$itions cur$ed $6 the 0alad6. Moreo7er, the 7er6 part of the $od6 affected is no accident, $ut is in accordance )ith the la) of cause and effect, and a.ain )ill $e a .uide to help us. #or exa0ple, the heart, the fountain of life and hence of lo7e, is attac-ed )hen especiall6 the lo7e side of the nature to)ards hu0anit6 is not de7eloped or is )ron.l6 used? a hand affected denotes failure or )ron. in action? the $rain $ein. the centre of control, if afflicted, indicates lac- of control in the personalit6. Such 0ust follo) as the la) la6s do)n. 8e are all read6 to ad0it the 0an6 results )hich 0a6 follo) a fit of 7iolent te0per, the shoc- of sudden $ad ne)s? if tri7ial affairs can thus affect the $od6, ho) 0uch 0ore serious and deep/rooted 0ust $e a prolon.ed conflict $et)een soul and $od6. Can )e )onder that the result .i7es rise to such .rie7ous co0plaints as the diseases a0on.st us toda6D But 6et there is no cause for depression. The pre7ention and cure of disease can $e found $6 disco7erin. the )ron. )ithin oursel7es and eradicatin. this fault $6 the earnest de7elop0ent of the 7irtue )hich )ill destro6 it? not $6 fi.htin. the )ron., $ut $6 $rin.in. in such a

flood of its opposin. 7irtue that it )ill $e s)ept fro0 our natures.

CHAPT+R #14R
So )e find that there is nothin. of the nature of accident as re.ards disease, either in its t6pe or in that part of the $od6 )hich is affected? li-e all other results of ener.6, it follo)s the la) of cause and effect. Certain 0aladies 0a6 $e caused $6 direct ph6sical 0eans, such as those associated )ith so0e poisons, accidents and in>uries, and .ross excesses? $ut disease in .eneral is due to so0e $asic error in our constitution, as in the exa0ples alread6 .i7en. And thus for a co0plete cure not onl6 0ust ph6sical 0eans $e used, choosin. al)a6s the $est 0ethods )hich are -no)n to the art of healin., $ut )e oursel7es 0ust also endea7our to the ut0ost of our a$ilit6 to re0o7e an6 fault in our nature? $ecause final and co0plete healin. ulti0atel6 co0es fro0 )ithin, fro0 the Soul itself, )hich $6 His $eneficence radiates har0on6 throu.hout the personalit6, )hen allo)ed to do so. As there is one .reat root cause of all disease, na0el6 self/lo7e, so there is one .reat certain 0ethod of relief of all sufferin., the con7ersion of self/lo7e into de7otion to others. :f )e $ut sufficientl6 de7elop the 9ualit6 of losin. oursel7es in the lo7e and care of those around us, en>o6in. the .lorious ad7enture of .ainin. -no)led.e and helpin. others, our personal .riefs and sufferin.s rapidl6 co0e to an end. :t is the .reat ulti0ate ai0@ the losin. of our o)n interests in the ser7ice of hu0anit6. :t 0atters not the station in life in )hich our Di7init6 has placed us. 8hether en.a.ed in trade or profession, rich or poor, 0onarch or $e..ar, for one and all it is possi$le to carr6 on the )or- of their respecti7e 7ocations and 6et $e 7erita$le $lessin.s to those around $6 co00unicatin. to the0 the Di7ine Lo7e of Brotherhood. But the 7ast 0a>orit6 of us ha7e so0e )a6 to tra7el $efore )e can reach this state of perfection, althou.h it is surprisin. ho) rapidl6 an6 indi7idual 0a6 ad7ance alon. these lines if the effort is seriousl6 0ade, pro7idin. he trusts not in his poor personalit6 alone $ut has i0plicit faith, that $6 the exa0ple and teachin. of the .reat 0asters of the )orld he 0a6 $e ena$led to unite hi0self )ith his o)n Soul, the Di7init6 )ithin, )hen all thin.s $eco0e possi$le. :n 0ost of us there is one, or 0ore, ad7erse defect )hich is particularl6 hinderin. our ad7ance0ent, and it is such defect, or defects, )hich )e 0ust especiall6 see- out )ithin oursel7es, and )hilst stri7in. to de7elop and extend the lo7e side of our nature to)ards the )orld, endea7our at the sa0e ti0e to )ash a)a6 an6 such defect in particular $6 the floodin. of our nature )ith the opposin. 7irtue. At first this 0a6 $e a little difficult, $ut onl6 >ust at first, for it is re0ar-a$le ho) rapidl6 a trul6 encoura.ed 7irtue )ill increase, lin-ed )ith the -no)led.e that )ith the aid of the Di7init6 )ithin us, if )e $ut perse7ere, failure is i0possi$le. :n the de7elop0ent of 4ni7ersal Lo7e )ithin oursel7es )e 0ust learn to realise 0ore and 0ore that e7er6 hu0an $ein., ho)e7er lo)l6, is a son of the Creator, and that one da6 and in due ti0e he )ill ad7ance to perfection >ust as )e all hope to do. Ho)e7er $ase a 0an or creature 0a6 appear, )e 0ust re0e0$er that there is the Di7ine Spar- )ithin, )hich )ill slo)l6 $ut surel6 .ro) until the .lor6 of the Creator irradiates that $ein.. Moreo7er, the 9uestion of ri.ht or )ron., of .ood and e7il, is purel6 relati7e. That )hich is ri.ht in the natural e7olution of the a$ori.inal )ould $e )ron. for the 0ore enli.htened of our ci7ilisation, and that )hich 0i.ht e7en $e a 7irtue in such as oursel7es 0i.ht $e out of place, and hence )ron., in one )ho has reached the sta.e of discipleship. 8hat )e call )ron. or e7il is in realit6 .ood out of place, and hence is purel6 relati7e. Let us re0e0$er also that our standard of idealis0 a.ain is relati7e? to the ani0als )e 0ust appear as 7erita$le .ods, )hereas )e in oursel7es are 7er6 far $elo) the standards of the .reat 8hite Brotherhood of Saints and Mart6rs )ho ha7e .i7en their all to $e exa0ples to us. Hence )e 0ust ha7e co0passion and s60path6 for the lo)liest, for )hilst )e 0a6 consider oursel7es as ha7in. ad7anced far a$o7e their le7el, )e are in oursel7es 0inute indeed, and ha7e 6et a lon. >ourne6 $efore us to reach the standard of our older $rothers, )hose li.ht shines throu.hout the )orld in e7er6 a.e. :f Pride assails us, let us tr6 to realise that our personalities are in the0sel7es as nothin., una$le to do an6 .ood )or- or accepta$le ser7ice, or to resist the po)ers of dar-ness, unless assisted $6 that Li.ht )hich is fro0 a$o7e, the Li.ht of our Soul? endea7our to co0prehend a .li0pse of the o0nipotence and unthin-a$le 0i.htiness of our Creator, 8ho 0a-es in all perfection a )orld in one drop of )ater and s6ste0s upon s6ste0s of uni7erses, and tr6 to realise the relati7e hu0ilit6 )e o)e and our utter dependence upon Hi0. 8e learn to pa6 ho0a.e and .i7e respect to our hu0an superiors? ho) infinitel6 0ore should )e ac-no)led.e our o)n frailt6 )ith ut0ost hu0ilit6 $efore the %reat Architect of the 4ni7erseE

:f Cruelt6, or Hate, $ar our )a6 to pro.ress, let us re0e0$er that Lo7e is the foundation of Creation, that in e7er6 li7in. soul there is so0e .ood, and that in the $est of us there is so0e $ad. B6 see-in. the .ood in others, e7en in those )ho at first offend us, )e shall learn to de7elop, if nothin. 0ore, so0e s60path6 and a hope that the6 )ill see $etter )a6s? then it follo)s that the desire )ill arise to help the0 to that uplift. The ulti0ate con9uest of all )ill $e throu.h lo7e and .entleness, and )hen )e ha7e sufficientl6 de7eloped these t)o 9ualities nothin. )ill $e a$le to assail us, since )e shall e7er ha7e co0passion and not offer resistance? for, a.ain, $6 the sa0e la) of cause and effect it is resistance )hich da0a.es. 1ur o$>ect in life is to follo) the dictates of our Hi.her Self, undeterred $6 the influence of others, and this can onl6 $e achie7ed if )e .entl6 .o our o)n )a6, $ut at the sa0e ti0e ne7er interfere )ith the personalit6 of another or cause the least har0 $6 an6 0ethod of cruelt6 or hate. 8e 0ust stri7e to learn lo7e of others, $e.innin. perhaps )ith one indi7idual or e7en an ani0al, and let this lo7e de7elop and extend o7er a )ider and )ider ran.e, until its opposin. defects )ill auto0aticall6 disappear. Lo7e $e.ets Lo7e, as Hate does Hate. The cure of self/lo7e is effected $6 the turnin. out)ards to others of the care and attention )hich )e are de7otin. to oursel7es, $eco0in. so en.rossed in their )elfare that )e for.et oursel7es in that endea7our. As one .reat order of Brotherhood expresses it, Fto see- the solace of our o)n distress $6 extendin. relief and consolation to our fello)/ creatures in the hour of their affliction,F and there is no surer )a6 of curin. self/lo7e and the disorders )hich follo) it than $6 such a 0ethod. :nsta$ilit6 can $e eradicated $6 the de7elop0ent of self/deter0ination, $6 0a-in. up the 0ind and doin. thin.s )ith definiteness instead of )a7erin. and ho7erin.. +7en if at first )e 0a6 so0eti0es 0a-e errors, it )ere $etter to act than to let opportunities pass for the )ant of decision. Deter0ination )ill soon .ro)? fear of plun.in. into life )ill disappear, and the experiences .ained )ill .uide our 0ind to $etter >ud.e0ent. To eradicate :.norance, a.ain let us not $e afraid of experience, $ut )ith 0ind a)a-e and )ith e6es and ears )ide open ta-e in e7er6 particle of -no)led.e )hich 0a6 $e o$tained. At the sa0e ti0e )e 0ust -eep flexi$le in thou.ht, lest preconcei7ed ideas and for0er con7ictions ro$ us of the opportunit6 of .ainin. fresh and )ider -no)led.e. 8e should $e e7er read6 to expand the 0ind and to disre.ard an6 idea, ho)e7er fir0l6 rooted, if under )ider experience a .reater truth sho)s itself. Li-e Pride, %reed is a .reat o$stacle to ad7ance0ent, and $oth of these 0ust $e ruthlessl6 )ashed a)a6. The results of %reed are serious indeed, $ecause it leads us to interfere )ith the soul/de7elop0ent of our fello)/0en. 8e 0ust realise that e7er6 $ein. is here to de7elop his o)n e7olution accordin. to the dictates of his Soul, and his Soul alone, and that none of us 0ust do an6thin. $ut encoura.e our $rother in that de7elop0ent. 8e 0ust help hi0 to hope and, if in our po)er, increase his -no)led.e and )orldl6 opportunities to .ain his ad7ance0ent. Gust as )e )ould )ish others to help us up the steep and difficult 0ountain path of life, so let us $e e7er read6 to lend a helpin. hand and .i7e the experience of our )ider -no)led.e to a )ea-er or 6oun.er $rother. Such should $e the attitude of parent to child, 0aster to 0an or co0rade to co0rade, .i7in. care, lo7e and protection as far as 0a6 $e needed and $eneficial, 6et ne7er for one 0o0ent interferin. )ith the natural e7olution of the personalit6, as this 0ust $e dictated $6 the Soul. Man6 of us in our childhood and earl6 life are 0uch nearer to our o)n Soul than )e are in later 6ears, and ha7e then clearer ideas of our )or- in life, the endea7ours )e are expected to 0a-e and the character )e are re9uired to de7elop. The reason for this is that the 0aterialis0 and circu0stances of our a.e, and the personalities )ith )ho0 )e associate, lead us a)a6 fro0 the 7oice of our Hi.her Self and $ind us fir0l6 to the co00onplace )ith its lac- of ideals, all too e7ident in this ci7ilisation. Let the parent, the 0aster and the co0rade e7er stri7e to encoura.e the .ro)th of the Hi.her Self )ithin those o7er )ho0 the6 ha7e the )onderful pri7ile.e and opportunit6 to exert their influence, $ut let the0 e7er allo) freedo0 to others, as the6 hope to ha7e freedo0 .i7en to the0. So in a si0ilar )a6 0a6 )e see- out an6 faults in our constitution and )ash the0 out $6 de7elopin. the opposin. 7irtue, thus re0o7in. fro0 our nature the cause of the conflict $et)een Soul and personalit6, )hich is the pri0ar6 $asic cause of disease. Such action alone, if the patient has faith and stren.th, )ill $rin. relief, health and >o6, and in those not so stron. )ill 0ateriall6 assist the )or- of the earthl6 ph6sician in $rin.in. a$out the sa0e result. 8e 0ust earnestl6 learn to de7elop indi7idualit6 accordin. to the dictates of our o)n Soul, to fear no 0an and to see that no one interferes )ith, or dissuades us fro0, the de7elop0ent of our e7olution, the fulfil0ent of our dut6 and the renderin. of help to our fello)/0en, re0e0$erin. that the further )e ad7ance, the .reater $lessin. )e $eco0e to those around. +speciall6 0ust )e $e on .uard in the .i7in. of help to other people, no 0atter )ho0 the6 $e, to $e certain that the desire to help co0es fro0 the dictates of the :nner Self and is not a false sense of dut6 i0posed $6 the su..estion or persuasion of a 0ore do0inant personalit6. 1ne tra.ed6 resultin. fro0 0odern

con7ention is of such a t6pe, and it is i0possi$le to calculate the thousands of hindered li7es, the 06riads of 0issed opportunities, the sorro) and the sufferin. so caused, the countless nu0$er of children )ho fro0 a sense of dut6 ha7e perhaps for 6ears )aited upon an in7alid )hen the onl6 0alad6 the parent has -no)n has $een the .reed of attention. Thin- of the ar0ies of 0en and )o0en )ho ha7e $een pre7ented fro0 doin. perhaps so0e .reat and useful )or- for hu0anit6 $ecause their personalit6 has $een captured $6 so0e one indi7idual fro0 )ho0 the6 ha7e not had the coura.e to )in freedo0? the children )ho in their earl6 da6s -no) and desire their ordained callin., and 6et fro0 difficulties of circu0stance, dissuasion $6 others and )ea-ness of purpose .lide into so0e other $ranch of life, )here the6 are neither happ6 nor a$le to de7elop their e7olution as the6 0i.ht other)ise ha7e done. :t is the dictates of our conscience alone )hich can tell us )hether our dut6 lies )ith one or 0an6, ho) and )ho0 )e should ser7e? $ut )hiche7er it 0a6 $e, )e should o$e6 that co00and to the ut0ost of our a$ilit6. #inall6, let us not fear to plun.e into life? )e are here to .ain experience and -no)led.e, and )e shall learn $ut little unless )e face realities and see- to our ut0ost. Such experience can $e .ained in e7er6 9uarter, and the truths of nature and of hu0anit6 can $e )on >ust as effecti7el6, perhaps e7en 0ore so, in a countr6 cotta.e as a0on.st the noise and hustle of a cit6.

CHAPT+R #:,+
As lac- of indi7idualit6 Bthat is, the allo)in. of interference )ith the personalit6, such interference pre7entin. it fro0 co0pl6in. )ith the de0ands of the Hi.her SelfC is of such .reat i0portance in the production of disease, and as it often $e.ins earl6 in life, let us no) consider the true relation $et)een parent and child, teacher and pupil. #unda0entall6, the office of parenthood is to $e the pri7ile.ed 0eans Band, indeed, it should $e considered as di7inel6 pri7ile.edC of ena$lin. a soul to contact this )orld for the sa-e of e7olution. :f properl6 understood, there is pro$a$l6 no .reater opportunit6 offered to 0an-ind than this, to $e the a.ent of the ph6sical $irth of a soul and to ha7e the care of the 6oun. personalit6 durin. the first fe) 6ears of its existence on earth. The )hole attitude of parents should $e to .i7e the little ne)co0er all the spiritual, 0ental and ph6sical .uidance to the ut0ost of their a$ilit6, e7er re0e0$erin. that the )ee one is an indi7idual soul co0e do)n to .ain his o)n experience and -no)led.e in his o)n )a6 accordin. to the dictates of his Hi.her Self, and e7er6 possi$le freedo0 should $e .i7en for unha0pered de7elop0ent. The office of parenthood is one of di7ine ser7ice, and should $e respected as 0uch as, or perhaps e7en 0ore than, an6 other dut6 )e 0a6 $e called upon to underta-e. As it is one of sacrifice, it 0ust e7er $e $orne in 0ind that nothin. )hate7er should $e re9uired in return fro0 the child, the )hole o$>ect $ein. to .i7e, and .i7e alone, .entle lo7e, protection and .uidance until the soul ta-es char.e of the 6oun. personalit6. :ndependence, indi7idualit6 and freedo0, should $e tau.ht fro0 the $e.innin., and the child should $e encoura.ed as earl6 as possi$le in life to thin- and act for hi0self. All parental control should $e relin9uished step $6 step as the a$ilit6 for self/0ana.e0ent is de7eloped, and later on no restraint or false idea of dut6 to parenthood should ha0per the dictates of the child;s soul. Parenthood is an office in life )hich passes fro0 one to another, and is in essence a te0porar6 .i7in. of .uidance and protection for a $rief period, after )hich ti0e it should then cease its efforts and lea7e the o$>ect of its attention free to ad7ance alone. Be it re0e0$ered that the child for )ho0 )e 0a6 $eco0e a te0porar6 .uardian 0a6 $e a 0uch older and .reater soul than oursel7es, and spirituall6 our superior, so that control and protection should $e confined to the needs of the 6oun. personalit6. Parenthood is a sacred dut6, te0porar6 in its character and passin. fro0 .eneration to .eneration. :t carries )ith it nothin. $ut ser7ice and calls for no o$li.ation in return fro0 the 6oun., since the6 0ust $e left free to de7elop in their o)n )a6 and $eco0e as fitted as possi$le to fulfil the sa0e office in $ut a fe) 6ears; ti0e. Thus the child should ha7e no restrictions, no o$li.ations and no parental hindrances, -no)in. that parenthood had pre7iousl6 $een $esto)ed on his father and 0other and that it 0a6 $e his dut6 to perfor0 the sa0e office for another. Parents should $e particularl6 on .uard a.ainst an6 desire to 0ould the 6oun. personalit6 accordin. to their o)n ideas or )ishes, and should refrain fro0 an6 undue control or de0and of fa7ours in return for their natural dut6 and di7ine pri7ile.e of $ein. the 0eans of helpin. a soul to contact the )orld. An6 desire for control, or )ish to shape the 6oun. life for personal 0oti7es, is a terri$le for0 of .reed and should ne7er $e countenanced, for if in the 6oun. father or 0other this ta-es root it )ill in later 6ears lead the0 to $e 7erita$le 7a0pires. :f there is the least desire to do0inate,

it should $e chec-ed at the onset. 8e 0ust refuse to $e under the sla7er6 of .reed, )hich co0pels in us the )ish to possess others. 8e 0ust encoura.e in oursel7es the art of .i7in., and de7elop this until it has )ashed out $6 its sacrifice e7er6 trace of ad7erse action. The teacher should e7er $ear in 0ind that it is his office 0erel6 to $e the a.ent of .i7in. to the 6oun. .uidance and an opportunit6 of learnin. the thin.s of the )orld and of life, so that each child 0a6 a$sor$ -no)led.e in his o)n )a6, and, if allo)ed freedo0, instincti7el6 choose that )hich is necessar6 for the success of his life. A.ain, therefore, nothin. 0ore than the .entlest care and .uidance should $e .i7en to ena$le the student to .ain the -no)led.e he re9uires. Children should re0e0$er that the office of parenthood, as e0$le0atical of creati7e po)er, is di7ine in its 0ission, $ut that it calls for no restriction of de7elop0ent and no o$li.ations )hich 0i.ht ha0per the life and )or- dictated to the0 $6 their o)n Soul. :t is i0possi$le to esti0ate in this present ci7ilisation the untold sufferin., the cra0pin. of natures and the de7elopin. of do0inant characters )hich the lac- of a realisation of this fact produces. :n al0ost e7er6 ho0e parents and children $uild the0sel7es prisons fro0 entirel6 false 0oti7es and a )ron. conception of the relationship of parent and child. These prisons $ar the freedo0, cra0p the life, pre7ent the natural de7elop0ent and $rin. unhappiness to all concerned, and the 0ental, ner7ous and e7en ph6sical disorders )hich afflict such people for0 a 7er6 lar.e proportion indeed of the sic-ness of our present ti0e. :t cannot $e too fir0l6 realised that e7er6 soul in incarnation is do)n here for the specific purpose of .ainin. experience and understandin., and of perfectin. his personalit6 to)ards those ideals laid do)n $6 the soul. (o 0atter )hat our relationship $e to each other, )hether hus$and and )ife, parent and child, $rother and sister, or 0aster and 0an, )e sin a.ainst our Creator and a.ainst our fello)/ 0en if )e hinder fro0 0oti7es of personal desire the e7olution of another soul. 1ur sole dut6 is to o$e6 the dictates of our o)n conscience, and this )ill ne7er for one 0o0ent $roo- the do0ination of another personalit6. Let e7er6one re0e0$er that his Soul has laid do)n for hi0 a particular )or-, and that unless he does this )or-, thou.h perhaps not consciousl6, he )ill ine7ita$l6 raise a conflict $et)een his Soul and personalit6 )hich of necessit6 reacts in the for0 of ph6sical disorders. True, it 0a6 $e the callin. of an6 one indi7idual to de7ote his life to one other alone, $ut $efore doin. so let hi0 $e a$solutel6 certain that this is the co00and of his Soul, and that it is not the su..estion of so0e other do0inant personalit6 o7er/persuadin. hi0, or false ideas of dut6 0isdirectin. hi0. Let hi0 also re0e0$er that )e co0e do)n into this )orld to )in $attles, to .ain stren.th a.ainst those )ho )ould control us, and to ad7ance to that sta.e )hen )e pass throu.h life doin. our dut6 9uietl6 and cal0l6, undeterred and uninfluenced $6 an6 li7in. $ein., cal0l6 .uided al)a6s $6 the 7oice of our Hi.her Self. #or 7er6 0an6 their .reatest $attle )ill $e in their o)n ho0e, )here $efore .ainin. their li$ert6 to )in 7ictories in the )orld the6 )ill ha7e to free the0sel7es fro0 the ad7erse do0ination and control of so0e 7er6 near relati7e. An6 indi7idual, )hether adult or child, part of )hose )or- it is in this life to free hi0self fro0 the do0inant control of another, should re0e0$er the follo)in.@ firstl6, that his )ould/$e oppressor should $e re.arded in the sa0e )a6 as )e loo- upon an opponent in sport, as a personalit6 )ith )ho0 )e are pla6in. the .a0e of Life, )ithout the least trace of $itterness, and that if it )ere not for such opponents )e should $e lac-in. the opportunit6 of de7elopin. our o)n coura.e and indi7idualit6? secondl6, that the real 7ictories of life co0e throu.h lo7e and .entleness, and that in such a contest no force )hate7er 0ust $e used@ that $6 steadil6 .ro)in. in his o)n nature, $earin. s60path6, -indness and, if possi$le, affection / or, e7en $etter, lo7e / to)ards the opponent, he 0a6 so de7elop that in ti0e he 0a6 7er6 .entl6 and 9uietl6 follo) the call of conscience )ithout allo)in. the least interference. Those )ho are do0inant re9uire 0uch help and .uidance to ena$le the0 to realise the .reat uni7ersal truth of 4nit6 and to understand the >o6 of Brotherhood. To 0iss such thin.s is to 0iss the real happiness of Life, and )e 0ust help such fol- as far as lies )ithin our po)er. 8ea-ness on our part, )hich allo)s the0 to extend their influence, )ill in no )a6 assist the0? a .entle refusal to $e under their control and an endea7our to $rin. to the0 the realisation of the >o6 of .i7in. )ill help the0 alon. the up)ard path. The .ainin. of our freedo0, the )innin. of our indi7idualit6 and independence, )ill in 0ost cases call for 0uch coura.e and faith. But in the dar-est hours, and )hen success see0s )ell/ni.h i0possi$le, let us e7er re0e0$er that %od;s children should ne7er $e afraid, that our Souls onl6 .i7e us such tas-s as )e are capa$le of acco0plishin., and that )ith our o)n coura.e and faith in the Di7init6 )ithin us 7ictor6 0ust co0e to all )ho continue to stri7e.

CHAPT+R S:2

And no), dear $rothers and sisters, )hen )e realise that Lo7e and 4nit6 are the .reat foundations of our Creation, that )e in oursel7es are children of the Di7ine Lo7e, and that the eternal con9uest of all )ron. and sufferin. )ill $e acco0plished $6 0eans of .entleness and lo7e, )hen )e realise all this, )here in this $eauteous picture are )e to place such practices as 7i7isection and ani0al .land .raftin.D Are )e still so pri0iti7e, so pa.an, that )e 6et $elie7e that $6 the sacrifice of ani0als )e are ena$led to escape the results of our o)n faults and failin.sD (earl6 ,*!! 6ears a.o the Lord Buddha sho)ed to the )orld the )ron.ness of sacrificin. the lo)er creatures. Hu0anit6 alread6 o)es a 0i.ht6 de$t to the ani0als )hich it has tortured and destro6ed, and far fro0 an6 .ood resultin. to 0an fro0 such inhu0an practices, nothin. $ut har0 and da0a.e can $e )rou.ht to $oth the hu0an and ani0al -in.do0s. Ho) far ha7e )e of the 8est )andered fro0 those $eautiful ideals of our Mother :ndia of old ti0es, )hen so .reat )as the lo7e for the creatures of the earth that 0en )ere trained and s-illed to attend the 0aladies and in>uries of not onl6 the ani0als, $ut also the $irds. Moreo7er, there )ere 7ast sanctuaries for all t6pes of life, and so a7erse )ere the people to hurtin. a lo)er creature that an6 0an )ho hunted )as refused the attendance of a ph6sician in ti0e of sic-ness until he had 7o)ed to relin9uish such a practice. Let us not spea- a.ainst the 0en )ho practise 7i7isection, for nu0$ers of these are )or-in. )ith trul6 hu0anitarian principles, hopin. and stri7in. to find so0e relief for hu0an sufferin.? their 0oti7e is .ood enou.h, $ut their )isdo0 is poor, and the6 ha7e little understandin. of the reason of life. Moti7e alone, ho)e7er ri.ht, is not enou.h? it 0ust $e co0$ined )ith )isdo0 and -no)led.e. 1f the horror of the $lac- 0a.ic associated )ith .land .raftin. let us not e7en )rite, $ut i0plore e7er6 hu0an $ein. to shun it as ten thousand ti0es )orse than an6 pla.ue, for it is a sin a.ainst %od, 0an and ani0al. 8ith >ust such one or t)o exceptions there is no point in d)ellin. on the failure of 0odern 0edical science? destruction is useless unless )e re$uild a $etter edifice, and as in 0edicine the foundation of the ne)er $uildin. is alread6 laid, let us concentrate on addin. one or t)o stones to that te0ple. (either is ad7erse criticis0 of the profession to/da6 of 7alue? it is the s6ste0 )hich is 0ainl6 )ron., not the 0en? for it is a s6ste0 )here$6 the ph6sician, fro0 econo0ic reasons alone, has not the ti0e for ad0inisterin. 9uiet, peaceful treat0ent or the opportunit6 for the necessar6 0editation and thou.ht )hich should $e the herita.e of those )ho de7ote their li7es to attendance on the sic-. As Paracelsus said, the )ise ph6sician attends fi7e, not fifteen, patients in a da6 / an ideal i0practica$le in this a.e for the a7era.e practitioner. The da)n of a ne) and $etter art of healin. is upon us. A hundred 6ears a.o the Ho0eopath6 of Hahne0ann )as as the first strea- of the 0ornin. li.ht after a lon. ni.ht of dar-ness, and it 0a6 pla6 a $i. part in the 0edicine of the future. Moreo7er, the attention )hich is $ein. .i7en at the present ti0e to i0pro7in. conditions of life and pro7idin. purer and cleaner diet is an ad7ance to)ards the pre7ention of sic-ness? and those 0o7e0ents )hich are directed to $rin. to the notice of the people $oth the connection $et)een spiritual failin.s and disease and the healin. )hich 0a6 $e o$tained throu.h perfection of the 0ind, are pointin. the )a6 to)ards the co0in. of that $ri.ht sunshine in )hose radiant li.ht the dar-ness of disease )ill disappear. Let us re0e0$er that disease is a co00on ene06, and that e7er6 one of us )ho con9uers a fra.0ent of it is there$6 helpin. not onl6 hi0self $ut the )hole of hu0anit6. A certain, $ut definite, a0ount of ener.6 )ill ha7e to $e expended $efore its o7erthro) is co0plete? let us one and all stri7e for this result, and those )ho are .reater and stron.er than the others 0a6 not onl6 do their share, $ut 0ateriall6 assist their )ea-er $rothers. 1$7iousl6 the first )a6 to pre7ent the spread and increase of disease is for us to cease co00ittin. those actions )hich extend its po)er? the second, to )ipe out fro0 our natures our o)n defects, )hich )ould allo) further in7asion. The achie7e0ent of this is 7ictor6 indeed? then, ha7in. freed oursel7es, )e are free to help others. And it is not so difficult as it 0a6 at first appear? )e are $ut expected to do our $est, and )e -no) that this is possi$le for all of us if )e )ill $ut listen to the dictates of our o)n Soul. Life does not de0and of us unthin-a$le sacrifice? it as-s us to tra7el its >ourne6 )ith >o6 in our heart and to $e a $lessin. to those around, so that if )e lea7e the )orld >ust that trifle $etter for our 7isit, then ha7e )e done our )or-. The teachin.s of reli.ions, if properl6 read, plead )ith us Fto forsa-e all and follo) MeF, the interpretation of )hich is to .i7e oursel7es entirel6 up to the de0ands of our Hi.her Self, $ut not, as so0e i0a.ine, to discard ho0e and co0fort, lo7e and luxur6? 7er6 far fro0 this is the truth. A prince of the real0, )ith all the .lories of the palace, 0a6 $e a %odsend and a $lessin. indeed to his people, to his countr6 / na6, e7en to the )orld? ho) 0uch 0i.ht ha7e $een lost had that prince i0a.ined it his dut6 to enter a 0onaster6. The offices of life in e7er6 $ranch, fro0 the lo)liest to the 0ost exalted, ha7e to $e filled, and the Di7ine %uide of our destinies -no)s into )hich office to place us for our $est ad7anta.e? all )e are expected to do is to fulfil that dut6 cheerfull6 and )ell. There are saints at the factor6 $ench and in the sto-ehold of a ship as )ell as a0on. the di.nitaries of reli.ious orders. (ot one of us upon this earth is $ein. as-ed to do 0ore than is )ithin

his po)er to perfor0, and if )e stri7e to o$tain the $est )ithin us, e7er .uided $6 our Hi.her Self, health and happiness is a possi$ilit6 for each one. #or the .reater part of the last t)o thousand 6ears 8estern ci7ilisation has passed throu.h an a.e of intense 0aterialis0, and the realisation of the spiritual side of our natures and existence has $een .reatl6 lost in the attitude of 0ind )hich has placed )orldl6 possessions, a0$itions, desires and pleasures a$o7e the real thin.s of life. The true reason of 0an;s existence on earth has $een o7ershado)ed $6 his anxiet6 to o$tain fro0 his incarnation nothin. $ut )orldl6 .ain. :t has $een a period )hen life has $een 7er6 difficult $ecause of the lac- of the real co0fort, encoura.e0ent and uplift )hich is $rou.ht $6 a realisation of .reater thin.s than those of the )orld. Durin. the last centuries reli.ions ha7e to 0an6 people appeared rather as le.ends ha7in. no $earin. on their li7es instead of $ein. the 7er6 essence of their existence. The true nature of our Hi.her Self, the -no)led.e of pre7ious and later life, apart fro0 this present one, has 0eant $ut 7er6 little to us instead of $ein. the .uide and sti0ulus of our e7er6 action. 8e ha7e rather shunned the .reat thin.s and atte0pted to 0a-e life as co0forta$le as possi$le $6 puttin. the super/ph6sical out of our 0inds and dependin. upon earthl6 pleasures to co0pensate us for our trials. Thus ha7e position, ran-, )ealth and )orldl6 possessions $eco0e the .oal of these centuries? and as all such thin.s are transient and can onl6 $e o$tained and held )ith 0uch anxiet6 and concentration on 0aterial thin.s, so has the real internal peace and happiness of the past .enerations $een infinitel6 $elo) that )hich is the due of 0an-ind. The real peace of the Soul and 0ind is )ith us )hen )e are 0a-in. spiritual ad7ance, and it cannot $e o$tained $6 the accu0ulation of )ealth alone, no 0atter ho) .reat. But the ti0es are chan.in., and the indications are 0an6 that this ci7ilisation has $e.un to pass fro0 the a.e of pure 0aterialis0 to a desire for the realities and truths of the uni7erse. The .eneral and rapidl6 increasin. interest exhi$ited toda6 for -no)led.e of superph6sical truths, the .ro)in. nu0$er of those )ho are desirin. infor0ation on existence $efore and after this life, the foundin. of 0ethods to con9uer disease $6 faith and spiritual 0eans, the 9uest after the ancient teachin.s and )isdo0 of the +ast / all these are si.ns that people of the present ti0e ha7e .li0psed the realit6 of thin.s. Thus, )hen )e co0e to the pro$le0 of healin. )e can understand that this also )ill ha7e to -eep pace )ith the ti0es and chan.e its 0ethods fro0 those of .ross 0aterialis0 to those of a science founded upon the realities of Truth and .o7erned $6 the sa0e Di7ine la)s )hich rule our 7er6 natures. Healin. )ill pass fro0 the do0ain of ph6sical 0ethods of treatin. the ph6sical $od6 to that of spiritual and 0ental healin., )hich, $6 $rin.in. a$out har0on6 $et)een the Soul and 0ind, )ill eradicate the 7er6 $asic cause of disease, and then allo) such ph6sical 0eans to $e used as 0a6 $e necessar6 to co0plete the cure of the $od6. :t see0s 9uite possi$le that unless the 0edical profession realises these facts and ad7ances )ith the spiritual .ro)th of the people the art of healin. 0a6 pass into the hands of reli.ious orders or into those of the true$orn healers of 0en )ho exist in e7er6 .eneration, $ut )ho 6et ha7e li7ed 0ore or less uno$ser7ed, pre7ented fro0 follo)in. their natural callin. $6 the attitude of the orthodox. So that the ph6sician of the future )ill ha7e t)o .reat ai0s. The first )ill $e to assist the patient to a -no)led.e of hi0self and to point out to hi0 the funda0ental 0ista-es he 0a6 $e 0a-in., the deficiencies in his character )hich he should re0ed6, and the defects in his nature )hich 0ust $e eradicated and replaced $6 the correspondin. 7irtues. Such a ph6sician )ill ha7e to $e a .reat student of the la)s .o7ernin. hu0anit6 and of hu0an nature itself, so that he 0a6 reco.nise in all )ho co0e to hi0 those ele0ents )hich are causin. a conflict $et)een the Soul and the personalit6. He 0ust $e a$le to ad7ise the sufferer ho) $est to $rin. a$out the har0on6 re9uired, )hat actions a.ainst 4nit6 he 0ust cease to perfor0 and the necessar6 7irtues he 0ust de7elop to )ipe out his defects. +ach case )ill need a careful stud6, and it )ill onl6 $e those )ho ha7e de7oted 0uch of their life to the -no)led.e of 0an-ind and in )hose heart $urns the desire to help, )ho )ill $e a$le to underta-e successfull6 this .lorious and di7ine )or- for hu0anit6, to open the e6es of a sufferer and enli.hten hi0 on the reason of his $ein., and to inspire hope, co0fort and faith )hich )ill ena$le hi0 to con9uer his 0alad6. The second dut6 of the ph6sician )ill $e to ad0inister such re0edies as )ill help the ph6sical $od6 to .ain stren.th and assist the 0ind to $eco0e cal0, )iden its outloo- and stri7e to)ards perfection, thus $rin.in. peace and har0on6 to the )hole personalit6. Such re0edies there are in nature, placed there $6 the 0erc6 of the Di7ine Creator for the healin. and co0fort of 0an-ind. A fe) of these are -no)n, and 0ore are $ein. sou.ht at the present ti0e $6 ph6sicians in different parts of the )orld, especiall6 in our Mother :ndia, and there is no dou$t that )hen such researches ha7e $eco0e 0ore de7eloped )e shall re.ain 0uch of the -no)led.e )hich )as -no)n 0ore than t)o thousand 6ears a.o, and the healer of the future )ill ha7e at his disposal the )onderful and natural re0edies )hich )ere di7inel6 placed for 0an to relie7e his sic-ness. Thus the a$olition of disease )ill depend upon hu0anit6 realisin. the truth of the unaltera$le la)s of our 4ni7erse and adaptin. itself )ith hu0ilit6 and o$edience to those la)s, thus $rin.in. peace $et)een its Soul and itself, and .ainin. the real >o6 and happiness of life. And the part of the ph6sician )ill $e to

assist an6 sufferer to a -no)led.e of such truth and to point out to hi0 the 0eans $6 )hich he can .ain har0on6, to inspire hi0 )ith faith in his Di7init6 )hich can o7erco0e all, and to ad0inister such ph6sical re0edies as )ill help in the har0onisin. of the personalit6 and the healin. of the $od6.

CHAPT+R S+,+(
And no) )e co0e to the all/i0portant pro$le0, ho) can )e help oursel7esD Ho) can )e -eep our 0ind and $od6 in that state of har0on6 )hich )ill 0a-e it difficult or i0possi$le for disease to attac- us, for it is certain that the personalit6 )ithout conflict is i00une fro0 illness. #irst let us consider the 0ind. 8e ha7e alread6 discussed at so0e len.th the necessit6 of see-in. )ithin oursel7es those defects )e possess )hich cause us to )or- a.ainst 4nit6 and out of har0on6 )ith the dictates of the Soul, and of eli0inatin. these faults $6 de7elopin. the opposin. 7irtues. This can $e done on the lines alread6 indicated, and an honest self/exa0ination )ill disclose to us the nature of our errors. 1ur spiritual ad7isers, true ph6sicians and inti0ate friends should all $e a$le to assist us to o$tain a faithful picture of oursel7es, $ut the perfect 0ethod of learnin. this is $6 cal0 thou.ht and 0editation, and $6 $rin.in. oursel7es to such an at0osphere of peace that our Souls are a$le to spea- to us throu.h our conscience and intuition, and to .uide us accordin. to their )ishes. :f )e can onl6 set aside a short ti0e e7er6 da6, 9uite alone and in as 9uiet a place as possi$le, free fro0 interruption, and 0erel6 sit or lie 9uietl6, either -eepin. the 0ind a $lan- or cal0l6 thin-in. of one;s )or- in life, it )ill $e found after a ti0e that )e .et .reat help at such 0o0ents and, as it )ere, flashes of -no)led.e and .uidance are .i7en to us. 8e find that the 9uestions of the difficult pro$le0s of life are un0ista-a$l6 ans)ered, and )e $eco0e a$le to choose )ith confidence the ri.ht course. Throu.hout such ti0es )e should -eep an earnest desire in the heart to ser7e hu0anit6 and )or- accordin. to the dictates of our Soul. Be it re0e0$ered that )hen the fault is found the re0ed6 lies not in a $attle a.ainst this and not in a use of )ill po)er and ener.6 to suppress a )ron., $ut in a stead6 de7elop0ent of the opposite 7irtue, thus auto0aticall6 )ashin. fro0 our natures all trace of the offender. This is the true and natural 0ethod of ad7ance0ent and of the con9uest of )ron., 7astl6 easier and 0ore effecti7e than fi.htin. a particular defect. To stru..le a.ainst a fault increases its po)er, -eeps our attention ri7eted on its presence, and $rin.s us a $attle indeed, and the 0ost success )e can then expect is con9uest $6 suppression, )hich is far fro0 satisfactor6, as the ene06 is still )ith us and 0a6 in a )ea- 0o0ent sho) itself afresh. To for.et the failin. and consciousl6 to stri7e to de7elop the 7irtue )hich )ould 0a-e the for0er i0possi$le, this is true 7ictor6. #or exa0ple, should there $e cruelt6 in our nature, )e can continuall6 sa6, F: )ill not $e cruelF, and so pre7ent oursel7es errin. in that direction? $ut the success of this depends on the stren.th of the 0ind, and should it )ea-en )e 0i.ht for the 0o0ent for.et our .ood resol7e. But should )e, on the other hand, de7elop real s60path6 to)ards our fello)/0en, this 9ualit6 )ill once and for all 0a-e cruelt6 i0possi$le, for )e should shun the 7er6 act )ith horror $ecause of our fello)/feelin.. A$out this there is no suppression, no hidden ene06 to co0e for)ard at 0o0ents )hen )e are off our .uard, $ecause our s60path6 )ill ha7e co0pletel6 eradicated fro0 our nature the possi$ilit6 of an6 act )hich could hurt another. As )e ha7e pre7iousl6 seen, the nature of our ph6sical 0aladies )ill 0ateriall6 help in pointin. out to us the 0ental dishar0on6 )hich is the $asic cause of their ori.in? and another .reat factor of success is that )e 0ust ha7e a Aest for life and loo- upon existence not 0erel6 as a dut6 to $e $orne )ith as 0uch patience as possi$le, de7elopin. a real >o6 in the ad7enture of our >ourne6 throu.h this )orld. Perhaps one of the .reatest tra.edies of 0aterialis0 is the de7elop0ent of $oredo0 and the loss of real inner happiness? it teaches people to see- content0ent and co0pensation for trou$les in earthl6 en>o60ents and pleasures, and these can ne7er $rin. an6thin. $ut te0porar6 o$li7ion of our difficulties. 1nce )e $e.in to see- co0pensation for our trials at the hands of the paid >ester )e start a 7icious circle. A0use0ent, entertain0ent and fri7olit6 are .ood for us all, $ut not )hen )e persistentl6 depend upon these to alle7iate our trou$les. 8orldl6 a0use0ents of e7er6 -ind ha7e to $e steadil6 increased in their intensit6 to -eep their hold, and the thrill of 6esterda6 $eco0es the $ore of to/0orro). So )e .o on see-in. other and .reater excite0ents until )e $eco0e satiated and can no lon.er o$tain relief in that direction. :n so0e for0 or another reliance on )orldl6 entertain0ent 0a-es #austs of us all, and thou.h perhaps )e 0a6 not full6 realise it in our conscious self, life $eco0es for us little 0ore than a patient dut6 and all its true Aest and >o6, such as should $e the herita.e of e7er6 child and $e 0aintained until our latest hours, departs fro0 us. The extre0e sta.e is reached toda6 in the scientific efforts $ein. e7ol7ed to o$tain re>u7enation,

prolon.ation of natural life and increase of sensual pleasures $6 0eans of de7ilish practices. The state of $oredo0 is responsi$le for the ad0ittance into oursel7es of 0uch 0ore disease than )ould $e .enerall6 realised, and as it tends toda6 to occur earl6 in life, so the 0aladies associated )ith it tend to appear at a 6oun.er a.e. Such a condition cannot occur if )e ac-no)led.e the truth of our Di7init6, our 0ission in the )orld, and there$6 possess the >o6 of .ainin. experience and helpin. others. The antidote for $oredo0 is to ta-e an acti7e and li7el6 interest in all around us, to stud6 life throu.hout the )hole da6, to learn and learn and learn fro0 our fello)/0en and fro0 the occurrences in life the Truth that lies $ehind all thin.s, to lose oursel7es in the art of .ainin. -no)led.e and experience, and to )atch for opportunities )hen )e 0a6 use such to the ad7anta.e of a fello)/tra7eller. Thus e7er6 0o0ent of our )or- and pla6 )ill $rin. )ith it a Aeal for learnin., a desire to experience real thin.s, real ad7entures and deeds )orth )hile, and as )e de7elop this facult6 )e shall find that )e are re.ainin. the po)er of o$tainin. >o6 fro0 the s0allest incidents, and occurrences )e ha7e pre7iousl6 re.arded as co00onplace and of dull 0onoton6 )ill $eco0e the opportunit6 for research and ad7enture. :t is in the si0ple thin.s of life / the si0ple thin.s $ecause the6 are nearer the .reat Truth / that real pleasure is to $e found. Resi.nation, )hich 0a-es one $eco0e 0erel6 an uno$ser7ant passen.er on the >ourne6 of life, opens the door to untold ad7erse influences )hich )ould ne7er ha7e an opportunit6 of .ainin. ad0ittance as lon. as our dail6 existence $rou.ht )ith it the spirit and >o6 of ad7enture. 8hate7er 0a6 $e our station, )hether a )or-er in the cit6 )ith its tee0in. 06riads or a lonel6 shepherd on the hills, let us stri7e to turn 0onoton6 into interest, dull dut6 into a >o6ous opportunit6 for experience, and dail6 life into an intense stud6 of hu0anit6 and the .reat funda0ental la)s of the 4ni7erse. :n e7er6 place there is a0ple opportunit6 to o$ser7e the la)s of Creation, either in the 0ountains or 7alle6s or a0on.st our $rother 0en. #irst let us turn life into an ad7enture of a$sor$in. interest, )hen $oredo0 )ill $e no lon.er possi$le, and fro0 the -no)led.e thus .ained see- to har0onise our 0ind )ith our Soul and )ith the .reat 4nit6 of %od;s Creation. Another funda0ental help to us is to put a)a6 all fear. #ear in realit6 holds no place in the natural hu0an -in.do0, since the Di7init6 )ithin us, )hich is ourself, is uncon9uera$le and i00ortal, and if )e could $ut realise it )e, as Children of %od, ha7e nothin. of )hich to $e afraid. :n 0aterialistic a.es fear naturall6 increases in earthl6 possessions B)hether the6 $e of the $od6 itself or external richesC, for if such thin.s $e our )orld, since the6 are so transient, so difficult to o$tain and so i0possi$le to hold sa7e for a $rief spell, the6 arouse in us the ut0ost anxiet6 lest )e 0iss an opportunit6 of .raspin. the0 )hile )e 0a6, and )e 0ust of necessit6 li7e in a constant state of fear, conscious or su$conscious, $ecause in our inner self )e -no) that such possessions 0a6 at an6 0o0ent $e snatched fro0 us and that at the 0ost )e can onl6 hold the0 for a $rief life. :n this a.e the fear of disease has de7eloped until it has $eco0e a .reat po)er for har0, $ecause it opens the door to those thin.s )e dread and 0a-es it easier for their ad0ission. Such fear is reall6 self/interest, for )hen )e are earnestl6 a$sor$ed in the )elfare of others there is no ti0e to $e apprehensi7e of personal 0aladies. #ear at the present ti0e is pla6in. a .reat part in intensif6in. disease, and 0odern science has increased the rei.n of terror $6 spreadin. a$road to the .eneral pu$lic its disco7eries, )hich as 6et are $ut half/truths. The -no)led.e of $acteria and the 7arious .er0s associated )ith disease has pla6ed ha7oc in the 0inds of tens of thousands of people, and $6 the dread aroused in the0 has in itself rendered the0 0ore suscepti$le of attac-. 8hile lo)er for0s of life, such as $acteria, 0a6 pla6 a part in or $e associated )ith ph6sical disease, the6 constitute $6 no 0eans the )hole truth of the pro$le0, as can $e de0onstrated scientificall6 or $6 e7er6da6 occurrences. There is a factor )hich science is una$le to explain on ph6sical .rounds, and that is )h6 so0e people $eco0e affected $6 disease )hilst others escape, althou.h $oth classes 0a6 $e open to the sa0e possi$ilit6 of infection. Materialis0 for.ets that there is a factor a$o7e the ph6sical plane )hich in the ordinar6 course of life protects or renders suscepti$le an6 particular indi7idual )ith re.ard to disease, of )hate7er nature it 0a6 $e. #ear, $6 its depressin. effect on our 0entalit6, thus causin. dishar0on6 in our ph6sical and 0a.netic $odies, pa7es the )a6 for in7asion, and if $acteria and such ph6sical 0eans )ere the sure and onl6 cause of disease, then indeed there 0i.ht $e $ut little encoura.e0ent not to $e afraid. But )hen )e realise that in the )orst epide0ics onl6 a proportion of those exposed to infection are attac-ed and that, as )e ha7e alread6 seen, the real cause of disease lies in our o)n personalit6 and is )ithin our control, then ha7e )e reason to .o a$out )ithout dread and fearless, -no)in. that the re0ed6 lies )ith oursel7es. 8e can put all fear of ph6sical 0eans alone as a cause of disease out of our 0inds, -no)in. that such anxiet6 0erel6 renders as suscepti$le, and that if )e are endea7ourin. to $rin. har0on6 into our personalit6 )e need anticipate illness no 0ore than )e dread $ein. struc- $6 li.htnin. or hit $6 a fra.0ent of a fallin. 0eteor. (o) let us consider the ph6sical $od6. :t 0ust ne7er $e for.otten that this is $ut the earthl6 ha$itation of the Soul, in )hich )e d)ell onl6 for a short ti0e in order that )e 0a6 $e a$le to

contact the )orld for the purpose of .ainin. experience and -no)led.e. 8ithout too 0uch identif6in. oursel7es )ith our $odies )e should treat the0 )ith respect and care, so that the6 0a6 $e health6 and last the lon.er to do our )or-. (e7er for one 0o0ent should )e $eco0e en.rossed or o7er/anxious a$out the0, $ut learn to $e as little conscious of their existence as possi$le, usin. the0 as a 7ehicle of our Soul and 0ind and as ser7ants to do our )ill. +xternal and internal cleanliness are of .reat i0portance. #or the for0er )e of the 8est use our )ater too hot? this opens the s-in and allo)s the ad0ission of dirt. Moreo7er, the excessi7e use of soap renders the surface stic-6. Cool or tepid )ater, either runnin. as a sho)er $ath or chan.ed 0ore than once is nearer the natural 0ethod and -eeps the $od6 healthier? onl6 such an a0ount of soap as is necessar6 to re0o7e o$7ious dirt should $e used, and this should after)ards $e )ell )ashed off in fresh )ater. :nternal cleanliness depends on diet, and )e should choose e7er6thin. that is clean and )holeso0e and as fresh as possi$le, chiefl6 natural fruits, 7e.eta$les and nuts. Ani0al flesh should certainl6 $e a7oided? first, $ecause it .i7es rise to 0uch ph6sical poison in the $od6? secondl6, $ecause it sti0ulates an a$nor0al and excessi7e appetite? and thirdl6, $ecause it necessitates cruelt6 to the ani0al )orld. Plent6 of fluid should $e ta-en to cleanse the $od6, such as )ater and natural )ines and products 0ade direct fro0 (ature;s storehouse, a7oidin. the 0ore artificial $e7era.es of distillation. Sleep should not $e excessi7e, as 0an6 of us ha7e 0ore control o7er oursel7es )hilst a)a-e than )hen asleep. The old sa6in., FTi0e to turn o7er, ti0e to turn outF, is an excellent .uide as to )hen to rise. Clothin. should $e as li.ht in )ei.ht as is co0pati$le )ith )ar0th? it should allo) air to reach the $od6, and sunshine and fresh air should $e per0itted to contact the s-in on all possi$le occasions. 8ater and sun $athin. are .reat donors of health and 7italit6. :n all thin.s cheerfulness should $e encoura.ed, and )e should refuse to $e oppressed $6 dou$t and depression, $ut re0e0$er that such are not of oursel7es, for our Souls -no) onl6 >o6 and happiness.

CHAPT+R +:%HT
Thus )e see that our con9uest of disease )ill 0ainl6 depend on the follo)in.@ #irstl6, the realisation of the Di7init6 )ithin our nature and our conse9uent po)er to o7erco0e all that is )ron.@ secondl6, the -no)led.e that the $asic cause of disease is due to dishar0on6 $et)een the personalit6 and the Soul? thirdl6, our )illin.ness and a$ilit6 to disco7er the fault )hich is causin. such a conflict? and fourthl6, the re0o7al of an6 such fault $6 de7elopin. the opposin. 7irtue. The dut6 of the healin. art )ill $e to assist us to the necessar6 -no)led.e and 0eans $6 )hich )e 0a6 o7erco0e our 0aladies, and in addition to this to ad0inister such re0edies as )ill stren.then our 0ental and ph6sical $odies and .i7e us .reater opportunities of 7ictor6. Then shall )e indeed $e capa$le of attac-in. disease at its 7er6 $ase )ith real hope of success. The 0edical school of the future )ill not particularl6 interest itself in the ulti0ate results and products of disease, nor )ill it pa6 so 0uch attention to actual ph6sical lesions, or ad0inister dru.s and che0icals 0erel6 for the sa-e of palliatin. our s60pto0s, $ut -no)in. the true cause of sic-ness and a)are that the o$7ious ph6sical results are 0erel6 secondar6, it )ill concentrate its efforts upon $rin.in. a$out that har0on6 $et)een $od6, 0ind and soul )hich results in the relief and cure of disease. And in such cases as are underta-en earl6 enou.h the correction of the 0ind )ill a7ert the i00inent illness. A0on.st the t6pes of re0edies that )ill $e used )ill $e those o$tained fro0 the 0ost $eautiful plants and her$s to $e found in the phar0ac6 of (ature, such as ha7e $een di7inel6 enriched )ith healin. po)ers for the 0ind and $od6 of 0an. #or our o)n part )e 0ust practise peace, har0on6, indi7idualit6 and fir0ness of purpose and increasin.l6 de7elop the -no)led.e that in essence )e are of Di7ine ori.in, children of the Creator, and thus ha7e )ithin us, if )e )ill $ut de7elop it, as in ti0e )e ulti0atel6 surel6 0ust, the po)er to attain perfection. And this realit6 0ust increase )ithin us until it $eco0es the 0ost outstandin. feature of our existence. 8e 0ust steadfastl6 practise peace, i0a.inin. our 0inds as a la-e e7er to $e -ept cal0, )ithout )a7es, or e7en ripples, to distur$ its tran9uillit6, and .raduall6 de7elop this state of peace until no e7ent of life, no circu0stance, no other personalit6 is a$le under an6 condition to ruffle the surface of that la-e or raise )ithin us an6 feelin.s of irrita$ilit6, depression or dou$t. :t )ill 0ateriall6 help to set apart a short ti0e each da6 to thin- 9uietl6 of the $eaut6 of peace and the $enefits of cal0ness, and to realise that it is neither $6 )orr6in. nor hurr6in. that )e acco0plish 0ost, $ut $6 cal0, 9uiet thou.ht and action $eco0e 0ore efficient in all )e underta-e. To har0onise our conduct in this life in accordance )ith the )ishes of our o)n Soul, and to re0ain in

such a state of peace that the trials and distur$ances of the )orld lea7e us unruffled, is a .reat attain0ent indeed and $rin.s to us that Peace )hich passeth understandin.? and thou.h at first it 0a6 see0 to $e $e6ond our drea0s, it is in realit6, )ith patience and perse7erance, )ithin the reach of us all. 8e are not all as-ed to $e saints or 0art6rs or 0en of reno)n? to 0ost of us less conspicuous offices are allotted. But )e are all expected to understand the >o6 and ad7entures of life and to fulfil )ith cheerfulness the particular piece of )or- )hich has $een ordained for us $6 our Di7init6. #or those )ho are sic-, peace of 0ind and har0on6 )ith the Soul is the .reatest aid to reco7er6. The 0edicine and nursin. of the future )ill pa6 0uch 0ore attention to the de7elop0ent of this )ithin the patient than )e do to/da6 )hen, una$le to >ud.e the pro.ress of a case except $6 0aterialistic scientific 0eans, )e thin- 0ore of the fre9uent ta-in. of te0perature and a nu0$er of attentions )hich interrupt, rather than pro0ote, that 9uiet rest and relaxation of $od6 and 0ind )hich are so essential to reco7er6. There is no dou$t that at the 7er6 onset of, at an6 rate, 0inor ail0ents, if )e could $ut .et a fe) hours; co0plete relaxation and in har0on6 )ith our Hi.her Self the illness )ould $e a$orted. At such 0o0ents )e need to $rin. do)n into oursel7es $ut a fraction of that cal0, as s60$olised $6 the entr6 of Christ into the $oat durin. the stor0 on the la-e of %alilee, )hen He ordered FPeace, $e stillF. 1ur outloo- on life depends on the nearness of the personalit6 to the Soul. The closer the union the .reater the har0on6 and peace, and the 0ore clearl6 )ill shine the li.ht of Truth and the radiant happiness )hich is of the hi.her real0s? these )ill hold us stead6 and undis0a6ed $6 the difficulties and terrors of the )orld, since the6 ha7e their foundations on the +ternal Truth of %ood. The -no)led.e of Truth also .i7es to us the certaint6 that, ho)e7er tra.ic so0e of the e7ents of the )orld 0a6 appear to $e, the6 for0 $ut a te0porar6 sta.e in the e7olution of 0an? and that e7en disease is in itself $eneficent and )or-s under the operation of certain la)s desi.ned to produce ulti0ate .ood and exertin. a continual pressure to)ards perfection. Those )ho ha7e this -no)led.e are una$le to $e touched or depressed or dis0a6ed $6 those e7ents )hich are such a $urden to others, and all uncertaint6, fear and despair .o for e7er. :f )e can $ut -eep in constant co00union )ith our o)n Soul, our Hea7enl6 #ather, then indeed is the )orld a place of >o6, nor can an6 ad7erse influence $e exerted upon us. 8e are not per0itted to see the 0a.nitude of our o)n Di7init6, or to realise the 0i.htiness of our Destin6 and the .lorious future )hich lies $efore us? for, if )e )ere, life )ould $e no trial and )ould in7ol7e no effort, no test of 0erit. 1ur 7irtue lies in $ein. o$li7ious for the 0ost part to those .reat thin.s, and 6et ha7in. faith and coura.e to li7e )ell and 0aster the difficulties of this earth. 8e can, ho)e7er, $6 co00union )ith our Hi.her Self, -eep that har0on6 )hich ena$les us to o7erco0e all )orldl6 opposition and 0a-e our >ourne6 alon. the strai.ht path to fulfil our destin6, undeterred $6 the influences )hich )ould lead us astra6. (ext 0ust )e de7elop indi7idualit6 and free oursel7es fro0 all )orldl6 influences, so that o$e6in. onl6 the dictates of our o)n Soul and un0o7ed $6 circu0stances or other people )e $eco0e our o)n 0asters, steerin. our $ar- o7er the rou.h seas of life )ithout e7er 9uittin. the hel0 of rectitude, or at an6 ti0e lea7in. the steerin. of our 7essel to the hands of another. 8e 0ust .ain our freedo0 a$solutel6 and co0pletel6, so that all )e do, our e7er6 action / na6, e7en our e7er6 thou.ht / deri7es its ori.in in oursel7es, thus ena$lin. us to li7e and .i7e freel6 of our o)n accord, and of our o)n accord alone. 1ur .reatest difficult6 in this direction 0a6 lie )ith those nearest to us in this a.e )hen the fear of con7ention and false standards of dut6 are so appallin.l6 de7eloped. But )e 0ust increase our coura.e, )hich )ith so 0an6 of us is sufficient to face the apparentl6 $i. thin.s of life, $ut )hich 6et fails at the 0ore inti0ate trials. 8e 0ust $e a$le )ith i0personalit6 to deter0ine ri.ht and )ron. and to act fearlessl6 in the presence of relati7e or friend. 8hat a 7ast nu0$er of us are heroes in the outer )orld, $ut co)ards at ho0eE Thou.h su$tle indeed 0a6 $e the 0eans used to pre7ent us fro0 fulfillin. our Destin6, the pretence of lo7e and affection, or a false sense of dut6, 0ethods to ensla7e us and -eep us prisoners to the )ishes and desires of others, 6et 0ust all such $e ruthlessl6 put aside. The 7oice of our o)n Soul, and that 7oice alone, 0ust $e heeded as re.ards our dut6 if )e are not to $e ha0pered $6 those around us. :ndi7idualit6 0ust $e de7eloped to the ut0ost, and )e 0ust learn to )al- throu.h life rel6in. on none $ut our o)n Soul for .uidance and help, to ta-e our freedo0 )ith $oth hands and plun.e into the )orld to .ain e7er6 particle of -no)led.e and experience )hich 0a6 $e possi$le. At the sa0e ti0e )e 0ust $e on our .uard to allo) to e7er6one their freedo0 also, to expect nothin. fro0 others, $ut, on the contrar6, to $e e7er read6 to lend a helpin. hand to lift the0 up)ards in ti0es of their need and difficult6. Thus e7er6 personalit6 )e 0eet in life, )hether 0other, hus$and, child, stran.er or friend, $eco0es a fello)/tra7eller, and an6 one of the0 0a6 $e .reater or s0aller than oursel7es as re.ards spiritual de7elop0ent? $ut all of us are 0e0$ers of a co00on $rotherhood and part of a .reat co00unit6 0a-in. the sa0e >ourne6 and )ith the sa0e .lorious end in 7ie).

8e 0ust $e steadfast in the deter0ination to )in, resolute in the )ill to .ain the 0ountain su00it? let us not .i7e a 0o0ent;s re.ret to the slips $6 the )a6. (o .reat ascent )as e7er 0ade )ithout faults and falls, and the6 0ust $e re.arded as experiences )hich )ill help us to stu0$le less in the future. (o thou.hts of past errors 0ust e7er depress us? the6 are o7er and finished, and the -no)led.e thus .ained )ill help to a7oid a repetition of the0. Steadil6 0ust )e press for)ards and on)ards, ne7er re.rettin. and ne7er loo-in. $ac-, for the past of e7en one hour a.o is $ehind us, and the .lorious future )ith its $laAin. li.ht e7er $efore us. All fear 0ust $e cast out? it should ne7er exist in the hu0an 0ind, and is onl6 possi$le )hen )e lose si.ht of our Di7init6. :t is forei.n to us $ecause as Sons of the Creator, Spar-s of the Di7ine Life, )e are in7inci$le, indestructi$le and uncon9uera$le. Disease is apparentl6 cruel $ecause it is the penalt6 of )ron. thou.ht and )ron. action, )hich 0ust result in cruelt6 to others. Hence the necessit6 of de7elopin. the lo7e and $rotherhood side of our natures to the ut0ost, since this )ill 0a-e cruelt6 in the future an i0possi$ilit6. The de7elop0ent of Lo7e $rin.s us to the realisation of 4nit6, of the truth that one and all of us are of the 1ne %reat Creation. The cause of all our trou$les is self and separateness, and this 7anishes as soon as Lo7e and the -no)led.e of the .reat 4nit6 $eco0e part of our natures. The 4ni7erse is %od rendered o$>ecti7e? at its $irth it is %od re$orn? at its close it is %od 0ore hi.hl6 e7ol7ed. So )ith 0an? his $od6 is hi0self externalised, an o$>ecti7e 0anifestation of his internal nature? he is the expression of hi0self, the 0aterialisation of the 9ualities of his consciousness. :n our 8estern ci7ilisation )e ha7e the .lorious exa0ple, the .reat standard of perfection and the teachin.s of the Christ to .uide us. He acts for us as Mediator $et)een our personalit6 and our Soul. His 0ission on earth )as to teach us ho) to o$tain har0on6 and co00union )ith our Hi.her Self, )ith 1ur #ather )hich is in Hea7en, and there$6 to o$tain perfection in accordance )ith the 8ill of the %reat Creator of all. Thus also tau.ht the Lord Buddha and other .reat Masters )ho ha7e co0e do)n fro0 ti0e to ti0e upon the earth to point out to 0en the )a6 to attain perfection. There is no half)a6 path for hu0anit6. The Truth 0ust $e ac-no)led.ed, and 0an 0ust unite hi0self )ith the infinite sche0e of Lo7e of his Creator. And so co0e out, 06 $rothers and sisters, into the .lorious sunshine of the -no)led.e of 6our Di7init6, and earnestl6 and steadfastl6 set to )or- to >oin in the %rand Desi.n of $ein. happ6 and co00unicatin. happiness, unitin. )ith that .reat $and of the 8hite Brotherhood' )hose )hole existence is to o$e6 the )ish of their %od, and )hose .reat >o6 is in the ser7ice of their 6oun.er $rother 0en.