In the mists of time, in a far country, there was a small community that lived in peace and harmony with each other and with nature; all family groups shared according to need. No one went without. Disease was unknown, no crimes were committed and death was a natural event. Crops grew, food was adequate and each family abode was comfortable, dry and well protected from the occasional exceptional weather. The villagers met each morning, raised their voices in thanks and praise to Theone, then allotted work according to ability and skill, working each for the other. In that country, in that time, distances between communities was considerable, travel was on foot; this particular community rarely saw visitors and so lived very much dependent upon each other and their own resources. The odd traveller passing through was always greeted courteously and sent happily on their way feeling that they had experienced something special.
This state of affairs continued for many generation until one day a group of travellers arrived on horseback, strangely dressed and carrying strange tools. In reality these were weapons but this community had never seen such things and had never had occasion to need them. This naturally caused some disquiet. The travellers intended no harm, they were just passing through. Some of the young people were intrigued by the strangers and questioned them about their lives and their world, as a result when the group left some of the younger members of the community went along too. It was inevitable that some eventually returned with stories of the wider world they had seen. They spoke of the people, clothes, ideas, customs and buildings, etc.. Of course they were no longer content with their previously idyllic lifestyle but wanted more of everything. Better clothes, better houses, more possessions, a greater share of the community wealth and so on. Desire for the material brought discontent, jealousy and theft, this led to more physical crime, disrespect for others, for the rules of the community and for the beauty of their surroundings.
The formally ideal community disintegrated; somehow it seemed that nothing went right, crops failed, dis-ease bred disease, distrust and lack of consideration for others. The ugly side of human nature prevailed. Common stewardship of property became ownership by the strongest and the most determined. Communion with Theone continued secretly by a few, old knowledge was guarded to be passed only to those who were dedicated to community, peace and freedom.
Over time the big fish in this small pool swam on to larger pools, they had depleted the community and thought they had the right to even greater gains. The pool became calm and quiet again.
Many years passed and the community once again became a quiet backwater virtually unknown to the greater world; the old values resurfaced, old knowledge re-emerged, communion with Theone was openly restored. Peace and love prevailed, nature and man were in balance, harmony was the watchword. The desire for prestige, power, possessions, authority over man and dominance over nature was subverted. Unfortunately seeds had been sown and things were no longer quite the same, a few decided that the ancient knowledge was also a kind of power; so they acquired what they thought was useful and formed an elite. They chose to see themselves as the sole guardians of what had previously been common to all, they surrounded it with pomp and ceremony known only to the initiated. Once again the pool was small, the fish swam out to larger pools to convert the masses to their philosophy. A new power was abroad in the world seeking control and authority.
This tale could unfold continuously in this vein. Does this all sound rather familiar? Is this the way of the world in all cultures even today? Is this how it will always be? Possibly, if we don't change it, but change starts with the little people, no not the leprechauns, but with you and me. In this world we may be small in power and authority but we have numbers on our side, and time.
Let us take the lessons of this tale. There are many forms of power, military, political, religious, right down to groups, families and couples. The forms that are taken may vary but it's all about control, dominance, mastery, rule and authority so that groups or individuals are held in thrall. Contrariwise there is also the positive power that is supportive, wholesome and individually empowering.
We all know the saying, "power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely". That is so true but the opposite is positive power and freedom. We can be free in so many ways. To me the greatest freedoms are to think, to be able to follow the philosophy or religion of my choice, to witness all creation and to pray, praise and commune with Spirit at will. Hopefully this leads to the wish to allow others their freedom too. For me to endeavour to think no ill, speak no ill, to do no ill in the love of Spirit and at all times try to express that in thought, speech and deed is most important.
So we must turn to the positivity of power by the use of influence, ability, talent and aptitude. An influence for all that is best and good inhuman nature and development. The key word is influence. Influence by example, so that others are able to see the effect of living and being close to Spirit as being a more desirable way of life. Spiritualism is a philosophy that influences us as individual; it is reflected in our way of life, our speech, our actions and out thoughts. This reflects too in the ways we deal with our lives and all we come into contact with. We should live the Principles of our belief so that others are drawn to the Light of the Truths we live.
If we look at the lives of the great Spiritual Teachers throughout history we should note that it was the example of their thoughts, words and actions that drew the attention of their followers. Most of what we know of their teachings was written by others so that their light should continue to shine, the influence came first.
I am not suggesting that we should be so exalted but rather that we should perhaps aim to shine a light in our own small corner of life, a reflection of the light of the exalted ones. The light that we know we receive from Spirit. The Light of Love, Peace and Healing.
Our resolution then is to kindness and compassion in our daily lives, to send out our prayers and thoughts and to love all creation as we would wish to be loved. When we look around the world at all its woes and wonders there is so much to praise but oh so much to pray for. Let our lives be our prayers.
Thank you.
The Holy Spirit bless you in the Light of Love.
R.E.B
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