What words does Silver Birch choose, for those who are currently in the midst of trouble, anxiety, difficulty, suffering, and worry? This time we would like to focus on his messages, from the viewpoint of the spiritual providence. I have arranged them in the sequential steps of spiritual advancement.
I. Difficulties are the catalyst and prerequisite for spiritual advancement, hence the purpose of life
“You will not make spiritual progress when the sun is shining, all is peaceful and calm and there are no problems. You will make spiritual progress when you meet with difficulty and overcome it. Steel is forged in the crucible of fire. Your spirit is forged in triumphing over problems.”
(p.187 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen, edition 2009. The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1990)
“Of course, you will have problems. Earth is a place where you are presented with difficulties, frustrations, obstacles and handicaps. The whole purpose of earthly existence is to meet conditions that are a challenge to the evolving spirit so that it can have a chance to express some of its latent qualities (spiritual mind, spirit power) that can be called on in times of crises.
You cannot achieve spiritual mastery without conquering the problems that you encounter . . .”
(p.99 Light from Silver Birch, compiled by Pam Riva. Edition 2009, The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1983)
II. You will not be forced to carry a load (trials, difficulties) beyond your capability
“No situation (trials, difficulties) is as dark as you think it is. If you are determined, light will come. If you call up your courage from the inexhaustible source that you possess, strength will come to your aid. You will be admired more because you have sought to face up to responsibility, and help will be forthcoming. No one has a greater load to carry than he is able to bear, because the load is the load, he has made for himself.
(p.163 More Wisdom of Silver Birch, edited by Sylvia Barbanell. 1945, Psychic Press Ltd., London.)
“… but none is so insuperable that you cannot overcome it. You will have to be patient and pray for guidance that at the right time the door will open, and the way will be shown. I always tell my friends in very simple language never to bang against a closed door.”
(p.99 Light from Silver Birch, compiled by Pam Riva. Edition 2009, The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1983)
III. You will never be abandoned and alone
“And, though you will find many disappointments and many failures, we will always stand behind you, seeking to enthuse you in your days of difficulty, seeking to give you hope and strength when you are tired, seeking to raise you up when you are cast down. You will never be alone.”
(p.158 Teachings of Silver Birch, edited by A.W. Austen. Edition 2010,
The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1938)
“You will be shown the way by the many who love you from our world, not only those with whom you have a tie of blood, but others, because there is a kinship of mind and spirit. . . . We in our world will not fail those who co-operate with us in giving service.”
(p.28 Light from Silver Birch, compiled by Pam Riva. Edition 2009, The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1983)
IV. Never worry about the morrow
“I am puzzled sometimes when I visit my friends on earth who have knowledge, and I see them worried and anxious. The knowledge is their foundation which should assure them that no harm or injury can befall their eternal spirit.
Those with knowledge should be living in the light and never fear what the morrow will bring.
There is nothing in your world that you need worry about. You have within you the armoury of the spirit, the divine potential (spiritual mind, spirit power) which you can utilise to help in any emergency or crisis that comes your way. There is no problem you cannot solve by calling on the power that is within you (spiritual mind, spirit power) and by appealing to the power that is without (guarding spirit, spirit guides who are always on standby, ready to guide and assist you).”
(p.21 Light from Silver Birch, compiled by Pam Riva. Edition 2009, The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1983)
“Progress consists in shedding imperfections and striving and growing towards perfection (God) all the time.
Just live for the day. Greet each morning as the herald giving untold possibilities for (spiritual) character building that will enable you to fulfill yourselves and give life its purposefulness (spiritual growth) which, alas, is absent for too many in your world.
Strive to make the will of the Great Spirit (spiritual providence, spiritual promise) your will (our own guideline), to be in tune (at one) with the divine power (God, providence), to feel the arms of love around each one of you, to know that the mantle of protection is on your shoulders, to have no fear what the morrow will bring. Rejoice at the opportunities of service that are provided for you.”
(P.27–28 Light from Silver Birch, compiled by Pam Riva. Edition 2009)
V. Conclusion . . . Exert your best efforts, then leave the rest to your spirit guides
“Always remember what I have stressed so many times. We can only accomplish in our own way and in our own time. We cannot accomplish in your way and in your time. Ours is the larger vision, yours is restricted. Let us guide you and all will be well. You may have temporary defeats, but you win the final battle.”
(p.51 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen, edition 2009. The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1990)
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“I believe in God.”
“I am a spiritualist.”
These are easily said, when everything is at peace, with no troubles facing us. The problem occurs when we are shaken up by a truly large and serious ordeal, which seems impossible for us to overcome.
In the case of interpersonal relations, where the trouble involves another individuals or groups, our worries and anxieties tend to go around in circles. The harder we try to think about it, the deeper we become stuck in an endless maze of anxiety. Troubles and worries drain our energy (spirit power), until our vigor (vitality, spirit power) becomes exhausted. The spirit power provides the vital energy to the physical body.
Every time I face one of these situations, my mind sways around right and left. Against the fact that I have read Silver Birch’s books so many times, and I had been touched, moved, and felt completely convinced every time, once I return to my daily life in the society of materialism and mammonism, I am so quick to completely forget what I have learned.
Why do the spiritual providence and knowledge, especially of the promises from the spirit world, slip away so fast and so completely off my mind? Why is my mind so prone to becoming arrested on the problems and unpleasant experiences; and before I know it, I’m automatically trying to combat the problem with my usual self (temporary self), no differently from most of the general public without spiritual knowledge?
It is because the messages in Silver Birch’ teachings are the complete opposite to the ways of thinking on earth. His teachings appear surreal and hard-to-believe, and rather they seem more like a pipe dream, or they appear to be grasping at the air. In the height of a serious problem, we are mostly blinded by the very real phenomena unfolding right in front of us; the spiritual knowledge with its surreal nature, are unconsciously washed away from our awareness and memory field.
Setting the spiritual providence as one’s own standard model (attuning to the providence), and constantly maintaining the awareness and belief in the spiritual promises, would require tremendous dedication and courage.
The larger the problem, the more demanding it will be of one’s courage and determination. Maybe it can be compared to the situation of diving off a cliff. It is very much so. You are trembling in fear, facing the very-real and extremely severe reality in front of you, and obviously you have absolutely no room at all for the dreamy messages and promises from the invisible world. However, at the same time, somewhere in your mind, you do realize that there is absolutely no way out from this desperate and endless darkness, unless some miracles happen.
We are learning the spiritual providence through Silver Birch’s teachings, and we try our best to apply the providence in our daily lives. As previously mentioned, Silver Birch is a highly evolved spirit with such a thorough knowledge of the law of the universe; and we do not know of any others who had given us the words and promises of the providence with such clarity and certainty. The assurance (insurance, collateral) behind these promises is the never-changing providence (law of the universe) itself.
What if the spirit world is a real world, only invisible to our physical eyes due to its delicate vibrations?
If we can have faith on the spirit guides from the spirit world, and we can believe in the spiritual promises, and entrust ourselves to them altogether?
Try to imagine the amount of load removed from our shoulders.
Sufferings like ordeals, difficulties and obstacles are unavoidable to all of us who are aiming for spiritual growth through life on earth. Every time we encounter one of these sufferings, we are always given two choices. One is to have God’s will (spiritual providence) and spiritual promises, as our own mind (have them as our directions when faced with difficulties); and the other is the usual way of handling the sufferings, based on materialism, mammonism, and the law of the jungle.
In order for us to execute the spiritual promises in real life situations, against the common sense of the general public, before anything else, we must first have “belief” (willpower, faith) in the spiritual providence. And of course, that decision must be powered by our great courage and determination. We must believe and endure, quietly and patiently waiting for the “guidance” from the spirit world, without knowing when it will arrive.
Those of us who have awaken to our real selves, and with the spiritual knowledge, as well as the understanding of its correctness and reality, should have belief on the spiritual promise: “all is divinely well,” (p.31 Light from Silver Birch) and “all things work wisely and well.” (p.89 The Spirit Speaks, compiled by Tony Ortzen, edition 2009) Maintain the belief, “entrust ourselves to the spirit guides,” and “try to live each day at a time, to the best of our ability.” Gain condolences, hope, and power from the spirit world through Silver Birch’s teachings; and let us live “in the light.” And finally, try to maintain the state of our minds in accord with these following messages from Silver Birch.
“Alas, for those who cannot distinguish between the material and the spiritual. You can struggle, have difficulties and battle, but you can still have tranquility and peace. You can face all the battles of your world and still have inner peace because you know they cannot touch you.
Peace does not come from without but from within. If people in your world would only realise the armoury of the spirit with which they are equipped. They could use all this tremendous power within to help them learn to retire and cultivate the fruits of the spirit (attain spiritual growth) which bring tranquility, poise, calmness and peace.
Of the great souls who live in your world and achieve most for it with their reforms and pioneering, many have inner peace though the battle be strong and the opposition difficult. Do not equate physical happenings with spiritual principles (providence). Spirit is master, and matter is servant. Let the spirit show its mastery.”
(p.61 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen, edition 2009. The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey. First published in 1990)
“Try always to remember the eternal principles (spiritual providence) upon which life is founded and to live in harmony with them (the providence). That is the way to ensure the tranquility, repose, calmness, peace and inner stillness that must come to all those who are in tune with the larger aspects of being (true self, real mind).”
(p.67 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen)
I am repeating myself once again, but in order to proceed we must make God’s will our own will, which require very courageous decision and strong faith in “believing in the spiritual promises.” The amount of faith we have is correlated to the amount of spirit power that can flow into us; therefore, the more faith we have, the more spirit power we can receive, leaving us to feel at ease. Our “willpower,” and our choice and courage to believe the spiritual promises (which are based on the providence, thus the law of the universe), rather than choosing and believing the unstable and anxious minds of our own, bring out our true mind, which naturally allows “expression of our spirituality.” This way, spiritual advancement will be attained at the same time, which is the purpose of life on earth itself.
As we courageously proceed face to face with trials and difficulties, let us believe in the spiritual promises from the spirit world, that “all will be well in the end.” Exert our best efforts, then leave the rest to the spirit guides, and unload the burden off our shoulders. With regards to the best efforts,
Silver Birch tells us as follows:
“Whatever the circumstances or the conditions, you are expected to do the best you can. When you have done that, and honestly believe you can do no more, then you have earned the right to ask the spirit world for its help which, in any case, would have been forthcoming.”
(p.66 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen)
“Guidance” from the spirit world affects us by giving us instructions and making impressions on us. How do the guidances come to us? It often does not occur in a way that fulfills our wishes and requests, both in terms of the timing and the results. However, let us not forget that the guides from the spirit world, because they see us from the long and broad perspectives, can guide us to the best route for our spiritual advancement, and thus to the best results. For sure, patience will be required, but let us always have our receptivity extended toward the spirit world, and be ready to catch the guiding signs, so that we do not to miss the opening of the door.
“I say to my friends, again and again, when you put your hand on a door and it does not open, go away. Do not try to open a locked door. But when you put your hand on a door and it opens, then go through. When the time is ripe, the power of the spirit reveals itself.
The ability to plan and organise, when it is done by evolved and enlightened beings in our world, is something far greater than perhaps many of you realise. When the time is spiritually ripe for all concerned, then everything falls into its place. Blind faith is foolish. But faith, founded on what knowledge has revealed to you, is a sure base on which to build philosophy and outlook.
You cannot, in your present circumstances, be the possessors of all knowledge and wisdom. Know that as you have been led, so you will continue to be led. The power of the spirit cannot fail, the Great Spirit cannot fail. All will continue to manifest according to its ordained plan. Rest content with what has been shown to you and be patient.”
(p.41 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen)
“I don’t have to tell you that what we are offering is a sublime power which can prove its inherent beneficence by its ability to heal, to inspire, to achieve results that are of themselves indicative of its divine origin.”
(p.69 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen)
“The knowledge which you have received must be the base on which to build your faith, not unreasoning incredulous faith, but the faith which is founded on what has been shown to you, that there is a divine plan ordained by divine love and wisdom, and at all times you are encompassed by it. This should make you realise that whatever happens to you or anybody else in your world is part of the plan.
There is no difficulty so great that you have not the power within and without to help you to overcome it and emerge as a result greater in spiritual stature. This is the whole object of your earthly existence, to learn your lessons and to be the better equipped spiritually as a result.
If at any time doubts come into your mind, then pause. Let your minds go back to the days that are past and realise how you have been led to bring you where you are today. You are fortunate to be in possession of these wondrous truths that have continued to illuminate your earthly lives.
They have brought you the great link with your own loved ones and others not of your kith and kin but spiritually related to you. Their desire is to co-operate so that together we can help so many others who, alas, live in a miasma of ignorance. This is the reason for our returning to you.”
(p.65-66 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen)
— Reviews and summaries of the posts from 2018 —
Human beings on earth, what are we born for . . . ?
Most people consider that we are born coincidentally, with no specific meanings nor purposes; and we return to nothing upon death. What would Silver Birch say about this?
I believe that posts from the latter half of this year, all of which were written based on Silver Birch’s teachings, demonstrate his views on this question.
In concluding the year 2018, I will list the titles with short summaries of these important posts.
1. The object of life on earth . . . Physical world (earth) is like a kindergarten, at the bottom stage of spiritual development.
● The object of life on earth is to learn through comparison and contrast, of the various levels of spirituality that exist together. In order to express ourselves on earth, one requires a physical body as an attuning device for its low vibrations. The physical body disguises one’s true self (the soul) of delicate vibrations. As a result, all human beings coming to earth, which is a unique world of relativity, will have an equal starting point in terms of spiritual growth.
● Spiritual growth, hence, the purpose of life on earth, takes these following steps.
1) First, find one’s “real self” (the soul).
2) Next, develop the divinity inherent in the mind of the real self, and attain spiritual growth.
3) Then, nurture altruistic heart, and prepare for life after death in the spirit world.
“I know, but if you were perfect you would not be in your world. You are in the world of matter to learn, to become aware of faults and to eliminate them, to make mistakes and to learn from them and gradually by your conduct to allow the innate divinity to find fuller expression. This is a very long process.”
(p.54 Lift Up Your Hearts, compiled by Tony Ortzen)
2. Action and reaction . . . So, how do we attain the spiritual growth?
● We will not attain spiritual growth when the sun is shining, and we are enjoying a completely enough life, free from troubles.
● Trials, difficulties, and obstacles (reaction) will become the catalyst, with which the things of the spirit (action) will be received.
● Action (spiritual growth) and reaction (trials and difficulties) are the front and back sides of a coin (they exist as a pair); this process of “action and reaction” is the only possible way for attaining spiritual awakening and spiritual growth on earth.
3. Belief (Faith) . . . Counter the trials and difficulties, with faith on the spiritual providence and spiritual promises.
● Trials and difficulties are the essential catalyst for spiritual growth, thus the purpose of life.
●“Promises from the spirit world” are assured (secured) by the spiritual providence (law of the universe).
The promises are:
1) You will never be abandoned from the spirit world.
2) You will never be forced to carry a load (trials, difficulties) beyond your capacity.
3) Exert your best efforts and leave the rest to your spirit guides. All will be well in the end.
4) Those with spiritual knowledge, should never worry about the morrow.
4. Suicide . . . Suicide is an act of evasion from trials and difficulties, and a violation of the providence.
● Trials and difficulties (cause) are the prerequisite for spiritual growth (effect)
● However, you will never be forced to carry a load (trials and difficulties) beyond your capacity.
● Human beings cannot die, even if one wishes to die; therefore, death will never become the solution (effect) to the problem (cause).
● Suicide is an intervention to the “law of cause and effect” (causality).
Those who commit suicide will reap the results by themselves, of their violation.
