Be in this world but do not become of this world

—Why does the physical world exist? —

Introduction
Both the earthly world (physical realm) and the spirit world exist as the grounds for spiritual growth; although the ways of achieving growth in the two worlds seem quite different.
Once we have finished resolving our karmic debts, and have attained enough spiritual growth, then we would require no further earthly reincarnations, and proceed to the higher realms of evolved spirits, as God’s messengers, and make contributions to the creative development of the universe.

Purpose of life on earth
It is said that the purpose of earthly reincarnations is:
1. To pay back one’s personal karmic debts
2. To promote the spiritual growth of the entire group soul to which one belongs

Group soul and reincarnation
Each of one’s “true self” (soul, individuality) has several reincarnated lives. Similarly, other individualities of the group soul members have also experienced some numbers of reincarnations each, which means the total number of earthly experiences, shared among each of the group soul members are quite large. Including the redo incarnations direct from the astral world, we all have hundreds or even thousands of reincarnated lives.

Instinctive mind
Earthly world (physical world) is all about the world perceived through the five physical senses. It is the world of materialism, mammonism and scientism, in which the belief of returning to nothing with the death of the physical body, solidly takes up most of the occupants.
The soul is the spirit wearing a physical body, and the soul learns to express itself through one’s sense of self (individuality and personality). In order to protect and maintain the physical body, one must have money, social status (power over others), housing, clothing and food, and as well as sex drive, the temporary self of the conscious mind assumes. The underlying motivation is the instinctive mind (selfish mind, and a breed of animal mind). God gave us this self-protective instinct, as a measure to guard our own physical body.

Ordeals and Spiritual awakening
While in the physical world, one’s “true self” (soul), of delicate wavelengths, are completely covered and hidden by the rough vibrations of the physical body. Spiritual awakening, thus finding the “true self” (finding who one really is), is possible only after experiencing the abysmal despair, where one realizes that there is no hope left in this world. At that point one’s sense of self weakens, and the “true self” has a chance to emerge and become noticed.

“I always tell my friends who come here that the pilgrims on this path all follow a similar pattern.
They have to experience difficulties, problems, crises, setbacks, disappointments, and frustrations. They even plumb the depths of despair when all seems hopeless and there is not a glimmer of light in what seems to be abysmal darkness.
Then at that stage, because the soul has been touched, the individual is ready to receive. There begins the spiritual ascent out of the depths, a slow, steady movement, not necessarily always consistent and occasionally falling back, but the climb continues with the light ever increasing until finally the darkness is dispelled.”
(p.95 Light from Silver Birch)

There is a great purpose for this very situation, where the “true selves” are disguised by the rough vibrations of the physical body. The physical world stands as the world of relativity (world of contrasting opposites), because of its rough vibrations. We can understand the light because there is darkness.
We can understand love because there exists hatred. We can understand good health, because there exists sickness. Earth is a primary school, a stage set for learning truthfulness, goodness, beauty of love, faithfulness, harmony, all through the polar extremes.


—Earthly world (physical world)—

In the spirit world, spirits of the same stage of spiritual development occupy the same realm together; whereas in the earthly world, in which we currently reside, is unique in that souls at various stages of spiritual development exist together in one world. The very rough vibrations of earth are the common denominator for all of its occupants with different stages of spirituality.
So then, what is the purpose of this physical world?

The object of earthly world
As we already know, earthly world (physical world) is the realm consisting of the roughest vibrations. By wearing the physical body (robe for the soul), one’s perception becomes limited to the five physical senses, which blocks the delicate wavelengths of the spirit world, and disguises the “true self” (soul). This condition has the following purposes: (1) Allow different levels of spirituality to coexist. (2) To learn the providence (truth) from the very first step, in the world of extreme opposites.

Selfishness is prioritized in this earthly world
Materialism and mammonism are the feature characteristics of the physical world, therefore, naturally, selfishness prevails everywhere in this world, and horrible, hellish scenes are encountered everywhere. Although the degree of adversity may vary among individuals, we too will experience horrific sufferings.
This is the world where we compete and fight each other for limited resources and money. Everybody is driven by their desire to overpower and control others, worldly desires, sex drive, and so on, all of which are physical instincts.
The results are the law of the jungle in the economic competitions, war, extreme poverty, endless troubles in human relations like envy and hatred.
All put themselves first; they are interested only in their own happiness and wellbeing, because when they die, it will be the end. This way of thinking is widely spread into the foundation of this world, males and females alike, and across races and nationalities.

Earth is a school
The earthly world is a prep school for the spirit world, deliberately created for souls who have just reached the evolutional stage as a human being, and other immature souls in need of spiritual growth. The school is set up so that souls can gain plenty of experiences on a variety of human emotions, while learning and understanding the spiritual truths and providence, in a challenging environment where souls of various spirituality levels occupy the world together.
In order to see ourselves, we need others to be our “mirror”.
For us human beings, physical world is the unavoidable gateway to spiritual growth. Without going through this gate, we are unable to start the evolution.

Earthly world is the world where we meet difficulty
The physical body that we wear, forces us to work hard for money so that we can make a living. We will also face many types of sufferings including bereavement, illness, bankruptcy, poverty, accident, envy, and more.
These sufferings will become very important learning aids and lessons later on, when we learn and understand the spiritual providence. In other words, we cannot attain spiritual growth without experiencing sufficient amount of such painful sufferings. Therefore, we necessarily go through multiple reincarnations, in pursuit for a multitude of different environments, life as a man, life as a woman, and so on.

“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 that can be called on in times of crisis.”
(p.99 Light from Silver Birch)

On the other hand, once we have passed over to the spirit world, and have progressed beyond the lower spheres of the astral world of earthly, physical atmosphere, the instinctive mind (selfishness) loses its power, if not lost altogether. The instinctive desires and selfish behaviors become unnecessary, once the physical body to maintain and protect, is lost.
This way, we tend to become naturally altruistic once we move onto the spirit world. Moreover, we will live with others who are of the same stage of spirituality, which means we know each other inside out, and all get along very well. Unlike the earthly world, there would be no troubles and arguments between individuals, and no disputes on money and sexual affairs, either.
Compared to the spirit world, where the spirit is completely free from problems concerning the physical body, it seems way more difficult and challenging to be practicing altruism in this physical world, dominated by money and selfishness in the dreadful battle to prioritize everybody’s own physical body. Jesus Christ taught us to “love your enemies (whose vibrations do not match yours).” In this teaching we find the very object of the earthly world, where we learn through comparison.
The entire spirit world practice altruism, following the great flow of altruism. On the contrary, the souls in the physical world must confront the raging streams of selfishness (including our own selfishness). We are struggling and striving to swim up the waterfall through altruism and “spirit is the master, body is the servant” attitude.

[Summary]
Human evolution starts with selfishness (instinctive mind), in the physical world, the lowest realm of all. In order to know truthfulness, goodness, beauty, and understand what they are really about, one must first experience the exact opposites of these qualities. Here we see why the earth (physical world) had been created as the world of such rough vibrations.
Through tough and difficult challenges in the world of infinite varieties, in terms of thoughts and in the levels of spiritual growth, one will learn the opposite extremes and begin to understand the spiritual providence. At this point one may finally start the journey to spiritual growth, aimed to manifest more and more of the divinity.
As his divided souls, God endowed us with the mind of polar opposites and the free will. As a result, us human beings go through various sufferings between polar extremes like good and evil, love and hatred, and more, whereas the angels do not possess evil mind. This is what differentiates angels and humans.

Reference
• Light from Silver Birch, compiled by Pam Riva. Edition 2009. The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey, Great Britain. First published in 1983.

We can walk the earth like gods — Part 2

“What is the power of the spirit?” “What is God?” Considerations from Silver Birch Companion.

• “What is God (Great Spirit) …?”
“The power of the spirit is the power that you call God” (p.132)
“To me the Great Spirit is the law, the law is the Great Spirit.” (p.139)
“There is not a person. There is a law.” (p.140)
To sum up: God (Great Spirit) = Power of the spirit (Power of life) = Providence (Law)
As discussed in the previous post, those who “live in harmony with the natural law” will automatically be living in harmony with God and the power of the spirit.
We should note that this “living in harmony” describes the situation in which us humans are striving to attune ourselves with the wavelengths of the power of the spirit (God).

• “What is the power of the spirit…?”
“The power of the spirit is invisible,” said Silver Birch. “It does not conform to any of the recognized standards of man. It has no length,
it has no breadth, it has no height, it has no weight, it has no colour,
it has no size, it has no taste, it has no smell. And so, by all the usual methods of calculation it does not exist, according to those purblined materialists to whom reality can only be appreciated when it comes within the radius of their five poor scales. Love is unseen and unheard. Love is colourless, without taste or measurement, but love is real, as those who experience its deep emotions can testify. But great as is the power of love, so infinitely greater is the power of the spirit.
“You live and move and breathe, you think and reflect, you decide and judge, you ponder and consider, because of the power of the spirit.
You see and hear, you move and walk, you think and talk, because of the power of the spirit. All that you do, all that you are, is due to the power of the spirit, for your whole world of matter, and your body of matter, is dependent upon that vital, energising influx of spirt which gives it being, purpose, direction and life. Nowhere in the world of matter itself is to be found the secret of consciousness. Nowhere through the labours of the scientist, or the chemist, or the physician, is to be discovered the motive power of life. It does not reside within matter, for matter is but its temporary dwelling.
“The power of the spirit is the power that you call God, even though you do not understand what the term means, even though you have misinterpreted it and give it finite limitations.
The power of the spirit is the power that breathed life into a world that once was all fire. The power of the spirit is the power which raised man up from the slime of the earth and endowed him with the qualities of divinity. The power of the spirit is the garment that the soul wears.
The power of the spirit is the power which fashioned all life, which controls every motion and mutation of natural force, the power which regulates all the seasons and governs the growth of every seed, of every plant, of every flower, of every bush, of every tree, the power which is responsible for the whole scheme of evolution in all its intricate phases.
“It is a mighty force, the power of the spirit, for not only is it to be seen ceaselessly at work through myriads of material manifestations, but also in the higher realms of life, where it governs all spiritual activities, in worlds upon worlds whose existence at present is unknown to you, but where life is made manifest in forms far more radiant than anything known to you. But mighty as is that power, wondrous its many forms of activity, it has its restrictions, for it can be expressed only through vessels, through instruments, through intermediaries, channels, mediums — use what word you will. Those are the limitations placed upon its majestic flow. You determine the extent to which it shall be made manifest amongst you.
You have always heard me urge you to banish fear, to radiate confidence, to live your lives upon a foundation of unyielding resolution, knowing that the power, the mighty power of the Great Spirit, would never fail you. It is because in such an atmosphere and in such conditions that it can the better operate amongst you. (Conditions that favour the functions of the spirit power) Earthly powers may fail and fall.
Man’s kingdoms are but transient. Those who now occupy high estate may tomorrow be classed among the lowly. But the kingdom of the spirit endures forever. The nobility of the spirit is unchanging. The power of the Great Spirit can never wane. But you can, and do, determine the extent of its operation.
Often, I hear those who have knowledge say, ‘Why has not the world of spirit done this or that?’ When they themselves fail to provide the means (conditions that favour the functions of the spirit power) by which the world of spirit could have fulfilled their requests. In a world that is full of anxiety, full of darkness and stress, be like beacons of light, so that, in their hour of trouble, men and women can come to you, attracted by the light of confidence that they see, and find a refuge and a sanctuary, a harbour of peace amidst the troubles of their days. You have the power to still the tempest of their mind and give tranquility to their souls.”
(p.131-133 Silver Birch Companion)

Since the last post, we have been examining in great lengths of Silver Birch’s messages regarding the operations of the spirit power. As we can see, the power of the spirit (Power of life) is responsible for all manifestations of life, every actions and functions of all; and its operation is definitely not limited within the physical realm. Humans, however, are no robots, we are God’s divided souls with self-conscious minds. We decide for ourselves on whether or not we receive the power of the spirit, and how much of it to express, all at the discretion of our own free will. It is through this free will, self-responsibility and the law of cause and effect, that we are able to attain spiritual growth.

“Spirit power is infinite. The amount that you receive depends on the stage of evolution you have reached. Increase your receptivity, and even more of the sublime power will stream through you to work its wonders, its beauty, its solace, its healing.”
(p.108 Light from Silver Birch)

“Indeed, it can be argued that your spirit will be richer because you will have learned the many lessons of pain and suffering which are all part of the equipment of the spirit in its essential evolution.”
(p.134 Silver Birch Companion)

The only way for the soul to evolve is by going through path of toil, consisting of painful sufferings, setbacks, ordeals and difficulties. It is the way of the providence. This is why us spiritualists must experience so many of the most difficult and painful adversities.
Before qualifying as a useful instrument for disseminating the spiritual truth and becoming the “lighthouse” in this physical world of spiritual ignorance and darkness, we must go through thorough, rigorous training. In order for us to understand the pains of others, we need to first experience the pains and sufferings for ourselves.
We inevitably meet continuous ordeals of great lengths and difficulty, because they are essential for our spiritual growth. And in spite of the severeness of the adversities, there should be no chance for harmful thoughts like fear, worries and anxieties to occupy our minds.
Silver Birch reminds and admonishes this important condition over and over, again and again, even to the regular circle members with spiritual knowledge.
Even in the midst of ordeals and setbacks, we are asked to shine the beacon of light into the darkness. Strive to show others, in our actions and expressions, that regardless of the situation we do not lose faith the spiritual truth. We want people to see a tranquil harbour, in the way we radiate confidence and optimism throughout our lives. This is what us spiritualists are required of.

So then, how should we handle these conflicting, difficult tasks of ordeals and setbacks, and surmount them?
Maintain your solid faith and belief on the spiritual promises and the providence. Here are the spiritual promises and the providence, once again: “As long as you live in harmony with the providence, God will never fail you. You will never be forced to carry a load beyond your capability. All will be well.” Never lose faith in these words. That is the only way.
Us spiritualists are being tried and tested of our faith in the providence (God), on each ordeal and setback. And every time the spirit world requires us to test, confirm and prove the spiritual providence and promises for ourselves. We have to repeat this long process, because after all, we know so little. The knowledge we attain through our own efforts and experience are so limited, that it is almost next to nothing, compared to the knowledge of the evolved spirits. Therefore, in dealing with serious adversities we have no choice but to rely on the providence (law of the universe) that controls every manifestation that continue eternally, rather than relying on our limited knowledge.
But before we are able to abide by the spiritual providence, against materialism and mammonism, that so strongly prevails across the physical world, we must return to Silver Birch’s teachings again and again, until “it shall become part of the very fabric of your being.” (p.107 Silver Birch Companion) The required condition for us is to read Silver Birch’s series over and over, until it becomes completely absorbed into our subconscious mind, until the providence naturally becomes our own thoughts.

Next, what wishes does Silver Birch hold upon us, by urging us to have ourselves in conditions that favour the functions of the spirit power?
This is an important key factor, so let’s review the following quote once again.

“There is a lot of work to be done. I want you to help me by your faithful constancy of purpose. . . You must help me by being faithful and confident and above all, fearless, by not allowing any thoughts of fear, no worry or anxiety to take root in your being.”
“There are many thousands who will seek your aid and you must be ready to help them and thus fulfil the purpose of your own existence. . .”
(p.107 Silver Birch Companion)

As long as we are living in harmony with the spiritual providence (God), we will receive support and guidance from evolved spirits, as promised in Silver Birch’s teachings. We need to make the joint steps forward with evolved spirits, who are our guardian and surety (and father), in dealing with ordeals, difficulties and setbacks. To do so we must do our best to forget fear, worries and anxieties. Let us start working on the “lot of tasks to be done” (dissemination of spiritual truth).
The action itself, of discarding our fears, worries and anxieties by our faith in the providence, proves our faithfulness to Silver Birch, and demonstrates our willingness and readiness to be of his assistance.

“You are living in great times, for history is being written before your eyes. You are helping to shape its course towards that freedom which is the goal of every soul. You have a spiritual contribution to make.
You have to disseminate this knowledge to ensure that the children of the Great Spirit everywhere are enabled to build on true foundations that will ensure amidst all the storms and stresses of life everywhere.”
(p.142 Silver Birch Companion)

Let us further fortify our fearlessness and faithfulness in the providence, by spreading the spiritual truth (practicing altruism). Receive powerful support from evolved spirits, while we make full use of the power of the spirit from within and out. Let’s walk the earth like gods.


References
• Light from Silver Birch, compiled by Pam Riva. Edition 2009.
The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey, Great Britain. First published in 1983.
• Silver Birch Companion, edited by Tony Ortzen. Edition 2013.
The Spiritual Truth Press, Surrey, Great Britain. First published in 1986.