The Scattered Brotherhood -

Tending Your Garden

IT IS DIFFICULT to fully understand what actually happens when you place a new thought, a sun-thought, in the galaxy of thoughts which makes up your identity; especially powerful ones as you might have been given. You do not take, as it were, a new concept in your hands, place it in the midst of the familiar galaxy and expect a sudden radiance, an immediate change; although we should not forget that instant revelation and realization have come to some of the great ones who have walked this way. No, like all good things this work begins humbly. It is like planting a seed that grows and grows for a time in the dark. Ideas that have been given you in your communions are in movement, and as they grow larger they push out into oblivion the older ideas which were foolish and out of proportion. This is difficult to put into words, but it may help you not to be too introspective.

When you meditate or abide in your quiet times of communion, you do not charge in and do something, like “I will now be good and move mountains by my act of faith.” No, you water your garden, and trust knowing these ideas are growing into a divine garden; the Indwelling Spirit does the work, not you; you merely water it. Do you see the comfort in that? I can tell you in simple language that a very gentle, calm, unemotional selfless, and patient attitude toward your spiritual growth is essential— such as all old gardeners know. We know that patience, hoeing, watering, weeding, and a certain order, a quiet rhythm, brings a birth of heavenly beauty.

How to do this in your particular and demanding tempo, is difficult; but, in simple language, here are some suggestions.

In the morning I sit down to breakfast and eat my food; it’s a voluntary action. I don’t think about what is happening, but strength is being given to me, life is being sustained, a great miracle has actually taken place. In the same way, our words and thoughts are transmuted, for the food we give our mind also becomes flesh as well as part of our identity as an individual. Our part is our acceptance or rejection, and what we accept becomes a growth of some kind in our garden. But let’s go further and see how we can use these everyday things to help us to greater awareness of the abiding Presence in our lives, to help us to dominion over our earth-consciousness. Let’s not only recognize that we find an analogy in our earthly life, but let’s use each thing that comes as a reminder.

In this rebirth into self-conscious realization of our godhood, take the common simple actions and make them follow the same law— but on a higher plane. I eat and drink in remembrance of him eternally alive in me; it is a profound communion and a great practical help. As you eat the bread of life spiritually with the bread materially, your inspiration will strengthen you for the day. As I said, this is a simple lesson, for what is needed is for you to keep in contact with the Spirit; to make the habit of doing so. And you will change by forming the habit of tenderness toward common things, the habit of communing and bringing down into everyday actions a spiritual grace.

Everything you touch, like the warmth of an open fire, is an outward and visible witness of the spiritual law. Water is the source of life; it is a spiritual symbol. Bathe in water as you would in spirit. Let the shock of it on your skin be a reminder of your contact with the invisible faith within you. Use your imagination and be like the great artists of all time, who took the humble, simple things close to them and transfigured them— and themselves. For spiritual awakening allies you to the great poets and artists. Such is the wonder and the grandeur of the spirit, its creative and transforming beauty.

Gradually these ideas, these thoughts that have entered through your spiritual heart will grow as involuntarily as the food you eat is taken care of without effort, and the inner you will manifest so gently that as you go into the world, your feet will be led to walk beside the watered garden of your own making. Illumine the common things, and you will fill your skies with stars. Go, seeking goodness, and you will find it; seek beauty, and it will be upon your face. Thus will you walk the glorious way, using the common elements of daily life as rods and staffs. Nothing is too small for your consideration and for your use.

So. Remember: “Do this in remembrance of me.” Do all things in remembrance of him— and remember your way into illumination.