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Truth
is Light
‘Be
yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical
about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is
as perennial as the grass.’
These
words, stemming from the famous ‘Desiderata’ printed [below],
form a sound basis for the modern seeker who tries to solve the
enigma of his own life and the riddle of the time in which he lives.
A new era has dawned. It will be shown that the time of
superstition and materialism has passed, even if the opposite seems
to be the case. Intercosmic radiations accelerate the fundamental
vibration of the earth’s electromagnetic field, and therefore
strongly influence the living conditions of humanity.
Does this era, apart from the tarnishing of western
civilisation, apart from uncovering everything that is not good,
also bring positive, inner discoveries? Do human beings achieve
self-knowledge? Do human beings recognise the duality -- the divine
and the natural aspect -- of their being? Do they recognise the
causes behind the complicated relationships in society? Or is
everything relative, and is their own truth enough for them? Isn’t
everyone right -- or at least entitled to speak?
Everything that has been suppressed and hidden is coming to
light. Consequently, everything and everyone is experiencing heavy
shocks and emotions, or is moved by great fear and desires. The
positive aspect is that one’s own truth becomes visible; on the
other hand, the danger of indifference or even cynicism is lurking.
If everything is relative, any behaviour, any philosophy and any
mode of life becomes arbitrary.
The truth may be harsh, but it also sets us free. It is full
of light. He who does not let himself be numbed by the violence of
these emotions, and longingly attunes his inner being to the new
radiation field, will discover the life of the soul. From then on,
life again becomes what it was once meant to be. The inner life is
filled with aspiration; constructive, spiritual powers are able to
heal the microcosm, while the consciousness recognises ever more
clearly the relationship between the divine spirit and the human
being.
We hope to discuss a few aspects of these intriguing
developments in this [No 4, 2006] issue of the Pentagram.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace
there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on
good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have
their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations
to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may
become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser
persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your
plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a
real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution
in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let
this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for
high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and
disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the
counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But
do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born
of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with
yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees
and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is
clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and
whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of
life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and
broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Strive to
be happy.
‘Desiderata’ was
written in 1927 by the American poet (and solicitor) Max Ehrmann1
(1872-1945), and does not stem from 1692, as was assumed for a long
time. This error occurred when, in 1956, the minister of St Paul’s
Church in Baltimore included the poem in a collection of stencils
with material for the inspiration of his parishioners. On this
collection, he also printed the year the church was founded. These
two facts are unrelated.2
1.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata. See:
http://hobbes.ncsa.uiuc.edu/desiderata.html
2. Fred D Cavinder, ‘Desiderata’,
TWA Ambassador, August 1973, pp.14-15. Written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920’s. Not
‘found in Old St Paul’s Church in 1692’.
©
Lectorium Rosicrucianum 2006.
Foreword
from Pentagram No 4, 2006 |