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Verse by verse, here is a short resume of what each Beat- itude means to me: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Poor, as used in this Beatitude, does not mean poor spir- ited or a mean spirit, cowardly and debased, but signifies compassion, sympathy, and tenderness. It is pleading with you to rid yourselves of all arrogance, self-importance, im- pudence, selfishness, and the desire to exercise self-will. As you rid yourself of all these selfish motives you find yourself in the Kingdom of Heaven, which is a state of divine con- sciousness where peace and harmony reign. You feel per- fectly secure and enjoy a state of complete serenity and relaxation. "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." The will of God is that everyone should be happy and ex- press success joyfully. Jesus says: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Mourning and suffering are helpful, because many people will not bother to learn the truth until driven to do so by failure. Sorrow moves them to think, and as they think, they transcend the clouds, penetrate the darkness, uncover the light of truth, and feel the Spirit of God about them. They are consoled and filled with compassion. A spirit of perfect freedom prevails, and "they shall be comforted." This spirit produces a perfect state of relaxation. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Meek, as it is used in this Beatitude, does not suggest a weak creature devoid of courage and self-respect, slipping around on gum shoes or hiding himself under an umbrella. On the contrary, the word "meek" purports a spiritual and 194 TAKE THE BRAKES OFF mental attitude that eliminates all vainness, haughtiness, re- sentment, and selfishness. Its significance opens up the con- sciousness for the inflow of God's divine power and will. In a spirit of meekness we inherit the earth, because earth, as used in this Beatitude, signifies that everyone is an individ- ual manifestation of a Divine Cause and that this Divine Cause, manifesting through each individual, gives that in- dividual a complete and perfect dominion over all experi- ences, and thus gives him the power to bring all the conditions of life into harmony and true success. Therefore, it is unnecessary to worry, to hurry, to get provoked or ir- ritated, or to become tense or rigid. In fact, you can take the brakes off, and relax in peace. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after right- eousness: for they shall be filled." Righteousness, as used in this Beatitude, means not merely right conduct, but right thinking on all subjects in every department of life. It is applying the principle of wisdom, which instructs us to make a wise use of everything. In life, we deal with three principal things: people, words, and things. Wisdom teaches us to love and respect people. It instructs us to use the kind of words that inspire people to act. It directs us to make the proper utilization of things that build and conserve. Everything responds to good treat- ment. By applying wisdom to our activities we are really hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and we shall surely be filled. Thus we find ourselves in tune with Uni- versal Law, enjoying the freedom of a bird. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Be kind in thought, and also in action. Think only the best thoughts about your fellow men, and these will bless him spiritually and mentally, and they in turn will bless you. After all, we are all component parts of God, and we even- tually receive the same treatment that we mete out to others. TAKE THE BRAKES OFF 195 Forgive others and they love and have confidence in you. The moment you forgive you take the brakes off. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." God has no corporeal existence. God is spirit, and your conception of God can only be spiritual. You must realize that God is everywhere, and that His spirit fills all space. He is the only real cause, and the only real presence; He is around every moment. As you purge your consciousness of all impure thoughts and begin to think positive, pure, whole- some, and good thoughts, then you realize the Divine Pres- ence of God, and thus you can sing with Shakespeare: And this our life exempt from public haunts Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything. What you are within is what you see without. As you think good thoughts, then you see good in all things. Thus, again you find yourself in a state of serenity, free from the cares of the day. You can proceed with gentleness, with firmness, with easiness, and with effectiveness. |
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