When it comes to comparing the rewards of this world -- its powers and pleasures -- to the possibility of realizing spiritual freedom, there is no such thing as the "next best thing." But, as always, each must weigh such considerations for oneself, and prepare to live the consequences of that decision: is it better to "die" a free man or woman, or to live as a foolish one who realizes, too lat...

Here's a spiritual fact. Study it. Use its insight to show you the higher way to true self-command: either we are aware of -- and present to -- whatever is unfolding within us... or, we are unconsciously passive to its presence; and, by definition, whatever we are passive to... commands us. This new self-understanding is "power" in the truest sense of the word; it completely negates the pow...

When it comes to our wish to make real changes in ourselves, good intentions cost (us) nothing... and that's why the road to hell is paved with useless coins. On the other hand, making a conscious effort to change -- in the moment that calls for it -- comes with the cost of seeing ourselves as we really are. This awareness shows us not only the possibility of being released from our worry and fear...

Just as an acorn that goes unplanted in the earth can never realize its destiny to become a mighty oak, so it holds with any Real Spiritual Principle that we unearth in our journey through this life: only those Truths developed in us -- by reason of our work to see that they take root in the ground of our soul -- are empowered to grant us the strength, shelter, and sustenance of their eternal...

You must learn to think of relationship as a mirror; Something in us is afraid of seeing deeply into our pain; The more I don't want something and avoid it, the more complicit I am in its continuity; You actually have seen the truth, but you just don't want to see it; The dreamer cannot change the dream; There's no fear in a fact; The work slows down thought; Thought can't help you...

Part 1 The undeniable evidence of our physical experience on this earth proves there's nothing we can win in this world that has the power to free us from fear... to answer our innermost need to be free; which, in turn, proves that one of the reasons for these hollow experiences... must be divinely designed to lead us to this same spiritual realization. Part 2 "Many are called"...

Authentic spiritual teachings are designed to do two things at once: first, to help us remember that our true nature -- Real "I" -- is an unconditional strength born of an unconditional love. But, the second part of this teaching -- equal in every way to the first, and why the vast majority of aspirants reject true interior teachings -- is as follows: we must also agree to see where some for...

Part 1 The pain in any unwanted revelation over our present level of self is a creation of that same lower level of self that doesn't want its nature revealed. Part 2 There is no real consolation in our spiritual struggles unless we enter into them understanding that whatever sacrifice may be required of us serves a higher purpose than can be known by the parts of us thus summoned;...