The Earth
as a classroom
Unique
characteristics of life on Earth
Simulated
circumstances and situations
Physical handicaps
War and peace
Injustices
Poverty and wealth
Fame and notoriety, success and failure
Power and position
Problems and crises
Family relationships, marriage, divorce and single-blessedness
Natural calamities
Birth and death
How God provides for
our needs
The concept of
predestination
Karma and karmic
consequences
Knowing self
The Earth as a
classroom
To those who don’t know, even the simplest things can be very complicated. But
even the most complicated things are really quite simple to those who know. In
every instance, all things complex can always be reduced to simpler and more
common terms. God is simple, just as He is complex. And in order to better
understand the meaning of life on Earth, let us assume, if as yet you cannot
believe, that the Earth, however large and complex it may seem to some of us,
is, simply, as a classroom, one among many in the Universe.
Our sun, to which system we belong, is only one of the hundred million or more
stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way, which, itself, is just one of many galaxies
in the observable Universe. In the vastness of outer space, our planet is only
a tiny and insignificant speck of dust suspended in a limitless void. It is far
more reasonable, therefore, to consider that we are not alone. And that, in all
probability, there are countless millions of other planets capable of
generating life. To a growing number of our scientists, there are enough
confirmed UFO sightings and extra-terrestrial related incidents to strongly
suggest the very real possibility of the existence of other and more
intelligent life forms originating from these other planets.
To those who are spiritually inclined, however, there are far more reliable
sources of information, which do not only suggest, but confirm such a
possibility. Some adepts are allowed to astral travel and visit these other
planets and bring back information to people on Earth. According to these
sources, there are, definitely, other planets harboring life, though they may
not necessarily be in the form to which we are accustomed. There are other
classrooms where higher learning is undertaken and other subjects are taken up.
As to the subject lessons taken up on Earth, the Bible spells it out for us in
‘Genesis.’ God told Adam and Eve, “You may eat the fruit of any tree in the
garden, except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad.
You must not eat the fruit of that tree; for if you do, you will die.” Jesus
later on tells us to “Seek, first, the Kingdom of
God and His righteousness and all things will be added on to us.”
Simply put then, we are here to learn what is good and what is bad from first-hand
experience. And in practicing right living, we will henceforth be able to carry
on with the rest of our eternal lives in a way that is pleasing in the eyes of
God.
We are spirit beings. However, much like human babies in the beginning, we were
created innocent and ignorant. God endowed us with eternal life and gave us
free will. We are of the same essence as God, and are capable of the very same
properties. We are parts of the Supreme God. However, we who are yet here on
Earth are as children, childish and immature, in the beginning stages of our
spiritual development.
In the Spirit World, in our natural spirit state, there is no pressing need to
undertake the activities that afford learning. There is no physical pain. There
is no hunger or thirst. There is every freedom and few limitations. There is,
therefore, a tendency for us to take things too easily and to neglect certain
important matters relating to the development of our character that are
distasteful to us or are, otherwise, difficult to learn. This results in
weakness that requires our special attention in order to correct. Now, pain and
suffering are very effective teachers. They teach the lessons that are
difficult to understand. And since pain and suffering can best be experienced
in a material plane such as the Earth, therefore, we choose to occupy and
motivate material flesh bodies that will provide us the vehicle for learning
these hard lessons.
Unique characteristics
of life on Earth
On Earth, when we study certain subjects, we equip our classroom with special
facilities. To illustrate, when we study chemistry, we have a laboratory, test
tubes, chemicals, Bunsen burners, and we wear ordinary school uniforms.
However, when we shift to other subjects, our whole surroundings may change
completely. Should we be taking up physical education, then we might go to the
gym or the swimming pool, wear rubber shoes, shorts or swimming trunks,
whichever is applicable. And as we take on various other studies, our whole
classroom changes accordingly, depending on what is needed. Similarly, Earth,
as a place for study, offers certain specialized facilities, circumstances and
situations that may not be as available elsewhere in creation.
One of these is a form of amnesia concerning our existence prior to
our birth in the physical world. Usually, we cannot recall our previous
past lives or incarnations. Nevertheless, insights into these past experiences
may be accessed through our intuition. One of the reasons why this condition is
advantageous to learning is that it limits distractions. It keeps us focused on
the work we are to do. It otherwise conserves our energies and enables us to
work more purposefully towards the attainment of our set objectives in life.
The truth is, we know a lot more than what we bring to Earth; but we don’t
bring everything, because everything is not needed. Instead, we bring only that
which we need to succeed in what we have set out to do.
Another condition is a compulsion to work in order to sustain life. Man
requires, among others, food, clothing and shelter. In the higher planes, we
have no need of these. But, upon the Earth, these needs impel us to some
action. This compulsion guards against indolence or passivity and instead,
promotes industry. And in the process, we are able to develop in every way.
Another advantage is the provision of a disguise or a means of
camouflage. Spirit age is apart from physical age. Spirit entities are at
different levels of evolvement. However, this fact is not evident, because the
spirit is covered up by the physical body. And man tends to judge the
worthiness of another man by the physical body which is the part of us that is
visible, and not by the spirit, because this is hidden. In effect, any spirit
can dress himself up in fine clothes or physical bodies and pretend to all the
world that he is a great spirit, when, in fact, he is not. However, in the
Spirit World, there is no falsehood and nothing can be hidden. By our colors
which denote our actual state of development, everyone will know us for who we
really are.
Still, the putting on of a disguise serves to provide a fresh new beginning for
those who have to start over. It affords them an easier time, not being
bothered by the stigma attaching to past failures. For those who have done well
previously, there comes a greater appreciation for the things they have earned
and will again enjoy. It is also true that we tend to take many things for
granted, but we appreciate them all the more when we experience the loss of
them.
Another advantage is the fear of death instilled in us. In the Spirit
reality, there is no death. But, if we did not have this fear of death, many
would be tempted to quit life at the first sign of difficulty, rather than
strive to do their utmost until they are able to overcome every hardship. This
fear is with us, then, so that it may keep us alive, at school upon the Earth
and open to our lessons. This condition prevents our skipping classes, fights
our escapist tendencies and promotes learning.
Another unique advantage is the illusion of physical pain and disease.
We are spirit beings; we are not our physical body. While pain alerts us to the
need of correcting a physical disorder, the actual disease or physical ailment,
itself, serves as an eye-opener and warning device. It is a clear signal that
denotes the existence of a very real spiritual defect that is the true cause of
the disease. And as we seek for relief from such physical ailments, we are able
to learn of the real and spiritual root causes of these conditions and we,
inevitably, arrive at some deeper understanding into the meaning of our life.
Still another unique advantage is the illusion of sex. In the Highest
Realms, there is no sex. We will be as the angels, complete in one. The male
and the female principles correspond to the positive and negative aspects of a
single entity. Earth society has assigned specific roles to each of the sexes.
The male focuses on wisdom, knowledge, justice, fairness, responsibility and
decision-making, among others; while the female usually centers on love and
understanding, bringing up children, sympathy, affection and the like. The male
is the more dominant, while the female is the dominated, though, not always.
The subsequent union of all of these attributes into one produces a more
perfect and balanced individual.
Sometimes, it is determined that for greater spiritual progress, both roles,
the male and the female, have to be undertaken in the course of a single
lifetime, then, the third sex results. This is true in the case of those who
have undergone operations to alter their sex as well as for the hermaphrodites.
This alternative lifestyle, far from being unreasonable or illogical, is
actually the most advantageous condition in certain cases, because it enables a
spirit entity to have a more balanced development, being afforded the
opportunity to develop both male and female aspects of its character without
having to wait for another incarnation.
The choice of sex depends on the traits one desires to develop. We should take
on the sex which will afford us the means to become strong where we are weak.
However, when a spirit entity has a strong personal preference for one
particular sex over another, usually, certain traits become more developed than
others. And, when the time comes that we are required to incarnate as a member
of the opposite sex than that preferred, our dominant traits tend to exert too
great an influence resulting in the homosexual or lesbian condition.
Such an imbalanced state, however, is not at all abnormal. Until we are able to
attain to perfect development, which is not possible for those who are still
here on Earth, we will all be suffering from a similar imbalance. However,
eventually, these, too, will be resolved.
And, in addition, other spiritual benefits similar to those available to all
who find themselves discriminated against, as will be discussed later, can also
be available. Therefore, even these seemingly undesirable conditions from the
worldly point of view are really desirable and advantageous from the point of
view of the spiritual.
Simulated circumstances
and situations
Upon the Earth, the medium of instruction is experience. In order that the
requisite experiences may be undertaken, certain circumstances and
situations are necessarily simulated. These experiences correspond to
experiments done in class to demonstrate the validity of proposed theories and,
at the same time, they provide the most effective means of testing out what the
student has already learned.
The more common of these are the following:
1. Physical
handicaps
These can be any physical deformity, even blindness or deafness. These
conditions may be inborn or subsequently induced, whether intentionally or,
seemingly, by accident.
When we have a physical handicap, we are not able to function as well as
others. And this teaches us to proceed at a much slower pace and be more
patient. Should a deformity be caused by someone, intentionally, very
definitely, we would learn that to cause one harm is a very wrong thing, and
the opportunity would be given to us to practice forgiveness. Also, this
condition would provide us the most effective means of understanding the plight
of the handicapped. Likewise, we would be placed in a position where we may
receive and appreciate the mercy and sympathy bestowed on us by others.
Further, being dependent on others, we would learn to be more humble and, in
our turn, even in our future incarnations, we would be more open to helping all
others who may be less fortunate in life.
One of the worst rulers in history was Nero. Tyranny and murder characterized
his rule as Emperor of Rome. It is said that he caused the burning of
two-thirds of the City of Rome and, thereafter, caused the persecution of the
Christians whom he made his scapegoats. All the while, he must have thought
that he would never be made to pay for his crimes. But he was wrong.
According to the Edgar Cayce readings, the entity that was Nero lived again.
Only, this time, in a sub-human condition. He lived, but it was as if he were
dead, because his new physical body was totally deformed and his whole body was
continually racked with pain. He was mentally deranged and he could not do the
simplest things without the aid of others. Such is the fate of all who
transgress the law of love.
2. War and
peace
In like manner, these bring lessons in courage, kindness, mercy, sympathy
and compassion. Conditions of war bring to one an immunity to strife and
violent action. It acts in much the same way as vaccination. We gladly undergo
a few moments of pain and discomfort in the present in exchange for total
freedom from the contemplated affliction for the remainder of our eternal
lives. Consequently, the ways of peace become the best choices.
Napoleon is the envy of many men. He conquered half of Europe and crowned
himself Emperor of the French. He rose to the very peak and crashed down to the
bottom. In all these, the accompanying frustration, despondency and the total
loss of all that one considers important are utterly unbearable. Still, this
entity has persisted in his lust for all the wrong things. And in his
subsequent incarnations, according to Arthur Ford, he has continued,
unsuccessfully, to bring back his lost glories through his involvement in one
war after another. And he has suffered much and will suffer more still, until
he mends his ways and he espouses the cause of peace and non-aggression.
3. Injustices
These refer to the suppression or abuse of all forms of human rights and
freedoms. In order for us to be clarified on these concepts, it is necessary
that we undergo such suppression or abuse. And in so experiencing such unjust
conditions, we learn to be more tolerant, and we learn to live and let live,
allowing for others the same degree of liberties and freedoms that we,
ourselves, require. These conditions teach justice and fairness, understanding
and tolerance.
To atone for their atrocities, certain members of the Ku Klux Klan and other
similarly motivated organizations may be required to experience to the same
degree those very same atrocities they caused others to suffer, while, at the
same time, helping the cause of the oppressed. In this connection, some past
abusers may even return as great reformers. Hitler and his minions will have to
repay in like manner, because no one can escape God’s justice. Everyone must
pay to the last penny.
4. Poverty
and wealth
These teach lessons in pride and humility, kindness to those in need. By
experiencing these conditions, we learn to manage our resources more
efficiently, whether they be meager or abundant. Conditions of poverty and
other similar handicaps provide us with the opportunity to rise above ourselves
in the service of others. For “We must be perfect,
as the Father in heaven is perfect.”
5. Fame
and notoriety, success and failure
These are fleeting and illusory. All things are continuing in nature. Each
experience brings some gain. Each success or failure is only a stepping-stone
towards some greater success. Repetitive experiences of these conditions free
us from delusions of grandeur and build in us confidence in self and in self’s
own abilities.
6. Power and
position
These opportunities are provided to those who need to develop leadership
qualities. They clarify the laws governing the use of power and authority over
others. Such conditions enable us to come to the realization that all power is
supposed to be administered for the good of others and not just for one’s own
benefit.
7. Problems
and crises
These are great builders of strength, fortitude and patience. Likewise,
they bring on added skills in the process. The subsequent result is greater
wisdom in all things.
8. Family
relationships, marriage, divorce and single-blessedness
Although marriages to be consummated on Earth are made in heaven, in heaven,
itself, there are no marriages. We will be complete entities attaining to union
with God. But we can only attain to our goal of oneness one step at a time. The
progressive stages to oneness are: a single individual, a family, a community,
a nation, brotherhood-in-spirit, until finally, oneness with all creation
and oneness with God. These conditions teach us selflessness, brotherhood and
eventual oneness.
Before we can advance in selflessness, we must first learn the basic principles
of give and take, of self-sacrifice and of consideration for others. Ignorance
of these is the cause of broken relationships and marriages. And when one
cannot get along with others, in future incarnations, he will find himself,
alone. These are the effects of our own negative predispositions. And as to the
consequences of such negative attitudes, there can be no escape.
9. Natural
calamities
These may include floods, fires and earthquakes. They bring necessary
lessons in flexibility, avoidance, acceptance and adaptability while bringing
on added wisdom.
10. Birth
and death
Actually, being born on Earth is, simply, coming to class, and death is
returning home to the Spirit World, which is the real world. In order for us to
be able to manifest upon the Earth plane, we must incarnate and motivate a
physical body. Only in this way can we avail of the special opportunities
available on Earth towards our further spiritual development. When our
contemplated lessons are over, then, we die. And through death, we are reborn
into the Spirit World, our true home. There after a period of rest and
reflection, we evaluate our progress and formulate our plans for a new study
period or incarnation depending on our spiritual needs.
How God provides for
our needs
God, in His infinite wisdom, allows and, in fact, deliberately sees to the
continuing provisioning of these conditions, circumstances and situations —
poverty, war, physical handicaps, injustices and calamities — so that these
conditions and circumstances may benefit the spirit being, even at the expense
of the physical body, which is not at all important in the eyes of God.
However, these very same conditions and circumstances are the very things that
man, in his ignorance, in his illusion, seeks to abolish. But if we will only
seek for the truth, then, the truth shall set us free.
Most of the people in the world may find it extremely difficult to understand
and, much less, accept the validity of these insights into the true meaning and
purpose behind our Earthly experiences. Such is the sorry state of ignorance
prevailing in the world. However, fortunately for us, God is not so affected by
such human incapacity. He thinks not as the world thinks. And if only man could
accept these truths, then, he could better appreciate the merits of
Reincarnation and the Karmic Law and, likewise, he would be in a better
position to fully benefit from their operation.
The concept of
predestination
But to clarify matters further, let us go back a while, to the time before we
were born. At that time, somewhere in the Spirit World, there was a conference.
We conferred with our guides for the purpose of formulating a plan of Earthly
existence designed to provide us with the most effective means of further
developing ourselves. Upon the Earth, we can compare this to our schedule for
the following day, or as it relates to class, it is tomorrow’s lesson plan.
This plan is what we often refer to as our karma. And it is the natural
consequence and result of all our accumulated deeds and misdeeds.
Karma and karmic
consequences
Karma is the law of compensation and retribution, the law of cause and effect.
It means: what we sow, we reap; love and we will be loved; forgive and we will
be forgiven; an eye for an eye, and all debts must be repaid. Karma then
guarantees the restoration of harmony and balance in all things. And if we are
wise, we will choose to do only what is good, in order that only good will
return to us.
Karma may also be defined, as it applies to Earth life, as the provisioning of
simulated conditions, circumstances and situations designed to teach the
essence of love and virtue. In preparing our Life Plan, we include certain
conditions, circumstances and situations, those that we discussed earlier,
poverty, war, injustice, disease and death, because we are aware of their
valuable contribution towards our further development.
So it is that we are taught; “Do unto others,”
because what we do to others and for others, we are, actually and in fact,
doing to ourselves and for ourselves since this is the natural and direct
consequence of the Law of Karma. In addition, remember that we are one.
Whatever good comes to one part benefits the whole. And whatever harm befalls
another is felt by all.
Knowing self
Now, it is time for us to reflect on our own present situation. With the
knowledge of the true realities of life, we are now in a position to diagnose
our own ailments. Do we now realize who we really are? Why are we here and how
best should we live the remainder of our lives? What are the things we need to
learn still? Let us begin to really know ourselves. And, as we continue to
seek, we will find every answer.
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