1996-08-29-Honesty, Humility, Service
Pittsburgh #34
Contents
• 1 Heading
o 1.1 Topic: Enlightened Honesty
o 1.2 Group: Pittsburgh TeaM
• 2 Facilitators
o 2.1 Teacher: Tomas, Jasmine
o 2.2 TR: Gerdean
• 3 Session
o 3.1 Opening
o 3.2 Lesson
3.2.1 Honesty
o 3.3 Dialogue
3.3.1 Humility
3.3.2 Deception, Manner
3.3.3 Evolution
3.3.4 Service
3.3.5 Discovery
o 3.4 Closing
Topic: Enlightened Honesty
Group: Pittsburgh TeaM
Facilitators
Teacher: Tomas, Jasmine
TR: Gerdean
Session
Opening
TOMAS: Good evening. Group: Good evening, Tomas.
TOMAS: How are you this evening? Group: We are great. Fine.
TOMAS: I, too, am in good humor and good spirits. I and many others have observed your interplay in your study this evening and indeed the sparks were flying. There is certainly nothing wrong with the circuitry of the seven adjutant mind spirits in this lot of animals! How delightful your exercises are to us. Your attempts at understanding how you are put together, how you rub off on each other, how the creators have molded you and caused you to be. How challenging now it is for those of us who have volunteered in this Mission to elevate all of this now somewhat in terms of your understanding of yourselves in your innermost selves.
I have much on my agenda this evening and I would begin with a remark regarding the process of transmitting/receiving and concern that certain mortal colorations are involved. I will go so far as to say that you, in your daily life, as you transmit your personality, as you submit yourself to the reception of impressions from your subconscious, your superconscious, your conditioning, and then transmit these thoughts into action, word and deed, you, too, are expressing a composite of your reality.
In the ideal, intent and motive are to foster truth in transmitting/receiving as a process and in your daily life. It is for that reason, that you advertise your beingness so fluidly and freely upon your fellow human beings, that we teachers aspire to enable you to discard those untruths, those lesser beliefs, those unfortunate conditionings, those subconscious turmoils and those super-conscious impressions, (so) that you might indeed transmit higher levels of reality, rather than your cultural baggage.
All teaching is dependent upon your sincerity, your various abilities, and the extent to which you will allow divine values to impress your life, your mind, your soul and, therefore, your external arena. I am happy to make mention of this because oft times I wonder if, as a group, as individuals, you remember why we are studying a course in character, if not for the purpose of attaining greater affinity with Deity. And then, subsequently, expressing such values in your realms so as to bring forth the fruits of the spirit as living testimony.
As you desire to serve, as you desire to be a channel of His love, you will better acquaint yourself with those qualities which are the fruits of the spirit unencumbered by your ego, your personal motives, your coloration and so forth, and so, as we pursue a discourse in these Godlike qualities, it affords you the opportunity to reflect on our discussions as it relates to your inner life, to the life you share with others, and to those you serve.
Lesson
Honesty
TOMAS: It is my presumption that each of you here seeks closer understanding of our Father and His will for you. It is further my presumption that you intend to follow through with the natural result of knowing and loving God, that being to share His love with those you meet in loving service. In that context, then, I would proceed with my lesson plan, and this evening I would like to discuss with you the designated fruit of the spirit: enlightened honesty.
Once more we have a tall order, for “honesty” in and of itself is a bit of a study and “enlightened” is the qualitative determiner. Honesty, as it is generally regarded on its most fundamental acceptance level, has to do with telling untruths and in not stealing. A liar is an unwelcome associate. One who lies in his mouth will lie in his behavior. He is untrustworthy. One, however, who will speak the truth may be regarded as honest but socially unacceptable for the distress in his honesty.
Why would someone lie to another? It is not fraternal to deceive, but deceit and dishonesty has been your legacy for a long time, and many lies, deceits and deceptions have become an integral part of your social flavor. A little white lie designed to salve someone’s feelings is still a lie, and one who engages in such a technique is lazy, in-as-much as there are enlightened ways of expressing truths … were they but willing, and were they able to seek divine counsel.
Many times individuals lie in the mistaken notion that they are protecting someone from pain. Parents lie to their children. Children lie to their parents. A technique of truth-avoidance is utilized in order to avoid the discomfort of judgment. As you are judged by the truth of the matter, you lie, then, for you have placed the judgment of others in high regard. Unfortunately, my friends, when you place such regard in others, who will judge you unkindly, humanly, you have lied now to yourself.
He who would be truthful must first be true to himself. It has been said that if a man be true to himself, he cannot be false to any man. In order for an individual to be honest with himself, and be God-knowing, inherently then he has become honest with God, with his Source, First Source of being. In aspiring to manifest mature well-balanced character, it is necessary that you be honest with God, for as his child you know that He already knows you better than you know yourself, and who would deign to lie to the First Source and Center?
It is remarkable, of course, how many do make that futile attempt. It is remarkable how many meander and sachet through life in total denial of their own reality. But I will not become distracted by the many, for I, like you, am focused on aspiring for truth, beauty, and goodness, for honesty of character, for honesty of integrity, for honesty in relationship, honesty of heart. When your honesty is thus born and fostered in your own soul, it is enlightened, for it is swathed in love and will be distributed kindly.
It is possible for you, for humankind, to have integrity and to have honesty without God-consciousness, but it results not in enlightened honesty but another form of honesty, oft called “rigorous honesty.” Rigorous honesty is raw and unrefined and to the point, but sometimes brutal. Enlightened honesty has taken the truth and polished it like a gem. It is worn in the soul as a diadem and distributed as pearls.
Oft times it is sad to behold otherwise noble and intelligent creatures cowed by the inability to be honest. I, Tomas, your friend, companion, guide and teacher, and servant of Christ Michael, attempt to be honest with you, my flock. I would like to discuss honesty with you. Are there questions regarding honesty?
Dialogue
Elizabeth: Well, I said to somebody that I knew, “These people from Europe have never had a lesson in Dale Carnegie!” and you ask them a question and they’ll be honest and they’ll be blunt. For instance, (and I’ll say they are from Bulgaria) I told her we had the same coat. And she says, “Oh, no! Yours is merely . .. Mine’s an alpaca and yours is just an imitation!” And that was fine.
But I think that- in looking back at it, that was her personality type, and I notice that about some people from Europe, they don’t have this American way of kind of softening the answers a bit, and so I’m thinking that there’s a higher kind of honesty that one strives for, perhaps an honesty in examining yourself and trying to be a person who cares about what Jesus Christ Michael thinks about you. To me, that perhaps is a definition of honesty and I’d be very interested in hearing yours . .. I did hear tapes from Pocatello and I know that you were discussing that issue at that time.
TOMAS: First, in response, yes, your associate, your European was brutally frank, and pompous in the bargain — hardly worthy of a God-knowing individual. But you see she was attempting to make herself feel good at your expense and her underlying motive was apparent; she lied to herself. It is because she does not know that she is a daughter of the Most Highs. If she knew this truth, she might offer you her coat.
Secondly, I have spoken before regarding enlightened honesty. I am not aware of its being on record; however, that is of little import. I have, indeed, discussed honesty before and, as is the case, may need to discuss it many times, as many truths are learned only over a course of time, requiring repetition. I honestly will attempt, however, to be original and not redundant.
Student: I thought it was an extremely timely lesson. It always amazes me how you, like, tune into things going on in my life and I just had a little experience with honesty that is unusual for me. Last Friday– And unusual in that usually I would’ve thought, “Oh, great!” — this store undercharged me, so I got this great sale, but I couldn’t do that. I had to take it back to the store, and that was definitely something I would have not done before.
TOMAS: I will commend your cash register honesty. It is the more obvious result of internal honesty, for when you have begun your ascent toward perfection and are aware of yourself, you begin to see how your actions affect others and you see how others are interconnected to your own well-being in the spiritually gregarious sense.
Humility
Elizabeth: Well, I want to ask, isn’t there a connection between humility and honesty? I think it’s a combination that interests me.
TOMAS: A very good question, one which I am happy to respond to, for you are quite correct. In order for you to recognize your own identity, it requires that you submit to the overcontrol of a Divine Being, you (recognize) that you are not God, and so if you are having a relationship with this Power greater than yourself, you are smaller, and this is humbling. When this Power that you have submitted yourself to is living, loving energy, your origin and your destiny, you are delighted to seek guidance and acknowledge your smallness.
As a child you come to the Father in supplication and in praise. Truly, it is related to humility, but humility, you see, is a great strength. Once you understand that your will is in alignment with His will, you understand the forces in support of your growth. You understand the source of your own self-respect. And so, whereas it may seem that humility is a lowly state, this is not the case, for your greatest ally now is the God of all creation.
Deception, Manner
Elizabeth: There’s another thing that’s been on my mind, which is that I have been watching “Pride and Prejudice,” which ran for three nights, and I was contrasting our ways of relating with each other to the ways that they practiced in those very formal times. And in the moneyed classes of England, they were so much at leisure they spent a lot of time thinking about things that were, perhaps, inconsequential to us but in their lives they were quite important. So I’m looking at that and I’m trying to say, how honest were they with themselves?
And also they considered it an important part of their development to be able to speak honestly but without . .. to be very, sort of, roundabout in the way they spoke. I mean, we don’t do that at all. We . .. That isn’t in our culture in the least little bit. I mean, it’s a big contrast to see that.
TOMAS: You are mistaken. You are much like the characters you reference, in your culture, in your society, for whereas their mannerisms were perhaps more refined, their deceptions were great. The leisure of the wealthy is not always steeped in romance as you have admired in this production, but rather has caused great destruction. In your own culture you are only less refined, more relaxed, but you are still as a society deceptive. It is only mannerisms that have changed. And I now come to the rescue of those noble souls who, regardless of their culture, bear life with dignity, equanimity and poise. This can be done in any country, in any century, particularly since Christ.
Elizabeth: What about honesty with other people?
TOMAS: Yes, it is desired that you manifest enlightened honesty. As you place yourself in a position of identifying with Godlike qualities, you are in a position then to practice, to put into practice, those qualities which are inherent in your Divine Adjuster. As you remove yourself and your societal conditionings, and your ego strivings, and your idiosyncrasies, and your personal ambitions, and your personal prejudices, and your long-cherished conceits, you are in a position to allow your Divine Counterpart to respond for you and with you, you see.
If you cannot think of what to say at an instance wherein an awkward moment has put you on the spot, you would do well to stand mute rather than to foster ignorance or betray truth by a hasty, automatic social retort.
Elizabeth: Well, I think I’ve gotten all kinds of good lessons in honesty from my husband. I do enjoy his responses at times. When there’s a question about whether he can be tactful or honest, he seems to be able to do both quite often, amazingly. It comes from some kind of an inner quality that is quite wonderful but he just has it. I mean, he didn’t . . . he just got it because of his upbringing, and how do other people learn this? It’s very difficult.
TOMAS: Your spouse is indeed charming; he has well-developed tact and tolerance. He also associates himself, by and large, with a collection of his choosing; he is well-braced, well-armed. As you are sent forth, you may not be so cushioned.
It is fortunate for you that your circumstances provide you that well-braced, well-armed support and yet you are an adventurous woman of independent spirit who has been known to venture far afield from that cushioned constraint, and you have held up well in your sporting about as an ambassador of the spiritual kingdom. One of the values of the married state is the securities which you enjoy, which you have earned, and which you bestow in kind.
Elizabeth: Well, I heard my husband tactfully deflecting somebody last night and it was a complete amazement to me that he never had to hurt this person’s feelings for a second. I was amazed. I just was . .. I don’t think it’s easy to learn that. It seems to be something you grow up with or something.
TOMAS: You are growing up, my child! You are being re-brought up by your Paradise Parents. You are becoming new. The benefits of your mortal upbringing cannot and will not be overlooked, but the detriments are wasteful and you can honestly survey yourself and determine what subtle deceptions you can begin to discard as you learn also to depend more and more upon the spirit, as you manifest courageous loyalty to the Master.
Elizabeth: That is good news. TOMAS: Indeed.
Evolution
Student: Tomas, can you tell us more about that report we heard about . .. on the new DNA? (Indistinguishable)
TOMAS: No, I cannot. It is the duty of you to evolve and discover the wonders of your own evolution, as individuals and as a race. It was, however, alluded to in your study this evening. The pattern of your life was established long ago. You understand evolution, and that a human being could not take tea before his ancestors had come up out of the sea. If you were a frog in the age of frogs, you would be astounded to learn that there was evolving a mammal. It is built into your format.
There are more surprises in store for you. Do not feel that you have reached a pinnacle of existence. As you evolve, you grow. Sometimes these growths come suddenly. Some of them are gradual, but believe me they are natural. It is another example of life unfolding, developing, maturing, growing, aspiring, ascending.
Service
Elizabeth: Well, it seems to me that the most honest thing in your life is to take an honest look at your path, quite often do it, and to me that’s the most — or that’s one of the most important kinds of honesty. I don’t know. Maybe you’ll . .. Are there others that you would care to describe?
TOMAS: In regard to enlightened honesty, the fruit of the spirit, I have already elucidated my lesson; however, I am willing to chat regarding other aspects of honesty, especially from a relatively enlightened human being, and observing, pondering, looking at your path in life is certainly something that a wise person would do.
Elizabeth: When I look at it honestly, I think about Mother Theresa, and I think that she was . .. to me, that was a marvelous pathway, but she did say when she came to Pittsburgh, not to give up everything and go to India to do what she did. She did say that.
TOMAS: It was very gracious of her to attempt to take you off the hook (group chuckle) and yet you will recall that a great portion of the Master’s ministry was focused on helping the sick in body and in mind. I understand that in your civilization it is difficult to assay how to do that, for there are so many social programs and civic organizations and so forth established to take care of the “less fortunate” it barely leaves the sensitive and caring servant of God anything to do.
It is doleful, for there is much distress yet to be ministered to and your unenlightened society has merely put a Christian practice into a social and political format, and this is not honest. It is too easy for people to buy their way through donations and write it off their income tax or drop some coins in the box at the local convenience store, when the core of service is contact, is loving one-on-one ministration, soul-to-soul, heart-to-heart, mind-to-mind and body-to-body.
Touching one another in these intensely personal ways affords you an opportunity to contact the soul of the individual that you minister to. To touch another human being, be it their physical person, their emotional condition, their heart’s aspirations or their spiritual desires and longings, is important and honest ministry to the Master, to yourself, and to your fellow human beings.
Hunnah: May I comment?
TOMAS: Yes.
Hunnah: I have not followed the life of Mother Theresa, but the one remark that I heard that she made, puts service, to me, in a nutshell. She said she serves the Christ and that’s all that mattered. To the point where, I would assume, it doesn’t matter who’s in front of her because she only served One, and she’s not distracted by a person’s social setting or their appearance, and the one nice thing about serving the way she does is she probably doesn’t have to make carbon copies or carry a computer.
When you were talking about honesty this evening, I saw it as the spine or the living virtue, and integrity was part of the interwoven pattern of honesty, and I was trying to think more of this –it’s like having a verb and then thinking of all the adverbs that would go with it — I was trying to think of some others, and I suppose patience would go with it, because if honesty is expressed, there’s a timing, and a patience that goes with it. It’s like a package, and it’s always a little different every time it is practiced. But I really did like the idea of the simplicity of service, and yes we do a lot to — we leave our conscious but everyone around us everyday is an opportunity. I’ll get off my little salt box.
Discovery
TOMAS: I will point out to you at this juncture in our discourse that the deception that I referenced in your society when I discussed it as compared to “Pride and Prejudice” in Austin’s day and age, the deceptions around you are the veils which create the darkness. Would that you would serve the Master by dissolving the veils, tearing down the curtains that separate you from one another, allowing the blinds to open. Cut through the unnecessary deception of your social mores; cut to the chase.
The honesty you can accomplish is invigorating and refreshing like a cold dip on a hot day. It is also habit forming, as are all fruits of the spirit. In time, as these fruits become practiced in your life, as your society evolves, beginning with your immediate society and extending outward, even new bursts forward in science and emotional and spiritual discovery will be made. How heartening to realize that we have not attained all there is to attain! That there are constantly new gifts, new vistas, new perspectives, surprises on the horizon, around each new corner, new opportunities, new wisdom, new fruits to taste and savor.
My friends, I will leave you with an assignment, to look to your Source for who you are — honestly. Find yourself as a child of God with imperfections and perfections. Accept yourself and give yourself something to work on in terms of character development. I would ask you further to assist some fellow throughout the week in a situation that will arise allowing you an opportunity to present enlightened honesty, for its portrayal.
Also this week, in terms of enlightened honesty, I would like for you all to select one individual that you do not like and pray for them.
Hunnah: Oh, that’ll be easy.
TOMAS: Be honest, now. I have no more to add for this evening but there is one here who would like to say hello. One moment.
JASMINE: I am a personal teacher. (Crashing and clanging in the background.)
Hunnah: Welcome.
JASMINE: Have I alarmed you?
Hunnah: We had a guest with many feet and it’s been confined.
JASMINE: I did not bring it.
Hunnah: All right.
JASMINE: I am a teacher, also. A personal teacher. I am experiencing you as a group. It is a pleasure to make my presence known to you, to introduce you to my energies, to my personality pattern. I am a personal teacher, not a group teacher. I have recently been activated.
Hunnah: Does that mean assigned?
JASMINE: Sometimes, not always.
Hunnah: Are you a student teacher?
Student: Are you deliberately withholding your name?
JASMINE: No. I am the teacher of Hunnah.
Hunnah: I wondered. My friend referred to you as . .. May I say your name?
JASMINE: Yes.
Hunnah: As Yasmina. Jasmina? You said Jasmine and she referred to you as Jasmina, as if she knew you. I said that you were ever so beautiful.
JASMINE: Truly. I am a daughter of the Creative Mother Spirit. I am bathed in beauty, as are you, my child.
Hunnah: I find that thrilling because I wrote years ago a poem and it ended in the line, “for my purpose, beauty.” And that’s wonderful. I’m having trouble consciously being aware of you, but I don’t seem to be struggling with it. I just figured that it was and all will take care of itself. What can I do to help?
JASMINE: Stay out of your conscious mind and rather enter your superconscious mind.
Hunnah: All right.
JASMINE: Allow the mind of your soul to intertwine itself with my essence and we will develop a level of communication which is not as tedious as you poor mortals must endure.
Hunnah: I would like that!
JASMINE: Truly?
Hunnah: Uh-huh.
Closing
JASMINE: We shall continue our walk together, for I have enjoyed our space together thus far and I have immeasurably treasured this opportunity to reveal myself to you, my friends, you who have teachers and you who have yet to attain a personal guide. How charmed I am to be among your presences. Your Thought Adjusters have made me feel quite welcome and I feel the response of your own souls flickering to my energy. I greet you. I bless you. I leave you now.
Hunnah: Thank you.
Group: Thanks for coming.
TOMAS: Let me say farewell. I am Tomas. Farewell.
Group: Good night, Tomas. Farewell.
