1993-01-01. The Teaching Mission Teachers – Seeing, Hearing, Guides
HOW THE LESSONS ARE PREPARED
S: Does Prince Melchizedek still write the lessons, basic lessons?
RAYSON: Yes. We have certain guidelines established and goals to be met. We are given a certain amount of leeway in deciding how to proceed toward our goals. That is why you encounter much repetition and why there is variation from group to group. But you should be able to discern a thread of commonality that binds all. Is that so?
S: Yes, yes. I’ve been amazed at your consistency. Ordinarily when an individual or group of individuals speak about various subjects there are occasional, in fact I would say many, conflicts. And the views you give, the views other teachers give, although there are minor conflicts from time to time and place to place, there’s tremendous consistency within each teaching.
RAYSON: Yes, it is interesting that you asked about patience, because it is an exercise in patience for the teacher to participate in this mission. It is delightful to be privileged to serve in this fashion, and I feel I have benefitted much in my own personal growth.
S: Thank you for telling us that.
S: Also, along those lines, Milcah has been tremendously patient with us, and particularly since she shows up and has only two of your students there. I know that the rest of them have what I consider to be legitimate excuses. They obviously consider them to be legitimate excuses. But I have a hard time putting myself in their positions and seeing how I would miss any of these sessions unless I were physically out of town. I enjoy them very much.
S2: Yes.
RAYSON: You are most welcome. Even one member present merits continuation of the lessons.
S: Thank you, Rayson. That’s very gracious
S: Yes, and very, very consoling, since I had thought perhaps that the other side might think that two people showing up might not be worth the energy for a lesson.
S: Oh, but people do benefit later as well with the transcripts and the tapes. The lesson doesn’t end here.
RAYSON: Yes, you have both been most diligent and patient yourselves in spreading the word from these lessons, and I thank you both on my own behalf and on the behalf of those who also participate in this mission. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and much good has come of this already. Believe me, much good.
S: Do I sense the presence of Prince Melchizedek?
RAYSON: There are high officials who come to our lessons, but because of the, I do not wish to turn these lessons into a sensation seekers haven. I will defer in answering your question at this time.
S: I was not seeking sensations except to confirm my own feelings of celestial presence.
RAYSON: Certainly Melchizedek.
S: And you have answered that enough for my satisfaction.
RAYSON: Melchizedek is aware of all the proceedings of each lesson with each group and does drop in on occasion to observe.
S: Thank you. (10/23/93)
HOW TEACHERS SEE & HEAR
S: I have been curious for some time about how you are able to perceive of individuals in your class. I know you don’t have eyes and I wonder how you sense the individuals that are around the room? If you don’t care to tell me, it’s all right.
RAYSON: Well, of course, I intertwine my presence with the mind of the transmitter/receiver, and so I have that cue. But, in addition, during these lessons there are others like myself who participate, and they post themselves among the human participants and signal to me with respect to their positions. This is very helpful to me and allows me to concentrate on the lesson, while still receiving feedback regarding its acceptance among each member of the group, or the members of the group. (10/23/93)
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S: Rayson, now that we’re getting up close and personal, we were discussing you the other day, very fondly, by the way, and we were wondering can you see us in a physical form? Can you see only our spiritual essence? How do you perceive us?
RAYSON: I cannot see you as you see one another, it is true. I do have a certain capacity to perceive your spirit light which is less than I will have in 20,000 years, but more than I had 20,000 years ago. I have a sense of your appearance based upon the time I spend with you personally and reflections that I receive from others who are about you when I am present. This probably gives me a far more comprehensive idea of who you are than I would get if I were another mortal being.
S: Rayson, we see each other by light reflected into our eyeballs being changed into electrical impulses going to our brain. I understand that you probably don’t have any eyeballs; therefore you cannot see reflected light. You can only see reflections of our spiritual component, or the absence of it. Is that somewhat correct?
RAYSON: Yes. I cannot perceive that as well as a perfectly created being, however, and so I am somewhat guided by their promptings.
S: Also, I would assume that you don’t have any ears, so you can only comprehend what we’re thinking. If we misstate a few words in asking questions, I notice that many, many times you’ve answered the question we were trying to ask rather than the question we did ask. Is this because you have a greater ability in this area that we call hearing?
RAYSON: Well, because your verbal communication has spiritual content and my perceptual array is geared to spirit frequencies, I am able to hear you, so to speak. It is not hearing as you understand it to be, or as I experienced it when I myself was a material being. When you pray, you send a complete spirit message to Paradise that is heard by all along the way by those who have spirit perception. When you speak, what I hear is something that may be called a prayer fragment. Does that make sense to you?
S: Yes. I hear the spirit content of your utterance. I cannot very well discern intellectual or emotional content unless they have heavy spirit tracings impressed upon them, which indeed does occur. But that may help you to understand some of the answers that you receive.
S: Are we using the circuits when we do this or when we speak with you are we using the universe circuits?
RAYSON: All lessons on Urantia are transmitted on the universe circuits. That is why there are so many spirit personalities in attendance, like your baseball games where some watch on the television, some listen on the radio and some go for a front row seat.
S: So we’re in the front row right now, I guess.
RAYSON: No, you are in the field.
S: OK … [laughter].) So just be sure you hit a home run.
S: Is it light where you are, as we perceive it, if you could reflect back to when you were a mortal in your material perceptions of light and dark? Is it light where you are right now?
RAYSON: Yes, very much so. There is much presence of Father. That is how we light our spirit existence.
S: I had this idea about it being dark and you’ll look out in space and see the points of light, the stars. I think of the points of light, our fragments inside of us, as being points of light inside of us, and what else is around us is dark, and you can perceive those points of light like we look up into the stars and see them in that respect.
RAYSON: But the night sky that you refer to as seen by a perfect being is dazzling in light with pinpoints of darkness that reflect your stars.
S: Wow, that’s neat.
Q: Rayson, when you’re talking to us, do you receive the assistance of any celestial beings?
RAYSON: Yes, continuously, otherwise this would not be possible.
S: Are Midwayers helping with this right now?
RAYSON: Yes. Do you not sense them?
S: I think so, yes.
RAYSON: : They can sometimes be mischievous.
S: They’re pretty cool, I think.
RAYSON: Your leprechauns of ancient lore bear a faint resemblance to midwayers.
S: Where are you right now, Rayson, in relation to this room?
RAYSON: I am here.
S: Are you left or right of (T/R)?
RAYSON: I surround her and go through her like a mist or a shroud.
S: Does that seem to be I am not in my Father, my Father is in me?
RAYSON: Yes, yes. She must permit me to invade her being for this to occur. (12/04/93)
********************* [The discussion was about Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple.]
S: Rayson were you at the time, were you present in that temple when those things took place?
RAYSON: Not on Urantia, but I have reviewed the records of this planet thoroughly and have beheld the details of which you speak.
S: Rayson, I was wondering, we have video tapes and so on. Do you have the ability to actually do a revisiting of it as though it were on video tape? Or actually – like in 3-D circumstances – actually
re-live that moment and see it?
RAYSON: The Ancients of Days guard the records of the cosmos and may permit one to review historical features when it is deemed appropriate. It is far more than the visual record to which you allude. There are spirit qualities recorded as well.
S: How far would one have to advance through the mansion worlds before one would be capable of viewing these and receiving any benefit from them?
RAYSON: It all depends on need, actually. If you are needed, it can happen early. If not, it may never occur. Your unique and individual personality is known to those at high levels and if it can be useful to them, they will appeal to you for service. (12/18/93)
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WHEN & WHY TEACHERS LEAVE
Visiting Student: Since our teacher HAM has gone, could you give us any directions for our group? His departure was so sudden we were dumfounded and wonder what our future mission assignments may or may not entail. Could you comment on that, please?
RAYSON: Yes, your mission at present is to maintain your faith and group identity. This is difficult, however, necessary.
Look at it from this perspective. It is much more impractical to have as a living inspiration a group of mortals who continue to believe in a teacher who is absent than to have a group of people who sit at the feet of one of our group. In a larger scope of the mission, this is necessary, not for yourselves personally, but on a larger scope. For it shows a true faith and demonstrates the reality of the teachers and the teachings. While personally disappointing, nevertheless it will serve to convert many non-believers to our cause.
Consider the Apostles after the death of Jesus. The devastation and loss and feelings of abandonment overtook them. Their faith was weakened. See how much nobler it is to accept without understanding, and continue to radiate joy, love, faith, and light without the blessings of a teacher. This shows the true integration of Ham’s lessons and the upstepping of your character.
It also shows eloquently, and without defensive words, the reality – spiritual reality – and truth of the mission. For if a group can maintain higher values of identity, continued service, dedication to God and the will of God, and the internal reliance on Adjuster, angelic, higher mind, then we have succeeded in transmitting the individual into more morontial modes and actions.
This is quite an honor. Humans are unconsciously subverting spiritual gifts. Reliance on external guidance is acceptable to a point, but when that becomes dependency, you are no more than mere puppets. My suggestion is to use your free will to clearly choose the higher path instead of feeling abandoned. You were graced with many lessons, and now that the seed has been planted, a time of waiting precedes new growth. We know that eventually you will see the benevolence and blessings of this event.
Often the offstage character in a play exerts the strongest influence. What are you? Or what have you become without him? That is the true litmus test of the teachings. Are you now less than you were? Or more? These are questions your study group should be praying on and discussing. You are not alone. You have many, many celestial helpers both involved in this mission and not.
How has Ham’s commingling affected you? Has it left you directionless? Then he has failed. Your mission is to live without Ham for now. He will return within the year. But first you must mature. You must show that these teachings are a part of you, with or without the teachings. If the teaching of Jesus had died with Him, where would Urantia be?
You have much to work from. Have you actually applied the magnificent lessons of one of the greatest teachers on Urantia? Have you actively worked to change and upstep yourselves? Have you re-listened to the hundreds of transmissions and worked on transformation? I think not.
Emotions are human and forgivable. But now is the time to dedicate your group to this task. A teacher imparts concepts. The students must make them part of themselves. This is the period you are in.
Hearing words is not growth. It is merely the first step. If you believe in your teacher, where is your part?
Everything needs time, and this time should be fruitful for you. This should be joy-filled – the application of the lessons, for no one – (S), and please tell my brothers and sisters – can do that growing for you. We can merely shine a beam on a possible path to God. You must put your feet on the path and trudge along. This is your time of trudging. And this should be viewed with great gratitude.
You are not abandoned. You are left to grow in the only way that true growth can be achieved by agondonter mortals in a world of uncertainty and faith. And that is my reply for now.
S: Thank you very much. That was beautiful. Ham’s teachings have made us all grow. We recognize that. I really don’t think we feel abandoned. Maybe some in the group do.
We are wondering, is this the start of our mission calling as apostles? Should we be our proselytizing? Or do we continue our Monday meetings as usual and study the book? We are listening to tapes. We’ve listened to the one of yours on forgiveness. We’ve listened to some from Daniel, and others from Ham. Our group has fallen from roughly around forty to about twenty. We hope we don’t lose any more.
We are confused as to what our active role is right now. So during this period of digestion time that Ham spoke of will there be a falling away? We were told that the trunk that is our tree will be beaten upon, and that leaves would fall, and maybe even some branches. We are confused more than anything else.
RAYSON: Well, it is sad when fellows depart. They were there on the more superficial levels of receiving something rather than dedicating their lives. And that is – everyone is different and we do not judge.
In terms of proselytizing, that is a free will decision. My personal feeling is that the time is not yet correct for that, because you must figure out what it is you want to communicate. Opportunities will present themselves for more public proclamation, but to view this in merely human concepts does not really grasp the full implication. This idea of defense against external criticism, or attack, is not the heart of the matter. One does not need an enemy to believe in a cause. That is a babyish, immature, means to solidify group mind.
Better to look at proselytization as the light which emanates from transformed lives. What greater proselytizing can do than to live with so much light which will act as a magnet to draw others. That is true proselytizing. To argue, to defend, to seek to convert, really does not serve much constructive need, for one cannot force another to see. And if you do, through the bribery of greater knowledge, enlightenment, etc., it is not very real, and is rooted in shallow soil.
So proselytize through your lives, Simply live! We don’t need this drama that humans crave. If someone throws the rock of anger into the hornet’s nest, your choice always is to not be a hornet. (01/21/93)
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The nature of the teaching mission has shifted, not only in this geographical area, but worldwide. We cannot continue the lessons indefinitely week after week. As one goes from childhood to adolescence, so the mission grows and changes. And as we change, we are caught in awkward stages of not knowing where we are headed. But Prince Melchizedek has a grand plan and we must trust his judgment and in his close relationship with our Creator Son, Michael of Nebadon. (05/12/93)
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S: Rayson, I believe sometimes teacher Ham or some other teacher said the tour of duty for teachers with groups was about two years, more or less. We started having our group lessons in December two years ago. I certainly hope that enough of us fail the course that you’ll stay with us for a while.
RAYSON: Well, we do have a mixed class of newcomers and ones who have been present longer, so your wish will most likely be granted.
S: I have one more question. Would it be appropriate for us, as you draw to the end of these lessons, to start up new groups in other areas?
RAYSON: What do you think?
S: I think it would be great. Might as well spread all this wealth.
RAYSON: If you undertake such a step, you may very likely acquire a teacher.
S: Thank you. Say hi to Brother Ham, will you?
RAYSON: He is among us today. (12/18/93)
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OPPOSITION TO TEACHING MISSION
Q: As you know, there is a General Council (of the FELLOWSHIP) meeting in February, and there are Urantia Book readers who are urging some strong stand against the teaching mission. And I know if I have to make a choice between being an officer of the FELLOWSHIP or participating in the teaching mission, the teaching mission will prevail. It is the most important thing in my life right now of a spiritual nature, and the place I feel I can serve the most. But what I want to know is: is there anything that we can do there that would avoid this sort of a show-down type activity?
RAYSON: The opposition to the teaching mission is based mostly on pride of individual persons. There is – of course – jealousy, anger, ego considerations. The teaching mission will thrive despite the opposition. In fact the adversity will strengthen the teaching mission for those who are not truly faithful will fall away and the adherents who remain will be the strongest. (S), you must follow your own feelings on this matter. Does this answer?
S: Yes, thank you, I’ll just love them and hope they will be generous. (01/31/93)
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S: My heart is burdened, and so is that of (S2), with the attitude of some leaders of the FELLOWSHIP, the membership organization for the Urantia movement on this planet. We have heard and read and seen that some of the leaders are proposing, or will propose, that the FELLOWSHIP take a stand against the teaching mission, and that it – in effect – remove from office those who are believers in the teaching mission. We find ourselves in a position where are forced, simply by our offices, to respond one way or another to this. I wonder if you could give us some advice as to things that we should be aware of, the attitudes we should take, some general advice about this?
RAYSON: (S), I sense your sadness. This is an earth institution, and all earth institutions pass away in time. It is unfortunate that those who have been associated so closely with the spread of the teachings of the Urantia Book for these almost forty years have been blinded by their supposed duty. But you are called to a higher plane. And when the Father has a desire, and the Son also has the same desire, then you must act.
One moment. This can be viewed as a situation where the old will pass away in preparation for the new. We have foreseen that such an end occurrence was potential. It seems to be becoming actual. But with their refusal to accept the teaching mission, implicit in this is their denial of living truth. Their denial of growth. And with that denial eventually becomes death – figuratively. As you know through your connection with that body over the years, it has been moving closer and closer to self destruction because of the control of certain humans who are ego attached to their supposed mission. There is little difference in the outcome when compared to the FOUNDATION from which it was born. Sometimes we are called upon to make heroic statements in the face of supposed difference, but your stand on this issue will stand the test of time. Theirs will not. Does that help?
S: It is encouraging. I get the feeling that (S2) and I have been put in this place for this very hour, and I think I can promise you that we will defend to the best of our ability the teaching mission. Our first goal will be to see that the FELLOWSHIP does not adopt any position adverse to the teaching mission. Is this the correct goal?
RAYSON: Two things. We are certain that you are both dedicated servers. We have absolutely no doubt of your ability to put forth your efforts on behalf of the teaching mission. And secondly – and this may be difficult to accept – but it truly matters not whether you are actually able to sustain your desire to maintain either neutrality or acceptance of the teaching mission – or not. If they do accept the teaching mission, eventually they will change. And what they are today will pass away, because the teaching mission is dynamic. It is powerful. It requires action on the part of the believer; not action as dictated from above, but action that has welled up in the heart of the believer. This is not evidenced within the FELLOWSHIP at this time. And so, if they accept the teaching mission, what is now the FELLOWSHIP will pass away in favor of this new light. If they accept neutrality, they will also pass away, because of the powerful movement that is now unstoppable on Urantia. And thirdly, should they deny the existence of the teaching mission, their demise will be only sooner.
S: We received a letter from a lady we know who now calls herself Delphius and who is associated with a group in Sedona led by a mortal who calls himself Gabriel, my cosmic brother, and refers to a Celestial Overcontrol as the person or being guiding him. I have never heard of this name before, nor have I seen it in the Urantia Book. Is there such a being?
RAYSON: No.
Q: Is this Gabriel, whom we know by this name in the music publishing world, a person truly dedicated to serving Michael? Or is he on an ego trip? or are we not to try to judge that?
RAYSON: I can tell you that he is not part of the teaching mission.
Q: I would like to write her because I like her. I do not wish to say negative things, nor give the impression that I support what they are doing – other than to wish them well in whatever activities they are doing that are in service of Michael. Do you have any suggestions or are guidance I might follow?
RAYSON: You may share our teachings with her. And hopefully the light of the beauty of our teachings, or are of the teachings of other teachers of which you have transcripts, will supplant the negative views that she may be acquiring as a part of that group. By no means should you make reference to their teachings.
Q: Versus somebody else’s?
RAYSON: Correct.
RAYSON: Then I have no need to go there and observe their activities and their organization?
RAYSON: Not unless you have some personal need to.
S: No, thank you.
RAYSON: It is not required. (05/12/93)
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SPIRIT GUIDES
Q: Are ascendant mortals properly classified as celestial beings? Or are they…
RAYSON: (Interrupting) No, they are not. (Laughing.) (01/21/93)
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Q: Rayson, I have a question on the seraphic guardians, etc. I feel I’m talking to somebody all the time. It’s been suggested that I hear a lot from my Thought Adjuster. When I’m talking, is there a way to address other beings rather than just “hey you guys?” Do they have names? Or how could I call on them? Or, in particular, how can I not get it mixed up with what’s coming through from my Thought Adjuster? How do I gather them closer with some kind of greeting or …
RAYSON: It’s not necessary.
S: Not at this point. They know.
S: I’d like to know if they have names? Anything?
RAYSON: The Thought Adjuster has a number that’s so big you can’t comprehend it.
S2: He will get his name from you when he fuses with you.
S: Sometimes I think of them as a conglomeration or something.
RAYSON: They have identities but not the same as you would assign to a pet dog or cat.
Q: When thinking in the sense that you’re communicating with a celestial presence like yourself or with the seraphic guardians, when you’re expressing the thought in your mind, just you and me, is that thought going out like a radio transmission so that anyone can pick up with a receiver? Or would the seraphic guardian, alone, pick that up?
RAYSON: Your mean your own personal thought?
S: If I were, for instance, right now thinking I really love and care about you Rayson, would you pick that up? If I weren’t verbalizing it?
RAYSON: It’s not the verbalization that is transmitted, but the feeling itself.
Q: Then you do pick that up then?
RAYSON: If it is there, yes.
Q: Ok, so you don’t really read a person’s mind without permission, but on the other hand when we’re worshiping or sending kind thoughts your way or are toward other relationships we have with our seraphim and so on that they can feel and pick up on those messages.
RAYSON: Yes, that is true. They come through as pinpoints of light.
S: That’s interesting. Thank you very much because I was concerned that maybe they weren’t getting the messages.
RAYSON: No, all that is positive is received and appreciated. And the pinpoints of light, are they coded by frequency to reach their destination? It’s a crude way of putting it, but they reach their destination.
S: I remember your saying one time, Rayson, and I was very touched by it, that there is almost an instantaneous reception of prayer at Paradise level.
RAYSON: That is true.
S: And that was such a wonderful, revealing and heartwarming thought. I would like to also have you thank the other celestials that might be around watching at this time visiting with us. I presume there are other celestials.
RAYSON: Yes, that is true. (08/28/93)
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE BY STUDENTS
Q: Rayson, (S2) and I are closer to resolving our choices on our future home, and we have accumulated a lot of information, and have reached the conclusion that we are available for anywhere the mission wants to send us. Our options allow us to go anywhere at this time.
RAYSON: Where is it that you prefer to be? Where are you comfortable?
S: A great many places, most any place that the mission would be something that we could continue actively and not be in an environment where it would be antagonistic.
RAYSON: There will always be some antagonism.
S: Oh, I understand. We encounter that even in Urantia Book readers. No, I was thinking more in terms of areas where there’s no openness to other religious thought than a single view, such as a fundamentalist Baptist community or something like that. But even there, we are finding there are people who are desperately searching for more spiritual alternatives.
RAYSON: So you are asking for my advice.
S: Yes, or are volunteering for assignment.
RAYSON: You are already assigned, of course, but geographical location is not particularly important. At this point in your lives, when both of you have certain physical limitations, you may wish to consider your own medical needs, physical comfort, the less physically arduous forms of daily living compared to others which might be so demanding that you could become ill or are even die. Does that help?
S: Yes, that helps a lot. It’s leaning toward (S2’s) inclinations.
RAYSON: There is no requirement for the participants in this mission to go to jungles, or ice caps, or prisons, unless, by chance, you find yourself there and your spiritual helpers have so assisted the situation that you are easily able to function. That will be the key for you, if you wish to heed it. Where you find yourself is probably where you have been guided.
S: Thank you, Rayson. That’s very enlightening.
RAYSON: I will never be gone from you, but I will be more like a professor helping a post-doctoral student than a first grade teacher teaching you to read. Do you understand the difference? (A: Yes.) (12/18/93)
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