How are you holding yourself back?

I seem to grow no fruit, nothing but leaves. What is the thing that holds me back?

If you feel that heretofore you have brought forth only leaves, remember the leaves must come first, and fruit must follow. The tree must show its true vigorous growth by putting forth leaves that are healthy, enduring and full of sap.

The fact that you have thus been able to put forth leaves, and have awakened to the fact that the time of fruitage is here proves it is possible for you to do better. 

Therefore, ask earnestly in the silence that you may be shown within yourself just what buds are ready to be pushed to the opening. Very often you have within you great possibilities, let us call them fruit buds, but they are overlaid with a certain selfish or ambitious desire to do something, which the world will recognise and admire. 

And then you push out more leaves, for the things the world sees are leaves. Those who want the fruit must seek deeper for it.

Also, in putting forth fruit, you will often find that which seemed so beautiful for the world is apt to wither.

Then truly you begin the struggle.

So look earnestly within and know absolutely that you not only have these buds, which can unfold into fruit, but that you also have the wonderful divine helpers waiting only for you to put forth the effort, so that they may crown that effort with success. 

But you yourself must make the effort. You yourself must find the possibilities and also what it is in you which holds them back.

Letters from the Teacher, Volume II

Spirit Worlds and Afterlife Guides?

Spirit Worlds and Afterlife Guides

Classic texts detailing the mechanics of the astral plane, such as Anthony Borgia's Life in the World Unseen and More About Life in the World Unseen, as well as Spirit Teachings by William Stainton Moses.

Historical Figures in Spirit?

Curiosities like The Experiences and Opinions of George Washington from Spirit Life and Twelve Messages from the Spirit of John Quincy Adams.

Eastern Philosophy and Mysticism?

Core Foundational Works of Eastern Spiritual Practice

Buddhism and Zen

The Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, The Way of Zen by Alan Watts, and Old Path White Clouds by Thich Nhat Hanh

Taoism

Lao-Tzu's classic Tao Te Ching

Yoga

The Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

Occultism and Paranormal Phenomena?

A Dweller on Two Planets by Frederick S. Oliver (a seminal text influencing New Age concepts of Atlantis and Mount Shasta) and Thought-forms by Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater.

Fairy Folklore?

Fairy Folklore

Arthur Conan Doyle's The Coming of the Fairies and W.Y. Evans-Wentz's The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries

What does the Bible say about moderation?

Moderation in all things.

What does God say about our destiny?

Every soul works out his own destiny to the very, very end.

What is a famous quote about reading books?

She read books as one would breathe air to fill up and live.

―Annie Dillard

What does the Bible say about penance?

The Lord does not wait for your prayers to love you. It is not the Father Who needs your penance, it is you who needs it for the inestimable service it renders you.

Purpose of Penance?

The Lord does not wait for your prayers to love you. It is not the Father Who needs your penance, it is you who needs it for the inestimable service it renders you.

What is a wise quote about prayer?

Thy will be done is one of the wisest of all prayers.

What is the basis of all creation?

The Law of Love is the basis of all creation, and of our existence.

Johan L. Payne, Omni Reveal the Four Principles of Creation, 2001, Findhorn Press, United Kingdom, Chapter 3, How Can We Stop Judging? 34

What is a famous quote about religion?

Your religion is the sum total of all that you believe concerning life.

Faith as Ultimate Concern?

Your religion is the sum total of all that you believe concerning life.

What does death tell us about life?

Life blends into death, and death into life again, without your being conscious of the change. You simply become conscious that you are alive, and if you have any consciousness of your former life, it is a vague and visionary one, as something apart from yourself.

What does evolution say about death?

Under the Law of Spiritual Evolution, death is of no consequence because death does not destroy life, does not impair or delay life in its evolution, has no power to harm life whatever.

Karma and Rebirth?

Under the Law of Spiritual Evolution, death is of no consequence because death does not destroy life, does not impair or delay life in its evolution, has no power to harm life whatever.

How does love activate faith?

The greatest thing you can conceive is a soul, which has the capacity for achievement, and with it humility, sympathy and love. 

This seems to be the mark of the perfected human soul.

What seems to be the mark of the perfected human soul?

The greatest thing you can conceive is a soul, which has the capacity for achievement, and with it humility, sympathy and love. 

This seems to be the mark of the perfected human soul.

Do your thoughts affect your unborn baby?

Impure thoughts indulged in by the mother make a deep impression on the foetus and are sure to develop themselves when born into material life. We cannot impress too deeply this fact, which should be understood by every woman in the land.

―B. H. in Spirit

Can you choose not to be a victim?

You can choose to see yourself as a victim of circumstances or you can choose to reframe the negative into the positive and learn from your creations. As you begin to learn from your creations, you begin to define more clearly what you want, and as you do this, you begin to focus more clearly on your goals and desires. 

Then that which you long for begins to come into your life much more rapidly because your attention has shifted away from that which you do not want towards that which you do want.

John L. Payne, Omni Reveals the Four Principles of Creation, 2001, Findhorn Press, United Kingdom, Chapter 2, Universal Laws, 27-32

How does attention relate to intention?

Your intention is sufficient to create, attract and invite.

Once you realise this law, you can choose to react in one of two ways. You can either see yourself as a victim of your own limited and fearful thinking or you can celebrate the knowledge that you can have whatever you want and that you have all the power you need to create it. 

This knowledge is a great source of freedom for you no longer need to look outside yourself for that which you desire. 

No longer do you need to seek permission, either consciously or subconsciously, because knowing that the four principles are part of who you are, you know that there is no higher authority in your life than you.

John L. Payne, Omni Reveals the Four Principles of Creation, 2001, Findhorn Press, United Kingdom, Chapter 2, Universal Laws, 27-32

Can thoughts affect matter?

One who is fully blended with source and is in the physical dimension is able to wield great power, is able to move mountains, for this one knows that matter is energy, just as all is energy. 

This knowledge enables the blended one to manipulate all matter with thought, for this one understands that he is at one with the power that created all worlds.

John L. Payne, Omni Reveals the Four Principles of Creation, 2001, Findhorn Press, United Kingdom, Chapter 10, Sexual Behaviour, 115

What is outside of time and space?

There is no vacant space in God's great kingdom.

What is the miracle prayer for healing?

If the world's sorrow oppresses you, remember that the very best you can do toward lifting that heavy load is to make a centre of joy and gladness in your own heart. 

Rejoice in the Lord, again I say unto you, rejoice.

I wish I could impress this word rejoice upon your mind so that you could impress it upon the consciousness of every atom of your body, which consciousness in the aggregate is your subconscious mind. 

If you could register this idea of rejoicing within your subconscious mind, you would literally breathe health into your body. Try to realise what health really means.

It means doing the will of the Father on earth in your physical body, as it is done in heaven in your spiritual body by your higher self who is one with the Father, in which body, there is no sickness, nor sorrow, nor death. 

Take up this thought and meditate upon it while constantly repeating the Healing Prayer. 

Also, repeat the Lord's Prayer, and at the same time, feel that you are creating a circle of life and health and joy that is filled with a bright light, which sends its beams far out into the darkness to lead many a one to joy and peace.

THE HEALING PRAYER

O Thou loving and helpful Master Jesus! 

Thou who gavest to Thy disciples power to heal the sick!

We, recognising Thee, and realising Thy divine presence within us, 

Ask Thee to lay Thy hands upon us in healing love.

Cleanse us from all our sins, 

And by the Divine power of omnipotent life, 

Drive out the atoms of inharmony and disease, 

And fill our bodies full to overflowing with life, love and purity.

Letters from the Teacher

How is the mind controlled by the spirit?

Cultivate the habit of mental repose—keep your mind as much as possible under control—under the control of the spirit. The moment you can do this, that sense of worry—the fret, the ever-repeated desire to anticipate the future in an adverse sense—

All these things will gradually, but definitely fall from you and you will be untrammelled by the physical in its most hampering form.

What is selfish oppression?

Take heed now while you yet remain in this sphere that you do not again lose the sovereignty over yourself, which is your own and which no man can usurp unless your wavering will allows him to do so.

Personal Sovereignty?

Take heed now while you yet remain in this sphere that you do not again lose the sovereignty over yourself, which is your own and which no man can usurp unless your wavering will allows him to do so.

What is the role of individuality?

An individual holds his individuality throughout eternity, so do nations and races.

The natural law of Attraction and Adaptability holds nations and tribes together. The Chinese are Chinese still. The Hindus are Hindus still. The African is African still, and so on, and we are told by those very far above us in wisdom that this law holds good throughout eternity. 

—Herr Franz in Spirit

Earthbound Spirits and Haunted Houses?

I have written out this truthful account that those who read can see how it is that many old untenanted houses have the reputation of being haunted, for any, all spirits can do if they choose

You can readily see how this is. 

Now some spirits can remain thus for years without making any appreciable progress or becoming much wiser than they were on earth, or in the flesh, rather, for they are still upon the earth―

There are millions of spirits who remain at status quo for long periods of time. 

There are millions of other spirits who attach themselves to those still in the flesh, remaining with them for a length of time, and they are of all grades―good, bad and indifferent. Of course, there comes a time when they must leave, for conditions change and time goes on. 

Spiritual Stagnation?

I have written out this truthful account that those who read can see how it is that many old untenanted houses have the reputation of being haunted, for any, all spirits can do if they choose

You can readily see how this is. 

Now some spirits can remain thus for years without making any appreciable progress or becoming much wiser than they were on earth, or in the flesh, rather, for they are still upon the earth―

There are millions of spirits who remain at status quo for long periods of time. 

There are millions of other spirits who attach themselves to those still in the flesh, remaining with them for a length of time, and they are of all grades―good, bad and indifferent. Of course, there comes a time when they must leave, for conditions change and time goes on. 

Impermanence of Attachments?

I have written out this truthful account that those who read can see how it is that many old untenanted houses have the reputation of being haunted, for any, all spirits can do if they choose

You can readily see how this is. 

Now some spirits can remain thus for years without making any appreciable progress or becoming much wiser than they were on earth, or in the flesh, rather, for they are still upon the earth―

There are millions of spirits who remain at status quo for long periods of time. 

There are millions of other spirits who attach themselves to those still in the flesh, remaining with them for a length of time, and they are of all grades―good, bad and indifferent. Of course, there comes a time when they must leave, for conditions change and time goes on. 

What is an example of a great question?

The great question then arises, Will you conquer or ruin, exalt or destroy?

Can a spirit attach itself to a person?

I have written out this truthful account that those who read can see how it is that many old untenanted houses have the reputation of being haunted, for any, all spirits can do if they choose―

You can readily see how this is. 

Now some spirits can remain thus for years without making any appreciable progress or becoming much wiser than they were on earth, or in the flesh, rather, for they are still upon the earth―

There are millions of spirits who remain at status quo for long periods of time. 

There are millions of other spirits who attach themselves to those still in the flesh, remaining with them for a length of time, and they are of all grades―good, bad and indifferent. Of course, there comes a time when they must leave, for conditions change and time goes on. 

Are there different planes of reality?

Will, my Son, I am very glad to come here and greet you. You may see by my presence that time and space and place count for very little in their influence over our communications with you. 

I understood very little of this subject in my days on earth. 

I have advanced here, but sometimes I think if I had given a little more consideration to this life when I was in the mortal that I might have experienced an easier and more rapid progress when I reached here. I am pleased to see you examining so vital a subject―a knowledge that we live beyond the physical plane will be of help to you. 

I am quite at ease now.

—Spirit William Burr

Will, did you expect to hear from me down here in this strange place? I shall try to manifest wherever you may sit. I think I can come at most any time. Did you ever see me in those times I came to you? I am as satisfied as can be here. Tell Winifred I came.

—Spirit Ida Carey

How do I create my own future?

Of course, you create your own future. Who else could do it?

You are influenced and moved and shifted and helped or retarded by others, but it is you yourself who forges the chains every time.

You tie knots that you will have to untie, often with labour and perplexity.

―The Judge

What is the meaning of positive happiness?

Oh, how I wish I could make you see it as I see it, but it cannot be described exactly. 

There is study of the most delightful kind, there is travel, which I longed for on earth, but could never have—there is my home, my home, and I can hardly tell you how dear that is to me who never had one of my own on earth, and then through all, over all, surrounding all, is a peace and happiness, which can only come from the ever-present love. 

We are conscious of a great surrounding goodness and care, and we are conscious too that this care wishes us to be happy, happy beyond all happiness we had ever known before, and all here who have developed their spirits are filled with love and kindness and thoughtfulness for others. Can you understand a little?

What is the definition of a mother?

MOTHER

My own—a gentle, loving, happy heart, content if I but trudged on by her side—

An aching void—

A hungering after her,

I have never met in all this countrywide.

—Shakespeare's Spirit

Who are the rulers of the darkness of this world?

In times of great national oppression and revolt, when the heated passions of men are inflamed to fever heat, dark dwellers of the depths are drawn up to earth's surface by the force of kindred desires, exciting and urging on revolutions, which, begun at first, from motives that were high and pure and noble, will under the stress of passion and the instigation of these dark beings from the lower sphere become at last mere excuses for wild butcheries and excesses of every kind. 

By these very excesses, a reaction is created, and these dark demons, and those whom they control, are in their turn swept away by the higher powers, leaving a wide track of ruin and suffering to mark where they have been. 

Thus, in these lowest hells, a rich harvest is reaped of unhappy souls who have been drawn down along with the evil spirits that have tempted them.

Backlash & Ruin?

In times of great national oppression and revolt, when the heated passions of men are inflamed to fever heat, dark dwellers of the depths are drawn up to earth's surface by the force of kindred desires, exciting and urging on revolutions, which, begun at first, from motives that were high and pure and noble, will under the stress of passion and the instigation of these dark beings from the lower sphere become at last mere excuses for wild butcheries and excesses of every kind. 

By these very excesses, a reaction is created, and these dark demons, and those whom they control, are in their turn swept away by the higher powers, leaving a wide track of ruin and suffering to mark where they have been. 

Thus, in these lowest hells, a rich harvest is reaped of unhappy souls who have been drawn down along with the evil spirits that have tempted them.

Could life exist without death?

There is no death!

The stars go down

To rise upon some fairer shore―

And bright in heaven's jewelled crown

They shine for evermore.

There is no death!

The dust we tread

Shall change beneath the summer showers

To golden grain or mellow fruit―

Or rainbow-tinted flowers.

The granite rocks disorganise

To feed the hungry moss they bear―

The fairest leaves drink daily life

From out the viewless air.

There is no death!

The leaves may fall―

The flowers may fade and pass away―

They only wait through wintry hours

The coming of the May.

And ever near us, though unseen―

The dear immortal spirits tread―

For all the boundless universe

Is life―there are no dead.

―By a Spirit

How does sleep affect you spiritually?

Do you when away from your body in sleep gain any useful information in spirit?

Yes, at times, the spirit does bring back information—sometimes, in the shape of a warning of coming evil to the individual and impression of the proper course to avoid the evil. 

Again, there is not the smallest doubt that anyone who is placed in difficult and perplexing circumstances is greatly benefitted by taking what is called a good sleep over it. 

There is a great truth in that old saying, as there is in many of such sayings. Man is not aware of all the good he might gain by resorting to this simple method in his seasons of perplexity. 

The fact is that mortals are nearly half their time in the spirit world, that is, if you take into account their thoughtful, contemplative hours along with those devoted to sleep.

―Hafed, Prince of Persia, in Spirit