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revive fiery sparks particularly through contact with man. Likewise does man nourish his own
fiery body through communion with Hierarchy. One's consciousness must accept the realization
of the logic of Jacob's ladder; all creatures can find access to it when they are imbued with right
striving.
Thought about good is blessed. There has never been a thought about good which has not
produced the best fruit. But gathering of fruit requires practice and labor. Sometimes the reaping
is even more wearisome than the sowing.
187. As has been said, the Subtle World is now also undergoing a great conflict, which is even
more terrible than the earthly one. It may be understood that defeat in the Subtle World is
inadmissible. Such a defeat would break through a chain of worlds, and would be highly desirable
for Satan. Therefore the Teaching so emphasizes the heart in order, at least a little, to prepare the
people for cooperation.
188. The nature of things must be taught among the most primary subjects. It must be beautifully
described in all reality; the succession of worlds must be demonstrated with all scientific
comparisons. Not only will religion not contradict such exposition of the foundations, but on the
contrary religion will assist, through its most ancient allusions. The study of the nature of things
will serve as the threshold to understanding of Living Ethics. One must realize why honor,
dignity and all other high human qualities are indispensable. From the earliest years children
should hear about the Subtle and Fiery Worlds; they must understand the principle of Hierarchy
and of Good. The sooner they are reminded about Hierarchy and the other Truths, the more easily
will they recall former knowledge. The concept of God in all its grandeur is clarified on the basis
of Hierarchy. Only thus can the Highest Concept emerge from abstraction and blend with all
Existence.
It is necessary that the Leader and the Government understand how to increase the
realization of the Higher Representation. It is necessary that schools attractively depict Existence
in all its grandeur.
189. Among fiery signs there is the particular aptitude for finding needed objects. One has but to
think about them, and they draw near, as it were, and are discovered. Already in antiquity it was
said-kindle the torch of the heart and find that which is needed. The symbol is true enough, for
the fire of the heart kindles surrounding fires and creates a magnetic attraction. Also in books,
what is sought can be found by illuminating the book with the same fire. The more such a quality
is observed, the more it is developed. The fiery element loves to be noticed.
190. Danger is a concentration of the vibrations of tension. A great number of perils surround
people, but only a few of them are noticed. When the Leader says, live in danger, he might well
say instead, observe the dangers and thus succeed. One cannot live outside of dangers, but it is
beautiful to make out of dangers a carpet of achievement. The Leader knows that he bears a
mission, and dangers are only propelling forces; therefore the Leader does not even think about
dangers. The very thought of peril is harmful. Thinking about dangers, we strengthen their
vibrations, and thus disturb our equilibrium. Conservation of forces must not be disrupted by fear
and confusion. We are watchful and careful for the best execution of the commission. But
dangers cannot overburden our attention. The Teacher should, first of all, insist upon the
disciple's liberation from the phantom of perils. The disciple should always remember not to
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expend a drop of the higher energy uselessly. Thought of danger agitates many of our centers and
in disorderly fashion consumes the precious energy. Thought of danger reflects even upon the
pulse; but the heart is strengthened by the desire to carry out well the mission. Thus, let us act in
the most efficient manner.
191. On entrance into the monastic life all difficulties of such a path were usually pointed out.
Some would say-all is easy; others would warn-all is difficult. To people with fiery heart one may
say-all is easy; but for the ordinary consciousness it is better to caution-all is difficult. If someone
takes to flight at a single warning about difficulties, then he, all else being equal, is unfit for
persistent labor. One should not gather together people who are obviously unfit. Fear of labor is
already a treason.
192. The Alexandrian philosophers used to say-Do not criticize the World, for it was created by
great thought. The creation is not at fault, but our conception of it is. We can channel our
thoughts either for good or for evil. We could transform the best animal into an evil creature.
Cruelty on one side and fear on the other fills our consciousness by means of thought. We can
send evil in our glance. We could turn a beneficial plant into a most poisonous and pernicious
one. The thoughts of the ancient philosophers penetrated into religions. Clement of Alexandria
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