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HEALING: THE DIVINE ART |
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CHAPTER 10: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: CONCLUDING NOTES AND MORE CASE HISTORIES THE STATE OF EASY BELIEVING -- THE UNREALITY OF MATTER -- DIET FADDISTS -- BREATHING EXERCISES AND MEDITATION -- PROSPERITY TEACHINGS -- CONQUERING HUMAN WEAKNESS FIRST -- OBSESSION AND DIVIDED PERSONALITY -- THE CASE OF THE TWIN BROTHERS -- BASIC PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT -- STRICT BUT SYMPATHETIC GUIDANCE -- THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION -- EMOTIONAL FRUSTRATIONS -- THE HOPELESS, THE COOPERATIVE, THE MISTAKEN -- RESTORATION TO NORMALCY. THE STATE OF EASY BELIEVING WHEN a certain elderly Duchess placed one chair atop the seat of another and received her guests thus enthroned, there were some who believed that Her Grace was suffering from delusions of grandeur. But she was a brilliant lady and a charming hostess, so her peculiarity was passed over as a possible consequence of Habsburg blood. Had the Duchess been a metaphysician, her eccentricity in the matter of the chairs would have been regarded as proof that she was a very advanced soul who had selected this lofty perch to protect her higher vibrations from earthly contamination. A prominent occultist of some years back was so worried over the possibility of being drained of his especially refined psychic effluvium that he would shake hands only while wearing black ~ilk gloves. As none of the World Saviors, prophets, or religious leaders, ever found a protection necessary, it may safely be assumed that the silk gloves metaphysically belong in the same category as the Duchess's two chairs. When the mind has reached that state of easy believing in which it can discover mystical marvels where they do not exist, the difficulties of living are infinitely multiplied. One Oriental teacher who· was markedly cross-eyed, solemnly informed his disciples that he belonged to an advanced type of humanity, and that in the sixth root-race all would have convergent squint so they could see their pineal glands with greater ease. A lady initiate, who in flowing robes taught esoteric mysteries, suffered from a conspicuous goiter; she assured her devotees that this thyroid enlargement was proof positive that she was an Adept. Lost continents always have intrigued the lovers of mysteries, and it is a widespread belief among them that a new land is rising in the Pacific. This may be true, for the land and water distribution is shifting constantly. But it is reasonably certain that those now living will not be here to see California become an inland state. By the same token, the coming continent can scarcely be regarded as a particularly good real estate venture currently. But it appears that a group of optimists have been selling stock in the Bank of Lemuria, now under water. Incidentally, sales have been brisk. The capital assets are deeply submerged, at this writing; but soundings indicate that they are coming up slowly, and when the assets reach the surface, reportedly the investors will be rich. According to recent reports, the United States Government has visaed a passport for a citizen of Atlantis. But this circumstance is not so remarkable as first appears. There is a small island in the Bahamas which has been given the name of Atlantis. The people on this land have gone so far as to issue their own postage stamps. These stamps, good only for local use, are not recognized by the International Postal Union. The coming-continent enthusiasts are, for the most part, a cheerful lot; but there are devotees envisioning impending cataclysm, and these are given to doleful speculations. Some of them are waiting for the Atlantic seaboard to disappear; others know that the Mississippi Valley will be inundated; and other§ still move about from place to place to escape expected earthquakes and tidal waves. There are cult members who believe sincerely that only their fervent prayers and meditations have prevented the complete destruction of the North American continent. These good people are wasting a great deal of energy and causing themselves much needless alarm and nervous stress. They are akin in their thinking to those worried folks of the last century who sold their homes and sat on the curbs with the money in their hands waiting for the world to end. It was my misfortune, some years ago, to attend a lecture where a prominent speaker held the attention of a considerable audience while he explained how the moon was going to explode, and the fragments shower down upon the earth, killing all who did not join his movement. Such nonsense cannot fail to do harm to persons of poor judgment and abiding faith. THE UNREALITY OF MATTER Many are the persons who, suffering from physical disorders, have ignored their bodily symptoms to falsely attribute their ailments to metaphysical causes. While it is true that physical ills frequently are due to personality and character defects, it is extremely foolish to neglect or deny sickness simply because of the wish not to believe in the reality of matter. An interesting case of this kind comes to mind. It involves a truth lecturer who enjoyed the reality of coffee, at the same time denying the reality of caffeine. The reasoning used was somewhat as follows: The next time you think that coffee is going to keep you awake at night, stand in front of a mirror and drink a large cup of coffee. Then ask yourself if the reflection in the glass is injured in the slightest degree by the caffeine. H the reflection is not injured, why should you suffer? -- after all, man is only a reflection in spirit, and his material existence is an illusion ... The possibility was not speculated upon of the mirrored coffee being caffeine-less in reflection. The metaphysician's common complex against the medical sciences,and the discoveries which have resulted from modern research, can lead to disastrous consequences. A person actually sick follows the wiser course when he consults a reputable physician, and does not depend solely upon absent treatments or mental attitudes. Good thoughts will help; but in many cases, they simply do not take the place of expert services based upon co-ordinated lifetimes of practical experience with ailments. Many come to me for help with their religious problems when their trouble of the moment is entirely physical. Once the bodily condition is corrected, it is possible to accomplish much more with the psychical and psychological difficulties. DIET FADDISTS Truth-seekers seem particularly susceptible to dietetic fads. It was not so long ago that health movements assumed the proportions of religions, and some outlandish doctrines were taught. If some of the health cults were quite sane and helpful, others had nothing to offer but laxatives and bad advice. The laxatives may have served a useful purpose, but at best the advice was worthless. These diets, variously circumscribed and limited by religious beliefs, aggravated constitutional ailments and stimulated functional disorders. The vegetarians stuffed themselves with starch, and the raw food addicts got into trouble with parasites and Paris green. When the system rebelled against the notions of its owner the unpleasant symptoms were interpreted as assaults by black magicians, or they were low vibrations sent out by enemies or relatives. Confronted by what appears to be a metaphysical ailment, the first thing to do is to check the physical health of the sufferer. In many instances it is unnecessary to search further. Several cases I have known of reported vampirism proved to be anemia or other devitalizing diseases. At least one case was the direct result of trying to attain a state of spirituality through excessive fasting. Psychic persecution is often nothing more than physical debility aggravated by phobias. BREATHING EXERCISES AND MEDITATION Oriental breathing exercises have caused a great deal of trouble among Western students, not because they have opened chakras or stimulated the kundalini, but because they upset the student's bodily rhythm. Each person has a normal rate of respiration. This may be abnormalized by emotional excitement or physical disease; but when this rhythm is disturbed by the mind, and the natural flow of the breath is variously controlled by the will, the results are likely to be measured in terms of nervous derangement. Even more dangerous than the breathing exercise itself is the stress and tension set up in the effort to concentrate and meditate, when the temperament is unsuited to such pursuits. Trying desperately to achieve the different spiritualized states described in the textbooks, or explained by the Oriental teacher, the student passes through cycles of hope and despair, which work a real hardship on the constitution. Hallucinations usually crown the effort. After practicing at Yoga for a few weeks, one disciple announced to me proudly that she had attained cosmic consciousness, entered the Absolute, passed through it, and come out victoriously on top. But when her certain cult declared that it could bestow Absolute consciousness upon its members, a rival organization had immediately promised super-Absolute consciousness for its followers. Then a third group, not to be outdone, offered Absolute-Absolute consciousness as a special inducement. As none of the promises could be fulfilled, there was no particular point in being conservative. My collection of case histories includes a number dealing with the havoc wrought by development exercises. In only one instance was the damage definitely due to overstimulation of psychic centers. It was a case in which the student had been practicing Yoga for nearly twenty years, and had neglected to bring his physical and emotional natures into harmony with the Yogic disciplines. He did not realize that it is fatal to perform advanced esoteric exercises, and at the same time nurse personal animosities and a bad temper. The Hindu teacher involved in this tragedy was a fine and learned man, utterly sincere. He simply did not understand Western people; and it never occurred to him that a student would attempt to develop his spiritual faculties without correcting his personal faults as he went along. The average metaphysically-minded person is preserved from serious consequences by his lack of patience and continuity of purpose. He studies a system of development and if illumination does not come in a few weeks he drifts to some other teacher who promises quicker results. While this process is demoralizing in itself, it may prove less serious than the consequences of actually attempting a long program of effort in a wrong direction. Oriental exercises are not the only ones that can cause difficulty. One disciple of a Western sect followed its instructions to the letter: He placed a lighted candle on each side of a mirror and gazed at his own eyes in the glass. The result was a form of auto-hypnosis; the poor man could not release his eyes from their reflections in the mirror, and finally collapsed in an hysterical convulsion. The experience cured him of further experimenting in that direction; but the nervous shock caused several months of misery. Most occult organizations are blissfully unconscious that their doctrines, prohibitions, or esoteric exercises can cause trouble. When you point out to the leader the chaos that is developing in his cult, he assures you that it is impossible for the teaching to be at fault in any particular. The instructions are divinely inspired; and if anything is wrong, the members themselves are to blame. PROSPERITY TEACHINGS Certain prosperity teachings must be mentioned, because of their final demoralizing effect upon the health. One lady told me that it was positively uncanny how she could get anything she wanted by visualizing her desire, then demanding that the universe bring about its fulfillment. She had secured a fine house in this way, and at the moment was 'holding the thought' for a wealthy gentleman, whose present wife must be eliminated before he could be hers. It had never occurred to the lady who was concentrating for things she had never earned the right to have, that others would be injured; in this case an innocent wife. Her mental decrees had all been backed up by a series of dishonest and despicable plots, which she justified by a religious belief that everyone is divinely entitled to anything that they ardently desire. Less violent forms of the prosperity delusion include the process of sitting down and waiting for the universe to provide. This is no more than a highly esoteric form of laziness. A man who had followed this formula described to me in thrilling detail the proof of divine providence in his life. He had pressing need of one hundred dollars, so that he could continue his studies in mystic abundance. He just waited, knowing that "God would provide." He was right, for his doting mother gave him the money she had been saving for medical attention. It never came to this man's mind that he should earn the hundred dollars. He was satisfied to sit and 'hold the thought,' and was stupidly proud of his 'demonstration' of cosmic availability. Such procedures as these cannot fail to have a detrimental result in the lives of human beings. Existence is a kind of balanced struggle for survival and accomplishment. Men become strong and wise through struggle and effort. When the incentives for living are confused by irrational beliefs, all parts of the personality suffer; for a man cannot be happy or healthy unless he is carrying his part of the common load. Nature punishes alike the drone and the schemer by making their misdeeds the basis of compensatory misfortunes. Criticizing or exposing religious frauds is resented by many persons who believe that we should see only the good in these beliefs, whether it be present or not. It is regarded as 'unspiritual' to point out that even a well-meaning individual can harm himself and others, when his basic convictions are wrong. Responsibility for our own faults is something very few of us like to accept. It is much more pleasing to attribute such failings to circumstances beyond our control. Under some conditions, mysticism can become a magnificent new excuse for old and well-loved delinquencies. CONQUERING HUMAN WEAKNESS FIRST Mrs. Marjory Metzger was one who explained to me that before she found truth her temper was most uncertain. But now, all this dispositional equation had been cleared away. Just one little problem still bothered her. When Marjory was in the company of persons with low vibrations, the negative forces which they radiated were so upsetting to her sensitive nature that she became violently agitated and said many mean and hateful things. Mrs. Metzger hadn't thought about the individuals with the 'low vibrations' being just folks who disagreed with her opinions; she had to be told that the psychic outbursts were nothing but the same bad temper she had nursed so long. Arnold Weaver was a chronic alcoholic who had made several feeble attempts to break the habit. He learned from hop-skip reading in occult literature that the spirits of deceased drunkards hovered about saloons luring the weak to destruction. Decarnate entities derived a vicarious satisfaction, it seemed, by attaching themselves to the auras of living inebriates. Because this explanation had satisfied Mr. Arnold that the fault was not really his own, it made the task of clearing up his difficulty lengthy and much more complicated. Eleanor Mason remained unmarried until middle life in order to care for a dominating and demanding' mother. When mother finally was called to her reward, Eleanor was desolate. Mother's ashes were put in a silver urn, and a shrine arranged on the mantel of her room had the ashes as the central motif. Miss Mason habitually sat for hours before the urn, weeping and mourning, and begging her mother to come back. But one day she read in a metaphysical book that it was wrong to do this; it might result in her mother becoming earthbound. Convinced now that she had brought suffering to the soul of her parent, Eleanor, grief stricken, attempted suicide by taking an overdose of a powerful sedative. She recovered, but her health was permanently impaired. These are the types of stories one hears, day after day, from those who have gone astray in their search for truth. Each account differs slightly, but the principle involved is always the same -- religious teachings, intended to make life happier and more wholesome, have led to misfortune and pain. The understanding needed by students of the occult sciences is that the spiritual arts are not for the weak, but for the strong; they are not for the confused, but for those of sound mind and moral courage. The fearful and the worried are not suited to philosophy. Without simple human weaknesses first being conquered, knowledge is a hopeless burden afflicting the spirit. When the ancient Israelites built their tabernacle in the wilderness they divided the peoples of the twelve tribes into three classes of worshippers. The multitudes gathered in the great open square before the temple to pray, to make offerings, and to listen to the moral counsel of the priests. The priests themselves assembled in the inner courtyard, there to discourse on deeper matters and worship in another and more learned way. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, where the Spirit of the Lord hovered between the wings of the Cherubim. The High Priest had a rope fastened to his foot when he approached the Mercy Seat. If one worldly or unhallowed thought entered his mind while in the presence of Jehovah, he would be stricken dead. As the other priests could not enter the Holy of Holies, they would be the ones to drag the body out of the sanctuary by the rope on its foot. In spite of foolish talk about new dispensations, under which all humanity may study the sacred sciences, the old laws still hold true, and will always remain in force. As the great Maimonides so wisely pointed out, the moral parts of religions are suited to the majority of men; the philosophical parts are suited to the few who have given their lives to such studies; and the spiritual parts are reserved to the very few whom God himself shall select from the number of the learned. It is better for the multitude that its worship should be before the gate; and many cultists would be safer and happier in the old and simple faith of their fathers. He makes a sad mistake who attempts to force his way into Holy Places beyond his power to understand. Spiritual mysteries cannot be brought down to the level of the uninformed. The esoteric sciences cannot be simplified; they are already simple to the wise, but they must remain to the end unintelligible to the ignorant. OBSESSION AND DIVIDED PERSONALITY The most spectacular of all metaphysical ailments is the obsession. In the terminology of occultism, obsession means the possession of the mind, or body, of the victim by an outside intelligence, usually decarnate. In its psychological definition, an obsession is a persistent and inescapable preoccupation with an idea or emotion. It is therefore quite possible to be obsessed by the obsession that one is obsessed. In medieval times it was believed that a man could be obsessed or possessed by the devil, or by some evil spirit such as a demon. These malignant agencies were exorcised by the Church with the aid of rituals, holy water, and sacred relics. It was customary to make a small hole in the floor of a room where witches were examined or tortured. When the demon was forced from the body of its victim, it could take the form of a rat and escape through the prepared opening. If the hole was not provided, the spirit might attach itself to one of the inquisitors. In modern belief the possessing entity usually is recognized as human or elemental. It is widely taught in present day cults that possession by spirits frequently is mistaken for insanity, and so improperly treated by materialistic physicians; for they do not recognize the difference between obsession and true insanity. And it is quite possible that such mistakes actually do occur. Cases of alleged obsession have come under my observation in considerable number, affording excellent opportunity to examine this strange phenomenon. Present in most instances has been the factor of divided personality. Nearly everyone is to some degree a Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. Among the mystic faiths there is much discussion of higher and lower natures, and the eternal conflict between them. As Goethe expressed it, "Two souls within our body strive." Thus the Faust and sub-Faust struggle for dominion. The dominant personality comes to be recognized as the normal self, and the submerged personality goes unrecognized, unless some unusual happening reverses the polarities. A personality can be split by the violent inhibition of a group of normal and natural impulses. An overdose of doctrination can cause the very outburst of potentials that it seeks to prevent. In noticeable evidence is the old belief that the minister's son is sure to turn out badly. An early surfeit will turn the mind against all religious convictions. Nothing good is accomplished by inhibiting normal mental, emotional, or physical tendencies; the auto-corrective mechanism in human nature will finally force the release of the inhibited impulses. If the inhibitions have been intensive over a long period of time, the releasing process may bring about disastrous results. A quiet and patient husband endured the cruel and bitter nagging of his wife for twenty-five years without once losing his temper. Then, one morning he killed her with an axe. Had this man expressed his proper indignation at times along the way of their married life, the wife would have been a better woman, and the husband would not have ended up as a murderer. He held his temper too long in the presence of just cause, and tragedy was the outcome. A little girl, of a family exceedingly poor, spent many hours of each day gazing into shop windows at pretty trinkets she could not buy. Later, a fortunate marriage gave her the means to purchase whatever she wanted. But it was too late; years of inhibition had destroyed her ability to enjoy the very things she once had wanted. Then, suddenly, this Mrs. Winters, as we'll call her, developed kleptomania. She began by stealing small articles, and was very happy with the little things that she stole, but found no pleasure in things bought for her. Mr. Winters went about quietly and paid the merchants for the shoplifted articles without his wife's knowledge. This woman was obsessed with two fixations; the love of pretty things; and the childhood realization that to buy them was an unforgivable extravagance, for to spend money foolishly was to deprive her family of food. So firmly was this fixed in her subconscious that in adult life the things she wanted brought her no happiness, unless she could secure them without spending once crucial money. Another little girl, coming home from school one day was a victim of criminal exhibitionism. If little Florence had followed her first impulse, which was to run home and tell her parents, the chances are no serious damage would have been done. But when the child reached the house she was in hysterics, and afraid to describe what had occurred. In the privacy of her own room, Florence re-lived the terrible experience hundreds of times, and a serious psychological condition was established. Even then, this delicately poised fixation might have been neutralized by a fortunate romance or marriage. But in her late teens Florence went through an unhappy love affair; and this changed the fixation into a complete obsession. Her entire personality passed through a rapid change and as the aversion mechanism came into complete power and assumed the proportions of an obsession, Florence developed pronounced lesbian tendencies. THE CASE OF THE TWIN BROTHERS One morning my phone rang, and a masculine voice at the other end of the wire inquired, rather casually, "Can you do anything for a man who is someone else?" This was the case: Two brothers, twins, but not identical twins, had volunteered for military service in the First World War. Harry and George were intensely devoted to each other, and had never been separated until the time of their enlistment. Overseas, a few weeks before the armistice, Harry was killed in action. When the news reached George he collapsed, and was invalided home, presumably suffering from what was then broadly termed shell-shock. It was while recuperating that George made the astonishing discovery that he was no longer himself but his brother, Harry. He had kept this strange secret for a number of years, but gradually a deep concern had arisen in his mind. If Harry had taken his body, what had happened to his own consciousness? Was he, George, wandering about in the spirit world while he, Harry, was living on selfishly, in the body of another? He, as Harry, was perfectly willing to die, if George could come back. But could he, George, return and use the body that had been taken from him? As is usual in these cases, the causes of the trouble revealed themselves. In the telephone message was the first clue. When George inquired, "Can you do anything for a man who is someone else?" it was George asking about Harry. Throughout the narrative it was George who knew that he was Harry. It was George, as Harry, who was willing to die for Harry, as George. If Harry had taken his brother's body, he would not have said, "after Harry died in France," but rather, "After I died in France." This was a case of obsession by an idea, and not possession by a spirit. The twin brothers had been very close, and a vivid picture of each was in the subconscious mind of the other. Grief imposed the mental image of Harry upon the personality of George, and he really thought he was his brother. The psychic personality of Harry was built up from memories, supplemented by George's own conclusions about his brother's temperament. Suggestion therapy soon cleared up the confusion. Mrs. Yeaman developed a curious delusion. She was convinced that her only child, a daughter who had died in her ninth year, came back on various occasions from the spirit world and manifested through the body of her mother, possessing it for several hours at a time. During these periods Mrs. Yeaman seemed to become a small child; even her voice changed, and she prattled on about dolls and toys and Teddy bears. Many spiritualists believe that children who die continue to mature in the spirit world, but little Constance never grew up, because her mother was unable to visualize the child beyond her ninth year. This was another case of idea obsession. James Avitt claimed that his body was borrowed without his consent by an Oriental mystic who preferred to manifest his presence without taking on a corporeal constitution. While possessed by the spirit of this Hindu, James made learned discourses on Asiatic metaphysics. He insisted that he could not have made the speeches himself. But, when questioned, he admitted that he had attended many lectures by Yogis and Swamis. The subject matter of these lectures had not been retained in his conscious mind, but all were properly recorded in his subconscious, later to come out through this apparent obsession. In many alleged cases of spirit possession, the possessing entity is of a lower mental and moral order than the supposed victim. The reason for this is that it is customary to inhibit the less desirable phases of character, and these build up in the suppressed personality. When an obsession results in the complete degeneration of the moral nature it is safe to assume that the obsession is a symptom of strongly inhibited tendencies to depravity. In the course of years a few cases of genuine occult obsession have presented themselves. One experience with these rare instances is worth noting. My library contains a number of early magical manuscripts, including some which deal with the rites for the exorcising of evil spirits and obsessing demons. It occurred to me to try these medieval formulas on Otto Fertig, who was having serious trouble with some kind of an entity. Strangely enough, the spells were effective almost immediately; the bothersome spirit, whoever he was, departed in haste; and did not return. If there is a reasonable suspicion that an account of spirit possession is genuine, the simple remedy is to change the psychic pattern of the afflicted person. If the life is shifted into a new design the obsessing being is likely to depart. Improved physical health, new interests in living, and a positive normal outlook, result in the body becoming an uncomfortable habitation for the uninvited guest. Obsessions, both psychological and occult, usually occur in very neurotic persons, and the breaking of the neurosis ends this type of phenomena. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT It is always easier to prevent a psychic disturbance than to get rid of one after it is thoroughly established. False teachings and improper methods of study are the principal causes of metaphysical health problems, which makes it evident that it is in these directions the ounce of prevention must be applied. Those who are likely to be unduly influenced by spiritual pretensions can always be reminded that a metaphysical teacher is not a superhuman being, in spite of his claims. He may, or may not, be learned in his subject, but his solemn pronouncements are no more important than the opinions of other men, unless he can substantiate his claims by reasonable and understandable proof. By keeping this thought in mind the truth-seeker can avoid wrong selection of subject matter. Improper methods of study are a common fault. This is because the average person does not know how to discipline his thoughts. One frequent mistake is to plunge into a religious doctrine to the exclusion of every other consideration in life. The enthusiast will read day and night, taking off only enough time to attend the meetings of his chosen cult. He lives solely for his new found convictions, and wears himself out in a few weeks. The mind, unused to such specialized exertions, becomes exhausted and confused, and the integrity of the viewpoint is lost. Life takes on an appearance of undeviating seriousness to the tyro in the mystic arts. Those who are obsessed with the problem of their eternal salvation have no time for rest or relaxation. The 'advanced' students are those who are ever ready to tell me that simple, homely, human things no longer interest them; they have evolved beyond the commonplace, for their lives are wholly dedicated to truth. This whole attitude is wrong. No sound educational institution would permit students to ponder any subject continuously for months, and certainly not for years, without break or relaxation. Contrast is necessary to the normal function of the intellect, and where it is lacking the thinking will not be found. Religious beliefs are just as habit-forming as narcotics; and the damage done in both cases is equally serious. The religious addict degenerates into a fanatic, and all progress is lost. One hour a day of abstract metaphysical study is all that can safely be sustained by the average mentality. Additional hours hinder rather than help. When the appointed period of study is ended, the wise student closes the book, detaches his mind from the entire field of metaphysical thought and interests himself in other matters that concern ordinary human beings. No student is so advanced that he can not profitably laugh and play, or keep up his social contacts, continue his recreations, and attend to his regular duties. For science, and art, and literature, and sociology are just as important to a well-rounded philosophical viewpoint as mystical religion. Occult diseases are not likely to afflict well-balanced mentalities, but they are always a threat to one-track minds. Those who go off the deep end in their religious contemplations often find themselves in domestic difficulties. They burden the entire family with their immature opinions, neglect their children, allow their homes to go to wrack and ruin, and fail utterly in their responsibilities as husbands or wives. To those of practical mind, such spiritual beliefs are not particularly attractive; and so the fanatic is likely to regard himself as misunderstood and even persecuted by his relatives, when the fault is actually his own. A splendid way to keep the feet on the ground is to balance occult studies with their correspondences among the physical sciences or philosophies. Those who are interested in alchemy, can take a course in chemistry. If astrology is all, the study of astronomy is the anodyne. Those interested in the mystical aspects of comparative religion, might well enroll for a university course in the subject. The foolish belief to be eliminated is, that time is wasted in unilluminated formal education. Throughout the country opportunities exist for men and women whose educational advantages have been limited to study extension courses or attend adult sessions of the evening schools. The public libraries can supply properly balanced programs of home reading on most vital themes. By availing himself of these facilities the sincere truth-seeker can educate himself in the great systems of human thought that have led the world. Suppose someone is interested in Buddhism. Several of the larger universities have courses in Oriental religions. These embrace the conditions that brought Buddhism into existence, the sphere of its influence, the best available information about the historical Buddha, the faith that he founded, the councils by which its course was changed, and the means by which the doctrines were disseminated throughout Asia. When armed with a solid working knowledge of the Buddhist philosophy, misinformation can be detected immediately, and the admired teachings can also be defended with authority. This was the burden of my recommendations to Mrs. Elsie Redlich when she came to me for help to straighten out a muddle of neo-Buddhist nonsense she had gathered from several poorly informed but very imaginative teachers. Mrs. Redlich was aghast at the prospect of actually studying Buddhism under academic supervision. "I could never study every day," she exclaimed; "I don't know how to study; and I could never remember all those awful names and dates and places. And to write out answers to questions: why I simply haven't got that kind of mind. I don't want a lot of dry facts; I want Illumination." This good lady was trying to study the deepest and most complicated philosophical system in the world; and yet she admitted to having the kind of mind that couldn't at school learn the simple historical facts of the Buddhist religion. She of course had no desire to improve her mind; all she wanted was to achieve nirvana without effort. And this is so with many metaphysicians; they do not want to work for knowledge. They are content to listen to their favorite teacher and let him do the thinking for them. They desire the rewards of wisdom without the long and difficult process of becoming wise. STRICT BUT SYMPATHETIC GUIDANCE If it is too late to establish proper thinking habits, then it is necessary to repair, insofar as possible, the damage done by wrong habits. When a person in psychic difficulty comes for help, strict but sympathetic guidance is needed. It must be understood with the patient that he will follow to the letter the method of treatment outlined by the healer. If he refuses to agree to such a program, then he should be dismissed immediately. I have found it wise also to decline the case when it is evident that the sufferer has mental reservations and is likely to disobey in spite of promises. Successes are few with those patients who feel that they know more than the practitioner. If the psychic disturbance is the result of false or improper instruction, the sufferer must be made to sever all relations with the organization or teacher responsible for the trouble. Only on this condition should the case be handled. If the teachings themselves are reputable, and the difficulty is due to misunderstanding or misapplication of principles, the mistakes must be corrected, and then the mind be given a period for rest and readjustment. If extreme nervousness or hallucinations are present, all metaphysical studies and development exercises of every kind must be discontinued for at least a year after the last of the unpleasant symptoms have disappeared. Once the nervous system has been upset, it remains supersensitive for some time to the causes which produced the specialized tension. In other respects the nerves may be quite normal, but if confronted again with a similar type of stress, the nervous structure will show damage almost immediately. Some devotees will not stop their exercises, because they fear that to do so will retard the development of their spiritual natures. Such a one said to me, "I would rather die than give up my occult growth." She made her choice; she died less than a year later in a home for mental cases. THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION The procedure with a patient includes a complete physical examination, with special attention to chronic ailments, the nervous system, the ductless glands, the eyes and the teeth. Mystical speculations seem to work an especial hardship on the glandular functions; and conversely, if the glands are deranged the mental and emotional natures are particularly susceptible to psychic disturbances. As many metaphysicians neglect their physical health, either from addiction to mental healing methods, or because of their prejudices against doctors, the physical examination usually reveals a number of conditions that require correction. Then, to proceed in proper order, the diet should be considered; and there is a wide variety of fads in this field. Religious movements that impose particular diets on their members seldom inquire into the nutritional requirements of the individual cases. One group which had followers in Northern Siberia actually demanded of these poor folks that they give up meat eating and the wearing of furs -- a death sentence in that barren and frigid country. Sufferers from nervous and psychic ailments should be encouraged to eat normally and wisely of nourishing and properly prepared foods. Three well-balanced meals, eaten regularly, and taken with enjoyment, will go a long way toward clearing up psychic difficulties. Mysterious symptoms can result from nervous stomach trouble aggravated by the belief that one gains spiritual merit by attempting to wean the body from 'low vibration' foodstuffs. In my experience occasional but considerable trouble can be caused by over use of citrus fruits. They should be taken very moderately by persons suffering from any nerve excitement or irritation. Some flourish on one type of diet, and some on another; there is no way of planning a food program that will fit all cases. Usually a simple, tasteful meal of regular foods, eaten in moderate amounts, brings the best results. It is certainly a mistake to become so conscious of things to eat that no time or energy is left to perfect the life in other ways. EMOTIONAL FRUSTRATIONS As emotional frustrations lead a large number of unhappy persons to the study of religion, these frustrations are next on the list to be investigated. Usually, religion does not solve emotional problems! it merely transforms the impulses and obscures their natural origin. Inhibited emotions, unrequited loves, unhappy marriages, disastrous romances, tragic sexual experiences, and general disillusionments may be suspected whenever a person turns to religion with fanatical devotion. As women brood over these matters much more than men, women members are likely to predominate in religious organizations. Persons who nurture grievances and griefs are inclined to choose a solitary life. They have few friends, and their melancholy dispositions are not calculated to draw acquaintances, or to hold them. And so, it is always helpful in diagnosing and treating to examine into the social life of the patient. If mysticism is being used simply to fill up the days of a lonely existence, the sufferer should be encouraged to increase his circle of friends and take a more active part in the life of his community and neighborhood. The extroversion which results from participating in social activities is a fine and normal way of breaking down inhibitions. The tendency to go off by one's self and suffer in silence, is bad, not only for the victim himself, but it is against all the laws of social existence. The present temper of our time complicates this situation. It is not easy to find congenial people, and most groups of the socially minded are inclined toward extravagance and dissipation. But outside contacts are necessary; and a little thought will discover a suitable avenue of social expression. Hobbies are important to the balanced life of the individual. All metaphysicians should have hobbies entirely apart from their spiritual beliefs. Hobbies broaden the perspective, increase the store of useful knowledge, stimulate outside contacts, and break down internal tension. When neurotic inclinations are pronounced, the sufferer will find that a hobby can give constructive release and comfort. An avocation has possible economic advantages, also; it may lead to a future vocation. But regardless of this contingency, it is valuable in complementing the dominant interests of the personality. A number of cases have come to me in which the spiritual studies were used to escape from some real and personal problems of the moment. Both the French and Russian revolutions were caused, in part, by this approach to vital issues. The aristocracy exploited the people and the clergy recommended only patience under affliction. In the end the people rose and destroyed both church and state. Let me give you an example of this condition as it exists in the lives of modern truth-seekers. Mrs. Lucille Stewart told her story in these words: "If it was not for my studies of truth, I could not live with my husband another day. He is selfish, insensitive, and completely immersed in his own affairs. We have nothing in common, but it is my karma, so I will stay with him and be patient until the law of life gives me release." Her attitude was noble and kind but utterly impractical and unsound. In the first place, she was contributing to the delinquency of her husband by permitting him to continue in his selfish ways without correction or discomfort. And in the second place, she was injuring her own psychological structure by going along, year after year, deprived of the natural companionship and close sympathy to which she was entitled. No good was coming out of the problem for either person, except the wife's over-development of patience to the degree of frustration. Mrs. Stewart had been driven to religion by this very frustration, and through the lack of courage to put her house in order. She should have corrected her domestic difficulties by a simple application of common sense. When she came to me, Mrs. Stewart was suffering from hallucinations and a variety of nervous ailments. There was no possibility of a permanent correction until she solved the disaster in her emotional life. Instead of inspiring her to solve this problem, religion was giving her only patience to endure something she had no need to endure. Attempting to practice the metaphysical disciplines of several different cults at the same time often leads to trouble. This is not broad-mindedness, but a dangerous eclecticism. It is always wise to secure a list of the patient's affiliations from the time he became interested in mysticism. Many clues will be unearthed in this way. Sometimes the fault lies not with the present teachings, but with old notions which have lingered in the recesses of the mind. It is also useful to check the individual's present reading. He may have picked up dangerous literature, which abounds at the moment. THE HOPELESS, THE COOPERATIVE, THE MISTAKEN The character and disposition of the patient must be carefully considered when recommending a system of treatment. The spiritually sick divide themselves into three distinct classes according to mentality and temperament. The first division is made up of the cases that are nearly, if not entirely, hopeless. This does not mean that the ailment is hopeless, but rather, that the addiction to foolish beliefs is incurable.. If such persons are helped out of one difficulty, they will fall immediately into another. There is no good, solid ratiocination possible to these folks; they are vague, disconnected in their thinking, filled with platitudes and noble generalities, and utterly unable to resist the persuasive powers of fraudulent teachers and cults. The second division encompasses those who still retain considerable of their native intelligence and will cooperate within certain limitations. There is a good chance of getting these persons back to normalcy, and they are proof against the more obvious types of religious swindles. This group will follow instructions that are given, but most of their decisions must be made for them, as they have little innate talent for spiritual speculations. The third, and smallest division, contains men and women of marked ability and unquestioned intelligence who have made a few mistakes, but have the mental power to solve their problems once they understand the causes. These types will do their part cheerfully and enthusiastically, and can be set right in nearly every instance. Only wide experience can bestow skill in the diagnosis and treating of metaphysical diseases. While all the cases are much alike in principle, the personality equation complicates each problem, for almost certainly the patient is working against his own best interests. Long familiarity with the subject, however, enables the practitioner to estimate the situation correctly, even before the sufferer has begun to tell his story. RESTORATION TO NORMALCY If all the circumstances listed in this section have been checked upon and analyzed, the healer is in possession of most of the information necessary to form the basis of treatment. Lesser details will fall into their proper places, and the case can be considered as a whole -- a complete problem pattern. It is not possible in a general work of this kind to explain the formulas used in treating every combination of mystical maladjustment. Here again, experience is the only certain guide; experience derived from a thorough knowledge of the occult philosophies, and perfected through years of practical application. The broad, basic rule of treatment is that normalcy must be restored. That which is abnormal to any individual is dangerous to his life and health. This is true even though the abnormalcy results from a sincere effort to live some religious belief that is beyond the understanding or capacity of the believer. There is no truth in the notion that God will protect the foolish because they are sincere in their foolishness. It is entirely possible to get into serious trouble searching for truth, if the seeker breaks natural laws along the way. Deity protects only those who are too wise to attempt to break Its laws. Happy, simple, human ways are the best ways for the ordinary man. There are a few whose extraordinary abilities qualify them to explore the mysteries of magic and the occult sciences, but it is extremely unfortunate for the average person to attempt the works of genius. If the passion for the mystic arts is strong and irresistible, then the proper foundation must be laid in study and research under reputable instruction. It is evident that a man who cannot distinguish a false teacher from a true one is not yet ready to search after the great spiritual intangibles of the universe. It may seem that this book attacks all mystical philosophies; but such is not the intention. It is a volume devoted to metaphysical healing, with therefore little space to be devoted to the spiritually healthy. But they exist, and in considerable numbers, among those who have found in their beliefs strength and courage to face the problems of life and perfect their own characters. They have approached the subject quietly and intelligently, have never been involved in dubious organizations, have never followed after questionable teachers, and have never tried to finish the work of ages in a few short years. And so they are not seeking help for their troubles; they have kept out of trouble by the generous use of common sense. Once, twenty-five centuries ago, the Greek sage, Thales of Miletus, was walking down a narrow road at night discoursing to his disciples about the stars. With his eyes and attention fixed upon the heavenly bodies, he forgot the path beneath his feet and fell into a ditch filled with muddy water. Thales never forgot this; he liked to remind his students that man is so placed in the order of living things that he can look at the heavens to his heart's content; but he must also watch his feet, or some accident will certainly befall him. Man is a spiritual being with feet of clay. In his haste to release his divine potentials he may well forget that he is bound to the earth by a corporeal nature that has certain reasonable demands that must be satisfied. |