acted upon by spiritual thought differ in various individuals. The important point is that a definite, physical reaction, in sensitive centers, takes place.
3. A study of vibrations
Before entering further into the discussion of meditation, it would be well to outline a few elementary principles of vibration which will enable us to better understand many of the terms used, and some of the experiences we may have. Science teaches us that all matter is in motion, and that the difference in various forms of matter is due to the difference in the rates of vibration. For example, we know that by increasing the molecular activity of water by heating we can produce another form of matter called steam; that is, the particles of matter in the steam are vibrating (moving) at a faster rate of speed than the particles in water. Now, our bodies are made up of particles of matter which have been taken into them, such as food, air, et cetera. Various parts of our bodies are composed of different types of matter, vibrating at different rates of speed. The nervous system, for example, is highly sensitive. Our bones are of denser structure than our blood, muscular tissue denser than membrane, and so on. The combination of the vibrations of all of these different parts forms a general rate of vibration for the body. This is constantly changing. Illness of any kind causes discordant vibrations. The higher the rate of vibration, the more sensitive the body is to influences of any kind.
As we go deeper in the study of meditation, we become conscious, through application, of these various vibrations in and through the body and mind. As we attempt deep meditation, spiritual forces within and without the body-mind will at first be limited by the five senses of perception, for only through these can we recognize any manifestation in this plane. Even when we have learned to lay the physical aside entirely and explore wider realms, the concepts brought back with us must be clothed in three-dimensional terms to be consciously understood.
Vibrations which are emanations of life from within are material expressions of a spiritual influence, a force that emanates from life itself. When a vibration arises, it may act only upon centers within the human body that are sensitive to vibrations, else they may not become apparent. These, spiritualized, are emanations which may be sent out as thought waves, as a force in the activity of universal or cosmic influence, and thus have their effect upon those toward whom, by suggestion, they are directed. (See 281-7 and 281-12.)
Let us consider the effect of thought upon the body in relation to vibration. All thoughts are constructed at different vibratory rates. As the food we take into the body is important from the standpoint of structure, so thoughts are important as factors that build up the mental pattern. Mind is the builder. It is the construction engineer that molds even the actual physical matter in its higher vibratory forms. We should therefore never use thought vibrations by attempting to make ourselves other than a channel to help others.
B. The Mental Body
1. The purging of self
Let us consider what takes place in the mental body during meditation. The mind is the builder, the physical the result. The mind partakes of both the physical and the spiritual. Most of us are aware of only a part of the mind; this we call the conscious mind. Even in the field of psychology, recent investigations have revealed little beyond a bare glance at what is called the subconscious, the storehouse of memory and the ever-watchful supervisor of the regular functions of the body. There is still another division of the mind. This may be called the activity of the superconscious, or soul-mind. (These are only names that we use in trying to clarify for our imperfect understanding the meanings of different functions of one force.)
Through meditation we seek to allow our mind to function normally. Through the will we ask the mind of our physical bodies to cease its wanderings and center itself upon the ideal, which will be presented to the higher mind. This ideal becomes the basis for the activity which results.
If the ideal and purpose we hold are in accord with the superconscious mind, that which will be of help and value to the physical mind and body will be transmitted into consciousness through some channel of the five senses. Proof of this higher mental activity will come to each of us as we seek to understand. If, however, the ideal and purpose are out of harmony with the soul-mind, the opening of the door between the physical and spiritual will result in turmoil within, striking at the weakest point.
So it is necessary to purify our minds if we would meditate. Think of what we should do to have our God meet us face to face. Would we say, “Many are not able to speak to God, many are fearful”? (281-41) Have we gone so far astray that we cannot approach Him who is all-merciful? He knows our desires and needs, yet He can supply us only according to the purposes within ourselves.
Then let us purify our bodies, our minds, and consecrate ourselves in prayer. Let us put away from us hate, greed, and malice, and replace them with love and mercy. Let there be in our hearts humbleness, for we must humble ourselves if we would know Him. Let us come with an open, seeking, contrite heart desiring to have the way shown us. Then let us seek to enter.
2. The attunement of self to the Whole
Attunement depends upon soul development. Physically, the radio may be an illustration. The attunement on any radio may be somewhere near the same point of another, but on no two, even when sitting side by side, will it be the same, for the position of the sets alters that. So in attuning our consciousness to the Divine, each of us must make the attunement according to our own development. Attunement, like all attainments in creation, is a growth. “In my Father's house are many mansions [states of consciousness]…I go and prepare a place for you…that where I am [in consciousness], there ye may be also [in consciousness].”1
Proper attunement is necessary for true meditation. A perfect attunement may be made with the Ideal, the Infinite, when we make our minds and our wills one with His in word, action, intent, and purpose. Let us pray, “Father, not my will but Thine be done in and through me,” (262-3) and mean it.
How may we know we are not in attunement? It is when we have lost interest in our fellow human beings. To be out of harmony with our neighbor is to be out of harmony with our Maker. Does not the Bible say, “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remembereth that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”2 “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…and thy neighbour as thyself.”3
C. The Spiritual Body
1. The soul
It is through meditation that we may become aware of the existence of the spiritual forces within, that we unlock the door between our physical and spiritual bodies. Through this door come impulses from the soul, seeking expression in the physical.
Our souls are endowed with many faculties that are limited and bound by our impressions in the physical. The soul is always present, always willing to express its true purpose, its true relationship with the Creator. Through meditation we make this possible; we open the way.
Some say that we are not conscious of possessing a soul. We should know that each of us is a soul. This body in which we live is only our house for the moment, and then out of it we go on to other states of consciousness and other experiences.
The fact that we hope, that we have desires for better things, that we are able to be sorry or glad, indicates activities of the mind that take hold upon something that is not temporal in nature, something that does not pass away at the death of the body. Such mental activities come from the spiritual center of our being, the soul. God breathed the breath of life into Adam and he became a living soul.4
Then, each is a soul endowed with the attributes of God, possessing the power of creation, of being one with the Father, a joint heir with the Son.
2. The ideal
There are as many types of meditation as there are individuals who meditate. For some it is an escape from the trials of the world; for others it is an access to knowledge; for still others it is an approach to God. Various forms of meditation