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James - 3

November 13, 2004

As I have already mentioned, self-enlightenment includes self-knowledge, or, to be more accurate, knowledge of self in soul, mind and body.

However, such knowledge is not easy to achieve. Thus, I tell you right now, do not expect to gain this aspect of enlightenment overnight.  It may take months, but it could also take years.  It depends on how diligently you work at it.  How deeply you desire to know yourself, and knowing yourself may surprise you.

Let us consider the aspect of self-knowledge which includes simply getting to know your soul, mind and body.

Think about people – your friends, and those you either dislike or perhaps even hate.

Your friends – why are they your friends … why do you like them …do they think along the same lines as you … are they of the same culture or race … etc., etc?  Really explore and delve into why you accept them as friends.  And, by the way, a simple “I just like them,” won’t do.  The question is WHY, in detail, WHY are they your friends.  You must involve your soul, mind and body in this exercise.

Now consider those whom you dislike or even hate.  The same questions apply.  The same questions must involve your soul, mind and body in answering this question.

Why go to all this trouble?

Because you are seeking self-knowledge and self-enlightenment!

You must fully know yourself before you can become enlightened about anybody or anything.  You must know WHY, in detail, WHY do something, WHY you think something, WHY you say something, WHY you feel something, and WHY you see something.

As we continue to work on this aspect of self-enlightenment, we will cover many aspects of self-knowledge … such as preferences of color, of clothing, of spiritualism, and so on.

You are who you are.  You are unique, and you must determine WHY you are, WHO you are, and WHY you are so unique.

JAMES