Chapter 16
In this chapter Jesus continues on explaining what is happening after his departure with the disciples.
“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”
Regarding the above, Beas reminds us that even though those who follow the Path and the teachings may be prosecuted, “but they can kill the body only; they can never harm our soul. … People do these things in ignorance, because they are misguided.”
This sentence reminded me of the anger I often felt towards those who (in my opinion) pretend to be in the knowing, particularly when it comes to spiritual values, teaching and God. The ignorance and the misrepresentations of the teachings particularly in cases where a religion was formed upon misunderstandings infuriate me because – as Jesus says “that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” – they strongly believe that they act in accordance with the teaching not noticing that they often do more harm than good. I know many devoted Catholics who – in the name of protecting their faith and the only true and LOVING way – march on the streets condemning human beings just because they happen to follow a different path in serving God. I often wonder where the loving and compassion is in such behaviour? As I am writing these lines, I am also reminded that I need to find the way to accept their behaviour and develop compassion for the ignorant. Like Jesus said ” … Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. ”
“But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.”
“But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.”
I started to wonder why there is so much talk about Jesus’ departure and why Jesus keeps on reminding the disciples that they should not be worried after he is gone.
Beas explains that “no disciple can bear the sad news that his Master is going to leave him. … he is naturally sad over the physical separation, especially if he cannot contact the Master within himself.” I think, this is the key. Many disciples these days do not have the opportunity to contact their teacher regularly in the physical. We all, disciples, must find the ‘Comforter’ inside and create a relationship with Spirit rather than being attached to the physical presence of the teacher. I suspect that Jesus talked so much of his leaving to his disciples in trying to comfort them because they have not yet made the connection with the Radiant Form within. Jesus explains it clearly by saying ” Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
As Beas clarifies it wonderfully “You are mad in your love, and you are not trying to devote your time to the Spirit inside. But without attaching yourself to the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, you can never go back to the Father. … “seek me within. …be in touch with the Comforter, who will put you up to my level, the level of the Father. … When we turn within we are in touch with the Comforter.”
Later Jesus ask the disciples to be happy for his return to the Father and understand that his departure is for their benefit. Personally, I think it is essential that we eventually let go of the teacher’s hand and walk without the physical representation and build a connection with the Radiant Form on the inner planes.
Beas gives the example of Bulleh Shah who was not allowed to go to his Master for many years.
“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
Here Beas rephrases Jesus’ talk by saying “when you reach my radiant Form within yourself. Then you can ask me anything and I shall always reply, because then you will be able to understand.”
This explanation made me understand why teachers do not give us ‘answers’ to our queries. The answers are within but we can only hear them when we have achieved that level of progress because this is then we can actually understand the answers and the guidance that is available to us.
Then Jesus affirms us by saying that ”… the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” and Beas explains this by saying “when you come to me inside, I will show you things that you have never dreamed of and that are beyond the comprehension of the mind.”
It is also important to understand that the physical form of the teacher is only an instrument in serving God so he can help the disciples to generate love for the Father. All the love and attachment we create for the teacher is passed onto the Father.
Jesus keeps on reminding us to “devote more time to the spiritual practice and try to reach the point where you merge into him and into the Father” because only upon merging into Him can we be liberated and receive the gifts of eternal life.
“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
Jesus reassures the disciples that his departure is for their benefit and says “when you see me within ourself, you will be very happy, and no man can deprive you of this happiness. … of that treasure of the Word.”
It is important to understand this because our happiness cannot be attained in the world and we must stop looking for it there. Turning within and meeting the Radiant Form (Word) who takes us back to the Father’s loving arms is our true happiness. ”… when you merge into my Spirit Form, the Holy Ghost, all your doubts will vanish because everything will be clear to you. And whatever you wish will be granted … ” says Beas.
However, Jesus also says that “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” , meaning “you will be given only what is good for you, and you yourself will ask only for what is in your own interest. In fact, when you reach that stage you will realize that there is no need to ask for anything.”
“These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.”
Once again, Jesus emphasizes that once we are in touch with the Radiant Form within, the messages will be clean. “Real Spiritual truth are beyond the understanding of the mind and the senses, … you will know all these things by direct perception. … you will see the Truth by the direct perception of the soul. ”
It is so important for me to understand this because often I still think that by understanding a message or a teaching I actually own it, however, it is not the case. I am more and more aware that what I truly own is what I have experienced within. On a personal note, there is no point in sharing the teachings without having personal experiences that reinforce them. Without personal experience words are empty.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”