Karma - Part 2

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READING 262-81 PARAPHRASED

This message is spoken to a group studying the idea of destiny, both as individuals and as a group. It says they’re doing good work so far and explains how destiny should be understood by looking at the whole person—mind, body, and soul. A person isn’t just physical; thoughts, feelings, and spiritual awareness all work together. What happens in one area affects the others.

The reading explains that the mind works in different ways. One part of the mind deals with everyday thinking and physical life, while another part connects more deeply to awareness, meaning, and the soul. Together, these shape a person’s personality and how they act in the world. These inner parts help decide whether someone’s influence in life is constructive (helpful) or destructive (harmful).

Everyone experiences both good and bad situations in life, and the reading says these experiences must be faced in the same area where they were created. In simple terms, what you put out comes back to you. If someone feels mistreated, it’s often because, at some level, they have treated others the same way. If harshness shows up in your life, it usually reflects harshness that was expressed before—through actions, thoughts, or attitudes. This applies to all areas of life.

Some people wonder when mercy or forgiveness enters the picture. The reading says that for those who live in Christ-consciousness, life is no longer ruled by punishment or sacrifice, but by grace and mercy. Forgiveness has already been given. Through spiritual awareness, a person can understand their past actions without being crushed by guilt.

However, learning still happens through relationships and real-life behavior. How someone treats others still matters, because growth is shaped through actions in the physical world. Forgiveness doesn’t cancel learning—it changes how learning happens.

In the end, the reading says that the goal is unity. Mind, body, and soul are meant to work as one. Destiny becomes clearer when these parts are aligned, because everything points toward oneness—one purpose, one direction, one way of living with integrity and awareness.

READING 262-81 EXPLAINED

This reading teaches karma as cause and effect, not as punishment. Karma here means that whatever you express—through thoughts, attitudes, or actions—eventually shows up in your own life. If you put out kindness, understanding, or patience, you experience those things more easily. If you put out anger, harshness, or selfishness, you end up facing those same energies later.

The important part is that karma isn’t random and it isn’t cruel. It happens in the same area where it was created. If the harm was emotional, the lesson shows up emotionally. If it was physical or behavioral, the lesson shows up in actions and situations. Life becomes a mirror that helps people see themselves more clearly.

The reading also explains that grace changes karma. In Christ-conscious living, people are not trapped in endless payback. Forgiveness already exists, but learning still continues. Instead of suffering to “pay,” people learn through awareness, honesty, and changed behavior. Karma becomes a teacher, not a judge.

Another key idea is that karma works through mind, body, and soul together. What you think shapes how you act, and how you act shapes who you become. Destiny is not something that just happens—it grows from the inside out when these parts are aligned.

In simple terms, this reading says:

What you give out comes back to you

You meet life in the same way you live it

Forgiveness is real, but growth still matters

Karma teaches lessons so the soul can mature

Destiny is found when mind, body, and soul work as one

So karma here isn’t about fear—it’s about learning, responsibility, and growth, guided by mercy instead of punishment.

ORIGINAL READING 262-81

Yes, we have the group as gathered here, as a group, as individuals - and their work upon the lesson Destiny.

As to the data gathered here, as we find, these are very good. It has been indicated from the first portion of that which has been given that there would be set forth rather the preamble, as to how this lesson is to be considered in its various phases; Mind, Body, Soul; the mental, the physical, the spiritual man. Also what pertains to that portion or relation of the mind as to the body, and how it bears relationships to that dealing with the physical forces, the physical aspects and the physical relationships in the individual's activity; and a creative force making the correlations of the various portions of the data respecting same.

Then there is the Mind as the spiritual aspect or consciousness, in the material, in the soul or mental body; and the Mind that is the portion of the awareness within, that is made for its constructive forces in the individual aspects of the soul. Here again we come to those mooted questions as to the portion that becomes the personality and individuality of the mind in its relationships to what becomes a constructive influence in the activity of the individual or the entity in its entirety.

So we have or meet those various aspects in the experience of each individual; for where there has been the constructive or destructive aspects in the experience of each individual, they must be met in that same sphere or plane of activity in which they have been in action in the experience of the entity - and met according to that which is to be meted. For what saith the law? As ye mete, so shall it be meted to thee in thine OWN experience, in thine own activity. So, as individuals in their material or mental experience in the material world find that they are in the activity of being mistreated, as from their angle, from their own angle have they mistreated. If harshness has come to thine own experience, so has there been in thine own activity that which makes for same; and so is the experience in each phase.

Some may ask, some may say, how or when does one become aware of that mercy, grace? As the individual in the Christ is under the law of grace and mercy and not of sacrifice. Then indeed does each soul, each individual, in same become aware of the saving grace - or the purpose for which the Holy One gave within self that sacrifice such that all through Him may become aware, in the SPIRITUAL plane, through the grace of the Christ, of the manner in which the individual has met in the material. For He hath forgiven thee already. Only in thine brother - as ye are to be judged before Him by the deeds done in the body-PHYSICAL. For once for all has He entered in that ye are forgiven by Him already.

Then, in the preparation, prepare same in the present manner as has been indicated and outlined for the various phases. And then as there is the undertaking in the Destiny of the Mind, the Destiny of the Soul - as these are given and their tenets and truths correlated, they need only those changes that make them as ONE. For the Lord thy God is One. One Lord, one Christ, one faith, one hope, one baptism - in the Christ; putting on Christ.

Karma - Part 1

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READING 262-36 PARAPHRASED

(Q) What does it mean that “He with the cross” represents something every soul experiences, and that all paths of thought and truth eventually lead to the cross?

(A) From the beginning, Christ was the Son—yet He became the Son by entering fully into the condition of all souls who had strayed. Through many lifetimes and experiences, He met every challenge of the world and bore the weight of those experiences as a “cross.” By fully living through suffering, effort, and consequence, He overcame the world. At the final point, with complete knowledge and power gained through experience, He willingly accepted the ultimate Cross.

By doing so, He brought to completion what people often call karma—the necessity that every action must be paid for through suffering. The law of cause and effect still exists in physical, mental, and spiritual life, but Christ transcended it. In overcoming the law, He became greater than it; He fulfilled it. The law then becomes a teacher rather than a judge.

Those who align themselves with Him are no longer bound by the law as punishment, but live under mercy. In Him, all desires and forces can be brought into harmony.

This pattern exists within each person. The “mount” represents the whole self—physical, mental, and spiritual. When these parts are in harmony, everything works toward good. When rebellion or imbalance arises, coordination is lost, leading to disorder, decay, and even death.

Christ established inner harmony as the true throne—the mercy seat within the inner temple. This becomes the model for the soul’s return: “I will arise and go to my Father.” This return happens through conscious will, alignment, and choice.

READING 262-36 EXPLAINED

This reading explains karma as a basic rule of life: what you do has results. Every action, thought, and choice leads to consequences. This doesn’t just affect what happens in the physical world, but also your mind and your inner, spiritual life. This idea is called the law of cause and effect, and it means nothing you do is meaningless—everything shapes who you become.

Instead of avoiding this law, Christ fully lived it. He experienced life the way humans do, including struggle, pain, and responsibility for choices. He didn’t get a free pass. He learned and grew through real experiences. The “cross” is a symbol for all the weight people carry in life—the hard lessons, the consequences of actions, and the challenges that come with being human.

The reading says Christ didn’t cancel the law of cause and effect. Instead, He completed it. By fully understanding and mastering it, He was no longer controlled by it. Because of this, karma stops being something that traps or punishes people and becomes more like a teacher—something that helps you learn and grow instead of holding you back.

For people who try to live in the same spirit Christ did, life isn’t about paying for mistakes through suffering. Growth comes through mercy, understanding, and learning how to live in balance. This doesn’t mean actions don’t matter anymore—it means mistakes are used to help you grow, not to destroy you.

The reading also talks about the “mount,” which represents the whole person: your body, your thoughts, and your spirit. When these parts work together, life feels more peaceful and meaningful. When they’re out of sync—like when your actions don’t match your values—things start to fall apart. Suffering, in this sense, isn’t a punishment from God but a result of being out of balance with yourself.

In the end, the message is about choice. Growth and freedom don’t just happen automatically. You have to decide to move toward what’s right, to realign yourself, and to return to unity and wholeness. That’s what the line “I will arise and go to my Father” means—it’s a personal decision to change and grow.

Simply put, this reading teaches that karma is real, but it isn’t meant to trap you forever. Christ fully experienced it and showed a way beyond it. That way is learning from life, choosing love over fear, and bringing your thoughts, actions, and spirit into balance. Karma doesn’t end by running away from life—it ends by understanding it and growing through it.

ORIGINAL READING 262-36

(Q) Please explain, "He with the cross, represents something in the experience of every entity in their activities through the earth and has led in all the experiences of thought in any of the presented forms of truth in the earth and comes at last to the cross."

(A) As we have given, and as was given by Him, in the beginning He was the Son - MADE the Son - those of the Sons that went astray; and through the varying activities overcame the world through the EXPERIENCES, BEARING the cross in each and every experience, reaching the FINAL cross with ALL power, ALL knowledge in having overcome the world - and of Himself ACCEPTED the Cross. Hence doing away with that often termed karma, that must be met by all. The immutable law of cause and effect is, as evidenced in the world today, in the material, the mental and the spiritual world; but He - in overcoming the world, the law - became the Law. The law, then, becomes as the schoolmaster, or the school of training - and we who have NAMED the Name, then, are no longer UNDER the law as law, but under mercy as in Him; for in Him - and with the desires - may there be made the COORDINATION of all things.

Remember the pattern in the mount, in self, in the physical body, in the mental body, in the spiritual body. THAT is the mount! So long as there is perfect coordination in the mount, all things work together for the GOOD of the mount. When there is the rebellion in the mount, then there is disconnection, destruction, disconcerted effort, and the coordination - the cooperation of activity - is made awry. Hence death in the physical ensues, by the disintegration, through the disconcerted action, through the INCOORDINATED action and this mental, and physical, and spiritual.

So, in overcoming all He set that as the Throne, or the mercy seat, that is within the temple, as the pattern, as in the mount - and in the mount, "I WILL arise and go to my Father, in Him, through Him. I WILL! I WILL!

Understanding Ideals: A Practical Guide for Everyday Life

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Ideals are meant to be lived, not perfected. One of the most important things to understand—and to help others understand—is that an ideal is not a measure for self-judgment, but a direction for growth. People often abandon ideals because they believe that failing to meet them means they are unworthy. In truth, ideals exist precisely because growth happens gradually. An ideal is not something you live up to; it is something you grow toward.

Ideals work best when they are simple. When ideals become too complex or overly spiritualized, they are difficult to live with consistently. The most effective ideals are clear, short, and easy to remember—such as truth, kindness, courage, service, or balance. Encouraging someone to express an ideal in a single word or one short sentence makes it accessible in moments of stress or decision. A good rule of thumb is this: if you cannot remember your ideal in a difficult moment, it is probably too complicated.

It is also important to remember that one ideal at a time is enough. Trying to live by many ideals at once can feel overwhelming and discouraging. Growth is often faster and deeper when a person chooses one ideal and works with it consciously for a set period of time. Asking a simple daily question—“How does this ideal apply right now?”—keeps the ideal alive and practical rather than theoretical.

Ideals are powerful because they reveal inner conflict without condemnation. When an ideal brings up discomfort, frustration, or resistance, it does not mean the ideal is failing. More often, it means the ideal is doing its work by gently showing where growth is needed. Inner conflict is not a punishment; it is information. If an ideal makes someone uncomfortable, it is pointing toward an opportunity for growth.

Rather than limiting freedom, ideals actually strengthen free will. An ideal does not force behavior; it clarifies choice. Some people fear ideals because they sound restrictive, but in reality, an ideal expands freedom by helping people act consciously instead of automatically. An ideal does not control a person—it gives them a clear option when life becomes confusing.

Ideals must also be chosen, not inherited. They are most effective when freely selected, rather than adopted from family, religion, culture, or authority figures. Encouraging someone to ask, “Is this truly my ideal?” or “Would I still choose this if no one were watching?” helps establish ownership. Ownership is what gives an ideal real power in daily life.

Ideals function best as a daily check, not a lifetime judgment. They are meant to be applied to today, not used to label a person’s entire identity. Asking simple questions such as “How did I do today?” and “What can I adjust tomorrow?” keeps ideals practical, compassionate, and sustainable.

Another important role of ideals is that they connect inner life with outer action. Ideals bridge intention and behavior, helping align thought, emotion, action, and purpose. When someone feels scattered or disconnected, returning to their ideal often brings them back into alignment. An ideal is the place where who you are inside meets what you do outside.

Ideals also work even when beliefs differ. They do not require shared theology, philosophy, or worldview. Two people with very different beliefs can still live by the same ideal—such as honesty, compassion, or service. This makes ideals a powerful tool for helping and connecting with others across differences.

Above all, the most important thing to remember and share is this: an ideal is not something that judges you. It is something that walks with you. Understanding this removes fear, softens self-criticism, and opens the door to genuine and lasting growth.

What Is an Ideal?

An Ideal is a living inner standard that shapes direction, motivation, strength, and self-recognition. It is not abstract or distant; it is meant to be applied in daily thought, choice, and action.

1. The Ideal as a Guiding Pattern

An Ideal functions as a guiding pattern—like a beacon—especially when life presents limitations, confusion, or setbacks. Difficulties do not become permanent obstacles when the Ideal is chosen selflessly and aligned with what is right and good:

“These need not become stumbling-blocks if the ideal is chosen that is not for selfish motives; rather selfless, that the individuality may become more and more as the purposefulness in the living personality of Right, of Good…” (1494-1)

The Ideal gives direction because it reflects a deeper spiritual purpose rather than personal ambition. While teachers, symbols, and external guidance may help, the readings emphasize that the true source of guidance lies within the individual:

“Yet none of these may equal the abilities of the entity in itself, if the entity sets its ideals in the promises that are the entity’s.” (3685-1)

When the Ideal is spiritually grounded, it aligns mind, body, and soul toward a unified purpose. This alignment opens the way for deeper awareness and growth.

2. The Ideal as a Motivating Influence

An Ideal motivates growth by encouraging the individual to reach beyond present abilities. It provides the inner drive that shapes thoughts, intentions, and actions:

“Let the thought of the body (for Mind is the Builder)… ever be motivated by the spirit of truth that is of the constructive nature…” (1046-1)

True motivation is not rooted in personality, status, or recognition. Instead, it arises from a condition of consciousness formed by one’s Ideal:

“Not as a personality but a condition… that motivates through the mental forces of an individual…” (1158-6)

Because of this, self-examination is essential. Growth requires understanding what truly motivates one’s actions:

“Study to Know Thyself… what motivates self in this or that activity!” (1167-2)

When the Ideal is aligned with creative and spiritual forces rather than ego, it continually inspires progress and deeper self-knowledge.

3. The Ideal as a Supporting Energy

The Ideal also acts as a sustaining inner energy—something that strengthens and supports the individual from within. Real growth and understanding do not come from external answers but from inward seeking:

“The answers—of a real lasting nature—must come from within. And in the seeking is the putting forth of that energy… that makes for the growth.” (1125-1)

This inner energy reflects the presence of the Creative Force expressed through life itself:

“The manifestations of life… are the representation, the manifestation of the Infinite God.” (1158-14)

By holding the Ideal steadily, the individual remains connected to this sustaining source. The Ideal becomes a quiet strength that helps guide choices, encourages harmony, and supports spiritual development.

4. The Ideal as an Identifying Agent

An Ideal also serves as a standard by which one recognizes personal challenges and measures growth. It brings awareness and accountability to every thought, word, and action:

“Be sure… that they will be such as will be RECOGNIZED BY SELF… before self, before others, at home or abroad.” (1000-8)

What an individual accepts as an Ideal becomes the directing influence of the will:

“That as is as its own ideal becomes the guiding or directing spirit with the will of the entity…” (1192-5)

Even abilities or gifts must be understood through this lens—not claimed as personal power, but acknowledged as coming from a higher source:

“In recognizing, in idealizing its source,—and not crystallizing it in self.” (1743-2)

Through this process, the Ideal reveals areas of alignment and misalignment, helping the individual correct direction and grow in awareness.

Conclusion

Across the readings, the Ideal is shown to be:

a guiding pattern that keeps life aligned with Good,

a motivating influence that drives growth,

a supporting energy that sustains the soul from within,

and an identifying agent that reveals truth about the self.

Taken together, the Ideal is not abstract—it is a daily, living standard by which the soul measures thought, action, and purpose.

An Ideal is not merely something to believe in—it is something to live by.

It guides direction, motivates growth, provides inner strength, and reveals truth about the self.

When chosen consciously and held consistently, the Ideal becomes the foundation for purposeful living and spiritual development.

Seven Universal Ideals

1. Truth

To seek, speak, and live in honesty with oneself and others. Truth acts as an identifying agent, revealing where thoughts, words, or actions are misaligned and calling the individual back to integrity. Daily measure: Is this honest in thought, motive, and expression?

2. Goodness

To choose what nurtures life, growth, and well-being in oneself and others. Goodness serves as a guiding pattern, helping decisions align with what is constructive rather than harmful or selfish. Daily measure: Does this choice add something good to the world?

3. Growth

To continually reach beyond present limitations in understanding, character, and ability. Growth is a motivating influence, encouraging effort, learning, and perseverance even in difficulty. Daily measure: Am I becoming more than I was yesterday?

4. Compassion

To recognize the shared human experience and respond with care rather than judgment. Compassion becomes a supporting energy, softening inner struggle and strengthening connection with others. Daily measure: Am I responding with understanding rather than reaction?

5. Purpose

To live intentionally, allowing actions to be guided by meaning rather than impulse. Purpose integrates all aspects of the Ideal by directing energy toward what truly matters. Daily measure: Is this aligned with the deeper reason I am here?

6. Self-Mastery

To govern thoughts, emotions, and actions rather than being ruled by them. Self-mastery is both identifying and motivating, revealing inner conflicts while empowering disciplined growth. Daily measure: Am I choosing my response, or reacting unconsciously?

7. Service

To use one’s abilities, time, and insight for the benefit of others and the greater whole. Service transforms the Ideal into lived expression, grounding it in daily action. Daily measure: How can what I do today help beyond myself?

How to Use These Ideals

Choose one Ideal to focus on for a day or week.

Measure thought, word, and action against it.

Let the Ideal correct gently, not condemn.

Return to it whenever confusion or conflict arises.

Taken together, these ideals form a living standard—not abstract principles, but practical guides by which the soul can measure purpose, direction, and growth.