Keys to the Door of Truth: Metaphysical Musings of a Born-Yet-Again

By Jim Young

KEYS TO THE DOOR OF TRUTH; Metaphysical Musings of a Born-Yet-Again builds upon the teachings of its two predecessors. Written in the context of yet another weekend seminar with Christo Sahbays, in this third entry in the author's new MY SPIRITUAL AWARENESS SERIES the fledgling leadership group takes on the means of metaphorical treatment of holy writ. To be more precise, certain phraseology found in the Gospel of John is found to be the key that unlocks the door to Truth about Spiritual Life as taught by the Master Jesus. In an amazingly powerful approach that uses metaphor as the Spiritual scalpel that cuts beneath the surface knowledge of intellectual literality, the "secret" meaning of Spiritual intent is revealed with brilliant clarity through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This humble intention forms the foundation for continuing metaphysical treatment of future offerings is this intriguing emerging series.

This book naturally follows the first two offerings in the MY SPIRITUAL AWARENESS SERIES: CREATION SPIRIT, Expressing Your Divinity in Everyday Life and A Labor of Love; Weaving Your Own Virgin Birth on the Loom of Life. Future writings will deal with such topics as the metaphysical meaning of Jesus and his disciples, the Sermon on the Mount, some of the various "newfound" Gospels, and those portions of the remaining three Gospels that do not replicate the content of the Gospel of John--all placed in a practical perspective.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 14, 2006
• ISBN: 9780595843923

Jim Young

Jim Young served 23 years in the Army and after retiring, he became an ordained minister. He has been a pastor and a hospice chaplain. Jim and his wife Kathy live in Show Low, Arizona. They have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Book preview

KEYS TO THE DOOR OF TRUTH

Metaphysical Musings of a Born-Yet-Again

Copyright © 2006 by James H. Young

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Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1   Where Are We Going?

Chapter 2   And Where Have We Been?

Chapter 3   The Two Shall Become One

Chapter 4   From Whence It Comes

Chapter 5   Beginning At The Beginning

Chapter 6   Overcoming The Lie

Chapter 7   Upward And Onward

Chapter 8   The First Signs

Chapter 9   Out Of The Night Let There Be Light

Chapter 10 From The War Comes Peace

Chapter 11 One Is One, No Matter How You Look At It

Chapter 12 Is There A Better Way?

Chapter 13 The Teacher Speaks

Chapter 14 Truth Shall Indeed Reign

Chapter 15 Will The Blind Finally See?

Chapter 16 Bah, Bah, Black Sheep, Have You Any Wool?

Chapter 17 Crossing Over The Bridge

Chapter 18 To Believe Or Not To Believe, That Is The Question

Chapter 19 The Time Has Come, The Hour Is Now

Chapter 20 You Gotta Have Heart

Chapter 21 From The Vine Comes The Fruit

Chapter 22 On To Self-Reliance

Chapter 23 And So We Pray

Chapter 24 The Passion

Chapter 25 The End In Sight

Chapter 26 Life A New

Chapter 27 To Commit Or Not To Commit

Chapter 28 Off, Off, And Away

Postscript An E-Mail From Christo To All

Spirit Noodles

Endnotes

JIM YOUNG’S WEBSITE

creationspirit.net. The website contains additional creations to come through Jim Young, including other books and collector-quality photography. Speaking services and classes dealing with his writings are also made available. For personal contact: dimitrios@creationspirit.

Proud man

Dressed in a little weak authority,

Most ignorant of what he’s most assured

His glassy essence, like an angry ape

Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven

As make the angels weep.

—William Shakespeare

Measure for Measure

Acknowledgments

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Where does one begin when acknowledging those to whom he is grateful? Spiritually speaking, I begin by thanking God for the opportunity to serve. I hasten to add my undying gratitude to the Archangels Uriel, Gabriel and Raphael, plus any of their brothers and sisters who have guided me through this wonderful world of Truth expressed. Although I have always felt guided, it wasn’t until I learned how to discern the reality of that guidance that these entities came to be real to me. I heartily thank you and I look forward to enhancing our conscious partnership through further offerings.

I take this opportunity to also thank my faithful editor, Dr. Pamela Finne-gan, a talented novelist in her own right, who has corrected and shaped this draft into one that is more presentable to those who might read it. You are a wonder, Pam, and I am grateful for your many helpful contributions.

Also, I thank whatever it is within me that speaks as courage and integrity of Spirit, for without these this book would have laid fallow in the field of dreams.

I thank the cast of characters contained in this book, which, like those very same archetypes within me, speak out in the form of personality. Most particularly I am grateful to Christo and Penelope, who guided this motley and wonderful group of ruffians in the discernment of Truth for themselves. Their wit and Spiritual Consciousness far surpassed any that I could have anticipated.

Last, I thank mySelf, for it is this aspect of me that has grown so greatly though this expression. I had no idea what lay within until I opened myself to express that very first word of the Introduction. When I finally sensed that it was time to begin this volume—but with absolutely no idea what it was to be about—I simply sat at my word-processor and reintroduced mySelf to my Muse, who has been a true and faithful Inspiration to me. I suppose I could crystallize all those who I have thanked thus far into that one character: my

Muse. I have found her to be, thankfully, a jealous lover who has kept me on task with devotion and a heart perpetually open to the Truth found only within. Interestingly, she has shown herself in all the personality characteristics that have demonstrated themselves, not only in those whom I have already thanked, but also in the rest of the characters who have spoken in this dialogue with Truth. To one and all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Jim Young

Introduction

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This third part of a trilogy involving the metaphysical treatment of Life as seen through the eyes of an itinerant metaphysician, Christo Sahbays, comes from a foundation of thought previously expressed by him during gatherings with interested participants. Evolved from Life experience, the wisdom offered by Christo speaks not as the only authority on any meaning. Rather, it speaks as but one more way of seeing Life—an often overlooked, but very important way of opening perspective, nevertheless.

Christo is careful in all his presentations, as I am in all that comes through me, to only take responsibility for the viewpoint offered as being the one that works for me, but not for what anyone else chooses to do with it. That is their choice and theirs alone. I declare this in the form that says that it is my responsibility only to deliver; it is yours to decipher any application for you, determined by its resonance with its Truth for you. In this sense, if it works for you, use it. If not, don’t. Just be assured that any meaning you give it is exactly that: the meaning you give to it. No one else can determine that for you. Meaning is your inalienable right; the right guaranteed to each of us. And no one can take that from us—or give it to us. It is ours alone to discern within.

This is an especially important point to make as we embark together on this third entry in the series. Why, you ask? Largely because what Christo Sahbays conveys in this offering is one purely metaphysical mediation of what is generally respected as holy writ: in this case, the Gospel of John. Given the nature of metaphysics, and its root translator, metaphor, it would be easy for someone to misinterpret the intent of this translation of the Gospels to mean that they are either literally or historical untrue. Be assured that it is not my intent to discredit the validity of such persons or events. Rather, my intent is to provide another mediation of such treasures so that you can expand your understand-

ing of their meaning from a metaphysical and metaphorical intent. Thus you can add to your storehouse of information the symbolic meaning of what has been offered through the ages. Without the symbolic meaning, from which the Master Jesus so frequently taught, his intent is often lost.

There are many levels of meaning that we can give to what comes before us. For example, there is the obvious meaning taken from history, and yet again the literal interpretation of the word. Then there is the moral and ethical value of the word. Yet another level of understanding is afforded by discernment in the realm of consciousness, both personal and cosmic in nature.

As frequently taught, religious doctrine deals with the intellectual-literal meaning of Scripture. As though this doesn’t stir up enough debate, dealing with the Bible as a historical document only adds fuel to the combative fire. This current presentation is not about denying the potential for truth in both of these facets of understanding, along with all the others. Rather, it is saying that treating Scriptural meaning metaphorically and metaphysically also deserves consideration as one in a set of keys that can unlock meaning or Truth for us—not only about Scripture, but also for Life itself.

KEYS TO THE DOOR OF TRUTH, then, is to be taken with this intent: it is offered simply as one key that can unlock the metaphysical meaning of Scripture. I have found it to be one more useful means of guiding our lives from the foundation of our own inner Truth, making us free to appreciate the amazing gift of Life with peace of mind and a joy-filled heart.

As portrayed herein, Christo Sahbays’ wisdom speaks from the seat of metaphor, woven through the meaning gained by the intersection of Life with its metaphorical interpretation. As such, Christo’s intent is merely to assist others in seeing Life from a variety of perspectives that can then be juxtaposed with the norm of everyday living. The principles upon which his treatise is grounded are the teachings Jesus treated metaphysically through the use of metaphor, from which is gained spiritual meaning of practical life circumstances and happenings. Such an approach leads any interested participant to the potential for engaging Life with informed understanding as to how one can frame and reframe Life. The ultimate choice thus becomes one of choosing which perspective affords them, and all those around them, the path of highest good.

Because the previous two works formed the foundation for getting to this third part of the trilogy, in the early chapters Christo uses the occasion of his initial regional meeting to briefly review the main elements of those metaphysical entries. Should you feel the desire or necessity to become more familiar with their meaning for everyday use, then by all means simply return to CREATION SPIRIT; Expressing Your Divinity in Everyday Life, and A LABOR OF LOVE; Weaving Your Own Virgin Births on the Loom of Life. I suggest that they be read in the order given, as Christo was careful to build this foundation in such a way as to lead you to the threshold of your own Truth, meaning, and power in a multidimensional manner.

As is usual in this series of writings, I use an upper-case beginning on words meant to connote a synonym for God or sacredness, such as: God, Idea, Truth, Love, Compassion, Principle, and Life.

Now, on with the next! Let yourself relax and simply go with the flow: reading, contemplating, digesting and assimilating at your own pace. How something resonates within is a good means of discerning its intent for you. There’s no hurrying the creation process. Each element takes its own time to reach completion, so the very next can also come to fruition, as it must for you. As you are ready for each meaning to show up as Inspiration and Insight, the teacher in you will show up. Just be patiently persistent. And trust in Truth being there for you when you are ready for it to show its face. Transformation and Transcendence are sure to follow. In the final analysis, then, your only job will be to stay aware of the various ways meaning will surely present itself to you. And, by all means, remember to enjoy your Self all along the way.

Jim Yotung

A Special Note: Should you wish to penetrate the veil of illusion around Life, you might well want to exercise the Spirit Noodles section at the end of the book. A series of spiritually-related questions and such appear for each chapter. If you consider these at the end of each chapter before going on to the next, your sincerity of purpose will carry you to great depths of meaning within. I encourage you to honor your divinity in this way.

CHAPTER 1

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Where Are We Going?

When we last saw Christo Sahbays he had concluded his second lengthy retreat with interested participants. He had promised them that he would soon begin regional meetings so that the smaller group configuration could then offer the potential for greater interaction with him as he engaged them in further application of metaphysical meaning in their lives.

In planning for this new format, Christo is meeting with a single representative from each regional configuration—seven in all—across the state of Arkansas. Their task is to discern the next steps in the process of opening up interested participants to means of allowing metaphysics to flow with even greater potential for individual meaning of Life. Consensus is quickly reached regarding the necessity of beginning the regional sessions with a brief, but nonetheless comprehensive, review of the teachings imparted thus far. Consensus also determines that the review should be conducted primarily by soliciting the remembrances from the gatherings, yet guided in a way that places the results in the appropriate metaphysical framework as the foundation for the next steps of application.

We now find ourselves in the midst of the last bit of conversation with Christo and his planning team, where the revelation of next steps becomes clear to one and all. Christo, always careful to tune in to his intuition for guidance, is ready now to issue forth the key question: Well, he begins, "it appears that we are now ready to consider what is the necessary next step we need to take in order to unlock the exciting potential for metaphysical meaning to show its way for living with peace of mind and joy-filled hearts. So far, we have

spoken frequently about First cause and its unqualified Truth as that which begins every act of Loving Creation. Is there anything that has troubled any of you in this regard? For instance, even though we have engaged in conversation that applies this principle to every-day Life, is there anything about this claim that fails to ring true to you?" Christo pauses for effect and waits for any kind of response from the group.

It is important to know that by this time those present have developed great respect for Christo’s leadership. He returns that respect in kind, for the participants have advanced beyond belief, both in their ability to expand understanding from this perspective and also in the freedom they exercise in challenging Christo when they feel it’s necessary. Christo is absolutely delighted at both prospects, for it shows him that their inner confidence is at a high level. And, because this is so, that they can be pushed to greater depths of meaning.

Okay then, any takers? Christo reposes the question.

John, a bright, articulate man of color, opens the foray. Are you looking for something you already know the answer to, or is this one open as fair game? he inquires. There is a collective smile on the group’s face, and Christo joins them in appreciation of John’s ironically placed challenge.

Actually, John, that’s a perfect question—the answer to which is this: you will find that they are one and the same, Christo rejoins with that now familiar twinkle in his eye.

Mary, a middle-aged lesbian from central Arkansas, quickly asks: Whatever can that mean? How can they be one and the same? How can the answer to your question be an answer you already know and yet be authentically open to all?

Paul, a born-again Christian from southeast Arkansas, speaks out: That’s an easy one, I think. Well, maybe it isn’t so easy after all, or even correct, Paul ponders momentarily, but if we are all checking into our intuition, isn’t it just possible that some influence on what we’ll hear there will come from the collective consciousness of Truth?

Wow! Joan, a widow and grandmother to twelve, contends. Is that a good one or not? You know, from time to time I’ve given credence to that same idea, Paul. So I think that’s a very good question for us to consider.

Christo continues to prod. Well, what do the rest of you think about Paul’s offering? What do you think about the fatted calf he’s offered up on the altar of Truth? he jokes.

James, a basketball coach from Fayetteville, chimes in: Yes, I agree. At this stage of development, recognizing that this in only a continuum and not the final piece, I, for one, have also felt the impact of a much deeper knowing than simply my own. I just hadn’t yet gotten to the point of labeling it as collective consciousness. It rings True for me now, though, so I could go with Paul’s declaration as the exact reason why Christo’s answer is also true.

Is there anyone who has a different perspective? queries Christo. The air is pregnant with pause. Well, Christo inquires, could it not also be that there is not just a single approach that would be fitting? Yes, the one I find in Intuition could be right for me, but does that mean it’s also right for you right now?

Aw, no way, Christo, responds Sarah, a school teacher from southwest Arkansas, you’re not going to pull that one on us! So far, what you have heard and followed has taken at least me on a path I didn’t imagine possible. It’s taken me to a point where I can now hear that still small voice within and be confident that when I follow it, it is surely the Truth for me. In every instance this has been True, and continues to be, without end. Frankly, what I think you’re getting at here is that you have an overall view of what your intuition is speaking to in this regard, while we—probably for the most part—are tapping our intuition only for our individual purpose.

That’s neat, Sarah, offers Penelope, a psychologist and a single parent from southwest Arkansas. This rings true for me, too. In that way, wouldn’t our process be to ask Christo what he thinks and then see if his answer rings true for each of us? Or, if we just leave him to his own devices, he’ll more than likely ask us just the right question that will elicit the collective meaning from our midst, she concludes with amusement. The gathering responds with the kind of laughter that affirms the accuracy of her intuitive response to all this.

Christo is so tickled by the high level of inquiry shown by the discussion he can hardly contain himself. All right then, what’s the consensus? What’s the next step?

I think Penelope’s hit the nail on the head, says Joseph, a rabbinical intern from northwest Arkansas. Go ahead, Christo, he continues, Ask your question.

Not so fast, reconsiders Penelope. "Maybe it’s one of us that’s to ask the ‘right’ question. Otherwise, how does Christo get to know if we’ve learned how to ferret this out when he’s not around to guide us? Isn’t this what we’ve learned about the Paraclete and going within to our inner Authority? Okay, the heck with it! Here’s the question: Metaphysically speaking, what’s the next, best step to bring us to deeper meaning? Or, said another way, what’s keeping us from such discernment?" The gathering is wowed with both her chutzpah and the depth of her understanding of the issue. Christo is thoroughly pleased with

Penelope’s appreciation of, and respect for, her intuitive knowledge, as well as her obedience to acting out on its power to move mountains.

Well, begins Christo, Penelope has asked a piercing question from two perspectives. First she asked what is our necessary next step. Then she posits the same inquiry from the other side of the coin: what is lacking in our understanding that prevents us from moving forward? Does either way penetrate the need we have? he concludes. Again, the air is pregnant with pause. You can almost hear the wheels of progress churning within the group.

After what seems like a lifetime of waiting, which Christo has taught them is often necessary if they are to just step away from the wonderment and wait in awe, Joseph speaks out from his place of nakedness before God and all: "I’m not sure how this will come out, but bear with me so we can all see it for what it is. I’d be interested to see if anyone but me has this feeling, this resonance with what we’ve been learning. I have a sense that all of it is true, and no doubt at all about its usefulness and Truth for me.

The thing that keeps coming up for me, though, Joseph continues, "—and it has just resurfaced big time as a result of letting Penelope’s perceptive question to us go on its own way—is this: What’s behind it all? What is the great teaching—the overarching Truth—that, when divulged to all, will afford everyone the opportunity of seeing how they can lead a Life from a vastly more Loving perspective than has been possible heretofore? Exactly what is the authority for penetrating the meaning and living of Life from a metaphysical perspective? This has been haunting me almost from the very beginning. And this is the very first time I have had the opportunity to ask it this way. Thanks, Penelope, for providing the stimulus. I feel greatly relieved just for letting it out into the open."

The group is thunderstruck by Joseph’s piercing observation. Christo only smiles within at yet another affirmation of his choice of participants for this session. Once again, their readiness for leadership in their various regions shows its way. Christo hasn’t shared this purpose with them yet, for his sense is that they need a bit more confidence before launching out in that direction. The time will be soon in coming he hears himself saying within.

Well, you sure are an impressive bunch of grapes, Christo responds. Your wine is saging nicely, he adds, playing with metaphor. And I just Love filling my cup with your rich offerings. Well done! Now, has anyone else had this same revelation, this same, marvelous virgin birth? Or are you going to let Joseph stand here naked, all alone in his honesty?

No, not at all, chimes John and James, almost in unison. James bows to John, and he proceeds: I’ve had exactly the same question pricking my conscience, if I may put it that way. I’ve also wanted to ask it, but didn’t want it to appear to challenge Christo’s authority on the matter.

Me neither, adds James.

Count me in, proclaims Joan. All the rest nod in unison.

Really? inquires Christo. All of you have had this exact same burr under your saddle—this same pea under your mattress—and you didn’t raise it our of fear that I’d be offended?

No, that’s not it, at least on my part, Christo, says Joseph. It’s out of respect for you and all you’ve taught us that kept me from raising it, Joseph closes.

That’s not it for me, adds Paul. I was afraid of appearing stupid or contrary, as simple as that. I don’t like that about myself, but that’s the Truth of it for me.

Now that all this wash is out on the line, what is the sole determinant of the question from within that begs an answer? Christo asks. "Is it that you respect me rather than your own inner need? That you’re afraid of appearing as this or that? That it’s more important not to appear impudent than to seek Truth for yourself? What is the real determinant? Christo challenges in a non-judgmental way. What is the sole, and soul—the only real—determinant?" he concludes.

What is for our highest good? asks Penelope hesitatingly.

Not a bad answer, that one, Christo responds. "What is for your highest good? Is it your highest good to delay finding the Truth of what you’re feeling or sensing or needing to penetrate? Is it in your highest good to be concerned with how I feel or think about something that’s none of my business to think or feel about? What’s our guiding principle here?"

Our only job is to deliver, not to decipher, blurts out James, as others nod in agreement.

Yes, that’s exactly correct, affirms Christo. Spiritually speaking, our only job is to deliver out into the space of consideration. It’s not to decipher the message for anyone. That would be depriving us of our inalienable right to discern the message for ourselves, by testing it within, wondering with awe about it’s meaning for each of us. And if I, or anyone else for that matter, is judgmental toward either you or your posit, then all that shows is one’s need to be judgmental. That act of judgment has nothing whatsoever to do with you and thus needs not to be given the dignity of having taken it personally. You are learning some hard-fought lessons beautifully, my dear friends. You are learning the true definition of leadership, the definition of leadership spoken most eloquently when it is said that leadership is taking someone to the threshold of his or her own Truth and power. I am so proud of you and so pleased for you that you are reaching this level of highest good for you and all who will be touched by your leadership.

Christo’s last sentence leaves the group looking puzzled, so he decides to break the ice: You’re wondering what the dickens I mean by that phrase, and how it applies to you, aren’t you? he asks. Nodding heads and continued quizzical looks inform. It’s time to tell you, I guess, that I not only wanted each of you present to be part of this discourse because I genuinely value your considerable talents and abilities. I wanted also to see your willingness to be taken to the next level: one of leadership for the region you represent. Looks of astonishment quickly fill the space beyond wonderment and the group is awestruck by the news.

I know this doesn’t seem quite fair, continues Christo, "my not being completely open from the beginning. Yet each of you knew you must be special or I wouldn’t have invited you here for this planning session. And besides, how many of you would have readily agreed if I said that your willingness to assume leadership was a prerequisite for attending? Oh, once you thought about it, you’d have been okay. I know you well enough to know that you’d have eventually figured it out, but not for a while, and I didn’t have an ‘a while’ available. You would have found a way to worry or fret, or simply deny the opportunity out of fear. What I want you to know is that I have absolute confidence in each of you to lead our next steps—at the very least to learn how to lead the next steps—on our journey together. And I wanted to tell that to you face to face. Until now, I have sensed that you weren’t ready to hear all this.

So, let’s pursue the last line of questioning and then I want you to take a break and consider my offer of leadership. I can assure you that your time will not be abused, and that all your expenses will be paid should you reaffirm your interest. I’m investing in your future because I want to be sure that the future of all who will be touched by your leadership will not be at risk. And that they will have every opportunity to be led properly and wisely to the threshold of their own Truth and power until they can do that for themselves. It’s time to begin turning over the reins of this voyage of Truth to those who are most able. And that, in case you have missed it, is you, ladies and gentlemen.

Christo is prompted within, and he listens intently. Everyone knows the signal and waits patiently, yet not without anticipation, for Christo’s next words.

Christo begins once again: "I am to tell you that you are the chosen ones. The chosen ones! Do you hear that? Of course you have the choice to accept or decline. I’m going to give you a few moments to consider right here and now, to tune within for discernment of Truth for you. Do not intellectualize this offer. Merely sit with it in an attitude of awe and wonder. Know that your decision, no matter what it is, is not only acceptable but will change your life forever. I have full confidence in you to meet this head on and will respect your answer no matter what it may be. Retreat into a corner somewhere, or take a brief walk if you wish. Remember, whatever is best for your highest good is the determining factor. Go now, and return in no more than ten minutes. Any longer and you’ll succumb to intellectual pressure rather than the righteous power of your inner Authority."

The gathering disperses, each one going in his or her own direction. All are pensive in demeanor. As Paul strikes out through the side door, he wheels around and declares like someone pinched with the prick of a needle: No, I don’t need to ponder. The answer within is clear as a bell. All I needed to do is turn it over in wonder and the Truth immediately appeared: ‘So what else do you want to do with Life that is more important to your highest good?’ The answer, for me, is absolutely clear: ‘Nothing less will do!’ Count me in, Christo. As Christo greets Paul’s affirmative response with a hug of full acceptance, he looks over Paul’s shoulder and sees several of his cohorts coming through the door from the fields of brightly colored tulips with beaming smiles decorating their faces. The tension that had stooped their shoulders just moments ago is clearly missing now, replaced by confident strides of conviction and commitment. They don’t have to say a word.

Welcome home! Christo greets them in word and praise. Hugs seal their bond with absolute trust and gratitude. Without notice, the rest of the gathering enters the room as if obeying a group declaration. By their demeanor and enthusiastic presence they declare their rightful journey to Mecca, the holy place that resides within, and their surety that every step already taken in that direction has been necessary and proper. Again, Christo Lovingly welcomes the remaining leaders into the fold. He shows his immense joy and gratitude to both God and these young leaders by sending out a surge of Loving energy from his heart, touching one and all to the depths. He anoints each by yet another hug and a kiss on both cheeks, closing the moving, yet simple ceremony of acceptance extending a firm handshake as affirmation of their agreement. Their word, conveyed by the simple handshake, was all they would need

as their contract with the inner calling each heard. Obedience to the call is ruling the day.

Now that you have officially declared your commitment to this journey, let’s determine what is needed to go forth, Christo invites. Before I so rudely interrupted our quest in this direction, he kids, we were pondering this fate for our colleagues across the state. Let’s take a few moments to let this celebration sink in and to let this piercing question sit in wonder: What is the source from which every teaching I have brought to your threshold has come? Get yourself some refreshments and return in ten minutes for our continuance. I’ll be right here when you return.

The group returns quickly. These young people are so eager to get going that Christo barely has time to take a restroom break, gather a cup of tea with some fruit and cheese, and return to the gathering space. As Christo begins, he feels from the group a heightened sense of ownership as well as a deepening of their collective consciousness. The feeling of Oneness is palpable, and he is grateful beyond description. In the moment, he recognizes that this step is also a major one for him, for it involves teaching others how to spread the Gospel. In this same moment Christo realizes that it is the metaphysical Gospel that is the very agenda they must deal with next.

Again, many thanks for your devotion to this journey we are on, Christo begins. It is one that will awaken many to the Truth of their existence, and you are to be commended on your commitment to serve. Now that we have opened the hymnal, let us by all means be sure we are on the same page. Before we engaged the topic of leadership, we were heading toward discerning the next most-important step. Have any of you given thought to it since? Christo queries.

Penelope takes up the charge once again: Yes, I have. Actually, for me it goes back to the way metaphysics works in the first place. It’s about beginning rightly, and Christo keeps returning to Scripture as that source of power, the power of First cause. This being the case, unless I’m not reading the situation correctly, it is Scripture that must somehow be the foundation for how Life works, at least metaphysically. As Christo has led us to see, our lives are the creation story. This being so, where in Scripture is the key for unlocking that Truth? Penelope concludes.

Not only that, John chimes in, but we also know that, as a pattern of teaching, Christo has used primarily the metaphysical example of Jesus’s teachings, and not Scripture from elsewhere in the Bible. That would limit our investigation to the Gospels, wherein Jesus speaks for himself…well, for God, actually.

So where does that leave us? asks Christo.

Joan replies: Well, for me, that takes us straight to the Gospel of John.

Why John? asks Paul. What’s the key found in John?

Well, begins Joan, for one, where else does it say ‘in the beginning.?’ A broad smile crosses Christo’s face and the group knows in that instant that the Gospel of John is the one, the place where the key is found. Christo breaks his silence on the matter: "Bingo! Yes, the Gospel of John is the one, the place where we must begin. It is in John where Jesus gives us the key that opens the door to the intended meaning for Scripture—to the Truth of it all. It is here that Jesus establishes metaphor and metaphysics as the approach to Life itself. It is here that Life as the Creation Spirit is established for us to follow as the example. And if we look at Jesus’s teachings in this light, we will see them in ways that free us from that which cripples us.

I’m not going to take you through the Gospel of John right now, or even before I begin the regional meetings. I want you to study John on your own. I want you to look at it through the glass of metaphor and metaphysics only. You must be single-minded about this if you are to fully grasp the wisdom it contains. Then, when we are together for our regional meetings, you will hear me speak from this perspective, and you will thus be afforded the comparison and contrast with your own views. And I will welcome your perspectives on this approach, both during the larger session itself and afterward, as we work to define our understanding from a common base. We learn from each other. And you teach me well, indeed, so I look forward to our time together with great anticipation and enthusiasm. With his declaration Christo makes it clear that dependence on him, or worse yet, codependence, is not an option. Going within for one’s Truth is the only avenue of approach available. All seem to recognize this weaning process as a necessary ingredient for spiritual maturity to blossom.

"I will be contacting you with information about the meetings and about your role in them. Meanwhile, you’ll need to get busy on your grand inquisition into the writings in the Book of John. You should feel free to contact me in that regard, knowing that the best you’ll get from me is more questions to ponder. This, too, is a clue to how the regional meetings will be conducted. All right, then, you may be on your way.

"And remember always to greet yourselves and all with: ‘Ñamaste.’ You are indeed divine, and it is out of your divinity that you are learning to truly

Love—and Love Truly—more and more. In just the last half hour or so you have shown me with indelible clarity what your capacity for Loving is. ‘How?’ you might ask. Perhaps without even knowing it you have answered the key question that all of us must ask ourselves if we are to venture on this narrow path: ‘To what extent am I willing to give up my Life of dreaming and acting according to the limitations of believing I am ‘less than’ in order to express Loving unabashedly only from the perspective of divinity?’ When you can lay down your egoic life for something larger than yourself, you have reached the definition of divinity and Loving at its best. Congratulations to one and all for achieving this place on the continuum of joy we call Life. Go now in peace of mind and the satisfaction that you are well on your way. And that I have full confidence in every one of you and believe in each and all with all my heart and Soul."

The group is deeply moved by Christo’s declarations of Love and faith in them. Slowly, but surely, one by each they bid Christo and one another a fond adieu. Christo is enormously pleased that the direction has been properly set and that this is the group that will most assuredly provide just the right kind of leadership to those who will choose to participate. All are aglow with this same understanding as they take leave for home.

CHAPTER 2

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And Where Have We Been?

We find Christo now engaging his first regional weekend meeting participants with aplomb. There is a buzz of anticipation in the room that is palpable. Although Christo wanted fewer than a hundred people for such sessions so as to afford them with more personal attention, he knows that with Penelope, his regional leader, at his side, that the participants would be well met with the care they would need for assembling the total perceptual framework he intended. Hugs and warm greetings abound. Christo is feeling a real difference in their openness with one another. Furthermore, from the chatter around the room it is obvious that many, if not all, have been practicing the method they had learned in the last major meeting with Christo. Lilting renditions of Namaste are everywhere heard, matching the heartfelt joy that finds its way into the hearts and across the faces of one and all. Penelope and Christo agree that they are in for some kind of weekend with this group. They’re wired for sound, for sure! is the way Penelope puts it.

Ladies and gentlemen, Christo begins, it’s time to gather our attention so we can begin this journey together. He pauses so as to provide enough time for folks to complete their conversations and become comfortable with the setting. Finally, he greets them with: "Namaste, my dear friends and colleagues. I truly honor and celebrate the magnificence of your divinity. From the energy and commentary I have witnessed as we greeted one another a few moments ago, I can tell that you have taken the practice of metaphysics seriously. Congratulations to one and all. I am especially pleased because we have not met for several months now, and it would have been easy for you to lose interest and drive. Obviously, this is not the case. I am grateful for your commitment and enthusiasm.

"Some of you may have picked up on the use of the term ‘colleague’ in my greeting. Of course, such a greeting has a purpose. As Don Miguel Ruiz tells us, it is necessary for us to be impeccable with our words. Therefore it is incumbent upon us all to say what we mean and mean what we say, all tied to the Truth of our divinity. Greeting you as a colleague, then, is exactly that. By calling you a colleague I am acknowledging and celebrating you not only as divine, but also as future leaders in the development of metaphysical perspectives with others. Of course, just like the regional group leaders had, you will have the opportunity to accept or decline my offer of leadership. Even if you choose to refrain from such a commitment to service, that is what I will respect. Further to the point, you may still choose to continue your study of metaphysics purely on an individual level, for only your own good and that of your family and friends. This in itself is a most worthy goal and use of the principles we take to meaning. So, for now as least, let my invitation simply remain as offered. Don’t get your underwear all tied up in knots over it, or stew intellectually over the decision. Believe me, your answer will become clear enough as we work together this weekend.

"You have all met Penelope Browning by now, but I want you to take a good look at her and get to know her during this session, because she will be more than the coordinator for this region. She will also be available to lead smaller group sessions and to answer specific questions regarding our work together.

"Well, what is the agenda for expanding this circle of metaphysicians? The only one I have is for us to make available to more and more people yet another means of understanding Life and our part in collaborating with the Creation Spirit. As more people come to understand the richness of character metaphysics brings to Life, I am hopeful that the fires of enthusiasm will spread beyond our borders.

"It is important to state here once again that metaphysics is not the only way to Enlightenment. It is but one way that can lead to Insight, Inspiration, Enlightenment, Transformation, and Transcendence. Nevertheless, it is one that can clear the way for finding the Truth that makes us free. Not necessarily free to choose, but free to know. To re-member with Truth as our guide. You’ll become more familiar with this distinction as we move along through this weekend.

"The final goal? Peace of mind and joy-filled hearts. Even as this word gets out, the planetary energy is quickened and healed. So that will become our legacy to the world.

"The commitment you make, either as a leader or simply for you and your family and associates, is one of single-mindedly approaching Loving from the seat of your divinity. Actually, as I’ve just described this to you, either approach is one of leadership: leading ourselves and—by setting example—also leading others to the threshold of their own Truth and power. Your decision then becomes one of choosing at what level you wish to function. That’s all I’ll say about this for now.

"The planning advisory committee composed of representatives from all across the state has been instrumental in guiding me in preparation for these regional meetings. It was felt that a quick review, by virtue of a personal inventory, would be helpful in bringing us all to the same page of the hymnal, so to speak. This we can do this evening, and then let it etch yet another layer of Truth on our hearts as we sleep. Then, beginning tomorrow morning after breakfast, we’ll initiate the next steps on our road to Mecca—the seat of Truth within each of us—being careful to see that each one goes only in that direction.

Our planning group was delightfully insightful in discerning the nature of this next step, and it is a doozie! I leave you only with that for now, but you can be assured you will find it stimulating and rewarding, all in one. At this, Penelope displays a wide grin of affirmation across her sweet face. Some of the crowd picks up on this and show their pleasure with smiles of a similar nature, even though they have no real idea of what they are about to plunge into. They only know