The Second Mountain (f)

(1.21) The true method of concentration is to become so identified with the object of our thought that we’re conscious of nothing else.

We must learn to eliminate the tendency to direct our attention to thought that does not support our ideal state. Thought is like a cloud passing above us. It is not until we direct our attention toward it, that we become possessed by it.

(1.22) Invisible forces are, then, set in motion to bring about the desired result.

By directing our attention toward thought that supports our ideal state, we begin to filter experience through a strainer that eliminates the cause of undesired effects.

(1.23) Spiritual truth is the controlling factor in this method of thought.

Spiritual refers to the ability of the individual to intentionally think, in contrast to biological drives and psychological forces. Thought is creative and depends upon an interaction with unlimited creative potential that comes from the Universal.

(1.24) The nature of our desire must be in harmony with natural law.

Natural law is the principle/pattern of cause and effect. Most people fail because they become fixated on the effect. They desire the effect and begin to daydream about how their life will change with the effect. They treat conditions in life as supportive or unsupportive on the effect and completely neglect the cause.

Our desires must BECOME the cause, and the effects will take care of themselves. For example, the cause is practice, the effect is success. We must desire to practice and master whatever it is we are passionate about, and the success will follow.

(1.25) Thought is transmuted into character and character is the magnet that creates the environment of the individual.

Our directed attention creates a vibrational frequency that affects us physically and emotionally. Other people will “tune into” this frequency, whether consciously of subconsciously, and the impression that forms in others perception of our vibrational frequency is what we refer to as character.

(1.26) The control factor of every commercial pursuit is the mental element.

The mental element is the spiritual; our ability to consciously direct our attention, knowing that every thought is a cause and every condition, an effect.

(1.27) Mind is the ruler and creator of all form and all events occurring within form.

Mind is the “engine” that facilitates thought.

(1.28) Concentration operates by the development of wisdom, perception, intuition, and sagacity.

Wisdom is applied knowledge leading to sound judgement. Perception is a result of our predominant mental attitude. Intuition is the knowing that comes from within, absent of reason; what we viscerally feel. Sagacity is discernment.

(1.29) Intuition is superior to reason because it does not depend upon existence or memory and frequently brings about a solution to our problems by methods of which we are in entire ignorance.

Existence (past, present, or imagined future experience) and memory (how we remember past experience) create bias, which can impair our perception and decision making.

(1.30) The symbol is the outward form of the spiritual activity within, therefore, unless we possess the spiritual reality, the form disappears. 

Effects are symbols. They reflect our predominant mental attitude, as shaped by our directed attention.

Symbols are effects. A symbol without integrated knowledge and experience is just a symbol.