CHAPTER VIII

GAUTAMA—­THE COMPASSIONATE

Prenatal conditions influencing Buddha.  His strange temperament.  His peculiar trances and their effect upon him.  Why Buddha endured such terrible struggles; is suffering necessary to Cosmic Consciousness?  From what was Buddha finally liberated?  The simplicity of Buddha’s commandments in the light of Cosmic Consciousness.  The fundamental truths taught by Buddha and all other sages.  Buddha’s own words regarding death and Nirvana.  Last words to his disciples.  How the teachings of Buddha compare with the vision of Cosmic Consciousness.  His method of development of spiritual consciousness.

CHAPTER IX

JESUS OF NAZARETH

The astonishing similarity found in all religious precepts; the distinguishing feature of the teachings as delivered by Jesus.  His repeated allusion to “the light within.”  The great commandment he gave to his disciples.  Love the basis of the teachings of all Illumined minds.  The “Second Coming of Christ.”  The signs of the times.

CHAPTER X

PAUL OF TARSUS

His undoubted experience of illumination and its effects.  Was Paul changed by “conversion,” or what was the wonderful power that altered his whole life?  Why Paul sought seclusion after his illumination.  Characteristics of all Illumined ones.  The desire for simplicity.  Paul’s incomparable description of “the Love that never faileth.”  The safe guide to illumination.  The “first fruits of the spirit,” as prophesied by Paul.

CHAPTER XI

MOHAMMED

Mohammed a predestined Leader.  Condition of Arabia at his birth.  Prophecies of a Messiah.  His peculiar psychic temperament; his frequent attacks of catalepsy; his sufferings because of doubt; his never-ceasing urge toward a final revelation.  His changed state after the revelation on Mt.  Hara.  His unswerving belief in his mission; his devotion to Truth; His simplicity and humility.  His claim to Cosmic Consciousness.

CHAPTER XII

EMANUEL SWEDENBORG

Swedenborg’s early life.  His sudden change from materialism.  The difficulty of clear enunciation.  His unfailing belief in the divinity of his revelations.  How they compare with experiences of others.  The frequent reception of the Light.  The blessing of Cosmic Consciousness.

CHAPTER XIII

Modern examples of intellectual cosmic consciousness:  Emerson; Tolstoi; Balzac

The way to Illumination through intellectual cultivation; Emerson a notable example; The Cosmic note in his essays and conversations.  Emerson’s religious nature.  His familiarity with Oriental philosophy; his remarkable discrimination; the peculiar penetrating quality of his intellect.  His never failing assurance of unity with the Divine.  His belief in a spiritual life.  Did Emerson predict a Millenium?  His writings as they reflect light upon his attainment of Cosmic Consciousness.