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 Self-.......................336
material from these currents, from the lack of self- discipline and self-awareness, from all the formations that 1 THE SEA OF LIFE
this problem. One should differentiate between selfishness and self- centeredness. Both are wrong, but their effect is 4 WORLD WEARINESS
by starting with yourself, that is, by thorough self- examination, without self-deceit. Find the extent of your 4 WORLD WEARINESS
concentration in prayer to some degree, practicing regular self- discipline for this purpose, you may encounter the 9 PRAYER AND MEDITATION -- THE LORD'S PRAYER
to truly forgive. Here, too, there is often self- deception. While no hate may be left, resentment 9 PRAYER AND MEDITATION -- THE LORD'S PRAYER
the basis for conquering the lower nature is self- knowledge, honesty toward oneself, and self-analysis. The lower 13 POSITIVE THINKING: THE RIGHT AND THE WRONG KIND
could and should be utilized for true meditation, self- recognition, and development. Daydreaming can be compared, in 15 INFLUENCE BETWEEN THE SPIRITUAL WORLD AND THE MATERIAL WORLD
and evolve as an organic consequence of your self- purification. One of the best meditations is to 17 THE CALL -- DAILY REVIEW
cannot recognize Christ in a religious affiliation. By self- purification alone, you will raise your consciousness to 19 JESUS CHRIST
was the time when the first glimmer of self- awareness was born, or reborn, or re-awakened. More 21 THE FALL
goodwill to do so -- your own constant self- honesty -- and how far you are still 24 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
have understood one thing clearly: the necessity for self- development on this earth plane which exists for 25 THE PATH: INITIAL STEPS, PREPARATION, AND DECISIONS
more difficult for you to gain the necessary self- understanding. So this is one factor, my dear 26 FINDING ONE'S FAULTS
put a little distance between your powers of self- observation and the reaction of your lower self 26 FINDING ONE'S FAULTS
sincere desire to go on the path of self- development, self-recognition or purification, or whatever other name 27 ESCAPE POSSIBLE ALSO ON THE PATH
have done that, begin a constant process of self- analysis of your feelings every day. You will 29 THE FORCES OF ACTIVITY AND PASSIVITY -- FINDING GOD'S WILL
as there is blindness caused through lack of self- knowledge, and as long as people do not 29 THE FORCES OF ACTIVITY AND PASSIVITY -- FINDING GOD'S WILL
in a way you do not! Therefore, such self- appraisal will be the best means to change 30 SELF-WILL, PRIDE AND FEAR
for and paid for with the price of self- development and victories over the lower self. No 30 SELF-WILL, PRIDE AND FEAR
With this attitude you not only wallow in self- pity, but express a sluggishness that prohibits your 31 SHAME
yourself up and work on yourself with realistic self- recognition -- the foundation of self-development -- the 31 SHAME
others to make up for the lack of self- respect. The blind, unconscious, and immature side of 31 SHAME
others. You lack comparison; you even lack complete self- recognition, for as long as you cannot delve 31 SHAME
it must indicate that some important piece of self- knowledge is still missing. For if it were 32 DECISION-MAKING
so many people. In other words, there is self- will; your own will has to be gratified 32 DECISION-MAKING
others, but should also learn to channel the self- occupation into a different direction, namely a productive 33 OCCUPATION WITH SELF -- RIGHT AND WRONG FAITH
wrong attitude. An unproductive and weakening kind of self- occupation also does exist and is often hidden 33 OCCUPATION WITH SELF -- RIGHT AND WRONG FAITH
friends, are ready for the right kind of self- analysis. You may already do the right actions 33 OCCUPATION WITH SELF -- RIGHT AND WRONG FAITH
sacrificing for others. And only when this well-founded self- respect is present can you truly respect others 33 OCCUPATION WITH SELF -- RIGHT AND WRONG FAITH
-- many of whom also display goodwill toward self- development -- have an inner image which makes 36 PRAYER
more or less unconsciously. Is it therefore not self- will that makes you struggle in unhappiness? Every 37 ACCEPTANCE, RIGHT AND WRONG WAY -- DIGNITY IN HUMILITY
and desirelessness can be obtained without error and self- deception. And only you, the individual, can be 39 IMAGE-FINDING
of the universe, the manifested world, or emotional self- knowledge? Clearly, emotional self-knowledge is more important. But 40 MORE ON IMAGE-FINDING: A SUMMARY
must lead to the same spiritual reality as self- knowledge, no matter how much science may be 40 MORE ON IMAGE-FINDING: A SUMMARY
acknowledgement of the principle and the truth of self- responsibility as demonstrated in yourself. You will understand 41 IMAGES: THE DAMAGE THEY DO
kind of self-love. Cowardice is nothing but self-pampering, self- pitying self-concern. Courage ascribes as much importance to 42 CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS -- OBJECTIVITY AND SUBJECTIVITY
much resistance. The motive for resistance, lack of self- honesty, unconscious or half-conscious as it may be 43 THREE BASIC PERSONALITY TYPES: REASON, WILL, EMOTION
cannot purify unless you know yourself. And although self- knowledge is not always identical with purification, to 45 THE CONFLICT BETWEEN CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS DESIRES
you is again up to you. The more self- awareness you have, the more control you have 45 THE CONFLICT BETWEEN CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS DESIRES
also furnish clues of utmost importance in your self- search. There will be patterns of behavior to 47 THE WALL WITHIN
at all; also too strong a fear and self- will, which prevent you from letting go of 47 THE WALL WITHIN
and one day death will be eliminated. Fully self- realized people will gradually transform their bodies to 48 THE LIFE FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE
the surface of your consciousness, your emotions are self- oriented in a way that is completely wrong 49 OBSTACLES ON THE PATH: OLD STUFF, WRONG GUILT, AND WHO, ME?
an element foreign to the divine life force. Self- deception amounts to untruth, and untruth is hostile 49 OBSTACLES ON THE PATH: OLD STUFF, WRONG GUILT, AND WHO, ME?
hostile to the life force. Suppression is always self- deception; therefore, when self-deception or suppression exists, the 49 OBSTACLES ON THE PATH: OLD STUFF, WRONG GUILT, AND WHO, ME?
will be fortified by the inherent desire for self- punishment; difficulties in this respect will constantly arise 50 THE VICIOUS CIRCLE
another with an attitude in which self-will and self- pity prevail, tries to force the world to 51 IMPORTANCE OF FORMING INDEPENDENT OPINIONS
believing that the universe is unjust -- to self- indulgence, rejection of self-responsibility, and the expectation that 52 THE GOD-IMAGE
understanding the justice of the universe and the self- responsibility in your own life, do not think 52 THE GOD-IMAGE
own inner, and possibly hidden currents of distorted self- love. First find the proper concept and see 53 SELF-LOVE
being accepted and loved. All these attitudes cause self- contempt and feelings of inferiority. You always despise 53 SELF-LOVE
the sick and the healthy, that is, between self- respect and distorted self-love. People often agonize about 53 SELF-LOVE
on the one hand and an overgrown, sick self- love on the other causes fluctuation between the 53 SELF-LOVE
the other hand, suppression is bad, and moral self- righteous judgement of another person's sickness is wrong 53 SELF-LOVE
selfishness and self-will. It may be much more self- willed, in a hidden way, to refuse to 54 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
in the infantile and immature personality is entirely self- centered and egotistical; it is separated from the 54 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
experiences sex, it is harmful because of its self- centeredness and separateness from love. But the remedy 54 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
that the only reason for inferiority feelings is self- deception about your motives: why you want or 56 CAPACITY TO WISH -- HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY MOTIVES IN DESIRE
this self-honesty will give you strength, security, and self- respect. It requires not only the honesty to 56 CAPACITY TO WISH -- HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY MOTIVES IN DESIRE
is and in what area the need of self- importance exists. If the demand for approval is 57 THE MASS IMAGE OF SELF-IMPORTANCE
when the God-image and the mass image of self- importance work against one another, the person who 57 THE MASS IMAGE OF SELF-IMPORTANCE
the full extent. You may wish to assume self- responsibility in some areas of your life, often 60 THE ABYSS OF ILLUSION -- FREEDOM AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
natural and fair price -- in this case self- responsibility for freedom -- the heavier the toll 60 THE ABYSS OF ILLUSION -- FREEDOM AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
itself is a sign of refusal to accept self- responsibility. If you are truly willing and prepared 60 THE ABYSS OF ILLUSION -- FREEDOM AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
never be inadequate leads to your rejection of self- responsibility, and the continued wish to be free 60 THE ABYSS OF ILLUSION -- FREEDOM AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
unjust if this were so. In any successful self- search, the personality will have to recognize that 61 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
tuning-in could be accomplished. The tuning-in would further self- development, and at the same time it would 62 MAN AND WOMAN
like to ask something about self-responsibility. Would not self- responsibility lead to irresponsibility toward others? If I 63 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
a known talent, has unfolded. The path of self- search brings inner liberation. Among many other assets 63 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
of healthy motives too. Unhealthy motives, such as self- importance, pride, vanity, or the will to rule 64 OUTER WILL AND INNER WILL -- MISCONCEPTION ABOUT SELFISHNESS
unconscious concepts; and, most important of all, your self- deception. Only by allowing your true emotions to 64 OUTER WILL AND INNER WILL -- MISCONCEPTION ABOUT SELFISHNESS
darkens your outlook on life. It eliminates your self- assurance, your self-confidence, your self-respect. It is responsible 66 SHAME OF THE HIGHER SELF
it is used with the aim of increased self- knowledge, then it can be constructive. All this 67 QUESTION AND ANSWERS
deviation produces an inner tension, whether it is self- will or any other wrong conclusion or erroneous 69 THE FOLLY OF WATCHING FOR RESULTS WHILE ON THE PATH; THE VALID DESIRE TO BE LOVED
approval, to prove something or other, makes you self- centered, proud, arrogant, superior -- or unhealthily submissive 69 THE FOLLY OF WATCHING FOR RESULTS WHILE ON THE PATH; THE VALID DESIRE TO BE LOVED
the premise that man creates his own fate, self- search, the exploration of the subconscious mind, is 72 THE FEAR OF LOVING
benign chain reaction can start. Such a realistic self- correction is very contrary to your present inner 73 COMPULSION TO RECREATE AND OVERCOME CHILDHOOD HURTS
in the wrong way, or a longing for self- assertion, also channeled in the wrong way. It 74 CONFUSIONS AND HAZY MOTIVATIONS
because she is looking for that very free self- expression, needing it first in the other to 74 CONFUSIONS AND HAZY MOTIVATIONS
stressed the necessity of doing this work of self- search without judging yourself, without moralizing, and without 75 THE GREAT TRANSITION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FROM ISOLATION TO UNION
from one state or world into another are self- knowledge and the understanding of your unconscious problems 75 THE GREAT TRANSITION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FROM ISOLATION TO UNION
understanding of your unconscious problems, concepts, and attitudes. Self- knowledge and self-acceptance are the prerequisites. Everything else 75 THE GREAT TRANSITION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FROM ISOLATION TO UNION
with the exception of the healthy instinct of self- preservation, are based on illusion and misconception. When 75 THE GREAT TRANSITION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FROM ISOLATION TO UNION
is: (1) feelings of inadequacy; (2) lack of self- responsibility, even if only on a subtle inner 75 THE GREAT TRANSITION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FROM ISOLATION TO UNION
the goal. If a person accepts full adult self- responsibility, is willing to pay the price for 75 THE GREAT TRANSITION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FROM ISOLATION TO UNION
reality this is not so. The instinct of self- preservation, if unblurred by all layers of ignorance 76 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Compiled from Private Sessions and Earlier Lectures)
planning for the next incarnation. Only when proper self- evaluation is still lacking do the higher spirits 76 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Compiled from Private Sessions and Earlier Lectures)
too. I have touched upon the subject of self- destructiveness in the past, but in the light 77 SELF-CONFIDENCE: ITS TRUE ORIGIN AND WHAT PROHIBITS IT
better you can realize the true meaning of self- responsibility and of divine justice, without any thought 78 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
when a person ceases to live in the self- centered outlook and realizes he or she is 79 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
death in your everyday life, it is so self- explanatory that I hardly need to go into 81 CONFLICTS IN THE WORLD OF DUALITY
the past. The mask self and the idealized self- image are really one and the same. The 83 THE IDEALIZED SELF-IMAGE
unhappiness automatically robs the child of security, its self- confidence is diminished in proportion to its unhappiness 83 THE IDEALIZED SELF-IMAGE
supreme. The stronger its presence, the more genuine self- confidence fades away. Since you cannot live up 83 THE IDEALIZED SELF-IMAGE
falsity, these trends become incorporated into the idealized self- image. Thus people succeed in believing that all 84 LOVE, POWER, SERENITY AS DIVINE ATTRIBUTES AND AS DISTORTIONS
throws the person into fits of depression and self- contempt which, again, have to be projected onto 84 LOVE, POWER, SERENITY AS DIVINE ATTRIBUTES AND AS DISTORTIONS
feeling insecure -- the dictates of the idealized self- image of these two types are very different 84 LOVE, POWER, SERENITY AS DIVINE ATTRIBUTES AND AS DISTORTIONS
dissolve the superstructure of your tyrant, your idealized self- image with all the unnecessary harm it does 84 LOVE, POWER, SERENITY AS DIVINE ATTRIBUTES AND AS DISTORTIONS
be used to furnish you with your missing self- respect. Genuine, not self-centered love will then no 84 LOVE, POWER, SERENITY AS DIVINE ATTRIBUTES AND AS DISTORTIONS
a typical example of how the instinct of self- preservation shifts into a wrong channel and manifests 85 DISTORTIONS OF THE INSTINCTS OF SELF-PRESERVATION AND PROCREATION
the wrong way. Instead of building the healthy self- respect that comes naturally as a result of 85 DISTORTIONS OF THE INSTINCTS OF SELF-PRESERVATION AND PROCREATION
self-endangering activity. Yet when the distorted instinct of self- preservation operates, inner or outer action that in 85 DISTORTIONS OF THE INSTINCTS OF SELF-PRESERVATION AND PROCREATION
side of the inordinate pride of the idealized self- image that cannot allow for any semblance of 85 DISTORTIONS OF THE INSTINCTS OF SELF-PRESERVATION AND PROCREATION
the character distortions that the distorted instinct of self- preservation ordinarily brings in its wake. I discussed 86 THE INSTINCTS OF SELF-PRESERVATION AND PROCREATION IN CONFLICT
at face value what they offer -- their self- effacement. They feel: Even though I offer the 86 THE INSTINCTS OF SELF-PRESERVATION AND PROCREATION IN CONFLICT
hope you will accomplish further insight, growth, and self- understanding. In order to accomplish this without unnecessary 87 THE NEXT PHASE ON THE PATH; QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
emotional reactions can be found constantly in your self- search. They exist with the predominantly power-driven person 87 THE NEXT PHASE ON THE PATH; QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
attitude, you not only fail to eliminate your self- imposed helplessness, you encourage it, as well as 88 RELIGION: TRUE AND FALSE
have to understand better the reason for your self- dramatization. Once you understand that, the need will 88 RELIGION: TRUE AND FALSE
matter of emotional maturity because true religion is self- dependent. It does not cling to a father-authority 89 EMOTIONAL GROWTH AND ITS FUNCTION
and intolerant; how it prohibits the humility of self- acceptance and therefore keeps you from liking yourself 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
all these exist in you because of this self- alienation. And this self-deprecation is then often projected 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
When this proves impossible, beneath your bitterness and self- pity you fail to forgive yourself for this 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
safe ground -- on what is feasible. Your self- confidence will therefore grow in proportion to your 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
the inevitable outcome is real, secure self-confidence and self- respect, not their counterfeits. Rigid, perfectionistic standards prohibit 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
flavor from what you previously called moralizing, or self- righteousness. How can I know when something is 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
people who are not on a path of self- development and growth would know this if they 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
of discovering that you are not your idealized self- image, you also know how to approach this 91 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
thinking, deciding, weighing. It requires a sense of self- responsibility and courage. This applies to everything, including 91 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
understanding; or not letting up on efforts of self- observation and taking account of one's actions and 91 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
the instinctual needs, and those of the idealized self- image. Instinctual needs derive from the two basic 92 REPRESSED NEEDS - RELINQUISHING BLIND NEEDS - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REACTIONS
needs -- is largely a product of your self- contempt due to the inability to relinquish. The 92 REPRESSED NEEDS - RELINQUISHING BLIND NEEDS - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REACTIONS
The ability to relinquish will give you strength, self- confidence, and a healthy self-respect that nothing else 92 REPRESSED NEEDS - RELINQUISHING BLIND NEEDS - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REACTIONS
you acknowledge and understand all distortions -- without self- moralizing -- you do the best to purify 92 REPRESSED NEEDS - RELINQUISHING BLIND NEEDS - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REACTIONS
is tremendous. You have forfeited peace, strength, and self- confidence, and made it impossible for you to 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
torn between the alternatives of either self-acceptance and self- indulgence, or repentance and self-hate. On one level 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
being through the split of a positive idea: self- forgiveness and fully facing one's sin. Both derive 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
One person may think of healthy rebellion, or self- assertion; of the strength and maturity in real 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
rather than using them for yourself. This is self- alienating. It leads you to be as helpless 95 SELF-ALIENATION AND THE WAY BACK TO THE REAL SELF
nature is love. The pseudo-solutions and the idealized self- image are pretenses. The real self is intrinsically 95 SELF-ALIENATION AND THE WAY BACK TO THE REAL SELF
and appease others and come from your idealized self- image. The result will be anxiety and new 95 SELF-ALIENATION AND THE WAY BACK TO THE REAL SELF
and frenzy your incentive for growth. These unhealthy, self- destructive emotions have to disappear before you can 96 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS; COMMENTS ON LAZINESS AS SYMPTOM OF SELF-ALIENATION
try to push this constant fear away by self- will and by the pride of pretense. Then 97 PERFECTIONISM OBSTRUCTS HAPPINESS -- MANIPULATION OF EMOTIONS
grow spiritually to the fullest without psychoanalysis, or self- search by any other name. There is no 97 PERFECTIONISM OBSTRUCTS HAPPINESS -- MANIPULATION OF EMOTIONS
no longer interpreted them in the same personal, self- diminishing way. It is exactly the same with 99 FALSIFIED IMPRESSIONS OF PARENTS: THEIR CAUSE AND CURE
has been gained, the sting of fear, resentment, self- negation, and self-rejection will vanish. And that is 99 FALSIFIED IMPRESSIONS OF PARENTS: THEIR CAUSE AND CURE
therefore from yourself and from life. Pretense and self- deception, self-alienation and isolation must be the result 101 THE DEFENSE
But my friends, be very careful in your self- examination. When you have an outer issue in 102 THE SEVEN CARDINAL SINS
of wanting and willing, while letting free: the self- will goes out, while the goodwill remains. This 103 HARM OF TOO MUCH LOVE GIVING -- CONSTRUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE WILL FORCES
must be without the rigid conditions of the self- will that dictate all the details. This describes 103 HARM OF TOO MUCH LOVE GIVING -- CONSTRUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE WILL FORCES
an approach to this problem of self-justification and self- condemnation? ANSWER: As you become aware of justifying 104 INTELLECT AND WILL AS TOOLS OR HINDRANCES OF SELF-REALIZATION
That can only produce repression, and repression is self- deception. You think you do not have it 104 INTELLECT AND WILL AS TOOLS OR HINDRANCES OF SELF-REALIZATION
to teachings such as this. If self-knowledge and self- understanding, and the honest facing of what is 104 INTELLECT AND WILL AS TOOLS OR HINDRANCES OF SELF-REALIZATION
feel hopeless and frustrated? Are you free of self- pity? Do you feel strong and secure enough 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
may have a severe breakdown which will postpone self- confrontation. In any case, they are nearer that 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
curve can one attain true perspective, and then self- assurance will be gained in a genuine way 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
the assumption of a role. The tragedy of self- alienation that people unconsciously and so arduously bring 110 HOPE AND FAITH AND OTHER KEY CONCEPTS DISCUSSED IN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
comes about only through the kind of active self- finding that you are engaged in. Let us 111 SOUL-SUBSTANCE -- COPING WITH DEMANDS
it is a decisive step toward growth and self- realization. At that moment you understand how strenuous 111 SOUL-SUBSTANCE -- COPING WITH DEMANDS
less extreme symptoms that indicate your lack of self- identification. For instance, in a fleeting moment you 113 IDENTIFICATION WITH THE SELF

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