Cosmic Consciousness | Page 2

evidence that
Cosmic Consciousness is possible to all?

CHAPTER VI
EXAMPLES OF COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS, WHO HAVE
FOUNDED NEW SYSTEMS OF RELIGION
The simple religion of early Japan. The inner or secret shrine: its
esoteric and its exoteric office. The Mystic Brotherhoods. Why the
esoteric meanings have always been veiled. The great teachers and the
uniformity of their instructions. Philosophy as taught by Vivekananda.
The fundamental doctrine of Buddhism. Have the present-day
Buddhists lost the key? Is religion necessary to Illumination? The fruits
of Cosmic Consciousness.

CHAPTER VII
MOSES, THE LAW-GIVER
The salient features of the Law as given by Moses to his people. Had
the ancient Hebrews any knowledge of Illumination and its results? The
symbol of liberation. Its esoteric meaning.

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.

LEO TOLSTOI--RUSSIAN PHILOSOPHER
Tolstoi the strangest and most unusual figure of the Nineteenth Century;
His almost unbearable sufferings; his avowed materialism; his horror of
death; The prevailing gloom of his writings and to what due. Incidents
in his life previous to his illumination. The remarkable and radical
change made by his experience. To what was due Tolstoi's great
struggle and suffering? Why the great philosopher sought to die in a hut.
His idea not one of penance. The signal change in his life after
illumination. What he says of this.

HONORE DE BALZAC
Balzac's classification as of the psychic temperament. His amazing
power of magnetic attraction. His feminine refinement in dress. His
power of inspiration gave him his place in French literature. The
dominant motive of all his writings. His unshakable conviction of
immortality. His power to function on both planes of consciousness.
The lesson to be drawn from Seraphita. Balzac's evident intention, and
why veiled. The inevitable conclusion to be drawn from the Symbolical
character.

CHAPTER XIV
ILLUMINATION AS EXPRESSED IN THE POETICAL
TEMPERAMENT
Poetry the language of Cosmic Consciousness. Unconscious
instruments of the Cosmic law. The true poet and the maker of rhymes.
The mission and scope of the poetical temperament. How
"temperament" affects expression. No royal road to Illumination.
Teaching of Oriental mysticism. Whitman's extraordinary experience.
His idea of "Perfections." Lord Tennyson's two distinct states of
consciousness; his early boyhood and strange experiences. Facts about

his illumination. The after effects. Tennyson's vision of the future.
Wordsworth, the poet of Nature. How he attained and lost spiritual
illumination. How he again received the great Light.