The Other Cheek

Self-surrender is the third stage of the five-fold gnostic Path of Return. It is the fulcrum upon which the entire Journey to Liberation must turn. To surrender the self simply means that we must stop placing our wants and desires ahead of everyone else. We have to stop seeing ourselves as the center of the universe and begin to always see others as more excellent than ourselves. We have to look to provide Service wherever we can to whomever we can. We must allow Divine Love to penetrate our hearts, permeate our microcosms and radiate from us in all directions.

This is extremely difficult to accomplish because we, as microcosms, have spent many thousands of years developing an I-centered consciousness and defending our "I" from those we call "others". We are afraid to release our self-protecting shield for fear of being harmed in some way. We fear that if we let our guard down, "others" will walk all over us, exploit us, victimize us, disregard us. This is the Great Test that all true candidates on the Path must confront and overcome. Turning our focus outwards and away from the lower self, rather than inwards.

Although it seems difficult on its face, it really isn't. If one realizes that the One Goal cannot be obtained without this prerequisite, one will make whatever changes are necessary to remain firmly on the Path that leads to that Goal. Yes, "others" may attempt to walk over us, or victimize, exploit and disregard us. But in surrendering the self, we neutralize the ability to be hurt by any negativity that may come our way. Let others do what they will, we shall stand strong as a rock and continue to radiate the Divine Force that becomes the share of all serious candidates on the Path.

If we are slapped on the right cheek, we are to turn and offer them the left cheek as well. This symbolic verse is not to be looked upon as an argument for weakness. On the contrary, one has to be very, very strong to do what is being asked here. That strength will come, not from the fearful and self-focused I-being, but from the Divine Gnosis, the Christ-radiation that floods the microcosms of all those who have awakened the Spirit-Spark Atom. This divine radiation-power enriches the blood and pours out from us in all directions as a healing balm for many.

The self-focused behavior that was long ages in the making has served its purpose. Man's period of Involution has ended. Divine Evolution is now calling us.

May those of us who are ready, respond to that Call in the right way.

~ g
.