Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 98 -
THE LORD SPEAKS ABOUT THE NATURE AND ACTIVITY OF LAMA. - THE MIRACLE OF THE TREE. - A WARNING TO TAKE CARE.
1
(Say I): "My sweetest Chanchah, I can tell you in a few words, so listen! Since I know the Lama as well as He knows Himself, I can tell you the following: As concerns the bringing forth and creating of things, you could never imagine how easy that is for Him. As soon as He has conceived an idea, He only has to say, 'Let there be!' and what He has willed is already there. I can give you an example. If I visualize a beautiful, fruit-laden tree here before us, or if you do it - Think of a beautiful fig tree. Have you got it?"
2
(Chanchah): "Yes, yes, I am thinking of one, one like the one that used to grow in my parents' garden."
3
(Say I): "All right! Now watch this! I am thinking of the same tree and, like Lama, I will say to this imagined tree: 'Come into existence!' And behold, here is the fig tree already standing in front of us - full of ripe, delicious fruit!
4
Did you see how easy it was for Me to give you such a living demonstration? It is just as easy for the Lama to create one, or an infinite number of things. But to shape human beings into becoming as free and as perfect as He is Himself, that is not easy for the Lama. That requires more than just omnipotence. But, even if it is more complicated, to the Lama everything is possible.
5
Now, My dearest Chanchah, do you understand My explanation? This fig tree I give you as a present. It will not wither ever, but will always bear rich and good fruit for you."
6
Chanchah is speechless from astonishment, and looks in turn at Me and then again at the fig tree. This miracle has drawn all the guests towards us, and they are all amazed at what they are seeing.
7
(Bishop Martin also looks at the tree, and says in astonishment): "O brother, although I know how easy it is for You to bring forth a tree like this, I still find its sudden appearance most surprising.
8
It must be a wonderful thing to possess a little omnipotence. But then, a spirit like mine is still much too stupid to have such power. And it is as well that I do not possess it, for even You, glorious brother, would be surprised at the silly creations with which I would be filling the infinity of space! Oh Lord, what caricatures there would be forthcoming.
9
Therefore, it is most wise of the Lama to give the ability of omnipotence only to those who possess the highest degree of heavenly wisdom, like Yourself. And that, as far as You are concerned, the giving must be easier than the taking, is beyond doubt. Anyway, as I see it, the taking would not really apply in Your case, since [in a low voice] everything is already Yours."
10
(Say I): "Careful, My dearest brother Martin! Do not forget that there are others present who have not yet reached your spiritual level. Your remarks in the beginning were quite correct, but towards the end, you almost went too far, and that could have been most detrimental to this party for quite a long time. Therefore, watch yourself, be as clever as a serpent and, at the same time, as harmless as a dove. Take an example from Borem, whose attitude is correct and who strictly observes the requirements of heavenly wisdom. Do as he does, and we shall make good progress with these guests."
11
(Bishop Martin): "I thank You for this good advice, and I will follow it conscientiously. But, see how Chanchah is watching You closely, with an expression I have not noticed on her before."
12
(Say I): "That is all right! Let her make her observations for they will lead her spirit closer to Me. She will soon have some questions ready which to answer will keep us busy for quite a while. Look, she is going to speak. You, as the host, had better ask her first how she liked My explanation, and then we shall soon see what follows from it."
13
Bishop Martin immediately follows My advice, and says to Chanchah, who is still too amazed to find the right words: "Fairest Chanchah, tell us how you liked the explanation, and if you find it now quite clear in every respect. You must not be too astonished at this miracle, for such appearances are not infrequent in this world. You will get used to them eventually.
14
I was in the same position in the beginning, and if you only knew what wonderful things I have seen since my arrival, you would surely be amazed.
15
This, my dearest Chanchah, is only just a small miracle and meant to demonstrate the explanations following your previous questions to my brother. Just be patient, eventually there will be even more to see!"
16
(Says Chanchah): "It is easy enough for you, my dear friend, having already got used to such appearances. But it is no wonder if we are confused, for where in the world has anyone ever seen a thing like this?
17
If your words had not been so reassuring and you had not convinced me otherwise, I would have taken your friend and brother, who is at present talking to my countrymen, for the Lama Himself. But since you told me that such miracles are not infrequent in this world, I feel much calmer and love this brother even deeper than before.
18
Although he, according to you, is only your brother, he looks much more divine than you do and has proved this also by his miniature creation. I think a lot of you, too, but am not so sure that you could bring forth anything like that. What do you say about it?"
19
(Says Martin): "Hmm, yes, my dearest Chanchah, if it were of importance - who knows? maybe I could! But if I wanted to produce a miracle just for the purpose of showing off, I would be sure to fail and make a terrible fool of myself. Do you understand what I mean?"
20
(Says Chanchah): "Oh, yes, I see what you mean! But do go on and tell me all you can about this!"
21
(Says Martin): "Hmm, what was I going to say? Ah yes, about working a miracle. You know, fairest Chanchah, actually only the great Lama can work miracles when, where, and how He wants to. We, His servants, can do it only with His permission, to serve a purpose. Thus, my brother here worked this little miracle because it was needed for your instruction. Otherwise he would not have done it. However, the same applies to Lama, Who scarcely ever works a miracle before our eyes since it would be unnecessary when we already understand His gentlest hints. Is this clear to you, dearest Chanchah?"