NOTE: Because how we study what Neville shared ( in small bite-size chunks ) This Fundamentals lecture is actually one lecture that has been broken in to 4 different posts.. An introduction and the three and the three individual fundamentals. You are encouraged to read and explore each lesson at different times.. We suggest on different days.
Click here to go to the introduction.
The purpose of practicing detachment is to separate us from our present reactions to life and attach us to our aim in life.
This inner separation must be developed by practice. At first we seem to have no power to separate ourselves from undesirable inner states, simply because we have always taken every mood, every reaction, as natural and have become identified with them.
When we have no idea that our reactions are only states of consciousness from which it is possible to separate ourselves, we go round and round in the same circle of problems – not seeing them as inner states but as outer situations.
We practice detachment, or inner separation, that we may escape from the circle of our habitual reactions to life. That is why we must formulate an aim and constantly notice ourselves in regard to that aim.
This teaching begins with self-observation. Secondly it asks, “What do you want?” And then it teaches detachment from all negative states and attachment to your aim. This last state- attachment to your aim – is accomplished by frequently assuming the feeling of your wish fulfilled.
We must practice separating ourselves from our negative moods and thoughts in the midst of all the troubles and disasters of daily life. No one can be different from what he is now unless he begins to separate himself from his present reactions and to identify himself with his aim. Detachment from negative states and assumption of the wish fulfilled must be practiced in the midst of all the blessings and cursings of life.
The way of true metaphysics lies in the midst of all that is going on in life. We must constantly practice self-observation, thinking from our aim, and detachment from negative moods and thoughts if we would be doers of truth instead of mere hearers.
Practice these three fundamentals and you will rise to higher and higher levels of consciousness. Remember, always, it is your state of consciousness that attracts your life.
Start climbing!
Neville