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Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism206
the latter would be utterly unable to return that affection, and the former
would suffer all the pain that comes to one who loves in vain, the result
being that he would be brought to a realization of the sacredness of human
affection, and the unkindness of trifling with it. It will be noticed in this case
that the person causing pain in the present life is a perfectly innocent party
to the whole thing and thereby does not start new causes and effects.
Those whom we have loved and have been friendly to in past lives are
very apt to be connected with our present life, being kept near us by the law
of attraction. The people who are brought into close relations with us are, in
all probability, those with whom we have been close in past lives. Sudden
likes and dislikes, so often observed between people, may be accounted
for on this theory of rebirth, and many of the occurrences of our every day
lives come under this law of spiritual cause and effect. We are constantly
bound up with the lives of others, for pain or happiness, and the law must
work out its course. The only escape from the complete working out of the
law is the acquirement of the knowledge of the truth on our part, and the
consequent modeling of our lives on the lines of this higher truth, in which
case we are relieved of the unnecessary lessons, and we ride on the top of
the wave, instead of having it submerge us.
Let us beware how we start into operation this law of cause and effect by
Hate, Malice, Jealousy, Anger, and general Unkindness toward others. Let
us be as Kind as we can, in all justice to ourselves and others, and let us
avoid feelings of Hate and a desire for Revenge. Let us live on, bearing our
burdens with as much grace as we can summon, and let us always trust in the
guidance of the Spirit, and the help of the highest Intelligence. Let us know
that all is working together for good, and that we cannot be deprived of that
good. Let us remember that this life is as but a grain of sand in the desert of
time, and that we have long ages ahead of us, in which we will have a chance
to work out all our aspirations and high desires. Be not discouraged for God
reigns, and all is well.