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The Fourth Lesson: The Unity of Life.759
real meaning, as given by the standard authorities? We are sure that many
of you have no real idea of the actual meaning of the term, as strange as this
statement may appear to you at first glance. Stop now, and define the word
to yourself, as you have been accustomed to think of it. Ninety-five people
of a hundred will tell you that it means something like “a strong personality.”
Let us see about this.
Webster defines the word “Individual” as follows: “Not divided, or not to
be divided; existing as one distinct being or object; single; one.” The same
authority informs us that the word arises from the Latin word individuus,
meaning “indivisible; not divisible.” Does not this help you to gain a clearer
idea of the Individuality that knows itself to be a Centre of Consciousness in
the One Life, rather than a separate, puny, insignificant thing apart from all
other centres or forms of Life, or the source of Life? We think it will help to
clear your mind of some of the fog that has not as yet lifted itself.
And while we are on the subject of definitions, let us take a little look
at the word “Personality,” that is generally believed to be a synonym of
“Individuality,” and is often so used. Webster tells us that the word “Person”
originated from the Latin word persona, meaning “a mask used by actors,”
which word in turn arose from two other words, per, meaning “through,”
and sonare, meaning “to sound,” the two combined words meaning “to
sound through.” The same authority informs us that the archaic meaning of
the word was “a character or part, as in a play; an assumed character.” If you
will think of Personality as “a mask used by an actor,” or as “a part in a play,”
or as something used to “sound through” or to speak through, by the real
Individual behind the mask of Personality, then perhaps you will see a little
further into the Mystery of Personality and Individuality.
Oh, dear students, be not deceived by the mask of Personality which
you may happen to be wearing at this moment, or by the masks which
are worn by those around you. Realize that back of your mask is the great
Individual—the Indivisible—the Universal Life, in which you are a centre of
consciousness and activity. This does not wipe out your identity—instead