The Crown of Concentration 229 



what you seek will you reach the goal of en- 

 deavor complete abstraction from the material, 

 visible plane. The forces that ingather 'during 

 such concentration are commonly wasted in prodi- 

 gal outward radiation; for there is more spend- 

 thrift thinking than there is spendthrift waste of 

 money. Not till the psychic force which is com- 

 monly squandered so thoughtlessly and lavishly is 

 gathered in and concentrated in various centers 

 does the normal consciousness realize the extent to 

 which the power can be controlled, or the energy 

 which can be thus generated. 



Above all, during the exercise of concentration, 

 the mind should not be permitted to dwell for an 

 instant upon the anxieties, vicissitudes, or annoy- 

 ances of the day. It should be lifted to the con- 

 sciousness of eternal peace, the law of the per- 

 fectly adjusted life. The first stage of the sub- 

 jective, interior self which we reach in the Silence, 

 is that most closely connected with normal con- 

 sciousness where the effects of habitual thoughts 

 and acts are garnered and reproach or comfort us 

 according to their nature; and in the degree that 

 we are able to make this self-examination with ab- 

 solute candor and freedom from bias or prejudice, 

 is it helpful to us. Do not tarry here; waste no 

 time in regret; give only such recognition as arms 

 you against repetition of that which harms. Har- 

 monious thoughts alone can mould a harmonious 



