We were brought up in the fear of human and divine laws. Very early in life, we were taught that, if we sinned, we went to hell, and if we stole, we went to jail. Thus we were raised in a negative atmosphere, where teachings were mostly centered on a strict obedience to litteral interpretations of the ten commandments, the ever present threat of the wrath of God, if we ever went astray, and the negative feeling that we were in a constant state of sin.
Very early in life, fear of the law was implanted in our minds, and although some policemen and judges are very friendly and understanding, many people will have an uneasy feeling, whenever they are in contact with those who represent the law. With the ever present violence in films and on TV, it is no wonder that we have become fearful, and apprehensive, of a system where violence prevails, and threatens humanity's mental and spiritual well-being, thus undermining the little progress we have made, on the evolutionary path of this tridimensional world.
In the seven immutable laws of the Universe is to be found the full esoteric meaning of life's existence. I speak, for example of the immutable law of Perfect Balance, and it is an immutable law that as you express and give to the multitudes a vision of all things created, there is a return for every expression of your mental processes. To simplify in your life the problems of earthly food and shelter and clothing, but also to express yourself in a true spiritual understanding that encompasses all the progressions of life, is the attainment of balance...
Excerpt from THE GOD WITHIN, by Elwood Babbitt and Chs. H. Hapgood
When we speak of the seven immutable laws of the Universe, namely, Order, Balance, Harmony, Growth, God-Perception, Love and Compassion, we do not find, in these, the Law of Justice. It is because the law of Justice, along with the laws of Truth, Mercy, Salvation, and Illumination, was lost in the first and second Fall, when, forgetting their Divine Origin, spirits fell from grace, and left their Father's Kingdom for the world of illusion.
True Sons and true Daughters of God instantly recognize Truth. Truth is the fullness of all that is, and it exists throughout eternity. Full of pride and self-importance, human beings have tried to circumvent this divine law, by forging concepts that have much more to do with materialistic concerns, than with the fundamental principles governing the universe. Truth being thus kept in the background, and Justice scoffed at, Mercy was forced to bow out, along with Salvation, which is the casting off, or rejection, of negativity, and Illumination, which is the ultimate goal of all mankind. Thus, there are twelve universal laws in the cosmic universe, but mankind of earth has been left with seven, until the time it can, once again, transcend materiality, and become a part of a greater humanity within the greater universe of God.
Justice is usually represented by a Balance, that tips according to the weight of the scales. It is a true representation of karmic Justice, the law of cause and effect, which states that "as you sow, so shall you reap," or to put it bluntly, you will be judged according to the way you judge others. Because it cannot understand the simplicity of the Law of God, humanity must rely on the intricacies of the laws of men, that do not recognize the extenuating circumstances that surround individuals in their everyday life. They are but an extension of man's own misconceptions and misunderstandings of life, and we will have to put up with them, until the time we recognize that Love is the binding force that glues humanity together. We are an intrinsic part of God, and God is Law. As soon as we realize that we are all brothers and sisters of the Universe, there will be no need of human laws, and humanity will then live under the law of LOVE.
King Solomon ruled his people according to the Law of One, and God gave him wealth and prosperity. He was a just man, and he administered justice in all fairness and equality. His wisdom has never been more obvious, than in the decision he came to, when two women stood before him with an infant, both claiming to be the mother of the child. As related in the Old Testament, Solomon remained silent for a brief moment, after which he called a guard, and told him to draw his sword. Then, he addressed the two women: "As both of you claim to be the natural mother of the child, I see no other alternative but to separate the child in two, and give one half to each of you." He then gave an order, and the guard raised his sword. Just as the latter was about to execute the order, one of the women fell on her knees and cried out: "Please, I beg of you, do not touch my child! I had rather give him to that woman than have him killed!" The king who had no intention of hurting the child, took him in his arms, and addressing the prostrated woman, he said: "You are the true mother, because you sacrificed yourself in order to save your child." And he gave her back the infant.
Solomon did not look into a book of law to find out who was the true mother, for there was nothing in the laws of men that could help him see in the heart of these women. He simply looked within his own heart, and in his wisdom, found the solution that would ascertain, without a a shadow of doubt, who was the true mother of the child.
The responsibility of those who administer justice, is such, that it is considered as a major karmic role. Judges and lawyers should be very careful as to the motivation that drives them to seek a post, or an appointment, where they will hold in their hands the fate and, sometimes, the life of another individual. As in the times of Jesus, we are prone to throw the first stone, and humanity, as a whole, is judgmental and critical of the actions of others. We demand justice for ourselves, while denying others that same justice. We ask for forgiveness, but we are prone to expose their shortcomings. And it has never been more obvious than in today's world, where the law of the fittest and the strongest prevails, and where love and charity have been replaced by egotism and intolerance.
Egotism that has allowed greed to infiltrate the judiciary world, and has lead to an unfair system of justice, where the more money and connections you have, the better lawyer and defense you will have.
Intolerance that has allowed a rigid structure of laws, to take precedence over good judgment, and has given the written word such a power, that it leaves no place for love and compassion. This has, unfortunately, lead to unfair judgments, where the letter of the law has been applied without regards to the extenuating circumstances of the case at hand, these same extenuating circumstances that are easily forgotten because the accused is a poor wretch, but become very handy when he is a public figure, an important personality, or an influencial individual.
We are proud of a system of justice that was, nevertheless, established centuries ago, in an era when children were forced to work and women could not even vote. Are today's jurists less intelligent than those who wrote those laws? If mankind is in a constant state of evolution, shouldn't we be wiser than our forefathers? We believe we have a good system of laws, but the only way to bring the law of justice back into the judiciary system, is to have the same justice for all, without regard to rank, position, or wealth. If a rich can afford a good lawyer, so should the poor, and the judiciary system should be free of any outside influence, or constraint, the most obvious one being money. This is the only way to build a just society.
True justice is not limited to the four walls of our courts of law, and there is more to it than the legal proceedings where a judge and a jury of twelve seals the fate of the accused. That kind of justice has to do with human laws, and the standards men have established for themselves throughout the centuries.
True justice implies that no one should be denied the fundamental necessities of life because of money, or social satus. Food, shelter, education are all necessities of life, and our governments do not seem to understand that caring for others is still the best investment they can make, and the best means to eradicate crime and poverty from the face of the earth.
True justice has to do with the divine laws of Order, Balance, Harmony, Growth, God-Perception, Love and Compassion. Each of these laws is a ramification of the law of Justice, and it is our compliance with them that will bring about the New Renaissance of humanity.
True justice stands for equal rights, and, as long as money and power will have something to do with the functioning of our courts of law, human justice will never be true justice. So, while the justice of men tries to establish a semblance of Order on earth, it will never bring about the Balance and Harmony humanity is craving for, because it lacks the Love and Compassion that, through Growth and service to others, would open us to a true Perception of that Universal Energy we call God. Thus can you see, that the first seven laws are all intertwined one with the other, and it is mankind's compliance to them, that will reinstate the five other laws in the physical universes.
True justice requires that we become conscious, of the influence our own behaviour, (actions and reactions,) will have on others, and particularly on the child, who patterns himself on adults. If we take care of a young plant, if we water it ,whenever needed, and remove the weed, it will grow and bear good fruits. If we leave it without care, it will wither and die. Thus it is with children: if we take care of them, if we instil into their mind principles of love, justice and charity, if we protect them against negative influences, they cannot but become useful members of society. If we leave them to themselves, they may eventually fall under the influence of these negative forces, and become useless members, and a threat to the society in which they live.
True justice is more than giving the scraps from the table, and being our brother's keeper, has spiritual implications that go far beyond the limited perceptions of mankind. We may seem repetitious, but it is true we must share material things with others that are less fortunate. There is no reason for poverty to exist, and the riches of the world belong to all individuals regardless of race, creed, or color. When you sit at the family table for the evening meal, the food is distributed evenly between all members of the family. The father would frown, if he saw one of his children, greedily appropriate the share of his brothers or sisters. It is no different with our Divine Father, who distributes, equally, His abundance and love to all of us, and we can blame but ourselves, if that abundance is not shared, evenly, between all members of the human family. It is this abundance of God, that mankind must learn to master and put to good use.
In a world where money has become the Golden Calf, and the most potent antichrist of this generation, comfort and security have become the main goal. It is good to try to improve one's situation, and, well directed, ambition is an excellent motivator. It is the means we use to reach that goal, that can come in conflict with the rights of others, and this is where the law of justice intervenes, and makes us aware of the effect our own actions have on the rest of humanity. That law is within. It is an intrinsic part of the human form, but it is veiled to the conscious mind, because of our egotism and our materialistic approach to life.
Observe around you , and you will see how the word 'justice' miraculously shows up when someone infringes on our rights, but quickly disappears when it comes to other people's rights. Strikes are a pertinent example of this justice with a double meaning, that seeks the good of the few, at the expense of the many. Although we have dealt with the subject in a previous chapter, it is important to insert it in the present one, as it shows how law and justice can be manipulated to reach one's own ends. All those who become the instigators of strikes in hospitals, social centres, old people's homes, and postal and other public services, may act in their own interest and that of their syndicate, but they do an injustice to the sick, the needy and all those who have a right to these services. There are, of course, syndicated people who are conscious of the problems the stoppage, or reduction, of services is causing, and many strikes would be avoided if members voted, not by fear of retaliation, but according to their own conscience.
Essential services may seem like a worthy gesture on the part of syndicates, but it is not enough. When the sick do not have adequate treatments, one cannot but feel, that greed has dethroned love in the heart of those who participate in these strikes and other forms of pressures, directed against the employer, but acutely felt by specific segments of society. Such a lack of concern is definitely not characteristic of true sons and daughters of God, and, one way or another, these people will have to learn to do to others what they would like others to do to them.
That kind of egotism is not always obvious, and it can take many disguises. For example, the many claims against hospitals, doctors, and public services, have reach a point, where any professional misdemeanor becomes the horn of plenty for greedy lawyers, who, on behalf of their client, file suits that, very often, run in the millions of dollars. Here too, the word justice takes a special meaning, when we realize that, in the long run, it is always society that pays the bill. If it is just and right to be compensated for the harm that has been done through professional wrongdoings, it is antisocial to file unreasonable claims against hospitals, doctors and public services. It is inconceivable that all this is done, in the context of laws that have been made to protect the citizen. If it is true that most compensations are covered, or partly covered, by insurance companies, it is, equally, true, that these companies are themselves covered by the premiums they receive from their clients. It is a vicious circle and, eventually, it will show on our hospital, or doctor's bill. The law should protect hospitals and doctors against such abuses. In case of professional misconduct, the medical board should see to it, that the doctor is reprimanded, or dismissed, from his, or her, duties. Anyone can make mistakes, and, in the past, doctors were not prosecuted for having lost a patient. Unfortunately, greed has invaded this field of human expression, as it has invaded so many others, and society must pay the price.
And what about the many claims filed against governments, towns and police corps, claims that run in the millions of dollars, and will eventually be paid by the taxpayer? In Los Angeles, the beating of a black man by a dozen policemen, gave rise to a general outcry, and the law should use harsh measures against those policemen. However, the news that a 50 million dollars lawsuit would be filed against the town of Los Angeles is an aberration, and it shows how laws can be misused for gratification and self-profit. Whether this lawsuit is filed, or not, it shows that greed has always been the cancer of humanity, and the true deterrent to spiritual progress. If a crime has been committed, the court is there to dispense justice and compensate the victim, or, in case of death, his dependents, for the loss incurred. However, the law should consider these compensations as a form of help, and not as the winning ticket at the lottery, and any unreasonable claim should be ascribed to greed and rejected. As a society, we must see to it that all citizens are treated equally, and none of us deserves a special treatment, simply because he, or she, has been wronged.
As a whole, society does not pay for its mistakes. Itt corrects them, and tries not to repeat them. This implies, of course, just compensation, but if society is so eager to dispense justice, this compensation should extend to all those in need, the poor, the children and the old people. Whatever state the world is in, we are all responsible, and we must compensate for any lack that disrupts the world's equilibrium, for it is the only way to reach the ultimate goal of our life. In the full spectrum of creation, it is not a question of compensation, it is a question of being our brother and sister's keeper. It is not a matter of human justice, it is a matter of love and compassion. A true system of justice should see to it that all individuals be equally and justly treated, equally and justly fed and clothed. If we treated our own body and took care of it as is proper, there would be no need of doctors and hospitals. If we treated all members of society as brothers and sisters, there would be no need of lawyers and courts of law, and there would be no criminals in the streets and in the prison cells. Lack of hygiene attracts vermin and causes epidemics. Lack of love and compassion attracts negativity, and is the cause of crime, wars and natural disasters. A true spiritual society has no need of human laws, as the law of God reigns triumphant in the heart of all its people. A true spiritual society lives in peace and harmony.
From generation to generation, we are forging the world of our next incarnation, and we come back, again and again, to improve ourselves and the world we live in. The original sin of mankind is the sin of ignorance, that of not understanding, that man, free of all limitations, is a divine and pure spirit. Each spirit that incarnates on the earth plane does so with a clean slate, and anything that will tarnish that slate has to originate from the present experience. In the astral world, from where most of us reincarnate, no one is told that he must return to earth, in ordey for past mistakes, or be killed because he killed someone, or again, caease, because he has been closed to the sufferings of others. This is a childish perception of the concept of reincarnation. Before entering the world once again, we are presumed to have learned the lessons inherent to that life. We are expected to take heed of these lessons, in order to live our life to the fullest, and become true sons and daughters of God. This is why we say that we come into the world with a clean slate. Then, it is up to each of us, to make of that life a springboard to higher fulfilment, or, if we take the wrong path, and suffer the consequence of our own wrongdoings. This is why the formative years are very important, as they will set the patterns, for the course our life will take in the future. This course can be influenced either way, as the child acts as a receiving set, and picks up whatever vibrations, positive or negative, that come his way. Thus Jesus' adminition, Woe to those who scandalize little children! To widen the field of our experiences, we incarnate into the world with definite lessons to be learned, and deeds to accomplish, but the life we are about to begin is pure and without stain, that is to say, the original cell around which all other cells agglutinate to form the human body, is pure and without stain. The physical body itself may have defects, or disabilities, but these are of genetic origin. They are willingly accepted as lessons of life, by the incoming spirit, who, when in atonement with the soul and the body, has the powerat to alter, at any moment, the cellular structure of the body, and return it to its original form.
The reincarnated spirit is like a child who leaves home for his first day in class. He is clean, well-groomed and his mother gave him a new suit with the recommendation to take good care of it, and be a good boy, or a good girl, and listen to the teacher. The successes, or failures, of the preceding year are behind. It is a new class, with other lessons to be learned and other experiences. In the same manner, the spirit incarnates into the world in a new body, with the recommendation to take good care of it, and learn the lessons of the life it is about to begin. All previous experiences are behind. It is a new life, with new challenges and new opportunities. It is another chance to progress on the road to perfection. Any other objective would not be worth the trip, for, seen from the astral world, from where most of humanity reincarnates, the physical world truly appears like 'a valley of tears', a land of trials and hardships. Only the perspective of reaching higher goals, can convince a spirit to try the experiment. And, each time, it is a new chess game that we must win at all costs. It is up to us to take advantage of past mistakes, and move our pieces on the right square, or repeat the same errors, and start all over again. The only difference is, that God will never allow us to be checkmate, for, we are that God we search for, in all our experiences of life.
We do not come into the world as sinners, we come into the world as pioneers, in order to grow in wisdom and understanding. We do not incarnate with scores to settle, or preconceived ideas, or any of the capital 'sins.' We come here, in a spirit of love and compassion, and with the firm intention of living a life of dedication, love, and service to others. This is the only reason for earth incarnations, and none of the dictators, torturers, and criminals of our society, came here for an evil purpose. They are the byproducts of the decadence of societies, and, due to that decay, they could not fulfil their own pre-incarnational pledge. While they are themselves the perpetrators, they are, at the same time, the victims of the negativity engendered by all humanity. Thus the admonition of Jesus: Do not judge, lest you be judged!
However, even though we come into the world with a clean slate, we also come with the soul memory (the sum of all our experiences) of past lives, and these memories remain dormant, until the time they are needed for the soul's progression. Somewhere in the computer of our mind, there is a reminder of all the good we have accomplished, and, inevitably, a painful memory of all our evil ways. This memory is not active, in the sense that it is not an initiator, or the cause of an effect. It is, however, a reminder, and, guided by these past experiences of good and evil, it will trigger, in individuals, a mechanism of choice, whereby the (unconscious) remembrances of the past, will act as traffic signals, either giving the green light to go ahead, or flashing the red light that warns them of danger. A child who burned his fingers on a hot stove, will be very careful the next time around, and the sight of a stove will remind him of his painful experience. If not, he will burn his fingers again, in order to learn that, in the physical world, fire is a very dangerous force to tamper with.
So it is with all life experiences where the joyful, or painful, memories of past lives, will (unconsciously) act as an incentive, or a deterrent, whenever something occurs and a choice has to be made. If the individual does not take heed of these past experiences, he, or she, will take the wrong path, and will have to reincarnate, again and again, until all the lessons are learned. And these are lessons, not punishment. Even the word retribution is too harsh a word to express the concept of karma. It is not a matter of retribution. It is matter of equilibrium, living in accord with the laws of creation, the balance of body, mind and spirit. This is the true meaning of karma, the law of cause and effect, and it is our infraction of that law, and not past mistakes, that triggers what we call retribution on the physical planes. The law of cause and effect is not a means to get even with us, it is a learning process. It is divine justice at work, and all these past and present memories are, indeed, the true teachers of life.
For example, the fact that an individual has killed a thousand people in a past life does not, necessarily mean he will have to die violently in the present life, or a life to come. The law of cause and effect is not a tool of vengeance. God never threatens,or punishes, any of His children, and all these concepts of sin and punishment are man's creation. The expression 'an eye for an eye' (Lev. 24:20), that we also find in other books of the Bible, is a materialistic concept that finds its origin in the modes and customs of past societies, and the fact that we find it in the Old Testament does not make it more acceptable, or worthy of consideration. For instance, the same Leviticus gives us this pearl:
For the generations to come, no man who has any defect may come near to offer the food of his God: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or difformed; no man with a crippled foot, or hand, or who is hunchbacked, or dwarfed, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering, or running sores, or damaged testicles." [Lev. 21:17]
There is no need to insist on the crippled foot, or hand, or damaged testicles, and anyone can see the incongruity of such assertions that, even if they were symbolical, cannot originate from a benevolent God. They can only originate from a God of wrath and vengeance, the God mankind created for itself, a God made in its image and its likeness. This does not mean that the Old Testament is worthless. On the contrary, many of its teachings are enlightening and serve a good purpose. If you listen to most of the teachers, preachers, and evangelists of our days, you will not hear these teachings. You will hear stories about King Nebuchadnezzar, King Ahab, Absalon, David's son, or Abner, who slept with Saul's concubine. These theachers do not look for teachings, they look for anything that will sanction their own doubts, fears and misconceptions of life.
Of course, there is nothing wrong in relating these stories, but they can, in no way, be the basis to spiritual teachings. If they are to be taught, they should be taught as historical events, and not as the basis of spiritual teaching. The civilizations of the Old Testament were on their own spiritual quest. They had their rise and decline, and, even though some of their people were enlightened human beings, these civilizations cannot serve as an example. as their ways and customs were totally alien to the present generation. They were on their own search for God, but they, too, were depraved and materialistic. Two thousand years ago, this old concept of "an eye for an eye" disappeared, to give way to a concept of love and forgiveness. It was the man Jesus who said:
You have heard that it was said, 'eye for eye, and tooth for tooth', but I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." [Mat. 5:38]
Unfortunately, humanity has preferred the concept 'an eye for an eye' and this is why negativity has invaded the planet, and the world is in a constant state of war and devastation.
And what has all this got to do with justice? With human justice, not much. With divine justice, everything. Like a shadow, it follows us, and none of our thoughts, or actions, go unnoticed. Even the smallest grain of sand is counted in the great Universe of God. The relentlessness we show in the pursuit of war criminals, our obstinacy to punish the guilty at all costs, and our intolerance towards anything, or anyone, that is not conform to our limited vision of life, is but the fruit of our ignorance of divine laws, including, of course, the law of karma. The mere fact we incarnated into the world, is the irrefutable proof that we, ourselves, have wronged others, and even though we have no remembrance of it, the law of karma will remind us, (unless we fall under the law of grace, which is simply becoming aware of universal laws and abiding by them) that we, ineluctably, reap what we have sown. It is in this sense, that we must understand Jesus' prayer:Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespassed against us, this meaning, of course, forgiving the mistakes of past, present, and future lives, as we forgive others who wronged us.
If the sharing of riches is the first step towards enlightenment, the ultimate goal of humanity is still to find its way back to the Father's Kingdom, and it is in this sense that we truly become our brother's keeper. Helping others find their own path and destiny, is our true mission in this life. It is up to us, as a human family, as well as individually, to become a Solomon in our own environment, by helping others solve their problems, and giving of our wisdom, thus becoming a catalyst for those who thirst for knowledge and understanding. It is in this manner that, becoming aware of the divine and multidimensional beings we are, we will be able to partake of the incommensurable riches of the Kingdom, of which Jesus said it was not of this world, this world that does not recognize the laws of Order, Balance, Harmony, Growth, God-Perception, Love And Compassion.
The dictators, war profiteers, trouble makers, murderers, rapists, and all those who try to undermine whatever progress mankind has made, are, indeed, the by-products of society, and those who blame the likes of Marcos, Duvalier and Noriega for the ills of mankind, and all thothose who still curse Hitler for the Holocaust, should look deep within their own hearts. There they will find, it is their own selfishness, lack of concern, and greed, that facilitated the rise of these 'baby souls' to positions of power, where they could manipulate, at will, all the other 'baby souls' of humanity.
We look on these men with repulsion, but the worst crimes of humanity, are those that destroy, not the body, but the spirit of man. Even though most of these crimes will never be punished in a human court of law, none of their perpetrators will escape from divine justice, the karmic law of cause and effect. The intolerance of human beings towards those who do not fit into a certain pattern of acceptance, will weigh heavily in the collective karma of humanity, and it may take many civilizations, and many rebirths, to erase the karmic debts incurred through lack of love and intolerance.
In the past few years, there has been an increase of negativity throughout the world. Violence has never been more obvious than in today's society where everyday and every hour of the day, TV screens are flooded with scenes of hijackings, bombings, rapes and murders. Satellite communications bring us news from all over the world, and now we can witness wars as they happen. Thus bombarded with all these forceful and negative influences, it is no wonder that our youths turn to drugs and, later on, to crime, in order to satisfy their lust for material things, but also to turn away from a world of materialism they cannot understand. This is where true justice begins, and, unless we eradicate violence from our cinema and TV screens, and ban toys that promote war, negativity will prevail, and humanity will not be better off in a hundred, or a thousand, years. If it is true that each is responsible for his own actions, it is also true that, as a society, we are responsible for the negativity engendered by our decadent way of life. This negativity will weigh heavily in our collective karma, as it may influence, for the worst, an individual's behavior and his own approach to life.
To use a concrete example, let us take individual X who feels he is an outcast of society. His parents are rejecting him, no one hires him, his friends do not really understand what he is going through, and he is in a state where he truly reflects the negativity that surrounds him. Now, this is only hypothetical, but let us assume that he sees on TV a film where a man goes through the same hardships and the same rejections. As the film unwinds, he finds out the man has made a new friend, he has finally been offered a job and, through his own change of thought forms, he has been able to return to his family and recapture their love. To top it all, he finally finds a new love, and the film ends with the promise of a new and wonderful life.
To you, this may be a sentimental novel, but, to our friend, it may be a life preserver, for, in spite of his own depressive mood, he suddenly realizes, he is not the only one who goes through depression. A ray of hope filters through his clouded mind, and he may see there a way out of his own predicament. This way, the film may be the trigger that will lead him on the right path and, this way also, although indirectly, the actor in the film truly becomes his brother's keeper.
Let's start again with another scenario. Our friend X is still in front of his TV screen, and, there again, he sees a film where the hero is in the same predicament as before. However, as the film unwinds, the man becomes violent. He hates the world and all he wants is revenge. He finally purchases an automatic rifle, and in a fit of madness, he enters a post office and kills ten innocent bystanders. And this is not a farfetched story, it is one that we see on the evening news in all parts of the world.
Our friend X has seen all that. He has carefully followed the man, identifying himself with him, and sharing his problems. He has seen him purchase the gun, and has witnessed the final carnage. He has found it horrendous at first, but the idea has been planted in his mind. He does not see the film as a play. He sees it as a replica of his own state of mind. Had he been a normal and healthy individual, he would, probably, have seen the film as a questionable entertainment, but an entertainment nevertheless, without any further thought. Unfortunately, it is quite possible that this film, superimposed on his own depressive mood, and his own negative vision of the world, is the trigger that will turn the scales, and drive him to discouragement and madness.
This, again, is all hypothetical, but it shows how make-believe entertainment can exert a strong influence on people. Many actors will turn down scenarios that promote violence as a form of entertainment, but those who do accept these roles, because they bring them a lot of money, will unfortunately find out, that what they considered as make-believe entertainment is, in a cosmic sense, as real as the life they live on this material plane. It is all part of a learning process where the actor becomes the teacher as well as a model, good or bad, for all those who look up to the stars of the entertainment world, and try to emulate them.
At a time when pride and dignity, were more important than money, and standards higher than now, Hollywood has given us unforgettable films. The world will remember for a long, long time the stars of a bygone era, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, Doris Day, Tony Curtis, Jimmy Stewart, Gregory Peck, Barbara Stanwick Kirk Douglas, and so many others who gave us unforgettable films, and are the proof we can have good entertainment without excessive violence.
The entertainment world has recently lost one of its most remarkable artists, one who, in spite of his human frailties, understood the concepts of friendship and brotherhood. Still young, and at the peak of his success, Michael Landon died of cancer in 1991, thus depriving the world of an artist who had devoted his life to the betterment of mankind. His two series LITTLE HOUSE and HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN have been huge success, and it tends to prove that it is possible to have good entertainment without violence. Not only is he, now, seeing the Light, but he has also helped others find their own Highway to Heaven.
All those who, with full knowledge of the facts, participate in a film that promotes violence as a form of entertainment, are, in some degree, responsible for the negative effect it will have on others. And, of course, all those who participate in a good film, educational or otherwise, are adding to the enlightenment of mankind, and, by this very fact, their own. So, the more enlightening the films will be, the more enlightened mankind will become.
Another kind of violence, subtle in its form, but very effective, is the intrusion in the private life of entertainers and public figures, as if their status of stars, or prominence, deprived them of their human rights. This is one of the pitfalls of humanity, and all those who build their career on the setbacks and weaknesses of others, are creating, for themselves, an even greater karma, than the one incurred through murder, torture or rape, for torturing and raping the spirit is even worse, as it has repercussions that go far beyond the physical life as we know it. We are all evolving in the circles of life, as one unit, and whatever one does, affects all the others. This is why it is so important to become our brother, or sister's, keeper, as it is the only means through which we can attain Christ Consciousness, in this life, or a life to come.
In the last decades, there has been an increase of negativity throughout the world. It has become even more difficult, to fulfil the karmic obligations that brought us in the present life, and remain on the path, while a great part of humanity chooses the easier path of materialism and negativity, without regard to the consequences it can have, in the short, or long, term. Amplified by our erroneous conceptions of life, this negativity weighs heavily in our collective karma, and it is the direct cause of all the wars, conflicts and natural cataclysms that have been falling down on humanity, and will increase, as we approach the middle part of this last decade of the twentieth century.
Now, the outside world is a replica of the inner world. When a virus spreads in a part of the body, the healthy cells will react immediately,, and the immune system will keep the virus away. But the weak bodies, those with unhealthy cells, will catch the disease, and become sick, or even die. And this is exactly what happens in the outside world, where the virus of negativity enters the conscious mind, of all those whose mental immune system has been weakened by discouragement, unemployment, drugs, and their own conditioning of life. They cannot discern between right and wrong, and they will absorb whatever fits into their own pattern of negativity.
Children are not sheltered from violence. Radio and television have become vast kindergartens where they are exposed, daily and nightly, to a considerable amount of data they must absorb and digest. In their little minds, they will try to weigh the pros and cons of what they hear ,or see, but, with the help of their idols, and TV being such a powerful instrument, it becomes a second classroom, and if it's on TV, it cannot be wrong. If we can impress, on children, a deep sense of what's right and wrong; if we surround them with love, and try to understand their problems, as they grow up and take their first steps in life, then, they will certainly become useful members of society. They will be more tolerant and more loving, and ready to share with others the wisdom and abundance they have, themselves, received. Then, and only then, will we have a society where crime and poverty are eradicated, a society where love and peace will reign forever, a true brotherhood of spirit. Justice starts there, and, unless we eradicate violence as a form of entertainment, we are in for much trouble, and things will definitely get worse before they get better.
Again, you may ask yourself what all this has got to do with justice, but, if you look at it more carefully, you will realize that justice is an intrinsic part of the karmic process of all individuals, and it interpenetrates all activities of life. If we can instil in our youngsters a true understanding of what justice represents, they cannot but become responsible adult,s and useful members of society.
Cinema and television being such powerful modes of expression, it goes without saying that churches, governments, and educators, have the responsibility, and the duty, to put a stop to mental and physical violence, which is a detriment to our children's education and growth, and a dangerous incentive for all those who are unable to distinguish between right or wrong. We want justice for ourselves, but we must grant that same justice to our chidren who count on us to make their first steps in life.
In today's world, justice has specifically to do with human laws, courts of justice, judges and lawyers, but in the full spectrum of creation, justice is, indeed, a universal law. Yet, there are as many systems of justice as there are countries, or nations. Each country perceive justice, not in its universal meaning, but through the lenses of its biases and misconceptions of life, thus placing human laws above God's Law. These laws of God are indelibly written within the human psyche. They are an intrinsic part of each human being, and this is why it is so important to help others discover their true self.
The LAW is defined as
a custom or practice recognized as binding by a community, esp. as a result of having been so decreed by the governing authority.' [New Webster's Dictionary]
Tradition is another way to say, 'Let's not rock the boat', and living, generation after generation, according to old customs and outdated laws, is the sign of a collective consciousness deeply influenced by past experiences, and where societies are unable to move beyond the stages of life that they, themselves, have created, life after life. This does not imply that we should throw away all customs of the past, for many of them, like Christmas, Mothers' Day, and many others, serve a good purpose which is to unite people and help fill the gap between young and old. The customs and laws in question here, are those that do not correspond anymore to the changing ways and the new challenges of society.
Life is constant evolution, and if, in spite of this obvious idleness, humanity is slowly progressing, it is because there have always been pioneers and pathfinders, who have dared to face the ridicule and the wrath of their contemporaries, to venture into the unknown, thus serving the evolutionary process of life, and accomplishing their true life's purpose. While the likes of Galileo, Copernick, and Columbus, have helped expand the physical universe that surrounds us, Jesus, Bouddha, Mahomet, and many other spiritual teachers, have contributed to the enlightenment of humanity. In a cosmic perspective of life, avatars and prophets have been the spiritual pathfinders, and their mission has always remained the same, that of leading mankind out of the physical cycle of life, so that all can partake of the multidimensional universe, and have access to all the good things in God's Kingdom.
In spite of the efforts of all these enlightened human beings, humanity has not been able to make the transition from human to spiritual laws, and, whether civil or religious, our laws are still tainted with the same intolerance and egotism that have been the mark of past generations. Not that human laws are unnecessary, or that we should change them every year, but the law is, definitely, at the service of all people, and not vice-versa. Each generation is on the next step on the evolutionary ladder, and the law should be constantly readjusted, and adapted to the needs and changes , technological or otherwise, of that new society. For example, prison cells have always been considered as the best way to protect society, and rid the world of criminals. However, it has been a solution of fear, and only a means to rid ourselves of a problem, for which we could not find the solution. Now that we have progressed on the evolutionary ladder, now that we realize that, these too, are brothers and sisters, wouldn't it be time to accept our own responsibility in the matter, and begin to treat others, the poor, the handicapped, the colored people, and, yes, even criminals, as the human beings they are, and not as the scum of humanity.
Our laws are unfortunately tainted with religious, racial and political biases and prejudice. Many laws are outdated, and are not a true reflection of today's society. Some of them have been enacted because of the political pressures of certain groups, while others are discriminatory, and find their roots in a distant past, remnants of cultural and religious biases, whose influence has lasted up to our days.
For example, in spite of enormous pressures from all parts of USA and Canada, our governments have not, as yet, found a way to exercice a tight control on guns, if not eliminate them entirely. We are not in the Far West anymore, but people still feel the need to protect themselves against intruders, unaware that, by anticipating violence, they invite it into their own life. All these women, who were slaughtered at the Polytechnic School, and all the victims of violence who die each year, do not weigh heavily in the balance, and it is easy to understand governments' reluctance to exercise a tight control, when one considers the powerful lobbying that besieges the Canadian Parliament and the White House. This is why it will be very difficult to have efficient gun control laws.
By the same token, the law concerning abortion is discriminatory, because it hampers women's free will of expression, and her divine right to dispose of her body as she sees fit. Yet, any attempt to alleviate this law, is eventually thwarted by the dogmatic and orthodox stand of the clergy and their flock, who do not hesitate to place principles above the free-will expression of human beings. As seen in a preceding chapter, this has led to a state of intolerance where, following their religious leaders, a growing number of Christians try to force on others their misconceptions of life. This insistence on interfering in other people's affairs sickens the spiritual world, and all these pro-life crusades, that are going on in the USA, Canada and elsewhere, are only increasing earth's negativity and accelerating the cleansing process of the earth.
Just as teachings should never be limited to the written word, so should we never limit ourselves to the 'written' laws that have been placed as guiding lights, or signposts, along the highway of life. In a cosmic perspective of divine justice, no one has the right to judge another individual. Those who, by virtue of their office, must dispense justice, should do so with extreme caution and careful consideration, as they will be judged according to the way they judge others. Isn't it a fact, that many trials are settled in the corridors of our courts of justice; that many innocent people will, on the advice of their lawyers, plead to a reduced charge, not because they are guilty, but rather because they fear the law, and do not believe in the impartiality of our system of justice? And what about the rich who can go out on bail while the poor must remain in jail until the trial? Is it what we call justice? Is justice a matter of money, and has the poor been deprived of his human rights by the mere fact that he is poor?
The French poet Jean De La Fontaine has written:
Not so long ago, a Canadian woman judge had the courage to take a stand against the misuse of autority young children were subjected to. She felt the law was inadequate, but she was severely remonstrated, and nearly tried by her peers, who did not particularly appreciate her intervention on behalf of children, and her defiance of 'the law'. This woman, and many others who share her views, are true standard-bearers of justice and, in their own way, they participate in the new renaissance of humanity. Each of us is responsible for the present state of the world, and through our own lack of interest, indifference, and selfishness, we have planted the seeds of negativity, that have now become the shady businessmen, the unscrupulous judges, the perverts, the robbers, the rapists and the cold blooded killers of our society.
It is obvious that humanity has not made much progress since the times of Jesus. As far as our spiritual life is concerned, and in spite of our scientific and technological development, we have progressed at a snail's pace. Some have even regressed to the point, where they will have to change their ways of life, or disappear in the cleansing process that has now begun in all parts of the world. All these hardships could be avoided if each of us followed the Law of Love One Another. Unfortunately, it is not so, and human laws are there, to put a stop to the selfishness, the cruelty, and the intolerance, of human beings, towards one another, and towards the animals over which they have dominion.
This said, the fact remains that 'the law is the law', as they say, and we must abide by it. However, if we must abide by the laws of men, men of law must abide by the more human and merciful law of God. It is not all to learn, by heart, hundreds and hundreds of laws and references to past judgments, as no one can be judged according to an ulterior judgment, only according to the law of understanding, love and compassion. This reference to past judgments is a very delicate tool to manipulate. If it sometimes weighs down the scales in one's favor, it can also become an instrument of intolerance, where the letter of the law supersedes the law of Justice, thus failing to take into account the extenuating circumstances that surround individuals in their everyday life. This is definitely not the best approach, as each judge should uphold the law, not according to ulterior judgments, but according to his own inner perceptions of the case at hand. The book of law should only be a guide, and not the impersonal and intricate repository of legal definitions it has now become. It should be a very flexible point of reference, constantly reexamined, and readjusted, according to the behavioral patterns of societies, of course, but always according to the immutable Law of God.
As it stands to day, trial by jury is a primitive form of judgment, one that does not give a true perspective of God's Justice. Even if these men and women are chosen at random, and although the district attorney and the defense lawyer do their best to filter them, many of the jurors lack competence and good judgment, to give a fair and equitable verdict. Unfortunately, this is the best we can do at the present time, and, until humanity changes its ways, we will have to settle with a shaky and inequitable system of justice.
Having a way with words in court, may be helpful, and eloquence has won many trials, but the important is not to win. The important is that justice is done. Lawyers are not machines, programmed in advance, to reel off, law after law, in order to impress the judge and the jury. They are human beings trying to help other human beings. As such, they must look within their heart, in order to find the words needed, the arguments that will show the jury, that they believe in what they are doing, and have at heart the welfare of those they chose to defend. Each time a lawyer defends an individual, he should do it with the thought he is defending, not a stranger, but a brother,, or a sister. He should defend him, or her, within the context of the law of men, but also within the context of the Law of God. There he will find the words ,that will help the jury make an honest decision, concerning the innocence, or guilt, of the accused. Thus will they be, each in their own personal way, their brother's keepers, and the standard-bearers of law and justice.
Each time a district attorney stands before the court, he should look, not only within the book of law, but also within his own heart, and there, try to find a little compassion for the individual he is prosecuting. Of course, his role is to see, that the law is upheld. Unfortunately, many district attorneys go after the accused like birds of prey, and many of them build their career on resounding, and well publicized, convictions, that leave very little place for love and compassion. The role of district attorney is to see that justice is done within the confines of the law, in the best interest of society, of course, but also in the interest of the accused, who still remains a part of that society, whether he, or she, is innocent, or guilty. It is not a case of 'the law versus John Doe,' it is a case of 'the law, John Doe, and society.' It is the case of a brother who went astray, and needs a little help along the way. Seen in this perspective, justice takes a special meaning. It is not that important if an individual gets away with a crime, for, if he eludes man's justice, he will never escape from God's justice, and, one way or another, if guilty, he will account for his crime.
Being a judge is certainly one of the most important duties (in terms of spirituality) a human being can assume, as he holds in his hands, not only the fate of individuals, but also the equilibrium of a society, that would falter and disintegrate, were it not for human laws, which, although quite inadequate and a pale reflection of the Law of God, are nevertheless a necessary palliative to the childish and materialistic behavior of that same society.
Judges should be chosen, not because of their political affiliation, but rather because they reflect, in their own environment, the image of what a man of law should represent in terms of goodness, good judgment and wisdom. They should be chosen, by a committee representing the major figures of society, in religion, politics and education. When it is a known fact that a man, or a woman, has legal capacities, wisdom, love and dedication, there is no need to put that individual on the stand, (as it is done in the U.S.A.) to find out if the candidate is left, right or center. Once a just man, always a just man, and the principles of justice are not some accessories that come with the job, but rather deep rooted feelings, hidden within the individual's heart. Each time a judge sits on the bench, he should start the proceedings with one minute of meditation. Everyone concerned should ask for guidance and wisdom, so that justice can be dispensed, in all fairness and equality, in the best interest of the accused, and the society they represent. Being a judge is a true vocation, and a very important one. Courts of law are the physical counterpart of God's justice, and each case should be tried, according to the laws of love and compassion, thus showing that men of law are, not only dispensers of justice, but their brothers and sisters' keepers.
However, judges and lawyers are human beings, too, and, as such, they are subject to error. Although many of them seem to think so, judges and lawyers are not at the service of the law, they are at the service of the individual, and it is only when society recognizes the intrinsic value of the laws of Order, Balance, Harmony, Growth, God-Perception, Love and Compassion, that we will begin to see changes in our system of justice, and in society in general.
In the meantime, one should remember 'the law is truly the law' and, although inadequate, we must abide by human laws, that are, besides religion, the only strong deterrent in a society that has forgotten the meaning of love and brotherhood.