83/115 SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS By FRANK H. SPRAGUE

Self-manifestation, or realization of our essential nature through the evolution of consciousness, is the supreme end of finite existence. This nature seems to be physical, psychical, or spiritual, according to the quality of consciousness through which it is interpreted. When observed on the sensuous plane, it appears as physical; on the rational plane as psychical; on the intuitional plane as spiritual.

Certain material phenomena afford illustrations of the metamorphoses of human consciousness. Every mentality passes through nebulous and chaotic stages of vague subconsciousness on a plane substantially physical in its aspects until, by more positive tendencies of concentration, it reaches a higher state, in which psychic energies, previously latent, are evolved.

Those energies develop in degree and quality until, surpassing the boundaries of the psychical plane, they assume the characteristic of spiritual power, and radiate in truth and love the light and heat of the spiritual realm. The absolute, unchangeable Reality, the Source of all expression, exhibits these three widely different aspects.

The interposing mental medium is the varying factor. At present, many people are so fascinated by the marvels of recently discovered psychic phenomena that they are inclined to linger on that intermediate plane, instead of rising to the spiritual plane, where alone the highest craving of their nature can be satisfied.

A sense of freedom from bondage to material notions and associations, and recognition of their capacity to so modify the action of vital bodily processes as to avert symptoms of disease, often leads men to substitute personally conceived and directed effort for the deeper spiritual power, which alone can accomplish the complete emancipation of the individual in all his relations.
The true goal of life cannot be reached by merely playing upon psychic energy and ordering it in channels of our own selection; for, by that method, we seek to determine events, and adjust effects from the eccentric standpoint of our finite personality, independent of the Absolute Cause or Eternal Will. Genuine spiritual experiences are born in a realm above the personal, and come spontaneously to those alone who have ceased striving after results of their individual choosing.