How To Speak To The Universal Mind

Have you ever felt that spark of inspiration that seems to come from nowhere? Those moments when a brilliant idea or profound understanding just clicks, and you wonder, "Where did that come from?" Maybe you've questioned whether there's a deeper source of wisdom within you, waiting to be discovered.

Previously in part 14: the body, we explored the profound link between mind and matter, revealing how mental actions can produce real effects on physical substances.

But today, we're taking it a step further by exploring how the mind isn't just connected to the body—it's also adapted to interact with an even higher power. Imagine being able to train your intuition to receive insights from the infinite, guiding you toward breakthroughs in your personal and professional life. What if you could harness your imagination to not only visualize your goals but also activate the universal laws of attraction and growth? 

So stay tuned, because as we dive into Part 15 of our modernization of Thomas Troward's Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science, we'll explore the fascinating dynamics between your mind and the Universal Mind (God). We'll uncover how you can consciously direct your mental faculties to bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, the finite and the infinite.

The Mind as an Instrument for the Soul

So far, we've explored how our physical bodies adapt to the actions of our minds. Now, it's time to recognize that our mind itself is like an instrument designed to interact with an even higher power—the soul or spirit. This isn't about physical adaptation but about our mental faculties being tuned to something greater than ourselves.

Just like with other invisible forces, we understand the mind by observing what it does. But here's the twist: since we are our minds, observing the mind becomes an inner journey through our states of consciousness. This self-exploration allows us to recognize certain mental faculties we've discussed before, like intuition and imagination.

The key point I want to emphasize is that these faculties are always stimulated by something. This stimulus can come from the outside world through our senses or from within, through an awareness of something not perceptible on the physical plane—a whisper from the Universal Mind (which some may refer to as God, the collective consciousness, or the higher self).

Recognizing these inner sources of stimulus is a crucial part of Mental Science. Why? Because the mental actions they trigger work just as effectively through their physical counterparts as those sparked by external events. So, controlling and properly directing these inner perceptions is of utmost importance. It's about aligning our minds with the higher aspects of spirit, allowing deeper insights to guide our thoughts and actions.

Understanding Intuition and Willpower

The faculties most directly involved here are intuition and imagination. At first glance, it might seem tricky to see how intuition—which is entirely spontaneous—can be guided by our will. After all, if we interfere with the spontaneity of intuition, doesn't it stop being intuition?

Think of intuition as a cosmic antenna, capturing ideas from the infinite (the Divine) and presenting them to our minds to handle as we see fit. In our mental makeup, intuition is the starting point. If it stopped acting spontaneously, it would cease to function.

But here's the good news: experience shows that we can train our intuition to become more sensitive in certain areas, and the direction we guide it is determined by our will. It's like tuning a radio to receive clearer signals from a particular station.

You'll find that intuition works most readily on subjects that habitually occupy your thoughts. Remember when we talked about forming "mental grooves" in the brain through repeated thoughts?

Physically, this can be explained by the formation of neural pathways specially adapted to ideas in that area—a concept known as neuroplasticity. Our brains are capable of reorganizing themselves by forming new neural connections. Repeatedly focusing on certain ideas strengthens these pathways, making it easier to access related insights.

But let's not forget that ideas themselves aren't caused by these molecular changes; instead, they are the cause of them. Our focused thoughts influence these brain changes, reinforcing the connection between mind and brain.

This brings us face-to-face with the eternal mystery of how spirit interacts with matter. Even if we trace matter through finer levels until it becomes something we'd call a spiritual substance, it's still not the intelligent thinking principle itself.

The key lies in the concept of "vibrations." At the most fundamental level, everything in the physical world is made up of energy and vibrations that can be measured. However, consciousness or spirit isn't something we can measure in the same way—it's the intangible source behind these physical phenomena.

So, we shouldn't think that ideas originate from molecular shifts in the brain. While our brains play a crucial role in processing thoughts, the origin of ideas may stem from a deeper level of consciousness beyond mere brain activity.

Some people even feel activity in the upper part of their brain during an intuitive insight—a sensation like an expansion or opening in that area.

The Power of Meditating on Universal Principles

The fact remains: intuition works most freely in the direction where we habitually focus our thoughts. In practice, the best way to cultivate intuition in any area is to meditate on the abstract principles of that subject rather than just specific examples.

Why is that?

Specific cases deal with particular phenomena—the law operating under certain limitations. But principles of the law aren't bound by local conditions. When we meditate on these universal principles, we set our intuition free to explore infinite possibilities, unrestricted by pre-existing conditions.

Whatever the theoretical explanation, you'll find that a clear understanding of fundamental principles in any field has a remarkably energizing effect on your intuition in that area.

Recognizing our ability to direct our intuition is incredibly important. If our minds are attuned to the highest aspects of spirit, this power opens the door to limitless knowledge. At its highest level, intuition becomes inspiration.

Throughout history, some of the greatest revelations and profound truths have come from individuals who, through deep contemplation and sincere focus, opened the door to the most sublime inspirations about the universe and human evolution. Consider texts like the Bible and the architectural marvel of the Great Pyramid. These records, though vastly different, all testify to the same underlying Truth and show that the direction of intuition is largely determined by the individual's will.

Imagination as a Tool for Manifestation

Closely related to intuition is the faculty of imagination. I'm not talking about fleeting daydreams, but our power to form mental images that we dwell upon. These images become a nucleus that activates the universal Law of Attraction, leading to the principle of Growth.

Here's how it works:

• Intuition captures an idea from the Universal Mind, where all potentials exist, and presents it to the imagination in its essence.

• Our image-building faculty then gives it a clear and definite form, which we hold in our mental vision.

• We bring it to life by dwelling on it, infusing our own personality into it.

This personal element is crucial—it's how the universal law acts specifically in relation to us.

Whether we allow our thoughts to dwell on a particular mental image depends on our will. Exercising our will depends on our belief in our power to use it—to dissolve or strengthen a mental image. Ultimately, our belief in this power hinges on recognizing our relationship to the source of all power. It's an unchanging truth that our lives will reflect our conception of the greater reality, whether positive or negative.

Aligning with the Universal Mind for Evolution

In this way, our intuition is related to our imagination, and this relationship has a physiological counterpart in the way our brain processes information.

Intuitive ideas often originate in the higher or "ideal" part of the brain, associated with abstract thinking and creativity. These ideas then engage the voluntary nervous system (which handles conscious thoughts and deliberate actions). The process continues through the sympathetic nervous system (which manages subconscious processes and automatic functions), thus completing a circuit. The ideas are then returned to the frontal brain, where they're consciously shaped into clear forms suited to a specific purpose.

This dynamic interplay reflects how our mental faculties and physical brain structures work together to bring ideas into tangible form.

Throughout this process, the power of the will in regulating the action of both intuition and imagination must never be overlooked. Without this central control, we'd lose our sense of individuality. That's why the ultimate aim of evolution is to develop individual wills guided by wisdom and understanding, making them fitting vessels for the expression of the Supreme Spirit.

Embracing Our Role as Co-Creators

This brings us to a profound question:

How can the Universal Mind (God) act in all its fullness on the plane of the individual and particular?

The answer lies in achieving a conscious union between our individual minds and the Universal Mind. But what does this mean, and how do we accomplish it?

Imagine the Universal Mind as an infinite ocean of wisdom, creativity, and intelligence—a boundless source that permeates everything in existence. Our individual minds are like rivers flowing into this vast ocean. By consciously connecting with the Universal Mind, we tap into its limitless resources, allowing us to access insights, ideas, and creative energies far beyond our ordinary capabilities.

This conscious union isn't just a lofty ideal; it's a practical pathway to enhancing our abilities and manifesting our desires. When we align our thoughts, intentions, and actions with the Universal Mind, we become channels through which the Supreme Spirit can express its highest creative potentials. In essence, the Universal Mind can carry the creative process to its highest stages only through this union with our individual minds.

This conscious union represents the ultimate goal of evolution—not just in a biological sense but in terms of our personal and spiritual development. Evolution here refers to the unfolding and expansion of our consciousness, the deepening of our understanding, and the elevation of our being.

Our successful development depends on recognizing this goal and actively working towards it. By striving for this union, we align ourselves with the fundamental direction in which all life is moving. It becomes the central focus of our studies and efforts, guiding our choices and actions toward greater harmony, fulfillment, and contribution to the world.

There's a fascinating correspondence between the structure of our bodies and the faculties of our souls, just as there's a connection between the faculties of the soul and the power of the Originating Spirit.

Think of it this way:

• Body: Our physical form, which allows us to experience and interact with the material world.

• Soul: The seat of our emotions, thoughts, desires, and personal identity; it bridges the physical and the spiritual realms.

• Originating Spirit (Universal Mind): The fundamental creative energy or intelligence that initiates and sustains all existence.

Just as our bodies have specialized systems and organs designed for specific functions, our souls possess faculties like intuition, imagination, and will, which are specially adapted to interact with higher powers.

Understanding these correspondences is crucial because, as with any specialized instrument, we can't effectively use our mental and spiritual faculties until we comprehend the nature of the power they're designed to work with. For instance, a musician must understand not just how to play an instrument but also the principles of music to create harmony. Similarly, we must grasp the nature of the Universal Mind to harmonize our thoughts and actions with it.

So, let's briefly consider the nature of this power.

It's the creative force of the universe, the source of all life and intelligence—often referred to as the Universal Mind, Divine Spirit, or God. This power is:

• Infinite and All-Encompassing: It permeates every aspect of existence.

• Creative and Life-Giving: It's the origin of all forms, energies, and life processes.

• Intelligent and Purposeful: It operates through laws and principles that bring order and coherence.

By aligning our individual wills with this higher power, we open ourselves to unlimited possibilities. This alignment isn't about losing our individuality or blindly submitting to an external force. Instead, it's about harmonizing our personal intentions with the fundamental principles of the universe—principles like love, creativity, growth, and harmony.

When we achieve this alignment, we become co-creators in the ongoing process of evolution, not just passive observers. This means we actively participate in shaping our lives and the world around us. Our thoughts, actions, and creations contribute to the unfolding of the universe's potential.

Consider these analogies:

• Artist and Canvas: We are artists, and our lives are the canvas. By connecting with the Universal Mind, we paint with colors and inspiration beyond our own.

• Gardener and Garden: We cultivate our inner garden, planting seeds of thought and action that blossom into experiences and realities.

• Conductor and Orchestra: We orchestrate the various aspects of our being—mind, body, and soul—into a harmonious symphony aligned with the greater universal melody.

By seeing ourselves as active participants in this grand creative process, we recognize the significance of our choices and the profound impact we can have. By aligning your will with this higher power, you open yourself to unlimited possibilities, becoming the fullest expression of who you are meant to be.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

As we wrap up our exploration of the profound connection between your mind and a higher power, we've uncovered how your mental faculties are not just isolated functions—they're gateways to an infinite source of wisdom and creativity. We've delved into how intuition serves as a bridge to capture ideas from the Universal Mind, and how imagination shapes these ideas into tangible visions. By recognizing the pivotal role of your will in directing these faculties, you're empowered to consciously align with this higher power, opening doors to limitless possibilities.

But this is just one layer of a much more expansive journey. If our minds are adapted to interact with a higher power so intimately, what is the nature of this power itself? What is the essence of the Spirit that fuels our intuition and ignites our imagination? How does understanding this ultimate source deepen our ability to manifest our desires and fulfill our highest potential?

This brings us to the next thrilling chapter of our journey: The Spirit.

In Part 16, we'll delve into the very core of existence—the Supreme, All-originating Spirit. We'll explore what this ultimate power must be in itself, considering that it's inherently creative and life-giving. We'll discuss how this Spirit of Life operates through principles of Love and Beauty, seeking to express itself in and through us. By understanding the intrinsic nature of the Spirit, we'll uncover how aligning with it can lead to a life filled with abundance, joy, and profound fulfillment.

So, are you ready to journey into the very essence of existence? Join me in Part 16, where we'll unlock the mysteries of the Spirit.