“One is after the form and the other is before the form. Therefore the understanding of the Three Principles is both a cure and a prevention for the errors that may occur in the human thought system. These same Three Principles connect psychology and psychiatry as having the same quest, 'To help the client.' They are the missing link that changes psychology from a philosophy into a working science.”
“Well, Andy, I'm impressed by your confidence. But how can you be so sure of what you are saying?”
Andy smiled. “I can no more tell you the answer to that question than fly to the moon, but I can assure you that if you could see the simplicity beyond my words you would understand the answer on your own.”
I made no response as his words had once again left me speechless, yet never had I felt so invigorated and filled to the brim with wonderful feelings.
There was a long reflective silence, broken when Janet asked Andy if he would give us his definition of Mind.
Without any hesitation he replied, “My definition of Mind?
“Mind is the spiritual power that activates the human brain. Mind is one of the greatest mysteries on earth.”
“Can you explain such a phenomenon?” Janet asked.
“Janet, I just told you. Mind is one of the greatest mysteries on earth and cannot be explained by mere words.”
Andy’s words reminded me of a professor I had had in college who once said to me, “Many people who have reached higher dimensions of understanding have answers that are simple and quotable, and yet they rarely satisfy the intellect that is trying to figure it all out.”
As if he could read my mind, Andy advised me to stop trying to figure it all out and, instead, to let my mind be silent and just—be. Then, with a huge grin on his face, he said, “Simplicity takes little effort, yet it’s remarkable how simplicity often appears to be clever and unfathomable. Interesting to think about, isn’t it?”
Janet glanced over at me, raised her eyebrows and breathed, “Wow!” and commented that Andy uttered more metaphors and conundrums than any one else she she’d ever known.
I felt that Andy must be getting fed up with us for repeatedly asking the same questions, but I had to ask him if he would be kind enough to explain his theory regarding the Three Principles just one more time.
Andy smiled, “I’d be happy to, Eric. Here’s the way I see it. A principle is an original spiritual source before form.
“There are three principles: Mind, Consciousness and Thought. By using these three gifts, we create in our heads what we think of life as a whole. All our beliefs, ideas, concepts, doctrines, in fact literally everything on earth is a direct result of our usage of the Three Principles.
“And, it’s very important that you remember:
“Any doctrine that is created from the principles is not the principles, but a form the principles have taken on.”
“Andy, correct me if I’m wrong. You’re saying all ideas, concepts and techniques are created from the principles. The techniques, however, are in themselves not the principles. Is that right?”
“Absolutely correct,” Andy replied.
“Hmm. In that case, how much value do you place on techniques?”
“Techniques will not help you to find the knowledge or the happiness you seek. I would call techniques the lost man's way to enlightenment.
“This, my friends, I can assure you. If you ever meet teachers who are using techniques to explain the workings of the principles, they have absolutely no idea what they are talking about and will undoubtedly lead you astray.”
“Why do you say that?” I asked.
Andy heaved another deep sigh, then explained. “The Three Principles are not of this world and yet, paradoxically, nothing would exist for us in this world if we didn’t have them.
“They permeate both the existence of the form and the formless. However, if you ever try to explain the Three Principles via a technique, then the essence of the principles will be taking on a form.”
I certainly didn’t fully understand Andy’s explanation about the Three Principles not being of this world. Nevertheless, I wasn’t about to keep bugging by asking him more questions. I was full to the brim with such a calm feeling that instinctively I knew that I’d had sufficient for one day
Andy noticed my condition, smiled sympathetically and patted me on the shoulder. “I think we should call it a day,” he said. “What do you say we meet tomorrow. Is there anywhere special you’d like to go?”
“There’s a place I’ve been dying to visit!” Janet exclaimed. “Would it be alright with you if we get together at Powderham Castle?”
“Excellent choice,” Andy agreed.
“We’ll pick you up and we can all drive over together,” I said, “if that suits you.”
“Certainly, that sounds like a sensible plan. We’ll see you about ten,” said Andy as he took his leave.
Chapter Six
Universal Mind
When we arrived at their cottage Andy and Emily appeared at the door looking like two kids anticipating a picnic.
It took about an hour to reach our destination. We turned off the main road into a long driveway overhung by huge old trees, crossed an arched stone bridge and entered the outer courtyard where we parked with two or three other cars.
Although called a castle, Powderham falls more into the classification of fortified house. Nonetheless, nothing could have prepared us for the feeling of history embodied in the splendid old building surrounded by its own magnificent parkland. Most Americans have a fascination with anything over a hundred years old, and Janet and I were no exception. To our delight the castle that stood in front of us was a wonderful example of the ancient threads that make up the tapestry of English history, the original having probably been built in the early fifteenth century. The ancient deer park in which it was set circled elegant gardens that looked as though they had been there forever. An ancient wisteria vine climbed three stories up the main block of the house, softening the gray stone.
I couldn’t wait to see the inside and from the look on Janet’s face, I wasn’t alone. Her camera was out and at the ready. Andy and Emily had visited the ancient rooms many times before and so we arranged to meet them later in the gardens. As we were getting ready to pay our admission Andy took Janet to one side and whispered in her ear, “I think I should warn you, Luv. People have been known to disappear in there, never to be seen again.”
Janet’s eyes lit up with laughter, as she played along. “What do you mean?” she whispered back.
“Well, there have been rumors of sightings of the ghost of Sir Philip Courtney, the original owner of the castle, and then, of course, there are the hidden passages. Once a person stumbles into one of those, who knows where and when they’ll get out? Anyway,” he turned to me with a wink, “I advise you to keep a good eye on this young lady.”
I joined in the fun and promised I’d keep my eyes peeled for any danger, especially in the dungeons, and then, with a wave, we were on our way. For a moment I looked back at the elderly couple as they walked hand in hand toward the gardens. There was something so special about them and once more, I felt grateful for having met them.
The castle lived up to its reputation and we strolled through huge rooms decorated with intricate piasterwork and handsome furnishings. Dark likenesses of stern-faced ancestors stared down at us reprovingly from ornate gilt frames. The family portraits and other paintings could have commanded my attention for hours. There was so much to see, but the time had flown and it was time to meet Andy and Emily.