Professional Documents
Culture Documents
or
SHANGRI-LAWS:
Limits for Living
in a
Limitless Age
LIBER SHANGRALIS
or
SHANGRI-LAWS:
Limits for Living
in a
Limitless Age
MMIX
Exegesis
If you bought this book, you're doubtlessly looking for Truths. If ever before you've
bought a book of Truths, you know that only some of the Truths you'll agree are actually
true. The rest you'll throw down the toilet, regardless of how seamlessly interdependent
the Truths of the philosophical, religious, or psychological system from which you drew
them. Dang, you're so wise that you know you'll know the REAL Truth when you see it.
With the wisdom of ages set down before you, you usually end up deciding what you
think is wise and what you think is crap.
That's why this book is for you. Using these carefully-selected texts from different
“traditions”, you can bathe in the Light of your own wise words mingled with those of
“seekers” past. And if you don't like what you and the sage ancients have come up with,
you can throw it all away, take another drink, and try again.
Making the sign of your Grade, you ask, “How?” Each chapter has two parts. The first
part directs you to provide various words or phrases; just like Laozi and Olaudah
Equiano, you'll want to write these words on your own piece of paper. The second part
guides you as to where those words or phrases should be contextually considered. Hey!
Don't look at the second part before you complete the first part!
After witnessing your own words resonating with those of the long-dead, you might find
that the experience is confusing to the point of seeming fruitless. Do NOT slit your
wrists yet. Simply try again or move on to a different chapter. Different chapters are
best read on different kinds of days.
Each chapter also ends in a “Why not?” suggestion for living and an image upon which to
meditate. The author(s) request that you send them via electronic mail photos, video,
and/or description of things inspired by the suggestions and/or images. Send to
magicpatrol@gmail.com.
CAVEAT USURPOR. This book has lots of BIG WORDS, e.g. “verb”, “past-tense verb”,
“place”. If you need a dictionary, use one. “Abstract noun” means an idea or any noun
with the suffix “-ness” attached. “Superlative Adjective” means a word that describes a
person, place, thing, or idea, and that word – get this! – either contains the suffix “-est” or
is preceded by the word “most”, e.g. “ugliest” or “most fucking”.
Now, close your eyes. Pick a number between one and 32. Open your eyes. Turn to the
chapter of that number and enjoy finding out what you already knew to be right.
I
Sit in a comfortable chair. Fill an earthenware chawan with a serving of Bhang Ki
Thandai. Now treat yourself to a relaxing sip. Lean back, and portrait in your mind's eye
a/an …
(1) ADJECTIVE
(2) ADJECTIVE
(3) NOUN
(4) ADJECTIVE REGARDING SIZE
(5) NOUN
(6) VERB
(7) VERB
(8) ABSTRACT NOUN
(9) NOUN
(10) ABSTRACT NOUN
(11) PART OF BODY, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(12) ABSTRACT NOUN
(13) VERB
(14) VERB
(15) PART OF BODY, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(16) PART OF BODY, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(17) VERB
(18) VERB
(19) VERB
(20) PLURAL NOUN
(21) NOUN
(22) NOUN
(23) ABSTRACT NOUN
(24) PAST-TENSE VERB
(25) PAST-TENSE VERB
(26) PART OF BODY, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(27) VERB
(28) PAST-TENSE VERB
(29) VERB
(30) VERB
(31) VERB
I
The main reason why the average person remains (1) and (2) is found in the fact that he
makes no effort to fathom and understand the depths of his real (3). He may try to use
what is in action on the surface, but he is almost entirely unconscious of the fact that (4)
powers are in existence in the greater (5) of his life. These powers are dormant simply
because they have not been called into action, and they will continue to lie dormant until
man develops his greatest power—the power to (6) what really (7) within him.
The fundamental cause of (8) is found in the belief that what exists on the (9), is all there
is of man, and the reason why (10) is a rare exception instead of a universal rule can be
traced to the same cause. When the (11) discovers that its powers are inexhaustible and
that its faculties and talents can be developed to any degree imaginable, the fear of (12)
will entirely disappear. In its stead will come the conviction that man may (13) anything
or (14) anything. Whatever circumstances may be today, such a mind will know that all
can be changed, that the limitations of the person can be made to pass away, and that the
greater desires of the (15) can be realized.
That (16) that can discern what exists in the depths of the real life of man does not simply
change its views as to what man may (17) and (18), but actually begins to (19), in a
measure, upon those inexhaustible powers within; and begins accordingly to develop and
apply those greater (20) that this deeper discernment has revealed. When man can see
through and understand what exists beneath the surface of his (21), the expression of his
deeper (22) will begin, because whatever we become conscious of, that we tend to bring
forth into tangible expressions, and since the deeper life contains innumerable
possibilities as well as enormous (23), it is evident that when this deeper life is clearly
discerned and completely taken possession of in the consciousness, practically anything
may be (24) or (25). The idea that there is more of man than what appears on the surface
should be so constantly and so deeply impressed upon the (26) that it becomes a positive
conviction, and no thoughts should be placed in action unless it is based upon this
conviction. To live, think and act in the realization that "there is more of me" should be
the constant aim of every individual.
When the average individual fails, he either blames circumstances or comes to the
conclusion that he was not equal to the occasion. He therefore easily gives up. But if he
knew that there was more in him than what he had applied in his undertaking he would
not give up. He would know by developing and applying this more, he positively would
(27) where he had previously (28). When man gives attention to his greater power—the
power to (29) the more that is in him—he will never give up until he does (30), and in
consequence, he invariably will (31).
Why not write a fake love letter to a fake person from a fake person, leave it where it will
be read, and then secretly watch the reader?
II
Take a deep breath. Visualize a/an…
(1) VERB
(2) PLURAL NOUN
(3) ADJECTIVE
(4) NOUN
(5) BODY PART
(6) BODY PART
(7) EMOTION
(8) VERB
(9) NOUN
(10) NOUN
(11) NOUN
(12) ADJECTIVE
(13) NOUN
(14) ADJECTIVE
(15) PLURAL NOUN
(16) ADJECTIVE
(17) PLURAL NOUN
(18) ADJECTIVE
(19) NOUN
(20) ADJECTIVE
(21) DEITY
(22) VERB
(23) VERB
(24) NOUN
(25) ADJECTIVE
(26) PLANET
(27) PLURAL NOUN
(28) PAST-TENSE VERB
(29) NOUN
(30) PAST-TENSE VERB
(31) DIETY
(32) VERB
(33) PLURAL ANIMAL
(34) VERB
(35) PLURAL ANIMAL
(36) VERB
(37) PLURAL BIRD
(38) ADJECTIVE
II
(1) through my (2), and it shall do you good.
Into a/an (3) soul, (4) shall not enter; nor dwell in the (5) that is subject to sin. The (6) of
(7) (8) all things: and the noise of (9) is not hid.
Whoso despiseth (10) and (11), he is (12), and his (13) is (14), his (15) (16), and his (17)
(18).
For (21) (22) none but him that (23) with (24), for it is more (25) than (26), and above all
the order of (27): being (28) with (29), it is (30).
Therefore cling to (31), and you will (32) at large like (33), (34) like (35), and (36) a new
generation of (37) and ask of it (38) meats.
(1) NOUN
(2) PAST-TENSE VERB
(3) COLOR
(4) ARTICLE OF “CONVENTIONALLY” “FEMININE” CLOTHING
(5) PAST-TENSE VERB
(6) NOUN
(7) NOUN
(8) NOUN
(9) ARTICLE OF “CONVENTIALLY” “FEMININE” CLOTHING
(10) NOUN REGARDING WEATHER
(11) VERB
(12) ADJECTIVE
(13) NOUN
(14) VERB
(15) ADJECTIVE
(16) ADJECTIVE
(17) NOUN
(18) PLURAL NOUN
(19) PLURAL NOUN
(20) ADJECTIVE
(21) PAST-TENSE VERB
(22) PAST-TENSE VERB
(23) EMOTION (ADJECTIVE FORM)
(24) NOUN
(25) PART OF THE HUMAN BODY, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(26) NOUN
(27) VERB
(28) VERB
(29) ADJECTIVE
(30) NOUN
(31) ADJECTIVE
(32) VERB
(33) ANIMAL
(34) EXOTIC FOOD
(35) PAST-TENSE VERB
(36) NOUN
(37) SEASON
(38) PLANT
(39) PART OF THE HUMAN BODY, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(40) VERB
(41) NAME OF PERSON PRESENT, PHYSICALLY OR OTHERWISE
(42) ADJECTIVE
(43) PLURAL NOUN
(44) ADJECTIVE
(45) PLURAL NOUN
(46) PAST-TENSE VERB
(47) TIME OF DAY
(48) ADJECTIVE
(49) VERB
(50) ADJECTIVE
(51) EMOTION
(52) EMOTION
(53) ADJECTIVE
III
1. All that we are is the (1) of what we have (2).
2. He who wishes to put on the (3) (4) without having (5) himself from (6), who
disregards (7) and (8), is unworthy of the (9).
3. As (10) (11) through a (12) (13), passion will (14) through a (15) mind.
4. Like a (16) (17), full of (18) and full of (19), are the fine and (20) words of him
who acts (21).
5. There never was, there never will be, nor is there now: a man who is always (22),
or a man who is always (23).
6. Beware of the (24) of the (25), and control thy (26)! (27) the sins of the tongue,
and (28) virtue with thy tongue!
7. If a man becomes (29) and a great (30), if he is (31) and (32) himself about like a
(33) fed on (34), he is (35) again and again.
8. Cut out the love of (36), like a (37) (38), with thy (39)! (40) the road of peace.
Nirvana has been shown by (41).
9. (42) people shine from afar, like snowy (43); (44) people are not seen, like (45)
(46) at (47).
10. But a man is not (48) because he (49) much; he who is (50), free from (51) and
(52), he is called (53).
Why not lay out several pages of printed text, drop matches or toothpicks on them, and
write down the words connected by the match or toothpick ends?
IV
In an act of fulfilling your spiritual promise, channel a/an …
(1) VERB
(2) VERB
(3) PLACE NAME
(4) NOUN
(5) SAME AS #4, PLURAL
(6) NONSENSE WORD FOR “KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT SHAPE OR
DEFINITION”
(7) SAME AS #6
(8) SAME AS #6
(9) SAME AS #6
(10) SAME AS #6
(11) VERB THAT RESULTS IN PLEASURE
(12) VERB THAT RESULTS IN PLEASURE
(13) VERB THAT RESULTS IN PLEASURE
(14) DEITY
(15) ABSTRACT NOUN
(16) ABSTRACT NOUN
(17) SAME AS #6
(18) VERB
(19) NOUN
(20) NOUN
(21) PLURAL NOUN
IV
THERE is a thinking stuff from which all things are made, and which, in its original
state, (1), (2), and fills the interspaces of (3). A thought in this (4) produces the thing that
is imaged by the thought. Man can form things in his thought, and by impressing his
thought upon formless (5) can cause the thing he thinks about to be created.
In order to do this, man must pass from the competitive to the creative mind; otherwise
he cannot be in harmony with the (6), which is always creative and never competitive in
spirit.
Man may come into full harmony with the (7) by entertaining a lively and sincere
gratitude for the blessings it bestows upon him. Gratitude unifies the mind of man with
the intelligence of (8), so that man's thoughts are received by the (9). Man can remain
upon the creative plane only by uniting himself with the (10) through a deep and
continuous feeling of gratitude .
Man must form a clear and definite mental image of the things he wishes to (11), to (12),
or to (13); and he must hold this mental image in his thoughts, while being deeply
grateful to (14) that all his desires are granted to him. The man who wishes to get rich
must spend his leisure hours in contemplating his (15), and in earnest thanksgiving that
the reality is being given to him. Too much (16) cannot be laid on the importance of
frequent contemplation of the mental image, coupled with unwavering faith and devout
gratitude. This is the process by which the impression is given to the (17), and the
creative forces set in motion. The creative energy works through the established channels
of natural growth, and of the industrial and social order. All that is included in his mental
image will surely be brought to the man who follows the instructions given above, and
whose faith does not (18). What he wants will come to him through the ways of
established (19) and (20).
In order to receive his own when it shall come to him, man must be active; and this
activity can only consist in more than filling his present place. He must keep in mind the
Purpose to get rich through the realization of his mental image. And he must do, every
day, all that can be done that day, taking care to do each act in a successful manner. He
must give to every man a use value in excess of the cash value he receives, so that each
transaction makes for more (21); and he must so hold the Advancing Thought that the
impression of increase will be communicated to all with whom he comes in contact.
The men and women who practice the foregoing instructions will certainly get rich; and
the riches they receive will be in exact proportion to the definiteness of their vision, the
fixity of their purpose, the steadiness of their faith, and the depth of their gratitude.
Why not criticize via margin notes (or altogether re-write) a famous short story?
V
Sink into your hole. Find a/an:
Why not walk down the street until you get to the corner. Flip a coin: heads, go right.
Tails, go left.
VI
Open your heart. Seek within a/an…
(1) NOUN
(2) SAME NOUN AS #1
(3) SAME NOUN AS #1
(4) ANIMAL
(5) ANIMAL
(6) SAME NOUN AS #1
(7) SAME NOUN AS #1
(8) SAME NOUN AS #1
(9) SAME NOUN AS #1
(10) NOUN
(11) SAME NOUN AS #1
(12) SAME NOUN AS #1
(13) SAME NOUN AS #1
(14) SAME NOUN AS #1
(15) SAME NOUN AS #1
(16) NONSENSE WORD
(17) TYPE OF MEAT
(18) SAME NOUN AS #1.
(19) AN AFFLICTION
(20) SAME MEAT AS #16
(21) SAME NOUN AS #1.
(22) SAME MEAT AS #16
(23) AN AFFLICTION
(24) SAME NOUN AS #1
(25) SAME NOUN AS #1
(26) SAME NOUN AS #1
(27) SAME NOUN AS #1
(28) WILD ANIMAL
(29) DOMESTIC ANIMAL
(30) SAME NOUN AS #1
(31) SAME NOUN AS #1
(32) SAME NOUN AS #1
(33) SAME NOUN AS #1
(34) SAME NOUN AS #1
(35) VERB ENDING IN -ING
(36) SAME NOUN AS #1
(37) SAME NOUN AS #1
(38) ABSTRACT NOUN
(39) TYPE OF MEAT
(40) TYPE OF MEAT
(41) AN AFFLICTION
(42) AN AFFLICTION
(43) AN AFFLICTION
(44) SAME NOUN AS #1
(45) AN AFFLICTION
(46) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
(47) ABSTRACT NOUN
(48) SAME NOUN AS #1
(49) SAME NOUN AS #1
(50) PLURAL NOUN
(51) SAME NOUN AS #1
(52) SAME AS #46
(53) SAME AS #46
(54) SAME NOUN AS #1
(55) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
(56) NOUN
(57) SAME NOUN AS #1
(58) AN AFFLICTION
(59) ADJECTIVE
(60) ANIMAL
(61) AN AFFLICTION
(62) SAME NOUN AS #1
(63) DEITY
(64) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
(65) DEITY
(66) ANIMAL
(67) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
(68) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
(69) SAME NOUN AS #1
(70) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
(71) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
(72) AN AFFLICTION
(73) AN EMOTION
VII
(1) Meditation
When we speak of (2) we speak of it as though it were a thing. But there are as many
kinds of (3) as there are (4) or (5) or anything which grows, and the (6) of a plant is not
the same as that of a tree; neither is the life of man the same as that of a beast. All (7) is
the result of the chemical action of some idea, so that (8) is matter, and it lives on (9) or
matter; therefore the material man is made up of (10) and (11). This (12) is continually
changing, so that we live on (13) which we receive from others. Ideas are [spiritual]
matter and of course they contain (14).
We eat or receive (15) in the wrong sense. For instance, the (16) when they ate (17)
thought they ate (18), for their belief was that it would produce a/an (19): although the
(20) was dead it would rise again in the form of scrofula. So to avoid having that (21) in
them they would not eat (22)
Now, as absurd as this idea is, it is the basis of our knowledge about (23). How often are
we reminded not to eat such and such things. We all admit that animal food has (24) in it.
So we eat it as (25); for when we say that it is so far decayed that it is not good we look
on it as poison. So also we receive (25) into our stomach as though it really added to our
(26) or strength. How often we talk about fat making us warmer. All these ideas are the
result of error and their fruits are (27).
Does the (28) eat (29) as though it had (30)? No, he eats it as "dead" and expects no bad
effects from it. So it is with all living beings but man. Man has reasoned himself into a
belief that all he eats and drinks contains T.N., and this T.N. or food is his (31) or friend
(32) according to his belief. Thus he is kept continually on the watch what kind of food
he receives. Although the (33) or food that he receives contains the idea of (34), yet his
belief is that he participates in (35), and he is affected by his belief.
Now when I eat or drink, the (36) that was in the substance eaten is (37) to me, and has
no (38) in it. So I am not afraid in eating (39) of any bad effects. Neither am I afraid if I
listen and take a person's feelings arising from scrofula or any other (40) that I shall have
the (41), for the life of the (42) is in the person who believes it.
What is the weapon that destroys this (43) or (44)? (45). This is (46), and that destroys all
other (47). This is to the animal (48), (49). So (50) to the natural man is nothing that
contains (51). But this (52) is a Principle. This is the only living and eternal (53). This
(54). is what rose from the (55) or natural (56).
Man in his natural state was no more liable to (57) than the (58). But as soon as he began
to reason he became (59), for his (60) was in his reason. Therefore his reason was his
(61), and this made him afraid of his reason.
Let man rid himself of these blind guides and follow the command of (62), and take no
thought of what he shall eat or drink as having anything to do with his health and he will
then be much better off. Seek first (63) at the appearance of every phenomenon, and pay
no attention to your food any more than the rest of (64)'s creatures do. If man were as
wise in regard to what goes into his stomach as the (65) he would be much better off. Let
the health alone. Seek to enlighten man in (66); and as (67) is developed man will
become wise and happy. This (68) is in his wisdom and his wisdom is a (69) To put his
(70) into practice for his own happiness is to correct some error that he has embraced. To
prove the (71) to others is to take something that man is troubled about in the form of
a/an (72) which creates (73), and correct the opinion so that health is established.
Why not make a sculpture of a real or “real-to-you” animal out of parts of animal toys?
VIII
Using a mirror, gaze deeply into your own eyes. Find there a/an…
1. A remedy to be used when anyone is (3). Let the person in (4) soberness and
without having (5) with anyone, catch (6) in a (7) before sunrise. Boil a (8) in this;
bore (9) (10) holes in this with a (11), and carry it to an (12)-hill. That person will
feel (13) as soon as it is devoured.
2. A (14) Remedy against (15). Speak: "If you are slandered to your very (16), to
your very (17), to your very (18), (19) it back upon the false tongues." Then, (20).
Take off your (21), and turn it wrong-side out, and then run your (22) along your
body, close under the ribs, starting at the (23) and moving to the thighs.
3. To Make a Wand for Searching for (24), (25), or water. On the night of (26),
between 11 and 12 o'clock, break off from a (27) tree a (28) twig while facing (29).
Whenever you apply this wand in (30), apply it (31) times. Do not hold it too (32).
(33) the ground with the thickest end, and that which you desire will appear
immediately.
4. To mend broken (34). Take common (35) and (36) it well; un-(37) (38) and the
(39) of eggs, (40) all these together until it becomes one (41), and then use it.
5. To Fasten or Spell-Bind Anything. You say, "Christ's (42) and Christ's (43),
Christ Jesus' (44) blood, be thou every hour (45). God, the (46), is before me; God,
the (47), is beside me, God, the (48) Ghost, is behind me. Whoever now is more (49)
than these three persons may come, by day or night, to (50) me." Then (51) and say
the Lord's prayer three times.
And ye yourselves like unto servants that (6) for their lord, when he will return from
the wedding; that when he cometh and (7)eth, they may open unto him (8). (9) are
those, whom the lord when he cometh shall find (10): (11) I say unto you, that he
shall (12) himself, and make them to sit down to (13), and will come forth and (14)
them.
And if he shall (15) in the second watch, or (16) in the third watch, and find them so,
(17) are those servants.
And this know, that if the (18) man of the house had known what hour the thief would
(19), he would have (20), and not have suffered his (21) to be broken (22).
Be ye therefore (23) also: for the Son of Man (24) at an hour when ye (25) not.
Why not write a letter to a person randomly chosen from the phone book?
X
Affix your spirit locus in the direction of a/an …
This accords well with the ameliorating and progressive principle of (11) which in these
days offers a substantial reward, both for a (12) and for his progeny, if he will but
cultivate higher and more useful traits and qualities. The aim to excel, if respected of all,
approved and accepted by common consent, would appeal to every (13) and, logically
presented to its mind and enforced by universal recognition of its validity, would become
a conviction and a scheme for the art of living, of transforming power and compelling
(14).
In various sayings (15), his disciples, and (16) present the attributes of the superior (17),
whom the sage adjures his disciples to admire without ceasing, to emulate without
turning, and to imitate without let or hindrance. These are some of them:
Purpose: "The superior (18) learns in order to attain to the utmost of his principles."
(Analects, bk. xix., c. vii.)
Poise: "The superior (19) in his thought does not go out of his place." (Analects, bk. xiv.,
c. xxviii.)
Self-sufficiency: "What the superior (20) seeks, is in himself; what the ordinary (21)
seeks, is in others." (Analects, bk. xv., c. xx.)
Earnestness: "The superior (22) in everything puts forth his utmost endeavours." (Great
Learning, ii., 4.)
Thoroughness: "The superior (23) bends his attention to what is radical. That being
established, all practical courses naturally grow up." (Analects, bk. i., c. ii., v. 2.)
Sincerity: "The superior (24) must make his thoughts sincere." (Great Learning, vi., 4.) "
Truthfulness: "What the superior (25) requires is that in what he says there may be
nothing (26)." (Analects, bk. xiii., c. iii., v. 7.)
Purity of thought and action: "The superior (27) must be watchful over himself when
alone." (Great Learning, vi., 2.)
Love of truth: "The object of the superior (28) is truth." (Analects, bk. xv., c. xxxi.) "The
superior (29) is anxious lest he should not get (30); he is not anxious lest (31) come upon
him."
Why not eavesdrop all day and keep a record of your favorite quotations?
XI
Imagine you are walking through a forest. Along the path on either side, you see
a/an…
A certain man went down from (7) to (8), and fell among thieves, which stripped him
of his (9), and (10) him, and departed, leaving him (11).
And by chance there came down a (12) (13) that way: and when he saw him, he
passed by on the other side. And likewise a (14), when he was at the place, came and
(15) on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain (16), as he journeyed,
came where he was: and when he saw him, he felt (17) for him, And went to him, and
bound up his (18), pouring into him (19) and (20), and set him on his own (21),
and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he (22),
he took out (23) (24), and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him;
and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was (25) unto him that fell among the
thieves?
And (26) said, He that shewed (27) on him. Then said (28) unto him, Go, and do thou
(29).
Why not serve food colored brightly and oddly with food coloring?
XII
Imagine Jesus Christ. Imagine Muhammad. Imagine Elijah. Now imagine a/an ..
When in harmony with the law of supply and demand it is as easy to manifest thousands
as hundreds of (11). The injury and injustice arises not from the accumulation, but in the
refusal to share it. All the wealth of the world comes from the land and belongs to (12),
and is only loaned to man for 70 or 80 years at most. Whenever one has more than he
needs it should be distributed among those who are in need. This is done by (13)
individuals.
When one takes without giving the law is violated; when service is exchanged or an
equivalent rendered, the law is fulfilled. A man who commits (14) is a/an (15) and
punishable by law. A man who appropriates from life what belongs to others is also a/an
(16) and punishable by spiritual law. Whatever we take from life we are obligated to pass
on. Life flows through us, and whenever we attempt to obstruct it (17), (18), (19), (20)
and (21) follow. When life flows unobstructedly through us, we are in harmony with it
and we are (22), (23) and (24).
Why not make a mix tape and give it to the first person you see outside your home?
XIII
Count backwards from 64. Focus on finding a/an…
Now when (6) was born in (7) of (8) in the days of (9) the king, (10), there came wise
men from the (11), saying, Where is he that is born King of the (12)? for we have
seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When the king had heard these things, he was (13), and when he had gathered all the
(14) (15) and (16) of the people together, he demanded of them where (17) should be
born. And they said unto him, in a (18), for thus it is written.
Then the king, when he had (19) called the (20) men, enquired of them (21) what time
the star appeared. And he sent them to (22), and said, Go and (23) diligently for the
(24) child; and when ye have found him, bring me (25) again, that I may come and
(26) him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, (27), the star, which they saw in
the east, (28) before them, till it came and stood over where the (29) child was. When
they saw the star, they (30) with (31) (32) joy. And when they were come into the
house, they saw the (33) child with (34) his mother, and fell down, and (35): and
when they had opened their (36), they presented unto him gifts: (37), and (38) and
(39).
And being warned in a dream that they should not return to the king, they departed
into their own country another way. Then the king, when he saw that he was (40) of
the (41) men, was (42) (43), and sent forth, and slew all the children from (44) years
old and under.
Why not make up your own constellations and their origin myths?
XIV
Light incense. Think of a/an…
(1) VERB
(2) VERB
(3) ADJECTIVE
(4) PUNCTUATION MARK
(5) SUPERLATIVE ADJECTIVE
(6) ADVERB
(7) ADJECTIVE
(8) ADJECTIVE
(9) ADJECTIVE
(10) PLURAL NOUN
(11) PLURAL NOUN
(12) PLURAL NOUN
(13) ADJECTIVE
(14) PLURAL NOUN
(15) ADJECTIVE
(16) ADJECTIVE
(17) ADJECTIVE
(18) NOUN ENDING IN –MENT
(19) ADJECTIVE
(20) ADJECTIVE
(21) PAST-TENSE VERB
(22) ADJECTIVE
(23) NOUN
(24) ADJECTIVE
(25) ADJECTIVE
(26) ADJECTIVE
(27) ADJECTIVE
(28) ADJECTIVE
(29) NATIONALITY
(30) ADVERB
(31) NOUN
(32) PLURAL NOUN
(33) PLURAL NOUN
(34) ADJECTIVE
(35) PART OF BODY, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(36) NOUN
(37) ADJECTIVE
(38) TOOL
(39) VERB
(40) VERB
(41) ADJECTIVE
(42) VERB
(43) SAME AS #29
(44) ADVERB
(45) ADJECTIVE
(46) ADJECTIVE
(47) NOUN
(48) ADJECTIVE
(49) ADJECTIVE
(50) SOMETHING YOU CAN HOLD IN YOUR HAND
(51) ADVERB
(52) PAST-TENSE VERB
(53) ADJECTIVE
(54) ADJECTIVE
(55) SOMETHING YOU WEAR
(56) NOUN
(57) NONSENSICAL PHRASE
(58) ADVERB
(59) NOUN
(60) VERB
(61) ADJECTIVE
(62) NOUN
(63) SUPERLATIVE ADJECTIVE
(64) ADJECTIVE
(65) ADJECTIVE
(66) PLURAL NOUN
(67) NOUN
(68) VERB
(69) ADJECTIVE
(70) VERB
(71) VERB
(72) FRACTION
XIV
(1) AND (2) (3) (4)
"...The (5) results in life are (6) attained by (7) means, and the exercise of (8)
qualities. The (9) life of every day, with its (10), (11), and (12), affords (13)
experience for acquiring (14) of the best kind; and its most (15) paths provide the (16)
worker with (17) scope for effort and room for self-(18). Accident does very little
towards the production of any (19) result in life. Though sometimes what is called ‘a
(20) hit’ may be (21) by a (22) (23), the (24) highway of (25) industry and application
is the only (26) road to travel."
"There is a (27) speech recorded of a (28) (29) man, (30) characteristic of that (31). ‘I
believe neither in (32) nor (33),” said he, “I put my (34) trust in my own strength of
(35) and (36).” The (37) crest of a (38) with the motto of “Either I will (39) a way or
(40) one,” was an expression of the same (41) independence which to this day (42)
the descendants of the (43). (44) nothing could be more (45) of their (46) mythology,
than that it had a god with a (47). A man’s character is seen in (48) matters; and from
even so (49) a test as the mode in which a man wields a (50), his energy may (51) be
(52)...There is a (53) heraldic motto on a (54) (55) in (56) Abbey, “(57),” which
might (58) be the (59) of every man’s life: ‘(60) unto him that is (61)’."
"The cultivation of this (62) is of the (63) importance; (64) determination in the
pursuit of (65) (66) being the foundation of all greatness of character. (67) enables a
man to (68) his way through drudgery and (69) details, and (70) him onward and
upward in every station in life. It (71) more than genius, with not (72) the
disappointment and peril."
Why not take a book off the library shelf, write a note from the point of view of someone
in the book, put the note into the book, then put the book back on the shelf?
XV
Your Dharma, should you choose to create such at this moment, is to utter a/an …
(1) ADJECTIVE
(2) VERB
(3) VERB
(4) ABSTRACT NOUN
(5) ADJECTIVE
(6) NOUN
(7) SAME NOUN AS #6
(8) ADJECTIVE
(9) ABSTRACT NOUN
(10) VERB ENDING IN -ING
(11) SAME AS #10
(12) FLORAL OR EFFEMINATE NOUN
(13) PLURAL FLORAL OR EFFEMINATE NOUN
(14) PLURAL ABSTRACT NOUN
(15) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY
(16) ADJECTIVE
(17) STORE OR SHOP FOUND IN A CITY
(18) BODY ORGAN
(19) SAME AS #18, PLURAL
(20) ADJECTIVE
(21) SAME AS #20
(22) VERB ENDING IN -ING
(23) PAST-TENSE VERB
(24) ADJECTIVE
(25) SAME AS #24
(26) PAST-TENSE VERB
(27) SAME AS #26
(28) PLURAL NOUN
(29) SAME AS #28
(30) SAME AS #17, PLURAL
(31) HEAVENLY BODY
(32) SAME AS #12
(33) SAME AS #12
XV
WHAT THE GREAT LEARNING teaches, is to illustrate (1) virtue; to (2) the people;
and to (3) in the highest (4).
The point where to rest being known, the object of pursuit is then determined; and, that
being determined, a (5) (6) may be attained to. To that (7) there will succeed a (8) (9). In
that repose there may be careful (10), and that (11) will be followed by the attainment of
the desired end.
Things have their (12) and their (13). (14) have their end and their beginning. To know
what is first and what is last will lead near to what is taught in the Great (15).
The ancients who wished to illustrate (16) virtue throughout the (17), first ordered well
their own states. Wishing to order well their states, they first regulated their families.
Wishing to regulate their families, they first cultivated their persons. Wishing to cultivate
their persons, they first rectified their (18). Wishing to rectify their (19), they first sought
to be (20) in their thoughts. Wishing to be (21) in their thoughts, they first extended to the
utmost their knowledge. Such extension of knowledge lay in the (22) of things.
Things being (23), knowledge became complete. Their knowledge being complete, their
thoughts were (24). Their thoughts being (25), their hearts were then (26). Their hearts
being (27), their persons were cultivated. Their persons being
cultivated, their (28) were regulated. Their (29) being regulated, their (30) were rightly
governed. Their states being rightly governed, the whole kingdom was made tranquil and
happy. From the Son of (31) down to the mass of the people, all must consider the
cultivation of the person the (32) of everything besides. It cannot be, when the (33) is
neglected, that what should spring from it will be well ordered. It never has been the case
that what was of great importance has been slightly cared for, and, at the same time, that
what was of slight importance has been greatly cared for.
(1) VERB
(2) ADVERB
(3) VERB
(4) COLOR
(5) PAST-TENSE VERB
(6) ADJECTIVE
(7) ADJECTIVE
(8) ADJECTIVE
(9) VERB
(10) COLOR
(11) PAST-TENSE VERB
(12) ADJECTIVE
(13) ADJECTIVE
(14) PLURAL NOUN
(15) COLOR
(16) PAST-TENSE VERB
(17) PLURAL NOUN
(18) SIGN OF THE ZODIAC
(19) VERB ENDING IN –ING
(20) VERB
(21) VERB
(22) VERB
(23) NUMBER
(24) PLURAL NOUN
(25) ADJECTIVE
(26) VERB
(27) VERB
(28) SOMETHING YOU WEAR
(29) PLURAL BODY PART, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE
(30) ADJECTIVE
(31) ADJECTIVE
(32) ADJECTIVE
(33) FRUIT
(34) PLURAL JOB TITLE
(35) VERB ENDING IN –ING
XVI
This I will now (1) (2) to (3) my friends!
i.
Just now, the (4)-sandaled Dawn has (5):
The stars about the (6) moon lose their (7) beauty when she,
almost (8), (9) all earth with (10), (11) with (12) hues --
The spirit within them turned (13) and down dropped their (14).
A (15) pulse (16) along the (17).
The moon has set, and (18);
The time is (19) and I (20) alone.
ii.
I (21) and I seek,
I know not what to (22): I have (23) (24).
What (25) girl (26) thee
Who knows not how to (27) her (28) about her (29)?
I am not of a (30) nature, but have a (31) temper:
But as the (32) (33) blushes on the end of the bough,
The very end of a bough which (34) missed:
A napkin (35).
(1) NOUN
(2) NUMBER
(3) ADJECTIVE
(4) NOUN
(5) ADJECTIVE
(6) VERB ENDING IN –ING
(7) VERB
(8) NAME OF PERSON PRESENT, PHYSICALLY OR OTHERWISE
(9) ADVERB
(10) ADJECTIVE
(11) VERB
(12) VERB
(13) NOUN
(14) ADVERB
(15) ADJECTIVE
(16) ADJECTIVE
(17) ADVERB
(18) VERB
(19) ADJECTIVE
(20) NOUN
(21) NOUN
(22) ADVERB
(23) VERB
(24) VERB
(25) ADJECTIVE
(26) PLURAL NOUN
(27) NOUN
(28) NOUN
(29) VERB
(30) VERB
(31) PLACE NAME
(32) VERB
(33) VERB ENDING IN –ING
(34) ADVERB
(35) NOUN
(36) ADJECTIVE
(37) NOUN
XVII
THE (1) OF THE AGES, VOLUME (2)
"...Man is an (3) part of the universal (4). That he partakes of its (5) wisdom and
power and that by (6) in harmony with Universal Mind he can do anything, (7)
anything, be anything.
There is within you — within (8) — this (9) (10) force with which you can perform
undertakings that will (11) your reason, (12) your (13). There (14) resides within you
a Mind that is all-(15), all-(16), a Mind that is (17) apart from the mind which you
consciously (18) in your (19) affairs yet which is one with it.
Your subconscious mind partakes of this (20) and (21), and it is through your
subconscious mind that you can draw upon it in the attainment of anything you may
desire. When you can (22) (23) your subconscious mind, you can be in
communication with the Universal Mind.
(24) this: the Universal Mind is omni-(25). And since the subconscious mind is part
of the Universal Mind, there is no limit to the (26) which it can do when it is given
the (27) to act. Given any (28) that is in harmony with the Universal Mind and you
have but to (29) that desire in your thought to (30) from the invisible (31) the things
you need to (32) it.
For mind does its (33) (34) by the power of thought. Its creations take form according
to its thought. Its first requisite is a mental (35), and your desire held with (36)
purpose will form that mental (37)."
Why not make up a board game using parts and pieces from other board games?
XVIII
Focus your third eye on a/an…
And so, with his (1) (2) in front of his loss and pain, (3) (4)-Father turned and went
toward (5)'s Well. It was under the (6) root of (7). And there sat (8), the Guardian of
the Well of Wisdom, with his (9) eyes bent upon the (10) (11); and he, who had drunk
every day from the Well of Wisdom, knew who it was that stood before him.
Then the god (15) to (16), the (17) of the world's beings. "I would drink from your
well," he said.
"There is a price to be paid. All who have come here to drink have (18) from paying
that price. Will you, (19) of the Gods, pay it?"
"I will not (20) from the price that has to be paid," said the (21)-Father.
"Then drink," said (22). He filled up a great (23) with (24) from the well.
The god took the horn in both his (25) and drank and drank. And as he drank all the
future became (26) to him. He saw all the (27) and (28) that would fall upon Men and
Gods. But he saw, too, why the sorrows and troubles had to fall, and he saw how they
might be borne so that Gods and Men, by being (29) in the days of (30), would be in
the world a (31) force that one day would destroy the (32) evil that brought (33) into
the world.
Then when he had drunk out of the great (34), he (35) his (36). Terrible was the pain
that the All-(37) endured. But he made no (38) nor (39). He bowed his head and put
his (40) before his face, as (41) took it and let it sink deep, deep into the (42) of the
Well of Wisdom. And there the (43) stayed, (44) up through the (45), a sign to all
who came to that place of the price that the Father of the Gods had (46) for his (47).
And now, having (43) the (44) through the ages and seen him take refuge at last in
(45), we may (46) our search for the (47) of his (48). We (49) it not because we have
(50) out the (51) of his mystery but because there is no farther to go, seeing that we
cannot (52) the (53), (54) heart and mind of (55) man. The (56) (57) us at last, as we
should wish, for "he is not to be taken (58)". Like every other (59) or (60) that we
pursue to the limits of our powers and (61), he goes forth into the (62).
Why not write all your hopes and dreams in big letters on multiple sheets of paper, burn
the papers to ash, then make a design in glue on paper and sprinkle the ash all over the
glue?
XX
Search your feelings. Within you lies a/an...
(1) NOUN
(2) FANTASY PLACE NAME
(3) ADJECTIVE
(4) NOUN
(5) NOUN
(6) PAST-TENSE VERB
(7) PLACE NAME
(8) VERB
(9) ADJECTIVE
(10) FOOD
(11) VERB
(12) PLURAL NOUN
(13) VERB
(14) VERB
(15) VERB
(16) ABSTRACT NOUN
(17) VERB
(18) ABSTRACT NOUN
(19) NOUN
(20) NOUN
(21) NOUN
(22) INTERJECTION
XX
Our (1), who art in (2),
(3) be thy name,
Thy (4) come, thy (5) be (6)
On Earth as it is in (7).
(8) us this day our (9) (10),
And (11) us our (12)
As we (13) those who (14) against us.
And (15) us not into (16)
But (17) us from (18)
For thine is the (19), the (20), and the (21)
Forever. (22)
Why not draw a map of your home and indicate distances between key points (toilet, bed,
refrigerator, front door, etc.) in steps?
XXI
Cherish the non-violent nature within your acoustic soul. Now, from your spiritual
diaphragm, sing out a/an ...
"ENTERING into the (2) of it." What a common expression! And yet how much it really
means, how absolutely everything! We enter into the (3) of an undertaking, into the (4) of
a movement, into the (5) of an (6), even into the (7)of a (8); and it makes all the
difference both to us and to that into which we enter. A (9) without any (10) is a poor
affair; and association in which there is no (11) falls to pieces; and a (12)-less
undertaking is sure to be a failure. On the other hand, the (13) which is meaningless to
the unsympathising (14) is full of life and suggestion to the one who enters into, the (15)
of the (16); the man who enters into the (17) of the (18) finds a spring of refreshment in
some fine recital which is entirely missed by the cold critic who comes only to judge
according to the standard of a rigid rule; and so on in every case that we can think of. If
we do not enter the (19) of a thing, it has no invigorating effect upon us, and we regard it
as dull, insipid and worthless. This is our everyday experience, and these are the words in
which we express it. And the words are well chosen. They show our intuitive recognition
of the spirit as the fundamental reality in everything, however small or however great. Let
us be right as to the (20) of a thing, and everything else will successfully follow.
To enter into the (21) of anything is to make yourself one in thought with the creative
principle that is at the centre of it; and therefore why not go to the centre of all things at
once, and enter into the (22)Do you ask where to find it? In yourself; and in proportion as
you find it there, you will find it everywhere else. Look at Life as the one thing that is,
whether in you or around you; try to realise the livingness of it, and then seek to enter
into the (23) of it by affirming it to be the whole of what you are. Affirm this continually
in your thoughts, and by degrees the affirmation will grow into a real living force within
you, so that it will become a second nature to you, and you will find it impossible and
unnatural to think in any other way; and the nearer you approach this point the greater
you will find your control over both body and circumstances, until at last you shall so
enter into the (24) of it---into the (25) of the Divine creative power which is the root of all
things--that, in the words of Jesus, "nothing shall be impossible to you," because you
have so entered into the (26). of it that you discover yourself to be one with it. Then all
the old limitations will have passed away, and you will be living in an entirely new (27)
of (28), (29) and (30), of which you yourself are the radiating centre. You will realise the
truth that your Thought is a limitless creative power, and that you yourself are behind
your Thought, controlling and directing it with Knowledge for any purpose which (31)
motivates and (32) plans. Thus you will cease from your labours, your struggles and
anxieties, and enter into that new order where perfect rest is one with ceaseless activity.
Why not bring a serious story to life using dolls or sock puppets?
XXII
Via automatic writing, determine a/an...
(1) LIQUID
(2) LUBRICANT
(3) A COMMON PARTY FAVOR OR FOOD
(4) A SPICE
(5) DESSERT FOOD
(6) STYLISH ARTICLE OF CLOTHING
(7) LARGE BODY OF WATER
(8) COLOR
(9) MATERIAL USED TO MAKE CLOTHING
(10) FAMOUS SYMBOL OR ICON
(11) BODY PART
(12) ADJECTIVE
(13) DEITY
(14) PLURAL JOB TITLE
(15) DEITY
(16) PLACE WHERE ONE LIVES
(17) LARGE NUMBER, REAL OR MADE-UP
(18) DEITY
(19) DEITY
(20) PERIOD OF TIME
(21) NONSENSE NAME
(22) NONSENSE NAME
(23) NONSENSE NAME
(24) NONSENSE NAME
(25) NONSENSE NAME
(26) NOUN THAT HAS AN ANTONYM
(27) ANTONYM OF #26
(28) DEITY
(29) DEITY
(30) NONSENSE NAME
(31) NONSENSE WORD
(32) NONSENSE WORD
(33) ANIMAL
(34) PLURAL NOUN
(35) PLURAL REPTILE
(36) NONSENSE WORD
(37) NAME OF PLACE
(38) DEITY
(39) NONSENSE WORD
(40) DEITY
(41) DEITY
(42) NONSENSE WORD
(43) DEITY
(44) ANY WORD, REAL OR NONSENSE
(45) DEITY
(46) ROYAL TITLE
(47) ANY NON-ENGLISH WORD FOR “WOMAN”
(48) SAME AS #35, SINGULAR
(49) SAME AS #12
(50) SAME AS #21
(51) DIFFICULT-TO-PRONOUNCE NONSENSE PHRASE
(52) DIFFICULT-TO-PRONOUNCE NONSENSE PHRASE
(53) NONSENSE PLACE NAME
(54) A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF WHAT #53 IS
(55) AN EVEN MORE DIFFICULT-TO-PRONOUNCE NONSENSE PHRASE
(56) THE MOST DIFFICULT-TO-PRONOUNCE NONSENSE PHRASE YET
(57) VESSEL OR VEHICLE
(58) NONSENSE WORD
XXIII
WHOSOEVER SHALL RECITE the words of this composition over himself shall anoint
himself with (1) and with thick (2), and he shall have propitiatory offerings on both his
hands of (3), and behind his two ears shall be pure (4), and sweet-smelling (5) shall be on
his lips. He shall be arrayed in a new (6) and his body shall be purified with the water of
the (7), and he shall have upon his feet a pair of sandals made of (8) (9), and a figure of
the (10) shall be drawn upon his (11) with green-coloured ochre. Whensoever (12) shall
wish to recite this composition on behalf of (13), he must perform a sevenfold
purification for three days, and (14) and ordinary men shall do likewise. Whosoever shall
recite the above words shall perform the ceremonies which are to be performed when this
book is being read. And he shall make his place of standing in a circle (or, at an
angle) . . . . . which is beyond [him], and his two eyes shall be fixed upon himself, all his
members shall be [composed], and his steps shall not carry him away [from the place].
Whosoever among men shall recite [these] words shall be like (15) on the day of his
birth; and his possessions shall not become fewer, and his (16) shall never fall into decay,
but shall endure for a (17) eternities.
Then the Aged One himself (i.e., (18)) embraced the god (19), and spake unto the gods
who came forth in the east of the sky, "Ascribe ye praise to the god, the Aged One, from
whom I have come into being. I am he who made the heavens, and I (set in order the
earth, and created the gods, and I was with them for (20); then was born the year but my
soul is older than it (i.e., time). It is the Soul of (21), it is the Soul of (22), it is the Soul of
(23), it is the Soul of (24) and (25) (i.e., (26) and (27)), it is the Soul of (28) and of (29),
it is the Soul of (30), the lord of (31), it is the Soul of the (32) (33)-gods and of the (34), it
is the Soul of every god who dwelleth in the divine (35), it is the Soul of (36) in Mount
(37) (i.e., the Mount of Sunrise), and it is the Soul of (38) which pervadeth the whole
world."
Whosoever sayeth [these words] worketh his own protection by means of the words of
power, "I am the god (39) (i.e., the divine Word of power), and [I am] pure in my mouth,
and [in] my belly; [I am] (40) from whom the gods proceeded. I am (41) the Light-god
((42))." When thou sayest [this], stop forth in the evening and in the morning on thine
own behalf if thou wouldst make to fall the enemies of (43). I am his Soul, and I am (44).
Hail, thou lord of eternity, thou creator of everlastingness, who bringest to nought the
gods who came forth from (45), thou lord of thy god, thou (46) who didst make what
made thee, who art beloved by the fathers of the gods, on whose head are the pure words
of power, who didst create the woman ((47)) that standeth on the south side of thee, who
didst create the goddess who hath her face on her breast, and the (48) which standeth on
his tail, with her eye on his belly, and with his tail on the earth, to whom (49) giveth
praises, and upon whom the heavens rest, and to whom (50) stretcheth out his two hands,
deliver thou me from those two great gods who sit in the east of the sky, who act as
wardens of heaven and as wardens of earth, and who make firm the secret places, and
who are called "(51)" and "(52)." Moreover [there shall be) a purifying on the . . . . . day
of the month . . . . . . .. even according to the performance of the ceremonies in the oldest
time.
Whosoever shall recite this Chapter shall have life in (53) (i.e., (54)), and the fear of
him shall be much greater than it was formerly [upon earth] . . . . . . . and they shall
say, "Thy names are 'Eternity' and 'Everlastingness.'" They are called, they are called,
"(55)" and "(56)." I am he who hath strengthened the (57) with the company of the
gods, and his (58), and his Gods, by means of words of power.
And though I have the gift of (7), and understand all (8), and all knowledge; and
though I have all (9), so that I could remove (10), and have not (11), I am nothing.
And though I (12) all my (13) to (14) the poor, and though I give my body to be (15),
and have not (16), it profiteth me nothing.
(17) (18) long, and is (19); (20) envieth not; (21) vaunteth not itself, is not (22) up,
Doth not (23) itself (24), seeketh not her own, is not (25) (26), (27) no evil;
(30) all (31), (32) all (33), (34) all (35), (36) all (37).
(38) never faileth: but whether there be (39), they shall fail; whether there be (40),
they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall (41).
For we (42) in part, and we (43) in part.
But when that which is (44) is come, then that which is in part shall be (45).
When I was a child, I (46) as a child, I (47) as a child, I (48) as a child: but when I
(49) a man, I put away (50)-ish things.
And now abideth (51), hope, (52), these three; but the greatest of these is (53).
Why not cut up art posters and glue them back together however you like?
XXV
The Goddess Eirene saunters toward you in late April, dear reader, carrying the babe
Ploutos, who is crying. You bend down and kiss the babe's forehead; you close your eyes;
you are in a white room with no one and with everyone. You bring your hands together in
a prayer position. You have transmogrified into a lotus with human cognitive abilities,
and you intuit a/an …
The only thing wrong with this instruction was that the rider took in too Little territory.
He need not have confined himself to the horse. Most humans are the same way.
In fact, you can put ALL humans into that class if you want a thing done well. For you
cannot divide your thought and do justice to any one of the different subjects you are
thinking of. You've got to do one thing at a time. The greatest (1) rule in business—the
one that should be printed over every man's desk, is—"This One Thing I Do." Take one
piece of (2) at a time. (3) on it to the exclusion of all else. Then finish it! Don't half-do it,
and leave it around to (4) up your desk and (5) with the next (6). Dispose of it
completely. Pass it along wherever it is to go. Be through with it and forget it! Then your
mind will be clear to consider the next (7).
"The man who is perpetually hesitating which of two things he will do first," says (8),
"will do neither. The man who resolves, but suffers his resolution to be changed by the
first counter-suggestion of a friend—who fluctuates from plan to plan and veers like a
weather-cock to every point of the compass with every breath of caprice that blows—can
never accomplish anything real or useful. It is only the man who first consults wisely,
then resolves firmly, and then executes his purpose with inflexible perseverance,
undismayed by those petty difficulties that daunt a weaker spirit, that can advance to
eminence in any line."
Everything in the world, even a great (9), can be resolved into atoms. And the basic
principles behind the biggest (10) will be found to be the same as those behind the
successful running of (11) The whole practice of commerce is founded upon them. Any
man can learn them, but only the alert and energetic can apply them. The trouble with
most men is that they think they have done all that is required of them when they have
earned their (12).
Why, that's only the beginning. Up to that point, you are working for someone else. From
then on, you begin to work for yourself. Remember, you must give to get. And it is when
you give that extra bit of (13) and (14) and (15) to your work that you begin to stand out
above the crowd around you.
(16), for many years (17), wrote that "the greatest hunt in the (18) business right now is
the MAN hunt." And big men in every industrial line echo his words. When it comes to a
job that needs real ability, they are not looking for relatives or friends or men with "(19)."
They want a MAN—and they will, pay any price for the right man.
Not only that, but they always have a weather eye open for promising material. And the
thing they value most of all is (20).
But don't try to improve the whole works at once. Concentrate on one thing at a time.
Pick some one department or some one process or some one thing and focus all your
thought upon it. Bring to bear upon it the limitless resources of your (21) mind. Then
prepare a definite plan for the development of that department or the improvement of that
process. Verify your facts carefully to make sure they are workable. Then—and not till
then—present your plan.
Why not observe a holiday that is either fictitious or not regularly celebrated?
XXVI
Think of a tree's bare branches in winter. Regard how even the smallest twigs expand
unto the one sun in paths divergent and true. So are the pages of this book, and so is your
next offering unto it, which is a/an ...
The fear of (5) is not as common now as it was during the age when there were no great
colleges and universities. Men of (6) have turned the spotlight of (7) upon the world, and
this (8) is rapidly freeing men and women from this terrible fear of (9). The young men
and young women who attend the colleges and universities are not easily impressed by
"(10)" and "(11)." Through the aid of (12), (13), (14), and other related sciences, the fears
of the dark ages which gripped the minds of men and destroyed their reason have been
dispelled.
Insane asylums are filled with men and women who have gone mad, because of the
FEAR OF (15).
This fear is useless. (16) will come, no matter what anyone may think about it. Accept it
as a necessity, and pass the thought out of your mind. It must be a necessity, or it would
not come to all. Perhaps it is not as bad as it has been pictured.
The entire world is made up of only two things, (17) and (18). In (19) we learn that
neither (20) nor (21) (the only two realities known to man) can be created nor destroyed.
Both (22) and (23) can be transformed, but neither can be destroyed.
Life is (24), if it is anything. If neither (25) nor (26) can be destroyed, of course life
cannot be destroyed. Life, like other forms of (27), may be passed through various
processes of transition, or change, but it cannot be destroyed. (28) is mere transition.
If (29) is not mere change, or transition, then nothing comes after (30) except a (31),
which is nothing to be feared. Thus you may wipe out, forever, the fear of (32).
"I remember in years gone by, there were (3) (4) in (5), of whom a certain one was the
chief, his name was (6). On one occasion, these (7) all assembled together, and began to
consult how they might best embark on some expedition for the purpose of becoming (8).
Having agreed upon a voyage in a certain direction, and settled all preliminaries as to
freight and provisioning the (9), they separated for a time, returning to their (10), to take
leave of their wives and families.
"Now at this time, (11) went to see his (12), to get his/her permission and blessing ere
he set out on the expedition contemplated. At this time his (13) was living in retirement
in the upper portion of the (14), exercising himself/herself in religious discipline [laws of
purity and self-restraint].
"(15) approaching her, addressed his (16) thus: 'Honoured (17)! I am about to undertake
a voyage for the purpose of getting much (18). I hope to return home with (19), (20), (21)
of every kind, and so be able to minister in every way to your comfort, and also to that of
the members of my family [give me then your permission and blessing].'
"Then his (22) began to expostulate with him, and to say, 'Dear (23)! why venture your
life abroad? Surely you have wealth enough at home, and every comfort and necessary
without stint. You can easily afford to give what is necessary in religious charity; there is
no impediment in the way of your happiness (merit). Darling (24)! dear (25)! the land
abroad is full of perils, boisterous winds, hungry and cruel monsters (fishes), evil spirits,
(26), and ghouls; dear (27)! darling (28)! all these dangers infest the land abroad; and
now I am getting old, and if you leave me now, although as you say you want to return a
rich man to minister to my necessities, still the day of my death is so near, that all your
pious intentions may be of little use to me; stay, then, dear (29)! stay, to be the comfort of
my old age! [And so the (30) entreated (31) three times.]
"Then (32) answered: 'Yes, dear (33), but still I must go! think of the wealth I shall
bring back, the (34) and (35) and (36)! think how I shall be able to nourish and cherish
you in your old age, and what gifts I can bestow in religious charity.'
"Then his (37) arose from the seat, and threw arms round his neck, and embraced him
as the (38) cried: 'Darling (39)! dear (40)! I cannot let you go; I cannot give you leave to
risk your life abroad just to seek for gain! We have money enough, we have all we need
at home! I cannot let you go!'
"Then (41) thought thus:--'My (42) is cross with me, and does not want me to prosper,
and so forbids me go this voyage,' and then (43) got angry, and pulling his (44) to the
ground, he slapped (kicked) his honorable family member's (45), and rushed out of the
(46) .
"Then the (47) having assembled on the coast, and offered their worship to the (48)-
God, selected five men to superintend the various departments (as before), and depart.
But sad to say! their (49) was soon overtaken by a storm, and broke to pieces, and all the
(50) except (51) were lost. But he, having clung to a (52), after tossing about for a long
time, was at length thrown to a (53) called (54). So (55), having refreshed himself with
some wild seeds and medicinal herbs growing at (56), at length recovered his strength,
and began to explore the neighbourhood of the spot where he had been cast. At length, as
he went on, he came to a southern division (fork) of (57), and there he saw a path leading
right before him. Following the track, after a short distance he saw, from a slight
eminence, a city immediately in front of him, shining like (58), extremely beautiful and
glorious! it was full of (59) and (60), surrounded by a lofty wall, and in every respect
perfectly adorned [with lakes, woods, censers, flags, etc., etc.] and calculated for the
unbridled indulgence of love and pleasure. In the centre of the city was a charming (61)
(called '(62),') built of the seven precious substances, and most exquisite to behold!
"And now, from the inside of the city there came forth four beautiful women, adorned
with (63), and every ornament calculated to please. Approaching the spot where (64) was,
they addressed him as follows:--'Welcome, (65)! let us conduct you within yonder city,
there is no one there to interfere with us, and there is an abundance of every necessary for
(66) and (67). See yonder beautiful (68), called '(69) and (70),' constructed of the seven
precious substances! It is there we four live, we rise up and lie down as we like, with no
one to molest us! come then, oh (71)! enter there with us and enjoy our company without
interference, we will nourish you and cherish you with fondest care.' So entering into that
pleasant hall, (72) enjoyed the society of these women, with no one (man) to dispute
possession with him. Thus passed many, many years; nothing to interrupt the current of
his happiness. At length, after a long lapse of time, these four women addressed (73), and
said, 'Dear (74); remain here with us, and go not to any other city.' Then (75) began to
doubt about the matter, and he thought 'What do those women mean when they talk about
other cities? I will wait till they are asleep, and then go and explore in every direction,
and see whether there is good or bad luck in store for me.' So when they had dropped off
to slumber, (76) arose, and leaving the precious (77), and passing through the eastern
gate, he entered the garden which surrounded the city, and then leaving this by the
southern gate, he struck into a road, along which he pursued his way. At length he saw
before him at some distance a city of gold, most beautiful to look at, and in the middle of
it a lovely (78) called 'Ever (79),' made of the seven precious substances and beautifully
adorned. Now whilst he gazed, lo! eight beautiful women came forth from the city to the
place where he stood, and addressed (80) as follows:--'Dear (81)! come near and enter
this city in our company, there is a beautiful (82) which we occupy, with no one to molest
us, there is no lack of any comfort or necessary within its walls; come, then, and enjoy
our society, whilst we nourish and cherish you without intermission.' So he went with
them, and enjoyed their company for many years, till at last, when they began to talk to
him about going to any other city, his suspicions were aroused as before, and he resolved
when they were asleep to explore further, and find out what other cities there were, [And
so he discovered two other cities, one built of (83), the other of (84), the first with
sixteen, the other with thirty-two maidens, who invited him to use their company as
before.] On receiving similar hints from these, in succession, he went on further
discoveries, till at length he saw an (85) city, that appeared to him quite desolate, only he
heard a voice constantly crying out 'Who is hungry? who is thirsty? Who is naked? who
is weary? Who is a stranger? Who wishes to be carried?' On hearing this voice, (86)
began to consider with himself: 'At the other cities I found agreeable companions, but
here I see no one, but only hear this doleful voice. I must search into this.' Accordingly he
entered the city to see whence the voice proceeded. No sooner had he passed through the
gate, than it shut behind him, and he felt that he was alone within the walls and all escape
cut off; On this he was filled with fear, his limbs trembled, and the hairs of his body stood
upright. He began to run to and fro in every direction, exclaiming, 'Woe is me! I am (87)!
I am (88).' At length, as he ran here and there, lo! he saw confronting him a man, on
whose head there was placed an iron (89), --this (90) red with heat, and glowing as from
a furnace, terrible to behold. Seeing this terrible sight, (91) exclaimed: 'Who are you?
why do you carry that terrible (92) on your head?' On this, that wretched man replied:
'Dear sir! is it possible you know me not? I am a (93) chief called (94).' Then (95) asked
him, and said, 'Pray then tell me, what dreadful crime have you committed in former days
that you are constrained to wear that fiery (96) on your head?' Then (97) answered, 'In
former days I was angry with and struck my (98) on the (99) as he/she lay upon the
ground, and for this reason I am condemned to wear this fiery (100) (101) upon my head.'
At this time, (102), self-accused, began to cry out and lament; he was filled with remorse
in recollection of his own conduct, and exclaimed in his agony, 'Now am I caught like
a/an (103) in the (104).'
"Then a certain (105), who kept guard over that city, whose name was (106), suddenly
came to the spot, and removing the fiery (107) from off the head of (108), he placed it on
the head of (109). Then the wretched man cried out in his agony, and said, 'Oh, what have
I done to merit this torment?' To which the (110) replied, 'You, wretched man, dared to
strike (kick) your (111) on the (112) as he/she lay on the ground; now, therefore, on your
head you must wear this fiery (113), through 60,000 years your punishment shall last; be
assured of this, through all these years you shall wear this (114).'
"'Now! I was that wicked (115), and for 60,000 years I wore that (116) for disobedience
to my (117); so be ye assured that disobedience to your religious superiors will be
punished in the same way.'"
Why not publicize a uniquely-titled but ultimately meaningless event, serve soft drinks,
then mingle as an attendee instead of the host?
XXIX
Protect your essence with peace and prosperity; offer unto eternity a/an ...
If a (2) or a (3) beg for a (4), specifying (its quality), viz. one of (5), a hard one, one of
(6), of (7), of (8) feathers, of (9), of (10)-grass, of brush-hair, of (11), of (12), of straw,
they should, after consideration, say: 'O long-lived one! (or, O sister!) please give me this
here!' If the householder prepares one of the above-specified (13), or if the mendicant
asks himself, and the householder gives it, then he may accept it as pure and acceptable.
If a (14)or a (15) beg for a (16) (of the above-detailed description) after having well
inspected it, they should, after consideration, say: 'O long-lived one! &c.' (all as in the
first rule).
If a (17) or a (18) beg for a (19) of the above-detailed description, viz. one of (20), &c.,
from him in whose house he lives, they may use it if they get it; if not, they should
remain in a squatting or sitting posture (for the whole night).
If a (21) or a (22) beg for a (23) such as it is spread, either on the ground or on a wooden
plank, they may use it if they get it; if not, they should remain in a squatting or sitting
posture (for the whole night).
A/An (24) or a (25)who has adopted one of these four rules, should not say, &c. (all as in
II, 1, 11, § 12, down to) we respect each other accordingly.
If a (26) or a (27) wish to give back a (28), they should not do so, if the (29) contains
(30), living beings, &c. But if it contains few living beings, &c., they may restrainedly do
so, after having well inspected, swept, and dried it 1.
Having spread a perfectly pure (43) or (44), a (45) or a (46) might wish to ascend it.
When doing so, they should first wipe their body from head to heels; then they may
circumspectly ascend the perfectly pure (47) or (48), and circumspectly sleep in it.
A/An (49) or a/an (50) sleeping in a perfectly pure (51) or (52) (should have placed it at
such a distance from the next one's) that they do not touch their neighbour's hand, foot, or
body with their own hand, foot, or body; and not touching it, should circumspectly sleep
in their perfectly pure (53) or (54).
Whether his lodging be even or uneven; full of, or free from, draughts; full of, or free
from, dust; full of, or free from, (57) and (58); full of, or free from, dangers and troubles--
in any such-like lodging one should contentedly stay, nor take offence at anything.
Why not play a high-stakes game of something usually played by children, e.g. H-O-R-S-
E or checkers?
XXX
Sing back the silences of meditations past. Yawp forth a/an …
MANY years ago, long before shooting in (2) was a fashion as it is now, two young men
spent the autumn in the very far north, living in a lodge far from other houses, with an old
woman to cook for them. Her (3) and their own (4) formed all the rest of the household.
One afternoon the elder of the two young men said he would not go out, and the younger
one went alone, to follow the path of the previous day's sport looking for missing (5), and
intending to return home before the early sunset. However, he did not do so, and the elder
man became very (6) as he watched and waited in vain till long after their usual supper-
time. At last the young man returned, (7) and (8), nor did he explain his unusual lateness
until, after supper, they were seated by the fire with their pipes, the (9) lying at their feet,
and the old woman's (10) (11) sitting gravely with half-shut eyes on the hearth between
them. Then the young man began as follows:--
"You must be wondering what made me so late. I have had a curious adventure to-day. I
hardly know what to say about it. I went, as I told you I should, along our yesterday's
route. A mountain fog came on just as I was about to turn homewards, and I completely
lost my way. I wandered about for a long time, not knowing where I was, till at last I saw
a light, and made for it, hoping to get help. As I came near it, it disappeared, and I found
myself close to a large old (12). I climbed into the branches the better to look for the
light, and, behold I it was beneath me, inside the hollow trunk of the tree. I seemed to be
looking down into a church, where a funeral was in the act of taking place. I heard
singing, and saw a coffin, surrounded by torches, all carried by--But I know you won't
believe me if I tell you!"
His friend eagerly begged him to go on, and laid down his pipe to listen. The (13) were
sleeping quietly, but the (14) was sitting up apparently listening as attentively as the man,
and both young men involuntarily turned their eyes towards him. "Yes," proceeded the
absentee, "it is perfectly true. The coffin and the torches were both borne by (15), and
upon the coffin were marked a (16) and (17)" He got no further; the (18) started up
shrieking: "By Jove! old Peter's dead! and I'm the King o' the (19)!" He rushed up the
chimney and was seen no more.
Why not put something interesting in a coin locker then mail the key to someone
random?
XXXI
On a 72-degree day, sit next to a stream. Address yourself to the stream. Imagine there,
jumping up from the stream like a salmon, a/an …
NOT far from the borders of (2) and (3), and within the latter county, is the pretty village
of Rollright, and near the village, up a hill, stands a circle of small (4), and one larger (5),
such as our (6) antiquaries say were raised by the (7). As soon as the (8) left them, the
(9), who never failed to take possession of their deserted shrines, seemed to have had an
especial care over these (10), and any one who ventures to meddle with them is sure to
meet with some very great misfortune. The old people of the (11), however, who
generally know most about these matters, say the (12) were once a king and his knights,
who were going to make war on the king of (13); and they assert that, according to old
prophecies, had they ever reached (14), the king of (15) must inevitably have been
dethroned, and this king would have reigned in his place, but when they came to the
village of (16) they were suddenly turned into (17) in the place where they now stand. Be
this as it may, there was once a farmer in the village who wanted a large (18) to put in a
particular position in an outhouse he was building in his farmyard, and he thought that
one of the old knights would be just the thing for him. In spite of all the warnings of his
neighbours he determined to have the (19) he wanted, and he put four (20) to his best
waggon and proceeded up the hill. With much labour he succeeded in getting the (21)
into his waggon, and though the road lay down bill, it was so heavy that his waggon was
broken and his (22) were killed by the labour of drawing it home. Nothing daunted by all
these mishaps, the farmer raised the (23) to the place it was to occupy in his new
building. From this moment everything went wrong with him, his crops failed year after
year, his cattle died one after another, he was obliged to mortgage his land and to sell his
waggons and (24), till at last he had left only one poor broken-down (25)which nobody
would buy, and one old crazy cart. Suddenly the thought came into his head that all his
misfortunes might be owing to the identical (26) which be had brought from the circle at
the top of the hill. He thought he would try to get it back again, and his only (27) was put
to the cart. To his surprise he got the (28) down and lifted it into the cart with very little
trouble, and, as soon as it was in, the (29), which could scarcely bear along its own limbs,
now drew it up the hill of its own accord with as little trouble as another (30) would draw
an empty cart on level ground, until it came to the very spot where the (31) had formerly
stood beside its companions. The (32) was soon in its place, and the (33) and cart
returned borne, and from that moment the farmer's affairs began to improve, till in a short
time he was a richer and more substantial man than he had ever been before.
Why not glue a pencil to the ground and take clandestine pictures of the people who try
to pick it up?
XXXII
In an act of cosmic peace and justice, take a sip of soy milk, and kindle forth a/an …
AN old witch, in the days of (2), lived in this neighbourhood; and whenever she wanted
money she would assume the shape of a (3), and would send out her grandson to tell a
certain (4) who lived hard by that he had seen a (5) sitting at such a particular spot, for
which he always received the reward of (6). After this deception had many times been
practised, the dogs turned out, the (7) pursued, often seen but never caught, a sportsman
of the party began to suspect, in the language of the tradition, "that the devil was in the
dance," and there would be no end to it. The matter was discussed, a (8) consulted, and a
(9) to boot; and it was thought that, however clever the devil might be, (10) and (11)
combined would be more than a match for him. It was therefore agreed that, as the boy
was singularly regular in the hour at which he came to announce the sight of the (12), all
should be in readiness for a start the instant such information was given: and a neighbour
of the witch, nothing friendly to her, promised to let the parties know directly the old
woman and her grandson left the (13) and went off together; the one to be hunted, and the
other to set on the hunt. The news came, the hounds were unkennelled, and huntsmen and
sportsmen set off with surprising speed. The witch, now a (14), and her little colleague in
iniquity, did not expect so very speedy a turn out; so that the game was pursued at a
desperate rate, and the boy, forgetting himself in a moment of alarm, was heard to
exclaim: "Run, Granny, run; run for your life!" At last the pursuers lost the (15), and she
once more got safe into the (16) by a little hole in the door; not large enough to admit a
hound in chase. The (17) and all the squires with their train lent a hand to break open the
door, yet could not do it till the parson and the justice came up; but as law and church
were certainly designed to break through iniquity, even so did they now succeed in
bursting the magic bonds that opposed them. Upstairs they all went. There they found the
old hag bleeding, and covered with wounds, and still out of breath. She denied she was a
(18), and railed at the whole party. "Call up the hounds," said the (19), "and let us see
what they take her to be; maybe we may yet have another hunt."
On hearing this the old woman cried quarter. The boy dropped on his (20), and begged
hard for mercy, which was granted on condition of its being received together with a
good (21); and the (22), having long practised amongst the hounds, now tried his hand on
other game. Thus the old woman escaped a worse fate for the time present; but on being
afterwards put on her trial for bewitching a young woman and making her spit pins, the
tale just told was given as evidence against her, before a particularly learned judge, and a
remarkably sagacious jury, and the old woman finished her days, like a martyr, at (23).