lane of the Recognition of the Real Self--The "I"--then does he
extricate himself from the lower laws of cause and effect, and places
himself on a higher plane of causation, in which he plays a much higher
part. And so we are constantly reminding you that your tower of strength
and refuge lies on the higher plane. But, nevertheless, we must deal with
the things and laws of the lower plane, because very few who read these
lessons are able to rest entirely upon the higher plane. The great
majority of them have done no more than to lift themselves partially on
to the higher plane, and they are consequently living on both planes,
partly in each, the consequence being that there is a struggle between
the conflicting laws of the two planes. The present stage is one of the
hardest on the Path of Attainment, and resembles the birth-pains of the
physical body. But you are being born into a higher plane, and the pain
after becoming the most acute will begin to ease, and in the end will
disappear, and then will come peace and calm. When the pain becomes the
most acute, then be cheered with the certainty that you have reached the
crisis of your new spiritual birth, and that you will soon gain peace.
And then you will see that the peace and bliss will be worth all the pain
and struggle. Be brave, fellow followers of The Path--Deliverance is
nigh. Soon will come the Silence that follows the Storm. The pain that
you are experiencing--ah, well do we know that you are experiencing the
pain--is not punishment, but is a necessary part of your growth. All Life
follows this plan--the pains of labor and birth ever precede the
Deliverance. Such is Life--and Life is based upon Truth--and all is well
with the world. We did not intend to speak of these things in this
lesson, but as we write there comes to us a great cry for help and a word
of encouragement and hope, from the Class which is taking this course of
lessons, and we feel bound to respond as we have done. Peace be with
you--one and all.

And, now we will begin our consideration of the laws governing what we
have called "Sub-conscious Influence."

All students of the Occult are aware of the fact that men may be, and
are, largely influenced by the thoughts of others. Not only is this the
case in instances where thoughts are directed from the mind of one person
to the mind of another, but also when there is no special direction or
intention in the thought sent forth. The vibrations of tho