The host of a popular radio program once told of two old-timers in a bar, each awaiting his party. They fell into a conversation.

The first said, “Can I offer you a cigar?” The other said, “I tried smoking once and didn’t like it, so I never did it again.”

The first old-timer said, “Could I offer you a drink?” The second replied, “No, thank you. I tried it once and didn’t like it, so I never tried it again.”

The first, still optimistic and full of goodwill, said, “Well, then, could I interest you in a game of billiards?” “I tried it once and didn’t like it, so I never played it again. But I’m expecting my son, and I’m sure he’d be happy to play with you.”

The other studied him a moment in silence, then said wryly, “Your only child, I presume?”

There is such a thing as carrying a thing too far.

A keynote of the ECK teachings is experience, rich, full, grand, and not-so-grand experience. My whole life, I have been willing to try nearly anything at least once. Well, nearly. Things blatantly detrimental to my spiritual well-being, like illegal drugs, drew a pass, even though companions once had pestered me endlessly with the temptation.

They thought me a strange one. Yet the circumstances that threw us together have long since passed; we all went our separate ways. Always put first things first.

Perhaps, the current economic downturn has a plus side to it. It forces us into new decisions and new experiences that push us into new dimensions of being.

Much of the world has overspent. This occurred from top to bottom, by political leaders, institutions, and ordinary folk.

Now it is time to pay the piper.

This assessment sounds rough, and it may be for some, but it is ultimately just, true justice, because such swings of highs to lows are an intrinsic part of the Law of Karma. Neither nations, political leaders, institutions, nor common people are exempt from its decrees. Those who are unlettered in karma’s laws look outside themselves for the reasons for their troubles.

Chelas in your area, and maybe even you, are hit by job loss or financial setback. Such things will surely impact your Vahana efforts to some degree, for better or worse. There may be less money. On the other hand, there is also a greater spiritual need than ever.

People will want answers, real ones. Mainly, they will want understanding, and maybe your ear.

These are extraordinary times. They can make us or break us.

W. S. Gilbert, English poet and librettist, in a ditty for the stage, once said, “Things are seldom what they seem, / Skim milk masquerades as cream.” Whenever the inescapable greets you, try to see the lesson in it. Be assured, there is one. Always.

The ECK creates many occasions to speed up your unfoldment. Be open to them. Be open.

How could I ever say this too many times: People are out there who are searching, more than ever, for the spiritual teachings of ECK. You and other initiates of ECK are far and away, in your own persons, the very best way to introduce the public to the golden tools you have come to know and love.

Try to come up with new Vahana approaches to replace old ways that show poor results.

Thank you.

—Sri Harold Klemp

Do you want to know what it is that makes you, “in your own person,” the very best way for you to share ECK?

This is the perfect time to ask the Inner Master!