I

Diary Forms

Dear Ones,

It appears that column No. 6 on the diary form has caused some confusion among the dear ones, in that some record in this column failures to observe Selfless Service, physically and financially, while others treat it as a record of positive contributions made.

The confusion has apparently arisen because column No. 6 has its own total quite separate from the first five columns, and is also adjacent to the positive record of time spent in doing the spiritual practices.

However, since it is desirable to have the diaries kept in a uniform manner by all, column No. 6 should be looked upon as a failure to observe the virtue of Selfness Service towards others physically and financially.

In addition, it has been observed that few initiates have been informed as to how they should fill in the diaries. Instead of entering the number of times that they fail in thought, word and deed in the appropriate columns under Ahimsa, Truthfulness, Chastity, Love for All, Diet and Selfness Service, there is a tendency to put ticks or crosses. It is the same case with filling in the column under Spiritual Practices.

The diary forms are divided into seven categories. The first six categories deal with the failures to observe the virtues indicated by the heading of these categories, while category number seven is a record of the time spent in spiritual practices. In the first six categories, you are to enter the number of times that you fail to observe the virtues indicated, in thought, word and deed. For example, if you fail in "Non-violence" in thought, word and deed, four times in one day, you are to enter this figure in the column provided under the day on which the failures occurred.

It is also important that all must fill in their diaries for regular submission to me every three months. Representatives and Group Leaders are not exempt from keeping the diary, as it is just as necessary for them to maintain regular self-introspection, so as to set an example unto others as well as ensuring their own spiritual progress. Those who do not maintain the diary will lose valuable ground in making steady spiritual progress. In time, they will cease to apply themselves to their spiritual practices and in consequence the virtues stressed on the diary forms will be observed less and less.

The summaries of progress made in developing the Principles of Light and Sound, and any difficulties in the way of making such progress should be written concisely, neatly, and clearly in the boxes provided for this purpose on the right hand side of the diaries. It would be greatly appreciated if notations, explanations and even letters were not to be written on the back of the diary forms. Letters should always be written separately, if at all necessary. In this way, the report of spiritual progress made may be read at a glance from the diaries and other matters not relevant to the diaries, if any at all, should be included in your covering letter. Correspondence received shows that in about 50% to 60% of cases, the letters are sent monthly and sometimes bi-monthly, which if avoided will lessen the burden of correspondence. In cases of real importance the usual time limit can be ignored by the representatives and others.

The diary forms

The diary forms should be a true reflection of your own inner state. The failures made should be as an open self-confession of the shortcomings which stand between you and the Master. Similarly, devoting regular time to the Spiritual Practices in an indication of the positive efforts that you are making towards your spiritual growth.

If you live up to the sublime purpose behind the keeping of the diary, you will progress from day to day, and achieve your goal in this lifetime.

Footnote: