In previous newsletters we continued our analysis of the inner meaning of the Bible by looking at the so called Beatitudes.

I would like to emphasise, for the benefit of new subscribers, that my writings on the Bible are specifically to reveal these inner teachings that people may benefit Spiritually and in quality of life, and not in any way to endorse the erroneous theological doctrines of orthodox religion that have been perpetuated over the centuries around the life and teachings of the Master who became known as Jesus.

The Beatitudes are a very important component of the teachings of Jesus, and ones that are particularly misunderstood. The Beatitudes form a cornerstone of the teachings of Jesus and are comparable for example to the Eightfold Path of the Buddhists.

For the benefit of recent subscribers, these are the Beatitudes in
full:

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you".
-- Matthew 5:1 - 12

Today we will look at the next, the fourth Beatitude in our series of analysis:

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled".

The key to understanding this Beatitude lies in the true meaning of the word "righteousness".

The word  "righteousness" is commonly believed to mean "good conduct". In fact there is a much more important meaning of the word "righteousness" - "right thinking".

As I mentioned at the beginning of this newsletter, everything that we experience, have ever experienced and ever will experience is a direct consequence of our thoughts. This is also a basis for The Law of Attraction which most will be familiar with.

Thoughts are causes which always, without exception, give rise to their corresponding effects in accordance with the great Hermetic Principle expounded by Hermes Trismegistus - "As Above, so Below", which might be more appropriately expressed as "As Within, So Without".

To understand this better we should look at the thought process.

Our thoughts take shape and have their effect in the Causal Sphere of the Universe, before "descending" or more accurately travelling outwards through ever decreasing vibration and increasing density until finally manifesting in to our physical experiential reality in the world of matter.

Every single thought, without exception is the seed of a cause eventually resulting in the corresponding effect, so who and what we are today is the sum of our previous thoughts - there are absolutely no exceptions to Principle this whatsoever.

So what does this imply in practical terms?

It implies that in order to experience the reality that we desire, we must first control our thoughts by the process of "right thinking".

If you desire wealth then you must think only wealthy thoughts.

If you desire perfect health then you only think healthy thoughts.

If you wish to be Loved, then you must think only thoughts of Love towards others.

This is an immutable Universal Principle that everyone must understand and live by.

This is why, in accordance with this Beatitude, everyone should "hunger after righteousness" or "right thinking", such people then being "filled" with the fruits of their desires.

Some people who have a basic understanding of these Principles, perhaps after watching or reading The Secret for example, quickly become disillusioned  after failing to manifest their reality, and enter into a state of self condemnation. This is the worst thing to do, because such thoughts will manifest in kind. If only people would put the same Energy and conviction in to positive thoughts there would be far more happy people living on Earth today.

If desires are not manifesting as quickly as would have hoped, the only way forward is to continue only positive, harmonious thoughts that are consistent with the ultimate desire. Any adverse or negative thought will not only cancel out the seeds sown with positive thoughts, but will almost certainly bring negative effects.

This Beatitude therefore advises not to become discouraged.

Continue to hunger for right thinking and all will be right with your life if you are patient.

As we have discussed in previous newsletters - the more we can realise Source Energy, God within, the more power we can realise behind our thoughts, and therefore as well as right thinking, realising God, Source within is fundamental, and ultimately will determine the speed and extent of success.

The important message of this Beatitude is not to be discouraged.

Know that we are aspects and channels of expression of Source, God, think only positive, harmonious thoughts in the direction of how you wish to experience life, and that will become your reality with patience.