Study Guide 2

Relationships

Syllabus

Content:

Ever find yourself wondering about why or how it is that:

No matter how hard you try not to, that you continue to run into and, or have "unpleasant encounters" and problems with the same kinds of people--both in your personal and professional life?
You are unable to make and maintain peaceful relationships with your relatives?
You and your "romantic partner" appear to have lost that 'special spark' you once felt between each other?
As far as intimate or romantic relationships in general go, you either can't seem to initiate or maintain them--and you either live alone, are 'unattached', unmarried, and even having been married--what seems to you and even others to be--far too many times? Does this bother you? Should it?
You are unable to peacefully end relationships, or are unable to end them--even when you suspect you should?
You believe that relationships are not a issue for you as you don't seem to need to have any kind of intimate relationship with others--because you think, feel and believe you are 'whole' to begin with? Ever wonder why this seems okay with you? Is it true?
It appears that placing attention on the topic of relationships is unnecessary because it appears that all your relationships are all in "good order."
You do desire to develop a closer relationships and unions with others, but just can't figure out how to go about creating them--or what the relationship should be like, or for that matter--with whom you might have one with.
While you may desire closer relationships with others or not. How would you characterize a closer relationship with; let's say, that homeless person you just passed on the street, or your neighbor, or your community, or your country or even the world communities at large and as a whole?

If you happen to think, feel and believe that relationships are unimportant, unnecessary, or that to the best of your knowledge, you are not involved in any to speak of, or that all your relationships are in "good order", then ask yourself:

Are you completely satisfied with your own level of spirituality, and your relationship with what you perceive and define as "God," your soul, and your spirit? If so, how is it that you know that you have reached the "ultimate level?" in all of your known relationships with yourself and others?
Are you unable to account for what might be described as an unexplained sensation of being mentally and physically "imbalanced?"
Do you suffer from routine physical and/or mental "pain, ill health and suffering", and notice that it appears to be cyclical?
What about the possibility of relationships that exist which transcend those we experience in this world and during this lifetime? What are they? Who are they with?
How's your relationship with your physical brain, heart, body and all it's various organs and components; and how is their relationship with each other doing? Don't forget to include your consciousness and sub-consciousness?
How's your relationship with the literal physical world and "the environment?"
We all can observe the effect (relationship) of the moon to the earth. Is it just an old wives tail--or is there also a relationship between a full moon and our behavior?
Do we have a relationship with the other planets in our solar system or even the stars in the sky? If you are already open to that idea that they may or do; can you explain how it works?
What is our individual relationship and our collective relationship as humans to such things as the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms? How about the Kingdom Of God and beyond? What is our role, position and responsibility in these relationships?
Are these relationships interrelated by or through "cause and effect?"
Does the existence and quality of the relationships mentioned above have any observable impact on the physical and spiritual evolution of you as an individual? How about on the physical and spiritual evolution of the human species, the earth and even the cosmos as a whole?

If any of the above applies to you or someone you know, then you will find this study guide helpful as the content of the reading assignments found in this study guide are comprised of selected readings and references in the form of quotes, "seed thoughts," excerpts and passages that focus on the topic of relationships. The intention is to not only answer questions similar to those above, but also cause other questions to arise which you may have not yet experienced or become aware of.

Aside from the syllabus portion of this study guide, all reading assignments were selected and extracted verbatim from the thousands of spiritual and/or inspired teachings and writings of author and spiritual teacher Joseph John Dewey located either in The Keys Archives located on his web site, or from published hardcopy versions of his books.

The topic and reading assignments for this study guide were selected using a mindful and purposeful approach using the teachings and principles covered in Study Guide 1 which includes the repeated and continual study and contemplation of the entire body of "inspired" writings, teachings and works as presented by author and spiritual teacher Joseph John Dewey.

Additionally, the reading assignments for this study guide and other guides have been organized in a conscious sequential fashion designed to expose and expand the horizons of reader's understanding and awareness beyond the preconceptions, common definitions, and typical experiences associated with the word "relationship"--to include and not limited to relationships which are both internal and external to ourselves. This sequential arrangement of reading assignments is intended to assist the reader in constructing their own personal 'spiritual stairway and/or ladder' which they can utilize to lift themselves up, move themselves forward, and help them reach their desired goals as it relates to the myriad of relationships and the specific aspects of these relationships.

This same conscious, sequential fashion that is applied to this presentation of the teachings and principles as espoused by JJ Dewey is also reflected in the selection of the topics for; and, from study guide to study guide. For instance, based upon the topics covered in Study Guide 1, the reader should, in addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in this study guide, be able to use and apply the tools of prayer, meditation and contemplation in assessing the teachings and principles revolving around relationships that are presented in this study guide.

We are not advocating that the approach in this or other study guides as being the sole, or even necessarily the best approach to the study of this topic or any of the teachings of JJ Dewey. In fact, all are encouraged to seek out their own path of study should they be so impressed to do so. This and other study guides are merely suggested "jumping-off points ."

Regardless of the approach taken in this study guide or the approach taken by the reader, we are confident that the every reader possesses the ability to mentally discern and soulfully confirm the truthfulness (via their inner self or inner voice) of these or any teachings. We are also confident that if approached with a sincere heart and an open mind, the truth of these teachings can be further confirmed by direct application and incorporation of them into the lives of those who are truly seeking greater knowledge and light.

Learning Objectives:

Once the reader has completed reading, studying and contemplating the assigned readings, they should then (if and when they so choose) be able to:

Identify, analyze and evaluate their role, position and responsibility in and to the relationship; how to mindfully modify these aspects of the relationship should they choose to change, affect or improve the overall "health and balance" of, in and with the specific relationship under scrutiny.
Move themselves forward and learn how to reduce and even eliminate pain, discomfort, distress and even disease they may be experiencing due to the condition and energetic imbalances of the relationships they are in, and be able to identify which of these relationship is both the cause and the solution.
Mindfully come to know the state of and existence and quality of the relationships in the reader's life.
Accurately analyze the symbiotic connections, mutual benefits and detriments; and, the effect and impact the relationship is having on themselves and others.
Through further contemplation and attention the reader will eventually will receive the specific knowledge and develop skills to know if, how, what and whether they need to modify, analyze, or take other conscious actions to attempt to balance energies, to affect and mold a specific relationship to the advantage of all parties involved.
Experience an increase in the understanding and acquiring of the skills which will assist them in the formulation and establishment of desired and appropriate relationship oriented goals.

Dependent upon the degree the reader opens themselves up to the possibility of the existence of relationships heretofore unrealized, the reader will also find themselves becoming even more open to and increasingly sensitive to receiving additional impressions about those relationships upon which their soul directs them to place their attention.

And, if seriously contemplated, the reader will experience increased awareness and knowledge discovered through a personal revelation of the almost unlimited number of beneficial relationships that exist internally and externally to themselves. Relationships that include the very atomic, molecular and elemental substances of which they are comprised of (the microcosmic) to their relationship with the universe and the very One Great Life (God--the macrocosmic)--and all the relationships in between.

As the reader proceeds through the reading assignments found in this study guide, we encourage you to concurrently contemplate the possibility of how the various aspects of our existence and experiences--past, present and future, can be identified as being a function of some type and/or kind of relationship. And, that until these relationships are discovered, realized, acknowledged, nourished and attended to, we may not only be impeding our own spiritual progression, but may well be affecting (for better or worse) the progression of every other thing "above and below" us--to include the progression of what we perceive or believe God to be.

Schedule Of Topics and Readings:

There is not going to be any additional schedule of topics or readings outside of what is identified and/or covered in this study guide. However, this does not mean to indicate that the assigned and/or suggested readings or the sources are a complete or total representation of what JJ Dewey has written and taught concerning this topic. Should you be so impressed to study a subject more deeply, then you must search out his writings further. This does not mean that this study guide may not be modified, and if it is we will publish an announcement highlighting the changes.

The intention of the Keys Welcoming Committee and these Study Guides is not only to introduce you to the writings and teachings of Joseph John Dewey, but to stimulate you to study them on your own, gain greater confidence in yourself and your knowledge of them; and having received "a greater light," and in-turn find themselves motivated to actively and more fully participate at, in and with The Keys Of Knowledge discussion group.

The only reading materials which may be quoted (used as reading assignments) that are not available to you online for free at JJ Dewey's web site are "The Immortal II," "The Lost Key Of The Buddha" and, "Eternal Words." We highly recommend that you purchase all of the "Immortal Series" books and read them. You can purchase them (and other related items) from JJ's online store.

However, as you read, study and contemplate this study guide, you may wish to make your own list and schedule of topics, readings and learning goals.

Points Of Contact:

Should you have any questions and/or comments as it relates to such things as typographical errors, formatting issues and other "instructions" pertaining to the content (messages and/or study guides) posted at the Welcoming Committee at Yahoo, we ask you contact Melva (melvakeys), Chairperson of The Keys Welcoming Committee, and Welcoming Committee group owner, and NOT The Keys Of Knowledge (The Keys) Discussion Group.

However, if you have a question or comment about, on or over a "doctrinal issue," we would prefer you then write an "off topic" message to the The Keys Of Knowledge discussion group at Yahoo. Please insert the letters "OT:" (without quotation marks) preceding description of the subject line of your post. You must be a member to post at The Keys.

Reading Assignments:

As the majority of the reading assignments for this Study Guide are found in The Book Of Quotes, the student needs to understand what these quotes are and how to use them in order to maximize the learning experience.

First of all, all of the quotes in the referenced chapter were, and/or are taken from the works of JJ Dewey. The quotes for these chapters were selected based upon their ability to transmit a message or teaching in as few words as possible. They are to be used as "seed thoughts" to help the reader in preparing, orienting their minds; and for receiving future direction from their soul on this and other related matters.

When reading these quotations, the reader needs to allow their direction of study to be led by the thoughts and impressions that come to them while they are reading; and even those thoughts and impressions that come to them at some future point in time.

The number assigned to each individual quote found in The Book Of Quotes also acts as a link which will take them to the article from which the quote was extracted.

In order to move onto each successive reading assignment, you need to either "bookmark" this page or use your web browser's "BACK" button to return to this page when you have completed each reading assignment.

PART ONE

Watch the two below videos entitled "Relationships" recorded by JJ Dewey.

Note: The URLs to these embedded YouTube videos are provided as if for any reason they do not work, you can copy the URL to the video at YouTube and watch it later at your own convenience.

Here's the URL to the first video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=N2H5Yv-r5Po

And here is Part 1 of 2 of the video :

Here is the URL to the second part of the video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kqX7oPTUzAc

Here is Part 2 of 2 of the video:

PART TWO

Reading Assignment 1:

To that end, the reader is encouraged to begin the reading assignment for this Study Guide by reading and contemplating all the quotes found in The Book Of Quotes chapter entitled Relationships, and then return to this page and proceed with the next and subsequent reading assignments.

Reading Assignment 2:

Source: Relationship

Let us examine the word "relationship."

An important key to realize is that all creation is composed of relationships. Without relationship there would be no form, no creation, no intelligence, no love and no universe.

Some seekers have made the claim that they have evolved beyond relationship, that they need no one else besides themselves, but such is an illusion. Even the Course in Miracles teaches that God himself needs us in relationship and if God should need us for relationship then surely we need God and each other.

Whether we want to admit it or not all of us are deeply involved in relationship. Here are a few examples:

We owe our very existence to the intimate relationships of the tiny lives out of which we are composed.

The mind has relationship with the heart.

The heart and mind have relationship with the desire nature.

The desire nature has relationship with the sexual nature.

We as individuals have relationship with our parents.

We have relationship with our immediate family and relatives.

We have relationship with our friends.

We have relationship with our fellow workers and perhaps customers.

We have romantic (non-committed) relationships.

Some have married relationships.

All have student-teacher relationships of some kind.

Many have spiritual relationships with other people.

Then there are those who have relationship with the Spirit through the Soul.

Eventually we will have levels of higher relationship never before experienced which we call the Molecular Relationship.

PART THREE

Reading Assignment 3:

Read and contemplate all the quotes contained in The Book Of Quotes chapter entitled Teachers and Students.

Reading Assignment 4:

Next we recommend that you read the following article entitled Teacher-Student.

PART FOUR

Reading Assignment 5:

Read and contemplate all the quotes contained in The Book Of Quotes chapter entitled Correspondences.

PART FIVE

Reading Assignment 6:

Read and contemplate the following quotes and the source articles should you so be impressed to do so:

Source: Discovering With Correspondence

If you contemplate the lesser lives within your own body, you can sense their desire to know you, and in a sense you are a god to them and they seek to be one with their god. Their god also should seek to be one with them. This is one of the secrets of perfect health.

Source: Visitation

Forget for the moment about any mass appearance of the Christ and instead consider your individual relationship with God.

Source: Our Essence

The tiny lives in your body are providing a vehicle of consciousness for us and eventually become one with the greater lives of which they are a part.

Source: Creators

We can see hints of our destiny by looking at the purpose of soul in the present time and projecting this purpose on mankind in its future relationship to forms and the universe itself.

Source: Quantum Consciousness

What is called the subconscious is composed billions of tiny lives, each with an individual consciousness of their own.

Source: Forgiveness

There is indeed a principle of forgiveness, but it has much more to do with a person's relationship with his own soul than good or evil or a decree from God.

Source: Results of Attachment

Strong emotion such as love or hate, desire or repulsion, fear or protectiveness creates not karma, as we understand the term, but an energy link that will bring you into repeated contact with the person with whom you share such emotion. If such emotion carries with it any degree of attachment then this person must be faced in relationship again and again, life after life, until you learn to let go of him and the emotion connected with the relationship.

Source: A Foundation Principle

It is interesting indeed that the lie in an adulterous relationship is condemned more than the betrayal itself. This is because it is the lie that causes a dark cloud to gather between our consciousness and our soul. The lie usually causes more damage than the act that caused the lie.

Source: The Seven Needs, Part 2

The next time you have your feelings, hurt by your mate and find it difficult to show any love at all, take hold of him or her and look in the eyes with as loving a look as you can muster and over a short period of time say "I love you" three times. This will dispel much of the negative feelings you have, even if you do not get an "I love you" back. Any person seeking the path to union and fullness must develop the power to do this exercise IN ANY SITUATION.

PART SIX

Reading Assignment 7:

Source: Astrology - The Science Of Relationship

It always irritates me when I see a scientist interviewed and he states that astrology could not be correct because of the weak gravitational influence of the planets on any one individual.

This is a silly illogical argument coming from one who makes his living dealing with logic and I never see anyone calling him on it, even when an astrologer is being interviewed at the same time.

One living being in relationship with another living being will influence that entity. The relationships we have with each other and the influence we wield is a display in miniature of the influences of the planets and other heavenly bodies.

I do not know where religious zealots get the idea that astrologers worship the stars. The worship of heavenly bodies is not mentioned in any astrological manual I have read.

Such an accusation is just another deceptive attempt to portray that which is harmless as being an evil of some kind.

An astrologer does not worship Mars for having an influence on him any more than he worships his next door neighbor for influencing him.

Some also accuse believers in astrology as detaching themselves from the will of God, thinking they are controlled by the planets. This is not the teaching of this ancient art. Astrological configurations create influence, not control. Again it is like your next door neighbor or your friends. They influence you, but unless you have given up independent thought they do not control you.

A final objection of religious fundamentalists is that astrologers look to the stars for guidance rather than God.

To these people I ask - how does one look to God for guidance?

None of us have such a direct pipeline to God that we are told what to do at any given moment. In fact most who do feel they are getting guidance from God feel they are getting it from the scriptures. What are the scriptures? They are signs put into letters and words that give us guidance.

And what are the heavens? They are the "work of his fingers" (Psalms 8:3). In other words, the heavens are also the handwriting of God, but on a different level.

How many of these critics get advice from their friends, their family, stock broker, real estate agent, books, television, etc.? None of these sources of advice is any direct link with God. To seek advice from the language of the stars is no more of a departure from the will of God than is to seek advice from a marriage counselor.

To seek to understand the knowledge that God has placed in a cell or DNA is not looked on as forsaking God. Neither should the seeking of knowledge from the larger bodies in the universe.

Note: If you are new and/or unfamiliar with the topic of astrology, you might consider also going to From The Archives - Part 3 located at JJ Dewey's web site and read the articles in the link collection entitled Astrology and the Bible.

PART SEVEN

Reading Assignment 8:

Read and contemplate all the quotes contained in the Book Of Quotes chapter entitled Going Molecular (The Molecular Relationship).

The Molecular Relationship is considered to be one of JJ Dewey's "cornerstone" teachings, and as such you are requested that once you have read and contemplated the above chapter of quotes on The Molecular Relationship found in the Book Of Quotes , you are invited to then proceed to the From The Archives - Part One section and read the following collections of articles in the link collection entitled, The Molecular Relationship. Be advised that this collection of links is in actuality an entire book.

PART EIGHT

Reading Assignment 9:

Read the articles found in the link collection entitled: Project Peace and Goodwill.

Reading Assignment 10:

Learn about "The Twelve Principles of Synthesis" by reading the following article entitled, The Threshold of History.

Reading Assignment 11:

Finally, there is something that you can do right now to initiate and further the relationship of "peace and goodwill" between yourself and others. All you have to do to support this effort is read and endorse The Principles of Unification.

(END OF STUDY GUIDE)

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