by Swami Kriyananda
from the Akash Course

Modern man loves to experiment. I recommend this experiment in spiritual faith. To most people, God is conceived as a man or a woman. In India, He/She is thought of in many forms. God, however, is infinite consciousness, without form and without substance. As we are conscious, so is our consciousness a part of that vast consciousness. Here is an experiment I would like to propose to you:

Don’t worry about theories. Don’t bother your head over whether God exists or not. It doesn’t really matter. You know that you are conscious. You must know that it will help you to be more conscious. Since you know that you are conscious; that everyone that you know is conscious; that I who express these words am conscious: it cannot require any great leap of faith to conclude that consciousness of some kind must be present everywhere. Call that consciousness what you like: still, it is self-evident that it exists. Since it is in everyone, it must be much greater than the degree of consciousness you express, yourself.

Now, then, make it a point to include that consciousness in everything you do. Try sharing with Universal Consciousnessyour every thought and action. You can’t hide from it, since it is self-existence, and is manifested also in you. So share with it every thought and feeling, even those of which you are ashamed. Talk to that consciousness; talk with it.

Before long, it will become for you a conscious, loving, ever-blissful friend.

All right, let’s become more personal. I myself think of that infinite consciousness as my Divine Mother. I do not insist that you think of God that way, but I would like to share my guru’s words on this subject: “Mother is closer than the Father.” Mother is also more forgiving, more accepting, more eager to see you become wholly successful.

Try this experiment for short periods of time; then longer; then still longer. I am not going to tell you what to expect, because this is your experiment. All I will say is that I think you will enjoy it very much.

The happiness and success you’ve looked for through this course will most certainly be yours.

 I deeply pray that all good come to you for the rest of your life.