“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

As far as self and notself are concerned, the unit of self is organized, as you know, by the inner ego, which directs the whole energy field. The outer ego directs the manipulation of this gestalt in the physical universe. The outer ego is rather more tied to physical properties, and yet it can directly experience inner reality by a change of focus through aligning itself with the inner ego, focusing its energies with the inner rather than the outer senses. This is by far the most advantageous method of experiencing inner reality, because the outer ego is therefore consciously aware of what has been going on, and can use such knowledge in its own sphere.

When the two are in balance and when there is communication between them, then the inner ego can directly communicate with the outer ego, bring to it the necessary enlightenments, and give it, that is give the outer ego the benefit of its own, the inner ego’s own, condensed comprehension and direct participation in the existence of the universe as a whole.

The inner self obviously needs the outer ego with its outer senses, in order to permit its own materialization in various camouflage forms. This should not be underrated or forgotten. Without the outer core, the inner self could simply not add to its own value fulfillment through participation in energy-constructs (hyphen).

Each existence in any of many camouflage patterns trains and fulfills the inner self to develop the greatest possible fulfillment of its own qualities and characteristics. These inherent qualities and characteristics determine the planes upon which the inner self will exist, and on each plane a certain materialization is necessary. It will vary according to the properties of the plane.

The ego may also have particular desires of its own along these lines. Now you will see what I am saying. In various reincarnations upon your plane, the ego that reincarnates is the same ego. The information of past lives is retained by that ego’s subconscious, for obvious reasons. But this information can be tapped.

It then does not reincarnate again upon that plane. However because of its own extraordinary nature, it itself forms with the inner self in an added gestalt, adding to the energy and ability of the inner self; and in a manner which I cannot yet explain to you, it voluntarily may give up its ego identification to a large degree for the purpose of giving its full energies to the store of the inner self.

Other egos choose instead to become entities of their own, in which case this magnificent outer ego becomes in turn an inner ego, which then from its own unfulfilled desires, abilities and initiatives are formed new outer egos which once again seek fulfillment.

It does therefore contain within it the knowledge of its experiences upon your plane, though such an entity can spring from any plane. This of course represents the most extraordinary possibility, and such an entity can, if it is so propelled by its own strength, exist upon a variety of planes, carrying along with it knowledge of all previous planes; and each of its outer egos have the same opportunities. This is important.

You will help to create something in the hearts of men that will not be there until they see your work. This is your commitment. This is the time for it. If you are to be an entity, as you have chosen to be, then this is your opportunity, and this is your last reincarnation upon this earth. You need power, strength, determination, and joyous spontaneity in your working hours.

I cannot stress too deeply this mixture of spontaneity, joyfulness and involvement with discipline, isolation and determination. In your case the involvement, the necessity for using your abilities in the outside world, also are extremely beneficial. You have no idea of the effect of your own personality upon others when you do not hold back.

This holding back is superficial, a direct effect of your present mother’s own personality, as you reacted to it. One of the characteristics that attracted you to Ruburt as Jane was his passionate involvement. From you he needed to learn some discipline, but not to be smothered by it, and this is also extremely important.

Your work, Joseph, is a synthesis of pain as well as pleasure. A commitment in the world will not detract but will add to your own work, granted of course that you allow yourself specific working time. This also now applies to Ruburt because of a discipline that you yourself helped him to achieve. And he was right as far as the gallery is concerned. He is now ready to expand, because this expansion will help his own abilities and will therefore influence others.

Teaching will help him develop abilities in himself that are all for the good. If he is not allowed to teach the children’s classes, or to expand his abilities at the gallery, then he should look for outside work where he can use these abilities; for such experience is necessary for him, and will be used in his own work.

There can be no holding back of commitment, involvement, or ability in one aspect of your lives but it will be reflected in others, that is in other aspects where you want growth. You know I do not mean that you should give your energy to every weird cause, but that you should speak out your opinions, that you should use your abilities in your outside endeavors for your own sake. This in particular Ruburt has blocked.

Ruburt should concentrate upon his poetry. He should work much more diligently with it, and also upon his book in which he attempts to explain inner sense phenomena. The time is past for him to shrink from contacts with the outside world, as far as the gallery or any other endeavor is concerned. This shrinking was initially necessary, because he needed to learn how to handle his rather explosive personality. But from now on he should begin to use, and insist upon using, his abilities; not only in his own work but in his dealings with the outside world as far as occupation is concerned.

Without the involvement, as contrast and as experience, then the self has no way on your plane to experience its own uniqueness. Commitment and involvement become the ingredients from which your own work will achieve genius. The synthesis is yours, and yet the self must be plunged into chaos even to find order, to find itself and to find a comprehension and understanding that will bring original insight and knowledge into your plane. And this original insight, original comprehension, are the requirements of an entity.

You see his failing here; see your own. He is good at telling you to expand, and yet he is so frightened of a self no longer undisciplined that he shrinks from using his abilities at the gallery, and this is reinforced by your fear of his doing so, or indeed of showing your own abilities to others. Expansion brings expansion. You cannot truly shrink in one field of endeavor without shrinking in all, particularly if you are creative.

I regret using your fingers so poorly this evening, but finding my Ruburt so compliant, I had better get through what I can. The wine undoubtedly helped. You can always ask more of yourself and find more. With your creative abilities you will always form a synthesis from your own experience. Again, travel when possible will help. You have, now, an inner fortification and peace and knowledge that will allow you to deal with a more complex life than you would have been able to handle before. And this is to the good, particularly as far as your contribution and work is concerned.