“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

(John Bradley is called Philip by Seth. Recently he told us that his territory might be changed, effectively cutting out Elmira and including instead an area of small towns in Pennsylvania. Since Seth goes into something else shortly, I will note here that John Bradley and Bill Gallagher engaged in lively argument here the evening before this session, on the subject of war.)

It is wrong to think that restraint under such circumstances or discussions is cowardly, though of course, it may be. To refrain from argument while simultaneously and deliberately forcing thoughts or pictures of peace, represents a positive action. The intensity of the peaceful images or thoughts unfortunately rarely match the intensity of the bitterness, you see. Thoughts of reconciliation or peace actually and practically do their bit to destroy the causes of war. Since Ruburt has somewhat come around, you may take a break and I shall continue.

There are deeply hidden areas of human behavior far below the surface of actions, and these cause the actions. They are psychic exchanges. Before the beginning of any war, subconsciously each individual knows not only that a war will occur, but its precise outcome. Battles like other physical acts exist first in the mental realm. When this realm is peaceful there are no wars. All of your physical activities, from the political to the economic and to the most insignificant individual concerns have their origin in mental existence, and their outcome is known.

To create a harmonious inner existence is a positive act with far-reaching effects, and not an act of isolation. To desire peace strongly is to help achieve it. To accept war helps prolong its physical existence. These are not idle words nor are they meant symbolically.

Wars are not only disruptive within your system, but cause some severe repercussions for individuals who die while in battle. The seemingly small episode of last evening presented in miniature the basic attitudes that are behind aggressive acts.