When the history of earth man's conquest of space is finally written, a considerable amount of the credit will have to be given to several members of the animal family.

It will have to be acknowledged that wherever man went in space, he was invariably preceded by a mouse, a monkey or a dog, and usually by all three, in that order of procedure.

At the White Sands Proving Ground in 1948 and 1948, white mice were hurled into the upper stratosphere in rebuilt German U2 missiles, while built-in movie cameras recorded their efforts to orient themselves while floating about their cage in free fall. If the ejection and recovery equipment functioned properly (which occurred in about 50% of the cases) the mice usually survived the trip. Thus the lowly mouse must be hailed as the first creature of modern day earth to achieve successful space travel.

In 1949 and 1950 a small ape named Jiggs made several successful ascents before he met an untimely end through the failure of a tail fin on a "Blossom" missile.

Those adherents of Charles Darwin, who maintain that the ape preceded man on earth, will probably consider it natural that the ape should precede man in space also.

2 UNDERSTANDING

As far as is known, the Russian dog Laika was the first animal to be successfully launched into orbit about the earth. Although the launching and the orbit were a complete success, the dog did not survive the trip because his friends who had hurled him into space had neglected to provide any means of getting him back again. Since that time dogs and several apes have made the trip into space and have returned none the worse for the experience. Thus, after having sent his pets, his ancestors, and his best friend into space before him, man is finally preparing to make the trip himself. Within a few weeks after this article appears in print, we will be hailing, or possibly mourning, the first earth man of the present race to enter space in his own vehicle.

THE ROMANCE OF SPACE

DAN FRY'S WEEKLY TELEVISION PROGRAM In Douglas, Ariz. is now well underway. The first installment was televised Saturday night, March 4, at 7:15 p.m. The series is entitled "The Romance of Space." Each telecast is 15 minutes long.

Regardless of whether or not you reside close enough to Douglas to view the program, your letters and support can be of great help. If public response to the program is good, the series may be extended or even syndicated to other stations. Please direct your communications to KCDA-TV, Gadsden Hotel, Douglas, Ariz. Even a post card will do.

——— ♦ ———

(Following is the script written by Dan Fry for Program No. 2 in "The Romance of Space" series. The first program's script, dealing with how galaxies are formed, was taken almost directly from portions of the last chapter of Dr. Fry's latest book "Atoms, Galaxies and Understanding.")

Last week we discussed briefly, the formation of a galaxy, and of the individual stars of which a galaxy is composed. We also discussed the formation of planets, which occur as by products of stellar condensation, and the probability of the development of life forms upon some of these planets.

Tonight we will consider the planets in our own solar system, and the possibility that life forms may be found upon some of them.

First we have our personal star, which we call the `Sun.' It is a medium size and medium temperature star having a diameter of 864,000 miles, and

APRIL • 1961 3

a surface temperature of about 10,000 degrees F.

It weighs 332,000 times as much as the earth, and occupies about one million times the volume.

The nearest planet to the sun is the one which we call Mercury. It has a diameter of 3,010 miles. It revolves around the sun once in 38 days, and rotates upon its own axis in an exactly equal time. This means that one hemisphere of the planet always faces the sun, while the other side is in perpetual darkness. The side facing the sun is, therefore, very hot, while the side away from the sun is exceedingly cold. If any life forms, of which we can now conceive, have developed upon this planet, they must have developed within the twilight zone where the temperature is more moderate.

The next planet is the one which we have named `Venus.' Its diameter is 7,700 miles, and it revolves around the sun once in 225 days. It is thought by some astronomers to rotate upon its axis once in 30 days, but of this we are far from certain.

Although this planet comes closer to the earth than any other, very little is known about conditions upon its surface, because of the dense cloud cover which continually hides all parts of that surface from the prying eyes of the astronomer. Its surface temperature is unknown, and estimates of that temperature vary considerably, but most estimates fall within the range in which life might readily develop. The nature of the upper layers of atmosphere, as assumed from spectrographic analysis would tend to discourage forms of animal life such as we have upon earth. Although our forms of vegetable might thrive there. However, little or nothing is known about the atmospheric layers which lie close to the surface, and in which the life forms would develop. In short, we have no knowledge today which would definitely preclude the existence of life including intelligent life, upon the planet Venus.

Next we come to the planet called Earth! It's diameter is 7,918 miles, very nearly the same as that of Venus. It revolves around the sun once in 365¼ days; and rotates upon it's own axis once in 23 hours and 56 minutes. All parts of the surface of this planet contain life forms of one sort or another. Tens of thousands of different life forms have developed here, including one form which calls itself man, and which has developed, at least a rudimentary type of intelligence. Its persistent and determined efforts to destroy itself, however, have caused, even some of its own members to question the degree of actual intelligence which it has achieved.

4 UNDERSTANDING

The next planet is called Mars. It has a diameter of 4,140 miles. It revolves around the sun once in 687 days, and rotates upon its own axis in 24 hours and 37 minutes. Its day is thus very nearly the same length as that of the earth, although its year is almost twice as long.

The planet Mars, named after the God of War because of its red color, has aroused more controversy among astronomers than any other planet. It has no cloud cover comparable to that of Venus, and so, on it's biannual approaches to earth it presents its face fairly clearly to our view, although large dust storms frequently obscure portions of its surface.

In the year 1877 an Italian astronomer named Giovanni Schiaparelli observed what appeared to be a network of fine lines upon the surface of Mars. In his report he called these lines canali. In the translation of his report to the English language, the word canali became `canals,' and thus became a subject of controversy. The English word `canal' refers to an artificially constructed waterway, while the Italian canali means channel, and may refer to either natural or artificial waterways or even a waterless ravine. If the canali were canals, then they must have been constructed by intelligent beings, if they were not canals, then what were they?

For many years most astronomers refused even to accept the existence of the canali because they were so difficult to observe, they first said that they could be attributed to imagination in the few cases in which they became visible. With the improvements of our telescopes, and observational techniques, the existence of the canali has been generally accepted but the nature and significance of these lines still remains a subject of speculation and debate.

In the opinion of most astronomers today, the average surface temperature of Mars is only a little lower than that of earth at a given latitude. The Polar Caps are seen to melt in the spring. Demonstrating that even in the coldest parts of the planet the temperature rises above freezing in the daytime.

The atmosphere probably does not differ greatly in content from that of earth except that there is apparently much less oxygen and more carbon dioxide. It is however, considerably more rarified. The barometer pressure of the Martian atmosphere at the surface is usual given today as about 2½ inches of mercury against 30 to 32 inches for earth's atmosphere. While the assumed atmospheric pressure of Mars has been subject to several upward revisions in the past, and may well be subject to further upward revisions in the future, there is little doubt that the air is actually

APRIL • 1961 5

considerably thinner on Mars than upon the earth. This fact alone does not argue against the possibility of life, even intelligent life upon Mars.

It merely implies that that life might obtain it principal oxygen supply in some manner other than by breathing it.

One of the most interesting and possibly the most significant feature of Mars is that it possesses a pair of very peculiar satellites or moons. In fact they are by far the most remarkable satellites in the entire solar system, and for this reason the two moons of Mars called Phobos and Deimos will be the subject of our next week's program.

——— ♦ ———

COUNTRY TO COUNTRY-UNDERSTANDING

Dear Sir:

I am very anxious to have someone to write to in your club man. Please introduce who want to write to for me.

I am Japanese, 20 years old, simply crazy about space people, and what they say, and God. I have now and will have no profession in my life, but I want to study and realize ideals which they say at the risk of my life and to know them and exchange news and publications and etc. I have joined Cosmic Brotherhood Association in Japan.

This letter-poor that it is-was written with the aforementioned ideals in mind.

-NORIO SHIMONO 4 ToBe Minami Nagoya, Japan

——— ♦ ———

THE NEW AWAKENING (Part VI)

By ISAPHENE McGuIRE

Entering Into The Spirit

THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED upon the face of the waters."

As spirit moves upon the consciousness of man, he becomes a living soul with the capacity to perceive, discern and live the truth of his being and the power to live spontaneously all that life is, now and forever. It is that ever present spirit which activates and propels him through all phases of being. He is ever at the point wherein he can live at-one with that spirit as naturally as the rivulet flows on its way to the sea. As the stream follows the natural course through inlets, in and out of crevices, over and around boulders it lends itself to every phase of the journey. Whether it rises as mist or appears as frozen particles, it returns to its source unchanged or unaltered by any form that it took.

6 UNDERSTANDING

Likewise, the more completely one can enter into the spirit, the more he becomes consciously alive in the "allness" of life.. One's entire outlook depends on whether he is consciously and continuously immersed in the real spirit or aware only of the mechanics or the "letter". One may learn the rudiments of a game yet there would not be full enjoyment until he had "lost himself" in the spirit of the playing. To enjoy a book, one must be in the spirit of that which the author wishes to convey. The same is true of music, dancing, painting, etc. "The letter killeth but the Spirit giveth Life Eternal."

One may talk endlessly about life or Truth, but it is when he becomes alive in the flame of spirit that he lives fully-with all his being. To enter into the spirit of anything is to be at-one with the Principle at the center of it. As one awakens to the living spirit within, he is one with the same livingness within all things. Spirit with spirit must meet for the fullness of Life. It reveals the true substance and purpose of everything that exists as it does exist. When veiled by concepts or reasoning one lives in accord with all. One transcends sequence when in union within the whole, all lesser realities are assumed. Then one reacts to bath through the Fathering Spirit which blends all together as one. Again, it is all-yet none.

It was said of George Washington Carver, the noted scientist, that he could hold a bit of soil or a flower in the palm of his hand and it would reveal its innermost secrets to him. Thus was he enabled to give to mankind the benefits which they had to offer.

The poet has said, "All things voice life.

The sightless worm burrowing beneath the ground giving air to the smothered roots,

The honey-bee laden with the fruit of flowers.

The plant, tree and animal, all sing life's song more truly than man, for each lives through the one eternal law.

But man in his ignorance dwells apart, for his thinking clogs the turning of the wheels.

The day draws near when man shall speak with his brother in rock, bird and beast.

The planets of the cosmos shall loose their secrets to him, and he shall know the unity of life.

Then `he shall inherit the earth'." Casse.

APRIL • 1961 7

The Nature Of The Spirit

The substance at the root of all things is Life, but not life as it is generally understood through particular forms. In judging life by its form there is always the limitation which form imposes. At the innermost center of all things there is the Life as Spirit which pervades all and because of which everything exists as it does exist. It is the living essence of all from the Omnipresent Center to its limitless circumference, through endless cycles of existence.

In Corinthians it is stated, "Eye hath not seen nor ear heard . . . the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things. Yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God".

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of administrations but the same Lord. There are diversities of operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man ... For to one is given by the spirit, the word of wisdom to another the word of knowledge by the same spirit; to another faith by the same spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit ... But all these worketh that one and selfsame spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will ... For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one spirit."

Yes, the foundation of all living lies in "Pure Essence, Pure Being which knows itself and recognizes itself, but which cannot dissect itself because it is not built up of parts but is ultimately integral; it is Pure Unity". Toward Awakened in that realization, man knows that he is the substance of Spirit, the substance of Truth and the substance of Love. This realization transcends all conceptions of and about life; at the same time, everything from "inner" to "outer" is understood in the truth of its being.

Emerson, in Spiritual Laws, states, "Our painful labors are unnecessary and fruitless ... Only in our easy, simple spontaneous action are we strong, and by contenting ourselves with the obedience we become divine. O my brothers, God exists. There is a soul at the center of nature and over the will of every man, so that none of us can wrong the universe. . . We need only obey . . . Place yourself in the middle of the stream of power

8 UNDERSTANDING

and wisdom which animates all whom it floats and you are without effort impelled to truth, to right and a perfect contentment. Then you are the world, the measure of right, of truth, of beauty . . . and the heaven predicted from the beginning of the world, and still predicted from the bottom of the heart, would organize itself as do now the rose, and the air and the sun".

In closing-and from the deep heart of living, I give you this vital message: Oh man, awake! Awake to thy heritage! Return to thy Source!

Give of thy cup that you may divine

The essence of the Living Wine;

Give of thy life-a brother, be

To all in the light of Eternity.

THE END

Poet’s corner

This Is Our World

This is our world; our world by choice,
So let us all speak to God in one voice,

And ask His forgiveness, and Guidance His way;
For with his choice blessings, I'd venture to say

We all can work wonders, turn night into day;
And all of the stars that shine up above,

Show worlds of devotion, compassion and love;
Our Lord's life's eternal; and our will be too

If we each show our Father the good we can do.

APRIL • 1961 9

Let all of us gather together and see,

No matter what religion or party we be,
With true "Understanding" and brotherly love,

We all can be one with our Father above.

-LEE FRANCUM Napa Unit #47

——— ♦ ———

world report

Youth Peace Corps Put Into Operation

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 1961 (Associated Press) - President Kennedy today established a temporary Peace Corps of young Americans to be sent overseas, and sent a special message to Congress calling for creation of such a helping-hand agency on a permanent basis.

He announced the move at his news conference and expressed hope 500 persons will be working in foreign countries by the end of the year. The White House followed up with a message to Congress recommending the permanent establishment.

The President defined the corps as a pool of trained American men and women sent overseas by the U.S. government or by private organizations and institutions to help foreign countries meet their urgent needs for skilled manpower.

Kennedy said the participants will work without pay, live as their foreign counterparts do and speak the native language.

(Those who have read the editorial which appeared in last month's "Understanding" are aware of our feeling for the need of silent salesmen abroad. President Kennedy's plan is certainly a major step in the right direction. Any reader who is interested in volunteering for this program may write to Peace Corps, Washington 25, D.C. to do so, we have been informed.-The Editors)

Panel Agrees On Planet Life

NEW YORK, March 2, 1961 (United Press International) -A panel of leading scholars and scientists agreed yesterday life-of some form exists on other planets of our universe and eventual contact with it will be bound to have repercussions on the spiritual and moral beliefs of earthlings.

10 UNDERSTANDING

Dr. James R. Killian Jr., former presidential scientific adviser and chairman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said discovery of living beings beyond earth would have profound effects on the "philosophical, theological and social" attitudes of man.

Black Magic, '61 Style

(An Editorial reprinted from Alhambra, Calif. Post-Advocate, Feb. 2, 1961)

Black magic of the witch doctors may have a place in modern medicine, researchers of McGill University, in Montreal, have decided.

Dr. H. R. Prince, in Nigeria to study the witch doctor's technique, reports his studies will be useful in modern medicine for these reasons: Herbs, roots and native medicines may be of therapeutic value, and the "magical elements" of their treatment might be of use in the modern doctors' "bedside manner."

As one physician said: "The patient's conviction that the doctor and/ or the medicine prescribed will cure him is part of the "magic" of all forms of medicine.

(This would seem to be an encouraging word for spiritual healing or mind over matter.-The Editors)

Did Airplane Really Go Back Into Time?

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 8, 1961 (United Press International) -The Federal Aviation Agency is investigating-so help us-the story of an airplane that went back into time.

The investigating request came from the highly respectable but doubtful Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association which told FAA it got the story from an unidentified member.

His story:

In January 1960, the pilot of a new Cessna 182 reported that he had collided with a Laird biplane, an aircraft of ancient vintage. Neither plane crashed but some months later, the Cessna pilot stumbled across a Laird biplane in a barn on an Ohio farm.

Pieces of aluminum were found imbedded in the Laird fuselage. They matched the aluminum on his Cessna. Paint also was found on the old plane and an analysis revealed it came from a Cessna.

The pilot looked in the Laird cockpit and picked up a flight log. In it was written the account of a collision "with a strange metal plane."

He took the log to Washington when an FBI laboratory test showed it was written about 1932.

APRIL • 1961 11

That was the story as told to FAA. An FAA spokesman said it already has checked its records and found no January 1960 collision involving a Cessna and anything resembling a Laird.

He said the agency was checking the FBI to determine whether it actually ran a test on the alleged flight log.

One question bothering the FAA: Did the supposed collision occur in 1960 or 1932?

"It's a good question," the spokesman said (with tongue in cheek). "Did the Cessna go back in time or did the Laird somehow find itself in 1960? I know one thing-if the FBI tells us they really did test that fight log for authenticity, I'll believe anything."

Bright Lights In Sky Seen Over Wide Area

(From Jan. 30, 1961 Kansas City Star)

A wavering, multi-colored light that was sighted over Greater Kansas City and parts of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas last night and early today may have been a meteor shower, a Kansas City Astronomy club leader said today.

A. A. Clarke, leader of the club's Moonwatch group, based his assumption on the different times and direction of flight reported by witnesses.

The earliest sighting of the unidentified object-described as circular and oval in shape, with glowing colors of yellow, orange, red and green was by the Federal Aviation agency station near Hill City, Kans. The light was observed northeast of the station, moving from east to west, from 11:30 to 1:30 o'clock.

Two Kirksville, Mo., men said they saw an object moving from southwest to northeast between 12:30 and 1 o'clock.

Ernie Starks, a cab driver, and Ed Naylor, a dispatcher for the cab company, said the object appeared to be about 1,000 feet in the air and 2½ feet in diameter. It first appeared to be a white light, then changed colors as it moved along, they said.

The 790th Air Force station, north of Kirksville, reported its radar had not picked up anything.

About 1 o'clock, Mrs. Ken Stutsman of Willow Springs, Mo., said she saw an object disintegrate "like a fireworks display." It was moving northwest, she said.

At about that time, an object also was seen traveling southwest to northeast over Greater Kansas City.

12 UNDERSTANDING

Witnesses described it as a yellow ball with reddish flare on the back edge. Following behind was tail-like light of a luminous green color. One observer said it had the appearance of moving at about the speed of an airplane.

George Kratz, the officer, said the ball appeared to explode, sending out a spray that appeared to look like live cinders.

Nothing could be found in the area today, however.

Earlier, a Raytown policeman, Sgt. Lyle White, said a light made him think a spotlight was flashing about the area. He saw the light from Eighty-fourth street and Spring Valley road.

A light also was sighted by Mrs. Frances Benefield, an employee at the Topeka State hospital. She said, however, that the light appeared to be traveling at great speed.

——— ♦ ———

A PERSONAL REPORT ON BELIEVING AND KNOWING

MAY I NOW GO FORTH and talk to you, whom I recognize as my own presence, about the subject of believing and knowing with regard to the laws of life? I am relating these thoughts to you now in the form of a report of my findings up to date.

According to my way of thinking, believing consists of coming across a new concept, and, because it doesn't seem out of line with one's present knowledge, accepting it as true without proof. Then, as one gathers experience which, if properly analyzed, demonstrates fully the workings of this concept, one then has his own proof one way or the other, and he knows all about these concepts. He no longer believes them; he knows them.

When I was finally able to realize this principle, I immediately became aware of the fact that other people might have covered this same ground before me and have had the ability to know much that my mind at that time could not even conceive, let alone know also. And in that state, I admit, I must have condemned many a soul for daring to say that they "knew" something that I was so sure was impossible for a human being to know. I see now that it is possible to remember some of this knowledge from past lives without having to go through the process of first believing again. I have heard reference made to certain people who "know because they know." It is my opinion that this kind of remembering is used by

APRIL • 1961 13

these people to know much that most members of our present civilization do not know how to give credit for and usually persecute them for. As I see it, these who "know because they know" are among the ranks of those who have stepped down the ladder a few rungs from a higher type of life than we know here in order to try to be of assistance to this humanity here.

Of course, I think that there are some ways to gain or earn this knowledge that are more efficient than others. For instance, if I follow God's guidance, I will be willing to believe, or at least try to, and I ought to have some way to select what to believe, and believable concepts will confront me constantly for my consideration. But if I am stubborn and demand proof first, as many have been observed to do, I will find that I am not going to get any, because it does not come that way.

May I digress a bit here? I want to state that I consider this condition to be parallel to the following: there is a multimillionaire in existence, let's say, who would like to help students who need and seek his help, by relieving some of their financial problems until they can stand on their own two feet. And let's say that by some means I heard about this aid, and I needed it. There are at least two ways in which I could react. If I were rather immature, with an inflated ego, I might say, "Show me! Prove it to me! I refuse to believe it until you give me some `concrete' evidence." Or I might say, "That sounds like something wonderful, altho I don't know whether it's true. But there's nothing to lose and everything to gain by investigating thoroughly. I won't scorn and say it's impossible, because I remember an adage that says that it is easier to ridicule than to investigate but not as profitable. So I'll start right now to investigate." Now, after considering these two reactions, I would predict that the latter might lead me to a tree laden with fruit, whereas the former might leave me standing there with an empty bucket.

Now, to return to the efficiency of gaining knowledge, I remember that I said that if I am stubborn and insist of "proof", I will find that it does not come that way. If I have that attitude, I will have to go through experience after experience until a new concept finally seeps in through that thick skull. I claim, however, that I am still one of God's children and not loved any less for my slow reactions. I am still looked over by an angel who is trying to guide me but who can hardly reach me. In this mess it would be possible to create a hell for myself. I think I would be "saved" when and if I decided to turn back and face God and realize that guidance from this source is and always has been available.

14 UNDERSTANDING

I think the following analogy might help me clarify my point. Experience is like a raw material. Through the God-given tools of intellect we can fashion this raw material by our own effort into the finished product of knowledge, which is banked away in some sort of universal bank and is always available to draw on hence. I would interpret wisdom to be the correct Use of this knowledge and degree of understanding to be the size of the bank account made up of the collection of knowledge used wisely. Guidance from God, through whatever medium, is like a teacher who would like to help us learn to make these products. Concepts are like the blueprints for the finished products.

If we accept the blueprints for finished products and consider them well (BELIEVING), our work will be easier and faster.

If we reject all blueprints (first require "proof"), our work will then necessarily be by trial and error. If we keep at it, we might come up with a finished product, and it might be perfectly all right. But in any case, we have to do the work ourselves before being able to understand fully the finished product (KNOWING). Demanding "proof" would consist of insisting that someone show us his finished product before we have begun ours, instead of requesting the blueprint for his product. If he did show us his product, we might not be able to understand it, and we might be likely to wonder why he was crazy enough to invent such a preposterous creation. On the other hand, if we took his product and inspected it briefly, this action in some cases I would consider to be like cheating on a test in school. We might get a right answer on the test this way, but we did so without having worked to gain the knowledge the possession of which the test is supposed to determine. Later, when it comes time to apply this knowledge, we will fail. We will have to backtrack and in the end do the work we should have done in the first place. So a "proof" might enable a person to make a copy of a finished product, which he would not know how to use intelligently, or in some cases, it might not be sufficient to allow the construction of even a semblance of a finished product. In general, then, what does this "proof" avail a person? Not much, as far as I can see, at least when it pertains to the operation of the laws of life. It certainly doesn't remove the well-known trait of the Missourian, so to speak. If we are childish enough to "have to be shown", then I'd say that a grand growing up is in order.

Now, to conclude my report, I will mention that I have discovered that a test always comes when products are completed and new projects are

APRIL • 1961 15

to be started. Some tests are failed and some are passed. If a product turns out to be defective, either that one must be repaired or a new one must be made. At this point, a great deal of time can be lost by a trait known as "saving face." If I catch myself displaying this trait upon failing somehow, I then realize that instead of taking full stock of the situation and getting right to work (being humble), I am running around trying to convince everyone that I didn't really fail the test. The truth is that I did, and it stands solidly despite the veneer I attempt to hide it with.

But if I have taken a blueprint, studied it, worked diligently on my raw material, and have finally come up with my finished product ,I am then entitled to see another similar finished product (proof-genuine proof).

In this capacity I am able to understand this other product fully without any explanations. My being presented with it serves to verify that my work has been worthy and fruitful.

-TONY GRIECO Unit #16 Chico, Calif.

——— ♦ ———

MIRROR OF SPACE

APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES ABOVE THE earth, it is lonely and silent. Stars are brilliant, and flashing colors seen from Earth are a steady radiance against an interminable depth and darkness. An Astronaut guided an X-15 rocket, Earth's first manned spacecraft from the United States, into the 100 mile orbit pre-determined by ground control, and at a speed approaching 4000 miles per hour. The Astronaut's careful training, and the endless tests given to perfect the rocket proved successful, and the NASA's Project Mercury, the U. S. man-into-space program, achieved its goal. At the time of this writing, the account given above is still in the future, but very soon may be history.

What does a man think of all alone and in orbit high above the Earth, his home planet? Think of yourself a hundred miles above the Earth as it gently curves away beneath you. Clouds mottle the entire hemisphere, and patches of blue and green are visible through the high reflecting surface of the atmosphere. Look at all those stars-millions of 'em, aren't there? It is such a big universe that extends away from you into infinity. Maybe you feel like you have one foot in heaven, and God is your only companion in this lonely darkness.

But an Astronaut doesn't have much time to cogitate and philosophize when he is checking instruments, orienting the spacecraft by maneuvering

16 UNDERSTANDING

jets, and carrying out the flight procedure he is trained to fulfill. The physiological stresses, mostly diverted by the pressurized cabin and flight suit, combined with the psychological problems involved in the transit of space by the spacecraft and its pilot require top-notch conditioning of the Astronaut. He must be able to stand the stress of gravitational force, orient himself to positioning in space, orient to weightlessness, have quick reflexes in case of emergency, have the ability to recall and adapt all training to procedure and emergency, and, perhaps above all, have an unshakable faith in himself and his God.

Man may occasionally stand on a lonely hillside and look deep into the deep purple twilight at a scintillating star and think, "What hath God wrought?" the vanity and vexation, joy and sorrow, love and hate, and the very soul of man mirrored in space.

-WILLIAM HAMILTON El Monte Unit #1

book reviews

"THE HEALING LIGHT" by Agnes Sanford

DO MIRACLES IN HEALING still occur? "Yes!" says Agnes Sanford in her book "The Healing Light," for "God's Will includes. Unlimited Miracles," and she proceeds to show us what she, and many other with her, accomplished by means of the Universal Power, flowing freely through human channels and directed to people in need of It's healing light.

Mrs. Sanford not only shows how anyone of us can be such a channel, but also how we can refuse illness and unhappiness to enter our own being. "Love and forgiveness is the first step to a better life and health."

In the Chapter "The Re-Birth of Faith: Re-educating the Subconscious" she explains the replacement of negative by positive thinking,

APRIL • 1961 17

not by fighting it, but by turning your back on it," for "Resist not evil" the Master said."

"We learn mathematics by studying its laws and then correcting every mistake that our pencils make. We learn music by mastering its fundamentals and then correcting every slip of our fingers as we practice. So we learn Faith by trying to understand that we are children of light and then correcting every thought that denies our glorious heritage of live and love."

And in another Chapter: "As we practice the work of forgiveness, we discover more and more that forgiveness and healing are one."

On every page of her book the writer gives us ideas and statements, each of which she carefully explains and accompanies by examples for their use.

A good book and a necessity in every home, which we can keep ready for use or reference between our bible and our Spock, a book to try first on ourselves, then on our friends and neighbors. A book also, to use in the teaching of our children.

"Most beautiful in all the world to our newly comprehending eyes is man, whom God made in His image and likeness.

Man, forever failing, yet forever destined to succeed. Man, defeated time and again, yet forever destined to triumph. Man, dying from generation to generation, yet forever destined to live."

-CONSTANCE I. TANASALE Alhambra, Calif.

LITTLE LISTENING POST OFFERS PICTURE

On the walls of the Little Listening Post in Washington, D.C. there has hung for a number of years a small, unusual picture. Many visitors have remarked on the unique power that it seems to possess. According to those who have seen it, to gaze at it is to at once feel your inner possibilities.

The Little Listening Post now wants to share this picture with new age homes. A well-known artist has enlarged and remade it. An 11 by 14 inch reproduction is available from the Little Listening Post, 4811 Illinois Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. To cover costs and help further the work of this organization, a donation of $2 is requested.

A PEEP AT THE MOON

People on the moon?

This is a subject often speculated upon in the present day, and we

18 UNDERSTANDING

perhaps tend to think that the present-day view held by orthodox science that the moon is a dead world has always been the case.

The August, 1959 issue of the magazine "American Heritage" carries a picture of a bandbox with an illustration of the moon as seen through a telescope. Plainly visible on the surface are three winged figures and a lamb.

When was this illustration conceived? In 1840.

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WHAT UNDERSTANDING MEANS TO ME

THE LEADERS OF UNDERSTANDING have often been asked "Where are you going?" "What are you attempting to do?" "What is your program?" Occasionally I myself have wondered about these very questions. But one morning recently my thoughts on the object suddenly jelled and the following came forth:

We are attempting to build a gigantic new age organization that will make "Understanding" a household world in every nation on earth.

We have no particular course of study to hand out or special teaching to distribute. Rather, we are constructing a vast body of new age individuals, so that persons may affiliate with it to give themselves strength; a sense of purpose and direction in the days to come.

Our purpose is to help bring in a new age. Every member of Understanding can act as a silent salesman in his neighborhood, his community, his nation, and in the world-quietly selling the new age way of life by attempting to live it in full view of his friends and neighbors.

Every unit can be a silent salesman as a group by taking steps to make its community more in tune with the new age way of life. This can be done through the efforts of every member in becoming active in civic affairs,

being of as much help to the community as possible and disseminating information through lectures and literature.

What is the new age way of life? It is love, honesty, open-mindedness, fair-mindedness, and the ability to eliminate prejudice and bigotry, to investigate rather than to ridicule and to examine all things and subsequently cling to that which is good.

The idea is not "What can I get out of Understanding?" It is "What can I contribute to mankind on the planet earth at this time?" The purpose of having a large organization like Understanding, to me, is to band ourselves together and make our cause known throughout the world.

-ASSISTANT EDITOR

APRIL • 1961 19

bulletin board

SAN MATEO UNIT # 2 listened to George Hunt Williamson on February 18th, on "Coming World Changes". San Mateo has organized a dance work-shop for the children and young people with a four-fold objective:

1. to provide an attractive approach to "Understanding" by helping them to become aware of and to awaken any hidden talent.

2. to cultivate an appreciation for good music.

3. to provide good healthy exercise and muscle training and coordination.

4. to build self confidence in expression.

The workshop is conducted on the first and third Friday from 6:45 to 7:45 just preceding the regular unit meeting.

ORANGE COUNTY UNIT #7 presented a new speaker March loth in the person of Russell L. Bailey of Garden Grove. He spoke on "Universal Laws and the Teachings of Jesus". Unit #7 urges the reading of "Soviet Scientists Claim Life on Mars" in April FATE magazine.

LONG BEACH UNIT #8 has decided to become inactive for the present due to lack of material for officers.

SANTA CRUZ UNIT #9 reports interest and enthusiasm running high for their workshops.

SAN FRANCISCO UNIT #11 hosted George Hunt Williamson February 17th. His topic was "The Secret of the Andes." Complementary slides were shown.

20 UNDERSTANDING

INGLEWOOD UNIT #15 listened to Ralph Huffman February 25th as he spoke on "Man's Graduation Into the Coming Golden Space Age," in which he gave many new translations to old writings.

BERKELEY UNIT #17 featured F. Amadeo Giannini in "Worlds Beyond the Poles" recently.

RIVERSIDE UNIT #22 presented the Rev. Franklin Loehr in "Science and Religion Form a New Partnership" at Isaac Walton Hall in February.

SAN JOSE UNIT #25 listened to a lecture on "Solar Force" by Harold Freeman on February 28th. F. Amadeo Giannini spoke on "Worlds Beyond the Poles" on February 13th.

EUGENE, ORE., UNIT #26, during a forty eight hour rain, hosted Riley Crabb who lectured on "Flying Saucers and America's Destiny." Unit #26 meets on the second Friday of each month.

DETROIT, MICH., UNIT #28, has a set time, seven a.m. and eleven p.m. every day to send out the thought "Let there be Light," and are inviting other units to participate. Officers recently elected are: Clyde L.

Trepanier, president; Donald J. Knight, vice-president; Susan Prouse, corresponding secretary and Elsie Sharrow, recording secretary. Moderated open discussions are held at both the membership and public meetings.

DOUGLAS, ARIZ., UNIT #33 is sponsoring a weekly TV program featuring Dan Fry. They are busy making reprints of the broadcast for those who write in. Financial assistance may be asked of all units to cover TV expenses.

MONTEREY UNIT #34 recently elected officers for the coming year. Russell Brown, P. O. Box 119, Carmel, was elected moderator; program coordinator was Lyle Westergren; publicity coordinator, Les Rhinehart; secretary, Mrs. Louisa Bane and treasurer, Ronald Hansen. An intensive study program has been inaugurated, the aim being to promote individual thought, but not necessarily to arrive at conclusions. The initial project is a review of the writings of George Hunt Williamson and his reference material.

TACOMA, WASH., UNIT # 35 would like to see several more units formed in their area of Washington.

WILLOWS UNIT #36 are working in the coordinating field with expectation of organizing units in Mendocino and Ukiah, California.

TWIN CITIES, MINN., UNIT #41 has mailed in the minutes of the last several meetings. These indicate a very busy unit.

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STREAMLINED LIKE A ROCKET,

ITS PROPELLANT IS TRUTH

THE SPACE AGE RELIGION

The Cosmic Circle of Fellowship, Inc.,

offers Instructions in Cosmic Knowledge.

Get the New Revelation - $2.50 postpaid.

Literal decoding of the Bible Revelation.

Get the Master Cosmic Clock Chart - with explanation - $1.00 postpaid. Your Cosmic Time - Your Cosmic Symbol - Your Cosmic Number - Send Birthdate. Send all inquires to:

WESTERN STAFF, COSMIC CIRCLE OF FELLOWSHIP, Inc.

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NOW AVAILABLE

1960

UNDERSTANDING

MAGAZINE YEARBOOKS

All 12 1960 Issues in One Volume

Available for $2.50 a copy

UNDERSTANDING HEADQUARTERS

Box 22, Station C

Pasadena, Calif.

Publications By

RICHARD, DUC de PALATINE

THE GREAT PARABLE ............................................ $1.50

CHRIST OR JESUS ...................................................... 1.50

THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERIES .................................... 1.50

YOU AND REINCARNATION ...................................... 1.50

GOD-MAN, THE MYSTERY

BEYOND THE VEIL ...................................................... 1.50

THE INNER MEANING OF

THE MYSTERY SCHOOLS ......................................... 1.50

THE WORD MADE FLESH ......................................... 1.50

Most astounding books of this age. Students of Occultism, Methaphysics, Theosophy and mystic Christianity will be amply repaid. The Author shows very clearly the path to illumination for all people.

Full set of books $10.00

Individual books, price as quoted.

Order from:

PRE-NICENE FOUNDATION

2450 SUMMIT DRIVE

SANTA ROSA, CALIF.

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BOOKS RECOMMENDED

AS AN APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING

atoms, galaxies and understanding, by daniel fry ...................... 2.00

White sands incident and

to men of earth, one volume, by Daniel Fry ....................................... 2.00

They sky people, by erinsley lepoer trench .................................... 4.50

Spacewoman speaks, by rolfe telano ................................................ 2.00

Why we are here, Gloria lee ....................................................................... 3.75

council of seven lights, by george van tassel............................... 3.50

my contact with flying saucers, fino kraspedon ......................... 3.75

My trip to mars moon and venus, by buck nelson .......................... 1.00

night has 1000 saucers, by calvin c. girvin (paper, $2.00).............. 3.00

road in the sky, by g.h. williamson ........................................................... 4.00

SECRET OF THE SAUCERS, by Orfeo Angelucci .................................... 3.00

Secret forces that changed the world, by frank bowman 3.50

Temple of god, annalee skarin ................................................................. 3.50

Unity in the spirit, by comptesse de pierrefeu ................................. 2.50

Wake up the god in you and live, by Martha baker ........................ 2.00

we of the new dimension, by Will and evelyn miller ..................... 2.00

wisdom of the universe, by hope troxell............................................ 3.25

These books may be purchased from Understanding. We pay all postage.

Residents of California please add 4% Sales Tax.

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