CONTENTS
April 1974
A NEW
CENTER FOR UNDERSTANDING .............................................................. 2
ABOUT REV. ENID S. SMITH, Ph.D. ......................................................................... 5
OTHER PLACES-OTHER PEOPLE ........................................................................... 6
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPONDERABLE ............................................................. 8
UFOs INTERNATIONAL ............................................................................................... 10
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING .................................................................................... 11
CONSIDER THE CONCEPT ........................................................................................ 14
Book reviews ............................................................................................................ 15
A SHORT COURSE IN THINKING .............................................................................. 17
bulletin board ........................................................................................................ 18
——— ♦ ———
THE STAFF
EDITOR ........................................................................................... Dr.
DANIEL W. FRY
asst. editor ........................................................................... kerttu
campbell
assoc. editor .......................................................................... margaret
little
circulation manager ................................................... clara
A. ledbetter
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
SINGLE COPIES 30¢ - ONE YEAR
(10 ISSUES) $2.50
Published by
‘Understanding’, a non-profit corporation
Contributions are U.S. Income
Tax Deductible
ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE
TO
UNDERSTANDING, P.O. BOX 206, MERLIN, OREGON 97532
UNDERSTANDING
Volume XIX APRIL 1974 Number
3
Dedicated to the propagation
of a better understanding among all the peoples of the earth, and of those who
are not of earth.
Understanding, Inc., will soon be celebrating the Grand
Opening of its new Cultural Center in Tonopah, Arizona. The center consists of
55 acres of fine level land, facing on Indian School Road; a total of eight
buildings, some of which are shown in the pictures on the following pages. Two
deep wells with submerged pumps, pressure tanks, piping systems to each
building, and many stand pipes for irrigation. There is also complete
electrical service to each building. The Administration Building has nine
bedrooms, a kitchen and a large assembly hall. In short, there is everything
necessary for the creation of a large and efficient new center for research, as
well as for the acquisition and the dissemination of knowledge, wisdom and
understanding, both in philosophy and religion.
The Center was built several years ago, by the Rev. Dr.
Enid S. Smith, in accordance with a dream she has had for many years, of an
active and progressive college of Faith and Wisdom in Tonopah.
In her great generosity and complete trust in the purposes
and the work of Understanding, Inc., she has deeded the entire property to us
for our use and its development. It is a sacred trust which should in-spire and
stimulate every member of Understanding to greater enthusiasm and efforts.
Dr. Smith has certainly done her part. It is now up to us
to do ours,
2
UNDERSTANDING
APRIL 1974 3
and to make the new center a living and growing testimony
to her efforts, and to ours. Some steps have already been taken. Mr. Harlow
Merrick and his lovely wife have moved their mobile home
to the center and, with some help from your editor, are getting a very large
organic vegetable and herb garden under way. (You will hear, see and probably
taste more of this in the next few months.)
Dr. Eugene Whitworth, President and director of Great Western
University, has visited the facility, and is now planning to institute some
formal class work for the University Students at the center. Religious
services, open to the public, are being planned for each Sunday.
Research is being planned, and in fact is already under
way in Solar Energy Conversion, and Electrical Energy Storage systems.
To fully and properly utilize the facilities and the land
area of the center will, however, require a tremendous amount of coordinated
effort by many persons, especially in the beginning. We therefore urgently
request every member of Understanding Inc. to look into his heart, his goods
and his wallet, to see if there is not some way in which he can contribute to
the success of the new center. We will deeply appreciate any contribution,
whether it is in the form of personal service, goods or materials, money, or
just your prayers.
4 UNDERSTANDING
APRIL 1974 5
(Brief excerpts from other write-ups)
Enid S.
Smith, born in Boston, Massachusetts, is a well known woman nationally and
internationally. An educator, writer, artist, lecturer, minister, missionary, a
social and research worker, and at present, a retired college professor, she
continues her writing, art work and ministry. She has won national honors and
worked on national and international projects, receiving her preparation in
many of the best universities in America and abroad, where she has lived,
worked, and traveled extensively. Among her seven scholastic degrees, her Ph.D.
was earned at Columbia University, New York City.
She has taught in several colleges through America, as
well as in India, Burma and Hawaii, and has educated many worthy individuals,
has founded schools and free lending libraries of spiritual and psychic books,
and has conducted educational sociological, missionary and religious projects
on both sides of the ocean.
As early as 1911, she began her foreign missionary work
among the so-called Head Hunters of northwest India, under the Northern
Baptists of America. Later, during her seven years in the Hawaiian Islands, she
taught in the McKinley Senior High School, was the Dean of Girls, Chairman of
the Social Hygiene Association for all the Hawaiian Islands and Chairman in
charge of the Extra-Curricular Activities for all the Hawaiian Islands. What
time was left was spent in graduate work, seminars in the University of Hawaii,
studying under the wonderful professors from various nations. Later, because of
the appreciation of her writings and careful research work for the Japanese,
she was requested by the Psychical Research Society of Japan to furnish a list
of the best psychic books for stocking the stores of Japan. This she did
gladly, appreciating the confidence placed in her. Her work was often published
in the public papers of Japan.
In 1926 she was awarded a National Scholarship key, by the
University of Southern California, and was the recipient of many other
honors. She has taught for over 40 years, has written for 42 different
magazines of various types, and in the early days, much of her work was
syndicated. In 1942 her name was placed in the supplement of Who's Who in America,
and was nominated to be placed in the Who's Who of the states in which she
taught. She is in the Who's Who in Education.
6 UNDERSTANDING
(This is the first in a series of four articles on the
"Orient Odyssey" of Understanding Member-MALENE ENGLESTAD-of Santa
Monica, Calif. The 38-day trip was made during April and May 1973.)
A tour of the Orient and Asia attractively labeled:
"Thirty-eight days of breathtaking, panoramic view that engulfs you with
spectacular beauty . . . " fascinated me and I was ready to go.
Somewhat during the past 4-5 years the world had changed:
There were no nude beauties in Bali; Singapore instead of being a dirty dive
was the cleanest city in the world; Manila reputed for crime and violence was
fantastically peaceful at this time. However, at the accelerated rate of
so-called progress that we witnessed and experienced that may be changed soon
also. The Asian giant is waking up and its roll and stretch of first moments of
awakening from a deep sleep is shaking the whole planet.
JAPAN
Enroute to Japan aboard Japan Airlines. There is a feeling
of cleanliness, comfort and considerate service. A good omen. I have decided to
expect the magic joy of each day and enjoy it to the fullest.
Our first stop TOKYO. Like all big, overcrowded cities of
today it was an ocean of stucco buildings and your eyes tried in vain to find
the beauty which Japanese art has awakened in you. Tenacity to tradition and
the desire for beauty is seen in the rooftop gardens, here and there. Rather a hopeless
effort in the bleak sooty atmosphere.
Our guide remarked: "Tokyo represents the Five-Cs . .
. Construction, congestion, confusion, cohesion, and Coca-Cola signs." The
Imperial Palace with its 250 acres in the center of the city was like an
oasis in a cement jungle and I hoped they never destroy that tiny remnant of
past glory. Shopping in Tokyo is a delightful experience.
Driving through the narrow streets we found our Japanese
bus drivers excellent; the freeways well kept with a view of crowded housing
projects all around. Every balcony had bedding hanging out to air.
Symbolism in religion, in daily life prevalent. We saw
"dummy" policemen here and there on street corners. To an American it
would have no meaning but to a Japanese familiar to symbols it represents
authority, a warning to good behavior. It was as good as a live policeman.
A two-hour train ride North from Tokyo brought us to NIKKO,
a lively town nestled amongst lovely woodland and the site of the historic Toshogu
Shrine. Here one found both Shintoism and Buddhism represented. The richly
gilded and carved Yomeimon Gate with huge
APRIL 1974 7
tassels hanging from a thick rope stretched across the top
represented Shintoism. There are no creeds, no moral precepts, no philosophy in
Shintoism . . . just worship of nature and beauty. The
ornate five-story monument was Buddhist, each story a symbol of earth, fire,
water, wind and air. Buddhism delves into deeper meanings of life and has
strict moral laws.
On our way to KYOTO, South from Tokyo, our first stop was
in Kamakura, famous for the huge "Daibutsu," a bronze image of Buddha
cast over 700 years ago. Many climbed inside from the back where they found
more steps to climb to the top.
Our second stop was in Miyanoshits, a charming town in the
midst of Hakone National Park where I wrote the following: "Spring just
peeping through. The trees still dreaming of their new garments and awaiting
the magic touch of Spring." It was April 20th.
The Soul of Japan for me is contained in two famous
symbols: Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms. Timing has to be just right to see
either. We were reminded that only 25 days out of the year one could have a
glimpse of this sacred mountain. All were apprehensive while driving along the
shores of Lake Hakone . . . And suddenly it was there . . . Magic. The red
Shinto gate at its foot, the blue lake and snow-capped famous mountain all in
post-card beauty.
Our bus took us to Atami where we boarded Japan's
super-express, the remote controlled "Bullet Train" for a 130-mile an
hour ride to Kyoto. It was smooth, silent and fascinating.
And the beauty of the weeping cherry trees: At the Heien
Shrine gardens they were exquisitely in bloom. Over a carpet of pink and white
petals we walked. Here also is found the Nijo castle with its famous porches
encircling the building called the "Singing Corridors." What an
ingenious and pleasant way to catch intruders as every step melodiously
betrayed their presence.
That evening we feasted on the famous Kobe beef at the
lovely Kamogawa Steak House where we sat on the floor with our feet dang-ling
into a well and watched the meat being cooked right in front of us. My
understanding is that not only the steer are fed beer, but it is poured over
them and the bodies massaged with rice-straw brushes!
Our last stop in Japan was NARA, earliest capital of
feudal Japan, a delightful town with its deer park; the Kasuga Shrine famous
for its thousand stone lanterns; and the Todeiji Temple the largest wooden
structure in the world housing the Nara Buddha. I see I have written in my
notebook: "I want a Nara Buddha." Unfortunately I missed buying one
in Japan and the Indian Buddhas are fierce looking, and the Chinese ones too
happy! In Hong Kong, end of our journey, I hoped to
8 UNDERSTANDING
find the praying Buddha and was describing it to the
salesman when I was surprised to hear him say: "You want the Saviour
Buddha."
In the Todeiji Temple there were many other statues, but
two huge 18 foot ones attracted attention: One was the Recording Angel with
scroll and pen in hand, fierce in judgement . . . The other, benevolent, was
holding pagoda and sceptre waiting until all men became Buddhist:
"Salvation of humanity through Buddha."
Outwardly Japan seems modernized and very adaptable to new
ideas. However innately they are still very traditional and disciplined. They
are not inventive but are able to improve and being more conscientious and
precise in their work the products are more perfect. Dressed in black suits the
business men dominate the city scene. Success and wealth instead of making them
careless and lazy has made them more than ever conscious of their innate
strength expressed in their efficiency, cleanliness and gentleness.
". . . the mind reaches out, clutching at the imponderable.
"
-Golden Scripts, Ch. 86; V. 22
What makes us think? Is it because we can't help
ourselves, and must think, willy-nilly? Who can completely turn off his
thoughts? Indeed, thought is strange, when one considers it. We go within
through meditation to discover ourselves, and we reach out into the starry
universe to understand our home.
A man has a problem and he thinks about it morning, noon and night. He lives, eats, breathes, and dreams it. The intensity of his desire leads
him to a realm of ideas where he can find the ones that solve his problem.
Singleness of purpose and persistence are required, and it could be so that
inventors at widely separated places in the world have produced the same idea
at the same time. All this would seem to involve effort, and it certainly does.
Yet time after time inventors have said the idea was not theirs, it was
"given" to them or "came" to them.
Perhaps it is the same with understanding. We think about
something and try to understand it; we try to grasp the reality behind the
appearance. When comprehension comes, it is as if understanding caught up with
us, or we with it, as if we were suddenly surrounded by light and wonder why we
did not see through the darkness before.
What, then, is the nature of thought? For one thing,
thought has no limits. We may have limits, or think we have, but thought itself
has none. When we really look at them, most of our limitations are
self-imposed. Another characteristic of thought is its fleeting quality. Even
APRIL 1974 9
if you have an extremely good memory, it is wise to have a
pad and pencil handy at all times, and get that terrific idea down in detail as
soon as possible. Ideas are as impermanent as soap bubbles unless they are
translated into symbols on paper, tape or canvas.
How are we to stretch our capacity to encompass large, and
ever larger ideas? By doing creative thinking persistently. What we do with the
ideas retrieved from the wild blue yonder depends on our practicality,
experience, and resources.
The comprehension of man can and will grow if there is a rededication
to truth, and no more acceptance of half-truths or out-right lies. Check things
out for yourself; for instance, distinguish between fact and opinion. Fact may
be verified; opinion may very well be erroneous. You have to discern the truth
by reexamining all that you have been taught. A formidable task, indeed, but
one to be undertaken if you do not wish to base your life, thought and activity
on the shifting sands of misinformation.
Be satisfied with nothing less than truth on the highest
level you can understand. Never be like the man in the early 1900's who wanted
to close the U.S. Patent Office because "Everything has been
invented." Throughout history each civilization has considered itself the acme
of intelligent progress. Therefore, when new ideas are produced by the next
generation, they often meet the resistance of skepticism and ridicule. There
are more wonderful things to be discovered about ourselves and our world than
we now know. New facts confront men as each generation seeks its own wisdom;
each age lies in wait for the facts of the eternal.
It is no accident that a light is symbol for a bright
idea. Ideas are light, and the Golden Scripts, Ch. 186, V. 18 says “Ignorance
shall be scattered before the whirlwinds of radiance."
MARGARET LITTLE
♦ ♦ ♦
We would willingly have others perfect, and yet we amend
not our own faults.
We will have others severely corrected, and will not be
corrected ourselves.
The large liberty of others displeaseth us; and yet we
will not have our desires denied us.
We will have others kept under strict laws; but in no sort
will our-selves be restrained.
And thus it appeareth how seldom we Wight our neighbors in
the same balance with ourselves.
Thomas a Kempis
10 UNDERSTANDING
"Golden Flying Saucer"
Both hands raised in blessing, "Almighty God" is
depicted in a mural painted around the turn of the century by Russian artist P.
E. Myassoyedov. This impressive mural dominates the dome of the famous
Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria. It includes above the
left hand of "Almighty God" an unmistakable golden space ship.
Why should a U.F.O. be painted on the dome of the
Cathedral? Yusuka J. Matsumura, Editor of UFO. News-CBA International
took photographs of religious murals on three recent European trips. They are
reproduced in UFO. News Vol. 5, No. 1, Winter, 1973, Special Issue. This
publication is 21-3/8" x 15-1/4" and contains 6 profusely illustrated
pages. Unfortunately, we could find no price for the publication. However, if
you wish to order this issue, please address your request to U.F.O. Vews, Naka
P.O. Box 12, Yokohama 232, Japan. "The cathedral which now attracts
world's attention," says the U.F.O. News, "was built in memory of
their gratitude and respect for those twenty thousand people of the country and
friendly nation Russia who died in the liberation war in 1878 in order to set
Bulgaria free from domination of the Empire of Osman Turkey for five hundred
years. The name of the cathedral was dedicated to great Russian general
Alexander Nevsky, a national hero of Russia, who protected Orthodox Church from
its enemy."
Two bright clouds (spaceships?) appearing above Christ on
the cross are painted on the Decani Monastery wall in Yugoslavia. Two angels
with eyes and ears covered are drawn between the two spaceships.
There is a 300-year-old mural painting of an ancient
artificial sputnik-shaped object at the San Pietro Church at Montalcino, Provence
of Toscana, in the center of Italy.
And a rocket-shaped flying object is found painted in the
Bulgarian Cathedral Varna, at Varna on the Black Sea.
A flying saucer appears in a wall-painting of the Princely
Church at Tirgoviste, Romania.
One page of the U.F.O. News, entitled "Christ
Spaceship vs. Apollo Spaceship" shows pictures from icons and murals
throughout Europe matched with pictures of an Apollo space rocket-a most
interesting conception. Another lengthy article was titled: "New light on
Christ Spaceship! Divine Vehicles in Transfiguration and above the Cross."
This issue of UFO. News is published in Japanese, but includes an English
supplement. It contains almost 40 pictures.
MARGARET LITTLE
APRIL 1974 11
(Seaside POST News-Sentinel, July 26, 1972,
Clint Porter)
In the struggle for survival we are taught that each man
must rely on his own strength (live by his own ruthlessness). And we are told
that if each individual thinks only of himself and his own welfare, that the
welfare of society will be advanced.
Well, we all know that this idea has long ago been outmoded,
discredited, and proven untrue. The first truth about our individual lives is
the indispensability of love to every human being. By "love" we mean
relatedness to some treasured person or group, the feeling of belonging-ness to
a large whole and of being of value to other men. The source of all the basic
anxieties in human nature is a feeling of being alone and helpless in a hostile
world, and the first compulsion of life is the weaving of a stable pattern of
relationship between ourselves and our parents and all of those who in time
take the place of our parents. Even science has taught us that we can only
understand the universe in terms of relatedness, that things are nothing in
themselves, in isolation, that even the atom has significance only in some
pattern of organization. For example, carbon atoms form charcoal when related
in one way and be-come diamonds when related in another. Whether in physics, chemistry,
biology, or psychology, we find that isolation is what is impossible and that
relationship is everything. A lone atom is a meaningless atom. A related atom
is the building stone of nature.
We become what we are by a process of identification with
others. Specifically, we are what our fathers and mothers, sisters and
brothers, uncles and aunts and cousins were before us. Modern psychology demonstrates
that with the milk we drink, we not only ingest physical nutriment, but also
swallow the patterns, ideals, reactions, and attitudes of those around us. In
fact we digest our heroes and heroines and make their way of life a part of our
own emotional substance. Of all the creatures on earth, man has the greatest
power of imitation and identification with others. This power is responsible
both for tragedy and for the glory of our existence.
Believe this: EVERY SAINT AND EVERY SINNER AFFECTS THOSE
WHOM HE WILL NEVER SEE. Why? Because his words and his deeds stamp themselves
upon the soft clay of human nature every-where. A boy catches the contagion of
courage from his father, or receives the misery of fear from his mother. Read
your literature. Ulysses' son inherited from his warrior father a bravery that
kept his land intact during his father's wanderings. And, look at Ibsen's
"Ghost." There is a study of a weak son too greatly influenced by his
fear-ridden mother. There are doubtless instances of identification, good and
bad,
12 UNDERSTANDING
found in every dramatist. Modern psychology has shown that
we all take other persons inside ourselves to make them part of our soul
fabric. So, even though we understand that man cannot pull himself up by his
boot straps, psychology shows us that we can make consistent and gratifying
gains in the direction of love, warmth, and tolerance. The first step in making
these valuable gains is to understand the nature of the barriers that keep us
from a free and happy relationship with our neighbors, families, and friends.
———
Signals
From Space
(Infinity News Letter, February 1974)
Signals from Space have been reported by the Soviet Union
in recent months, and for that matter radio signals believed to have originated
in outer space have been coming to us since 1899 . . . Reportedly radio
operators listening to the 75-meter inter-national band picked up a
two-and-a-half hour broadcast on August 3, 1958 that was allegedly from Necoma
of Jupiter who spoke in his own language plus German, English, and Norwegian,
warning his listeners that American atomic bomb tests could lead to world
disaster. It would be hard to determine how long such messages have been
reaching Earth, for our capability to receive them only goes back to 1899.
10 Mile High Saucer
(San Francisco [Calif.] Examiner, Feb.
1, 1974)
UPI, Paris-Pictures taken by scientists aboard a Concorde supersonic
jet have kicked off a flying saucer debate in France.
Shot last June 30, as the Concorde tracked a solar eclipse
over Africa, the pictures show a bright mushroom shaped object.
National television showed them to the public for the
first time last night.
"Study of enlarged prints indicates the object was at
an altitude higher than the 56,000 feet of the Concorde and had a diameter of
at least 660 feet," said Serge Koutchmy, an astrophysicist at the National
Scientific Research Center.
Koutchmy and Claude Poher, an official of the national
center of
APRIL 1974 13 13
space studies, classed it as an unidentified flying
object.
The L 'Aurora newspaper said today,. "Many people are
already convinced that in the African sky the Concorde passed an airship from
Mars or somewhere else."
The June 30 eclipse swept across the heart of the African
wilderness and the Concorde flew along its path to give French, American, and
British scientists an 85-minute look at the phenomenon and the chance to
photograph it.
The controversial object showed up on frames of a color
film taken by one of the French scientists. He was shooting pictures of the
moon's shadow on the earth, the center said. The object was not noticed until
the film was developed.
UFO Report
(Medford [Ore.] Mail Tribune, Jan. 10, 1974)
Madras (UPI)-Warm Springs Indian Reservation police told
the Jefferson County sheriff's office Wednesday its officers had sighted
un-identified flying objects.
Patrolman Chris Still said he saw one at 1:30 a.m. and two at 2:15 a.m. Jim Macy, a tribal patrolman off duty, was with Still and
saw the objects also.
Chief Jeff Sanders, who was called to the scene, said he
thought the objects were stars. A number of reports of sightings of
unidentified flying objects were made in Central Oregon during the weekend.
Caribbean Suffers Reduction of Sunlight
(Citizen Journal, Sat., Jan. 19, 1974,
Columbus, Ohio)
Washington (UPI)-The Caribbean is experiencing a reduction
of sun-light because of dust whipped up by hot desert winds blowing across
parched grasslands of Africa which is crossing the Atlantic in increasing
amounts, according to Government scientists.
The atmospheric dust layer seems to be suppressing the
growth of cumulus clouds over the tropical Atlantic and may even affect the
growth of tropical disturbances into hurricanes, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) says.
Concentrations of red brown dust in the summer and lesser
amounts of black dust in the winter in the skies over Barbados in the West
Indies have tripled since the beginning of the great African drought in 1968.
Medical Staff Uses Acupuncture
(Dallas Times Herald, Dec. 6, 1973, by Lana
Henderson, Staff Writer)
Physicians at Southwestern Medical School are using
acupuncture-
14 UNDERSTANDING
along with other more conventional forms of treatment-for
persons who have found no other relief from chronic pain.
The physicians performing the Oriental pain relieving
technique, Drs. Jim Montgomery and P. Prithvi Raj, say they are pleased with
their success. They quickly note, however, that it is only one small part in
South-western's 14-year-old pain clinic.
"We have managed to prove acupuncture is not all
hocus-pocus, but it's no universal panacea," Montgomery said. "We
know acupuncture will not work on everyone."
The acupuncture project, kept secret more than a year,
shows that 60 per cent of the patients had "good systematic relief."
"We try new techniques," Montgomery said,
"because when a patient comes to us, we know he's hurting."
The acupuncture project at Southwestern, tried on an
experimental basis when medical literature began recording some successes, was approached
with skepticism by both physicians.
"We didn't expect a person to get pain relief when we
put needles into them," Montgomery said. "From my medical knowledge,
there is no reason it should work. But on some people, it does."
For patients who respond to acupuncture treatments, Raj is
creating a pocket-size stimulator that will allow patients to give acupuncture
treatments on their own, without needles,
(Lemuria Builder, June 1971)
What's It All About, Alfie?
by Benjamin Drell
To be perfect, a computer would have to be able to
accurately answer all questions in the tiniest fraction of a second, producing
all the' necessary data for its computations from its memory banks. It would
have to program itself, arrive at conclusions, remember these conclusions and
also the steps by which it had derived them, and be ready to assimilate new
data so that it could update itself in order to arrive at new conclusions. It
would also need to be capable of imagination, but still able to discriminate
between imagination and actual experience. Most important of all, it would have
to be able to repair and maintain itself, and protect itself against injury.
One university professor has suggested that to build such
a computer technicians would require the space of four buildings, each five
stories high and occupying a full city block; that the electric power to
operate it would be sufficient to light all of New York City; and that to
prevent
I
APRIL 1974 15
it from overheating it would be necessary to have the full
water supply of Niagara Falls available. Such a computer, if it could be
constructed
at all, and I doubt it could, would cost many billions of
dollars and en-tail a huge amount of labor over a long period of time before it
would be completed and considered the "marvel of the ages."
The reason I brought this up is because each of us carries
around one of these wonders perched more or less securely atop our necks. It is
called the brain. It's funny how people lackadaisically take this for granted;
and yet they ask for proof that life has a purpose and a grand design.
We Are Not The First
(We Are Not The First, by Andrew Tomas, Bantam Paperbook,
$1.25)
Recently magazine and newspaper articles, television
documentaries, and the cinema have responded to our interest and presented the
public with information on U.F.O.s, ancient civilizations, and unexplained
phenomena of the past and present. Our imagination has been stimulated and we
ask ourselves "Could this be true,-is it possible?" Now, if you are
ready for a mental shaking up, a general clean sweep of collected cranium
cobwebs, pick up Andrew Tomas' book entitled We Are Not The First. Mr. Tomas,
an Australian citizen, has done for us what most of us could not possibly do
for ourselves. He has visited all parts of the world collecting data and
information found in great museums, reviewed prehistoric legends, and according
to the Bibliography, read more books on his subject than you or I could read in
a lifetime. Yes, whatever your interest, science, religion, research, or
archaeology, all facets of your mentality will be stimulated by the information
Andrew Tomas has collected and presents in this most startling book.
Approach these new concepts with an open mind, for this is
all the author expects of you. His aim is to show that ancient people possessed
many scientific ideas we have today and to demonstrate that the technical
skills of the man of prehistory have been greatly underestimated.
16 UNDERSTANDING
Also, he seeks to prove that certain advanced ideas of the
ancients on science and technology came from an unknown outside source.
Research supports the probability of greater civilizations advanced to a degree
impossible for us to imagine, a golden age with scientific know-how as
commonplace as it is now. He uses folklore, legend, and mythology to attain
information separating fact from fancy. Symbols and allegories take on a new
meaning, and what at one time came to us as myths could be conceived in a new
light as truth, not fiction. Traditions of India insist upon the reality of
communication with other worlds during the golden age. Ancient Tibetans
believed in and wrote about visitors from outer space. Rock paintings found in Russia
and Australia suggest people outfitted for space travel. No satisfactory
interpretation of the meaning of these rock paintings has been given. We read
that electricity isn't a new discovery. In 1938-1939, earthen-ware jars
complete with gear necessary for a functioning battery were found near Baghdad.
Despite the estimated age of 2000 years, by duplicating some of the old
evaporated materials, these batteries were tested and they worked. In all
probability computers aren't a recent invention. Sixteen pages of pictorial evidence
on a variety of subjects center the book. One shows bits of a mechanical device
that has been determined to be parts of a computer dating back to ancient Greece.
The last chapter of the book offers two possibilities as to why the ancient
mysteries have practically vanished and were not recorded in history. What
could have happened is presented with logic. Of two theories the author offers,
you may choose one or the other, or reject all he has compiled, according to
your convictions.
Twenty-six scientific and technological ideas are charted
on two pages entitled "Rediscovery of Science." Here we have dates
when they made their first appearance followed by the more recent discoveries
credited to such familiar men as Galileo, Copernicus, Kant, Einstein, and Jenner,
to cite a few.
From all that Andrew Tomas has to offer, the interesting
panorama of the past emerges to verify We Are Not The First.
-HAZEL WALTON
♦ ♦ ♦
One must keep a balanced mind and be ready to investigate
all matters with an open mind. By open mind is meant that state where one is
not going to condemn and one is not going to believe unless there are
reasonable grounds for either state.
T. LOBSANG RAMPA
APRIL 1974 17
1. Be honest with yourself-Avoid the temptation of
self-delusion.
2. Confront problems, don't evade them-Growth
comes through facing reality.
3. Widen your interests-Stretch your mind by
reading, conversation, listening.
4. Write out the problem-Positive action depends
on clear thinking. Writing helps.
5. Keep first things first-Focus on the main
issue; don't be confused by non-essentials.
6. Don't oversimplify-If a problem is serious
enough to bother you, it's worth pondering.
7. Get beyond faultfinding-People know what's
wrong. They want to know what to do about it.
8. Keep an open mind-The best solution may not be
your solution.
9. Retain your sense of humor-Humor can reduce
prejudice and put things in perspective.
10. Develop insight-Listen for what the other person
means, not merely what he says.
11. Focus on the positive-Emphasize points of
agreement while admit-ting differences.
12. Pray for solutions-God is the Creator and Source
of all good things, right desires and just works.
-CHRISTOPHER NEWS NOTES
♦ ♦ ♦
How much wisdom there is in the mountain brook which, when
it encounters obstacles, leaps and frolics, sparkles and glistens, gains
momentum-and races on!
JOSLIN DESKS
♦ ♦ ♦
Happiness cannot exist, except when Love is pouring out.
This is Life's Law. When people are loving something or somebody, they are
happy. Even a miser is happy, when he is loving his gold, because he is pouring
out a feeling of Love to the thing he tries to hold. What he is really trying
to hold is happiness, but he does not realize that the feeling of happiness is
not contained in the gold, but is in the pouring out of Love from himself. In
that outpouring he lets Life flow uninterruptedly and harmoniously.
GODFRE RAY KING
18 UNDERSTANDING
No Merlin Convention
After consideration of many factors, including gasoline
shortages, it has been decided there will be NO Annual 1974 Understanding
Convention in Merlin this coming June.
We look forward to meeting one another again in 1975.
Phoenix-Tonopah Unit #83
On January 11, 1974 at the home of AI and Arlene Peters, Phoenix,
Arizona, Dr. Daniel W. Fry presented an Understanding Charter to the newly
formed Phoenix-Tonopah Unit #83.
Officers elected to serve are: Virginia Arnold, President;
Helen Lichtwald, Vice-President; Joanne Hatfield, Secretary; Jerome Lichtwald,
Board Member; and Rev. Dr. Enid S. Smith, Honorary Executive.
We welcome, to the Understanding family, Unit #83; and
wish them well in their proposed programs, which include "Instruction and
Experiments in the ministry of all dimensions such as physical, mental,
spiritual, psychic, etheric, and social functions" by committee.
If you live in the area and wish to participate in Unit
activities please write or call Arlene Peters, 2758 E. Winston St., Phoenix,
AZ. 85040; telephone 276-7213.
A Prayer Chain
The Jersey Shore Metaphysical Center has instituted a
Prayer Chain and invites you to "Call when you feel a need" for
"We need a call to help."
The Chain consists of the lead contact-in this case KHADINE
KOESTER-who calls two others, who in turn each call two others, for
APRIL 1974 19
six levels, reaching 64 people in all to create a prayer
power of many praying together at a specific time daily.
If you or a friend is in need of help, please call Ms.
Koester at 201-255-6552. We shall publish an address for mail in May issue.
New Center for UFO Studies
Dr. J. Allen Hynek has announced the founding of the new
Center for UFO Studies and the nationwide TOLL FREE telephone number to make
UFO sighting reports. The "Enterprise number" 800-621-7725 -has been
established . . . Effective Dec. 1, 1973, the operator will re-quest the name
and message, address of the person reporting the sighting. A UFO sighting
report will be mailed to the "caller" for completion. If the caller
desires to give a verbal report immediately, they will be given another
telephone number to call (long distance toll charges paid by the caller) at
which time their report will be recorded by the operator.
———
A PRAYER
Dear God, good and positive power of force, whoever and
whatever I call you, does it matter?
In my hour of emptiness and need, you are my only refuge!
There is little in, this physical world that seems real
and honest to me, yet you have chosen that I exist here until my hungry soul
shall leave this strange universe and sup with you in paradise at last.
Paradise? Alas, I have no visions of such a place, but if
there, the truth be felt and known, then it shall be Paradise for me!
I am unsure of how to pray to you and there seems little
that I should ask . .
I have, in many ways, been fulfilled and my life on earth
has been blest with a seemingly healthy balance of joy and sorrow.
What is there left for me now? What is there left, that I
might do to help those less fortunate than I? Those who have not yet
experienced the light of your amazing grace.
I have realized the true value of giving. Guide me now,
that I might give wisely where I am most needed.
Guide me now, in the direction of your righteous choosing,
that I might realize my true destiny!
I pray today, as I have throughout my lifetime, in the
name of goodness, truth, humanity and love.
Amen
- PILAR TOLEDO
20 UNDERSTANDING
To surmount the barriers of racial intolerance is to perceive
the kin-ship of mankind; to remove the walls of religious and sectarian
prejudice is to understand the spiritual aspirations of humanity; to overcome
class hatred and discrimination is to see the common soul of man; to increase
knowledge is to broaden our understanding of cosmic force, evolution and law;
to widen and deepen sympathies, interest and understanding is to attain to
wisdom, while to surmount any of these obstacles is to learn.
AMSALA
CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT
6c per word per insertion; 3 or more insertions same
copy, 5c per word.
SPECTRUM-JOURNAL OF THE OCCULT. A new concept in total
reporting! An OCCULT/UFO/FORTEAN information outlet featuring factual news
events in all these fields. Scientific and analytical articles by well known
authors, National and International UFO reports PLUS a Person to Person CONTACT
page, Predictions, and Psychic Experiences! $4.00 yearly on a quarterly
basis-Foreign, $5.00. Send subscriptions to: BARBARA LUCAS, 6290 34th Ave North
St., Petersburg, Fla. 33710. SAMPLE COPY 25c. Edited by Joan O'Connell.
EDITING AND TYPESETTING for individuals, publishers,
printers, and organizations. Very reasonable rates. Latest IBM computer
typeset-ting equipment. Over 20 years experience in publications as Production
Supervisor and Senior Editor. Query Wanna Walker, 13880 Highway 66, Ashland,
Or. 97520 about your book manuscript, your organization's publication, "job-shop"
work.
The editors of Understanding Magazine are happy to
consider unsolicited manuscripts, both articles and poetry. Articles should not
exceed 1,000 words (poetry 36 lines). Almost any type of material will be
considered, providing that it is of a constructive nature and contributes to a
better understanding of the subject matter employed. The editors are particularly
interested in developing a greater degree of understanding among different
peoples of the earth and an understanding of basic issues facing the people of
this planet. Payment for articles accepted will be made upon publication at the
rate of one cent per word (poetry 10c per line). The editors also are
interested in seeing clippings of unusual items from newspapers and magazines,
for which the sum of $1 per clipping published will be paid to the first person
submitting it. All manuscripts should be typewritten, double-spaced and on one
side of the sheet only. Manuscripts may not be returned unless accompanied by a
self-addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. Payment will not be made
for mimeographed material.
Address manuscripts to Understanding, P.O. Box 206, Merlin,
Ore. 97532.
APPARITIONS
of the "Lady of Light" have appeared in the past
in times of crisis.
NOW Her glowing form, seen by thousands, signals
major changes and world events SOON to come.
YOU can know these prophesied events and the
sobering, inspiring meaning behind them. READ what Ray Stanford, a
well-documented psychic, has to tell of the original SECRET OF FATIMA
... never told before.
SEE for yourself how FATIMA PROPHECY:
Days of Darkness, Promise of Light SOLVES the mystery of today's crises.
Apparition photos included.
NO RISK COUPON
To: A.U.M.,' P.O. Box
5310, Austin, Texas 78763 E4
Please rush postpaid
______ copies of Fatima Prophecy, beautifully clothbound, at $6.95 each (Texas
residents add 5% tax). My check or money order is enclosed. If dissatisfied
for any reason, I may return the book in good condition within two weeks for a
complete refund.
Name
____________________________________--
Address
__________________________________
City/State _________________________________
Zip ________________
*Association for the
Understanding of Man, a nonprofit corporation
Memberships in Understanding
Understanding, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated
to the propagation of a better understanding among all the peoples of the earth
so that they may live in harmony and be better prepared psychologically and
sociologically for the space age.
Several types of membership are available to those who
wish to support our endeavors either with dollars or with time and service, or
both.
The Associate Membership is Two Dollars per year; the
Contributing Membership, Ten Dollars per year, including the Understanding
magazine; Sustaining Membership, Twenty-Five Dollars per year, including
subscription; and Life Membership, Five Hundred Dollars, including subscription
to Understanding magazine.
Welcome to the Understanding family!
UNDERSTANDING, INC.
P.O. Box 206, Merlin, Oregon 97532.
