Page:The astral world, higher occult powers; (IA astralworldhighe00tiff).pdf/116

 ideas. But if the slightest difference exist between us in the use of words, a perfect communication can not take place. You understand how this is. Nothing is more common in an audience like this than for different individuals to understand the speaker differently, though each individual heard the same words. But different conclusions are attained because each interprets by his own standard.

We can not be perfect in our external methods of communication any further than we each occupy the same plane in our communication, and understand alike the symbols used. If I were describing simple natural things, and describing them by natural qualities, there would be no difficulty, perhaps, in conveying a definite idea. I may not fail in describing objects by using such terms as "red, white, round, square, angular," because these terms are commonly well understood. So in regard to all the natural qualities of objects with which we are familiar. We have the correct elements out of which to construct a correct idea. Therefore, while I am communicating on the natural plane where we all possess the same consciousness, external language answers very well as a means of communication.

But suppose I attempt to go into a more interior truth—that which does not address each one's consciousness through the sense. I am obliged, however, to make use of external language; but as the interior truth is more interior than the natural plane, I must employ that language figuratively—must speak by parables, similes, and allegories. But the moment we begin to use language in that manner we are very