The First Principle must be Truth. Yes, above all, Truth must be first and must reign supreme above everything. Truth is the First Principle we come to, and we can come to no other principle unless and until we come to Truth. This is the beginning of awakening. This is where we make a stand.
Truth is constant and
immutable. It cannot be changed to suit
tastes or styles. It cannot be twisted,
for when it is, it always springs back to the light of day. Truth is the foundation of life. It is what we know is right in our
hearts. It comes in many different forms
to different people, but it is always the same Truth. As Rumi said, “The lamps are different, but
the light is the same,” and so it is with Truth.
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| The Rock. |
Truth is unadulterated. It can be painful, but it is never
cruel. It is direct and definite and
piercing. Truth is the ultimate honesty
with oneself. Truth is the innate
knowledge of what is good and wholesome.
Truth does not compromise or make deals.
It does not negotiate, and it does not take hostages. All who come to Truth come of their own free
will. Truth is unbending and unforgiving
because Truth is exactness.
Truth is made known through the
ears. If you have unlocked the First
Principle, when that which you hear rings with Truth, you will know it
instantly, and when it does not, you will also know that instantly. Truth only allows honest words to enter your
heart. All other words are held off at
its steely gates. This does not mean
that truth is ignorant, rash, proud, or vain.
It does not discount the words of others, but they will not pass and
become part of you if they are not true.
When you have Truth, real Truth, of the world around you, of
the inner workings of life, of what is good and pure, then you have the Rock. When
you have the Rock of Truth, it does not matter how many storms may rage against
you. It does not matter what words may
be flung at you. It does not matter what
temptations of dishonesty may be laid at your feet. The Rock stands firm, and none may pass without
permission from Truth. A thousand armies
may come against you, but if you have the Truth, you have the Rock, and all
opposing armies must retreat.
Only the pure in heart, with the
unwavering steadiness of Truth and the Rock, may read from the grimoire of the Great
Alchemist.
