INTRODUCTION
Steps to Knowledge is the Book of Inner Knowing. Its one-year study
plan, which is divided into 365 “steps,” or lessons, is designed to enable
students to learn to experience and to apply their Self-Knowledge, or
Spiritual Power, in the world. Steps to Knowledge sets out to accomplish
this task in a step-by-step manner as students are introduced to the
essential ideas and practices which make such an undertaking possible.
Practicing every day provides a solid foundation of experience and
develops the thinking, perception and self-motivation necessary for
both worldly success and spiritual advancement.
WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE?
Steps to Knowledge describes Knowledge in the following way:
“Knowledge represents your True Self, your True Mind and
your True Relationships in the universe. It also possesses
your greater calling in the world and a perfect utilization of
your nature, all of your inherent abilities and skills, even your
limitations, all to be given for good in the world.” (STEP 2)
Knowledge is the deeper spiritual mind that the Creator has given to
each person. It is the source of all meaningful action, contribution and
relationships. It is our natural Inner Guidance system. Its reality is
mysterious, but its Presence can be directly experienced. Knowledge is
remarkably wise and effective in guiding each person in finding his or
her right relationships, work and contribution. It is equally effective in
preparing one to recognize the many pitfalls and deceptions that exist
along the way. It is the basis for seeing, knowing, and acting with
certainty and strength. It is the foundation of life.
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WHO IS STEPS TO KNOWLEDGE FOR?
Steps to Knowledge has been provided as a Way for individuals who feel
that a spiritual calling and purpose are emerging in their lives, but who
need a new approach to fully comprehend what this means. Often
these individuals have felt this pull for a long time. Steps provides a
foundation upon which they can begin to respond to this calling.The
only entrance requirement is the determination to know one’s
purpose, meaning and direction.
WHAT IS IT DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE?
Steps to Knowledge represents both a path to God and a path of
contribution in the world. It engages the student in solving the two
most fundamental questions in life: Who am I? and Why am I here?
Steps addresses these questions within the context of purpose,
relationships and community. It emphasizes that everyone is looking
for these in the world and that this pursuit underlies all the desires and
endeavors considered to be meaningful here.The experience of
purpose, relationships and community gives each person whatever
sense of meaning and identity they may have at any given moment.
Steps indicates that these needs are intrinsic to everyone and that
everyone has brought the answer to these needs with them from their
Ancient Home.Thus it says that every person carries, unknowingly,
their own fulfillment within themselves, within their Self-Knowledge.
Through practice and revelation, Steps to Knowledge gives students
the necessary structure to find Knowledge, to engage with Knowledge
and to follow Knowledge in every situation.With this, they begin to
find their true direction in life. Studying every day builds the skill and
the confidence that only consistent self-application can provide.
The reclamation and the application of Self-Knowledge is the
purpose of this book of spiritual practice and its teaching.The
emphasis in each step is to develop the student’s inner life and outer
life together, for Knowledge (Self-Realization) and Wisdom (Self-
Application) must arise together.Thus, through studying and applying
The Way of Knowledge, the student naturally develops patience,
objectivity, insight, strength, tolerance and an abiding sense of
self-worth.
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HOW IT WAS GIVEN
Steps to Knowledge was revealed to the teacher Marshall Vian Summers
in the Spring of 1989. It was received over a fourteen-day period in a
state of revelation. Steps to Knowledge was provided by a group of
unseen spiritual teachers who describe themselves as Teachers of the
Greater Community. Their message is universal and yet their methods
are unique for our time and world.
WHY IT WAS WRITTEN
Our world is at the threshold of emerging into a Greater Community
of intelligent life in the universe around us.Therefore, a more universal
understanding and perspective on relationships, spirituality and human
advancement are needed at this time. Steps to Knowledge is provided for
those who show promise of being the primary contributors during the
next great period in human history, where humanity begins to
encounter other intelligent races from the Greater Community.This is
the greatest threshold that we have ever faced.Yet from a Greater
Community perspective, it is clear that humanity is not prepared.This
has set the stage for a new spiritual understanding and teaching to be
given to the world, for the Creator would not leave us alone and
unprepared for our emergence into the Greater Community. Thus, a
spiritual preparation of a very unique kind has been given which can
enable men and women to gain the power, the compassion and the
skill needed to serve a world in transition.To prepare these individuals
to find their greater calling in life, Steps to Knowledge and its
companion books have been provided as a guide and a resource.
HOW TO WORK WITH STEPS
Please consider these following recommendations to enable you to
receive the maximum benefit from your study of Steps to Knowledge:
Steps to Knowledge is a complete program of study. Each step
takes you higher and closer to your self-discovery.Therefore, plan to go
the whole way. If you don’t stop, you will advance.
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Though Steps to Knowledge is a self-study program, it is
recommended that you find others with whom you can share your
practice and experience.This maximizes your opportunity for learning
and provides a meaningful basis for new relationships to form.
Follow the “steps” in Steps to Knowledge exactly as they are
given. Do not alter the practices in any way. This is very important.
You may stay on one lesson for more than a day if you wish, but do
not stay on any lesson for too long or you may lose pace with the
curriculum.
Do not skip ahead or alter the sequence to practice lessons
that you find to be attractive. Each lesson is designed to take you one
step at a time.This provides a safe and successful passage in your
approach to Knowledge. Follow and utilize the step for the day. It is
perfect for that day.
Read the lesson both in the morning when you arise and later
in the day.You may also read the lesson in the first person, on one of
these occasions, if you wish to personalize the message for yourself.
Steps to Knowledge will teach you how to practice and how to
develop effective study habits. At times you may find that staying with
the practices will be quite a challenge.Yet remember that Steps will
build both your strength and self-awareness through its practices.You
are able to do these practices and doing them will harmonize and
transform your life.
Set aside regular practice times each day. Do not let
circumstances dictate your availability to practice. Practice is essential
for building an environment for Knowledge to emerge. Practice times
have been added at the bottom of each step to assist you in integrating
the practice into your day.
Keeping a journal is extremely valuable in tracking your
progress and in seeing how each step plays a part in serving you every
day.The journal is a powerful tool for self-discovery and will assist you
in applying the steps. Keeping a journal also will greatly help you in
using the REVIEW practices that occur throughout the curriculum.
Be patient and allow the steps to work for you. It is amazingly
powerful if you follow the sequence of the steps as they are given.This
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takes time. A great journey is made up of many little steps. Each one is
necessary.
If you miss a day, simply return to practice. Do not condemn
yourself (or the program).You need only continue in Steps to receive
its full benefit.
Steps to Knowledge may challenge cherished beliefs and
assumptions. If this occurs, accept this challenge and see what it holds
for you.You must see beyond a limited viewpoint to gain a greater
one. This is where satisfaction is achieved.
Steps to Knowledge is a gift to you from God through the
unseen teachers who serve humanity. It is a gift for you to receive and
to give.
IN CONCLUSION
The power and scope of Steps to Knowledge is as great as is its purpose.
Its Source is from beyond this world. It teaches that the world is in the
process of entering into a Greater Community of Worlds. It offers a
new spiritual understanding and preparation that are needed to activate
each person’s spiritual powers and worldly abilities.This will redeem
their past and prepare them for their future. Steps to Knowledge
advocates a perspective greater than a purely human point of view in
comprehending events within the world and beyond. It would be
appropriate then to say that the curriculum in the Steps to Knowledge
represents Universal Wisdom in the truest sense.
As Steps so often indicates, the Truth, however conceptualized,
must be fully experienced to be realized and properly applied.This is a
step-by step process.To serve those who are called to realize their
spiritual heritage and purpose in the world at this time, Steps to
Knowledge has been given.
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