CHAPTER XXV
HOW TO HELP THOSE WHO HAVE
PASSED ON
When the Ego comes into the Physical World, it is
in one sense a cause for rejoicing, as we rejoice at the
birth of a child, for this world affords us experience
and material for soul growth. Looking at it from
another point of view, however, when the Ego comes
into this world and enters the prison house of the dense
body, it is in the most limited condition imaginable,
and to rejoice at the time the child is born and lament
when it is liberated by death, is in reality analogous to
rejoicing when a friend is put in jail and giving way to
hysterical lamentation when he is liberated.
Furthermore, our duties to our dear ones who have
passed away from the earth life are not ended when
they have severed the physical ties. We have a
responsibility to them beyond the grave. Our attitude
after the death of our loved ones continues to affect
them, for they do not usually leave their accustomed
places right away. Many stay in or near the home for a
number of months after they have left the body and can
feel conditions there even more keenly than when in
earth life. If we sigh, mourn, and groan for them we
transfer to them the gloom we ourselves carry about us
or else we bind them to the home in efforts to cheer us.
In either case we are a hindrance and a stumbling
block in the way of their spiritual progress, and while
this may be forgiven in those who are ignorant of the