Karezza; Ethics of Marriage

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER X. Spiritual Growth. I well perceive how in thine intellect already shines the eternal light, which, once seen, always kindles love. --Dante. Souls really united progress unitedly. This is the strongest and greatest argument for this altruistic union. The highest aim in life should be spiritual development and the attainment of power and strength in this direction. Habits and conditions that contribute to this should be sought. Miller says: "With Zugassent's Discovery (Karezza) comes also the one supreme truth, that its greatest crown of honor consists in its conducing to the highest and noblest spiritual development.' What is spiritual development? It is coming into recognition of the supremacy of the spiritual over the physical; it is conscious mastery in one sense, and in another it is a knowledge of the God-like in man that takes possession of him, leading and guiding him in all the walks of life. It is true that in Karezza one experiences growth in the spiritual nature. This is attained through the habit of self-control and mastery, and through the desire of each for the best good of the other, and to the high aspirations accompanying the relation. Once having experience in Karezza, one will never return to the ordinary habits in which sensuality and selfishness so often predominate. All spiritual experience is growth in the knowledge of man's divinity, of his inseparable union with the omnipresent principle of life. He may come to a sudden awakening of this great truth of his being which results in an instantaneous conversion, like Saul of Tarsus, or it may more slowly dawn upon his perception as in the case of Saul of old as he listened to the divine harmonies of David's harp. Whenever and however man perceives this truth,...