====== The Inner Life ======
== THE HERALD OF THE NEW AGE | JANUARY 1935 ==
----


<WRAP centeralign>
==== THE EAST AND THE WEST ====
By Ananga
</WRAP>

<WRAP justify>
I DREAMED that I stood on a lofty pinnacle looking to the east for the first gleam of dawn. Beyond was spread out the mountains, plains, forests and cities. To the west rolled the broad waters of the Pacific. On beyond the horizon sped my gaze, until I saw the beauteous strand of the Orient.

Methought I stood alone, for I looked about and saw none other; still did I feel a sweet presence which made my long waiting seem not so wearisome. I had waited, waited for eternities it seemed, and witnessed all the pains of human anguish; when I cried, “How long, How long?” Then I thought I heard a voice, soft with infinite compassion, say, “For what waitest thou?” I made answer, “For the Dawn of Brotherhood.”

Then the voice replied, “I, too, have waited long. But know this, thy dreams can never come to fruition until the beauteous bird of the Orient and the strong Eagle of the West have been lost in Love’s embrace, on the summit of this mountain.”

“Thou speakest in mystery; I pray thee make it plain.”

“Then listen, O’er yon broad expanse lies the cradle of Earth’s once glorious Civilization. Midst wooded bowers all free, there dwelt the most beauteous bird that ever spread its plumage to the trembling breeze; but in an unguarded moment, while nestling too near the earth, a dragon seized it by one wing and pierced it deep with the pang of pride. Its beauty waned, but still so beautiful it was they deemed that blight so but part of its original perfection; and afterwards, as it tried to soar with one disabled wing, ever did it fly in a circle, and back again it came. But its patient effort has bound it ever near my heart.

Then later there arose in the western horizon another bird of plain and sombre garb, yet lordly withal; for it kept its broad strong pinions spread for freedom, and the needle of its soul pointed ever toward the lofty summits.

Thus so gloriously did it soar, that it became vain of its strength; then it cast its eyes to earth and when sweeping too low, it too was seized by the relentless jaws of the dragon, and
</WRAP>


{{ :3501-27.jpg |}}


----
//⥳ [[the_master_calls|previous page]] // | // [[fear_not_to_do_right|next page]] ⥴ //