an ancient Chinese tale about the Elusive Decrees

        short clip of Scottish piper:  https://youtu.be/860yOnGLPjM
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654.  Let us recall an ancient Chinese tale about the Elusive Decrees.  A man passed by the dwelling of eight blessed ones and noticed that they were strangely occupied.  One of them was rushing about attempting to jump upward.  When the passer-by asked the reason for such exercise he answered "I am catching the Elusive Decrees."  Another blessed one held his hands over the fire and referred to the same Elusive Decrees.  A third stood in an icy stream and spoke of the same Elusive Decrees.  Thus eight blessed ones strained their forces in striving to the higher decrees.  The passer-by thought to himself "If even those who have already attained beatitude must strive so vigorously to cognize and catch the decrees then how much greater tension must I exert lest the higher will escape me!"     In this story one can perceive several useful concepts.  First, the state of greatest tension can indeed assist transcendental receptivity.  Second, having already attained initiation does not necessarily relieve one from the danger of failing to fulfill the higher ordainments.  Third, one must welcome all forms of tension in order to enter into accord with the higher world.  How often the Elusive Decrees flash through space and return again to the treasury of the unapprehended!  It is surprising how great a breach of convention it is even to speak about Elusive Decrees.  Some smirk of ignorance, some reprove in pride, some take offense in cruelty.  Thus each one in his own way ignores the decrees-- subtle decrees vanishing into the ether.     -M:  Fiery World 1933 ......................................................................... 49.  Since times immemorial the chalice has been a symbol of Service. The gifts of higher forces are gathered in the chalice and given from the chalice. The symbol of the chalice has always stood for self-sacrifice.  Whoever bears the chalice bears achievement.  Each lofty deed can be marked by the symbol of the chalice.  Everything most lofty, everything for the good of humanity should bear this symbol. The chalice of the grail, the chalice of the heart which has dedicated itself to the great service is a most cosmic magnet.  The heart of the cosmos is reflected in this great symbol.  All images of heroes of the Spirit may be represented as bearing the chalice. The whole universe is reflected in the chalice of the fiery Spirit--the chalice contains the accumulations of centuries which are gathered around the seed of the Spirit.                             -M:  Fiery World 1935