Blaming others for our own. [1]
If an ascending mortal should reach the central universe alone and, while traversing Havona, should fail in some phase of the Deity adventure, the pilgrim would be remanded to universes with seraphic guardian or Paradise Companion. [2] Prudence and discretion, when carried too far, lead to cowardice and failure. [3] Do not be troubled with doubts of failure or by perplexing confusion. [4] Success may generate courage and promote confidence, but wisdom comes only from the experiences of adjustment to the results of one’s failures. [5]
Before reaching Havona, ascendant children have learned to feast upon uncertainty, to fatten upon disappointment, to enthuse over apparent defeat, to invigorate in the presence of difficulties, to exhibit indomitable courage in the face of immensity, and to exercise unconquerable faith when confronted with the challenge of the inexplicable. [6] Apparent failures in reality are simply unescapable delays. [7] Friendship lessens sting of defeat. Difficulties, sorrow, disappointment, and defeat are more painful and disheartening when borne alone. [8]
Life will become a burden of existence unless we learn how to fail gracefully. There is an art in defeat which noble souls always acquire; we must know how to lose cheerfully. [9] The times of great testing and threatened defeat are always times of great revelation. [10] Defeat is the true mirror in which you may honestly view your real self. [11] Faith produces a sublime trust in the goodness of God even in the face of bitter disappointment and crushing defeat. [12]
In mansion worlds, after failures, we will asked: If you fail, will you rise indomitably to try anew? [13] Religious insight possesses the power of turning defeat into higher desires and new determinations. [14]
Jesus became experienced in the skillful wresting of victory from the very jaws of defeat; he learnt how to transform the difficulties of time into the triumphs of eternity. [15] Jesus’ humanity was not insensible to this situation of private loneliness, public shame, and the appearance of the failure of his cause. [16] Jesus was untouched by apparent failure. [17]
Jesus' words to Fortune, the young downcast, were: “My friend, arise! Stand up like a man! Your mind should be your courageous ally in the solution of your life problems rather than your being, as you have been, its abject fear-slave and the bond servant of depression and defeat”. [18] Judas refused to entertain the idea of apparent failure. [19] Judas bitterly resented thwarting. He always expected to win; he was a very poor loser. [20]