“All human sensations, as sight and hearing, are readily perceived by one awakening to spiritual states to be but _manifestations of consciousness through the physical limitations_ to which the spirit in its mental states of earth becomes accustomed. But _here_ all is merged in _perception_--where one _perceives_ and _understands_,” thus said the Guide. This added consciousness--uniting or releasing the faculties--is not all at once: I found myself thinking in the accustomed channels, in _words_ as well as thoughts, _listening_ for replies instead of knowing that the answer had been _thought_ to me, really was there before I had questioned; of _looking_ for beautiful _forms_ and scenes instead of _perceiving_ the _Soul of Beauty_ which was (is) everywhere. I became more and more aware that the whole of me, released from the fetters of the bodily senses, could perceive and receive more perfectly the answer to every question, even before its formulation in thought. “Formulation is a process of limitation, sometimes of hindrance,” said the Guide. “A feeble comparison of what ‘perception’ really is may be found in an artist (of Earth) whose _prepared mind_ (and therefore vision) sees the beauty in a landscape, a sunset sky that another sees not at all, or dimly. Prepared senses are the result of prepared minds, of being pervaded by the _awareness_ of the Spirit,” said the Presence. It is of little avail, however, to attempt to bring into outward forms of thought and expression the _perceptions_ one is aware of while one is in that inner state, excepting that they relate to conditions under which those loved and loving ones in that state can reach and change for the better the sorrowing hearts in human life, the shadowed conditions of earth existence. THE BODY IN CHARGE OF GUARDIANS After a time (I did not know it as _time_) I became aware of being led to where the earthly form was still breathing, being cared for and imbued with breath by a beloved Guardian spirit and by devoted friends in human life. I was to return after all! It was necessary to keep my spirit _en rapport_ with the body as the _Psychic Cord_ was _not_ severed that connected body and spirit. But not at once was I to return. These periods of calling my attention to and visiting the body were brief--just enough to keep the “vital spark” alive, and aid the dear attendants in both worlds to prevent the complete separation which for many days seemed imminent. A VAST CONGREGATION