Luggalor's Lenses

by W. S. Fuller

  “There is a war going on now. It is horrible and senseless. Could the educational systems and opportunities you have outlined have prevented this tragedy?”

  “Of all the mistakes humans have made...war is the worst. It must be perceived in all its true horror rather than romanticized. If people understand the Truth and the possibilities of a harmonious world, they will refuse to sanction or condone it, leaders will be reluctant to enter into it if they have no support...and armies will refuse to fight if they no longer believe in the cause. The hope must be that some day enough people will see the folly of war and realize they can live together and settle their differences without slaughtering each other. Adhering to the principals of The Truth will eliminate many of the leaders dominated by ego and greed; leaders who are ultimately responsible for starting most wars…leaders who are willing to sacrifice so many innocent lives for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining addictive, ruinous power. But until the day comes when the world is led by enlightened leaders, there must be strong, effective measures to prevent the terrible scourge of armed conflict, as there must be to lessen the cataclysmic horrors associated with any use of atomic and nuclear weapons. If reason and non-violent options fail, and war starts, the carnage and death must be mitigated, genocide must be stopped…by a strong armed response.”

  I had discovered so many mysteries through the lenses, and I wanted more answers. “Why do so many humans seem to have such a low regard for life? They brutally kill their own with increasing efficiency, slaughter animals, destroy vast forests and the innumerable species that live there, and kill the fish and other creatures in rivers and seas with their pollution and illegal harvesting. How can they be made to realize what a rare, beautiful phenomena the diversity and nature of life on this planet is?”

  “A lack of respect for the sanctity and dignity of life. A lack of knowledge of the importance of only taking life when necessary to maintain a harmonic balance among all life and the planet.”

  I spoke again. “Many humans seem to believe in a divine being...a God...and worship regularly. But often their thoughts and actions don’t reflect the philosophy of their God. Why doesn’t religion play a greater role in learning The Truth…in humans becoming enlightened?”

  The Wise One paused, leaned her head back, for the first time looked away from me, and stared through the descending rays of light. Finally she spoke. “Religious influence has contributed a tremendous amount of good, but if war is the human’s biggest mistake, the planet’s greatest irony is the negative effects of religion. Belief and faith in a supreme power...a God, or Spirit, a divine Prophet, and the principles set forth by this power, is at the core of the vast majority of the world’s religions. These principles, regardless of the religion, God or Prophet’s name or origin, are universally associated with living one’s life in a moral and enlightened manner, with great concern for the welfare of others...exactly the principles that if followed by the humans, would allow them to solve the problems you have seen.”

  “What has happened, Luggalor, is that some religious leaders, and their followers, have used their religion as an excuse to wield power for their own benefit, to indulge their insecurities, ego and greed, in forms of discrimination, persecution, even thievery. More humans have been maimed and killed in wars fought on ostensibly religious grounds than for any other reason. And at the other end of the spectrum are all-consuming petty issues. Many so-called devout individuals and their religious leaders are more concerned with the minutiae of doctrine than the welfare of humankind. Hate born of religious differences and fueled by the twisted, incendiary rhetoric of a relatively few leaders and followers has ruined far too many lives. If all religious leaders would actually live the principles of love, respect the dignity of all life, teach tolerance and giving instead of taking...the same, the only principals, that each of the true Holy Men preached and lived by…religion would take its rightful place in leading the transformation to a world dominated by peace and harmony. But it must only be the principles of the Truth they live by and teach, not distorted remnants of them.”

  “Cannot a God intercede in the planet’s problems?”

  “A God has, Luggalor. Humans have been given extraordinary minds and an inherent goodness of the soul, and the planet the necessary resources, to enable them to solve the problems we are discussing. They only have to learn…and love…and care…and give. What more can rightfully be asked of a God?”

  It all seems so clear, the logical, so simple and elegant. But perhaps the same dynamics that are lodged in each human’s mind...that offer the opportunity for an existence filled with such intense feelings...such passion...such beauty...are the same dynamics which cause so much pain and suffering. Such potent…and malleable minds. A tremendous challenge, managing this enormous potential...for good, or evil. I, Luggalor.

  I was silent for a moment before continuing. “There is a great deal of poverty, homelessness, destitution and starvation on the planet. In underdeveloped, poor countries, many of which are wracked by conflict, drought, and other natural disasters, this is tragic but understandable. But there is a large and increasing number of humans living on the streets in some of the planets’ wealthiest, most sophisticated societies. Why is this?”

  “It should be the responsibility of every society to provide an adequate level of care for its destitute, its infirm, its elderly. Some will always need help. There is no good reason anyone should starve on this planet, or be without shelter, or medical care, or hope. The Truth…embraced and lived by enough humans. It is not complicated.”

  “But what about those who are not infirm, or aged, but seem to be stuck in those places where there seems to be no hope…no realistic opportunity for them to prosper?” I asked.

  “Education and motivation are the answers, but there must also be opportunities available to individuals as they become capable of taking a productive part in society. It is as unreasonable to expect a high school dropout from a broken, ghetto home whose only role models have been wealthy drug dealers or pimps to aspire to a college degree and a job at the bank as it is to expect an illiterate family in a refugee camp in the desert to become productive in a devastated economy. Alternatives to destitution, massive poverty, or welfare states involve giving humans the tools and opportunities to achieve the dignity and satisfaction that comes with providing for themselves, their families, and contributing to their community.”

  “Once an individual is an adequate provider and contributor, it is perfectly all right for them to want to improve their own lives, to have leisure time and accumulate possessions. But contributing to the greater good of the planet and its inhabitants, and in particular doing no harm, must always be a part of each decision related to improving one’s personal situation. It is a state of mind. And comes from finding that quiet place in the mind and soul that is free of the world of ego and illusion. It comes from allowing the understanding of The Truth, of love, that is within each human, to surface and flourish. It comes from clearing the lens of harmful filters, forgiving and healing, then learning and teaching. Irony…again. The contentment and joy that come with living the Truth make it easier and less of an internal conflict to attain success and the possessions and lifestyle that so many seek by the wrong means.”

  “Why is prejudice so prevalent among the humans.”

  She continued. “Instilling a sense of self-worth, teaching respect for the basic dignity and equality of all humans, eliminating class systems or the astounding gaps in economic disparity among groups within societies...these are the keys to eliminating the harmful prejudice that is present everywhere on the planet. It flourishes in the minds of those who, because of insecurity, feel a need to perceive others as having a lower status than they do. For humans with low self-esteem, having others to look down on…to feel superior to…is a strong draw. Filters on lenses that cause prejudice form easily.”

  “Life on this planet is so fascinating...the diversity of plants and creatures, the r
emarkable intricacy of their structures, and the perfection each displays for its unique, magically orchestrated part in the ecosystem.” I could not hide the resignation and sadness in my voice. “Humans pollute the air and water, mine and destroy far more of the forests than is necessary, and constantly interrupt and damage the physical properties and dynamics of their environment. It appears their destruction could eventually include their own species…and in the not too distant future. The problems seem to be increasing exponentially.”

  Her voice never wavered, and had the effect of a gentle, soothing, flowing river. “Life seems resilient and adaptable to extreme conditions. Within certain localized parameters it is. But the line separating this planet’s ability or inability to sustain its’ sophisticated, diverse species, including humans, is a fine one. You have seen the devastation a worldwide elevation of just a few degrees of temperature can cause. It will get worse. Extreme drought, flooding, the disappearance of huge areas of coastal and low-lying lands. The disruption of agricultural environments and the ensuing surge in poverty, refugee and political problems. Catastrophic storms, the extinction of millions of species of wildlife...more deadly disease and more wars, as people fight over dwindling and shifting resources. It will affect everyone, from the wealthiest individuals and nations to the poorest.”

  “Each individual, each leader, must learn everything possible about how they pollute or harm the environment...and how they can help to clean it up. And they must act. The best minds, facilities and resources must be utilized and coordinated to seek solutions. Personal and institutional greed must not override the decisions and actions that will be needed if the environment and life as the humans now know it is to survive. The bottom line must be relegated to equal status with saving the planet. Organizations that harm the environment with their products and services must realize there is as much or more profit to be made through products and services that address environmental problems and alternative energy sources, although the moral imperative for change should be adequate motivation.”

  “We have talked about many things, Luggalor. And we will talk about more, but perhaps you should eat and rest before we continue.”

  “But there is so much to learn and it seems time is so important. I am very anxious and would like to continue so I can go back onto the planet as soon as possible and help the humans.”

  “Will your Council allow you to stay?”

  “Yes. The Council decided it would be well worth my staying if I could help. Of course I was very persuasive.”

  “And what form will you take, Luggalor?”

  “I can take my natural form or keep the human form you see me in. If I keep my human form I will remain susceptible to all the emotions, physical dangers, and mortality of the humans. The dangers do not bother me so much, and I love being able to feel what the humans feel. But I would have many more powers in my natural form, and perhaps I could be of more help that way.”

  Through the rays of light I saw a slight smile cross her face as she began to speak. “Humans are very suspicious, Luggalor, and stubborn. As we discussed, they often go to great lengths to believe only what they want to believe rather than the Truth. A being such as you, in your natural state, among them and trying to teach them...well, it would be difficult. It is a decision you must make, but if I were you I would give serious consideration to keeping your human form. Now eat and rest and then I will return.” She nodded toward the table. Once more, it was filled with food and drink.

  “It is so strange and contradictory...all the destruction, suffering and death,” I said. “And caused by the same beings who can be so kind and caring and giving, who create such wonderful music, beautiful paintings and sculpture, and write such stirring and insightful poetry and prose.”

  “Yes, Luggalor, it seems strange, but it is understandable when you consider the enormous complexity, capabilities and potential of the human mind. You alluded to this earlier. You are indeed perceptive. The human’s thoughts and actions can extend as far into the realm of evil as they can good. The challenge is to focus this vast power on the good.” The Wise One looked at me through a long moment of silence, then motioned toward the table.

  “How did you come to this beautiful place? Have you always been here?” I asked.

  “My ancestors came from a lovely island long ago. An island of the spirit. An island that could not be tolerated by the humans…that was destroyed because the Truth interfered with the world of illusions.”

  She rose from the chair to the full height of her noble beauty, then blended and disappeared into the rays of light as she walked away.

  2015

  LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

  New York Times October 10, 2015

  The exquisitely painted autumn forest was serene, its silence broken only by the rustling of a gentle breeze that brought the drifting descent of still more pieces of a growing, patchwork carpet. A delicious, clean aroma filled the clear, crisp air.

  “Martin, this is a maple leaf, and this one is from a hickory tree. They are very bright and beautiful, don’t you think?” The middle-aged man had a warm, compassionate smile on his face as he spoke to the child.

  “Yea, it’s bootiful.”

  “Here, hold it. All these trees will grow more green leaves next spring to replace those that are now falling off. And then they will change into these beautiful colors again next autumn, and then it will be their turn to fall off the trees.”

  “Look! There’s a squirrel. See it running up that tree with its acorn. That’s what it will have for dinner tonight.”

  “Is it a real squirrel? It looks like a gray rat with a tail,” Pascal said. “I’ve never seen a squirrel. My mama kilt a big rat. I seen it and it was bleedin’ all over everything.”

  “All right everybody, time for the ropes!”

  “No, please don’t make me climb them ropes, Mr. Luggalor.”

  “They’re too high. They’re way up.”

  “Yeah, they’s too scary. We’ll fall off and be dead.”

  “No you won’t. Now remember what I told you. You’re going to have a rope attached to you and your friends are going to be holding it very tight so if you slip you won’t fall. You will each climb up to the platform and your friends are going to help you and keep you safe, and when each of you reaches the top you are going to feel better than you have ever felt, because you are going to help each other and yourselves do something very important.”

  When their turn came each child struggled slowly up the thirty feet of squares of rope that he had attached between the two trees. They pulled themselves with their small hands, straining for each rung, groping for each uncertain step, crying when they were frightened, or tired, or slipped. A few tried their best to give up until they realized he wouldn’t let them. As each of them finally climbed onto the crude wooden platform at the top where he stood and urged them on, then hugged and congratulated them...they screamed and thrust their hands into the air with joy, relief, and pride. There were more tears, and not only theirs. After helping each of them back down by climbing the wooden steps on the back of the tree until he was exhausted, a child clutched to his back each time, the small man in the rumpled khaki pants and frayed plaid shirt asked them to sit on the ground in a circle.

  “I want each of you to take one more look around before we go. I want you to see all the wonderful trees and plants and leaves in the forest, and remember the birds and the rabbit and the squirrel we saw. And I want you to remember the things we talked about and what we did.”

  He paused. “Aretha, can you tell me what you learned today?”

  “I learned that all the things in the forest, the um...trees and umm...plants and animals...we must love them all. Just like we need to love our parents and everyone we know...and um...that we’ll be happy if we love and take care of everything. And I um...learned I can climb the rope if everybody helps me and I can help them. Can we get a treat on the way home?”

  “Who votes for a tr
eat on the way home?” he asked. “Raise your hands if you want a treat.”

  Five pairs of small, five and six-year-old hands went up at once as he heard the joyous cries and expressions that are so wonderful and unique to happy children.

  “All right, but before we go to get a treat, what do I need from each of you?” he asked.

  “I know, Mr. Luggalor,” Joe, the smallest and youngest of the group says. “A big hug, right?”

  “That’s right. I want each of you to give everyone a big hug and then give me a big hug. And I want you to promise to give your parents or grandparents or the people you live with a big hug when you get home. Who promises?”

  Again the forest rang with a happy chorus of “I do, I do”, as they hurried to embrace each other.

  After making sure all the children were loaded and buckled up, Luggalor stepped to the back of the old station wagon and laid his jacket on top of the ‘Elect Larry Luggalor 12th District Congressman’ signs. He closed the hatch, climbed into the drivers’ seat, and began the trip back to the ghetto.

  The above is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the online edition of the New York Times, an article giving far more praise for my efforts than I would ever condone, but illustrative of how the actions of only one human might have some small but positive impact on educating the world to accept and live the Truth. I, Luggalor.

  We seem to be falling with frightening acceleration through a shrinking world of violence and corruption, self-absorption and alienation, hatred and fear. A world that claws at the soul and withers the spirit, with a growing gulf between the elite and the downtrodden, and a wasteland of personal agony for legions of both. A world whose life-sustaining resources are threatened as surely as the dreams of its inhabitants. A world where comfort, reliability and trust are increasingly replaced by disillusionment, suspicion, and disgust.