Let us consider the Sermon on the Mount as given in Matthew (Chapters 5; 6; 7).
"Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of
Heaven." (Matt. 5:3.)
By these words Jesus indicated the occult teachings that those who renounced the vain glory and petty ambitions of this world would be on the road to the realization of the Real Self—the Something Within—the Spirit. For is it not written that "the Kingdom of Heaven is within you"?
"Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." (Matt. 5:4.)
By these words Jesus pointed out the occult teachings that those who had so far advanced that they could see the folly of human ambition, and who consequently felt the pain that comes to all who stand above the crowd, and who mourned by reason of their realization of the folly and uselessness of all for which men strive so hard? would, in the end, be comforted by that "peace which passeth all understanding" which comes only to those who enter into a realization of the Kingdom of Heaven which is within them.
"Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth." (Matt. 5:5.)
By these words Jesus sought to teach that those who had acquired the attitude of obedience to the Power of the Spirit Within them would become as Masters of the things of earth. This message is frequently misunderstood by reason of the lack of perception of the Mystic meaning contained in the words. The word "meek" does not mean that "I'm so meek and humble" attitude and expression of the hypocritical followers of form. Jesus never taught this—and never acted it. He was always the Master, and never sought to make of his followers cringing creatures and whining and sniveling supplicants. He asserted His Mastery in many ways and accepted the respect due him—as for instance when the vial of precious ointment was poured upon Him. His use of the word, which has been poorly translated as "meek," was in the sense of a calm, dignified bearing toward the Power of the Spirit, and a reverent submission to its guidance—not a hypocritical and cowardly "meekness" toward other men. The assurance that such should "inherit the earth" means that they should become masters of things temporal—that is, that they should be able to rise above them—should become lords of the earth by reason of their "entering into the Kingdom of Heaven" within them.
"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." (Matt. 5:6.)
This is the promise of the Master that they who sought the Kingdom of Heaven (within them) should find it—that their spiritual hunger and thirst should be satisfied in the only way possible.
"Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy." (Matt. 5:7.)