The Creative Process in the Individual [Paperback]

Though first published back in 1915, this comparatively short work has inspired philosophers and thinkers since its first appearance, and has been cited by many as their insight and inspiration. Frederick Bailes, to take just one example, said that the application of Troward's insights enabled him to overcome a supposedly "incurable" disease (diabetes).

What is so important about the Troward insight? Essentially, Troward was a judge who applied rigorous logic and the evaluation of evidence to understand the way the universe came into existence, and how it works. He demonstrates that, as neither matter nor energy could (in themselves) have initiated the design process, there must be a creative inspiration - this may be called God, though Toward prefers "Spirit". A later readership might call it "the cosmos". The name doesn't matter - the principle is that of a guiding and designing intelligence, essential to the creation of a logical universe.

From this, Troward argues, it follows that the process of creation must be one of thought - the universe was created by the application of rational design to the static elements of matter and energy. From this, it follows that we should employ the same design process to achieve our objectives, whatever these may be.

I'm sure that I've not explained this very well, but hope that this will get you thinking. Read this book. Not only can it change lives - better yet, it can show you how, and why, the change process operates.

Thomas Troward (1847 - 1916) was an assistant commissioner and later divisional judge in the North Indian Punjab from 1869 until 1896. He wrote several small volumes that have had a profound effect on the development of spiritual metaphysics, in particular that of the New Thought movement, of which the teaching known as Science of Mind is Troward's most direct legacy. Unlike a lot of metaphysical authors who treat the personality/conscious mind as some sort of "necessary evil," Troward believes that the whole purpose of Life & Evolution is the further development of the personality in the self-contemplation of Spirit. His reasoning on the nature of Spirit (perfect Life, Light, Love, Power & Beauty) is very convincing as are all his arguments. I have only read it once but feel that a 2nd and 3rd reading is required to fully comprehend this marvelous and fascinating book. I also recommend his illuminating books Bible Mystery and Bible Meaning and The Edinburgh and Dore Lectures on Mental Science, as well as The Hidden Power of the Bible by Ernest Holmes and The Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox.

Thomas Troward believed that metaphysical investigation ought to proceed through speculative reasoning based on what is known. This classic work aims to trace the sequence of continuous creation by logical deduction with reference to the law of cause & effect. He points out the triumph of principle over precedent, meaning that ideas become manifest despite the absence of past experience, as for example in the case of the invention of aviation. Troward's clear style makes profound matters accessible to all; no background in philosophy or theology is required. He encourages the reader to contemplate these suggestions and assimilate them if they help to make the meaning of the Bible clearer.

The author considered the creative process as the Self-contemplation of Spirit. The twofold essence of nature comprises (a) the unity of a universal creative principle & (b) multiplicity in manifestation. He posits a sequence of cause & effect universal in nature that harmoniously includes all possible variations of individual expression. Two factors are projected from a common source: individual consciousness and energy-matter. Their relation to one another becomes an absolute fact regarding these factors themselves, therefore the cosmos is no illusion. Creation proceeds from the operation of Divine Will upon both the "soul" of nature (in a sequence of progressive condensation) and the localization of its mind in the individual.

Love, light, power, peace, beauty & joy are the substantive properties of Spirit whilst its active powers are initiative & selection. If Love itself is the original motive for creation, the divine ideal is that of an individuality that recognizes its Source. The need for a standard of personality becomes essential owing to matters of resonance & harmony. Taking the nature of Divine Spirit as a blueprint is the Way; this must be done through individual choice & free will. Alternatives like applying personal willpower, afflicting the body, magical rites or the invocation of spirits deny the Eternal.

The transition from the collective operation of the Creative Spirit on mankind to its specific operation on the individual corresponds to the concept of the octave. Choosing the personality pattern of the Source means selecting the eternal essence and being of life itself. This requires the rejection of the species-standard and embracing the Spirit standard that enables the localized consciousness to grow with the The Eternal Divine through communication & action.

The will of God is Life according to Scripture & common sense. Rejoicing in the life of the Spirit establishes reciprocity of reflection - the law of action and reaction. The initiative to interact with and relate individually to the Creator emerges from a yearning of the heart. When achieved it enriches the individual personality by an endless flow of life-expanding intelligence, love, power & joy in harmony with Spirit. When the individual has transcended the idea of time & space as the essence of life, a close relationship with the Creator becomes possible. Prayer in essence really means "Lord, please give me more of Yourself."

The author claims that it is not God but mankind that demands a Divine Offering due to the human soul's need for certainty. He addresses several objections to sacrifice and the forgiveness of past sins. When time has no substantial existence, states of consciousness are all that remain; thus sins of the past have no existence (have been blotted out as declared in Isaiah 43:25). Symbolism, with particular reference to the pillars Yachin & Boaz of Solomon's Temple, is discussed as the subjective & objective forces or Law & Personality.

With reference to the parable of the Prodigal Son, Troward highlights two great errors: (a) limiting the power of God by our own past experiences (b) viewing Spirit as an impersonal "cosmic force" & thus believing that mankind must provide the intelligence for the creative process. Animus Dei is the principle of personality whilst Anima Mundi is impersonal. Both infinite, they complement one another. Anima Mundi or the soul of nature, expressed by the Law of Tendency in the material world, lacks the ability of individual selection. Being active, Divine Personality upholds nature as well as human personality. However, Anima Mundi is mutable so the Divine and human personalities together influence nature.

The power of the soul of man over the soul of nature is psychic. Troward warns the reader about philosophies that deny the personality of God; the logical result of that is to elevate the self to the place of God which is a vain and self-defeating move. The book concludes with his observations on the sound philosophy, reason & science in Scripture, how these confirm the law of cause & effect and ultimately directs mankind to a new consciousness when God will live within us, his perfect laws written in our minds and dwelling within our hearts as promised in Jeremiah 31.