Living Presence summary

There was a city with tall buildings where people tried to be successful, but many bad things happened, and people didn’t trust each other. It was dark, and people felt something was wrong, but they didn’t try to change things.

The narrator heard about a place called the Neighborhood of Remorse, where people felt sorry but didn’t change. Some people from there found a happy village called Sharington, led by Lady Affection. In Sharington, people were kind, helped each other, and gave without expecting anything back. The narrator liked it there but later felt confused about what they wanted.

The narrator then found an old man and told him that they couldnt remember what they wanted and in response, he asked what he loves the most, the narrator said he loved the village, but wasnt sure anymore. The old man then told the narrator about a place beyond the village where there are four kinds of people:

1. Pretenders – They try to act like they know love and truth but often think of other things. Still, by practicing love, they might learn it for real.

2. Warriors – These people are gentle and thankful. They fight against their selfishness and love simple things like praying and helping others. If you stay with them, you can learn patience and real happiness.

3. People of Remembrance – They always remember what is important. They don’t talk or eat much because they focus on love and truth. If you stay with them, you might stop feeling confused.

The old man told the narrator that even with the four types of people, there might still be a small struggle inside between the narrator and the truth they were looking for. The narrator started crying because they felt lost and far from anything real. But when they saw their old friend’s bright face, they felt less hopeless. The friend told them about a group called the People of Total Submission.

These people don’t talk much and only act when needed. They don’t have doubts and are peaceful because they know they are part of something bigger. They don’t worry about themselves or ask for anything because they are connected to a great power. The narrator might live with them for years and act like them, but if they still feel separate or different, they haven’t reached their true purpose. The old man said the highest goal is to have knowledge and certainty that comes only from Spirit, and nothing else