Rays of the Dawn: Natural Laws of the Body, Mind and Soul

by Thurman Fleet

Rays of the Dawn has a remarkable history and track record of helping people. Dr. Fleet used it as an integral part of his practice in getting sick people well, for he knew that there is no real healing without teaching. But it offers no magical formula; changing your life for the better takes time, study and application, That said, you can find in these pages the path to good health, lasting happiness and real peace of mind. Apply these principles in your life and see the result for yourself! Rays of the Dawn presents the whole approach to health—the whole you—body, mind and soul.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Spirituality, Self Help

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. Thurman Fleet established a Chiropractic Clinic in San Antonio, Texas, devoting his life to searching for, organizing, and teaching the truth about the human condition in all its complexity. His legacy is Concept-Therapy.

Reviews

[Fredia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for every human being! I actually finished it years ago but I still use it as a reference guide. One of the most beneficial quotes...and also my favorite..."Strictly mind your own business!"

[J.D. Steens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fleet identifies laws of the body, mind and soul that, once acknowledged, become the key to personal health and well-being, and peace and prosperity. The laws of the body are simple enough. We need nourishment (of a particular kind), we need to move and rest, and we must have proper sanitation. In the laws of mind, he identifies twelve problem areas (fear, worry, selfishness, vanity, anger, criticism, envy, greed, hypocrisy, prejudice, jealousy, hate). These all involve negative energy and must be transformed into positive energy that he calls the laws of the soul. In these laws, each of the negative traits is paired with a positive trait (faith, hope, generosity, aspiration, patience, sympathy, noninterference, kindness, courage, forgiveness, duty, love). The idea is not to follow the laws of the mind but to follow the laws of the soul.

Fleet's well-laid out system is enshrined as natural law that is the embodiment of God's will. The laws of soul are God within ourselves. "Nature (or God) within always operates according to law - never by chance," he writes. "With our intellect and gift of reason we may, if we desire, become allies working in harmony with law, or we may act contrary to it, but the law determines the result or consequence of that choice." By reason, we access these laws and our divine nature and "we should strive to discover the laws that govern our lives so that we can consciously cooperate with those laws." By following them, we can have "a future era in which brotherly love and mutual helpfulness would supplant the evils of today."

Fleet's therapy concept theory creates the perfect rational human being: By asserting ourselves with free choice that is in accord with reason and natural law, we replace the negative with the positive, and touch the divine within. Yet, there are questions. Are fear and anger negative energy when they protect the body? Are we true to ourselves and others when we pretend to love, forgive, sympathize and to be generous when we don't really feel that way? While some might wonder if it's wise to have faith in nothing, others may derive value in Fleet's approach. If it works for them, that is a good thing. Noninterference should work both ways.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful and unexpected. I got introduced to this book as part of a metaphysical book club and there's so much wisdom and alignment with what I've been learning throughout the past 12 years. So glad to have found it and read its teachings.

"Rays of the Dawn has a remarkable history and track record of helping people. Yet its pages offer no instant, magical formula. There simply is no 'quick fix.' Changing your life for the better takes time, study, and application. That said, you can find in these pages the path to good health, lasting happiness, and real peace of mind--as have thousands of other readers. When its message becomes a part of every fiber of your being--body and mind and soul and spirit--you will join those whose treasured copy of Rays of the Dawn is underlined, notated, worn, and frayed through years of service." pg. ii

"A titanic struggle is taking place between the two forces now competing for mastery of the world. The spirit of brotherhood is in danger of being stifled and crushed because selfish desires for aggrandizement are supplanting sound reason." pg. iii

"The most advanced thought of today concedes that God is within us--or that we are within God--and that God expresses as our spiritual consciousness. We should strive with intense enthusiasm and reverence toward the development of this consciousness in order that we may have Life and have it more abundantly." pg. iv

"Life will be glorious and happy when we realize that the Universe is one of law and order and is governed by Natural Divine Laws. As we become aware of the laws to which we are subject and learn to harmonize with them, we automatically attune ourselves with the Divine." pg. iv

"Humans, with our highly developed muscular and nervous systems, must obey all three phases of the Law of Recuperation: rest, recreation, and sleep. To fully understand this law, we should know why, when, what, and how we should rest:
- We should rest for the simple reason that we get tired. Tiredness is a signal from the Intelligence within that activity should cease, as harm is being done. If we don't rest when we feel this tiredness, greater harm is being done.
- We should rest when we are conscious of being tired--or as soon after as possible.
- We should rest the entire body or any part that is tired.
- We should rest by putting the body or any part of it that is tired in a position where it relaxes completely." pg. 18-19

"Through recreation we can balance our program of daily activity. The nerves and muscles that have been actively engaged in routine work are allowed to rest, and those that have been inactive or dormant are stimulated and set into motion. Thus we see that by changing the nature of our activity, we can reduce the amount of rest required. We must not make the mistake, however, of over-indulging in recreation and reducing the amount of necessary sleep. Also, we should not allow our participation in hobbies, sports, and other forms of recreation to become a dissipation of energies essential for efficiency in work." pg. 20

"Fear is the antithesis of faith. It is based on a lack of confidence or an apprehension of danger, unhappiness, doubt, anxiety, worry, dread, hatred, anger, horror, fright, shock, terror. All these emotions are direct results of the different phases of fear. Each shares the general characteristics of the state known as being afraid of some thing, person, influence or action not desired and hence feared in direct ratio to its undesirability." pg. 33

"Chaos and fear in our thoughts will produce suffering and disease in our bodies." pg. 34

"To free ourselves of fear's bondage is, indeed, a great victory. But as long as we are slaves to the illusion of the pair of opposites--such as good and evil, love and hate, life and death--we will be imprisoned by our thought. Once we see the opposites in their true light, we rise above them and harmonize ourselves with the Divine. Harmonizing with the Divine indicates that we have attained to wisdom, and that destructive emotions are no longer capable of disturbing our consciousness." pg. 38

"Worry depends on an incorrect interpretation in our consciousness. As humanity evolves to a higher state of existence--becoming more civilized and thoughtful, living less in the present and more in the past and future--the human nervous system undergoes a higher organization and becomes more sensitive, resulting in susceptibility to a disturbed condition of the mind. In this respect, we are more subject to worry and its effects than any organism of a lower order of intelligence." pg. 39-40

"Worry most often directly causes the various kinds of functional nervous disease. Many people cannot sleep because they worry about their inability to sleep. The more a person concentrates on trying to go to sleep, meanwhile becoming more apprehensive of failure, the more apt that person is to stay awake. The same is true of nervous indigestion. In fact, any part or function of the body is apt to become disordered if too much attention is centered on it. Those bodily processes and functions controlled by the subjective or innate mind are best performed when left undisturbed by orders from the educated mind. This is true of functions other than those that require the most direct and painstaking efforts of conscious attention. In the case of sleep and digestion, for instance, we cannot pay too little attention." pg. 42

"In order to eliminate worry from our experience, we must face life with courage. We must discard biases, as well as the opinions and conventions of others. We cannot be free from the pangs of worry as long as we allow our thinking and our activities to be governed by the beliefs, customs, opinions, and traditions of others--instead of following the guidance and dictates of our true selves." pg. 44-45

"Only those who have developed themselves can be instrumental in assisting others. The real self of someone who attempts to assist another must have such inherent quality that what actions he or she takes for another will help that individual climb upward. All valuable altruism has its roots in a valuable type of person who is being altruistic." pg. 50

"Those of us fortunate enough to possess personal beauty, health, talents, unusual skill, and capabilities should remember that these gifts are only temporal. They should never inspire self-admiration but only gratitude for their possession while they endure." pg. 57

"The point to emphasize is that it is not our native goodness that makes us valuable in the eyes of the world but, good or evil, how brilliant an appearance we make. Social caste is not based on true merit but on superficial acquirement, whether such acquirement be on the spiritual, intellectual, or physical planes. More and more that requisite is being narrowed down to a mere material acquisition." pg. 59

"It is unwise to be vain about our possessions because they constitute no part of the Divine heritage. Material possessions are temporal, worldly, fleeting. True and lasting happiness comes from within. It finds expression in constructive activity designed to contribute to the larger cooperation of humanity. It is likewise foolish for us to be vain about personal beauty, and it is equally futile to be proud of our financial status or intellectual capacities." pg. 62

"The prevailing belief and tendency is for us to hold the worst in check, preventing these forces from operating where their destructive nature is most pronounced. Such false belief is entirely misleading. We must awaken to the fact that the imperfections retained in our consciousness are detrimental to our well-being--physical, mental, and spiritual. Our progress depends entirely on our efforts to eradicate these animal traits. Until we do, we are not only a slave to the animal elements of our nature but we are subject to all the vibrations around us that arise from similar faults in others." pg. 64

"The person in whom desire, ambition, selfishness and pride--one or all--are fostered will lose balance and easily become irritated. If unchecked, irritation causes the individual to bristle from points taken in personal offense. When we are conscious of our own worth, we are not easily insulted if accused of, or blamed for, anything that is below our dignity. Most fits of anger or touchiness are simply an expression of insecurity, inferiority, or false pride. Sensitiveness depends on the degree of pride and self-importance that serves as its foundation. If we analyze the consciousness through which we become hurt or offended, we soon recognize that it arises from wounded pride or a sense of self-importance that is not duly appreciated." pg. 67

"When we tolerate anger from any cause and allow it to grow, we soon develop hatred that extends to both people and things. Anger against, or hatred of, the most evil condition or person should find no place in anyone who desires health and happiness. We should even check likes and dislikes. Under no circumstances should we allow hatred." pg. 68

"We must learn to see people, conditions, and things just as they are without being affected by comparisons. By doing so, we soon check the habit of criticism. Whenever we stop justifying firm likes and dislikes, we automatically eliminate critical thoughts and critical speech from our experience." pg. 73

"Each of us has a part to play in life, and it is our individual duty to fulfill our mission to the best of our ability. We do not always have conscious control over our achievements, or over the nature or extent of our pursuits, successes, or failures. Each individual reacts to life according to their own stage of evolution. Just as it violates mental law to blame, criticize, or condemn someone for their weaknesses, failures, defeats, and wants, we likewise transgress law if we parade or over-emphasize our preeminence, abundance, or superiority." pg. 79

"That great love is impossible without some jealousy is a tragic fallacy that prevails in most people's minds.
Whenever we are jealous, we tacitly acknowledge our inability to maintain the love of a beloved and further admit our unworthiness of that affection. Therefore, we resort to the artificial limits and restrictions of jealousy to avoid any outside competition that might reflect on our own inferior status. When we attempt to command and own those we love through bonds of jealousy, we deny our loved ones the freedom of thought and activity indispensable to preserving enduring love.
The very nature of jealousy condemns it, and only in an abnormal life can it find expression. Its nature is revealed through its action: to clutch, grasp, and bind for personal gratification." pg. 109

"Let us cease to be jealous, for happiness comes from within--never from without--and it depends on no person, place, or thing." pg. 110

"All human life is in a state of constant change and evolution. Some individuals still vibrate on a very low plane of existence--physically, mentally, and spiritually. Others have advanced to a highly developed stage. In the lower depths, life is shrouded in ignorance discord, and gloom, while at the higher levels it abounds in wisdom, love, peace, and harmony." pg. 111

"Whatever the mind firmly believes in and adheres to tends to shape and mold the thought patterns that find outward expression in our personality, character, and conduct. Once these inner concepts are changed, our whole life and experience takes on a different form and expression. Those who master their animal nature and rise above it find themselves in and of a new world." pg. 112

"It is a mental law that whatever the mind does not understand, it will either fear or worship. When something that arouses the emotional state of fear does not inspire awe, admiration, or worship, it provokes hostility, a form of hatred.
Hatred, therefore, is an aspect of fear. We hate our enemies because we fear them. We scorn those whom we do not fear. Where there is no fear, there is no hate. Despite all the chaos, destruction, and suffering rampant in the world today, there are many who still remain calm and poised in their thinking. Their hearts are not filled with hatred, for they are confident that good will ultimately prevail." pg. 113

"Often when a crisis occurs in our life we discover that our held beliefs are not our real beliefs at all. We become aware that beneath this superficial creedalism is our true attitude toward, and concept of, life. This is our real faith--a complete view of the meaning of life in this universe, a powerful force that must find expression in shaping our character and personality. One of life's tragedies is when a person has nothing tangible to place faith in. That person become neurotic, ill, discontented and fearful. Life then has no plan, and therefore no meaning. To such an individual, faith in something or someone revitalizes the whole being--body, mind, and soul." pg. 125

"Each of us is dual. We possess a carnal consciousness, which is the result of all experiences since birth. We also possess a spiritual consciousness, which is the accumulation of all experiences since creation. Unfortunately, most of us are only aware of the material consciousness, but working within ourselves is this great spiritual consciousness that possesses all knowledge. The whole purpose of the soul's evolution is that it may eventually become cognizant of its Divine origin." pg. 129

"Nothing happens by chance. All is according to a Divine Plan. That which causes an individual despair has been sent so that the individual may overcome the obstacle and advance upward in the eternal progression of life." pg. 132

"It requires fine control and discretion never to do for others what they are unwilling to do for themselves. We cannot always compensate for others' ignorance. Further, it is a violation of Law to be kind to one person at the expense of another." pg. 135

"Our lives are patterned by our aspirations. We who cherish a beautiful vision in our hearts and live guided by a lofty ideal will ultimately achieve our goals--if we live in obedience to the laws of our being. The highest of those who have walked the earth reveal what we too may some day be. They link us with the Divine and teach us that however pathetically defaced by our infirmities and distorted by our imperfections, we may yet reflect the image of God." pg. 143

"Patience is the faculty inherent in the human soul that enables us to accomplish our mission without allowing ourselves to be diverted from our purpose by obstacles that could obstruct our path of progression. Patience strengthens our will and fortifies our intellect against life's discouragements. It is a motivating force that enables us to walk steadily forward in our chosen path despite the pitfalls encountered along the way." pg. 145

"Patience enables us to estimate people, conditions, and things in their true light and to guard against the emotional upsets and biased judgment that often cloud the vision. Patience also enables us to choose with discrimination and to carry out with clarity and precision the actions that reason has counseled us to perform." pg. 146

"As we each become cognizant of our part in the Divine Plan, we cheerfully accept our obligations--and with patience and perseverance perform our allotted tasks. We then realize that the guiding light may often be dimmed by our own restricted vision and that many things which appear painful are in reality designed for our own good--in order to grow and advance. Then we have the faith, hope, patience, and courage to struggle onward, because we know that we are on the path that is built unerringly along the course of the laws of life." pg. 148-149

"We should center our hearts and minds on the work assigned to us and should only interfere with the thought or activity of others when such intrusion is warranted. There should be no time to find fault with others, or to pry into their affairs. The world would be an infinitely happier place to live in if only each individual would mind his or her own business. The person who is constantly prying is motivated not by a desire to help someone else, but rather to satisfy curiosity about something that does not concern that person." pg. 158

"Courage is the attribute of the soul that gives us the strength, power, and endurance to overcome or surmount obstacles, weakness, hardships, failure, loss, disappointment, crisis--any force, circumstance, condition, person, or thing that tends to impede our progress or interfere with our well-being." pg. 169

"As we grow spiritually, we acquire a better understanding of other people. And when we take the material of this world and through it allow our souls to find expression, then we have contributed something of value to humanity. Mental and material wealth contribute to character development only to the degree that they are used as a medium in serving the Divine for the good of humanity, and as a tool to promote our personal evolutionary progress. All of our resources are temptations to selfish desire, and unless we use them constructively they will lead us on the downward path. We must constantly exercise courage to guard against the downward pull of mental or material riches." pg. 173-174

"True love is of the Divine and is the highest attribute of the human soul. Among people, it is the harmonious vibrations between bodies, minds, and souls. Love is the dynamic principle of life itself. It is the interior element of the creative principle and the central fire of the soul. Had human nature remained true enough to itself to have permitted the development and free activity of this mighty force, all humanity would have been vitalized and glorified by its influence, and nowhere would it have been lacking. The Golden Rule would be a natural function of human life, and peace, happiness, and good-will would breathe in every soul." pg. 189

"Love is absolutely unselfish and never binds its object. If our love is pure, we release the selfish ties that bind and give our loved one, whether on the earth or having passed beyond, freedom to advance as Nature guides, or to go and come in response to duty or the pursuit of their higher well-being." pg. 191

"True love emanates from the Divine. It is the act of self-giving through creation, the impartation of the Divine through the human. Love is a complete unity with life, and only as the soul becomes conscious of its ONENESS with all that lives, can it express genuine love. When we realize that God and humanity are One, then we shall love humanity as an expression of God, and God as the Life Principle in all creation." pg. 192

"As we render ourselves plastic to Natural Law's healthful persuasion and parallel her lines instead of crossing them, we enlist the potential of the universe in our service. Disregarding it, we kick against the urgings. Yet through Law's cordial cooperation we may accomplish all things. As Emerson said, 'Hitch your wagon to a star.' God's wise, moral economy provides that we who are made in God's image should use God's methods. Intelligent recognition of this great boon makes us princely in power and God-like in character. No longer being a slave to law, we can, through its instrumentality, not only be free ourselves but also command Divine prerogatives and privileges." pg. 201

"Law is not only supremely powerful, but it is ever waiting to serve us." pg. 203

Book: given to me by Traci

[Rebekah Theilen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When we live in ignorance and defiance of Nature's laws we lead false, artificial lives. In order for life to be progressive, it has to be natural." ~Dr. Thurman Fleet

There are ways human beings were created to live. Dr. Thurman teaches first on the laws of the body. Our bodies need nourishment, movement, rest, and clean conditions to be healthy. When he talks about movement, he's not advocating for an intense or rigid exercise program, but simply the regular movement of joints and muscles to the extent of your current health and ability.

Next he moves on to the laws of the mind. I don't fully understand why he calls them laws or why he pins them to the mind. The laws of the mind are Fear, Worry, Selfishness, Vanity, Anger, Criticism, Envy, Greed, Hypocrisy, Prejudice, Jealousy, and Hate. Each law has it's own chapter describing the ways these characteristics manifest in thought and behavior. These are considered negative forces.

Finally, he covers the laws of the soul. Each law of the soul serves as the opposite force of the negative forces covered in the laws of the mind. The laws of the soul are Faith, Hope, Generosity, Aspiration, Patience, Sympathy, Noninterference, Kindness, Courage, Forgiveness, Duty, and Love.

Though I have typically thought of myself as a pretty self-aware person, the laws of the mind section gave words to thoughts and experiences that have become so much clearer after reading it. He gently educates his readers on the various ways we oftentimes contribute to own suffering.

[nicholas wirtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lead a metaphysical study group in San Francisco, and for the past 5 years we have mostly read from this book. Every time that I reread a chapter, my consciousness expands. I am unsure how anyone could read the book once and get all of it. That being said, it has a magical quality that makes it very relatable no matter where you are in your evolution. It is a tool that helps you to understand the things, thoughts and acts that cause either health or disease, and with understanding and application becomes an amazing users manual for life. I also have a chiropractic clinic and I have learned so much about health and disease through reading this book, and the more I read it, the deeper my understanding goes. The copy of the book I own, is very beat up and marked up, and still I feel as if I have only scratched the surface of understanding with this book. I hope that it finds a place in your life, because I know it will server as a powerful tool in your quest to let yourself shine free! Rays of the Dawn: Natural Laws of the Body, Mind, and Soul

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a friend. It took me a while to read because there is so much information on every page and I had to re-read several pages. Good read and helpful for those looking for something bigger, deeper, a more spiritual existence.

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good an really says all about emotions and how each affects us.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to Rays of the Dawn and the philosophy and classes of Concept Therapy (www.concept-therapy.org) and the writings of Dr. Thurman Fleet as a small child, in essence, I grew up with it. As an adult, I continue to study and use these teachings as a practical, workable system for Life Guidance. CT (in short) and the Rays of the Dawn, in particular, has helped me gain perspective through many challenges in Life and allowed me to celebrate being human. In addition, as a philosophy, and not a religion, it has enhanced my understanding of religious beliefs, without the judgment. I keep a copy of the Rays of the Dawn on my nightstand, and often re-read specific chapters, depending on what is going on in my life because as I've grown, I get deeper meaning from chapters I've read before. Highly recommend!

[Francis Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spotted this on a bookshelf at my father's home and asked him if it was one of his books. He had never the book and professed to have no knowledge its existence. In fact, he didn't even know how it ended up in the house. That alone intrigued me and I began reading it and quickly realized it was a self-help book of sorts. When I realized it was a self-help book, I was tempted to stop reading, but something made me read on. I'm very glad I did. I am generally not a big fan of self-help books, but Dr. Fleet's slender volume was a breath of fresh air. It helped remind me of the important things in life and helped clarify some self-evident truths I already possessed but had somehow allowed to fade from my daily life.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stays on my desk at work and near my bedside. It's a continual source of practical and spiritual guidance. It's also my favorite "magic book". Really, many books are magic books in that they can grant insight at any moment just by flipping open to a random page. This book in particular seems to resonate with wherever I am emotionally and shows just what I need to learn or be reminded of at the time.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book ever written!

I have one at work and one at home. The book helps a person understand their emotions and to develop new concepts around the emotions which enables us to developmore control over them.

[Suebacca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much common sense to me at least..

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a different version in the late 90s.