| When we want to know the precise meaning of a | | | | In spiritual development the seed of the spirit is |
| term it is always good to go to its root meaning, | | | | planted in us. Then this seed grows uncovering |
| its etymology. In this way we will know how the | | | | that which covers it, our human ideas, actions and |
| term was first used. In the course of time the | | | | our environment. As this spirit grows its effects |
| meaning may have evolved, but its original | | | | become more and more visible (since we cannot |
| meaning can still be traced and may be helpful in | | | | see the spirit itself, only its effects, just as we |
| understanding its present meaning. | | | | cannot see air or wind itself, only its effects). |
| As we already know, the word "development" is | | | | It may sound strange to say that the spirit has a |
| a compound of 2 words, "develop" and the suffix | | | | seed. But this is true. The spirit has a seed, just |
| "ment". The root meaning of "develop" is | | | | like the plants, animals, and human beings. |
| uncovering. Notice that the word has the letters | | | | This seed is the word of God. And we get this |
| "velo", which sounds like "veil". "To de-velo" or | | | | seed from the Scriptures, because these contain |
| "de-velop," therefore, means "to take away the | | | | the word of God. |
| velo, the veil, to uncover, to unwrap." | | | | Today the meaning of the word "development" |
| Development, then, means the result or act or | | | | has many connotations already. We use this word |
| state whereby uncovering is done. When this | | | | to refer to the progress of individuals, |
| uncovering is done we discover the real spirit. | | | | communities, and even nations; to a group of |
| Then the spirit can grow, can uncover its | | | | houses in a subdivision; to advancement in the |
| potentialities. It can fly. It can fill the world. | | | | sciences and arts; to the putting up of |
| Spiritual development is like plant development. | | | | infrastructures; to the planning and implementation |
| Among plants life starts with a seed. This seed is | | | | of economic and political agenda. But its basic |
| planted and it germinates and shoots out of the | | | | meaning still is the act of uncovering something so |
| earth and grows. This is what happens also in | | | | that the reality can show forth itself. |
| spiritual development. | | | | |