In this chapter, titled "A Promise Between Me and Myself," the author reflects on their spiritual journey across lifetimes. They explain that while the darker energies within their heart may reemerge in the next life, they will no longer expand or dominate. Instead, their time of resolution has arrived. The author believes that in 250 years, their future incarnation will advance even more swiftly toward truth, having laid the groundwork in this lifetime.
Looking back, the author feels immense gratitude for the precise timing and conditions of their current life—especially for entering spiritual study at the perfect moment. They now dwell in a peaceful environment free of obstacles, allowing them to steadily and joyfully contemplate the path ahead. They no longer need to assert their identity or be distracted by ego. Instead, their sole focus is on continued dialogue with their inner self and expanding the purity of their heart. This, they say, is the essence of the promise made between their true self and the self in this physical life.
The author describes their joy in feeling the constant, fresh flow of energy within, a confirmation that they are never alone. From the perspective of this awakened consciousness, the material world feels no larger than a mustard seed—insignificant, fleeting, and unable to sway them. They no longer sell their soul for worldly things, nor do they tremble at intense emotions arising from within. Rather, they embrace even those with gratitude.
Though their physical self still engages in petty calculations and attachments, the author now views these human shortcomings with affection. Having struggled desperately in the past, they have come to understand that the suffering was never caused by external conditions, but by willingly entering the swamp of illusion. That suffering, they now see, served only to guide them back to freedom.
They also acknowledge that the physical world, with its distinctions and divisions—wealth, intelligence, beauty—exists so that one may clearly perceive the shadows within one's own heart. The author feels they have now cultivated the eyes to see through these illusions.
Even in their next life, they anticipate moments of struggle, as the seeds of misunderstanding still remain. But these will no longer take root. A single moment of clarity will shift their perspective, allowing them to proceed straight toward truth. This is the power of "Turning Consciousness," the spiritual transformation that anchors their existence.
The author has prepared for this life as a prelude, and sees the next as the main act. Their promise is to walk the path of return to love, guided not by flesh but by the current of consciousness. Honoring the vow they made to their true self, they are determined to complete the journey home.
この章では、「私と私の約束」というテーマのもと、著者が今世と来世にわたる学びの計画をどのように捉えているかが語られます。心の中の闇は、再び生まれ変わることで表面化はするものの、もはや拡大することはなく、終息に向かっていると述べます。今世で自己確立に至った著者は、来世（二五〇年後）にはさらに最短距離で真実に迫っていくと確信し、その準備が今まさに整ったと実感しています。
物質世界の価値観や損得を超え、形の世界を「芥子粒」のように感じる今、著者はその小さな存在すらも包み込める心の広がりを得たと語ります。かつての愚かな自分も愛おしく思える今、もがき苦しんだ過去はすべて、自分を解き放つためだったと理解しています。
そして著者は、意識の流れに基づいた来世への計画を着実に遂行することが「私と私の約束」であり、愛へ帰る道をまっすぐ進んでいく決意を新たにしています。