This was one of Bartholomew's final comprehensive teachings, given in February 1995 with the final meeting scheduled for March 26, 1995. It served as both summary and culmination of 17 years of teachings, distilling everything down to the essential message of inner recognition and stillness. This teaching is particularly significant for its historical perspective, showing how human consciousness has evolved from primitive external god-worship to the possibility of direct inner divine recognition.

Bartholomew began by tracing the evolution of consciousness from ancient times, using the example of 700 BC Mayan civilization where people called out to the external god Chac for rain. He drew a powerful contrast between that era's dependency on external divine intervention and the present moment's recognition that divine power lies within. The core insight is that consciousness has matured to the point where individuals no longer need to bargain with or placate external forces - the power they seek has always been internal.

The teaching emphasized the danger of "transference" - the psychological tendency to project power outside oneself. Bartholomew warned that many people still operate from a 700 BC consciousness, thinking they need the right prayer, mantra, guru, or external condition to access their true nature. He encouraged listeners to recognize this pattern and understand that external seeking is unnecessary.

Central to the message is the metaphor of a prisoner in chains who gradually realizes the chains aren't locked and the prison door is open. The spiritual journey was described as walking from the darkness of the prison toward the light of the doorway. This process is gradual, with each step bringing more light, more freedom, and deeper recognition of one's true nature. Bartholomew emphasized that all the listeners have already begun this journey - none are still "seated" in complete spiritual bondage.

A crucial distinction was made between sensory-based experiences and true spiritual bliss. Bartholomew explained that authentic spiritual awakening transcends all senses and remains available even during physical pain, emotional turmoil, or difficult circumstances. This non-sensory bliss was described as fundamentally different from pleasure-based experiences, which is why many seekers feel they're "not getting it" when they expect sensory confirmation of their progress.

The teaching addressed common concerns about enlightenment, particularly the fear of losing one's normal life and relationships. Bartholomew reassured listeners that they don't need to become like the great spiritual "giants" (Buddha, Ramana, St. Francis) who renounced worldly life. The awakening available to most people allows them to maintain their relationships, work, and normal activities while knowing where true comfort and bliss originate.

After 17 years of teaching, Bartholomew reduced everything to the simple instruction: "Be still and know." He emphasized that seeking must eventually give way to allowing - instead of trying to find God, one must sit quietly and let God find them. This represents the final surrender, acknowledging that the individual cannot manufacture enlightenment through effort or technique. The ultimate prayer becomes "Show me your face" - a complete opening to divine recognition. The teaching concluded with practical guidance: stop seeking external validation, recognize your spiritual progress, practice inner stillness, and remember that true bliss lies within while continuing to live fully in the world.