Cyrus Ryan's Blog
March 16, 2021
Excerpt from Living on the Inner Edge: Sacred Science
Sacred Science: Excerpt from my book, "Living on the Inner Edge".
This occult clearing process was done through the magical power of mantra. At the beginning of the book, I mentioned that the group had received a ‘word of power’ from the Master R. Over time this mantra had gotten more powerful, especially in group efforts. Through the group chanting to help clear Edward, the power of the mantra increased dramatically. By the end of this one long process, RN began to achieve ‘mantra shakti’. What this means is that if a disciple chanted with RN, the chanting would have immediate effects on the disciple’s state of being. RN said that as his knowledge of mantra increased, he learned to use a mantra like a sword to do occult operations. Just like a surgeon can cut out a tumor, the real occult teacher can use the power of mantra to cut out impurities in one’s astral body. Thus, as the group became ‘clearer’, the power of the group invocation became stronger. The door to another world was about to open.
Mantra is the most sacred science. Though the words of many mantras are known, the secret lies in the transmission of the mantra. Without the correct transmission a mantra is almost useless, maybe 5% effective. The transmission of a mantra involves several aspects;
1) Correct wording,
2) Correct note or tune,
3) Correct rhythm or meter,
4) How to chant or, where to place, focus the mantra,
5) Correct visualization, the form it takes, in most cases the deity involved.
6) Some understanding of the meaning of the mantra.
A mantra is the sound body of a deity. This is a very esoteric statement.
The Path of Mantra is the science of invocation. Theosophical lodges would become focal points of great spiritual energies if at each meeting a mantra was chanted in vocal harmony by all the members present. Each member would be uplifted to new heights and gain deeper esoteric understanding.
This occult clearing process was done through the magical power of mantra. At the beginning of the book, I mentioned that the group had received a ‘word of power’ from the Master R. Over time this mantra had gotten more powerful, especially in group efforts. Through the group chanting to help clear Edward, the power of the mantra increased dramatically. By the end of this one long process, RN began to achieve ‘mantra shakti’. What this means is that if a disciple chanted with RN, the chanting would have immediate effects on the disciple’s state of being. RN said that as his knowledge of mantra increased, he learned to use a mantra like a sword to do occult operations. Just like a surgeon can cut out a tumor, the real occult teacher can use the power of mantra to cut out impurities in one’s astral body. Thus, as the group became ‘clearer’, the power of the group invocation became stronger. The door to another world was about to open.
Mantra is the most sacred science. Though the words of many mantras are known, the secret lies in the transmission of the mantra. Without the correct transmission a mantra is almost useless, maybe 5% effective. The transmission of a mantra involves several aspects;
1) Correct wording,
2) Correct note or tune,
3) Correct rhythm or meter,
4) How to chant or, where to place, focus the mantra,
5) Correct visualization, the form it takes, in most cases the deity involved.
6) Some understanding of the meaning of the mantra.
A mantra is the sound body of a deity. This is a very esoteric statement.
The Path of Mantra is the science of invocation. Theosophical lodges would become focal points of great spiritual energies if at each meeting a mantra was chanted in vocal harmony by all the members present. Each member would be uplifted to new heights and gain deeper esoteric understanding.
February 20, 2021
The Essential Nature and Self Observation
Searching for a spiritual path is an indication that the Essential Nature is stirring. This stirring causes a discontent within the personality, restlessness or dissatisfaction with the repetitive day-to-day mechanical life we live.
Questions begin to arise as to the purpose of life, karma, and whether reincarnation is valid. Then one begins to search. Though the search for knowledge seems new and fresh, in fact it is based on unconscious memories from past lives (samskaras). This stirring comes from the Essential Nature, but it transfers the feeling to the personality, unless the Essential Nature is advanced and close to awakening. It is the personality that initially begins the search for the path spurred on by unseen Soul guidance. The personality, at first, follows the path of least resistance based on unconscious attraction from efforts made in the distant past. But then if hindrances make themselves felt and the focus is not strong enough the personality will start to look for other more enjoyable paths. Thus, many searchers end up trying many different spiritual options, trying to find the one that suit them, the one they feel more comfortable with. The problem here is that a personality decision is made because the feelings from the Essential Nature are not yet recognized. It is the Essential Nature that will give the true guidance because it is the reflection of the Soul in the body. The Soul already knows and has determined the best path for your Spiritual development to succeed successfully. But how do you learn to listen to your Essential Nature?
It is the ‘Soul in-incarnation’ that awakens and links our conscious mind to the ‘Soul on its own plane’ of existence. The work of awakening is learning to discriminate between the feeling of our personality and the feeling of our Essential Nature, the ‘Soul in-incarnation’. The first step is ‘Centering’ in the flame of the heart which focuses one’s attention to help awaken the Essential Nature. The next step is Self-Observation where we learn to see the different manifestations of our lesser self, our personality, more clearly. The purpose of Self-Observation is to increase our awareness of the following;
1. the type of thoughts we have,
2.the constant movement of thoughts,
3.how these thoughts affect us, how we react to them,
4.what effect our emotions have on our behavior,
5.what control our body has on what we do,
6.likes and dislikes.
Centering and Self-Observation are the two most important tools that help us learn about our Souls. Self-Observation teaches us about our personality. We think we know our personalities but generally we look and see what we want to see. The discipline of Self-observation requires us look honestly into our behavior, looking to see both the positive and negative aspects that make up our personalities. In other words, one has to be non-judgmental and be detached and observe what is and not what one wants to see. But talking about self-observation and doing it are two different things.
Spiritual discrimination (vivaka) is the practical day-to-day work and to record your observations keeping a daily journal is very helpful. The first thing that has to be accomplished is learning detachment. Detachment is necessary because in order to see correctly you have to be able to separate from it. If you are not detached, then your ego or ‘I’ is stilled glued to the thought or feeling. The best way to start is to divide up your personality characteristics into 3 categories such as listed below;
1.those that help my spiritual development,
2.those that hinder,
3.those that are neutral and don’t affect my spiritual development
Now let’s look at some examples to help you get started. Let’s begin with the tendencies that help our spiritual development.
1.meditating daily, maintaining a regular discipline
2.studying spiritual literature, not just reading, but studying
3.keeping a positive learning attitude
4.being helpful to others
5.enjoy nature, art, and diverse cultures.
6.refraining from negative emotions, such as anger, envy, jealousy.
The above is just a general outline that many aspirants to the Path follow. The next step takes you deeper. For instance; my meditation, is it correct? Am I observant of my wondering mind, do I get caught in dreams, even fall asleep? You have to be honest here. Do I recognize these tendencies, and do I do anything to overcome them? These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself and truthfully assess the situation. Otherwise, although you meditate, it might be stagnant. It is important to question, and be critical of your own efforts, don’t always think that what you are doing is good.
Meditation and Self-observation work hand-in-hand to help you to separate from the constant activity of the personality, finding the peace and inner sanctity of the Essential Nature. When you touch and feel the quality of your Essential Nature, then you are ‘aligned’ with the Soul on its own plane. Then you are centered and fulfilling your first Dharma or Spiritual purpose which is to ‘serve your Soul’ or in another words, “know thyself”. The Soul expresses itself through the personality as the ‘quality of life’. If you have an unwavering thirst for the knowledge of the Ageless Wisdom, the mysteries of the universe, and at the same time you are willing to follow a discipline of meditation and study, then know that your Essential Nature is awakening and the ‘Soul-life influence’ is getting stronger and stronger. Eventually, the grip of the personality will loosen and alignment with the Soul will be stabilized, resulting in a Soul in-fused personality. Then you enter into the Divine Mysteries and your knowledge and experience will soar as the voltage of your inner light increases and in time becomes a blazing radiance.
Questions begin to arise as to the purpose of life, karma, and whether reincarnation is valid. Then one begins to search. Though the search for knowledge seems new and fresh, in fact it is based on unconscious memories from past lives (samskaras). This stirring comes from the Essential Nature, but it transfers the feeling to the personality, unless the Essential Nature is advanced and close to awakening. It is the personality that initially begins the search for the path spurred on by unseen Soul guidance. The personality, at first, follows the path of least resistance based on unconscious attraction from efforts made in the distant past. But then if hindrances make themselves felt and the focus is not strong enough the personality will start to look for other more enjoyable paths. Thus, many searchers end up trying many different spiritual options, trying to find the one that suit them, the one they feel more comfortable with. The problem here is that a personality decision is made because the feelings from the Essential Nature are not yet recognized. It is the Essential Nature that will give the true guidance because it is the reflection of the Soul in the body. The Soul already knows and has determined the best path for your Spiritual development to succeed successfully. But how do you learn to listen to your Essential Nature?
It is the ‘Soul in-incarnation’ that awakens and links our conscious mind to the ‘Soul on its own plane’ of existence. The work of awakening is learning to discriminate between the feeling of our personality and the feeling of our Essential Nature, the ‘Soul in-incarnation’. The first step is ‘Centering’ in the flame of the heart which focuses one’s attention to help awaken the Essential Nature. The next step is Self-Observation where we learn to see the different manifestations of our lesser self, our personality, more clearly. The purpose of Self-Observation is to increase our awareness of the following;
1. the type of thoughts we have,
2.the constant movement of thoughts,
3.how these thoughts affect us, how we react to them,
4.what effect our emotions have on our behavior,
5.what control our body has on what we do,
6.likes and dislikes.
Centering and Self-Observation are the two most important tools that help us learn about our Souls. Self-Observation teaches us about our personality. We think we know our personalities but generally we look and see what we want to see. The discipline of Self-observation requires us look honestly into our behavior, looking to see both the positive and negative aspects that make up our personalities. In other words, one has to be non-judgmental and be detached and observe what is and not what one wants to see. But talking about self-observation and doing it are two different things.
Spiritual discrimination (vivaka) is the practical day-to-day work and to record your observations keeping a daily journal is very helpful. The first thing that has to be accomplished is learning detachment. Detachment is necessary because in order to see correctly you have to be able to separate from it. If you are not detached, then your ego or ‘I’ is stilled glued to the thought or feeling. The best way to start is to divide up your personality characteristics into 3 categories such as listed below;
1.those that help my spiritual development,
2.those that hinder,
3.those that are neutral and don’t affect my spiritual development
Now let’s look at some examples to help you get started. Let’s begin with the tendencies that help our spiritual development.
1.meditating daily, maintaining a regular discipline
2.studying spiritual literature, not just reading, but studying
3.keeping a positive learning attitude
4.being helpful to others
5.enjoy nature, art, and diverse cultures.
6.refraining from negative emotions, such as anger, envy, jealousy.
The above is just a general outline that many aspirants to the Path follow. The next step takes you deeper. For instance; my meditation, is it correct? Am I observant of my wondering mind, do I get caught in dreams, even fall asleep? You have to be honest here. Do I recognize these tendencies, and do I do anything to overcome them? These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself and truthfully assess the situation. Otherwise, although you meditate, it might be stagnant. It is important to question, and be critical of your own efforts, don’t always think that what you are doing is good.
Meditation and Self-observation work hand-in-hand to help you to separate from the constant activity of the personality, finding the peace and inner sanctity of the Essential Nature. When you touch and feel the quality of your Essential Nature, then you are ‘aligned’ with the Soul on its own plane. Then you are centered and fulfilling your first Dharma or Spiritual purpose which is to ‘serve your Soul’ or in another words, “know thyself”. The Soul expresses itself through the personality as the ‘quality of life’. If you have an unwavering thirst for the knowledge of the Ageless Wisdom, the mysteries of the universe, and at the same time you are willing to follow a discipline of meditation and study, then know that your Essential Nature is awakening and the ‘Soul-life influence’ is getting stronger and stronger. Eventually, the grip of the personality will loosen and alignment with the Soul will be stabilized, resulting in a Soul in-fused personality. Then you enter into the Divine Mysteries and your knowledge and experience will soar as the voltage of your inner light increases and in time becomes a blazing radiance.
February 6, 2021
Living on the Inner Edge": an excerpt...arriving in Lhasa, Tibet (1987)
The next day I flew to Lhasa, well close to it, as the airport is a 2 hour drive away from the capital in 1987. Compared to the old pictures of Lhasa, the Chinese have really built the city up, and modernized it. I stayed at a good hotel by Lhasa standards, which actually had oxygen tanks, and masks in every room, since Lhasa is at 11,500 feet above sea level, plus a close circuit TV system. Once I was settled, I decided to go for my first adventure in Lhasa. The sun was just setting, and the grey world of dusk was settling in. After walking for only 15 minutes, I felt a thick, heaviness descend over me making my head feel heavy, with an uncomfortable pressure pushing on my forehead. Even my eyelids felt heavy. This was different feeling than you get when you first try to walk around at a very high altitude shortly after arriving from sea level. I sensed it was some type of an astral attack, a very dark, negative force; what a welcome present. Eventually, as I struggled along, I found a small Tibetan Buddhist temple behind the Potala palace. I found a small statue of Avalokiteshvara there, and I stood in front of it, and chanted for at least 30 minutes, until I felt the heaviness lift off of me. I could feel it being pushed off by the power of the mantra I was chanting, and the feeling of discomfort was immediately gone. Leaving the temple, an old monk who had been watching me, smiled and waved as I left. I headed towards the downtown area, and found a restaurant to eat in, after which I went back to the hotel. That night the “Sound of Music” was playing on the in-house close circuit TV, and the next seven night too. The next day I took a tour of the Potala, which is now a museum. It is really something to see! There are many altar rooms with amazing statues of deities, lamas, saints, and kings of old Tibet. There is a definite mystical, peaceful feeling, as you move from room to room. Many of the altar rooms are very dark, only lit by a few oil lamps, and odd light bulb suspended from the ceiling. You get to see the room where the Dalai Lama lived before the Chinese took over. I would have liked to have meditated there, but the tour guides do not let you linger, and keep you moving on the tour.
January 20, 2021
Karma
Our personality is an expression of our past plus influences from our present environment. We carry our past as unconscious memory. In a certain respect, mentally we live in the past, where our present actions are determined by our subconscious memories.
We act based on the memory of like and dislike, or attraction (raga) and repulsion (dwesha). It is from self-study of our actions based on likes and dislikes that we can learn more about ourselves and even start to get hints as to our past lives. In most cases strong talents/abilities exist because we developed them in some past life.
Child prodigies are expressing a talent that they developed very strongly in a recent past life, and it manifests early in their present life. There are many clues visible in the every day world that indicates that reincarnation is a fact of life. Karma can be best understood by studying all our relationships, and experience in our daily actions. It is from this study we can begin to sense our Karma and learn more about our purpose in this life. Together the doctrine of Karma and Reincarnation are invaluable tools that help us to understand our lives and destiny.
We act based on the memory of like and dislike, or attraction (raga) and repulsion (dwesha). It is from self-study of our actions based on likes and dislikes that we can learn more about ourselves and even start to get hints as to our past lives. In most cases strong talents/abilities exist because we developed them in some past life.
Child prodigies are expressing a talent that they developed very strongly in a recent past life, and it manifests early in their present life. There are many clues visible in the every day world that indicates that reincarnation is a fact of life. Karma can be best understood by studying all our relationships, and experience in our daily actions. It is from this study we can begin to sense our Karma and learn more about our purpose in this life. Together the doctrine of Karma and Reincarnation are invaluable tools that help us to understand our lives and destiny.
December 23, 2020
Excerpt from Living on the Inner Edge
Atma Vidya
"Atma Vidya explains the function of reincarnation, karma, and the evolution of consciousness. These are three indispensable concepts that the aspirant to esoteric knowledge should understand throughly. RN explained to us that the teaching of Atma Vidya was very old and that meditating on the Mandala of Atma Vidya was like a mystic key that could unlock the doors to many esoteric systems, plus transform you in the process. It would help to awaken the "higher manas", the higher abstract mind, through contemplating the ideas expressed by the different symbols and aspects in the mandala. By using the creative imagination of visualization, in time, the teaching of Atma Vidya will awaken within you.
He also explained that esoteric knowledge is very different than worldly knowledge or the knowledge we use in our daily life. Worldly knowledge, that which you learn in school or university and your daily job, can be easily memorized and utilized. Esoteric knowledge on the other hand, has to be integrated with your inner being, not with the personality but with your Essential Nature. Thus Atma Vidya is understood in the silence of meditation over several years."
"Atma Vidya explains the function of reincarnation, karma, and the evolution of consciousness. These are three indispensable concepts that the aspirant to esoteric knowledge should understand throughly. RN explained to us that the teaching of Atma Vidya was very old and that meditating on the Mandala of Atma Vidya was like a mystic key that could unlock the doors to many esoteric systems, plus transform you in the process. It would help to awaken the "higher manas", the higher abstract mind, through contemplating the ideas expressed by the different symbols and aspects in the mandala. By using the creative imagination of visualization, in time, the teaching of Atma Vidya will awaken within you.
He also explained that esoteric knowledge is very different than worldly knowledge or the knowledge we use in our daily life. Worldly knowledge, that which you learn in school or university and your daily job, can be easily memorized and utilized. Esoteric knowledge on the other hand, has to be integrated with your inner being, not with the personality but with your Essential Nature. Thus Atma Vidya is understood in the silence of meditation over several years."
December 17, 2020
Esoteric Knowledge vs Esoteric Philosophy
Esoteric philosophy and psychology are not easy to understand as there are many blinds that prevent an individual from seeing some truth until one is ready to see it. Many aspirants to the path get upset with the thought that they are not yet ready to receive Esoteric knowledge. The reason the Masters of Wisdom or advanced Initiates create veils or blinds is because they know the true workings of human psychology.
In the West we view psychology only from the point of view of our present life. Psychologists study the family, the household situation, and the community environment, such as education, and peer group influences to help get a grasp of the personality development of any individual.
But an Initiate or true Master of Wisdom’s vision penetrates beyond our temporal life, and sees the quality of substance that has been built up in the “mind stuff” (chitta – Sanskrit) over many rebirths of the same Soul. They can see what is latent in the deeper recesses of one’s being that may awaken and cause great difficulties, and even dangers if too much Esoteric knowledge is given. Added to this equation is the assumption that the words that express an esoteric concept are the same, just the words, like you find written in any school or university textbook. There is a big difference, and that’s what makes it a mystery. It is this difference that enables the mysterious quality of an esoteric blind to function.
Esoteric knowledge is of a different substance, quality, and voltage than regular scholastic knowledge. You have to be sensitive to feel this difference, and even if you can’t feel it, it can in time have an effect. An example of this would be the teaching on the ‘duality of the Soul’. So many spiritual people claim they know their soul, but yet when asked to describe it, they say it can’t be put into words, or they describe the virtuous aspect of their personality. This is because they don’t really know or understand, not only their own soul, but what the Soul is.
The knowledge of “Essential Nature” (svarupa - Sanskrit) as one aspect of the duality of the Soul is a major Esoteric concept that even those few who are taught about it rarely grasp its magnitude. There is very little in writing about this fact.
One brief description is expressed in a couple of chapters in the book Treatise on White Magic given out by the Master DK through the writings of AAB. The Master D.K. calls it the soul in-incarnation, the reflection of the Soul in manifestation. In Discipleship in the New Age, Vol.2 we find,” The true spiritual man….”to live consciously in the center…I am not here talking symbolically but literally (Pg. 116)
In the West we view psychology only from the point of view of our present life. Psychologists study the family, the household situation, and the community environment, such as education, and peer group influences to help get a grasp of the personality development of any individual.
But an Initiate or true Master of Wisdom’s vision penetrates beyond our temporal life, and sees the quality of substance that has been built up in the “mind stuff” (chitta – Sanskrit) over many rebirths of the same Soul. They can see what is latent in the deeper recesses of one’s being that may awaken and cause great difficulties, and even dangers if too much Esoteric knowledge is given. Added to this equation is the assumption that the words that express an esoteric concept are the same, just the words, like you find written in any school or university textbook. There is a big difference, and that’s what makes it a mystery. It is this difference that enables the mysterious quality of an esoteric blind to function.
Esoteric knowledge is of a different substance, quality, and voltage than regular scholastic knowledge. You have to be sensitive to feel this difference, and even if you can’t feel it, it can in time have an effect. An example of this would be the teaching on the ‘duality of the Soul’. So many spiritual people claim they know their soul, but yet when asked to describe it, they say it can’t be put into words, or they describe the virtuous aspect of their personality. This is because they don’t really know or understand, not only their own soul, but what the Soul is.
The knowledge of “Essential Nature” (svarupa - Sanskrit) as one aspect of the duality of the Soul is a major Esoteric concept that even those few who are taught about it rarely grasp its magnitude. There is very little in writing about this fact.
One brief description is expressed in a couple of chapters in the book Treatise on White Magic given out by the Master DK through the writings of AAB. The Master D.K. calls it the soul in-incarnation, the reflection of the Soul in manifestation. In Discipleship in the New Age, Vol.2 we find,” The true spiritual man….”to live consciously in the center…I am not here talking symbolically but literally (Pg. 116)
December 8, 2020
Anatomy of Vision
Meditation is a key component for one’s spiritual progress on the Path of Return. Today many aspirants make efforts to meditate, but do not truly understand the dynamics of meditation. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a 5th Ray text on the science of meditation, Patanjali clearly points out that meditation is a complex undertaking, and not, as many believe, an easy exercise where you let you mind go. There is a definite methodology, a step-by-step process. Reading the words is easy, but accomplishing what they mean is another thing. In the Ashtanga Yoga of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali indicates that the ‘inner yoga’ is made up of 4 steps; pratyahara (withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (integration). The first step, pratyahara, withdrawing one’s consciousness to a center point of concentration is in itself a task that truly tests one’s perseverance and patients of practice.
Numerous aspirants while working towards accomplishing this step experience visions. This causes so many aspirants to get excited, then over identify with their experience, making it into something much greater than it is. In fact, visions are not that unique, and generally cause a great inflation of the spiritual ego. Below is a listing with some commentary explaining different types of visions and their value.
This is a general listing of different stages of vision, whether important or not, that could prove helpful in gaining some insights into one’s visions.
1) Seeing various images that appear while meditating. Such images as pyramids, mountains, blue sky, temples, shrines etc. These visions are usually short, sometimes very clear. During the experience, one feels detached as an observer. If you try to have the same vision again, it does not happen. These arise from memory/samskara, and can be awakened through present events. They have little spiritual value.
2) Seeing various images as before, but this time the images are dark and frightening. The colors during the experience are predominantly dark, greys, and grainy dark brown. Again, these are memories/samskara, but from a darker side of one’s being, like the Dweller on the Threshold. They are meant to frighten, awaken doubt and confusion. Ignore them, continue to meditate, do not give in to such an influence.
3) If the image of some being appears and approaches you, but in so doing, a pressure, and a feeling of fear arises spontaneously, then you’ve contacted a very negative force/entity that is attacking you, wanting to steal your spiritual energy/shakti or possibly nest in your aura. This is a dangerous situation. Immediately radiate the Sacred Word ‘OM’ with a blazing golden white fiery light, with intensity to repeal such astral attacks. Do not stop until the entire feeling has dissipated.
4) Visions with an effulgence of light, shinning from above downwards, like the sunlight breaking through the clouds. Such visions evoke a feeling of wonder or awe, with an uplifting, aspiring feeling. These are positive, but still on the astral plane, and of little value, yet shows you are reaching upwards.
5) What does it mean when one sees an image of a teacher? If it’s just an image, it’s created by the sub-conscious/samskaras and wishful thinking. If there is a deep feeling, it’s still a projection from one’s past life/samskaras memory, but is more real with possibilities, as this image is evoking feelings. If the image of the teacher appears with a feeling that looks and feels so real, then this can be a projection from a real teacher on the inner plane. It’s still not the teacher, but a projection, which carries the teacher’s energy/shakti/blessing. This is very positive and a type of contact.
6) If you have a vision that is very hard to remember the next day, then it is not worth much. You’ve enjoyed the vision, now it’s time to let it go. If there is an intensity to the vision, and even a year later you can still taste it, then it is a true vision. Generally, with important visions, one is taught something, either important for their practice or spiritual direction. These are more important visions, and if the guidance is transformative, helping one to make a leap forward, then such a vision is soul based.
7) If you are visualizing a deity, the Buddha, a Master of Wisdom, etc. and all of a sudden, the visualization become very real and stable, know that you have made some type of contact. An alignment has occurred, and the subject of your meditation has responded by projecting their energy and charging your visualization.
The above seven examples are general, and there are many other varieties of visions. Those of samadhi or on the higher planes are different. These are more for those who have been meditating for some time, and have experiences periodically. The esoteric path teaches the sincere aspirant to be discriminating (viveka) in all that one experiences on the Path. Don’t make rash assumptions, and assume a spiritual experience means that you have made great progress.
Numerous aspirants while working towards accomplishing this step experience visions. This causes so many aspirants to get excited, then over identify with their experience, making it into something much greater than it is. In fact, visions are not that unique, and generally cause a great inflation of the spiritual ego. Below is a listing with some commentary explaining different types of visions and their value.
This is a general listing of different stages of vision, whether important or not, that could prove helpful in gaining some insights into one’s visions.
1) Seeing various images that appear while meditating. Such images as pyramids, mountains, blue sky, temples, shrines etc. These visions are usually short, sometimes very clear. During the experience, one feels detached as an observer. If you try to have the same vision again, it does not happen. These arise from memory/samskara, and can be awakened through present events. They have little spiritual value.
2) Seeing various images as before, but this time the images are dark and frightening. The colors during the experience are predominantly dark, greys, and grainy dark brown. Again, these are memories/samskara, but from a darker side of one’s being, like the Dweller on the Threshold. They are meant to frighten, awaken doubt and confusion. Ignore them, continue to meditate, do not give in to such an influence.
3) If the image of some being appears and approaches you, but in so doing, a pressure, and a feeling of fear arises spontaneously, then you’ve contacted a very negative force/entity that is attacking you, wanting to steal your spiritual energy/shakti or possibly nest in your aura. This is a dangerous situation. Immediately radiate the Sacred Word ‘OM’ with a blazing golden white fiery light, with intensity to repeal such astral attacks. Do not stop until the entire feeling has dissipated.
4) Visions with an effulgence of light, shinning from above downwards, like the sunlight breaking through the clouds. Such visions evoke a feeling of wonder or awe, with an uplifting, aspiring feeling. These are positive, but still on the astral plane, and of little value, yet shows you are reaching upwards.
5) What does it mean when one sees an image of a teacher? If it’s just an image, it’s created by the sub-conscious/samskaras and wishful thinking. If there is a deep feeling, it’s still a projection from one’s past life/samskaras memory, but is more real with possibilities, as this image is evoking feelings. If the image of the teacher appears with a feeling that looks and feels so real, then this can be a projection from a real teacher on the inner plane. It’s still not the teacher, but a projection, which carries the teacher’s energy/shakti/blessing. This is very positive and a type of contact.
6) If you have a vision that is very hard to remember the next day, then it is not worth much. You’ve enjoyed the vision, now it’s time to let it go. If there is an intensity to the vision, and even a year later you can still taste it, then it is a true vision. Generally, with important visions, one is taught something, either important for their practice or spiritual direction. These are more important visions, and if the guidance is transformative, helping one to make a leap forward, then such a vision is soul based.
7) If you are visualizing a deity, the Buddha, a Master of Wisdom, etc. and all of a sudden, the visualization become very real and stable, know that you have made some type of contact. An alignment has occurred, and the subject of your meditation has responded by projecting their energy and charging your visualization.
The above seven examples are general, and there are many other varieties of visions. Those of samadhi or on the higher planes are different. These are more for those who have been meditating for some time, and have experiences periodically. The esoteric path teaches the sincere aspirant to be discriminating (viveka) in all that one experiences on the Path. Don’t make rash assumptions, and assume a spiritual experience means that you have made great progress.
December 3, 2020
Bringing Back The Masters
Re-defining Theosophy Today
The Theosophical Society was founded by the initiating impulse from Masters of Wisdom from the Trans-Himalayan Arhat School with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB) as their representative on the physical plane. HPB was trained directly by the Elder Brothers, the Masters in Tibet, precisely for the task of bringing the esoteric tradition to the West. HPB was the conduit for the shakti (energy) and knowledge of the Masters. HPB was an advanced initiate (3rdInitiation) not a Master of the Wisdom. HPB was not the only agent of the Masters, but she was of prime importance, and spearheaded this great effort of the Hierarchy.
Theosophy introduced the West to Eastern esoteric concepts which were unavailable to most people in the 19th century, unless one could read Sanskrit and had access to the sacred texts of India or Tibet. The idea of these exalted beings called by HPB, Mahatmas, or great souls, initially caused wonder and awe on one side, and disbelief and condemnation on the other. In general, many people and the media at the time did not believe in the existence of the Masters of Wisdom. As the twentieth century passed its halfway point, a new surge of interest in the esoteric traditions came to life in the west. The works of Alice A. Bailey (AAB) purported to be the actual teachings of the Tibetan Master D.K. helped to boost this rebirth.
The creation of the Arcane School gave a more practical approach to Theosophical teaching, introducing meditation, seed-thoughts, and the idea of Service to Humanity. Similarly, with various offshoots that eventually developed, various occult schools operated through correspondence courses, and students rarely interacted on the physical plane. There is a certain wisdom in this, but these efforts have their limits, as the deeper esoteric teachings cannot be pasted on, except through an oral transmission. Around this same time, many swamis/yogis from India arrived in the West in the late 1960’s, along with numerous other forms of spiritual inquiry. There were those who claimed that they were channels of the Master’s or other advanced souls looking to communicate with humanity. But again, many of these proved to be bogus. In the end, the idea of the Masters began to fade, and many Theosophical groups rarely even mentioned them. Why? Some believed that only HPB could contact the Masters. Thus, many Theosophist would not accept the teachings given out by the Master DK through AAB as the next step in the Theosophical esoteric tradition. With no initiate at the helm of the Theosophical Society, the approach to the teaching became very mundane, over intellectualized, and empty. The saving grace of the Theosophical Society is that they continue to re-publish many of the esoteric works of the early Theosophist, and many lodges maintain superb libraries with old, hard to find, esoteric books and periodicals.
The times have changed! People today have some inkling about what was esoteric in the nineteenth century, where today, it is exoteric; such concepts as, reincarnation, karma, mantra, yoga, and meditation. In HPB’s time, how many people in the west meditated, or knew about yoga? Today, many people follow some form of meditation, do some Yoga, and even sound the OM, or some mantra when they meditate. Also, with the migration of people from the East to the West, the culture of the East is shifting westward. Now there are Hindu, Buddhist, and even Taoist temples in the West. Many young people are now attracted to some form of Yoga or Buddhism, whether Tibetan or Zen, because they want to experience something truly spiritual, they are not that interested in scholarly viewpoints or arguments about terminology. Many of the souls of those being born today are ‘oriental souls’ having incarnated many times in the east, and they have an innate spiritual tendency. They are inherently driven to continue their past spiritual efforts, going with what feels comfortable, unconsciously following the footsteps from spiritual efforts in past lives. If this wasn’t so, groups like the Hari Krishna would not have been so successful and able to last for so many years in North America.
Today, many aspirants searching on some spiritual path are reaching out to find some form of spiritual guidance. Too many of the external gurus, especially in North America, have proven to be charlatans, getting caught in various scandals with incorrect interactions with their followers. Because students are hungry for spiritual teachings, in their enthusiasm, they are easily snared by what appears to be far from genuine. They see a swami or some lama, and the memory force of the ‘form’ of past association, ‘samskara’, triggers a memory which they unconsciously follow. Some, on the other hand, want the experience of an inner teacher. Unfortunately, they are caught by sub-conscious illusions, and wishful thinking, supposing that advanced spiritual teachers will take the time to have lengthy conversations with them on their personal problems. The problem with both of these examples is that todays aspirants lack correct esoteric knowledge to teach them to discriminate between the real and the unreal. This is one of the purposes of the Theosophical teaching today in this varied, changing spiritual landscape.
The Masters withdrew their overshadowing blessings from the Theosophical Society a long time ago, now the cycle is returning, and the opportunity is at hand to begin a new cycle. The question is, will Theosophist want it. The Master’s never force, they offer, recommend, or suggest. Humanity is given the choice.
“The demands of the soul and the suggestions of the Master might be regarded as in conflict with the demands of time and space, focused in the personality or the lower man. You will have, therefore, in this situation a tremendous pull between the pairs of opposites: the field of tension or the focus of the effort is to be found in the disciple “standing at the midway point.” Will he respond and react consciously to the higher pull and pass on to new and higher areas of spiritual experience? Or will he fall back into the glamour of time and space and into the thralldom of the personal life...It is at this process the Master presides. He is able to do nothing because it is the disciple’s own problem. He can only enhance the desire of the soul by the power of His directed thought…Only the disciple can act upon the mental level of consciousness at this point of endeavor. Once he does so, the die is cast. He either moves forward towards the door of light when the Master takes his hand and the Angel of the Presence becomes potent and active…or he drops back temporarily into the life condition of the lower man: glamour and Maya settle down upon him and the Dweller on the Threshold inserts himself between the disciple and the light from the open door and renews activity.” (Discipleship in the New Age, Alice A. Bailey, Lucis Publishing Co. pg. 92)
Choice has a time limit. Many are unaware of this fact. If your intuitively conscious and feel inspired to get involved in a particular endeavor, it is necessary to act immediately, inwardly preparing for the external work to come. No hesitation, no compromises, and no half-way efforts can enter into one’s efforts to serve the Hierarchy of Masters. Once you wait too long or hesitate, the cycle will pass, and the opportunity is lost. Then you have to wait for the cycle to return, and another opportunity may present itself to see if you’ve made real inner progress. In the early days of the Theosophical Society, there were many who made irresponsible demands of the Masters, A.P. Sinnett was one, and he was cut off even from the indirectcontact that he was so fortunate to have received.
What now for the Theosophical Society? Too much time has been spent on just the study of esoteric facts that have been presented through Theosophical literature. Now is the time for practice, to learn the esoteric methods of building the ‘antakharana’, the ‘rainbow bridge’ linking ones purified personality with the Soul and the sanctifications of the Hierarchy. It is time to learn the methods of access, and to synchronize one’s vibration to be in harmony with the Masters. Once contact is achieved, and over time perfected, the disciple is ready to serve the Divine Plan as it slowly unfolds before him. With this is mind, studies at the Theosophical lodges will be set based on Soul need, not on what the personality likes and finds interesting. In time, each lodge can be a beacon of focused light becoming a magnetized spiritual center in the occult sense, attracting those awakening souls that are yearning to re-enter the Way of Discipline. In order for lodges to become Centers of Discipline, members have to be taught the way of sounding the Sacred Word through the process of occult meditation for groups, and the methods to invoke higher spiritual forces, and eventually those we call, the Masters of Wisdom. The sounding of the Sacred Word (OM) in group formation is of prime importance… “drive forth the sound of the Sacred Word, pitched in the key to which the majority of the group respond. This sound will create the necessary funnel, and the result will be an immense temporary extension of the peripheries of the emotional bodies of the participants, and an intense vitalisation of their heart centres. By means of this the people will be enabled to reach heights and receive blessings otherwise not separately possible”. “The first postulate to remember in considering the collective use of form in meditation is that those forms, in employing sound and rhythm, should open up a funnel of communication between those taking part in them and the Intelligences or Powers they are seeking to approach”. (Letters on Occult Meditation, Alice A. Bailey, Lucis Publishing Co., Pg, 194)
Thus, the next step for Theosophy is to go from gaining knowledge through inference, just reading and discussion, to acquiring knowledge through the more direct, practical method of occult meditation. With Theosophical lodges scattered around the world, aspiring Theosophist, who are willing to break out of the restrictive box of the past, can meet, forming meditation groups on the physical plane, and over time, become centers of spiritual invocation, inspiration, and positive change in the world, which is so dearly needed. When this occurs, advanced disciples of the Masters, and initiates will come. This is the way of the future, the way of a deeper service to humanity, not only for the Theosophical Society, but also for all those who have entered upon the great quest of Self-knowledge through the teachings of the Ageless Wisdom.
The Theosophical Society was founded by the initiating impulse from Masters of Wisdom from the Trans-Himalayan Arhat School with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB) as their representative on the physical plane. HPB was trained directly by the Elder Brothers, the Masters in Tibet, precisely for the task of bringing the esoteric tradition to the West. HPB was the conduit for the shakti (energy) and knowledge of the Masters. HPB was an advanced initiate (3rdInitiation) not a Master of the Wisdom. HPB was not the only agent of the Masters, but she was of prime importance, and spearheaded this great effort of the Hierarchy.
Theosophy introduced the West to Eastern esoteric concepts which were unavailable to most people in the 19th century, unless one could read Sanskrit and had access to the sacred texts of India or Tibet. The idea of these exalted beings called by HPB, Mahatmas, or great souls, initially caused wonder and awe on one side, and disbelief and condemnation on the other. In general, many people and the media at the time did not believe in the existence of the Masters of Wisdom. As the twentieth century passed its halfway point, a new surge of interest in the esoteric traditions came to life in the west. The works of Alice A. Bailey (AAB) purported to be the actual teachings of the Tibetan Master D.K. helped to boost this rebirth.
The creation of the Arcane School gave a more practical approach to Theosophical teaching, introducing meditation, seed-thoughts, and the idea of Service to Humanity. Similarly, with various offshoots that eventually developed, various occult schools operated through correspondence courses, and students rarely interacted on the physical plane. There is a certain wisdom in this, but these efforts have their limits, as the deeper esoteric teachings cannot be pasted on, except through an oral transmission. Around this same time, many swamis/yogis from India arrived in the West in the late 1960’s, along with numerous other forms of spiritual inquiry. There were those who claimed that they were channels of the Master’s or other advanced souls looking to communicate with humanity. But again, many of these proved to be bogus. In the end, the idea of the Masters began to fade, and many Theosophical groups rarely even mentioned them. Why? Some believed that only HPB could contact the Masters. Thus, many Theosophist would not accept the teachings given out by the Master DK through AAB as the next step in the Theosophical esoteric tradition. With no initiate at the helm of the Theosophical Society, the approach to the teaching became very mundane, over intellectualized, and empty. The saving grace of the Theosophical Society is that they continue to re-publish many of the esoteric works of the early Theosophist, and many lodges maintain superb libraries with old, hard to find, esoteric books and periodicals.
The times have changed! People today have some inkling about what was esoteric in the nineteenth century, where today, it is exoteric; such concepts as, reincarnation, karma, mantra, yoga, and meditation. In HPB’s time, how many people in the west meditated, or knew about yoga? Today, many people follow some form of meditation, do some Yoga, and even sound the OM, or some mantra when they meditate. Also, with the migration of people from the East to the West, the culture of the East is shifting westward. Now there are Hindu, Buddhist, and even Taoist temples in the West. Many young people are now attracted to some form of Yoga or Buddhism, whether Tibetan or Zen, because they want to experience something truly spiritual, they are not that interested in scholarly viewpoints or arguments about terminology. Many of the souls of those being born today are ‘oriental souls’ having incarnated many times in the east, and they have an innate spiritual tendency. They are inherently driven to continue their past spiritual efforts, going with what feels comfortable, unconsciously following the footsteps from spiritual efforts in past lives. If this wasn’t so, groups like the Hari Krishna would not have been so successful and able to last for so many years in North America.
Today, many aspirants searching on some spiritual path are reaching out to find some form of spiritual guidance. Too many of the external gurus, especially in North America, have proven to be charlatans, getting caught in various scandals with incorrect interactions with their followers. Because students are hungry for spiritual teachings, in their enthusiasm, they are easily snared by what appears to be far from genuine. They see a swami or some lama, and the memory force of the ‘form’ of past association, ‘samskara’, triggers a memory which they unconsciously follow. Some, on the other hand, want the experience of an inner teacher. Unfortunately, they are caught by sub-conscious illusions, and wishful thinking, supposing that advanced spiritual teachers will take the time to have lengthy conversations with them on their personal problems. The problem with both of these examples is that todays aspirants lack correct esoteric knowledge to teach them to discriminate between the real and the unreal. This is one of the purposes of the Theosophical teaching today in this varied, changing spiritual landscape.
The Masters withdrew their overshadowing blessings from the Theosophical Society a long time ago, now the cycle is returning, and the opportunity is at hand to begin a new cycle. The question is, will Theosophist want it. The Master’s never force, they offer, recommend, or suggest. Humanity is given the choice.
“The demands of the soul and the suggestions of the Master might be regarded as in conflict with the demands of time and space, focused in the personality or the lower man. You will have, therefore, in this situation a tremendous pull between the pairs of opposites: the field of tension or the focus of the effort is to be found in the disciple “standing at the midway point.” Will he respond and react consciously to the higher pull and pass on to new and higher areas of spiritual experience? Or will he fall back into the glamour of time and space and into the thralldom of the personal life...It is at this process the Master presides. He is able to do nothing because it is the disciple’s own problem. He can only enhance the desire of the soul by the power of His directed thought…Only the disciple can act upon the mental level of consciousness at this point of endeavor. Once he does so, the die is cast. He either moves forward towards the door of light when the Master takes his hand and the Angel of the Presence becomes potent and active…or he drops back temporarily into the life condition of the lower man: glamour and Maya settle down upon him and the Dweller on the Threshold inserts himself between the disciple and the light from the open door and renews activity.” (Discipleship in the New Age, Alice A. Bailey, Lucis Publishing Co. pg. 92)
Choice has a time limit. Many are unaware of this fact. If your intuitively conscious and feel inspired to get involved in a particular endeavor, it is necessary to act immediately, inwardly preparing for the external work to come. No hesitation, no compromises, and no half-way efforts can enter into one’s efforts to serve the Hierarchy of Masters. Once you wait too long or hesitate, the cycle will pass, and the opportunity is lost. Then you have to wait for the cycle to return, and another opportunity may present itself to see if you’ve made real inner progress. In the early days of the Theosophical Society, there were many who made irresponsible demands of the Masters, A.P. Sinnett was one, and he was cut off even from the indirectcontact that he was so fortunate to have received.
What now for the Theosophical Society? Too much time has been spent on just the study of esoteric facts that have been presented through Theosophical literature. Now is the time for practice, to learn the esoteric methods of building the ‘antakharana’, the ‘rainbow bridge’ linking ones purified personality with the Soul and the sanctifications of the Hierarchy. It is time to learn the methods of access, and to synchronize one’s vibration to be in harmony with the Masters. Once contact is achieved, and over time perfected, the disciple is ready to serve the Divine Plan as it slowly unfolds before him. With this is mind, studies at the Theosophical lodges will be set based on Soul need, not on what the personality likes and finds interesting. In time, each lodge can be a beacon of focused light becoming a magnetized spiritual center in the occult sense, attracting those awakening souls that are yearning to re-enter the Way of Discipline. In order for lodges to become Centers of Discipline, members have to be taught the way of sounding the Sacred Word through the process of occult meditation for groups, and the methods to invoke higher spiritual forces, and eventually those we call, the Masters of Wisdom. The sounding of the Sacred Word (OM) in group formation is of prime importance… “drive forth the sound of the Sacred Word, pitched in the key to which the majority of the group respond. This sound will create the necessary funnel, and the result will be an immense temporary extension of the peripheries of the emotional bodies of the participants, and an intense vitalisation of their heart centres. By means of this the people will be enabled to reach heights and receive blessings otherwise not separately possible”. “The first postulate to remember in considering the collective use of form in meditation is that those forms, in employing sound and rhythm, should open up a funnel of communication between those taking part in them and the Intelligences or Powers they are seeking to approach”. (Letters on Occult Meditation, Alice A. Bailey, Lucis Publishing Co., Pg, 194)
Thus, the next step for Theosophy is to go from gaining knowledge through inference, just reading and discussion, to acquiring knowledge through the more direct, practical method of occult meditation. With Theosophical lodges scattered around the world, aspiring Theosophist, who are willing to break out of the restrictive box of the past, can meet, forming meditation groups on the physical plane, and over time, become centers of spiritual invocation, inspiration, and positive change in the world, which is so dearly needed. When this occurs, advanced disciples of the Masters, and initiates will come. This is the way of the future, the way of a deeper service to humanity, not only for the Theosophical Society, but also for all those who have entered upon the great quest of Self-knowledge through the teachings of the Ageless Wisdom.
November 25, 2020
The Path of Awakening
The discipline of Self-observation requires us look honestly into our behavior, looking to see both the positive and negative aspects that make up our personalities. In other words, one has to be non-judgmental and be detached, observing what is and not what one wants to see. But talking about self-observation and doing it are two different things. Self-observation has to be active, not a passive exercise.
Spiritual discrimination (vivaka) is the practical day-to-day work and to record your observations keeping a daily journal is very helpful. The first thing that has to be accomplished is learning detachment. Detachment is necessary because in order to see correctly you have to be able to separate from it. If you are not detached, then your ego or ‘I’ is stilled glued to the thought or feeling. The best way to start is to divide up your personality characteristics into 3 categories such as listed below;
1) those that help my spiritual development,
2) those that hinder,
3) those that are neutral and don’t affect my spiritual development.
Now let’s look at some examples to help you get started. Let’s begin with the tendencies that help our spiritual development.
1) meditating daily, maintaining a regular discipline
2) studying spiritual literature, not just reading, but studying
3) keeping a positive learning attitude
4) being helpful to others
5) enjoy nature, art, and diverse cultures.
6) refraining from negative emotions, such as anger, envy, jealousy.
The above is just a general outline that many aspirants to the Path follow. The next step takes you deeper. For instance; my meditation, is it correct? Am I observant of my wondering mind, do I get caught in dreams, even fall asleep? You have to be honest here. Do I recognize these tendencies, and do I do anything to overcome them?
These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself and truthfully assess the situation. Otherwise, although you meditate, it might be stagnant. It is important to question, and be critical of your own efforts, don’t always think that what you are doing is good.
Spiritual discrimination (vivaka) is the practical day-to-day work and to record your observations keeping a daily journal is very helpful. The first thing that has to be accomplished is learning detachment. Detachment is necessary because in order to see correctly you have to be able to separate from it. If you are not detached, then your ego or ‘I’ is stilled glued to the thought or feeling. The best way to start is to divide up your personality characteristics into 3 categories such as listed below;
1) those that help my spiritual development,
2) those that hinder,
3) those that are neutral and don’t affect my spiritual development.
Now let’s look at some examples to help you get started. Let’s begin with the tendencies that help our spiritual development.
1) meditating daily, maintaining a regular discipline
2) studying spiritual literature, not just reading, but studying
3) keeping a positive learning attitude
4) being helpful to others
5) enjoy nature, art, and diverse cultures.
6) refraining from negative emotions, such as anger, envy, jealousy.
The above is just a general outline that many aspirants to the Path follow. The next step takes you deeper. For instance; my meditation, is it correct? Am I observant of my wondering mind, do I get caught in dreams, even fall asleep? You have to be honest here. Do I recognize these tendencies, and do I do anything to overcome them?
These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself and truthfully assess the situation. Otherwise, although you meditate, it might be stagnant. It is important to question, and be critical of your own efforts, don’t always think that what you are doing is good.
November 17, 2020
Theosophical Society Esoteric Section
Opening date: November 17/20
The Theosophical Society is floundering, stuck in the past, failing to see the evolution of esoteric knowledge, the Ageless Wisdom, in the West. What HPB gave out is not what HPB knew. She was under direction from the Masters, and as rebellious as many people of that time saw her, she was dedicated and one-pointed when it came to, as the Master KH called it, ‘the cause’. The Masters knew long ago that the Dharma of the East would flow to the West.
They were also aware of the needs of the time, and limited the esoteric knowledge that was given out by HPB. This was the Victorian age, and what was needed was new ideas, to crack open the door of the ancient Mysteries to allow a little light to shine, illuminating a deeper knowledge for that time.
The Theosophical Society spread around the world, and so did the esoteric ideas that were given out by HPB. These ideas were primarily focused on the knowledge aspect, awakening a higher form of intellectual thought. HPB didn’t give out meditation practices, instead she only tried to instill higher ideals based on the principles of Theosophy.
Thus, a 2nd outpouring of the Ageless Wisdom was needed. This came in the form of another Theosophist in 1919, Alice A. Bailey. An advanced disciple of the Master KH, who handed her over the Master DK to fulfill a difficult, but very important work. This work was a continuation of the work of HPB, though many Theosophist refuse to see it. Why?
There are many reasons. Too many were stuck in the past, stuck in their intellects, stuck on the path of least resistance, not developing a true esoteric sense to recognize this 2ndoutpouring of esoteric knowledge.
The teaching of AAB was different than that of HPB. The esoteric knowledge given out by HPB was the bedrock, the teaching of AAB was a step up as it added instructions for the practical work of disciples in the coming age; not just to study the Ageless Wisdom, but learn to meditate, investigate esoteric psychology, and to become a conscious world server. This work of AAB was given out from the 1920’s to 1950, but was popular through to the 70’s. Then in the West there was a 3rdwave of spiritual knowledge adding another dimension to the ideas that had already been given out. Yoga, though discussed in scholarly works from early Theosophist, to AAB’s book, Light of the Soul, translations and commentaries on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Yoga began to reach the masses of young people, where many began to do asanas, meditate, chant mantra, and to take up a serious spiritual life of discipline. Thus, though the ideas of Theosophy were of great importance, the new spirituality found the Theosophical Society boring, out of touch, and impractical. Many good Theosophical lodges were filled with an aging membership, (and they still are) with only a few members regularly attending. These were the die-hard Theosophist, too old to change, but keeping their lodges alive. Young people stopped going to the TS, and instead looked to various ‘swamis from India’, or ‘Lamas from Tibet’, and ‘Sensei to practice Zen’. Though these were not esoteric forms of spiritual development, what they did offer that Theosophy didn’t was instructions on spiritual practices. This gave young aspirants who were sincerely seeking, a sense of inner awakening, and spiritual fulfillment, that sitting in a circle reading the Secret Doctrine, though interesting, does not.
What Theosophy is not taking into consideration is the type of ‘souls’ being born in the West since the 1970’s. These souls are oriental/eastern souls, verses western souls who are now incarnating in the east. Thus, in the East, we see an awakening of technology, the technology that the West is known for. Many of these souls now incarnating in the West are spiritually advanced souls who want training, and they have an innate understanding of the Ageless Wisdom, but want to enter into spiritual disciplines in a serious way, not sit around a small meeting room listening to lectures, endless discussions, and squabbles.
This new Esoteric Section of the Theosophical Society recognizes the necessity of change, and incorporates instruction in the study of Theosophy from a broad perspective, plus the disciplines of meditation (based on Raja Yoga), Self-inquiry (Atma-viccara), and Service to Humanity.
Also, we recognize the deeper esoteric purposes of Theosophy, and work towards that end. Each active Theosophical Lodge is a valuable potential ashram, to be magnetized through group meditation correctly done, to attract young advanced souls who will intuitively be drawn to these lodges around the world. Each lodge, especially those with libraries, has the potential to become an educational center for young searching, advanced souls.
This work is an important service to help with the future externalization of the Hierarchy of enlightened souls.
Follow Theosophical Society Esoteric Section on FB!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/37995...
The Theosophical Society is floundering, stuck in the past, failing to see the evolution of esoteric knowledge, the Ageless Wisdom, in the West. What HPB gave out is not what HPB knew. She was under direction from the Masters, and as rebellious as many people of that time saw her, she was dedicated and one-pointed when it came to, as the Master KH called it, ‘the cause’. The Masters knew long ago that the Dharma of the East would flow to the West.
They were also aware of the needs of the time, and limited the esoteric knowledge that was given out by HPB. This was the Victorian age, and what was needed was new ideas, to crack open the door of the ancient Mysteries to allow a little light to shine, illuminating a deeper knowledge for that time.
The Theosophical Society spread around the world, and so did the esoteric ideas that were given out by HPB. These ideas were primarily focused on the knowledge aspect, awakening a higher form of intellectual thought. HPB didn’t give out meditation practices, instead she only tried to instill higher ideals based on the principles of Theosophy.
Thus, a 2nd outpouring of the Ageless Wisdom was needed. This came in the form of another Theosophist in 1919, Alice A. Bailey. An advanced disciple of the Master KH, who handed her over the Master DK to fulfill a difficult, but very important work. This work was a continuation of the work of HPB, though many Theosophist refuse to see it. Why?
There are many reasons. Too many were stuck in the past, stuck in their intellects, stuck on the path of least resistance, not developing a true esoteric sense to recognize this 2ndoutpouring of esoteric knowledge.
The teaching of AAB was different than that of HPB. The esoteric knowledge given out by HPB was the bedrock, the teaching of AAB was a step up as it added instructions for the practical work of disciples in the coming age; not just to study the Ageless Wisdom, but learn to meditate, investigate esoteric psychology, and to become a conscious world server. This work of AAB was given out from the 1920’s to 1950, but was popular through to the 70’s. Then in the West there was a 3rdwave of spiritual knowledge adding another dimension to the ideas that had already been given out. Yoga, though discussed in scholarly works from early Theosophist, to AAB’s book, Light of the Soul, translations and commentaries on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Yoga began to reach the masses of young people, where many began to do asanas, meditate, chant mantra, and to take up a serious spiritual life of discipline. Thus, though the ideas of Theosophy were of great importance, the new spirituality found the Theosophical Society boring, out of touch, and impractical. Many good Theosophical lodges were filled with an aging membership, (and they still are) with only a few members regularly attending. These were the die-hard Theosophist, too old to change, but keeping their lodges alive. Young people stopped going to the TS, and instead looked to various ‘swamis from India’, or ‘Lamas from Tibet’, and ‘Sensei to practice Zen’. Though these were not esoteric forms of spiritual development, what they did offer that Theosophy didn’t was instructions on spiritual practices. This gave young aspirants who were sincerely seeking, a sense of inner awakening, and spiritual fulfillment, that sitting in a circle reading the Secret Doctrine, though interesting, does not.
What Theosophy is not taking into consideration is the type of ‘souls’ being born in the West since the 1970’s. These souls are oriental/eastern souls, verses western souls who are now incarnating in the east. Thus, in the East, we see an awakening of technology, the technology that the West is known for. Many of these souls now incarnating in the West are spiritually advanced souls who want training, and they have an innate understanding of the Ageless Wisdom, but want to enter into spiritual disciplines in a serious way, not sit around a small meeting room listening to lectures, endless discussions, and squabbles.
This new Esoteric Section of the Theosophical Society recognizes the necessity of change, and incorporates instruction in the study of Theosophy from a broad perspective, plus the disciplines of meditation (based on Raja Yoga), Self-inquiry (Atma-viccara), and Service to Humanity.
Also, we recognize the deeper esoteric purposes of Theosophy, and work towards that end. Each active Theosophical Lodge is a valuable potential ashram, to be magnetized through group meditation correctly done, to attract young advanced souls who will intuitively be drawn to these lodges around the world. Each lodge, especially those with libraries, has the potential to become an educational center for young searching, advanced souls.
This work is an important service to help with the future externalization of the Hierarchy of enlightened souls.
Follow Theosophical Society Esoteric Section on FB!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/37995...
