Fall 2010 the Volume 6 Esoteric Number 3

Fall 2010 The Volume 6 Esoteric Number 3

A publication of the School for Esoteric Quarterly Studies

Esoteric philosophy and its applications to individual and group service and the expansion of human consciousness.

The School for Esoteric Studies. 345 S. French Broad Avenue, Suite 300. Asheville, North Carolina 28801, USA. www.esotericstudies.net/quarterly; e-mail: [email protected].

The Esoteric Quarterly

The Esoteric Quarterly is published by the School for Esoteric Studies. It is registered as an online journal with the National Serials Data Program of the Library of Congress. International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) 1551-3874.

Further information about The Esoteric Quarterly, including guidelines for the submission of articles and review procedures, can be found at: www.esotericstudies.net/quarterly. All correspondence should be addressed to [email protected].

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief: Donna M. Brown (United States) Review Editor: Joann S. Bakula (United States)

Editor Emeritus: John F. Nash (United States)

Alison Deadman (Tennessee) Judy Jacka (Australia) Katherine O'Brien (New Zealand) Gail G. Jolley (United States) Barbara Maré (New Zealand)

Webmaster: Dorothy I. Riddle (Canada)

Copies of the complete journal or articles contained therein may be made for personal use on condition that copyright statements are included. Commercial use without the permission of The Esoteric Quarterly and the School for Esoteric Studies is strictly prohibited. Fall 2010

The Esoteric Quarterly

Contents

Volume 6, Number 3. Fall 2010

Page Page

Consciousness, Cognitive 37 Features Neuroscience and Divine Editorial 5 Embodiment: Suggestions for Group Work Publication Policies 6 Jon Darrall-Rew Letters to the Editor 7 Methods of Service for the 53 Poem of the Quarter: “ The 8 Seven Rays Comet - With Tears and Zachary F. Lansdowne Sorrow Streaming” by J.M.

Picture of the Quarter: “Gaia” 10 Fundamentals of the by Dana Lynne Andersen Work Quotes of the Quarter 11 A Focus on Consciously 71 Constructive Efforts Advertisements 13 Student Paper Esoteric Astrology 17 Commentary The New Group of World 73 New Horizons: The Jupiter- Servers Uranus Conjunctions of 2010-11 Book Reviews Jan Detrich The Heart Doctrine: Mystical 80 Views of the Origin and Articles Nature of Human Consciousness The Origin and Nature of 25 by Christopher P. Holmes Human Consciousness: The Positive Harmlessness in 82 Heart Doctrine, Part One Practice Christopher P. Holmes by Dorothy I. Riddle

The mission of the Esoteric Quarterly is to We also encourage feedback from readers. provide a forum for the exploration of esoteric Comments of general interest will be published philosophy and its applications. Full-length as Letters to the Editor. articles and student papers are solicited All communications should be sent to pertaining to both eastern and western esoteric [email protected]. traditions.

The Sacred Om by NgAng http://www.ngangart.co.nz/

THE SPIRITUAL GLOBAL NETWORK oday we can discern a growing gl obal network of people who are T becoming an increasingly potent fo rce for t ransformation in hum an affairs. They are inclusive, not separative; they seem to be in touch with the “soul of humanity,” urging “a conspi racy of l ove,” as did paleontologi st- priest Teilhard de Chardin. People aligned with this hi gher c onsciousness i nevitably becom e trans- mitters of a wider vision, dedicated to the well bein g of humanity. They are linked together by an attitude of m ind and he art rather than by outer organization. A view o f the deeper spiritual signi ficance of this integrating group, including practical evidence of th eir work today, is offered in Building and Bridging: The New Group of World Servers, available from: School for Esoteric Studies 375 S. French Broad Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 Email: [email protected] - www.esotericstudies.net One copy is available free, but your $5 donation is invited to help keep these publications in service.

Fall 2010

Editorial

Consciousness: Emergence, Evolution and Use

ll four articles presented in this edition “head doctrine”—with the mystical and A address the issue of consciousness in esoteric teachings on the heart, which claim one way or another in gradations ranging that the heart ensouls the human being, from the vast astronomical cycles that inform awakens consciousness and the sense of Self and shape life on Earth, to the emergence and within. The article validates these unified evolution of consciousness within the human ancient and modern teachings, illuminates heart, the group-conscious unit and the Soul- their hidden significance and provides a inspired healer or server. What each of these much needed “heart-centered” alternative to articles also reveals is that consciousness is, the materialist and reductionist views of as the Tibetan Master Djwhal Khul tells us, science. the “reaction of active intelligence to a One of the basic tenets of esoteric philosophy pattern” and that this indwelling intelligence is that there are direct analogies between the (the life of matter or its internal fire) development of a system, a planet and a “animates and creates in line with the person and that these analogies and purposes of the presiding intelligence—be it correspondences, while not exact, exist at human or divine.” every level and repeat the same pattern. Jan Detrich starts us off with an astrological Therefore, a person is said to be a microcosm commentary focusing on the three Jupiter- and a miniature copy of the macrocosm—a Uranus conjunctions taking place between universe on a small scale. Our next article, June 2010 and January 2011. “The universe” Consciousness, Cognitive Neuroscience and as Detrich reminds us, “is relentless in its Divine Logic Embodiment, by Jon Darrall- quest to bring everything into alignment with Rew, explores the analogies between the its essential nature.” On our planet, this mechanism through which an individual alignment process is most often induced by a functions—specifically, the neuronal and conscious and highly ordered interplay cognitive processes of the brain—and the between the solar system and the planets. planetary Logoic brain. Drawing on the latest Periodically, under cyclic law, this findings in the fields of cognitive “interaction becomes so pronounced that neuropsychology and consciousness Earth is literally ‘charged’ with revolutionary research, Darrall-Rew opens the way for a currents and purposefully shaken to its core.” new understanding of humanity’s The author assures us that this is one of those relationship, as a group-conscious unit, to the times. Planetary Logos. The next article in this issue, Part 1 of a two- Our last full-length article, Methods of part series, explores the mysterious Service for the Seven Rays, is from Zachary emergence and development of Lansdowne, a frequent contributor to the consciousness. Its author, Christopher Esoteric Quarterly. His latest contribution Holmes, discusses the modern scientific and sheds new light on the “seven healing psychological theories which assume that techniques” presented by Alice A. Bailey in consciousness and the experience of an “I” her book, Esoteric Healing. The author’s are the result of neural events within the inclusive view of these symbolic healing cerebral cortex. Holmes contrasts this techniques is designed to demonstrate that assumptive “head-centered” approach—the each technique can be viewed as a “method

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 5 The Esoteric Quarterly of service” for people with the corresponding Publication Policies Soul ray. His elucidation of these obscure magical statements focuses on the six rticles are selected for publication in the characteristics or aspects of consciousness AEsoteric Quarterly because we believe that each of the seven healing techniques they represent a sincere search for truth, incorporates. The article provides a number support the service mission to which we of creative clues for their practical use and aspire, and/or contribute to the expansion of adaption. human consciousness. In addition to the full-length articles, we Publication of an article does not necessarily include an occasional feature in the section imply that the Editorial Board or the School titled Fundamentals of the Work. This short for Esoteric Studies agrees with the views paper—A Focus on Consciously Constructive expressed. Nor do we have the means to Efforts—discusses how learning to recognize verify all facts stated in published articles. the efforts of the New Group of World We encourage critical thinking and analysis Servers helps students understand what from a wide range of perspectives and service work is about and enables them to traditions. We discourage dogmatism or any “become conscious of the extent of goodwill view that characterizes any tradition as at work in the world.” Another short paper, having greater truth than a competing system. from an SES student, explores the objectives and characteristics of the New Group of Neither will we allow our journal to be used World Servers. as a platform for attacks on individuals, groups, institutions, or nations. This policy This issue continues with the practice of applies to articles and features as well as to including a Poem of the Quarter. The current letters to the editor. In turn, we understand one—The Comet: With Tears and Sorrow that the author of an article may not Streaming—calls upon us to witness the necessarily agree with the views, attitudes, or Great One’s love, the depths of holy worship values expressed by a referenced source. and the unity of God. As always, we offer a Indeed, serious scholarship sometimes Picture of the Quarter. This issue features a requires reference to work that an author bold, uplifting painting titled Gaia, by Dana finds abhorrent. We will not reject an article Lynne Anderson. Anderson is the founder of for publication simply on the grounds that it Awakening Arts Network, a global resource contains a reference to an objectionable network for artists creating evolutionary and source. transformative art. An issue of concern in all online journals is We also offer some thoughtful quotes, all potential volatility of content. Conceivably, relating to the articles in this issue, and two articles could be modified after the more book reviews: The Heart Doctrine by publication date because authors changed Christopher P. Holmes and Positive their minds about what had been written. Harmlessness in Practice by Dorothy I. Accordingly we wish to make our policy Riddle. Books by both of these authors have clear: We reserve the right to correct minor been reviewed in previous issues. A review typographical errors, but we will not make for Dr. Riddle’s first book, Principles of any substantive alteration to an article after it Abundance for the Cosmic Citizen, appeared “goes to press.” in the Summer 2010 issue. The review of Additionally, we expect authors to disclose God, Science and the Secret Doctrine by Dr. any prior publication of an article, adapted Holmes was published in the Spring 2009 from a book or any another source, at the edition. time of its submission.

Letters to the Editor

n John Nash's article The Christian when reading her last book, High Mysticism, I Sacraments: Significance, Relevance and one is struck by the depth of her teaching and Power, he refers to Phineas Parkhurst must conclude that this was the work of a Quimby as the father of New Thought. In senior disciple. From Unity magazine New Thought today, it is now recognized 1925: “Her brilliance of mind and spirit was that our founder was Emma Curtis Hopkins, so marked that very few could follow in her known as the teacher of teachers in that she metaphysical flights, yet she had marked directly taught many if not all of the pioneers power in quickening spirituality in her of New Thought including Ernest Holmes, students.” Today, it is recognized that all founder of Religious Science, Charles and major contemporary New Thought Myrtle Fillmore founders of Unity and organizations can be traced back to Hopkins’ Melinda Kramer, one of the founders of teaching. In an understandable zeal to show Divine Science. its independence from Christian Science, Hopkins’ role as founder was pushed aside Quimby made his passing in 1866 well and Quimby was assigned the role of New before the New Thought movement came Thought founder even though he had no into existence and has only a very tenuous direct association with New Thought. It has connection with New Thought. The only only been since the 1980’s that Hopkins true sense in which Quimby could be said to have role as New Thought founder has been fathered New Thought is that without his rediscovered. healing of Eddy and giving her first instruction in metaphysics, there would have Addendum for Editor: been no Christian Science. However, Eddy Although not relevant to the letter itself, I did replace Quimby's teachings with her own thought you might be interested in some system, which she claimed to have received comments Hopkins made in her books. In through revelation. Scientific Christian Mental Practice she The seeds of New Thought were planted mentions travelers in the Gobi desert seeing a when Hopkins received her first instruction great city of light. In High Mysticism she in Christian Science from Eddy and became a writes that Vulcan had chemicalized itself out Christian Science practioner and Editor of the of existence. Now, I gather, that it is still Christian Science Journal. Hopkins soon left extant on the gross physical plane, but since I Christian Science; however, when Eddy have come into esoteric teaching I have come refused to see that Christian Science was not to appreciate that Hopkins seems to have so much of a new revelation as a somewhat of an esoteric undercurrent in her continuation of a perennial philosophy. writings. Taking with her several students of Eddy’s, Live Long and Prosper For the Force is Hopkins became an independent Christian with Us, Science practioner and teacher. She started the Hopkins Metaphysical Institute later to Bob Jordan become the independent Christian Science Without sharing there can be no justice; Theological Seminary. With the change in status from an institute to a seminary without justice there can be no peace; Hopkins became the first woman in modern without peace there can be no future. times to function as a bishop ordaining www.justice4peace.org ministers. Although heavily mystical based,

Poem of the Quarter

The Comet: With Tears and Sorrow Streaming by J. M. Copyright J. Densoky

A bird atop a branch, in front of a bright sun Is no more beautiful than you, O beloved, in your garden dances The spire of a white church, mysterious against a dark sky Is no more holy.

I call upon you, creatures of the world, To witness the depths of holy worship It lives within temples, fanning the flames of eternal life Like the winding trail of a mad comet it travels With tears and sorrow streaming, and subtle joy

I call upon you, witnesses of the Great One's Love Mountains crying out in gladness, Sea waves crashing in ecstasy Let the ancient knowledge ring forth, Of the unity of man and his beloved The earth and sun, the leaves and wind, the lovers.

Leap atop high peaks and crags, Screaming the glorious song which has no name Dance in holy joy, that your body may follow the patterns Of countless sons, while your deep, deep eyes Behold the giving which holds all form.

Let the sound of the living waters sparkle on rocks and trees Let a dewdrop expand to encompass the universe Let the joy of loving enter your empty heart Making it radiant, and full

Will the chains of earthly drama never end? But bind forever the hearts and minds of men? Is there no escape from duty, worry, fear, And sad responsibility

Grow wild and free, and leave your reasons behind You change, you change, is that not proof enough? Take earth by storm, in tidal love, and windy laughter Take heaven by surprise, in joyous freedom.

Stand alone against the strong wind, the skies and great ocean Be still as a mountain, while round you rage The tempests of vast change, The sheets of hail from a cloudy heaven For only then may the sunlight be seen.

Open, open, light up your head You are glorious and holy, can you not see it? Within you are the endless plains of space The infinite currents of consciousness Aware, alive, and ever new.

Make clear your muddy waters, full of sands of pain Let it settle, until at the top Is nectar, cool and delicious The unity of God, and the ecstasy of man.

You are traveling, moving, ever evolving You need only touch the world to change it Let your body thrill To the thousand songs of sweet and crying joy May you scream and cry, laugh and embrace And finally, finally understand.

Gaia by Dana Lynne Anderson www.awakeningarts.com

Quotes of the Quarter

he human being is a threshold between path of the heart. How can the manifested Ttwo worlds, two realities; the reality of rays be radiated if the flame is not affirmed material existence, where the ego dwells, and in the heart? It is precisely the quality of the the reality of spiritual Being, where the magnet that is inherent in the heart. The essential Self is held and nurtured in an All highest creativeness is imbued in the heart. Compassionate Embrace. It is in the knowing Hence each consummation, each union, each heart that these two dimensions meet and are great cosmic unification is achieved through integrated. Without an awakened and purified the flame of the heart. By what means can the heart, the ego lives in the illusions of its own foundation of the great steps be laid? Verily, fears, opinions and separations. Without the only through the heart... Thus the arcs of knowing heart there is no connection consciousness are fused by the flame of the between self and Being. The heart is the heart. center of Being and our most cognitive faculty. The eye of the heart sees more truly Helena Roerich: Heart: Signs of Agni Yoga than our ego based intellect and emotions… (Agni Yoga Society, 1944)

It is possible to open up to the experience of love through a practical education of the onsciousness and life are identical, two heart. The knowing heart is receptive to the Cnames for one thing as regarded from intelligence of Being and is guided by Being. within and without. There is no life without When the heart is awakened and purified, it consciousness; there is no consciousness establishes a connection to Spirit; our finest without life. When we vaguely separate them and noblest capacities are unlocked, our in thought and analyze what we have done, sacred humanness is revealed. What it comes we find that we have called consciousness down to, the distillation of all wisdoms, is turned inward by the name of life, and life this: we can rejoin our isolated wills with turned outwards by the name of Love’s Will through the knowing of the consciousness. When our attention is fixed heart. on unity we say life; when it is fixed upon multiplicity we say consciousness; and we Kabir Helminski: A Knowing Heart, A Sufi forget that the multiplicity is due to, is the Path of Transformation (Shamballa essence of matter, the reflecting surface in Publications, 1999) which the one becomes the Many. When it is said that life is ‘more or less conscious’, it is not the abstraction of life that is thought of, o behold with the eyes of the heart; listen but ‘a living thing’ more or less aware of its Twith the ears of the heart to the roar of surroundings. The more or less depends on the world; to peer into the future with the the thickness, the density, of the enwrapping comprehension of the heart; to remember the veil which makes it a living thing, separate cumulations of the heart; thus must one from its fellows. Annihilate in thought that impetuously advance upon the path of ascent. veil, and you annihilate in thought also life, Creativeness encompasses the fiery potential, and are in That into which all opposites are and is impregnated with the sacred fire of the resolved, the All. heart. Therefore, upon the path to Hierarchy, upon the path of Great Service, upon the Path Annie Besant: A Study in Consciousness of Communion, synthesis is the one luminous (Theosophical Publishing House, 1938)

anas is that element of our he healer in the New Age does not and consciousness which holds the balance Twill not work directly with the physical M between the empirical-individual body at all; being an occultist, he will regard qualities on the one side and the universal- that body as not a principle. He works spiritual qualities on the other. It is that practically entirely with the etheric body and which either binds us to the world of the with the vital energies, leaving those energies senses or which liberates us from it. It is the to make their impact on the automaton of the ‘base metal’ of the alchemists, which through physical body according to directed intent; magic power (siddhi) is turned into gold, the they will then produce their effect according ‘coal’ that is turned into the diamond, the to the response of that body, conditioned as it poison that is transformed into the Elixir of will be by many factors. The healer has to Life. think clearly before he can bring about the desired results, but the energy poured into the Lama Anagarika Govinda: The Foundation patient's vehicle is not mental energy, but one of Tibetan Mysticism (Samuel Weiser, 1960) of the seven forms of pranic or life energy. This travels along the line of force or the channel which relates and links all the he nature of transcendental centres and connects those centres with the Tconsciousness is not to be realized by glands." logic and intellect for it is not a concept but a suprarational reality of being. It transcends Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Healing (Lucis rational reality of being. It transcends our Trust, 1953) finite thought. It is for that reason not a mere abstraction, for it is experienceable. Logic and intellect are only parts of man’s being soteric healing is a simple matter in and not his whole being. Although Ecomparison with the intricate and intellectual grasp of the transcendental complex detail anent the human mechanism consciousness is possible, it is but the first and its diseases with which the modern step towards the realization. The realization physician has to cope. The spiritual healer of absolute consciousness is a unique concerns himself with the area in which the experience for it implies the freedom of disease is to be found, with its controlling consciousness from polarities of knowledge, etheric center and its higher correspondence, and all kinds of psychic mutations. In the and with the three energies coming from the Western dualism of mind and matter, the soul which are responsible for producing the significance of transcendental consciousness point or points of friction. The remainder of is missed and there is tendency to confuse his work involves the use of the creative mind itself with transcendental imagination, the power to visualize and a consciousness. In Hindu philosophy, both the knowledge of scientific thinking, based upon material and the mental have alike the same the fundamental and universal law that material basis, the two only differing in their "energy follows thought." This visualization subtlety or suksamta. and this scientific thinking do not (where healing is concerned) involve the J.S. Neki: The Phenomenology of Mind and construction of thoughtforms. It involves the Consciousness, The Evolution of ability to move and direct energy currents. Consciousness, (Paragon House, 1983) Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Healing (Lucis Trust, 1953)

* A website rich in resources for all who share in meditation work for world service during the full moon period * New papers each month from Joann S. Bakula, Michelle Pearce, Steve Nation, Malvin Artley. Archives from 2004 include Jan Nation, Glenys Lowery, and Phillip Lindsay. * Hundreds of pages dedicated to full moon meditation.

www.worldservicegroup.com

Christianity: Quest for The One, the Many What Christianity might have been and the Soul could still become The Age-Old Search by John F. Nash for Our Inner Xlibris, 2007 Spiritual Nature

by John Nash

The rich history of Christianity “A masterpiece that weaves together the history of the soul and a bold vision of its future. through past ages up to the present time… This living history of the soul creates understanding and meaning of "Encyclopedic in its coverage." our purpose in life. Its kaleidoscopic view makes it essential “A masterpiece of research, insight and faith." reading for all students of human evolution. The book is a “A must-read for believers and nonbelievers alike.” classic for all seeking closer relationship with the soul.” “Now I know there’s a place in Christianity for me.” 302 pages. Price $18.75 Two volume set. 1stBooks Library, 2004. Paperback $39.98, hardback $59.98. ISBN: 141403251X For ordering information see: For ordering information see: www.uriel.com/bookstore. www.uriel.com/bookstore.

The Soul and Its Destiny by John Nash

The soul’s sacred journey, from the teachings of Alice Bailey, the major Theosophists, and others.

“For those who aspire to grow in knowledge on the spiritual path, this is a great gift for the soul’s journey onward. New insights are greater understanding of the unity of all, and a desire to serve others. .. A labor of love.”

320 pages. Price $20.75 AuthorHouse, 2004. ISBN: 1418402753 For ordering information see: www.uriel.com/bookstore.

Principles of Abundance for the Cosmic Citizen ENOUGH FOR US ALL VOLUME ONE

Dorothy I. Riddle Principles of Abundance is a thoughtful and engaging book that translates the findings of quantum physics and metaphysics into practical tools that we can use to transform ourselves, our communities, and our world view. Lots of practical exercises help us shift from scarcity to abundance, from fear to joy.

The Enough For Us All series reflects the breadth of Dr. Riddle’s awareness and her ability to integrate disparate fields into a meaningful whole with practical strategies for moving forward.

256 pages. $14.95 AuthorHouse, 2010. ISBN: 9781449079253 For ordering information, see:

www.EnoughForUsAll.com

Positive Harmlessness in Practice

ENOUGH FOR US ALL VOLUME TWO

Dorothy I. Riddle

Positive Harmlessness in Practice explores what we mean by “doing no harm” and helps us build our “harmlessness muscle” through exercises and a three-step daily practice. A Harmlessness Scale™ helps us identify our habitual ways of behaving so that we can shift to automatic patterns of harmlessness.

The Enough For Us All series reflects the breadth of Dr. Riddle’s awareness and her ability to integrate disparate fields into a meaningful whole with practical strategies for moving forward.

288 pages. $15.95 AuthorHouse, 2010. ISBN: 9781452036311 For ordering information, see:

www.EnoughForUsAll.com

Within-Without from Zero Points: The Heart Doctrine Mystical Views of the Origin and Nature of Human Consciousness

By Christopher P. Holmes

The Heart Doctrine, book one of the Within-Without Series explores the mysteries of human consciousness, the spiritual nature of the heart, and the question of existence of an ‘I’ within the individual—a divine spark, a Monad, a jivatma, a quantum self or a ‘god spark.’

The Within-Without Zero Point series puts forth an original perspective on consciousness studies and a theoretical model of ‘intelligent design’—allowing for a novel view of the relationship between science, religion and mysticism. 285 pages. $24.95 Zero Point Publications 2010. ISBN: 978-0-9689435-0-2 For ordering information, see: Available through Amazon.com or www.zeropoint.ca

New Horizons: The Jupiter-Uranus Conjunctions of 2010-11

Jan Detrich

Abstract which will be more satisfactory and ade- quate.”1 his is the fifth in a series of astrological Tcommentaries on the current world pe- Against the backdrop of a great transforma- riod. This article focuses on three conjunc- tional shift in Ages, shifting ray cycles, and tions of Jupiter and Uranus between June the end and beginning of a galactic cycle, the 2010 and January 2011, and highlights the current cycle is proceeding in two distinct significance of the ingress of Uranus into phases. The first phase from 2008-2011, in- Aries. The article also explores the nature volves the influx of four major planets into and cycles of Jupiter and Uranus historically cardinal signs resulting in a myriad of con- and esoterically against the backdrop of a current cardinal squares and oppositions number of cardinal squares and oppositions which are causing a breakdown, dismantling already underway. and collapse of civilization as we have known it. The second phase from 2012-2024 Overview involves reconstruction and a slow but grad- And so we see, God is not until he is born. ual rebirth of a new world order. And also we see there is no end to the birth of Within these phases there are many sub-plots God. D.H. Lawrence working out: the ingress of Pluto into Capri- corn,2 five oppositions between Saturn and he solar system and planets are great liv- Uranus,3 a triple conjunction of Jupiter, Chi- ing beings engaged in a vast yet highly T ron and Neptune and numerous cardinal ordered system of magnetic interplay that is squares4 and oppositions which continue constantly informing and shaping life on through the end of the current decade. Be- Earth. Periodically, under cyclic law, plane- sides a recent Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in tary interaction becomes so pronounced that June, the past few months alone have in- Earth is literally “charged” with revolution- cluded the ingress of several major planets ary currents and purposefully shaken to its into new signs, a Jupiter-Saturn opposition, core. Undoubtedly this is one of those times. multiple cardinal squares and a cardinal The universe is relentless in its quest to bring grand square. The gist of all this celestial ac- everything into alignment with its essential tivity is quite clear: momentous change. We nature. On Earth this is mostly accomplished are undergoing a collective evolutionary ex- through a graded series of crises and awaken- perience which has the power and potential ings where the imposing urge to evolve and to be another “quantum leap for mankind.”5 awaken meets with the status quo. In the cy- ______cle in which we now live we see this process working out in a pronounced and peculiar About the Author manner. “Everything is in a state of flux; the Jan Detrich has been a student of astrology and old order changeth, and a period of transition the wisdom teachings for over thirty years. She is is in progress; the old forms, in every de- currently the Executive Director of Life Wisdom partment of thought, are disintegrating, but Institute and a regular contributor at Soul Source, only in order that the life which gave them Center for Conscious Living in Pennsylvania. Ms. being may escape, and build for itself that Detrich maybe contacted at: [email protected].

Although Jupiter-Uranus cycles are relatively express two of the four rays now in active minor in comparison to larger planetary cy- manifestation.8 cles, they bear a distinct signature of “the The Second and Seventh Rays have an im- new”—new discoveries, new territory and portant affinity. They are both primary rays historical leaps in evolution. In addition, 9 of healing and building and, along with the their alliance creates significant metaphysical Third Ray, are responsible for the creation of breakthroughs and genius. Previous cycles new forms. We are told that “there is a close resulted in the discovery of a heliocentric 10 creative reaction or impulsive interplay” solar system and the development of quan- between these two rays and that the Seventh tum physics, as well as the births of Helena Ray is “a ray which becomes active when the P. Blavatsky, with Sun in Leo in opposition attractive, magnetic work of the building rays to a Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Aquarius,6 is ready to precipitate into the phenomenal and René Descartes, the father of Modern world and bring about—under the Law of Philosophy, who was born with a quadruple Ritual and of Divine Ceremonial—new conjunction of Sun, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto 11 phases of work.” Likewise, both rays are in his horoscope. Not surprisingly, Albert rays of synthesis. The Second Ray is the Einstein, the father of modern physics, born paramount synthetic ray which synthesizes with Jupiter in opposition to Uranus, report- all of life, while the Seventh Ray synthesizes edly always kept a copy of Blavatsky’s Se- 12 all that has to do with form. cret Doctrine on his desk.7 Jupiter Moreover, the Apollo 11 first manned moon landing occurred on July 20, 1969 with Jupi- Astronomically, Jupiter is the largest planet ter conjunct Uranus at 0 degrees of Libra. with the strongest gravitational pull of any And the conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in planet in our solar system. As a result, and Sagittarius in 1900 sparked a “gold rush” in due to its position in the solar system, it is the United States that set a new tone of mate- often referred to as the solar system’s vac- riality and acquisition in the western world in uum cleaner because it receives more the twentieth century that is still being cometary and space debris impacts than any wrought out in the economic crucible of other planet. As recently as June 3, 2010, just modern times. Clearly, extraordinary events prior to the first Jupiter-Uranus conjunction occur and broad new ideas and plans are set in the series under consideration, Jupiter re- in motion when these two giants work in tan- ceived a significant fireball impact13 which dem. It is these momentous events that this seems relevant to this discussion. Impacts to commentary will seek to explore. Jupiter, the systemic heart centre, naturally The Nature of Jupiter and reverberate throughout the whole system. Uranus Although Jupiter is huge, its composition of rarefied gases makes it extremely light, al- Our wind whereby we are moved and our lowing it to completely rotate in under ten being are of thy gift; our whole existence is hours—faster than any other planet! Its ac- from thy bringing into being. Rumi celerated rotation speaks to Jupiter’s agility and propensity for rapid movement. It takes upiter and Uranus are two of seven sacred Jupiter about twelve years to revolve around planets in our solar system which receive J the Sun which is significant both numer- ray energies directly from the Sun and trans- ologically and esoterically. The number mit those energies to Earth via the zodiac twelve has many associations: the twelve signs. These two planets embody and express tribes of Israel, the twelve disciples of Jesus, the Second and Seventh Rays and are the twelve signs of the zodiac, twelve planets Soul and orthodox rulers of Aquarius and the and the twelve Creative Hierarchies. Notably incoming Age of Aquarius. As vehicles for “our solar system is a twelve-petalled lotus” the Second and Seventh Rays, both planets 14 and is based on the number twelve

18 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010. Fall 2010 throughout. Energy flows through twelve- cations. It is also part of the process of wel- petalled lotuses on the logoic, solar, plane- coming our planet gradually into the com- tary and egoic levels, underscoring the sig- munity of sacred planets. Hence, it is about nificance of Jupiter and its cycle. the moving out of the Third Ray personality into the Second Ray Soul of the Earth. The The glyph that represents Jupiter, a crescent Soul of Jupiter is on the Second Ray of Love moon turned outward and rising above the and Wisdom and so is the Soul of Earth. This left arm of a base makes for a rare cross, indicates the Heaven and Earth are clashing spiritual connection redemption of matter between the two through a process of about between the stronghold planetary lives along acquired wisdom and of the past and the birth of the the major ray line of the evolution. This idea is new. Along with a startling in- whole system.”17 also reflected in the zodiac sign Virgo crease in solar activity, Earth In Vedic Astrology, with its Soul and hier- has been positioned in a hot Jupiter is named after archical rulers, the zone between Jupiter-Uranus Brihaspati, teacher of Moon and Jupiter. the Gods, more com- We are told that “the in Aries and Saturn in Libra, monly known as result of the square Pluto in Capricorn, “Guru,” which Jupiterian influence is commanding massive change, underscores Jupiter’s to ‘open the door of legendary role as a wise the womb in Virgo’15 restructuring, and rebirth. teacher, and is why and reveal the hidden Jupiter is associated spiritual reality. Not coincidentally, Jupiter with high culture, principles, courts and laws, rules the first decanate of Libra16 (the sign higher learning, and travel as an avenue for immediately following Virgo), emphasizing learning and enculturation into a wider the role that Jupiter plays in opening the door sphere. of ascent onto the path of higher evolution Uranus following the birth of the Christ consciousness in Virgo. As the seventh planet from the Sun, Uranus Relative to its immense size, the chief func- expresses the incoming Seventh Ray which is tion of Jupiter is expansion—expansions in waxing powerfully at this time. “The prime cosmic function of the Seventh Ray is to per- consciousness, growth, increased understand- form the magical work of blending spirit and ing, and greater inclusivity. As an expression matter in order to produce the manifested of the Second Ray, Jupiter’s function is to form through which the life will reveal the open and expand the heart, resulting in the 18 capacity to move beyond perceived limita- glory of God.” Therefore, Uranus’ mission tions, broaden horizons, and think in wider is not only to ignite and fuse the relationship between Spirit and Matter but to quite liter- terms. As the body of manifestation of the ally anchor Heaven on Earth. Lord of Love-Wisdom, Jupiter innately pro- motes wisdom in every department of life, Uranus is the exoteric ruler of Aquarius, the and as a heart center, is keyed to Love, co- Soul ruler of Libra and the hierarchical ruler herence, generosity, benevolence, grace and of Aries—the sign that Uranus recently en- gratitude. tered, and will largely remain in for the next seven years. Along with Mercury and Saturn, As one esoteric astrologer points out, “Lord Uranus is one of the three major planetary Jupiter is here to ‘round out’ our planetary influences today. “Uranus gives innate spon- life and turn our squares into triangles, as it were. This change or re-patterning in the taneous activity and this produces evolutionary development—both natural and spiritual. etheric field of our planetary life is not only a It is the urge to better conditions.”19 planetary event but also has systemic ramifi-

Uranus’ glyph has an inverted symbol for milestones and sheer genius occur that are Venus at its center (a cross of matter above historic and ground-breaking. The energies of the circle-spirit instead of below) with two Jupiter and Uranus—expansion and radical adjoining semi-circles on each side pointing change—unite to produce surges of global outward to represent spiritual receptivity and expansion, sudden leaps forward, unprece- intuition; hence Uranus’ association with dented risk taking and eureka moments that enlightenment, innovation and progress. are often highly celebrated. Astronomically, the planet Uranus distinc- In Richard Tarnas’ research of planetary cy- tively rotates on its side, presenting each of cles, he discovered that each conjunction and its poles to the Sun at the same time in its opposition of Jupiter and Uranus “seems to irregular orbital movement. This places one serve as a punctuation point in the continuing hemisphere in the light and the other in the cycle: as a culmination of what preceded dark for long periods within its 84-year revo- it…yet also a breakthrough into a new level lution around the Sun, thereby demonstrating of creativity that unfolds through the suc- its eccentric nature. Due to its erratic orbital ceeding years—with revolutionary ideas en- pattern, Uranus celebrates uniqueness and tering public discourse, with long- originality. It also embodies “electric fire” germinating creative processes suddenly demonstrating as vitality or the will-to-be. It breaking the surface, with new works born is Uranus’ nature to enliven and revolution- and disseminated, new horizons explored, ize everything that it touches, thus its pen- new associations begun, new movements chant for radical change and those unex- initiated, new freedoms won, new under- pected bolts out-of-the-blue that awaken con- standings awakened.”20 sciousness in us. Because of the rate of recurrence of Jupiter- As a transpersonal planet, Uranus is imper- Uranus conjunctions, there are innumerable sonal and naturally oriented to broader group examples and many remarkable manifesta- interests, consciousness, service and purpose. tions of their alliance in every department of It is one of the three synthesizing planets, life. Jupiter-Uranus conjunctions are credited fostering greater inclusiveness, the group with countless “firsts”—the first hot air bal- spirit and spiritual awareness. Through magi- loon launch, the first trans-Atlantic and cal and ordered cyclical processes, Uranus rocket flights; the first radio and television imposes a new rhythm and order that is si- broadcasts; the first electric light bulb; the multaneously liberating and destabilizing. As first telegraph transmission; the first color the exoteric ruler of Aquarius and the Aquar- television—the list is endless. However, even ian Age, it is enormously significant and pe- more startling is the historical time line of culiarly active at this time. As the Soul ruler revelatory events coincident with their con- of Libra and hierarchical ruler of Aries, it junctions and oppositions that cyclically link indicates that only through sacred union—the and expand upon one another. For example, marriage of heaven and earth—the highest during a conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in and the lowest—can true liberation occur. Sagittarius in 1900, German physicist, Max Planck introduced a hypothesis on “relative The Jupiter-Uranus theory” that unwittingly set the quantum Conjunctions physics revolution in motion. Through suc- ceeding years, Albert Einstein worked and Let the rumpus begin! Maurice Sendak expanded on Planck’s theory which eventu- lthough Jupiter and Uranus cycles are ally resulted in his historic General Theory of A relatively short (about fourteen years), Relativity that was tested and formally en- their conjunctions are legendary. Whenever dorsed by the Royal Society on a Jupiter- these two celestial bodies merge, powerful Uranus opposition in 1919. Their discoveries surges of creativity, breakthroughs, cultural launched the new field of quantum physics.

Jupiter-Uranus’ inclination for serial events first trans-Atlantic flight, Georges Lemaître’s is apparent in many genres including litera- proposition on the Big Bang Theory, the first ture and technology. J.K. Rowlings published talking motion picture, and the discovery of her first Harry Potter book in the Harry Pot- penicillin. ter series during a conjunction of Jupiter- In the present cycle, Jupiter and Uranus will Uranus in Aquarius in align on three separate 1997. Likewise, the The Jupiter-Uranus conjunc- occasions between June first successful 2010 and January 2011. internet transmission tions signal a shift in destiny, Although multiple was introduced an awakening, where the im- conjunctions were once during a conjunction possible becomes possible. quite rare, beginning of Jupiter-Uranus in th with the 20 century Libra in 1969, while They are punctuation points in the rate of recurrence is standardized the continuing cycle when new escalating. Statistically, protocols for the relationships or alliances will each century from internet were not 1400-1900 had only officially be formed, new ideas or plans one triple conjunction, implemented until the will be set in motion, shifts will but in the last century next Jupiter-Uranus take place and new vistas will this figure rose to four conjunction in st and the 21 century will Sagittarius in 1982- open that will expand our have five—a trend that 83. As researcher worldview, inviting us to be is, in itself, quite Richard Tarnas points telling. Life is accel- out, “major cyclical bolder and more innovative, to erating and with the alignments of the think outside of the box, and to new pace comes in- outer planets coincide be more daring. creased opportunity for with a mutual growth, change, dis- activation of the corresponding archetypal covery and revelation, which is precisely principles, but rather than simply signifying a what Jupiter-Uranus alignments promote. mechanical ‘switching on’ and ‘switching off’ during the transit, each alignment seems The larger Uranus cycle we are now entering to represent a more complex and subtle un- began with the ingress of Uranus into Aries folding of archetypal wave patterns,”21 that in May 2010 where, with the exception of an continue to develop and endure over time. interval between August 2010 and March 2011 when Uranus will retrograde back into Jupiter-Uranus alignments coincide with Pisces, it will remain until May 2018. The many historical events besides those men- transition this year from Uranus in Pisces to tioned—the American and French Revolu- Uranus in Aries brings an 84-year cycle that tions, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the discov- began in 1927 to a close, and commences a ery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus whole new Uranus cycle that will culminate (HIV), the historic release of Nelson Man- at the end of this century. dela from prison, Darwin’s Theory of Evolu- tion, the first personal computer, and the Over the next seven years Uranus’ journey launching of the worldwide web. However, through Aries will inaugurate a whole new one of the most remarkable demonstrations cycle of existence where we will begin to in recent history occurred during the period experience and understand life in a totally from 1927-28 during a conjunction in Aries new way. There will be starts and stops as that prompted a host of significant events— Jupiter and Uranus fluctuate between Pisces the establishment of the communist party in and Aries. As the last sign of the zodiac, Pi- China, the Stalin Revolution in Russia, the sces is a sign of endings, completion and lib- Stock Market Crash and the beginning of the eration from one cycle to the next. This is Great Depression, Lindbergh’s successful accomplished through soul-searching inner

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 21 The Esoteric Quarterly work and the transformational power of natural tendency toward liberation and social Pluto, the Soul ruler of Pisces, whose goal is and political rebellion. to bring about the death and dissolution of forms that are no longer suitable. Therefore, Conclusion what is percolating in the background in Pi- You have been telling the people that this is sces will surface in Aries; what has been hid- the Eleventh Hour. Now you must go back den in the dark will be brought into the light, and tell people that this is the Hour. Elders and there will be a growing urgency to re- Oraibi, Arizona Hopi Nation lease the past and move forward. eaven and Earth are clashing about be- The first conjunction of Jupiter-Uranus in Htween the stronghold of the past and the this series took place on June 8, 2010 at 0 birth of the new. Along with a startling in- degrees of Aries, which is an exalted point on crease in solar activity,23 Earth has been posi- the zodiacal horizon that corresponds with tioned in a hot zone between Jupiter-Uranus Spring Equinox, birth and new beginnings. in Aries and Saturn in Libra, square Pluto in The second two conjunctions take place in Capricorn, commanding massive change, Pisces on September 19, 2010 and January 4, restructuring, and rebirth. As one astrologer 2011. The recent September conjunction co- points out, birth is “messy and crazy and un- incided with the Autumnal Equinox phase at certain and thrilling, with a lot of pressure a time when Jupiter was closer to Earth than pushing you forward. And it’s often the only 22 it will be at any other time until 2022, per- way something truly new can emerge.”24 haps symbolizing a unique occasion in the relationship between Jupiter and Earth while Alice Bailey makes the following point: Jupiter is positioned in Pisces, the sign it exo- …as the New Age is ushered in—there terically rules. must inevitably come a judgment day Astrologically, it is difficult to isolate or pin- (speaking symbolically) and the emer- point Jupiter-Uranus manifestations amidst gence of a clear line of demarcation be- all the other celestial activity at this time, but tween that which is new and that which several events do stand out. In May it was is of the old age; there must appear the announced that scientists had successfully distinction between exoteric happenings created artificial life in a laboratory—a and esoteric attitudes and between those highly controversial discovery that has the who see a new world order, developed potential to open the door to untold possibili- and brought to functioning activity by the ties that could lead to cleaner fuel sources Forces of Light, through cooperation, co- and better medicines. The volcanic eruption ordination and understanding, and a of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, the Yushu world order which will be imposed by earthquake in China, a plethora of firestorms, terror, through dictatorial government, by and extreme flooding throughout the world, the suppression of liberty of conscience, particularly in Pakistan where the worst and by the enthronement of a race whose floods in history have displaced an astound- values are, at this time, anti-spiritual and ing 20 million people, can also be linked to anti-social. This judgment day is now Jupiter-Uranus’ proclivity toward sudden upon humanity, and the final decision global catastrophes. The surprising and rapid will be arrived at by those whose normal growth of Tea Party movements in the inclinations and natural tendencies are on United States and abroad, the outrage and the side of law and order, and whose aftermath over Israeli killings of nine pro- will-to-good is directed towards right Palestinian civilians on a ship carrying hu- human relations and true human welfare. manitarian aid to Gaza, and the political un- These enlightened people will back their rest in dozens of countries throughout the judgment with a focused will to bring in world, can also be linked to Jupiter-Uranus’ the era wherein these values will domi- nate, and those who are willing to take

the necessary measures to make these new ideas or plans will be set in motion, values possible.25 shifts will take place and new vistas will open that will expand our worldview, invit- Over the next two years Saturn in Libra will ing us to be bolder and more innovative, to promote right relations, greater harmony and think outside of the box, and to be more dar- balance between competing realities. Bailey ing. Having passed through a difficult quag- reminds us that “the rays which are related to mire of collective tests and challenges this or are expressing themselves through Aries past summer, the energies of Jupiter-Uranus are curiously balanced; Rays 1 and 7 are the are now drawing our attention to something highest and the lowest, and therefore demand bigger and greater than ourselves. They sig- a point of balance upon the wheel which is 26 nal a time for movement and expansion into provided in Libra.” Saturn is exalted in unchartered territory; toward fresh ideas and Libra. Therefore, we are standing at a cross- bold enterprises, while tempering the youth- road where important decisions will have to ful exuberance of the “new” with contempla- be made. Only through right relationships, tion, moderation and sound effort. finding common ground, creating win-win situations, maintaining equipoise and “choos- In line with the proposed date for the exter- ing the way which leads between two great nalization of Hierarchy (2025), the current lines of force” can we successfully bring this Jupiter-Uranus cycle culminates in April of critical battle to resolution. Libra is a sign of 2024 along with Pluto’s ingress into Aquar- peace. Not passive peace that deflects the ius. We are only midway in the current series battle, but active peace. In the words of of Jupiter-Uranus conjunctions and the full Robert Fulgham, “Peace is not something significance of their alliance has not been you wish for; it's something you make, some- fully realized. However, we can expect the thing you do, something you are, and some- unexpected and will need to remember that thing you give away.” “…loss is the great awakener. It is a potential opening if you don't run away from it. What We can look to the spiritual potency of Ura- is usually condemned as ‘bad’ by the mind nus in Aries to initiate a new direction and and the mind-made self is actually grace forge a new way. coming into your life.”28 And so it is with Aries, the Inaugurator, is rendered effec- Jupiter-Uranus. We have to be willing to lose tive on the Earth through the organizing ourselves and the world we have known; to potency of Uranus. Aries is the source, shed our old skins and ways of thinking, and the beginning and the initiator of the boldly embrace the mystery and grace of New Age and its coming civilizations, of revolutionary change in our lives and in the the appearance of the kingdom of God on world. earth and also of the individual initiate

into the Mysteries. Aquarius is the present Determiner of the future. That which 1 Alice A. Bailey, The Consciousness of the is now initiated in Aries will become Atom (New York: Lucis Trust Publishing Company, 1961), 65. manifested in Aquarius, and Libra will 2 enforce the achievement of a point of Jan Detrich, The Emergence of Pluto in Cap- ricorn balance or (esoterically speaking) of the , Esoteric Quarterly Summer 2008. 3 Jan Detrich, When Heaven and Earth Meet, “escape from opposing forces at the Esoteric Quarterly, Winter 2009. midway point between the source and the 4 Standing at the Crossroads 27 Jan Detrich, , Eso- goal.” teric Quarterly, Winter 2010. 5 The Jupiter-Uranus conjunctions signal a Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11 Moon Landing, July 20, 1969. shift in destiny, an awakening, where the im- 6 http://www.makara.us/04mdr/01writing/03t- possible becomes possible. They are punc- g/bios.Blavatksy.htm.. tuation points in the continuing cycle when new relationships or alliances will be formed,

7 Iverson Harris, The Journal of San Diego 16 Ibid., 251. History (San Diego: Historical Society, Sum- 17 Niklas Nihlen, November 12, 2004, mer 1974),16. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/CosmoCy 8 Alice A Bailey, Esoteric Psychology I (New cles1/message/949. York: Lucis Trust Publishing Company, 18 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology I, 369. 1962), 26. 19 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 139. 9 Alice A. Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age 20 Richard Tarnas, Cosmos and Psyche (New I (New York: Lucis Trust Publishing Com- York: Penguin Group 2006), 349. pany, 1944), 641. 21 Ibid., 317. 10 Alice A. Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age 22 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39232860. II (New York: Lucis Trust Publishing Com- 23 http://news.carrentals.co.uk/us-secretary-of- pany, 1955), 582. defence-expands-on-solar-flare-dangers- 11 Ibid., 454. 34214832.html. 12 Alice A. Bailey, Letters on Occult Mediation 24 http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/miscarticles/my- (New York: Lucis Trust Publishing Company, thology-cardinal-cross.htm. 1950), 221. 25 Alice A. Bailey, The Externalisation of the 13 http://jupiter.samba.org/jupiter/20100603- Hierarchy (New York: Lucis Trust Publishing 203129-impact/index.html. Company, 1957), 230. 14 Alice A. Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire 26 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology 101. (New York: Lucis Trust Publishing Company, 27 Ibid., 548. 1951), 1018. 28 www.facebook.com/Eckharttolle/pos- 15 Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Astrology (New ts/148730465141327. York: Lucis Trust Publishing Company, 1951), 251.

The Origins and Nature of Consciousness: The Heart Doctrine, Part One

Christopher P. Holmes

when I die, the “I” will be lost forever, too. Isaac Asimov, material scientist

What he sees in the inmost recesses of his heart is his real “I,” his God. Sri Chinmoy, mystic

Learn above all to separate Head-learning from Soul-Wisdom, the “Eye” from the “Heart" doctrine. But even ignorance is better than Head-learning with no Soul-wisdom to illuminate and guide it… The “Doctrine of the Eye” is for the crowd, the “Doctrine of the Heart,” for the elect… “Great Sifter” is the name of the “Heart Doctrine.” H.P. Blavatsky, The Voice of the Silence, 1889

Abstract The Mysteries of he issues of consciousness are pro- Consciousness Tfoundly important from both a scientific hat is the nature of human conscious- and an individual perspective. What is this Wness? Psychologists, scientists and phi- “I” in me—this inner self awareness? Is losophers use this term in a hundred and one there some type of mystical “I” that is more ways with a thousand and one meanings and than simply a collection of molecules or a interpretations. Within the scientific and pack of neurons? Where could such an “I” popular literature as well as in common dis- come from and what types of experience are cussion, there is widespread confusion and possible for human beings during life and misunderstanding regarding the issues of con- after death? The Heart Doctrine is an in- sciousness. Further, people do not generally quiry into the ultimate origin and nature of human consciousness, as well as into the ______issues of the existence or non-existence of About the Author the human soul and soul. The approach is to contrast “the head doctrine”—the major Christopher P. Holmes was born in England and twentieth century scientific theory of con- raised i n Ontario, C anada. He ear ned a P hD i n sciousness—with “the heart doctrine,” which clinical psychology from the University of Water- loo i n 1978, t aught at York U niversity, T oronto is derived from ancient and modern esoteric for eleve n-years and the n worke d as a forensic and spiritual teachings. This comparative psychologist. Christopher cu rrently d irects th e study provides a valuable alternative ap- Zero Point Institute fo r My stical an d Sp iritual proach to the deep mysteries and enigmas of Science, Kemptville, Ontario. Christopher main- consciousness and it highlights many of the tains a website at www.zeropoint.ca and hosts a assumptions underlying modern scientific bimonthly radio show on www.bbsradio.com. views.

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 25 The Esoteric Quarterly question the nature of consciousness within sciousness may be fundamentally misguided. themselves or even have a language in which The mysteries of consciousness are far deeper to talk about such things. than imagined by Roth, who ends up associat- ing the seat of consciousness with the associa- The contemporary scientific literature demon- tion areas of the cerebral hemispheres in in- strates how much scientists are in the dark teraction with other mid-brain structures. Roth about the mysteries of consciousness. This is embodies the head doctrine. Further, scientists exemplified by a Scientific American article— generally have no idea of the profound alter- “The Quest to Find Consciousness”— native mystical and spiritual viewpoints on published in a special issue on the mind these issues of consciousness. (2004). The most certain comments, offered by G. Roth, regarding consciousness are that The issues of human consciousness are also “a true understanding of the phenomenon re- central to the contemporary debate between mains elusive,” and further, “For now, no de- science and religion, and to the question of finitive explanations exist ….”1 Science jour- the existence of God. The debate between nalist John Horgan in The Undiscovered Mind science and religion hinges on the issue of (1999) came to a similar conclusion: “Mind- the origin and nature of consciousness. Is scientists and philosophers cannot even agree consciousness a product of material proc- on what consciousness is, let alone how it esses as science claims, or does it originate should be explained.”2 The Dalai Lama sim- from within spiritual, metaphysical or divine ply states: “I do not think current neurosci- realms? ence has any real explanation of conscious- To begin, the term consciousness can be ness itself.”3 taken generally to refer to the inner aware- Interestingly, John Horgan quotes Harvard ness of being, which each of us has. Al- psychologist Howard Gardner, who suggests though we might see another person’s physi- that someone may find “deep and fruitful cal body, we can never directly view their commonalities between Western views of the inner world of consciousness or their inner mind and those incorporated into the philoso- experience of being. Yet, in a very real sense, phy and religion of the Far East.” Gardner it is within this inner world that each of us states that a fundamentally new insight is nec- has our existence. Hence, in order to under- essary in order to understand consciousness, stand consciousness, we must make an effort although, unfortunately, “we can’t anticipate to understand it within ourselves through di- the extraordinary mind because it comes from rect inner awareness and experience. This a funny place that puts things together in a approach supplements other scientific ap- funny kind of way.”4 Gardner’s comments are proaches that rely upon external observers ironic, as indeed there exists a fundamental and intellectual theories, and it is the essen- difference between Western scientific views tial method of the mystics, yogis and masters of consciousness and the mind as centered in of the esoteric traditions. Such individual the brain, and both Eastern and Western spiri- explorations of consciousness have hardly tual and esoteric traditions with the emphasis been considered within the mainstream of upon the heart. Understanding this difference modern thought, which also propagates var- between the head doctrine and the heart doc- ied misleading ideas on the subject. The trine will certainly provide a novel perspec- Dalai Lama explains, “it is clear that the tive on the issues of consciousness and put third-person method—which has served sci- things together in a “funny kind of way.” ence so well in many areas—is inadequate to the explanation of consciousness.”5 What is the nature and origin of human consciousness? These are issues of profound im- The Head Doctrine portance not only to science, but also to us individually, in terms of understanding the or decades, psychologists dismissed the meaning and significance of our lives. Unfor- Fstudy of consciousness since it was too tunately, science’s entire approach to con- difficult to study empirically and borders on

26 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010. Fall 2010 such “unscientific” pursuits as religion and facts,” these views are really nothing more metaphysics. Behaviorist John Watson re- than simple assumptions. marked that no one had ever seen a soul in a When it comes to states of consciousness, test tube and that the study of consciousness Roth offers a pretty limited scheme of con- was just as elusive as that of the soul. Never- sideration from a so-called scientific perspec- theless, in the second half of the twentieth tive: century, consciousness re-emerged within academic psychology and neuroscience as a Any effort to understand consciousness legitimate area of study. However, scientists must begin by noting that it comprises embraced extremely limited views of con- various states… At one end of the spec- sciousness and most often equated it with trum is the so-called alertness (or vigi- thinking and other cognitive processes of the lance) state. States of lower conscious- mind. It is assumed that consciousness is ness include drowsiness, dozing, deep produced by the brain’s material neurological sleep and on down to coma.7 processes and/or by information processes. A normal state of “alertness” is put at one The head doctrine is the most commonly ac- end of the continuum, as if this is the highest cepted Western scientific and psychological possible state of consciousness a human be- model of consciousness. However, the nature ing can experience, and the other levels are of consciousness has remained the most mys- below it—down into coma and the extinction terious of all psychological phenomena. of consciousness in death. It is assumed that In the Scientific American article by Roth, there are no states of consciousness beyond “The Quest to Find Consciousness,” it is basic vigilance—hence no Self-conscious- simply assumed that consciousness is gener- ness, cosmic consciousness, spiritual or God ated somehow within the brain from material consciousness. processes. Yet, when we read Roth’s article Nevertheless, the basic assumption that the for scientific insights into consciousness, we brain produces consciousness seems most come up quite empty-handed. A small table reasonable, and few scientists question it— entitled “Fast Facts: The Rise of Awareness” despite the fact that they are completely un- includes these three points: able to establish how or where the brain pro- 1. How does consciousness, with its private duces consciousness or what exactly this and subjective qualities, emerge from the consciousness is. Nevertheless, putting aside physical information processing con- these uncertainties, theorists share the view ducted by the brain? of prominent neurologist Roger Sperry, who 2. Recently neuroscientists have focused on remarked: “I don’t see any way for con- the neural correlates—the activities in the sciousness to emerge or be generated apart brain that are most closely associated from a functioning brain.”8 Of course, with consciousness. Sperry also cannot see how consciousness 3. To date, no “center” for the phenomenon emerges from a functioning brain, but this has revealed itself, but advances in imag- seems to escape his attention. ing have helped in the study of the brain While most people would consider that un- areas that are involved during conscious- 6 derstanding human consciousness is some- ness. what irrelevant to their life apart from posing Of course, there is not a single “fact” in the issues in science, this is simply not the case. table—only questions or assumptions. There In fact, if the strictly material conceptualiza- is absolutely no proof that consciousness tion of consciousness is true, then this has emerges “from the physical information profound implications for the nature and sig- processing” in the brain or from “the neural nificance of human existence. Scientist Isaac correlates.” Although presented as “fast Asimov identifies the most important of these:

The molecules of my body, after my ness has literally no substance in itself—it is conception, added other molecules and no thing. Rather, it is an epiphenomenon arranged the whole into more and more produced by material and electrical proc- complex forms, and in a unique fashion, esses. Psychologists and scientists further not quite like the arrangement in any reject any animistic or vital principle within other living thing the life of a human being that ever lived. In Current scientific thinking and deny the existence of the process, I spirit or soul. There is no developed, little by tends to regard conscious- modern psychology as a little, into a ness as being non- science of the soul in the conscious substantive—that is, as noth- mainstream of science or something I call “I” academia. Similarly, that exists only as ing in itself. According to scientists have banished the arrangement. this view, there is no way for spirit from their When the ar- consciousness to exist sepa- considerations of nature rangement is lost and the universe. Life is forever, as it will be rately from or beyond the viewed as having been when I die, the “I” mind and the body, because created according to will be lost forever, natural laws and 9 consciousness has literally too. principles governing no substance in itself—it is material processes, rather This is the gist of the than being created by a head doctrine. Human no thing. Rather, it is an higher dimensional power beings are material epiphenomenon produced or any metaphysical beings whose by material and electrical means. consciousness lives and dies with their func- processes. Whereas humans used to tioning brains. When invoke God, or gods, to the molecules or neurons are destroyed, con- make sense of the unknown and to interpret sciousness is no more, and so life ends at the meaning of life in terms of supernatural death and the “I” is lost forever. In the same forces, scientists suppose that their discover- vein, Carl Sagan elaborated a strictly materi- ies of natural forces and laws have done alist position: away with the need for such religious and mythic explanations. Carl Sagan, the es- The mind is merely what the brain does. teemed popular science writer, gave voice to There’s nothing else, there’s no soul or this sentiment when he declared, “As we psyche that’s not made out of matter, that learn more and more about the universe, isn’t a function of 10 to the 14th syn- 10 there seems less and less for God to do.” apses in the brain. (1979) However, when it comes to the cen- In this view, there is no individual singular tral enigma of modern science concerning the “I” in a living being, and we are instead noth- nature of consciousness, scientists have made ing but a “pack of neurons” (as described by no progress at all and may have many wrong Francis Crick) or an arrangement of material ideas and misguided theories. molecules. In summary, according to the mainstream of Current scientific thinking also tends to re- contemporary science, human beings are ma- gard consciousness as being non- terial biological beings, the result of the blind substantive—that is, as nothing in itself. Ac- evolutionary processes of random mutation cording to this view, there is no way for con- and natural selection. In fact, all the phenom- sciousness to exist separately from or beyond ena of nature are believed to have occurred in the mind and the body, because conscious- a God-less universe, governed by chance and

the mechanical functioning of natural laws. chology with its focus on human sexuality; or In this view, human life and the life of the “in the ass”—in reference to the Kundalini, a universe are the fortunate by-products of ma- primordial instinctual energy locked within terial processes, ranging from those of sub- the root chakra described in yoga psychol- atomic physics to those of evolution and neu- ogy. However, Bawa insists, “The mind is in rology. Consciousness and mind are most the heart.” The deepest, most essential Mind frequently equated with the sum of neuro- and Self are established within the heart and logical and psychological processes located more primary than what the yogis refer to as within the material brain centered in the the “monkeys of the mind.” In this view- head. This is the basic head doctrine of mod- point, mainstream psychology, philosophy ern science, and there is considered to be no and science alike are fundamentally mistaken real “I” within a human being. about the nature of consciousness, mind and self. They are not Knowers of Self as de- The Heart Doctrine scribed throughout mystical and esoteric lit- he heart doctrine is a unifying principle erature. Tfound within the major religious teach- Sri Chinmoy, another contemporary spiritual ings of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hindu- teacher, stresses the heart doctrine and also ism, Tibetan Buddhism, Egyptian and in- diagnoses human beings’ common ignorance digenous cultural teachings, as well as in as to the true nature of Self: numerous other mystery teachings. He does not know himself precisely be- Eastern Sources cause he identifies himself with the ego In a Psychology Today interview (1976), and not with his real “I.” What compels Guru Bawa, an Eastern sage, made these him to identify himself with this pseudo rather startling comments about Western “I”? It is Ignorance. And what tells him psychology and the common misunderstand- that the real “I” is not and can never be ing of Self. According to the guru, psycholo- the ego? It is his self-search. What he sees in the inmost recesses of his heart is gists are quite deluded about the origin of the 12 13 mind (or consciousness): his real “I,” his God. “I studied psychology once, and I be- Human beings lack true self-knowledge and came crazy,” Bawa responded in a play- are asleep to their deeper nature as spiritual ful tone. “I lost all my powers… Psy- beings. According to esotericists and mys- chologists don’t know where the mind is. tics, we live in ignorance—identifying Self Some think it is in the brain. Others think with the thoughts, feelings, desires and sen- it is in the genitals. Others think it is in sations that make up the contents of the mind the ass. But the mind is in the heart, and and our personal daily dramas. All the while, that is what psychologists do not know. we do not know Self, or “real I,” as related to Unless the heart opens, you will be the subtle mystical dimensions of the heart. driven crazy by the monkeys of the Ramana Maharshi, an Indian sage and mys- 11 mind.” tic, similarly described the Self as related to This is a telling diagnosis of modern psy- the Heart Center—deeper than the personal chology and science. Certainly scientists are or ego level of the mind centered in the head: in a sad predicament if they do not know The final goal (of yoga, or life) may be where the mind is or where consciousness described as the resolution of the mind in originates! Yet, from a spiritual perspective, its source which is God, the Self; in that this is precisely the case. of technical yoga, it may be described as Guru Bawa describes some psychologists as the dissolution of the mind in the Heart thinking that the mind is in the brain—as in lotus… The mind and the breath spring the modern head doctrine. Others relate it to from the same source. They arise in the the genitals—in reference to Freudian psy- heart, which is the centre of the self-

luminous Self… Where the “I” thought bright throne of Brahman… Self- has vanished, there the true Self shines as luminous is that Being, and formless. He “I.” “I” in the heart… The “I,” the Self, dwells within all and without all… The alone is real. As there is no other con- Self exists in man, within the lotus of the sciousness to know it, it is conscious- heart, and is the master of his life and of ness.14 his body… The knot of the heart, which is ignorance, is loosed, all doubts are dis- “I” or “Self” is identified most intimately solved. Mundaka Upanishad 16 with the spiritual and Soul dimensions of the heart and is connected therein to God. The As large as the universe outside, even so goal of yoga is the dissolution of the mind large is the universe within the lotus of into its source—within the heart lotus or cen- the heart. Within it are heaven and earth, ter. The Self is “self-luminous” and “shin- the sun, the moon, the lightning, and all ing”—having an inherent light nature—and the stars. What is in the macrocosm is in this self-luminous Self is “consciousness it- this microcosm… All things that exist … self.” Consciousness is the light of Self. are in the city of Brahman. Chandogya Upanishad 17 Ramana Maharshi elaborates upon the mysteries of the heart. He explains how the Self Sacred religious texts from the world’s relig- emerges as a point source of light and con- ions associate states of illumined, spiritual sciousness associated with the true Heart cen- and cosmic consciousness with the sacred ter and its influences circulate as light Heart space. Such teachings, in fact, suggest throughout the interior dimensions of a hu- that there is a deep holographic physics and man being: metaphysics to the human heart and Self. The effulgent light of active conscious- The Bhagavad Gita is a classic text of Indian ness starts at a point and gives light to spiritual knowledge described as “the cream the entire body even as the sun does to of the Vedas.” Lord Krishna, the Personality the world. When that light spreads out in of the Godhead, elaborates upon the nature of the body one gets the experiences in the the Self and the process of attaining self- body. The sages call the original point knowledge. “The Supreme Lord is situated in “Hridayam” (the Heart)… The Individ- everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing ual permeates the entire body, with that the wanderings of all living entities, who are light, becomes egocentric and thinks that seated as on a machine made of material en- he is the body and that the world is dif- ergy.” 18 According to the Gita, both the Su- ferent from himself… The association of preme Lord (the Supersoul or Paramatma) the Self with the body is called the Gran- and the individual spirit soul (the jivatma) are thi (knot)… When Atma (the Self) alone associated with the heart: “I am that Lord shines, within and without, and every- represented as the Supersoul, dwelling in the where ... one is said to have severed the heart of every embodied being.” knot.15 Out of compassion for them, I, dwelling The Self within the heart has inner connec- in their hearts, destroy with the shining tions to the universe, to spiritual realities and lamp of knowledge the darkness born of even to God. In the Upanishads of ancient ignorance. (10, 11) India, the heart doctrine is elaborated most I am the Self, O conqueror of sleep, eloquently: seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am Within the lotus of the heart he dwells, the beginning, the middle and the end of where, like the spokes of a wheel in its all beings. (10, 20) hub, the nerves meet… This Self, who The Supersoul and the individual soul are understands all, who knows all, and compared to two birds sitting together on the whose glory is manifest in the universe, branch of a tree. The individual soul is capti- lives within the lotus of the heart, the

30 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010. Fall 2010 vated by the fruits of the tree, which repre- does not share that of another body. But sent material desires, while the Supersoul is a the Supersoul, which is situated in all silent witness. To attain liberation, the indi- bodies as the friend of the individual vidual spirit soul must overcome patterns of soul, is conscious of all bodies. That is attachment to the difference between pleasurable Spiritual teachings elabo- supreme consciousness experiences, desires and and individual conscious- the fruits of action, and rate an alternative model of ness.20 surrender to the larger the higher dimensional ori- A small particle of spirit Self of the Lord. Self- soul (the spiritual spark) realization, or union gins of human consciousness inhabits the material heart with the Lord, comes and self. Whereas modern as the “sun” of the body. through awakening to science presupposes that The spiritual soul is self- the eternal principle illuminating and its light within the sacred tem- material processes within is an expression of the ple of the heart. the brain produce con- infinite light of That Self, Human consciousness sciousness and the experi- the Supersoul. originates from the ence of self, mystical and Swami Yogeshwaranand jivatma, the individual esoteric perspectives de- Saraswati in Science of spiritual soul embodied Soul: A Treatise on within the heart. scribe consciousness as the Higher Yoga (1987) According to this light of Self and as emerging provides one of the most formulation, comprehensive accounts consciousness is the from within-without through of the nature of the Soul light of the spiritual some higher dimensional and its relationship to the soul as the jivatma is physics and metaphysics of physical and subtle inherently self- bodies. The jivatma is illuminating: “as the the human heart. likened to “an sun alone illuminates infinitesimal poppy all this universe, so does the living entity, seed,” which has no form or color. This one within the body, illuminate the entire atomic or indivisible entity is embodied in “a body by consciousness.”19 Swami Prabhu- hollow the size of a small thumb in the pada elaborates the meaning of this sacred 21 heart.” Saraswati describes the “Bliss text: Sheath”: As the sun is situated in one place, but is The golden sheath of the divine city … illuminating the whole universe, so a which is a mass of light filled with bliss, small particle of spirit soul, although has its abode in the subtle area of grape- situated in the heart of this body, is illu- sized hollow of this physical heart, the minating the whole body by conscious- repository of blood. It is in the castle of ness. Thus consciousness is the proof of this causal sheath that the immortal indi- the presence of the soul, as sunshine or vidual soul abides with its supreme pro- light is the proof of the presence of the tector, all-powerful, omniscient, adorable sun … consciousness is not a production father—God. The temple of a yogi is in- of the combination of matter. It is the side the heart alone. There … the vision symptom of the living entity. The con- of Divinity … the nectar of bliss … the sciousness of the living entity, although 22 Bliss Sheath (or Anandamaya Kosha). qualitatively one with the supreme consciousness, is not supreme because the The Bliss Sheath is the ensouled jivatma, the consciousness of one particular body essential heart center, also referred to as the

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 31 The Esoteric Quarterly causal body. Saraswati notes: “it is instinc- Consciousness is defined as that which is tually recognized that Jivatman denoted by luminous and knowing. It is luminous in the pure form of ‘I’ has its abode in the heart, the double sense that its nature is clear and in Samadhi there is direct realization of and that it illuminates, or reveals, like a this.”23 Within the Bliss Sheath, there are lamp that dispels darkness so that objects orbits of different principles that mediate be- may be seen… Consciousness is com- tween the divine atom, or jivatma, at the cen- posed of moments, instead of cells, at- ter, and the dimensions of the sheaths and oms, or particles. In this way conscious- bodies. Through yogic practices and austeri- ness and matter have different natures, ties, consciousness can be freed from the and therefore, they have different sub- outer sheaths and abide again in the bliss stantive causes.26 sheath—in its essential nature. As these Consciousness is light that illuminates the processes of liberation occur, varied states of objects of human experience—the material super-consciousness and realization (or side of nature. The Dalai Lama notes, “Mat- samadhis) are experienced. There are subtle 27 ter cannot make consciousness.” distinctions to be made between experiences of self, cosmic and divine realization, which Middle-Eastern traditions point to the same can be attained through the awakening within teaching of the heart. The celebrated Sufi the heart and the subsequent illumination of poet Rumi depicts the plig ht of the lost souls the higher centers.24 searching for God and Self in the outer world: These teachings have practical application within self study, as is evident if we consider Cross and Christians, end to end, I exam- these profound comments provided by yogi ined. He was not on the Cross. I went to and medical doctor Dr. R. Mishra: the Hindu temple, to the ancient pagoda. In none of them was there any sign. To The physical heart and physical con- the uplands of Herat I went, and to Kan- sciousness are related. In the same way, dahar, I looked. He was not on the the spiritual heart and spiritual con- heights or in the lowlands… I went to the sciousness are related… Life and con- Kaaba of Mecca. He was not there… I sciousness are byproducts of the heart… asked about him from Avicenna… [Fi- Biological heart and consciousness are nally] I looked into my own heart. In physical in nature and they depend on the that, his place, I saw him. He was in no metaphysical heart and consciousness. 28 other place. In reality, consciousness is not created but manifested and this manifestation de- Similarly, a poet of the heart and soul, Kahlil pends on the evolution of the nervous Gibran in The Prophet is asked by the people system … and blood… Your principle to “Speak to us of Self-Knowledge.” And the aim is to reach the spiritual heart and prophet answered, saying, “Your hearts spiritual consciousness by means of the know in silence the secrets of the days and physical heart and physical conscious- the nights. But your ears thirst for the sound ness.25 of your heart’s knowledge.”29 Whereas modern psychology and science Mystical and esoteric teachings and practices have considered consciousness to be non- can enable an individual to overcome the illu- substantive, nothing in itself, the Dalai Lama sions, conditioning and limitations of pseudo- and the mystical literature clearly equate con- I—the sense of ego or I associated with the sciousness with light. The Self is inherently personality and mind centered within the self-illuminating. The Dalai Lama explains brain—and to realize the deeper dimensions that consciousness is such an inner illumina- of “I” within the heart. The realization of Self tion that reflects the deeper Mind of Clear within the Heart is the basis for the mystical Light: declaration “I AM.”

Western Sources from a volume of space to allow a finite being to emerge into existence. This creates a The heart doctrine is illustrated most simply hollow or seeming void at the heart of being. in an Aboriginal tale about creation and the Thus, within a human being, “God is always gods: extremely near, for God resides within one’s One day … the gods decided to create heart—within one’s “vacated space.”32 The the universe. They created the stars, the Heart is such a hollow Space within us, a sun and the moon. They created the seas, form of “nothingness at the heart of being.” the mountains, the flowers, and the Kramer explains, “the passion of the heart is clouds. Then they created human beings. really an infinite desire for the Ein Sof.”33 At the end, they created Truth. The teachings of Kabbalah offer a complex At this point, however, a problem arose: mathematical and metaphysical model of the where should they hide Truth so that inner geometry of being and non-being, and human beings would not find it right the higher dimensional origins of conscious- away? They wanted to prolong the ad- ness within the sacred heart Space—within venture of the search. the Sephiroth of Tipheret in the Tree of Life. The microcosm of a human being is designed “Let’s put Truth on top of the highest on the same basic principles of creation as mountain,” said one of the gods. Cer- embodied within the macrocosm of the Uni- tainly it will be hard to find it there.” verse. Hence, key Kabbalist ideas concerning “Let’s put it on the farthest star,” said the creation of the universe provide a valu- another. able model for the emergence of human consciousness. In Judaic mysticism, the soul “Let’s hide it in the darkest and deepest longs to experience the joy and revelations of of abysses.” God within the heart. Kramer notes, “Let’s conceal it on the secret side of the The power of joy is so intense that it can moon.” bring one to a revelation of Godliness At the end, the wisest and most ancient within one’s heart… The Divine Pres- god said, “No, we will hide Truth inside ence corresponds to the joy of the the very heart of human beings. In this heart… One’s burning desire for Torah way they will look for it all over the Uni- and spirituality enables one to draw from verse, without being aware of having it the spirituality of the Supernal Heart (Bi- inside of themselves all the time.”30 nah).34 In the Kabbalah, wisdom and understanding We are living Torahs with the Word and the are associated with the Heart and truth is de- laws of God written into our very being—in scribed in the Judaic tradition as “under our fact into the Heart. So then there must be a noses” the whole time. Scholar C. Kramer form of higher dimensional physics and explains, “the heart is truly a wonder, for its metaphysics to the heart. This figure from creative action mirrors the original act of mystic Jacob Boehme depicts the Word, the Creation.”31 In terms of the creation of the four letter name of God, inscribed within the universe, Kabbalah depicts the “Zimzum” heart—although a spiritual heart of flames contraction as a process by which the infinite turned upwards relative to the material limits itself, or withdraws its limitless light heart.35

Kabbalists maintain that there are such divine You … of interior knowledge … Say, source emanations or divine sparks as stars in then, from the heart that you are the per- space, points of supernal light related to the fect day and in you dwells the light that higher dimensional vacated Space of the does not fail… They are the ones who heart! Such “sparks of holiness” emerge appear in truth since they exist in true from the primordial realm of Adam Kadmon. and eternal life and speak of the light which is perfect and filled with the seed A central mystical Christian teaching is, “the of the Father, and which is in his heart kingdom of heaven is within,” and the state and in the pleroma, while his Spirit re- of Christ Consciousness involves the mysti- joices in it and glorifies the one in whom cal awakening of the heart. This teaching is it existed.36 suggested within the Old and New Testa- ments and numerous Christian writings, Those of “interior knowledge” have realized hymns and church doctrine. Matthew 5:8, their spiritual nature and know of the perfect states, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they light within the heart. The “seeds of the Fa- shall see God.” Generally, this teaching is ther” are within the “pleroma” of the divine not understood in its significance as a princi- mother. The term pleroma, like that of the ple of psychology—as a science of the Soul. divine plenum, refers to the fullness of things, or the infinite potential latent within Early sects of the Gnostic Christians taught God as the Ein Soph. that to know oneself at the deepest level was simultaneously to know God or the Father as The term “heart doctrine” was used by H. P. the source of the divine, spiritual and soul Blavatsky in her classic The Voice of the Si- life within. The Gospels of the Nag Ham- lence (1877), which depicts the plight of the madi Library—manuscripts discovered in soul and the process of spiritual attainment. Egypt in 1945—provide a rich source of eso- Blavatsky notes, “The ‘Doctrine of the Eye’ is teric Christian teachings. In the Gospel of for the crowd, the ‘Doctrine of the Heart,’ for Truth, Christ encourages the disciples to gain the elect.” This suggests that the heart doc- the light that is within them, instead of living trine is a higher teaching than that which fo- in outer darkness; and to “proclaim the things cuses upon the awakening of the third eye. that are in the heart of the Father in order to Further, Blavatsky tells us that we must learn teach those who will receive teaching.” The to separate “Head learning” from “Soul Wis- roots of the Self are within the heart and the dom” and states, “‘Great Sifter’ is the name of pleroma: the ‘Heart Doctrine.’” If one so sifts through

34 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010. Fall 2010 the esoteric literature, one can uncover this of the heartbeat—is due to metaphysical nugget of gold. In Blavatsky’s The Secret causes. Further, the distribution of con- Doctrine (1888), one of the ancient Stanzas of sciousness through the body is related to the Dzyan states, “the Sons expand and contract blood flow and the ensoulment of the living through their own selves and hearts; they em- organism through the breath and the process brace infinitude … reflecting the ‘Self- of oxygenation. Consciousness is never sim- existing Lord’ like a mirror, each becomes in ply centered up in the mind in the head, no turn a world.” In the Stanzas, the term Son matter what scientists may think.39 refers not only to any created Kosmos, but also to individual beings. Blavatsky regarded Concluding Remarks the heart as the center of the original undiffer- piritual teachings elaborate an alternative entiated “laya center” and of buddhic con- Smodel of the higher dimensional origins sciousness. of human consciousness and self. Whereas In modern times, the American mystic Adi modern science presupposes that material Da clearly embodies the heart doctrine: processes within the brain produce consciousness and the experience of self, mysti- The true Self is Awake in your own cal and esoteric perspectives describe con- heart… The region of the heart, which is sciousness as the light of Self and as emerg- the seat of the soul and the doorway to ing from within-without through some higher the true Self, is one of the primary areas dimensional physics and metaphysics of the of the body-mind traditionally inspected human heart. Mystical teachings further by mystical vision… The true center of suggest profound possibilities for states of the heart is intuitively felt… The heart- awakened consciousness, enlightenment, il- root is prior to the physical and subtle lumination and liberation associated with the structures of the body-mind… It is prior awakening of the heart and the subsequent to all energies and forms in the Realm of illumination of higher centers. Nature.37 These teachings provide an alternative view- The Self is prior to the physical and subtle point to those perspectives offered by so- dimensions of the heart. Adi Da explains called “exact science” with its denial of that in the process of spiritual awakening, spirit, soul and any transcendental or reli- one transcends the death of the egoic psyche gious principle. If we speak off the tops of by “awakening at the heart in the disposition our heads, we can simply assume that the that is prior to the heartbeat itself.” By this head-brain produces consciousness and mind, passage, the peripheral personality yields to but if we penetrate to the heart of being, to the central consciousness of being! the Heart of ourselves, might we indeed be- Another enigma within modern science that come Knowers of Self? From a spiritual per- has great significance from an esoteric perspective, modern psychology and philosophy spective concerns the manner in which the are filled with head knowledge but lack the heart generates its own electrical impulses secret wisdom of the Self within the Heart. through the pacemaker—the SA Node, the Consciousness and Self are substantive and AV node and the fibers of the Bundle of Hiss. should not simply be used as generic terms to Psychologist B. Brown once explained, “The identify the flow of thoughts, feelings and genesis of the heartbeat is as unknown as the sensations that occur within subjective ex- genesis of man, and equally a miracle.”38 Sci- perience generated by the brain. There is entists have been unable to explain this phe- something far deeper happening within a nomenon from a materialist perspective, human being as concerns the origin and na- whereas from an occult viewpoint, it is the ture of consciousness. The Self exists in rela- presence of the jivatma, the living spiritual tionship to a hierarchy of interpenetrating soul, which so enlivens the material heart. In world orders—metaphysical dimensions of this case, the material effect—the generation spiritual and divine existence that underlie

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 35 The Esoteric Quarterly and sustain the realms of subtle and gross matter. These dynamics allow for afterlife 21 Swami Yogeshwaranand Saraswati, Science of existence and for complex relationships of Soul: A Treatise on Higher Yoga (New Delhi: the individual to the Sun, to the larger Uni- Yoga Niketan Trust, 1987), 36. verse and most importantly to spiritual and 22 Ibid., 37. divine realities. 23 Ibid., 69. 24 Following Descartes, the pineal gland is sometimes suggested as the seat for the Soul. The 1 G. Roth, “The Quest to Find Consciousness”. light-sensitive pineal gland has even been la- Scientific American (Special Edition on mind, belled as “the heart of the brain” and is said to 2004). anchor the thousand-petaled lotus of the 2 J. Horgan, The Undiscovered Mind: How the crown chakra. However, in yogic psychology Human Brain Defies Replication, Medication, the mind is regarded as the lunar orbit relative and Explanation (New York: Touchstone to the solar orbit of the heart. 25 Books, 1999), 228. R. Mishra, Fundamentals of 3 Dalai Lama, The Universe in a Single Atom: Yoga (New York: Lancer The Convergence of Science and Spirituality Books, 1969), 139-40. 26 (New York: Morgan Road Books, 2005), 130. Dalai Lama, Advice on Dying: And Living a 4 Horgan, 260. Better Life (New York: Atria Books, 2002), 5 Dalai Lama, 133. 129. 27 6 Roth, 34. Dalai Lama, in R. Weber, Dialogues with Sci- 7 Ibid. entists and Sages: The Search for Unity (New 8 R. Spe rry, “Emergence” (in The Omni Inter- York: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1986), 236. 28 view. New York, Omni Press Books, 1984). Rumi, in I. Shah, The Way of the Sufi (Lon- 9 I. Asimov, “The Subtlest Difference” (in don: Jonathan Cape, 1968), 105. 29 Abell, G. & Singer, B., eds., Science and the Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet (New York: Al- Paranormal. New York: Scribners fred Knopf, 1968), 54-55. 30 Sons,1981), 158. W. Mills, Tone Magazine (Ottawa, Ontario, 10 C. Sagan, Interview in Psychology Today April, 1999). 31 (Jan/Feb, 1996), 65. Chaim Kramer, Anatomy of the Soul (Jerusa- 11 Guru Bawa, “The Mind is in the Heart” (In- lem: Breslov Research Institute, 1998). 32 terview in Psychology Today, April, 1977). Ibid., 218. 33 12 Sri G. Chinmoy, Yoga and the Spiritual Life Ibid., 211. 34 (New York: Tower Publications, 1970), 16. Ibid., 231-2. 35 13 The term “ego” is usually taken to refer to our This illustration is from Manly Hall’s The lesser self or personality, a part of the healthy Secret Teachings of All Ages: An Encyclope- development of a human being. However, dic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Quabbalis- sometimes the term “Ego” is used in the more tic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy archaic form, to refer to the true Self. A. Bai- (Los Angeles: Philosophical Research Soci- ley capitalizes Ego when referring to the Soul. ety, 1978). 36 14 Ramana Maharshi, The Sage of Arunacala J. Robinson (Ed.), Nag Hammadi Library (San (London: Mahadevan, Allen & Unwin, 1977), Francisco: Harper & Row, 1981), 44, 49. 37 90-91. Adi Da, The Enlightenment of the Whole 15 K. Bhikshu, Sri Ramana Gita: Dialogues of Body (California: Dawn Horse Press, 1978), Maharshi (India: Ti ruvannamalai, 19 66), 39- 387-390. 38 42. B. Brown, New Mind, New Body: Biofeed- 16 S. Prabhavananda & F. Manchester (eds.), The back: New Directions for the Mind (Toronto: Upanishads:Breath of the Eternal (New York: Bantam Books, 1974), 227. 39 New American Library, 1957), 45-46. In modern science, researchers map brain 17 Ibid., 74. functions by monitoring blood flow to deter- 18 A. Prabhupada, Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is (Los mine which parts of the brain are active dur- Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1972). ing different cognitive tasks. Unfortunately, 19 Ibid., 34. scientists do not consider that the blood flow 20 Ibid., 659-660. might itself be related to the experience of consciousness.

Consciousness, Cognitive Neuroscience and Divine Logic Embodiment: Suggestions for Group Work

Jon Darrall-Rew

As long as our brain is a mystery, the universe – the reflection of the structure of the brain – will also be a mystery.” - Santiago Ramón y Cajal, 1852-1934.1

Figure 1 (left) - Representation of a small population of neurons (brain cells) within the 100 billion or so in the human brain.2 Figure 2 (right) - Simulated representation of galactic clusters linked together by strings of dark matter (approximately 3.26 light years.) 3

Abstract worldwide group’s work of supporting the Planetary Logos’ advancement on the rom ancient Hermeticism, to Hindu cosmic Path, and the establishment of the F cosmology, Kalachakra Buddhism, Temple of Power on Earth. and the Trans-Himalayan tradition, one of the foundations of the esoteric system is Introduction the teaching that direct correspondences ithin the Trans-Himalayan esoteric and analogies can be drawn between the literature, the Master Djwhal Khul, mechanism through which the human in- W also known as “the Tibetan,” or “the Ti- dividual functions, and that through which betan Master,” most often considers beings of planetary, solar and cosmic pro- humanity’s position within the planetary portion also function. A specific analogy life as embodying the planetary throat explored in the Bailey literature is between humanity and the planetary Logoic brain. ______Drawing on contemporary findings in the About the Author fields of consciousness science and cognitive neuropsychology, this essay explores Jon Darrall-Rew i s curre ntly st udying P sy- this analogy in terms of its applications for chology a t Bangor U niversity i n Wales, U K, group work. It is suggested that in this and has been a student of t he Wisdom for the new age during which the orientation is whole of his life. He has interests in the scien- increasingly oriented toward divine em- tific st udy of m editation and consciousness, and the new Schools of the Mysteries. He can bodiment and integration, such research be contacted at [email protected]. findings can be greatly efficacious in the

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 37 The Esoteric Quarterly chakra. In certain other passages, however, cosmically. Just as the human unit no the human center is mentioned in relation longer needs to direct any conscious atten- to alternative functions and roles within tion to its basic physiological processes in the planetary Logoic constitution,4 point- order for them to function effectively, so ing to the existence of higher-order su- too do the Planetary and Solar Logos have perordinate truths that reconcile such para- the workings of their dense physical con- doxes. In one such passage Djwhal Khul stitution, located as they are on the sys- delineates just such an alternative pro- temic physical, astral and mental planes, posal: dropped below the level of required conscious direction.7 Humanity is intended to be the medium wherein certain activities can be insti- This does not necessarily infer, however, tuted. It is in reality the brain of the that the focus of the Logoic gaze has planetary Deity, its many units being shifted so completely as to be beyond the analogous to the brain cells in the hu- need to integrate the dense physical into man apparatus. Just as the human the planned divine expression. In this rela- brain, made up of an infinite number of tion, one is reminded of the following pas- sentient responsive cells, can be suita- sage from the Old Commentary: bly impressed when quiescence has When light illuminates the minds of been achieved, and can become the men and stirs the secret light within all medium of expression for the plans and other forms, then the One in Whom we purposes of the Soul, transmitting its live reveals His hidden, secret lighted ideas via the mind, so the planetary De- Will. ity, working under the inspiration of the Universal Mind, can impress hu- When the purpose of the Lords of manity with the purposes of God and Karma can find no more to do, and all produce consequent effects in the the weaving and close-related plans are world of phenomena.5 all worked out, then the One in Whom we live can say: “Well done! Naught Given the strong associations drawn else- but the beautiful remains.” where in the literature between the throat chakra and the mental nature, connected as When the lowest of the low, the dens- it is with the physical brain, such a pas- est of the dense, and the highest of the sage as this can be seen not to stray too far high have all been lifted through the lit- from the conventional position, and as tle wills of men, then can the One in ever, Djwhal Khul employs the Laws of Whom we live raise into radiating light Correspondence and Analogy in order to the vivid ball of Earth, and then an- expand our understanding of the planetary other greater Voice can say to him: Life. In this essay, further exploration will “Well done! Move on. Light Shines.”8 be given to this association between hu- Thus it seems explicit in the Teaching that manity and the planetary brain, and a fundamental aspect of the Plan, and ul- through the use of said laws in a similar timately Purpose itself, involves the reali- manner. Certain research findings and zation of the Divine, in and upon all theoretical proposals from contemporary planes. In terms of the applicability and cognitive neuroscience will be advanced relevance of the above passage to our cur- as potentially beneficial to the worldwide rent times and the relatively near future, discipleship group’s understanding of the (Though in an ultimate sense this passage Logoic constitution, and of its role within refers to great consummations many cy- it. cles hence.) we are reminded of the auspi- As is mentioned frequently within the cious conjunction taking place between Trans-Himalayan literature, owing to it the Seventh Ray and Aquarian cycle. Such being one of the main foci of development a conjunction allows the sevenfold Light in the previous solar system, the physical Supernal found on the atmic plane to find body is no longer considered a principle.6 location upon the physical plane,9 and thus This is the case both micro and macro- the opportunity for great strides to surely

38 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 be made. Indeed, when speaking of the field of cognitive neuroscience, the vast impulse behind the drive toward the Ex- majority, perhaps more than 90% of all ternalization of the Hierarchy, the Tibetan neurocognitive processing, occurs uncon- Master notes the demand of the Law of sciously, that is, without any explicit con- Synthesis to include all “five worlds of scious awareness.12 Adding further weight superhuman evolution”10 in enlightened to the ancient Hermetic axiom of “as spiritual expression. This obviously in- above, so below,” like many complex bio- cludes the dense Logoic body, our three logical systems, the brain is recognized as worlds of the personality, of which it is being, to some degree, hierarchically or- said that the Planetary Logos is presently ganized, both structurally and functionally. “unconscious.”11 The structure of the cerebral cortex, or outer layer of the brain that serves its Returning to the Tibetan’s noted associa- highest cognitive and perceptual functions, tion between humanity and the brain of the is traditionally differentiated into four planetary Deity, if the consideration of lobes that serve different functions, per- human units as cells within the Logoic ceptually and attentionally (Figure 3). brain is pondered upon, and we recognize Speaking crudely for the purposes of illus- the unique position of the human family to tration, in the posterior lobe of the brain act as the medium whereby the divine (the occipital lobe) for instance, is found Logoic Consciousness can be extended to the visual system; at the sides (the tempo- all parts of its constitution, then reflection ral lobes) the linguistic and auditory sys- upon the current neuropsychological theo- tems; on the top of the brain the sensory ries of how consciousness is supported by and motor areas are found which allow the the brain may, perhaps, prove enlighten- processing of sensory information and ing. Such considerations must, admittedly, subsequent physical movements to be be undertaken under the Law of Analogy planned and enacted in response to those rather than Correspondence, for caution signals respectively; at the front of the must necessarily be exercised in such brain (the frontal lobes) is found the ex- speculative analyses such as these. ecutive system, the most phylogenetically Neuroscience and recently developed part of the cortex and Consciousness the neurological base of such higher cognitive capacities as attention regulation, s is commonly understood within the planning, strategies, and complex emotion. A

Figure 3. Representation of the lobes of the brain.13 These sensory and attentional systems are components, or “modules,” that serve a each differentiated into myriads of sub- particular and specific role within the

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 39 The Esoteric Quarterly overall system and whose output is even- teaching. The first demonstrates its own tually integrated with that of other mod- ontological naiveté and biased outlook by ules, and ultimately with the output of stripping consciousness of any prescribed other collections of modules in other value simply owing to its lack of clear lobes, to form an overall percept. If we contribution to the basic computational take the visual system as a quick example, and mechanistic processes of interest. It research has shown that at the lowest lev- thereby neglects the potential other bene- els of its hierarchical organization, mod- fits available to human beings as a result ules of approximately 150,000 neurons, or of consciousness, such as our inevitable brain cells, process such specific aspects growth and development that occurs pre- of a visual scene as lines of a particular cisely owing to the intensely rich subjec- orientation (lines at a 45° angle, for in- tive experience that we all know so well. stance), with other modules of the same Such growth offers an opportunity of im- level differentially processing information measurable value, the worth of which is regarding lines of other orientations, color, completely non-contingent upon the in- movement, spatial frequency and bright- volvement of consciousness — its basis — ness, all independently. The roles of such in neurological function. The second posi- modules are, as said, highly specific, and it tion on the primacy of matter over con- is not until their information is selectively sciousness, i.e., that consciousness combined with that of other modules at the emerges from and is not possible without a same level of perceptual organization, material substrate of sufficient sophistica- such as auditory or sensory information, tion, is naturally also somewhat in contra- and with higher, more integrative levels diction to the position of the esoteric that their collective output may, perhaps, teachings, which instead propose the pri- enter consciousness as a unified percept, macy of consciousness, that consciousness the like of which you are experiencing as (pure and unalloyed to physical, emotional you look at these words. The key point to or concrete mental processes) is extant recognize here is that the vast majority of prior to, and is not dependent for its exis- this activity, in terms of the individual and tence on the brain. For our current pur- differentiated functioning of the modules poses in this essay, the answer to which of of which the sensory systems are com- these are primary is fairly immaterial, if posed, is literally unconscious to the being the pun be forgiven, though I shall note in whose brain it is occurring. It does not incidentally that despite research having require, and in the vast majority of in- demonstrated beyond question that the stances does not involve, phenomenologi- brain is necessary for consciousness, at cal consciousness. You are not, for exam- least upon the physical plane, it has cate- ple, experientially aware at this moment of gorically not been demonstrated that it is the working of such aforementioned indi- responsible for the production of con- vidual neurons responding selectively, for sciousness.16 Incidentally, as an additional instance, to lines of a particular orientation point, this recognition is at the heart of on this page. This finding is at the root of some newly emerging theories in con- the ambivalence demonstrated by many sciousness research (though with their within the scientific community toward roots extending back to the very birth of consciousness as anything “special.” At western psychology), that are more in worst, theorists exclude consciousness keeping with the esoteric teaching. These from their spheres of investigative interest theories are called “filter theories.”17 They by declaring that it “is not good for any- employ experimental evidence from near- thing,”14 and at best, often view con- death experience research, research into sciousness as an emergent property, or psi phenomena such as telepathy, and simple by-product of brain function.15 meditation research, in company with that Neuroscientific and esoteric views on which has been garnered from mainstream neuropsychological and philosophical in- consciousness quiries, to demonstrate that (physical Both of these positions are naturally in plane) consciousness is indeed primary to direct opposition to that of the esoteric the brain, and is filtered (and therefore

40 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 necessarily limited) by the brain, rather considerations, is the supposition that it is than produced by it. The implications of this synchronous firing of different groups such theories are profound for the scien- of neurons, or “phase synchrony” (with tific worldview. each group processing information regarding a particular part of the visual scene, to In returning to consideration of main- continue the visual example) that acts as a stream consciousness research as de- gating mechanism for consciousness.19 scribed above, for our current purposes, Therefore, as some studies have demon- the crucial point to be taken from it simply strated, this theory suggests that a percept relates to the fact that there seems to be a will only be registered consciously if those specific point in information processing modules that are processing its different when a perception enters consciousness. aspects, fire in a synchronous fashion (see The mechanisms whereby this is able to Figure 4). Keeping the analogy outlined occur, and the necessary conditions for it, by the Master Djwhal Khul between hu- have been, and still are, the subject of ex- man units and the brain cells, or neurons tensive research and theorizing. of the brain of the planetary Deity always Two Neurocognitive Theories of in mind, it is interesting to note that this Consciousness theory places the emphasis on the temporal rather than spatial relationship between One position taken on the matter proposes different but yet similarly oriented (in an answer in the form of what is called terms of function) groups of neurons. This binding, “ ” and this relates to the notion allows their output to become part of a that it is the simultaneous and synchronous transcendent conscious moment com- firing of different groups of neurons, pletely beyond their own individual exis- which differentially represent different tence and function. Similarly we should aspects of a stimulus, a visual scene for note that it is not through strength or rate instance (though they could equally repre- of firing, but through synchrony of firing, sent the various aspects of an auditory, that brain regions responsible for the same sensory or other type of stimulus), that functions but yet disparately located are allows those different aspects of the visual able to communicate with each other and scene to be perceived as differentiated and 18 interact with higher-order, more syntheti- yet part of the same perception. Further- cally oriented systems. more, and most relevant for our current .

Figure 4. Representation of the synchronous firing of groups of widely distributed neurons.20 As scientists have noted, however, though sciousness, certain experimental findings such synchrony may be necessary for con- suggest that it is not sufficient for it. For

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 41 The Esoteric Quarterly instance, one study noted the presence of tion of features is present in the visual phase synchrony in various brain regions field. The higher-order group will then, in animals while under anesthetic, suggest- based on situational context, previous ex- ing that its presence does not necessarily perience and the clear visibility of the ob- equate to the arising of a conscious mo- ject, hypothesize that it is a pen that is in ment.21 Working on the basis that phase front of the eyes and the firing of the synchrony is a necessary component for lower and higher level neurons would consciousness but not sufficient for it, align in synchrony to produce a clear con- Edelman and Tononi22 have suggested that scious perception and recognition of the a further ingredient is necessary for the pen in phenomenological awareness. If the arising of such a unified conscious mo- hypothesized schemata for what the object ment, and this is what is known in the field might be is wrong, and does not match as “re-entry.” Re-entry-related theories of with the output of the lower-order stimulus consciousness are rooted in the fact that detection neuronal groups, then phase syn- many researchers considered the conscious chrony will not occur and the higher-order arising of perceptions as part of an exclu- assemblies will have to perform a further sively feed-forward system, where small search of memory for what the detected and specific pieces of information are in- set of features may be before said object creasingly integrated by progressively may enter conscious awareness. higher-order regions of the brain until they Fundamental here for our current purposes reach a certain location where “it all is the necessity for, and opportunity of- comes together,” and a conscious percep- fered by, an established resonance be- tion arises. Research has, however, been tween the lower and the higher, in both completely unable to locate such end-point horizontal and vertical synchrony, which regions. What has been recognized is that allows the emergence of such an afore- there are, in fact, even more neural con- mentioned unified and transcendent connections going “back,” from the higher scious moment. Indeed, if one were to ac- regions to those where the earlier stages of cept the primacy of consciousness as processing occur than there are those go- surely most esotericists would, one might ing in the opposite direction. Naturally, recognize that this resonance between the this is a finding that one would not expect lower and the higher does not allow the were the system to operate purely in a emergence of such consciousness. Rather, feed-forward fashion. Building on Edel- it provides a suitable congruency of condi- man and Tononi’s work, Lancaster23 has tions whereby the already primary and suggested that conscious awareness of a transcendent consciousness may engulf its particular referent may very well arise constituent parts in identification with its from a dynamic and reciprocal interaction All-pervading nature. between lower-order groups of neurons responsible for stimulus detection, and Application for Group Work higher-order regions where internal repre- sentations (or memories, loosely put) of his brings me to a consideration of stimuli encountered before, are located. Thow such neuroscientifically-based Crucially for this theory, consciousness is theories of consciousness might inform the said to arise when a “match” is achieved worldwide discipleship group’s under- between the signals detected by the lower- standing of the planetary Life and our order assemblies and the hypothesized place within it. It seems worth reiterating schemata in higher-order areas for what that such extrapolations drawn from the the object might be, with that match ex- above information must come under the pressing itself in terms of phase synchrony Law of Analogy rather than direct Corre- achieved between the lower and higher spondence, though the factors of syn- levels. To illustrate this, Lancaster offers chrony and resonance seem to play impor- the example of holding a pen before his tant roles all along the great Chain of Be- eyes. In this situation, the lower level ing and may very well be ontologically- groups of neurons will signal to the rooted keys to communication, union and higher-order regions that a specific collec- revelation (whether mundane or super-

42 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 mundane) throughout the universe. Indeed, might be conceptualized as embodying the when speaking of the topic of the so-called role of the higher-order assemblies that “door of initiation,” the Master Djwhal hold the schemata with which the lower- Khul wrote, “It is only when the electrical order groups seek a match. On the plane- energy of which the door is constituted tary level, these schemata exist as arche- and that of which the man is constructed at types or “Energetic realities seeking to any particular time synchronize and vi- impress themselves upon the material brate in unison that the aspirant can pass plane, gathering and ordering forms into through into greater light.”24 In a manner conformity with the law,”27 all as sub- most congruent with the example relating components of the overarching archetype to the visual system previously mentioned, or schemata, the Plan itself, and each hold- if we expand these ideas to the planetary ing a center of pure Life sourced in Sham- level, we might consider the role of those balla. As theorists have suggested to be the groups all around the globe who constitute case with the emergence of consciousness centers within the New Group of World in the microcosm, it seems that it is only Servers and who are acting as what one when groups of disciples are able to disciple has called “Registrants of the Vi- achieve synchronous functioning as uni- sion”25 (Figure 5), as embodying a role fied groups that the opportunity exists for that is analogous to the lower-order as- fusion, through synchrony of resonance, semblies of neurons previously discussed, with the higher Ashramic, or at certain which allow the detection of visual stim- times, the Hierarchical center as a whole. uli. Similarly, Hierarchy, the “Custodians This fusion allows the revelation of that of the Plan,”26 arranged as they are into which lies behind the two fused centers modular ashrams with each cell reverber- and the anchoring of that God- ating in synchrony with every other cell, consciousness on Earth.

Figure 5. Chart considering the roles of some of the various groups along the planetary Antahkarana. ‘NGWS’ stands for New Group of World Servers.28

Synchrony and group work previously discussed theories of phase Embodied in these ideas can be seen the synchrony and re-entry. This law is one Law of Magnetic Impulse at work and the which, we are told, governs group rela- esoterically inclined neuroscientist or cel- tions, esoterically considered, perhaps lular biologist might perceive the working even all the way down to the neuron (in- of this Law, whose esoteric name is the voking necessarily a broader definition of evocative “Law of Polar Union,” in the “Soul” as that which is the “interior”29 of

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 43 The Esoteric Quarterly any organism), and also “the relation of that has hitherto existed only within the the Soul of a group to the Soul of other group, to one existing between groups; groups.”30 In describing the working of specifically, between the discipleship this law, the Tibetan Master seems to be group in the world, and the Ashram. This nearly at a loss in giving the rationale for results in the creation of a field in which its aforementioned esoteric name. Never- revelation of the conscious intention of the theless, perhaps some clarification can Master, at the center of the Ashram, or here be added to this seemingly obscure even perhaps the Ray Lord in Shamballa nomenclature. Just as vertical union along whose line the group and Ashram through synchrony between lower and are found, can occur. It also allows for the higher order neuronal groups is contingent establishment of a foundation through upon initial synchrony established hori- which that vision can be anchored in the zontally within and perhaps also between world. Such is the opportunity available at the lower-order group(s) on the same the times of the full moon, with the need level, so also may that be the case for the for an even wider synchronization at such worldwide discipleship group(s) and Hier- times as the major festivals of the year and archy. the equinoxes and solstices. In neuroscientifically informed consciousness research, The synchrony required from groups must it seems wise to point out that scientists no surely exist on a number of levels and in- longer seek the source of consciousness volves their use of the Technique of Invo- (or indeed the majority of complex brain cation and Evocation, the cycle of the functions) in particular and individual breath, understood in its widest connota- modules, but rather in networks of mod- tions, the new Aquarian group-oriented ules, all synergistically active with precise energies, and the employment of the Sev- synchronization in the millisecond range, enth Ray in terms of “Ritual and Divine 31 and at these latter annual high points, uni- Ceremonial.” As individuals establish fied groups of human cells can similarly themselves as Souls they are necessarily extend their synchronization across groups drawn into relation with the planetary neu- also, in a horizontal sense, and vertically ral assembly or group among the New with Hierarchy as a whole. Indeed, we Group of World Servers in which they might expect the energy of organization34 must find their place and through synchro- released through the Shamballa impacts to nized, rhythmic meditation, that group is facilitate the arrangement of these group able to establish itself as a single unified 32 processes, and thus also the creation of a entity. Such synchronized and rhythmic field in which the Consciousness of the occult meditation allows both the individ- One who is found at the core of all centers, ual and the group access to that which and the Purpose as is visioned within His “fires” in the human cell, the jewel at the Great Mind and Heart, to begin to be heart of the Soul, which we are told “pul- known and anchored on Earth. sates rhythmically as does the heart of man.”33 Such unified groups, in touch with It is wise to notice, though, how just as this pulse of Life at their center, can be with the neural assemblies in the visual and are, potent factors in anchoring the system previously discussed, whose neu- Hierarchical archetypes on Earth. This ronal units perform independent roles (the they do through the right use of the Tech- registration, for instance, of lines of a spe- nique of Invocation and Evocation, con- cific orientation, or of color, of movement tingent as it is upon the right observance etc.) but who are unified into one group of the Law of Polar Union, in dynamic through synchronized firing, the synchro- ritual under the Seventh Ray and electrical nization demanded of groups does not re- communion under Aquarius and their quire identical activity. On an intergroup work is increasingly able to be dynami- level, synchronization may not exist, quite cally empowered through the process and rightly, just as identical activity does not opportunity for group initiation. In work- exist on an intragroup level between indi- ing with such laws and ray energies, the vidual members of that group. Synthesis group is able to extend the synchronization requires differentiation among the One,

44 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 and as is the great maxim of ecology, the seemingly discrete neural circuits and ar- strength of any system is embodied in the eas of neural anatomy often support par- extent of its diversity. This is what allows ticular behaviors. Patients with lesions to the worldwide group to make the wide and certain brain regions through accident or comprehensive contribution it does, and to disease often demonstrate deficits in spe- extend the tendrils cific behavioral skills, and of its fiery Light to As theorists have suggested yet maintain perfect all parts of the functioning in other areas. global system. to be the case with the One such case, that of a emergence of conscious- patient known in the The Greater 36 ness in the microcosm, it literature as L.M., Context involved a syndrome seems that it is only when known as Akinetopsia, o widen this where the patient was discussion in groups of disciples are able T unable to perceive such a manner as it to achieve synchronous movement or objects in may link up more functioning as unified motion. Fascinatingly fully with the though, all other visual planetary system, groups that the opportu- faculties (color let us now take into nity exists for fusion, perception, spatial consideration the through synchrony of perception, orientation, evolutionary posi- retinal disparity etc.) tion of the resonance, with the higher remained unaffected, Planetary Logos, Ashramic, or at certain implicating the anatomical and how the above times, the Hierarchical separation between dif- explorations, both ferent visual faculties as neuroscientific and center as a whole. responsible, with damage esoteric, may be of having occurred to one of them that is benefit. The Planetary Logos is approach- specifically responsible for motion percep- ing, we are told, the second cosmic initiation and nothing else. If one considers tion,35 and is at a crucial point in the estab- briefly just how many types of behavior lishment of His body of manifestation as a that are as little noticed but as functionally sacred planet. important as that which was damaged in If the correspondences between the indi- this case and which we exercise on an al- vidual way and the cosmic way reflect most constant basis, one may begin to get each other at all, then perhaps many would some idea of the number of functionally expect this to be one of the most challeng- distinct brain regions and neural connec- ing crises for the planetary Being. The tions within the cerebrum (what some reorientation and changes involved in the have calculated as 10 to the 83rd power!37). second degree are far reaching indeed, The subtle roots of behavior requiring the pilgrim to orient him or her- self back toward their true nature, even if The brain is intended to be, and already is, that orientation cannot be fully embodied to a certain extent, a synthetic instrument until the third degree is taken. This neces- in which all aspects of a human being’s sarily involves the institution of new lines constitution, personality, Soul and spirit, of thinking, new modes of perception, new may be supported for expression on the patterns of behavior and certainly, the physical plane.38 It therefore seems rea- massive reorganization of the emotional sonable to propose that the structural and life, with all of these changes expressing functional organization of the brain re- themselves in definite restructuring proc- flects, as the surface structure and in one esses within the subtle bodies. Cognitive coherent anatomical locus, the deep struc- neuropsychology, most especially in the tural and functional organization of the clinical field, has documented a strong subtle bodies. What I mean by this is the degree of anatomical specificity in the supposition that just as within the brain brain, in terms of the degree to which particular behaviors are definitely sup-

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 45 The Esoteric Quarterly ported by different brain regions and neu- stage to simply make the point that in a ral connections, so also would it seem rea- manner that is contingent upon our degree sonable to suggest that within the subtle of personality integration and Soul infu- bodies, particular behaviors that are even- sion, all of the behaviors (inner and outer) tually biologically, neuropsychologically that we manifest on a daily basis, person- and behaviorally rooted in the brain, have ality-related, soulful, and for some even their source in specific centers and path- triadic, are likely supported by particular ways of subtle energy. The often pointed- and specific subtle energetic centers and out primacy of the subtle over the gross pathways within and extending between that is described in the esoteric literature, the bodies supporting these forms of con- would suggest that the neural connections sciousness. that modern day cognitive neuroscience Neuroplasticity, mindfulness and the has come to investigate, are the physical plane exterior reflections of such subtle technique of substitution centers and energetic pathways existing in In a manner that provides an esoteric per- the subtle bodies, and that it is these subtle spective on Social Learning theories and centers and pathways that are the real, their neurological extensions, one might deep level support for their respective be- further suggest that just as modern day haviors. One might thus incidentally sug- cognitive neuroscience has been able to gest that the structural and functional roundly reject strong arguments of deter- complexity of the centers and pathways in minism through the recognition of the the subtle bodies must be at least as com- brain’s startling degree of plasticity, so plex as it is in the brain, and this hypothe- also is it likely that these subtle energetic sis is supported by the description of the pathways that support particular behaviors etheric body as composed of “millions of are also possible of strengthening, dimin- 39 tiny streams or lines of energy.” This ishing, and radical reorganization. conjecture aside, it is my focus at this

Figure 6. Representation of just a small number of neural connections that may be strengthened or weakened as a function of usage.40

This finding relates to what is known in channel of cognitive, emotional or the field as “neuroplasticity.” It entails physical behavior, prevents the feeding the recognition that the circuitry of the of that particular behavior. And as the brain is actually quite malleable through Tibetan tells us, if it is starved of such experience and learning, with those vitalization for a sufficient period of brain regions and pathways that are re- time, it will eventually die of atrophy. peatedly used becoming strengthened This is where the practice of substitution and those that are not used becoming is also important, implemented, as it atrophied and losing their connectivity. must be, through the creative imagina- This observation is directly supportive tion. Visualization, a faculty of the crea- of the Master Djwhal Khul’s discus- tive imagination, has been explained to sions41 of how the turning of the disci- us as an occult technique of tremendous ple’s mental gaze and attention away value in actualizing and unfolding our from those lines of thought and patterns true nature.45 Thus it can be seen that of behavior that are “contrary to through its adaptive use, we may begin yoga,”42 may allow the withdrawal of to forge the kind of new subtle energetic their energetic life-source. pathways and connections that charac- terize the initiate, and in a slightly dif- For the individual disciple, application ferent sense, the Master. of this knowledge comes in the recognition that the maintenance of a healthy Working upon this logic, it is, and has and exercised brain is fundamentally always been, these kinds of practices important. It is also important, in rela- that facilitate the building of the new tion to the larger picture of the personal- connections that have been found in the ity as a whole, the prototypes of said intermediate level meditative practices plastic brain connections in the subtle of the esoteric traditions. The Tibetan bodies, and in our efforts to establish speaks to us of such things in terms of right patterns of thought, emotional “as if” thinking. So too does Thomas a functioning, speech, and action. Often, Kempis’ injunction towards the “Imita- when practitioners fail to demonstrate tion of Christ,” or the Tantric practices such behavior, they are apt to experience of guru or deity yoga, as found in Ti- a sense of failure and despondency at betan Buddhism, in which the practitio- their perceived lack of ability to live up ner generates and stabilizes in visualiza- to the high ideals of discipleship. Ac- tion the perfect embodiment of particu- cording to the currently explored line of lar divine qualities in the form of a deity reasoning, however, though a healthy or guru before transferring their point of and cognitively clear-sighted recogni- identification to that deity or guru. In- tion of incorrect action is required, the deed, the XIVth Dalai Lama himself has kind of full-bodied emotional reaction to said, “In brief, the body of a Buddha is perceived failure that is common to attained by meditating on it.”46 those disciples along the 2-4-6 Ray-line The planetary application especially (who often evince a greater emotional investment in such matters), Simultaneously, this understanding of only serves to reinforce the emotional how the emotional nature is purified and reaction. We have been taught that “en- transformed can also be applied to our ergy follows thought,”43 and that “the understanding of the position of the eye, opened by thought, directs the en- Planetary Logos as He nears the second ergy in motion.”44 Thus, in this sense, cosmic initiation. In this connection, the one must care, but not care, and here, following passage is of interest: the practice of mindfulness demon- Fundamentally, the task set before strates the energetic basis of its ration- the Hierarchy is to “let in the light,” ale. Mindfulness (understood within a but this time not in the sense of reve- Vipassana context), or the deliberate lation, of vision or of illumination. dis-identification of one’s attention (and These latter are all aspects of Soul thus one’s energy) from a particular light; the work of the initiate is to aid

in the construction of the planetary operation with the liberated hierarchies body of light-substance which will on the cosmic astral plane. The Tibetan finally reveal the nature of Deity and describes the work of the Buddha, the the Glory of the Lord. It is the plane- Christ, and the Avatar of Synthesis as tary correspondence to the light-body related to the founding of three great through which the Christ and all the “Temples of the Mysteries (of which sons of God Who have reached per- two already exist, and the third will later fection finally manifest. It is a vehi- appear).”49 He points out the work of the cle created by the energy of Will, and Buddha is related to the founding of the it is implemented and “held in being” Temple of Light on the mental plane, by the Will.47 the work of the Christ is related to the founding of the Temple of Love on the The Planetary Logos is attempting to astral plane, and the work of the Avatar anchor a seed of solar Will in this sys- of Synthesis is related to the future tem, and to take control of His vehicles founding of a “divine powerhouse upon of manifestation. And just as mindful- the physical plane”50 through which the ness and substitution through the use of Mysteries may be externalized51 and creative visualization must be employed humanity’s innate divinity can be real- by the individual disciple upon their ized. The brain and the nervous system Way, so also does the Planetary Logos are instruments whose operation is fun- find Himself in a similar situation as He damentally electrical in nature. The faces this second cosmic initiation. His Temple of Power52 that we are now be- cosmic mindfulness must involve Him ginning to build on the (cosmic) physi- turning His eye away from certain an- cal plane is, in great part, the building cient thought-forms of materiality, of and coordination of these new connec- such an exalted nature that they may tions of Life within the planetary Logoic appear as seemingly divine to the human body and central nervous system. As eye, so as to end their energetic vitaliza- dense externalizations of their etheric tion. These must be substituted, through counterparts, they are what will allow His use of the creative imagination (fo- th the Planetary Logos to anchor this seed cused as He is on the 4 sub-plane of the 48 of solar Will on, and in, the Earth. A cosmic astral ), for patterns of Logoic fundamental aspect of the Logoic pro- behavior more congruent with His di- ject in the present and coming cycles is vine aspiration. This may contribute to to fully integrate His physical and His capacity to align His cosmic astral etheric bodies, and thus to “remember” and buddhic vehicles, and to sweep the Himself as He truly IS throughout the cell-units within His body of manifesta- depths of His manifestation as well as tion into new activity in the creation of the heights.53 The word “power,” as in- those energetic connections that are in cluded in the phrase the “Temple of line with His Purpose. Here it is well to Power,” can, in one sense, be under- remind ourselves of the quote from the stood in terms of a specific electrical Tibetan included at the beginning of this definition; that is, the forging of those essay that described humanity as analo- energetic connections of electric fire gous to the planetary Logoic brain cells, within the planetary Logoic brain and and as the medium whereby the plane- body, and the distribution of the Life tary Deity, working under the inspira- principle under Aquarius throughout tion of the Universal Mind, can begin to those circuits. Such distribution and cir- work out the plans and purposes of the culation (Aquarius does, after all, have a solar and cosmic Life as they relate to special relation to the blood and circula- the Earth. tory system.54) may allow Him to be- The Role of the Group come fully “embodied,” and to operate His vehicles according to the highest his is where we, as those Self- Will. Tied in with this process, and cru- Trealizing units upon the cosmic cial to it, is the newly inaugurated cycle physical plane, may play our part in co-

48 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010. Fall 2010 of Shamballa impacts and the Seventh Triangles, Ray Schools and the Law of Ray/Aquarian conjunction which focuses the the Supplementary Seven dynamic power of these impacts directly upon the physical plane. In this way, the Preparatory to this is the Triangles work (and planetary Logoic physical principle can re- similarly oriented projects), involving the deem his vehicles from both micro and mac- reorganization of the pathways of energy cir- rocosmic perceptions of dualism in a tantric culation throughout the three worlds. These embrace of cosmic proportions. pathways are the deep structures upon which right relationship and interaction are built. Remembering the fact that the physical body of the Planetary Logos comprises the entirety Many scientists now place great emphasis on of our three worlds,55 these electrical connec- re-entry as key to the brain’s capacity to sup- tions can be posited to be rooted to the fiery port consciousness through its diverse modu- flow of blue-white fire between the jewels of lar networks. Similarly, it is through dynami- groups of causal bodies on the abstract men- cal, reciprocal connections established be- tal plane. The Planetary Logos’ intended tween the men and women of goodwill physical behavior can then be supported by throughout the world, that the plastic ener- those groups of Souls56 (analogous to the as- getic connections throughout the planetary semblies of neurons previously described) body may be sufficiently reorganized. This whose mental alignment and point of identi- cooperative endeavor establishes a synergis- fication is sufficient to translate those fiery tic field of energy circulation on a global (im)pulses between and through the jewel(s) scale and a physiological supporting basis for into enlightened behavior in the three worlds. the cosmic Soul-behavior of the Planetary Logos.

Figure 7. ‘Group Work’ by Lynda Vugler.57

Within this framework, we might further Whom they live and move. We might also consider the role of initiate-disciples in their consider the role of the advanced Ray various ray groups identified with the One in Schools that are to come, for they will surely

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly 2010 49 The Esoteric Quarterly play a large role in this process. Initiates, we physical plane, the reorganization of the “di- are told, work with the Law of the Supple- vine circulatory flow” through the planetary mentary Seven58 which relates to their identi- body might be greatly facilitated by the fied participation in the direction of Life, in founding of the Schools of Initiation. These its three-and-sevenfold ray differentiation, Schools, composed of initiate groups of pre- from its relative source in the seven planetary dominating ray hues in which work with the chakras, through the seven great Ashrams of First Aspect is primary,62 might serve as Hierarchy and out into the world via the ini- great ray stations of Life under this Law of tiates’ own sevenfold chakra systems. This the Supplementary Seven. Initiate groups in law is described as “the great synthetic Law “united breath” and with “united rhythm” of Life or of Spirit.”59 Initiates are able to will then draw upon the energy of organiza- work with, and within it, owing to the in- tion to restructure the electrical pathways and creasing identification with the Whole. Such connections within the planetary body so that work necessarily involves the conscious di- right energetic relations exits between the rection of solar streams of Life into the body three major planetary centers. In this manner of the Planetary Logos along particular can the Temple of Power be established on pathways, originating (relatively speaking) in the physical plane and its seven living pillars centers of force within the solar Logoic body of Purpose,63 extending from “the lowest of (the seven Planetary Logoi), and travelling the low” to “the highest of the high”64 be via the currents of cosmic etheric space. As raised. Thus can the Planetary Logos, in a they enter the planetary body, they will nec- realized identification of His place and divine essarily be canalized along the already extant mission within the greater solar, cosmic and subtle pathways of energy within the etheric perhaps even galactic Life, expand His ca- body of the Planetary Logos under the willful pacity to express that which He truly IS, on direction of the initiates. Naturally, as the all planes and through all states of con- Planetary Logos advances toward the second sciousness. 65 cosmic initiation, those who are able to work with this Law of the Supplementary Seven Conclusion will necessarily undertake the previously dis- onsideration has been given to an alter- cussed reorganization of those subtle etheric Cnative conception of humanity’s place pathways. In discussing the initiate’s work and function within the planetary Being. The with this law, Djwhal Khul explicitly empha- orientation of the Planetary Logos toward the sizes that it is only possible in group forma- integration of His physical and etheric bod- tion, and that the most immediate task of ies, and His embodiment of those bodies with such workers is to bring the three major and in His full cosmic consciousness has also planetary chakras, Shamballa, Hierarchy and been considered. Contributions made to the Humanity, into right energetic relation. Addi- worldwide group’s understanding of this tionally, in clear congruency with the above topic and how it may play its part are drawn considered analogy concerning the synchro- from contemporary findings in the field of nization required among neuronal groups cognitive neuroscience and consciousness within the human brain, and groups of initi- research. Such extrapolations have been ate-disciples within the planetary brain and made specifically in relation to the new chal- body, he outlines the need for such initiate lenges to group work, and the esoteric intri- groups to work with the “united breath” and cacies of this fascinating new era of explora- 60 in “united rhythm.” tion under the proposal that certain natural One might propose that as the externalization and biological systems already exist that may process proceeds under the Law of Synthe- provide enlightening insights into how to sis61 and we move forward into the Aquar- approach this work. It is recognized that in ian/Seventh Ray conjunction in which the taking this approach, one is reasoning from sevenfold Light Supernal is able to penetrate the physical to the subtle and thus in a man- all the way through from the atmic to the ner that is inverse to conventional occult dic-

50 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010. Fall 2010 tates, hence the explicit acknowledgement that such analysis must proceed under the www.jstor.org.unicat.bangor.ac.uk/stable/221 Law of Analogy rather than the Law of Cor- 6138?seq=1&Search=yes&term=Bedau,&ter respondence. It is hoped, however, that such m="Weak+Emer- analysis may contribute to the group’s reser- gence"&term=,&list=hide&searchUri=%2Fac voir of understanding on this matter, which tion%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery=Bedau,+" will become increasingly integral to disciple- Weak+Emergence",%26gw=jtx%26prq=ark+ ship as we advance into the Aquarian Age A.+ 16 and the energetic opportunities it holds. Edward P. Kelly and Emily Williams Kelly, Irreducible Mind (Boulder, Col: Rowman & Littlefield, 2007), 603-639. 17 1 Ibid., 603-639. Santiago Ramón y Caljal, as cited in James H. 18 Austin, Zen-Brain Reflections (London, UK: Andreas K. Engel and Wolf Singer, Temporal MIT Press, 2006), 23. binding and the neural correlates of sensory Trends in Cognitive Neuroscience 2 http://www.homepages.ucl.ac.uk/~sjjgnle/, awareness. (accessed June 30, 2010). Press, 2006), 23. 5, no. 1 (2001), http://0- 3 http://www.mpa- www.sciencedirect.com.unicat.bangor.ac.uk/s garching.mpg.de/mpa/research/current_resear cience?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VH9- ch/hl2004-8/hl2004-8-en.html/, (accessed 426XW3K- June 30, 2010). K&_user=899436&_coverDate=01%2F01%2 4 Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Astrology (New F2001&_alid=1371863354&_rdoc=1&_fmt= York, Lucis Publishing, 1951), 456. high&_orig=search&_cdi=6061&_sort=r&_d 5 Alice A. Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, ocan- (New York: Lucis Trust,1951), 527. chor=&view=c&_ct=16&_acct=C000047645 6 Helena P. Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine &_ver- (London, UK: Theosophical Publishing sion=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=899436&md House, 1928), 652. 5=5fc58e112e42c3b579c80bbf1fb17b2a/, (ac- 7 cessed May 2, 2010). Bruce P. Lyon, Agni: Way of Fire (Palm- 19 erston North, NZ: Whitestone Publishing, Francisco Varela, Jean-Philippe Lachaux, 2004), 128. Eugenio Rodriguez, and Jacques Martinerie, 8 Alice A. Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, The Brainweb: Phase synchronization and Nature Reviews Neu- Vol. II, (New York: Lucis Trust, 1955), 314- large-scale integration. roscience 2, (2001): 229-239. 315. 20 9 Ibid., 425-426. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009 10 Alice A. Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, /07/090714203442.htm/, (accessed June 30, 2010). (New York: Lucis Trust, 1960), 334. 21 11 Alice A. Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, C. H. Vanderwolf, Are neocortical gamma Brain Re- (New York: Lucis Trust, 1951), 688. waves related to consciousness? search 12 Gary Bruno Schmid, “Conscious vs. Uncon- 855, no. 2 (2000), http://0- scious Information Processing in the Mind- www.sciencedirect.com.unicat.bangor.ac.uk/s Brain”, Mind-Body Info, n.d., cience?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6SYR- http://www.mind- 3YJYD3N- body.info/Contents/CONSCIOUSNESS/Mind 3&_user=899436&_coverDate=02%2F14%2 -Brain%20I-Processing.htm/, (accessed June F2000&_alid=1371907141&_rdoc=1&_fmt= 13, 2010). high&_orig=search&_cdi=4841&_sort=r&_d 13 http:/www.pastorcraig.net/brain_injury_infor ocan- mation_for_spo.htm, (accessed June 30, chor=&view=c&_ct=227&_acct=C00004764 2010). 5&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=8994 14 Ray Jackendoff, Consciousness and the Com- 36&md5=09bb268c31d3b9f053b1e8d14d633 d4d/, (accessed June 3, 2010). putational Mind (Cambridge, Mass: MIT 22 Press, 1987), 26. Gerald M. Edelman and Giulio Tononi, “Re- 15 Mark A. Bedau, “Weak Emergence”, Nous 31, entry and the Dynamic Core”: Neural Corre- Supplement: Philosophical Perspectives, 11, lates of Conscious Experience, in Neural Cor- relates of Consciousness: Empirical and Con- Mind, Causation, and World (1997), 375-399, ceptual Questions http://0- , ed. Thomas Metzinger, 139-151. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2000.

23 Brian L. Lancaster, Approaches to Conscious- 41 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 210-211. ness: The Marriage of Science and Mysticism 42 Bailey, The Light of the Soul, (New York: (Basingstoke, UK: Palgrove Macmillan, Lucis Trust, 1927), 191. 2004), 136-147. 43 Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, 24 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 351. 132. 25 Lyon, Agni, 247. 44 Ibid. 26 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 69. 45 Ibid. 27 Bruce Lyon, Group Initiation (Palmerston 46 Robert Beer, The Encyclopedia of Tibetan North, NZ: Whitestone Publishing, 2005), 9. Symbols and Motifs (London, UK: Serindia 28 Lyon, Agni, 247. Diagram reproduced with Publications, 2004), 142. permission. 47 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 184. 29 Ken Wilber, Integral Psychology (Boston, 48 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 291. MA: Shambhala, 2000), 276-281. 49 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology Vol. II, 280. 30 Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, Vol. II, 50 Ibid., 281. (New York: Lucis Trust, 1942), 111. 51 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, Vol. II, 280. 31 Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, 52 Lyon, Agni, 178. 454. 53 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 1100. 32 Ibid., 132. 54 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, (New York: Lucis 33 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 1118. Trust, 1951), 142. 34 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 85-86. 55 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 691. 35 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 384. 56 Ibid., 683-684, 698. 36 J. Zihl, D. von Cramon, and N. Mai, Distur- 57 http://www.simplysacredspaces.com/, (ac- bance of movement vision after bilateral pos- cessed June 30, 2010). Reproduced with per- terior brain-damage - further evidence and fol- mission. low-up observations, Brain, 114, (1991): 58 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 156. 2235-2252. 59 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 157. 37 Phil Norfleet, Consciousness concepts of Ge- 60 Ibid., 161. rald Edelman, Academic Studies of Human 61 Ibid., 334. Consciousness, n.d., 62 Ibid., 221. http://consciousness2007.tripod.com/gerald_e 63 Ibid., 241-247. delman.htm/, (accessed June 15). 64 Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, 38 Bailey, The Rays and Initiations, 431-432. 314-315. 39 Bailey, Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, 65 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 276. 145. 40 http://www.sarahness.net/study-learning- sculpts-the-brains-connections/559/, (accessed June 30, 2010).

Methods of Service for the Seven Rays

Zachary F. Lansdowne

Summary pranamayakosha, a Sanskrit name, in Hin- duism. The dense physical body contains the lice Bailey lists six characteristic quali- muscles, organs, and bones. A ties for each soul ray and gives a symbolic “healing technique” for each ray. As The word chakra means “wheel” in San- demonstrated in this article, the “healing skrit, and it refers to a subtle wheel of technique” for each ray depicts a method of energy in the vital body that vitalizes a por- service for people with the corresponding tion of the dense physical body. The vital soul ray. Each method of service incorpo- body contains seven major chakras. For each rates the six characteristic qualities of its ray major chakra, Table 1 lists the English name, traditional Sanskrit name, and ap- and thereby clarifies the meaning of those 3 qualities. The complete set of characteristic proximate location. A major chakra is qualities may help us to recognize the ray sometimes depicted as a lotus consisting of a that is our own soul ray. specific number of petals, and this number is also given in Table 1. Bailey writes, “the The Soul Ray word ‘petal’ only symbolizes an expression of force,”4 so the number of petals associ- eachings on the seven rays are con- ated with a given chakra indicates the num- tained in both the ancient Hindu Rig T ber of different forces that can be expressed Veda and modern Theosophy.1 The purpose by that chakra. of this article is to elucidate and amplify some of the teachings on the seven rays Let us review some of Bailey’s teachings: given by Alice Bailey (1880-1949), a mod- A ray is but a name for a particular force ern theosophical writer and the founder of or type of energy, with the emphasis the Arcane School. Before discussing upon the quality which that force exhibits Bailey’s teachings, let us provide some pre- and not upon the form aspect which it liminary definitions. 5 creates. This is a true definition of a ray. According to Theosophy, every human The soul is a unit of energy, vibrating in being has a soul, causal body, and personal- unison with one of the seven ray Lives, ity. The soul could be regarded as “the 6 and colored by a particular ray light. superconscious self,”2 and the causal body as the instrument of abstract thought. The ______personality consists of the mental, emotional, and physical bodies. The mental About the Author body, sometimes called the “mind,” is the Zachary F. Lansdowne, Ph.D., who served as emo- instrument of concrete thought. The President of the Theosophical Society in Boston, tional body, sometimes called the “astral has been a frequent contributor to The Esoteric body,” generates our longings, appetites, Quarterly. His book The Revelation of Saint moods, feelings, and cravings. The physical John, which provides a verse-by-verse analysis body has both vital and dense portions. The of the entire Revelation, was reviewed in the Fall vital body has been given many other 2006 issue. He can be reached at names: “etheric body” in Theosophy; [email protected]. “biofield” in alternative medicine; and

In other words, each human soul has the both persons express the Third Ray quality quality of a particular ray, which is called its of their souls, then the first person would “soul ray.” Bailey indicates that each soul actually express the third subray of the first ray has seven different subrays, which could soul ray and the second person would ex- be regarded as seven different shades of the press the third subray of the fifth soul ray. same underlying quality.7 For example, one There are forty-nine different soul qualities, person might have a First Ray soul and an- because there are seven subrays per soul ray other person might have a Fifth Ray soul. If and seven different soul rays.

Table 1. The Seven Major Chakras English Sanskrit Approximate Number of Petals Name Name Location Crown or Sahasrara Top of head Inner circle of 12 major petals sur- Head rounded by an outer circle of 960 secondary petals Brow Ajna Between the eye- Two primary petals, each of which is brows, in front of divided into 48 petals, resulting in 96 head petals altogether Throat Vishuddha Back of neck 16 petals Heart Anahata Between shoulder 12 petals blades Solar Manipura Behind stomach 10 petals Plexus Sacral Svadhisthana Lower part of 6 petals lumbar area Basic Muladhara Base of spine 4 petals

For each ray, Table 2 lists the ray name plus by His six Brothers.”10 Each soul ray also six characteristic qualities that were previ- has a seventh characteristic quality that is ously given by Bailey.8 These qualities are denoted by the ray name and is not specifi- characteristics of the soul ray, because cally stated in the six listed qualities. This Bailey says, “When [the reader] believes seventh quality is the synthesis of the listed himself to be upon a particular ray, they will qualities, and it represents the subray that indicate to him some of the characteristics corresponds to the soul ray.11 The order of for which he may look.”9 The six listed the qualities of each soul ray in Table 2 is qualities of each soul ray are expressions of the same as the order in which they are dis- the subrays that correspond to the other six cussed in our commentary, but is not neces- soul rays, because Bailey depicts the seven sarily the order that was originally given by soul rays as seven Brothers and says that the Bailey. six qualities of each Brother “were chanted

Table 2. Characteristic Qualities of the Seven Soul Rays Ray Name Qualities One Will or Power Singleness of purpose; Dynamic power; Clear vision; Detachment; Solitariness; Sense of time

Two Love-Wisdom Love divine; Attraction; Radiance; Power to save; Expansion or inclusiveness; Wisdom Three Active Intelli- Mental illumination; Power to manifest; Scientific investigation; gence or Adapta- Power to evolve; Balance; Power to produce synthesis on the bility physical plane Four Harm ony Power to penetrate the depths of matter; Power to express divinity; Through Conflict The harmony of the spheres; Dual aspects of desire; The synthesis of true beauty; Power to reveal the path Five Concrete Knowl- Emergence into form and out of form; Power to make the Voice of edge or Science the Silence heard; Manifestation of the great white light; Revelation of the way; Initiating activity; Purification with fire Six Devotion or Ide- Overcoming the waters of the emotional nature; Endurance and alism fearlessness; Power to kill out desire; Self-immolation; Spurning that which is not desired; Power to detach oneself Seven Cerem onial Or- Power to create; Power to think; Mental power; Power to vivify; der or Magic Power to cooperate; Revelation of the beauty of God

Bailey, in her book Esoteric Healing, pre- et the dynamic force which rules the sents “seven healing techniques,” one for Lhearts of all within Shamballa come each of the seven rays, but with very little to my aid, for I am worthy of that aid. explanation. Nevertheless, she gives an im- Let it descend unto the third, pass to the portant clue about them: “They are suscepti- fifth and focus on the seventh. These ble of three significances.”12 Her techniques words mean not what doth at sight ap- seem obscure because they are written with pear. The third, the fifth, the seventh lie symbols, each of which is intended to be within the first and come from out the interpreted in three different ways. This Central Sun of spiritual livingness. The article presents one of the three possible sig- highest then awakens within the one who nificances: the “healing technique” for each knows and within the one who must be ray is construed as depicting a method of healed and thus the two are one. This is service by which people with the corre- mystery deep. The blending of the heal- sponding soul ray can use their six charac- ing force effects the work desired; it may teristic qualities. The designation “method bring death, that great release, and re- of service” is used instead of “method of establish thus the fifth, the third, the first, healing,” because the significance treated in but not the seventh.13 this article is not concerned with physical Singleness of Purpose healing, although the other significances may have such a concern. Advanced First Ray servers invoke and receive the divine will, which is the force that Next, for each ray, Bailey’s “healing technique” is given, followed by our commen- rules all within the center known as Shamballa (“Let the dynamic force which tary that interprets it as a method of service rules the hearts of all within Shamballa and that illustrates the six associated soul come to my aid”). Bailey makes a similar qualities. Our commentary also includes statement: “Energy from the planetary cen- many supporting citations to Bailey’s books. ter, Shamballa, utilizes the head center, the Ray One thousand petalled lotus, when the man is adequately developed. This center is the agent of the divine will within the life of the

The Esoteric Quarterly spiritual man.”14 Just as the human crown, or brings the lower five chakras under rhythmic head chakra is the receptive, focalizing and control by directing a ray of the divine will distributing agent of the divine will for the into them.19 In this context, a ray is defined human vital body, Shamballa is the corre- as an emanation that is continuous in es- sponding agent for our planet.15 sence with its source. Accordingly, the lower chakras lie within a steady emanation The servers are able to maintain the divine of the divine will that comes out from the will as the single purpose within their con- third eye (“The third, the fifth, the seventh sciousness because they have removed vari- lie within the first and come from out the ous hindrances and obstacles (“for I am wor- Central Sun of spiritual livingness”). thy of that aid”). Bailey makes a related observation: Clear Vision Hindrances and obstacles abound. Sin- After the divine will is imposed upon the gleness of purpose may occasionally be lower nature, the highest capacity awakens realized in high moments, but it does not within each of the personality vehicles. First abide with us always. There are the hin- of all, clear vision awakens within the men- drances of physical nature, of heredity tal body, which is the instrument for ex- and environment, of character, of time pressing knowledge (“The highest then and conditions, of world karma, as well awakens within the one who knows”). By as individual karma.16 having clear vision, the servers know when to use the energy of desire and to take the Dynamic Power next step in service. Afterwards, seeing that In the above technique, “the Central Sun of they have fulfilled their part, they know spiritual livingness” symbolizes what is when to relinquish their emotional involve- sometimes called “the third eye.” For exam- ment, enabling them to pass on without ex- ple, Bailey writes, “The third eye is the di- periencing pride over what they have done rector of energy or force, and thus an in- or depression because of any lack of accom- strument of the will or Spirit.”17 This spiri- plishment. tual eye is formed by the synthesis, or vibra- Detachment tory interaction, between the forces of the soul working through the crown chakra and The emotional body acts in its highest ca- the forces of the personality working pacity only when it acts without attachment through the brow chakra, and it takes the to persons, places, or things. By living in semblance of an eye looking out between this world, however, people acquire emo- the two dense physical eyes.18 tional attachments that must be eliminated 20 The divine will is transformed into dynamic before they can render effective service. power—able to affect the mental, emotional, After clear vision awakens in the mind, de- and physical worlds of human evolution— tachment then awakens in the emotional when it descends into the third or throat body (“and within the one who must be chakra, passes through each intermediate healed”). The mind brings about this emo- chakra, and reaches the seventh or basic tional healing by understanding the origin chakra (“Let it descend unto the third, pass and meaning of attachment rather than by to the fifth and focus on the seventh”). Here, hating or suppressing it. After becoming the chakras in Table 1 are enumerated by detached, one is ready to lead and help one’s counting down from the top of the table. followers and to learn who those followers Although these words seem to suggest that are. the divine will is a detached package of Solitariness force that passes from one chakra to another, that is not the case (“These words mean not When clear vision and detachment are what doth at sight appear”). The third eye awakened, there is solitariness in the sense that the divine will is united with and ex-

56 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 pressed through the personality (“and thus understand clearly what to do (“but not the the two are one”). The characteristic of soli- seventh”). tariness also has some deeper meanings (“This is mystery deep”). Inner detachment Ray Two enables one to merge oneself in the con- et the healing energy descend, carry- sciousness of someone else and thereby Ling its dual lines of life and its mag- ascertain the best way to help and stimulate netic force. Let that magnetic living 21 that person to renewed self-effort. One can force withdraw and supplement that also experience “isolated unity,” which which is present in the seventh, opposing Bailey defines as “that stage of conscious- four and six to three and seven, but deal- ness which sees the whole as one and re- ing not with five. The circular, inclusive gards itself, not theoretically but as a real- vortex—descending to the point— 22 ized fact, as identified with that whole.” disturbs, removes and then supplies and This whole is that complete organism of thus the work is done. which one can feel and know oneself to be a part; it is something that is progressively The heart revolves; two hearts revolve as realized and could be a group, a nation, or one; the twelve within the vehicle, the all humanity. twelve within the head and the twelve upon the plane of soul endeavor, cooper- Sense of Time ate as one and thus the work is done. The blending of the divine will with the per- Two energies achieve this consummation sonality accomplishes the desired service and the three whose number is a twelve respond to the greater twelve. The life is (“The blending of the healing force effects 24 the work desired”), which may be death and known and the years prolonged. destruction (“it may bring death”). The word Love Divine form is a general term that can refer to many kinds of structures, such as a religious or- An advanced Second Ray counselor invokes ganization, an educational system, a political and receives divine love, carrying both party, or a social custom. Eventually the compassion and affection into his or her ex- time comes when a form no longer serves perience (“Let the healing energy descend, the indwelling life, when the structure atro- carrying its dual lines of life”). “True com- phies and becomes vulnerable.23 By having passion,” in Bailey’s words, “is, predomi- nantly, in the nature of an identification with clear vision, the servers sense the appropri- 25 ate time when an outmoded form ought to be all beings.” Affection is a positive feeling destroyed in order for evolutionary growth of liking or regard. Compassion relates to humanity as a whole, whereas affection re- to occur. They then destroy that form, which releases the door of opportunity for the po- lates to another person. Divine love is received first as compassion, which in turn tential builders of a new and better form 26 (“that great release”). produces affection. Attraction Afterwards, the potential builders establish a planning process to reconsider and reformu- When the counselor receives divine love, its late their response to human needs (“and re- presence can be sensed by other people. The establish thus”). They ideally use the fifth counselor refrains from criticism and off- subray of their soul rays for examining their putting remarks, and has an affirming and motives, the third subray for devising new supportive nature that is attractive—capable plans, and the first subray for developing of magnetically drawing in those patients new goals or governing principles (“the whom he or she can aid (“and its magnetic fifth, the third, the first”). They should not force”). use the seventh subray for constructing a Radiance new form until they have been patient and

The Esoteric Quarterly

According to Theosophy, the solar system larger number indicates both a denser and a comprises seven worlds that are often called lower level.27 In this scheme, the mental, “planes.” These planes could be regarded as emotional, and physical planes are the fifth, seven grades of matter, and they are sixth, and seventh planes, respectively, and arranged metaphorically in a higher and they constitute the three worlds of human lower manner. Table 3 gives the names of evolution. the planes and enumerates them so that a

Table 3. The Seven Planes of the Solar System Number Name Alternative Names 1 Divine Adi; Plane of the Logos; First Cosmic Etheric 2 Monadic Anupadaka; Second Cosmic Etheric 3 Spiritual Atmic; Third Cosmic Etheric 4 Intuitional Buddhic; Fourth Cosmic Etheric 5 Mental Manasic; Cosmic Gaseous 6 Emotional Astral; Cosmic Liquid 7 Phy sical Cosmic Dense

The counselor directs the radiance of divine Through the counselor’s radiance, the unify- love so that it replaces and reinforces the ing intuition of the fourth or intuitional rhythms within two chakras of each patient’s plane is reflected in the patient’s feelings on vital body, which is part of the seventh or the sixth or emotional plane (“opposing four physical plane (“Let that magnetic living and six”), and the impersonal motivation of force withdraw and supplement that which is the third or spiritual plane is reflected in the present in the seventh”). In particular, the patient’s behavior on the seventh or physical vibration of compassion impacts the pa- plane (“to three and seven”). In Bailey’s tient’s heart chakra, and the vibration of af- words, “the radiation of his [the counselor’s] fection impacts the patient’s solar-plexus astral body, controlled and selfless, will im- chakra. Bailey describes the functions of pose a rhythm upon the agitation of the pa- these two centers: “The heart center registers tient’s astral body, and so enable the patient the energy of love”;28 “The Solar Plexus to take right action.”31 This radiance does Center … is the outlet—if such a word can not help the patient to clarify his or her be used—of the astral body into the outer mind, which is on the fifth or mental plane world, and the instrument through which (“but dealing not with five”), but the remain- emotional energy flows.”29 These vibrations ing qualities can do so. emanate from the counselor’s chakras and Power to Save produce, in Bailey’s words, the following effect: “From that appropriate center the Criticism and resentment distort perception stage of synchronization with the corre- and block understanding, whereas divine sponding center in the patient’s body is es- love allows for precise perception of the un- tablished.”30 The word “synchronization” derlying thoughts. When the counselor has indicates that the counselor’s and patient’s divine love, his or her mind acts as a search- chakras are vibrating at the same frequency. light that reveals the point of disturbance

58 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 within each patient (“The circular, inclusive Inclusive reason requires heart thinking, vortex—descending to the point— which is thinking as a result of correct feel- disturbs”). Bailey makes a similar observa- ing, as Bailey explains: tion: The ability to think in the heart is the re- True love or wisdom sees with perfect sult of the process of transmuting desire clarity the deficiencies of any form, and into love during the task of elevating the bends every effort to aid the indwelling forces of the solar plexus into the heart life to liberate itself from trammels. It center. Heart thinking is also one of the wisely recognizes those that need help, indications that the higher aspect of the and those that need not its attention. It heart center, the twelve-petalled lotus hears with precision, and sees the thought found at the very center of the thousand- of the heart.32 petalled lotus, has reached a point of real activity.39 After gaining this clarity, the counselor can speak words that have the power to remove Inclusive reason also requires the activity of the disturbance and supply harmony (“re- the causal body, because that is the instru- moves and then supplies”). Nevertheless, the ment of abstract thought. Thus, inclusive patients must save themselves through un- reason requires that the heart chakra (“the derstanding the words spoken to them and twelve within the vehicle”), the higher as- through their self-initiated application of pect of the heart chakra within the crown that understanding to their daily lives. Thus, chakra (“the twelve within the head”), and the work of salvation is accomplished not by the causal body (“and the twelve upon the the counselor’s words, but by each patient’s plane of soul endeavor”) are all aligned with reaction and response to those words (“and each other (“cooperate as one”). In the tech- thus the work is done”).33 nique, the first and second “twelve” symbolize the heart chakra and the higher aspect of Expansion or inclusiveness the heart chakra, respectively, because Table Bailey writes, “Inclusive Reason, which is 1 depicts them as twelve-petalled lotuses, the theme for the initiatory meditation of the and the third “twelve” symbolizes the causal Second Ray disciple, produces that inherent body, because it is depicted as “the twelve- divine capacity which enables the detail of petalled egoic lotus” on the mental plane.40 the sensed Whole to be grasped in meticu- By establishing this alignment, the counselor lous entirety.”34 This capacity, however, is can speak words that reveal to each patient realized in a progressive way. The first step the essential oneness of the many lives (“and is to realize that the manifest world is an thus the work is done”). organized creation that springs from the Wisdom heart of God (“The heart revolves”). For example, Bailey equates the heart of God Bailey writes, “All wisdom is knowledge with “the center of pure love,”35 “the center gained by experience and implemented by of all things,”36 and “the inner point of life love.”41 “Knowledge gained by experience” in all manifested forms.”37 The next step is refers to idealistic principles that are stored to see and grasp the similarity and unity ex- in the causal body, because she also writes, isting between the macrocosm, which is the “The content of the causal body is the accu- organism through which the heart of God is mulation by slow and gradual process of the working, and the microcosm, which is the good in each life.”42 Thus, wisdom is the organism through which the human soul is expression by love of the content of the working (“two hearts revolve as one”). Bai- causal body (“Two energies achieve this ley suggests such a correspondence by writ- consummation”). ing, “The soul is the heart of the system of Words of wisdom can be expressed by the spiritual man.”38 means of the counselor’s crown, brow, and

The Esoteric Quarterly heart chakras when those centers respond to statement, using Ego as a synonym for his or her causal body (“and the three whose soul:45 number is a twelve respond to the greater The student having withdrawn his con- twelve”). The “three whose number is a sciousness on to the mental plane at some twelve” symbolize the crown, brow, and point within the brain, let him … then heart chakras, because Table 1 shows them raise his vibration as to be the only centers in the high as may be, and aim vital body whose number of This article presents one next at lifting it clear of petals is a multiple of of the three possible sig- the mental body into the twelve. The “greater causal, and so bring in twelve” symbolizes the nificances: the “healing the direct action of the causal body, because it is technique” for each ray is Ego upon the lower depicted as the twelve- 46 construed as depicting a three vehicles. petalled egoic lotus and is on a higher, or greater, method of service by Power to Manifest plane than are the chakras which people with the in the vital body. As Bailey corresponding soul ray By using the third, fifth, explains, “The Head Center and seventh subrays of … gathers into itself the can use their six charac- their soul ray, the energies … of the threefold teristic qualities. educators manifest the egoic lotus”; “The ajna new learning envi- center registers or focuses the intention to ronments that are needed for unfolding the create.”43 Table 1 also shows that ajna is the divine nature of human beings (“He gathers Sanskrit name for the brow chakra. By un- from the three, the five, the seven that which derstanding the counselor’s words of wis- is needed for the heart of life”). They use the dom, the patients can understand their lives third subray to convert their intuitive ideas (“The life is known”) and prolong the peri- into concrete plans, the fifth subray to main- ods in which they express wisdom in their tain the proper motives, and the seventh lives (“and the years prolonged”). subray to direct activities on the physical plane. The learning environments might in- Ray Three clude primary and secondary education, he healer stands and weaves. He mental health care facilities, holistic living Tgathers from the three, the five, the- communities, and schools of philosophy, seven that which is needed for the heart psychology, and religion. Each environment of life. He brings the energies together shows that it has a divine origin by helping and makes them serve the third; he thus its participants to unfold their inner divinity. creates a vortex into which the one dis- Scientific Investigation tressed must descend and with him goes the healer, and yet they both remain in The divine plan is the blueprint of the evolu- peace and calm. Thus must the angel of tionary development of consciousness; it the Lord descend into the pool and bring exists on the level of intuitive ideas and is an the healing life.44 expression of the active intelligence, or Third Ray quality, of God.47 To ensure that Mental Illumination the manifested learning environments are a Advanced Third Ray educators raise their true downward reflection of the aspects of center of consciousness from their mental the divine plan to which they have been as- body to their causal body (“The healer signed, the educators trace the transforma- stands”) and then transmit the intuitive ideas tion of the energy backward in the upward of their soul to their waiting mental body direction. In other words, they investigate (“and weaves”). Bailey makes a similar the outer structures, discover the inner patterns that they serve, and then make what-

60 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 ever adjustments are needed so that the envi- educators have the power to produce synthe- ronments do in fact serve the divine plan sis on the physical plane, revealing the unity (“He brings the energies together and makes of the physical world and the divine plan, of them serve the third”). This process is scien- the collective and individual, and of the hu- tific investigation, because the educators man life and divine life. begin by studying the outer structures and then infer the relationships and principles Ray Four that lie behind them. he healer knows the place where dis- Power to Evolve Tsonance is found. He also knows the power of sound and the sound which Through the foregoing efforts, the educators must be heard. Knowing the note to create learning environments into which dis- which the fourth great group reacts and tressed people enter and thereby grow in linking it to the great Creative Nine, he self-mastery (“he thus creates a vortex into sounds the note which brings release, the which the one distressed must descend”). note which will bring absorption into The evolution of the participants occurs one. He educates the listening ear of him when they learn to evoke their own soul, who must be healed; he likewise trains which Bailey calls “the true healer within the listening ear of him who must go 48 the form” (“and with him goes the forth. He knows the manner of the sound healer”). which brings the healing touch; and also Balance that which says: Depart. And thus the work is done.50 The educators are able to balance the forces of their own nature, and they design their Power to Penetrate the Depths of learning environments so that each partici- Matter pant also acts in a balanced way (“and yet Human evolution proceeds as a series of they both remain in peace and calm”). integrations. A person’s first step is integrat- Bailey makes a similar statement: ing the physical body with the emotional When the pairs of opposites are dis- body. Subsequent steps include integrating cerned, when a man balances the forces the emotional body with the mental body, of his own nature, when he has found the coordinating these three with the personality Path and become the Path, then he can as a whole, aligning the coordinated person- work with the world forces, can preserve ality with the causal body, and integrating the balance and the equilibrium of the the aligned personality and causal body with energies of the three worlds.49 the soul. Before achieving any of these integrations, a person experiences a period of Power to Produce Synthesis on the distress due to sensing the cleavage between Physical Plane the lower integrated parts and the higher part The last sentence of the Third Ray technique that is next to be integrated. This distress has a double meaning. First, through the ap- may appear as unrest, frustration, or futility. plication of the foregoing qualities, the di- If this distress is sufficiently severe, then one may seek the understanding help of a vine plan manifests in the physical world as 51 new learning environments and brings the competent therapist. experiences needed for the collective evolu- When approached by patients who are suf- tion of humanity (“Thus must the angel of fering from inner discomfort and frustration, the Lord descend into the pool and bring the advanced Fourth Ray therapists have the healing life”). Second, the divine nature of power to penetrate behind the symptoms of each participant is evoked in his or her ex- distress and discern the particular cleavage perience and brings the illumination needed that each patient is encountering. In other for individual evolution. In this way, the words, they are able to recognize the place

The Esoteric Quarterly in a patient’s inner constitution where the acts and linking it to the great Creative previously integrated parts are in conflict Nine”). Whether counting from the top or with the higher part that is seeking integra- the bottom, Table 1 shows that the heart tion (“The healer knows the place where chakra is the fourth chakra, so the “fourth dissonance is found”). great group” is taken as the heart chakra. Bailey writes, “The causal body … is also Power to Express Divinity seen as the twelve-petalled Lotus. Of these The therapists know that the power to pro- twelve petals, the innermost three are unre- duce the needed integration and to end the vealed, or are embryonic, and hence the sensed duality lies within each patient (“He causal body is frequently considered as a also knows the power of sound”), as Bailey nine-petalled Lotus, or as a wheel of fire explains: with only nine spokes or whorls.”54 Conse- quently, “Nine” is taken as the causal body, His discomfort, lack of coordination, so “great Creative Nine” is taken as the pain and distress are symptoms of aspira- causal body when it is acting as a channel tion, unrealized perhaps but none the less for the divine love of the soul. there. They are the reaction of the integrated aspects to that aspect which is Because of the foregoing alignment, the seeking integration. The aspect to be in- therapists radiate compassion from their tegrated is essentially more powerful heart chakra to the heart chakra of their pa- than the lower waiting aspects, for they tients, thereby releasing each one from feel- are negative or receptive whilst that ing unconnected to other people and estab- which should be realized and accepted is lishing harmony among each one’s personal- positive and dynamic.52 ity, causal body, and soul (“he sounds the note which brings release, the note which In addition, the therapists know that the psy- will bring absorption into one”). chological crisis must be faced and understood by each patient before he or she can Bailey describes this type of work: “At this make any further progress (“and the sound stage the man is recognized as one who can which must be heard”), as Bailey also ex- speak occultly ‘heart to heart.’ He becomes plains: a stimulator of the heart center in his brother, and one who arouses men into ac- The crisis faced indicates progress and 55 tivity for others.” opportunity, and that it does not indicate disaster and failure. It must be realized The Dual Aspects of Desire by the patient (can I use that term?) that Selfish desire is a definite hindrance for the race has progressed to its present some people but an asset for others. The point in evolution by just such crises. So therapists understand these two aspects of does the individual human unit pro- 53 desire, so their method of working with de- gress. sire depends on the needs of each patient. The Harmony of the Spheres First, consider patients facing the cleavage between their coordinated personality and Consider patients who are facing the cleav- their causal body. These patients focus on age between their aligned personality and fulfilling the desires of their personal life, causal body on one side and their soul on the yet they dimly glimpse idealistic principles other side. These patients are following cer- that would limit their behavior or make their tain idealistic principles apprehended by primary intent be the welfare of the many. their causal body, but they are not yet ex- For this case, the therapists educate the pressing the divine love of their soul. The patients on how to heal or overcome their therapists have aligned their heart chakra self-centered desires, which must be done with their causal body and soul (“Knowing before their personality can be an instrument the note to which the fourth great group re-

62 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 of their causal body (“He educates the lis- sires and doubts about whether their goals tening ear of him who must be healed”).56 are even worthwhile. When working with such patients, the therapists know the On the other hand, consider patients facing method of treatment that develops each the cleavage between the elements of their patient’s own mental power of discrimina- personality and their personality as a whole. tion, which then reveals the proper path on They wish to fulfill a desire to achieve influ- which to move (“and also that which says: ence and power in some field of endeavor Depart”). Through effective use of the intel- but are prevented from doing so by a lack of lect, a patient differentiates between essen- coordination. Perhaps their mind is unable to tials and non-essentials, between right direc- subordinate their emotional nature, or their tion and wrong goals, and between practical physical body lacks sufficient vitality and programs and activities doomed to failure endurance. Here, the therapists provide (“And thus the work is done”).59 training on how to go forth and fulfill desire, which each patient must do as the next step Ray Five in his or her evolution (“he likewise trains the listening ear of him who must go hat which has been given must be forth”).57 Tused; that which emerges from within the given mode will find its place The Synthesis of True Beauty within the healer’s plan. That which is Next, consider patients facing the cleavage hidden must be seen and from the three, between their physical and emotional bod- great knowledge will emerge. For these ies. They pander to the pleasures of their the healer seeks. To these the healer adds physical body but glimpse the subjective the two which are as one, and so the fifth world of their imagination. Children gener- must play its part and the five must play ally integrate this cleavage as part of their its part and the five must function as if natural development, but some may have one. The energies descend, pass through difficulty in doing so. In this situation, the and disappear, leaving the one who could therapists know the method of treatment that respond with karma yet to dissipate and brings each patient’s creative imagination taking with them him who may not thus respond and so must likewise disap- and power of choice into activity, which will 60 then heal the cleavage (“He knows the man- pear. ner of the sound which brings the healing Emergence into form and out of form touch”). The creative imagination engenders the sense of fantasy and perception of Raja Yoga, which in Sanskrit means “royal beauty. Making choices helps to unfold the union,” is a system of spiritual development innate conscience and involves such consid- that was first described in the ancient Hindu erations as why, wherefore, and to what end. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This system has its The emotional nature is provided with con- name because it is principally concerned structive outlets only when the creative with cultivating the mind, which is consid- imagination is balanced and motivated by ered to be the king, or ruler, of the personal- right choices and higher values.58 ity. Bailey provides this summary: “the Raja Yoga system of Patanjali, of which the five Power to Reveal the Path stages of Concentration, Meditation, Con- templation, Illumination, and Inspiration are And finally, consider patients facing the 61 cleavage between their emotional and men- illustrative.” tal bodies. They are aware of strong and According to Theosophy, the mental plane compelling desires, which keep them dwell- comprises seven subplanes that fall into two ing in the realm of longing, hoping, and groups: the lowest four subplanes are the wishing; but their thoughts bring the convic- concrete or form levels; the top three sub- tion that they are unable to satisfy their de- planes are the abstract or formless levels.

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The mental body, which is the instrument of When the center of the researcher’s con- concrete thought, resides on the form levels; sciousness shifts back into the mental body, but the causal body, which is the instrument the contemplation stage ends and the fourth of abstract thought, resides on the formless stage, called “illumination,” begins. The levels of the mental plane.62 mental body becomes active and formulates concrete knowledge that An advanced Fifth embodies both the abstract Ray researcher has The crisis faced indicates thoughts of the causal body mastered the five progress and opportunity, and the intuitions of the soul stages of Raja Yoga. and that it does not indi- (“and from the three, great The first stage is knowledge will emerge”). called cate disaster and failure. It Bailey mentions the same “concentration”: it must be realized by the pa- factors: “You have therefore involves giving the light of knowledge, the oneself a mental tient (can I use that term?) light of wisdom and the boundary, sometimes that the race has pro- light of the intuition, and called a “ring-pass- gressed to its present point these are three definite not,” around a seed stages or aspects of the One thought concerned in evolution by just such Light.”65 with some human crises. So does the individ- 63 problem. This ual human unit progress. Revelation of the Way boundary must then The rest of the Fifth Ray be used to confine one’s concrete thinking technique depicts the fifth and final stage of (“That which has been given must be used”). Raja Yoga, which Bailey calls “inspiration” The second stage of Raja Yoga is called and defines as “the result of illumination, as “meditation.” The researcher enters this it demonstrates in the life of service.”66 Af- stage when he or she begins to sense the ab- ter developing a deep understanding regard- stract truth, or inner relationship, being ing some human problem, the researcher has veiled by the seed thought. Little by little the a longing to see this vision brought to earth abstract truth emerges from within the form- and resolve that problem. Bailey writes: less levels and finds its place in the researcher’s thinking and planning within the Remember this, that the materialization form levels of the mental plane (“that which of any aspect of the vision on the physical plane is never the work of one man. emerges from within the given mode will Only when it has been sensed by the find its place within the healer’s plan”). many, only when they have worked at its Power to Make the Voice of the Si- material form can their united efforts lence Heard draw it into outer manifestation.67 The third stage is called “contemplation.” At Accordingly, the researcher seeks the best the beginning of this stage, the center of the way of publicizing the new vision to others researcher’s consciousness moves out of the and attracting their help in return (“For these mental body and shifts into the causal body, the healer seeks”). which enables the intuitions of the soul, Initiating Activity sometimes called the “Voice of the Silence,” to be heard.64 As a result, the soul’s intui- To initiate the activities in his or her plan, tions reveal what previously had been hid- the researcher adds the energies of his or her den (“That which is hidden must be seen”). vital and dense physical bodies, which are the two parts of his or her physical vehicle Manifestation of the Great White (“To these the healer adds the two which are Light as one”). If the plan is successfully implemented, then the lights of knowledge, ab-

64 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 stract thought, and intuition, which are the Ray Six lights of the mental plane, will play their part in the evolution of human conscious- leaving the waters, let the power ness (“and so the fifth must play its part”). Cdescend, the healer cries. He minds Table 3 shows that the mental plane is not how the waters may respond; they oft counted as the fifth plane. For the plan to be bring stormy waves and dire and dreadful successfully implemented, the lower five happenings. The end is good. The trou- elements of the researcher’s inner constitu- ble will be ended when the storm sub- tion must play their parts (“and the five must sides and energy has fulfilled its charted play its part”). In particular, the understand- destiny. Straight to the heart the power is ing of the causal body must guide the mind, forced to penetrate, and into every chan- the mind must preserve the details of the nel, nadi, nerve and spleen the power plan and control the lower nature, the emo- must seek a passage and a way and thus tional body must preserve the desire to im- confront the enemy who has elected en- plement the plan and provide the capacity to trance and settled down to live. Ejec- cooperate with other people, the vital body tion—ruthless, sudden and complete—is must give the power to act and be energetic, undertaken by the one who sees naught and the dense physical body must manipu- else but perfect functioning and brooks late and function within the tangible world. no interference. This perfect functioning opens thus the door to life eternal or to The researcher might have a tendency to life on earth for yet a little while.70 implement the plan in an unbalanced manner. For instance, one might be obsessed Overcoming the Waters of the with one’s own ideas on the mental level, be Emotional Nature a fanatic on the emotional level, or exhaust Before engaging in some form of service, oneself on the physical level. To avoid the advanced Sixth Ray workers pause and ana- various possibilities of undue emphasis, the lyze their feelings (“Cleaving the waters”). lower five elements of the researcher’s con- Here, water is a symbol of the emotional stitution must work together in an integrated nature.71 After focusing their consciousness and balanced way (“and the five must func- 68 into their mental body, the workers let the tion as if one”). light of their mind descend into their emo- Purification with Fire tional body (“let the power descend”). So that the new vision can do its work, the Bailey describes the same approach: researcher transforms it, or steps it down, The emotional body should be controlled into new books, articles, demonstrations, or from the mental plane, and when the po- audio-visual presentations, which are then larization has been transferred into the communicated to and understood by various mental body through forms of meditation recipients (“The energies descend, pass and intensity of purpose and of will, then through and disappear”). Fire is a symbol of 69 the emotional becomes quiescent and re- the intellect. Through the explanations, the ceptive.72 fiery force of the new vision purifies the thinking of each recipient, leaving any belief In this way, they recognize the most appar- or attitude that is still consistent with the ent glamour, or emotional reaction, that is new vision and taking away any belief or distorting their perception, which is a pain- attitude that is not consistent and so has been ful discovery (“the healer cries”). Bailey understood as being false (“leaving the one alludes to the emotional pain of this discov- who could respond with karma yet to dissi- ery by writing, “Few people care to face the pate and taking with them him who may not actual truth, for it involves eventually the 73 thus respond and so must likewise disap- abandonment of the beloved glamour.” pear”). Endurance and Fearlessness

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By using their quality of fearlessness, the Any glamour is caused by identification workers observe their recognized glamour with the objects of desire, with the personal- without caring about how their emotional ity, or with what is material. Spurning this nature might respond (“He minds not how identification—in an abrupt, sudden, and the waters may respond”). Such observation complete way—is undertaken when the often brings awareness of false pride and workers recognize that they are nothing else admissions of mistakes (“they oft bring but perfect spiritual reality and when they stormy waves and dire and dreadful happen- are not willing to accept any lesser concept ings).74 By using their quality of endurance, about themselves (“Ejection—ruthless, sud- they persevere to the end and learn that the den and complete—is undertaken by the one actual elimination of their glamour is satis- who sees naught else but perfect functioning fying (“The end is good”). Bailey makes a and brooks no interference”). Bailey also similar statement: “Dissipate the glamour— says, “The entire problem can be solved if a satisfying experience.”75 the shift of the consciousness is away from identification with the lower forms of ex- Power to Kill Out Desire perience into that of identification with the Bailey writes, “The Problem of Glamour is real and true man.”77 found when the mental illusion is intensified Power to Detach Oneself by desire.”76 Accordingly, a glamour is eliminated when its associated desire sub- Through the recognition of their spiritual sides and its underlying illusion is recog- identity, the workers gain the power to de- nized as being unreal (“The trouble will be tach themselves from the material world and ended when the storm subsides and energy enter the eternal world of the soul (“This has fulfilled its charted destiny”). perfect functioning opens thus the door to life eternal”). Bailey writes, “It takes the Self-Immolation soul itself to reveal to the poised and peace- For a recognized glamour to disappear, the ful mind the next step to be taken in the light of the mind must be forced to penetrate work of world evolution.”78 After receiving straight to the underlying illusion, which is that revelation and using their preceding the heart of the glamour (“Straight to the qualities to avoid glamour, the workers are heart the power is forced to penetrate”). motivated to return to the material world and Here, “heart” has the dictionary meaning meet the needs of their fellow human beings that denotes “the most important or essential (“or to life on earth”). This entering and re- part.” In addition, one must seek out every turning is a cyclic process, so each of its concept, attitude, opinion, and self-statement phases lasts for only a brief amount of time that activates, energizes, conditions, or pre- (“for yet a little while”) and then the cycle is serves the glamour (“and into every channel, repeated. As expressed in Bailey’s Esoteric nadi, nerve and spleen the power must seek Catechism, “I look above, I help below.”79 a passage and a way”). The next step is to confront those beliefs—which means to in- Ray Seven quire about their truth or falsehood— nergy and force must meet each because they have power only as long as Eother and thus the work is done. they are accepted and allowed to live inside Color and sound in ordered sequence one’s consciousness (“and thus confront the must meet and blend and thus the work enemy who has elected entrance and settled of magic can proceed. Substance and down to live”). This confrontation results in spirit must evoke each other and, passing the sacrifice or immolation of a false part of through the center of the one who seeks the self. to aid, produce the new and good. The Spurning That which is not Desired healer energizes thus with life the failing life, driving it forth or anchoring it yet

more deeply in the place of destiny. All spirit must evoke each other”): the causal seven must be used and through the body must evoke intuitive ideas from the seven there must pass the energies the soul that convey the immediate aspect of the need requires, creating the new man who divine plan; and the soul must evoke from has for ever been and will for ever be, the causal body an understanding of the part and either here or there.80 that the manager’s organization may play in manifesting that blueprint of evolution. Power to Create Here, “substance” is taken as symbolizing To have an effective organization, such as a the causal body, or egoic lotus, because corporation, society, or association, collec- Bailey writes, “It should here be remem- tive ideals must be manifested within it bered that, subtle though the material may (“Energy and force must meet each other”), be, the egoic lotus is as truly substance of a which is the work of an advanced Seventh- particular vibration as is the physical Ray manager (“and thus the work is done”). body.”83 “Spirit” is taken as symbolizing the Collective ideals are sometimes called “or- soul, because Bailey also writes, “soul is the ganizational ideals,” “corporate ideals,” or vehicle for the manifestation of spirit.”84 “managerial ideals”; they are based on the These evoked responses pass through the nature of their organization and may involve manager’s mind, which in turn produces a customer service, employee satisfaction, new and better mental plan (“passing production efficiency, and educational pro- through the center of the one who seeks to grams. Bailey uses the term “energy” to rep- aid, produce the new and good”). resent an energizing power, and the term Power to Vivify “force” to represent a power that acts or assumes form under the impact of energy. For By applying the three preceding qualities, example, she speaks of “energy and the re- the manager has the power to vivify a dying sult of its impact upon forces.”81 In the case organization that has fallen into crystallized, of the foregoing technique, “energy” sym- sectarian, or materialistic attitudes (“The bolizes collective ideals, and “force” sym- healer energizes thus with life the failing bolizes the various aspects of an organiza- life”). By bringing in new ideals, principles, tion that can be shaped by such ideals. or ideas, he or she drives out obsolete methods or increases the potency and effective- Power to Think ness of those methods that have not yet ful- To introduce new principles into an organi- filled their true destiny (“driving it forth or zation, the manager must manifest his or her anchoring it yet more deeply in the place of abstract thoughts as a sequential mental plan destiny”). (“Color and sound in ordered sequence must Power to Cooperate meet and blend”), which in turn can be manifested outwardly (“and thus the work of To work out the divine plan through human- magic can proceed”). Here, “color” is taken ity, representatives from all seven rays must as symbolizing abstract thoughts, because be used (“All seven must be used”). Bailey Bailey describes their instrument, which is makes a similar statement: “None of these the causal body, as “palpitating with every ray participants in the hierarchical crusade color in the rainbow.”82 “Sound” is taken as today can really work without each other.”85 symbolizing concrete thoughts, because Moreover, those representatives must have each concrete thought is experienced as an sufficient autonomy to promote the new inaudible sound. emerging ideas in their distinctive ways (“and through the seven there must pass the Mental Power energies the need requires”). Bailey also To work out the divine plan through an or- speaks of “carrying forward the emergence ganization, the manager’s causal body and of the idea without the dominance of any soul must evoke each other (“Substance and one individual.”86 For instance, First Ray

The Esoteric Quarterly workers can make a powerful impact on the method of service by which people with the minds of their listeners by emphasizing gov- corresponding soul ray can use their six erning principles that break up old forms of characteristic qualities listed in Table 2. This truth so as to make room for the emerging demonstration clarifies the meaning of each ideas. Second Ray workers can select and quality by showing how it can be applied in train those who can carry the new ideas practice. The actual qualities that we dis- deeper into the mass of humanity. Third Ray play, however, depend on our point of evo- workers can make the new ideas more com- lution. The qualities discussed in this article prehensible to intelligent men and women are characteristics of the soul, so we can whose intuition is not yet awakened. Fourth display them only if we are starting to be- Ray workers can harmonize the new ideas come integrated with our soul and live as with the old so that there is no dangerous our soul. But if we are still focused in our break. Fifth Ray workers can test hypotheses personality and living as our personality, that embody the new ideas, proving them then our characteristics could be the direct either true or false. Sixth Ray workers can opposite of the ones listed. train people to recognize the truth and to If we study with care the six qualities listed desire those ideals whose time has come to in Table 2 for each ray, we may find an in- be manifested on earth. Meanwhile, Seventh dication as to which ray is our own soul ray. Ray managers help by blending the activities Do the various qualities for a particular ray of their co-workers into an organized evoke our intuitive understanding so that we movement.87 recognize ourselves? Does Bailey’s “healing Revelation of the Beauty of God technique” for a particular ray describe our approach to service? Perhaps we can see our Bailey describes the ultimate role of Seventh life tendencies and purpose, or our latent and Ray managers: “They can organize the deeply desired spiritual nature. If we believe evoked ideal which will embody as much of that a particular ray is our soul ray, the asso- the idea of God as the period and humanity ciated qualities show what we have to do, can evidence and produce in form upon the what we have to express, and what we have earth.”88 After receiving this revelation, hu- to overcome. Thus, if we apply these quali- manity will manifest more of its divine na- ties in the right way, they could be profitable ture, which has always existed and will al- and useful in our experience.90 ways exist (“creating the new man who has for ever been and will for ever be”), in sev- As quoted earlier, Bailey states that her eral fields of activity (“and either here or techniques are capable of supporting three there”). For instance in the religious field, significances. The present article provides people will understand the inner significance only one significance, but clues are available of their own faiths and the essential unity of that point to other meanings, as discussed all faiths. In the political field, they will de- next. velop an international consciousness and Bailey states that her techniques were “gath- will gradually establish a brotherhood of ered out of the Book of Rules for Initiated nations based on mutual need, mutual un- Disciples,”91 which suggests a significance derstanding, and mutual helpfulness. And in in which the practitioners are assumed to be the scientific field, they will unfold their initiates. Disciples are people who are free- latent powers and learn more about the hid- 89 ing themselves from the authority of their den wonders of the universe. threefold personality,92 and initiates are peo- Conclusions ple who have attained that freedom.93 The significance described in the present article, s demonstrated in the preceding sec- however, assumes that the people who prac- A tions, Bailey’s “healing technique” for tice its methods are, in Bailey’s words, “en- each ray can be construed as depicting a deavoring to live as souls,”94 indicating that

68 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 Fall 2010 they have achieved advanced positions along the path trodden by disciples but are 8 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. I, 63-87. not necessarily initiates. 9 Ibid., 78. 10 Ibid., 77. Bailey says that one of the three signifi- 11 cances is dangerous: “I dare not yet give the Ibid., 69. 12 Esoteric Healing simple physical application of these ray Alice A. Bailey, (1953; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing Com- techniques, as it would be too dangerous. pany, 1978), 706. When rightly used and understood they 13 Ibid., 706-707. carry terrific force and—in the wrong 14 Alice A. Bailey, Telepathy and the Etheric 95 hands—could work real damage.” The Vehicle (1950; reprint; New York: Lucis significance described in the present article Publishing Company, 1975), 190. is not the dangerous one, because the seven 15 Ibid., 125, 183. 16 methods of service that it yields could not Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 559. 17 cause any real damage even if those meth- Alice A. Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire ods were to fall into the wrong hands. (1925; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing Company, 1973), 1010 Bailey gives another clue: “In the light of 18 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 212-214. future scientific happenings, these ancient 19 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 604. 20 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 120. techniques will become much clearer, and in 21 the meantime any explanation of their true Alice A. Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, ‘energetic import’ would be meaningless.”96 vol. I (1944; reprint; New York: Lucis Pub- lishing Company, 1976), 416-417. The significance described in the present 22 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 391-392. article can be fully explained by citing 23 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 371. Bailey’s own books, which is what we have 24 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 707-708. done, so this significance must not be the 25 Alice A. Bailey, Glamour: A World Problem one that can be understood only through cit- (1950; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing ing scientific happenings. Company, 1973), 3. 26 Ibid., 4-5. In summary, this article uses Bailey’s 27 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 117. “seven healing techniques” to elucidate her 28 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 158. teachings on soul qualities, but these tech- 29 Ibid., 169-170. niques have two additional significances that 30 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 604. have not yet been explained. 31 Ibid., 7. 32 Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, 285- 286. 33 1 Zachary F. Lansdowne, “Vedic Teachings on Alice A. Bailey, The Externalisation of the the Seven Rays,” Esoteric Quarterly, Spring Hierarchy (1957; reprint; New York: Lucis 2010. Publishing Company, 1976), 635. 34 2 Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 393. 35 (1942; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing Alice A. Bailey, The Rays and the Initiations Company, 1981), 439. (1960; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing 3 Alice A. Bailey, The Soul and Its Mechanism, Company, 1976), 399. 36 111; Letters on Occult Meditation (New Alice A. Bailey, The Light of the Soul (1927; York: Lucis Publishing, 1922), 77-78; A reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing Com- Treatise on White Magic (1934; reprint; New pany, 1978), 351. 37 York: Lucis Publishing Company, 1979), Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 396. 38 190, 199. Alice A. Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, 4 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 199. vol. II (1955; reprint. New York: Lucis Pub- 5 Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. I lishing Company, 1972), 289. 39 (1936; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing Esoteric Healing, 157. 40 Company, 1979), 316. Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 538. 41 6 Ibid., 42. Bailey, The Rays and the Initiations, 591. 42 7 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 358. Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, 32.

The Esoteric Quarterly

43 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 144, 145, 148. 76 Ibid., 21. 44 Ibid., 708. 77 Ibid., 102. 45 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 48. 78 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 136. 46 Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, 96. 79 Alice A. Bailey, Initiation, Human and Solar 47 Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Astrology (1951; (1922; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing Com- Company, 1974), 213. pany, 1979), 456; Bailey, Telepathy, 46. 80 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 712. 48 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 572. 81 Bailey, The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, 49 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 225. 104. 50 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 709. 82 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 763. 51 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 426-427. 83 Ibid., 816. 52 Ibid., 428. 84 Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, 357. 53 Ibid., 427. 85 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 145. 54 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 538. 86 Ibid. 55 Ibid., 863. 87 Ibid., 140-145. 56 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 118-119. 88 Ibid., 145. 57 Ibid., 394. 89 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. I, 172-179. 58 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 428-429. 90 Ibid., 68. 59 Ibid., 421-422. 91 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 705. 60 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 710. 92 Bailey, The Rays and the Initiations, 686. 61 Bailey, Glamour, 195. 93 The term “initiate” is used to denote someone 62 Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, 192, 923, who has taken what Theosophy calls the 1126. “third initiation,” as Bailey, Discipleship in 63 Alice A. Bailey, From Intellect to Intuition the New Age, vol. I, 728, explains: “Disciples (1932; reprint; New York: Lucis Publishing who have taken the second initiation are re- Company, 1960), 108-109. garded as ‘probationary initiates,’ and only 64 Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, vol. I, when they have taken the third initiation are 14. they truly initiate from the standpoint of the 65 Bailey, Glamour, 192. Hierarchy. The first initiation is sometimes 66 Bailey, From Intellect to Intuition, 99. spoken of as the ‘Lemurian Initiation’ and the 67 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 368. second as the ‘Atlantean Initiation,’ but the 68 Bailey, Esoteric Psychology, vol. II, 369-370. third initiation—that of our Aryan race—is 69 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 250. technically regarded by Them as the first ini- 70 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 711. tiation.” 71 Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, 250. 94 Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, vol. II, 72 Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, 98. 643. 73 Bailey, Glamour, 145. 95 Bailey, Esoteric Healing, 705. 74 Ibid., 145. 96 Ibid., 713. 75 Ibid., 204.

A Focus on Consciously Constructive Efforts

tudents in the School are asked to make it tive efforts, one’s energy flows toward that S a habit to focus on consciously construc- effort, thereby lending that effort additional tive efforts being made in the world on be- support. In this way the student is already half of humanity (this could include efforts to beginning to serve. benefit the lower kingdoms as well) and re- For maximum effect, students are asked to port on it monthly. This task has proven to be select just one individual, group or organiza- a difficult challenge for many students who tion per month and describe in detail the ser- are not used to focusing their mental bodies vice being performed. Such specificity is im- in this way. Why is it so important to recog- portant because vague statements like, “I nize the consciously constructive efforts of have noticed that there is a trend toward more others, and why do we emphasize the word international cooperation,” will not be very “consciously”? instructive for the student, nor will it have When a student enters the School they are any impact. Essentially, no linkage is made told that esotericism is not just a course of with the New Group of World Servers, and study, but that it must become a way of life. the energy generated will be diffuse and will Furthermore, in order to insure a continuous disperse immediately. and normal expansion of consciousness, The second part of this exercise in recogniz- training in the esoteric sciences must include ing consciously constructive efforts is to three interdependent elements: meditation, learn to go beyond appearances and find a study and service. Meditation enables one to depth of meaning. After pinpointing a par- control the mind and make it receptive to ticular person or group and describing the Soul impression. Study orients the mind to- specific effort being made, the next question ward spiritual principles and equips it to un- is, “What spiritual impulse or energy might derstand spiritual laws and their application this person or group be expressing or at- to daily living. Service provides an essential tempting to manifest?” This question should constructive outlet for the safe utilization of lead the student to think about energies and the energies evoked through meditation and forces. All consciously constructive actions study. Service is the keynote of the life of dis- in the world are motivated by Soul impulses cipleship. and focused according to the ray energies Thus focusing on consciously constructive that condition our makeup. These energies efforts being made by other servers in the are marshaled and focused via an act of the world teaches the student to recognize what will into a thoughtform of some specific ser- service is all about, to realize that there are vice. So in the second part of this exercise many ways to serve and to become conscious the student must ask, “What is the Soul im- of the extent of goodwill at work in the pulse at the heart of this constructive effort?” world. This exercise also leads the student to Some examples might be: to bring harmony focus less on themselves and their own de- out of conflict, to teach others how to love, to velopment within their own environment and be in right relationship, to bring enlightened helps them gain a greater sense of group con- order to a chaotic situation. There are many sciousness and group work by linking up such spiritual impulses behind the construc- with the larger world of group service.1 An tive efforts being made, and learning to see added benefit of this linking up with the ser- them helps to develop the eye of spiritual vice work of others is that “energy follows discernment, a valuable asset in this work. thought.” By focusing on specific construc-

Once one is able to discern the spiritual im- purpose as well as provide support to other pulses behind the service activities being per- world servers in restoring the Plan on Earth. formed in the outer world, it becomes much easier to discover the spiritual impulses that arise within oneself and to find a way to ex- 1 A useful tool for helping students to identify press them via one’s own personal form of and link to world servers is the Internet. One service in the immediate environment. We site: www.servicegrowth.net, provides links to each incarnate with a particular Soul purpose, hundreds of groups, initiatives and resources in support of spiritual growth and develop- and this exercise can help us discover that ment.

Entering the New Group of World Servers

A Student

Introduction responsibility to all members of the human family. ne of the most interesting concepts pre- 3. The growth of the group idea, so that sented by AAB/the Tibetan was the O group good, group understanding, group formulation of the New Group of World interrelations and group goodwill replace Servers (NGWS). A work in progress on a limited, self-centered objectives.1 worldwide level, it stands out because of its immediate practical implications: for the first The third of these objectives suggests the time in recent history a concrete aspect of the need to shift from the personal self to the Plan was revealed to humanity in practical transpersonal or spiritual self, which is, by terms, at the exact time when humanity was definition, group-oriented. However, shifting preparing for a great evolutionary step. This from individual consciousness to transper- article tries, first of all, to shed light on some sonal, group consciousness is an ongoing of the most important characteristics of the evolutionary step for the human species that NGWS. The discussion is mainly based on necessarily takes time and effort. We do not passages about the NGWS contained in know where it might take us, what the world four books of AAB/the Tibetan – Esoteric will be like, or how we will function. Psychology, Volumes 1 and 2, A Treatise on The NGWS can help us make this transition White Magic and Glamour: A World Prob- as it encourages humanity to cultivate the lem. A secondary objective of this article is values of responsibility, social justice, truth to provide an introductory understanding of and simplicity. As an increasing number of the functioning of the NGWS, linking it with individuals become intelligent, loving serv- some ideas in contemporary research in psy- ers, working hand in hand with others in all chology (transpersonal psychology and Psy- spheres of human endeavor, a critical mass chosynthesis) and social theory (Gilles will emerge, and the group will achieve a Deleuze and Felix Guattari). To do so, the momentum that is self-sustaining and self- article briefly explores the meaning of inte- 2 empowered, based entirely on the attractive gration (personal and group), and applies the power of love. The Tibetan clarifies that: Deleuzian concept of rhizomes to the organization of the NGWS. Love is not a sentiment. Love is the great principle of attraction, of desire, of mag- Objectives of the NGWS netic pull, and (within our solar system) that principle demonstrates as the attrac- e are told that there are three immedi- tion and the interplay between the pairs ate objectives for the New Group of W of opposites.3 World Servers (NGWS): As we will explore below, some of the most 1. To raise the level of human conscious- salient characteristics of this group include ness, so that spiritual reality can be intro- the facts that it belongs to no one and has no duced into world affairs. fixed location; it challenges our archaic ideas 2. The clarification of the international of hierarchical leadership, and it belongs to situation. This requires that each nation the whole of humanity. In fact, one can be put its house in order and then accept its part of the NGWS without having ever heard

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 73 The Esoteric Quarterly of its existence! When we hear about the idea discipline was necessary and played a fun- of developing group-consciousness, damental role in preparing the path for the achieving planetary responsibility, trans- next stage. Indeed, the word “monasti- forming the sciences into human endeavors, cism” derives from the Greek word humanizing business, student-centered μοναχός (monachos), meaning alone. Monas- education, or interfaith churches, we are ticism is still today a religious lifestyle based witnessing different grassroots applications on “renouncing worldly pursuits to fully de- of the NGWS. Indeed, we are told that vote oneself to spiritual work.”5 members of the NGWS: In contrast, the NGWS presents some distinct are emerging out of every group and Aquarian features that, in spite of the fact church and party, and will therefore be that it was first conceived of some 600 years truly representative…. They are of all ago and enunciated only some 60 years ago, races; they speak all languages; they em- give us a clue as to what living under the ae- brace all religions, all sciences and all gis of the Seventh Ray will be like. Some philosophies. Their characteristics are outstanding characteristics of the NGWS are: synthesis, inclusiveness, intellectuality 1. Universalism and Diversity: The NGWS and fine mental development…. They nurtures human diversity. Within the recognise no authority, save that of their group, each member is respected in his or own souls, and no Master save the group her singular being. Everybody can take they seek to serve, and humanity whom part in a service group, and many already they deeply love. They have no barriers are, even if they might never have heard set up around themselves, but are gov- of the NGWS. The NGWS is not an eso- erned by a wide tolerance, and a sane teric group. Actually, the Tibetan says mentality and sense of proportion. They that the true esotericist is rarely found! look with open eyes upon the world of men and recognise those whom they can 2. Practicality: it emphasizes the practical lift and to whom they can stand as the implications of service. “This is no idle Great Ones stand—lifting, teaching and or mystical, impractical program. It un- helping… They see their group members dermines and attacks no authority or in all fields—political, scientific, reli- government. It is not interested in the gious, and economic—and give to them overthrow of rulers or the downfall of the sign of recognition and the hand of a any political or national party. It calls brother.4 for intelligent and practical effort. It will call for the cooperation of many types of Characterizing the NGWS mind and many trained executives. The hile all world religions are character- men of goodwill in every country must Wized by group work and an organiza- be discovered, and all who respond to tion of religious orders (monasteries in Chris- these ideals must be gathered together tianity and Buddhism, for instance), it was through mailing lists. Their cooperation the development of the mystical inner life of must be sought and systematised. This the disciple that has most often been stressed program will call, eventually, for the as- or conveyed to the masses of all spiritual tra- sistance of many lecturers and writers, ditions. We have been presented with images who will work along the same idealistic of saints and monks living in isolation and lines but with differing methods. undergoing intense suffering. These groups Through their knowledge of their own presented some characteristics typical of the country, and of the best way to bring Piscean age: they were often mystical in na- these basic truths home to their own na- tionals, they must be left free to work as ture, many lived far removed from everyday 6 life, some orders were for men only, and so they see best for their particular nation.” on. Perhaps this kind of Piscean, devotional

3. Non-dogmatic, non-sectarian, non- it can influence the whole world of af- religious and non-political. It works, ba- fairs. Some examples of rhizomatic work sically, as an extended, plural, open fam- that we can see in the non-political, non- ily. violent humanitarian efforts in the world are the work of Greenpeace, Amnesty In- 4. Mental in focus: the mystical path blends ternational, Doctors Without Borders, or with the esoteric path. The development the Argentinean solidarity movements of the mind is stressed. during the crisis of 2001. Two French 5. Cooperative: it stresses the need to work philosophers, Gilles Deleuze and Félix together, to cooperate, to become interna- Guattari, have used this concept in mod- tional in approach. ern social theory. For them a rhizome 6. Soul-centered: it moves from the person- “allows for multiple, non-hierarchical en- ality to the Soul as the center of service. try and exit points, works with horizontal and trans-species connections….” It is a 7. Non-dualistic: it frees us from the great “wide array of attractions and influences illusion of dualisms such as wrong/right with no specific origin or genesis, for a or left/right. ‘rhizome has no beginning or end; it is 8. Empowering: the group operates all always in the middle, between things, in- around the world, whether or not its ter-being, intermezzo.’ The planar members are aware or not at a concrete movement of the rhizome resists chro- mind level of their belonging to the nology and organization, instead favoring a nomadic system of growth and propa- group. The members are linked at the 7 level of the Higher Mind and work gation.” through the power of intuition. Integration into the NGWS

9. Non-topological: the NGWS has no ex- ntegration into the NGWS occurs naturally ternal organization, no hierarchical or- Ias we become less personality-centered ganization, no established leader; it is and more service-oriented. This is one con- purely a formal construction with no sequence of Soul alignment. The personality topos definite . It has, one might say, no or lower-self bears little interest for the Soul beginning and no end, just as the Moe- until personality begins to reorient itself to- bius topological band. Rather, it is an inward the Soul and becomes more group con- formal network of energies, a network scious. It is only through and in groups that that is continuously being remade. The we can effect changes in the world. Para- focal points of the network act under the doxically, however, this cannot occur without power of recognition. It is the Soul that the individual being affected by the Soul. recognizes the group members. Its influ- One would say, therefore, that the energy of ence is (if this word has any meaning to- the group impels us to change and grow in day) telepathically transmitted. It has, awareness and beauty. It is the group that therefore, no center and, for this reason, awakens us to the Soul. Without the group, it cannot be traced or destroyed. In this there is no individual. At the same time, as lies its power. we grow and actualize our potential, we be- 10. Rhizomatic: because of its non- gin to serve the group. The group and the topological nature, the NGWS is a net- individual are hence not opposites, but com- work of connections similar to the ones plementary. Integration means exactly this: we see happening in nature. Rhizomes becoming more unique as individuals. The are non-linear models of growth whereby more unique we become, the more responsi- species are connected, where there is no bility we develop and hence the more group specific end and no beginning; it works conscious we are, for we are less dependent from beneath the surface, and from there on others’ views (narcissists, who secretly depends on others’ views, fear the group be-

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 75 The Esoteric Quarterly cause they don’t know what they can truly from animal societies with no self- offer). The more contact with the Soul, the representation, we have evolved into self- more unique we become, and hence we real- centered human societies, and seem to be ize what we can contribute or share with the moving toward group-centered societies that group. will preserve yet change the individual dra- In addition, although [S]ome of the most salient matically. Changes in integration into the characteristics of [the human society such as NGWS happens naturally, technological it is not compulsory. This NGWS] include the facts developments and global means that there is that it belongs to no one migrations are already actually an important and has no fixed location; affecting the way we component of will communicate and involved in the process of it challenges our archaic construct our identities. becoming part of the ideas of hierarchical lead- New discoveries in NGWS. This relates to science are making us the choices we make in ership, and it belongs to quickly aware that the life and how we reorient the whole of humanity. In physical world is based ourselves regarding fact, one can be part of the on interdependence. certain spiritual values. Astronomy continues to Values like social justice, NGWS without having unveil the many faces of truth, non-discrimination, ever heard of its existence! an expanding, evolving harmlessness and beauty universe. It seems that on are among some of the many we must culti- many fronts we are learning the lesson that vate to become integrated into the NGWS. we are not separate. These values may at present sound like ideals, yet they represent, together, the vision of How does this realization articulate with the a fair world that each day thousands of us try individual life of each of us? In terms of psy- to build inside ourselves and in our lives. It is chosynthesis and transpersonal psychology, the will to move toward this vision that keeps we could pose the hypothesis that at the level us going and that will lead us to success. It is of the individual, as a certain degree of at- the deep, inner recognition that together we tunement with the transpersonal will is stand and that nothing will ever make us go reached, the level of inner conflict weakens; astray. This is not a theoretical concept but our personality functions and structures (or an experience that all truly inspired human vehicles) are better coordinated to the extent beings have had. It is an inner sense of direc- that we can operate as more integrated hu- tion and of connection with something bigger man beings rather than merely survive on a than ourselves that is real and actuating in the day-to-day basis. Integration of the personal- world, and a recognition that we are a family ity vehicles and integration with the transper- working together to end suffering and mis- sonal self are two instances of a long, re- ery. demptive process. As we purify and heal our physical, emotional and mental bodies, we From self-centered to group- are also working toward fusion with the centered transpersonal self, for this can only express fully when a certain degree of integration has roups and societies have always existed, been achieved at personality level. We could both in the natural and human worlds. G say that the process of achieving integration What appears to be new about the NGWS is matters more than the result itself, as demon- that, contrary to prior forms of socialization, strated in the way that the Soul becomes the this group aims at preserving and actually center of our lives. In A Treatise on White enhancing individuality while completely Magic we read: transforming it. In other words, it seems that

The first centre which the aspirant seeks interpersonal integration with other individu- consciously to energize and on which he als and groups. Third, we experience a trans- concentrates during the early stages of personal integration with the Soul and higher his novitiate, is the heart centre. He has realms. Integration is an open-ended en- to learn to be group conscious, to be sen- deavor, the constant enlargement of our cir- sitive to group ideals, and to be inclusive cle of awareness. At each step we help our in his plans and concepts; he has to learn circle of awareness move beyond its limit. to love collectively and purely, and not be actuated by personality attraction, and From the individual to the the motive of reward. Until there is this NGWS, via synthesis awakening in the heart, he cannot be ne of the main roles of the NGWS is “to trusted to wield the creative powers of bring about the eventual synthesis and the throat centre, for they would be sub- O unification of the [people] of goodwill and of ordinated to self-aggrandizement and understanding into one coherent body … thus ambitions of various kinds.8 made to realize their essential unity.”10 To The more integrated and healed we are, the effectuate a work of synthesis means main- more group conscious we become. This ex- taining the attitude of the observer, seeking presses as being more conscious of our rela- to love, eliminating criticism and redeeming tionships, taking active responsibility for the the world with positive, constructive groups we belong to, accepting new respon- thoughts. sibilities, nurturing the good, the beauty and While this is no easy task, many individuals the truth in everybody we encounter along might be able to think of personal circum- the path of our lives. It also manifests in be- stances in which their consciousness was ex- ing able to listen more attentively to our panded, either by developing awareness of friends and relatives without judging them. It spiritual dimensions within, by entering into shows in new, increased abilities and skills contact with an inspiring person, by acts of that relate to all the kingdoms of nature. We heroism and selfless love, by reaching out develop a sense of responsibility for the and helping someone in need, or by deepen- lower kingdoms, or establish new associa- ing their sense of connection. We can also tions with neighbors in an attempt to improve find examples of the current stage of plane- our communities. We might be inclined to tary awareness. We could mention, for in- joyfully appreciate artistic works, or we may stance, the growing number of non- be interested in charitable or volunteer work. governmental organizations (NGOs) that Some of us may not even leave home at all, raise funds to fight disease and poverty. In- but we may spend time praying or meditating ternational trade alliances such as NAFTA for others and their causes—an incredibly (North American Free Trade Association) serviceable subjective occupation indeed! and MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Sur) What matters here is not the specific way our on the American Continent have fostered the new sense of direction manifests. Rather, it is economic wellbeing of their regions. Infor- the qualitative transformation of the human mation and Communication Technologies consciousness that counts, a move from be- (ICT) allow people from all over the world to ing self-centered to being group-centered or, get in touch with their families, friends and in psychological terms, a development from associates at low cost. Professional associa- personal realms to transpersonal values such tions in all fields and international bodies as inclusiveness, non-dualism, openness, and guarantee ethical standards and share knowl- responsibility.9 Hence, once integration be- edge. The examples are endless and they are gins, it multiplies or becomes rhizome-like. all evidence of a change in human con- We have first of all the intra-individual inte- sciousness. It seems that we are learning a gration of sub-personalities, of emotional fundamental lesson, that we are not separate states and thoughtforms. Second, we achieve individuals living inside societies. Rather, we

Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010 77 The Esoteric Quarterly are social beings in a live organism, operat- of the life and needs of all beings (I have ing as individuals. And we are not human chosen these two words with intent!) beings seeking the Soul; instead, we are which it is the high prerogative of a di- Souls temporarily living as human beings. vine Son of God to operate. It negates all that builds barriers, makes criticism, and Clearly, we should not expect these spiritual produces separation. It sees no distinc- endeavors to work perfectly all the time. Just tion, even when it appreciates need, and as individual integration can be characterized it produces in one who loves as a soul as a lifelong project, group endeavors are immediate identification with that which open-ended, experimental service ventures. It is loved.13 is the constant effort toward the ultimate goal of synthesis that should keep us going, not Synthesis, which is the inner recognition of the results as seen by an outsider. Synthesis the unity of all life forms, is the force that defines inclusive love, as we can read in the will keep us going in times of despair. The following excerpt. current state of crisis and despair will but accelerate the integration of many of us into The first of the factors revealing the di- the NGWS as there is today, more than any vine nature and the first of the great psy- other time in recent history, a recognition chological aspects of God is the tendency that things cannot go on like this. This fact to synthesis. This tendency runs through will make our voice one and our invocative all nature, all consciousness, and is life appeal stronger. In all departments of life, itself. The motivating urge of God, His men and women of goodwill are standing for outstanding desire, is towards union and the rights that the rich, the despotic powers, at-one-ment. It was this tendency or qual- and the materialistic minds want to deny hu- ity which Christ sought both to reveal 11 manity. We are reclaiming the values we in- and to dramatize for humanity. nately recognize as true and good. The Accordingly, synthesis is one of the keynotes NGWS represents our chance to make this of all who identify with the aims of the world a better place to live. NGWS. Actually, the Tibetan’s work sug- Note: References to the Alice Bailey books below gests that integration into the NGWS is the refer to the online edition published by Lucis natural next step for any disciple who is Trust. Accordingly, the references appear as indi- achieving a certain degree of integration and cated by the online edition reference list. fusion with the Soul.

Love is not a sentiment or an emotion, 1 Esoteric Psychology, Vol. II nor is it desire or a selfish motive for Bailey, A., , Chapter 3, Humanity Today /2. The New right action in daily life. Love is the Group of World Servers /A. Objectives and wielding of the force which guides the Ideals. Online Edition. Lucis Trust. worlds and which leads to the integra- 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical tion, unity and inclusiveness which im- _dia.org/wiki/Critical_mass_(sociodynamics) pels Deity itself to action.12 3 Bailey, A., Esoteric Psychology, Vol. I, Sec- tion 2, Chapter 3, The Rays and Man /2. the Love … is not affectionate sentiment, or ray of the planet-earth. Online Edition. Lucis the possession of a loving disposition; Trust. these two later aspects are incidental and 4 Bailey, A., A Treatise on White Magic, Rule sequential. When the intuition is devel- Ten, The New Group of World Servers. oped, both affection and the possession Online Edition. Lucis Trust. of a spirit of loving outgo will, necessar- 5 Retrieved August 8th, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/monasticism ily, in their pure form, be demonstrated, 6 but that which produces these is some- Bailey, A., Esoteric Psychology, Vol. II, Chap- thing much more deep and comprehen- ter 3, Humanity Today /2. The New Group of World Servers /C. Functions of the New sive. It is that synthetic, inclusive grasp

Group of World Servers. Online Edition. New Group of World Servers. Online Edition. Lucis Trust. Lucis Trust. 7 Retrieved 10th August 10, 2010 from 11 Bailey, A., Esoteric Psychology, Vol. II, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizome_(philos Chapter 1, The Egoic Ray /IV. Rules for In- ophy) ducing Soul Control /2. The Seven Rules /A. 8 Bailey, A., A Treatise on White Magic, Rule The Tendency to Synthesis. Online Edition. Five, Heart, Throat and Eye. Online Edition. Lucis Trust. Lucis Trust. 12 Bailey, A., Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. 9 Riddle, D.,. Enough For Us All, Vol. I: Prin- I, Section 1, discipleship in the new age /talks ciples of Abundance for the Cosmic Citizen. to disciples/part I. Online Edition. Lucis Trust. Indiana: Author House, 2010. 13 Bailey, A., Glamour: A World Problem, cer- 10 Bailey, A., Esoteric Psychology, Vol. II, tain preliminary clarifications /i. definition of Chapter 3, Humanity Today /2. The New the intuition. Online Edition. Lucis Trust. Group of World Servers /C. Functions of the

Book Reviews

The Heart Doctrine: Mystical Views of the from a functioning brain.” Holmes addresses Origin and Nature of Human Consciousness, the multiple questions concerning conscious- by Christopher P. Holmes. Ontario, Canada: ness in psychology, physics, cosmology, biol- Zero Point Publications, 2010. Paperback, 294 ogy and medicine that science has either ig- pages. nored or left unanswered. His critique reveals a he field of consciousness exploration— science that generalizes its knowledge of the T“the last great mystery”—is one of the part as if it were a knowledge of the whole—a fastest growing fields of scientific inquiry. science that is ill-informed about other dimen- Theories examining the roots, nature and role sions of reality and cut off from its inner core. of human consciousness abound. At present, With over thirty-five years of study in the area there are at least twelve competing theories. of consciousness, psychology, modern physics Many modern scientific theories rely on the and metaphysics to draw upon, Dr. Holmes materialist argument that depicts conscious- provides an alternative higher dimensional ness and mind as an emergent phenomenon or model of consciousness that is in sharp con- emergent property of the brain. Yet, as Dr. trast to the reductionist paradigm. At the center Christopher Holmes points out again and again of his research is the enigmatic concept of the in this book, no definitive scientific theory on “zero point,” a term used by Helena Blavatsky the origin and nature of consciousness exists (and recently documented in physics) to repre- and any real understanding of consciousness sent “a point source of unfolding wherein the remains elusive. Science rejects the idea of any finite Kosmos emerged from the Infinite at the supernatural or non-physical explanation, but beginning of time.” These zero points or true provides “no account of what consciousness is, atoms—which the Gods and other invisible whether or not it is substantive, or where it powers use to clothe themselves—occur “at originates.” the level of the Planckian unit in physics, be- Despite the widespread confusion and misun- yond the level of material differentiation, but derstanding regarding the nature of conscious- “existent in all living beings—including our- ness and the narrow, form-based, technologi- selves.” cally driven investigation into the material, The author elaborates and expands upon Bla- neurological and informational processes of vatsky’s initial concept in this important work the brain, the head doctrine, as Helena Blavat- and throughout the entire Within-Without Zero sky once termed it, has become “the most Point Series. In The Heart Doctrine—the first commonly accepted Western scientific and book in the series—we learn that “the zero psychological model of consciousness.” point is not a ‘thing’ in itself, as much as it is a Holmes examines the modern “head doctrine” condition or a place at which certain processes of psychology, philosophy and science. He ac- occur”… “The zero point is a ‘point parti- knowledges the contributions that modern sci- cle’…a monad in hyperspace, or a portal or ence has made, particularly in its understand- transitional point between dimensions.” Ac- ing of the anatomy and physiology of the brain. cording to Holmes, zero points are present However, he challenges its assumptive and throughout creation. They exist “at the heart of speculative framework along with the biases of a universe, a galaxy, a sun, a quantum or a researchers and theorists who “see no way for human being.” Thus, he concludes, “life within consciousness to emerge or be generated apart a living being originates within/without out of the higher space dimensions of a multidimen- sional heart!”

Holmes furthers this hypothesis by explaining ers to reveal that both the heart doctrine and how the essential point source of individual the zero point teachings are inherent to Christi- light consciousness—the God spark or quan- anity. We learn, for example, that many Chris- tum Self—is brought down through the various tian thinkers and mystics view the parable of planes where it is embodied as a Soul and as the mustard seed as a metaphor for the zero the electromagnetic center within the physical point, the virgin point or central point of the heart. He describes a process whereby the pre- Soul. “Christian literature” also “depicts the sence of the Self within the heart initiates the heart as the bridal chamber, wherein the soul is heartbeat and diffuses the light of conscious- healed and wedded to the Lord.” The heart, as ness, which the mind reflects, to both the psy- one Christian mystic explains, refers to the “in- che and body. “Consciousness,” as the zero terior star,” “the one pearl,” or the “single point theory maintains, “does not arise from eye.” These many names represent the differ- within the brain… the brain merely mirrors the ent attributes of the Central Point of the Soul light from within the spiritual heart and space.” within the cave of the heart from which the “Self” or “I” derives. The zero point hypothesis serves as a lens or vehicle through which the author considers a Holmes’ insightful commentaries and inspired wide range of literature from the sacred wis- treatment of the mystical and esoteric literature dom teachings and contemplative traditions. found in the Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Jewish, These sacred teachings, which have developed Christian and Theosophical traditions, leads their own rigorous methods for exploring the the reader into the enduring, universal currents origins and potential of consciousness, empha- of truth and beauty regarding life, the heart, size the heart doctrine and the view that the consciousness, and the cosmos. His integrated heart and physical consciousness are inextrica- overview of sacred teachings serves to illumi- bly related. A verse from the Brihadaranyaka nate their inner nexus and expose their deeper Upanishad illustrates: significances. The self-luminous being who dwells within Furthermore, the author demonstrates the value the lotus of the heart, surrounded by the of esoteric and occult teachings in a pro- senses and sense organs, and who is the foundly new relationship to science. “Spiritual light of intellect, is that Self. teachings,” as The Heart Doctrine states, “do not necessarily contradict the findings of sci- Another verse from the Chandogya Upanishad ence. They simply provide a new holistic way is placed within the context of heart’s innate of interpreting the facts of science itself.” ability to reflect the holographic dimensions of the universe: In comparing the unifying teachings on the heart and consciousness with the ground state As large as the universe outside, even so or zero point of quantum physics, Christopher large is the universe within the lotus of the Holmes makes a central contribution to con- heart. Within it are heaven and earth, the sciousness research—a contribution with prac- sun, the moon, the lightening, and all the tical applications for awakening the Soul or the stars. What is in the macrocosm is in the Self. microcosm…All things that exist…are in the city of Brahman. Donna M. Brown Washington, DC. Elsewhere, the author draws upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, Saint Francis de Sales, Fa- ther Louis Massignon, Father Merton and oth-

Positive Harmlessness in Practice, by Doro- nado in Texas.) There are three steps in the thy I. Riddle. Bloomington, IN: Author House, daily Butterfly Shift practice: 2010. Paperback, 288 pages. Step One: Notice the Shift Potential his is the second volume in Dorothy Rid- Step Two: Feel the Shift Potential Tdle’s trilogy, Enough for Us All. Here she Step Three: Act on the Shift Potential tackles the difficult concept of harmlessness, a This involves all personality vehicles: concept mandated by every spiritual tradition. mental, astral and physical. As Dr. Riddle notes in the Preface, “exploring These techniques can be applied to each of the concept of harmlessness makes it clear that three types of Butterfly Shifts: we have no collective experience of harmlessness because our habits of harm are so perva- 1. The Compassionate Shift sive.” Consequently, the thoughtform of harm- 2. The Grateful Shift lessness is underdeveloped and is widely re- 3. The Joyous Shift garded as equivalent to powerlessness. So the Part Three then turns to the larger topic of the author undertakes the task of educating the changes that are needed globally in order to reader as to the real meaning of harmlessness, anchor harmlessness as a societal norm. This which she wisely terms “positive harmless- requires the transformation of our worldview ness,” and of presenting a program to enable us from harm and violence as inevitable to harm- to build our “harmlessness muscle.” lessness as our chosen ethic. Part One, consisting of three chapters, presents Dr. Riddle deals extensively with the process a carefully thought out explanation of harm of maturing as a precondition to effectively (the pervasiveness of harm, the international practice positive harmlessness. Most interest- understanding of harm, harming by commis- ingly, she presents seven Maturational Dimen- sion, harming by omission, healing the effects sions, each of which in turn corresponds to the of harm) and of harmlessness (definition of seven Principles listed above: harmlessness, harmlessness in thought, in word, in action). Dr. Riddle also relates harmlessness Self-discipline to the Seven Principles of Abundance, which is Responsibility the topic of the first book in the series. These Decision making principles are, in brief: Co mplexity Nurturance Interconnectivit y Goodwill Participation Co mpassion Nonlinearity Nondualit y The reader of this article might want to con- Interdependence sider whether the Principle of Interconnectivity Adaptabilit y might correspond to the Motivational Dimen- Cooperation sion of Self-discipline (that is, one must be ma- ture in self-discipline before one can experi- For a short discussion of these principles, see ence and express the Principle of Interconnec- The the review in the Summer 2010 issue of tivity). Then proceed down the list. Some cor- Esoteric Quarterly —or, better yet, read the respondences may seem obvious; others might book. remain elusive. The recommended solution is Part Two, consisting of six chapters, details to read Chapter 11, in which there is a short how we can create a “harmlessness mini- section on each Maturational Dimension and immersion” experience on a daily basis in or- the corresponding Principle. der to bring about a “Butterfly Shift.” (Butter- The final chapter, “Developing an Ethic of fly Shift refers to the ripple effect of our Harmlessness,” bridges the gap between theory thoughts, feelings and actions, such as a butter- and practice. Dr. Riddle presents a “Harmless- fly flapping its wings in Brazil causing a tor-

82 Copyright © The Esoteric Quarterly, 2010. Fall 2010 ness Scale” that she has devised, which lists tion of Human Rights, which is referred to in eight attitudes ranging from the extreme of the text. She also includes excerpts from a U.N. Brutality to the proactive attitude of Advocacy. document, “Ending Violence Against Women: The point of this, as she explains, is that we From Words to Action,” which ties into a po- not only need to be aware of different attitudes werful section in the final chapter—“Gender toward harmlessness, we also need to under- Harmlessness as a Litmus Test”—that is horri- stand where we are personally starting from so fying to read about, but necessary to be aware that we can identify the changes we want to of. make. Among the Appendices is a detailed There were several passages in the book that questionnaire for those readers who are serious were of great importance to this reviewer. We about determining their starting point and fur- will close with one that unites the esoteric, or ther developing their positive harmlessness. cosmic, dimension with our responsibility as This reference to the Appendices brings us to incarnate beings: our final comments regarding the resources Dr. Harmlessness requires practice and matur- Riddle supplies, which are scattered through ity in how we focus and use the energy the text and in the end material. that flows among us as part of our inter- As in Volume One, Dr. Riddle inserts exer- connected cosmic energy field… If we ac- cises here and there in the text—68 in all and cept, at least as a working hypothesis, the an Index of them at the end of the book. There concept of continuity of consciousness,… are helpful tables to give a broader perspective, surely we can build a “harmlessness mus- such as the one in connection with the Golden cle” over our lifetimes that allows us to be Rule. Here nine great spiritual traditions are positively and proactively harmless. (pp. listed, with the sentence cited from the scrip- 203-204) ture of each that corresponds to Christianity’s Dr. John Cobb version (Matthew 7:12). Among the Appendi- Asheville, North Carolina ces can be found the U.N. Universal Declara-