Copyright 2002 Verlag Hans-Jürgen Maurer

Revised Edition 2001

First published 1978

© 2001 by the “Sun Centre” School of Esoteric Philosophy,

South Africa

Cover Design: Peter Krafft, Bad Krozingen, Germany

Cover Painting: “The Seven Spheres” © by Soham Holger Gerull, Petersberg-Steinhaus, Germany

Published by:                                     in Cooperation with:
Bridges Publishing                           “Sun Centre”
Hans-Jürgen Maurer                      School of Esoteric Philosophy
Germany                                              South Africa

ISBN 978-3-929345-11-7

 

Building Bridges

May these thoughts contribute towards bridging the gap between man and man, nation and nation, race and race; between the past, the present and the future; between science and religion, religion and religion; between the tangible and the intan­g­ible, unconsciousness and consciousness, darkness and light; bet­ween the material and the spiritual, the not-self and the Self, the personality, the Soul and the Monad; between man and the Spiri­tual Hierarchy of Perfected Men and of Angels; and may all these bridges eventually lead to synthesis within the human race and the realisation of the One Humanity, the One Soul, the One Universe and the One Supreme Being.

Contents

INTRODUCTION                                                                                        17

 

PART ONE: Man in the Universe

  1. SUMMARY                                                                         33
  2. THE ANCIENT WISDOM                                                   36

III.     ALL IS ENERGY                                                                 42

  1.       The Etheric World                                                        48
  2.       The Seven Rays of Energy                                           51
  3. THE UNIVERSE                                                                  57
  4. THE PLANES OF EXISTENCE                                           64
  5. THE ESSENCE OF LIFE                                                      66

VII.   THE KINGDOMS OF NATURE                                          69

VIII.  A RETROSPECTIVE GLANCE OVER THE AGES             78

  1. MAN KNOW THYSELF                                                      86
  2. THE CONSTITUTION OF MAN                                         90
  3.       The Etheric Body                                                         94

              (a)      Centres of Energy                                97

              (b)      Carriers of Energy (‘Nadis’)                               100

              (c)       The Third Eye                               101

              (d)       The Spiral or Kundalini Fire                               103

              (e)       The Etheric Web                               105

              (f) Radiation           105

              (g)        The Aura                               107

  1.       The Physical Body             109

              (a)          The Nervous System                               111

              (b)        The Brain                               112

              (c)        The Endocrine Glands                               114

              (d)        The Blood Stream                               115

              (e)        The Senses                               117

              (f) Pain      118

              (g)        Sex                               120

  1.       The Astral Body          122

              (a)       Fear                               127

              (b)      Depression                               132

              (c)     Hatred and Antagonism                               133

              (d)         Love                               134

              (e)         Psychic Powers                               135

  1.       The Mental Body         138

              (a)              The Mind                               140

              (b)           Three Aspects of Mind                               141

  1.       The Personality            143

          (a)            Defining the Soul                               147

              (b)        The Egoic Lotus                               148

              (c)           The Causal Body                               149

              (d)         Characteristics of the Soul                               149

              (e)          The Problem of Duality                               152

              (f) Alignment of Soul and Personality            155

              (g)      Reincarnation (Rebirth)                               156

              (h)         The Soul and Initiation                               161

              (i) The Thread of Life                    163

  1.       The Monad               164

                   DIAGRAM A: The Monad                                         165

              (a)             The Spiritual Triad                               166

              (b)          The Bridge of Light                               167

              (c)       Retaining of Identity                               169

  1. DEATH                                                                              171
  2.       Withdrawal of the Life Thread                                    172
  3.       Life After Death                                                        173
  4.       Purgatory                                                                   174
  5.       Cremation                                                                  175

XII.    HUMANITY                                                                      177

XIII.  THE SPIRITUAL HIERARCHY                                        184

  1.       Some General Considerations                                      184

              DIAGRAM B: The Spiritual Hierarchy                             187

  1.       The Supreme Being                                                    190
  2.       God                                                                           191
  3.       The Solar Logos                                                         192
  4.       The Planetary Logos                                                  193
  5.       The Lord of the World                                                193

              (a)             Shamballa                               195

              (b)            Shamballa Energy                               194

              (c)        The Divine Purpose                               199

              (d)            The Hierarchical Plan                               200

                   DIAGRAM C: The Divine Purpose and Plan               201

  1.       The Hierarchy of Masters                                           206

                   DIAGRAM D: The Hierarchy of Masters                   208

              (a)         The Constitution of the Hierarchy                               212

              (b)          The Masters                               215

              (c)         The Master‘s Body of Manifestation                     216

              (d)           Individual Masters                               217

              (e)       The Externalisation of the Hierarchy                  226

  1.       The Buddha                                                               227
  2.       The Christ                                                                  229

XIV.  PLANETARY ETHERIC ENERGY CENTRES                  241

  1. CITIES AS SPIRITUAL CENTRES                                    243

XVI.  THE AKASHIC RECORDS                                               244

XVII. DEVAS AND ELEMENTALS                                            245


PART TWO: Man on the Path of Life

  1. ESOTERIC STUDIES                                                         253
  2.       The Nature of Esotericism                                          253
  3.       The Mystic and the Esotericist                                    255
  4.       Esoteric Training                                                        257
  5.       The Tibetan‘s Teachings                                             260
  6.       Esoteric Teachings                                                     262
  7.       Ritual and Ceremony                                                  265
  8.       Breathing Exercises                                                    266
  9. EDUCATION AND RELIGION                                         269
  10.       Education                                                                   269
  11.       Religion                                                                     275

              (a)        Churches, Theology and Dogma                               278

              (b)                 New World Religion                               281

III.     SCIENCE, ECONOMICS AND POLITICS                         289

  1.       Science                                                                      289
  2.       Medical Science                                                         293

              (a)             Psychology                               294

              (b)            Healing                               297

  1.       Astrology                                                                   299
  2.       Spiritualism                                                                301
  3.       Schools of Thought                                                     304
  4.       Economics and Finance                                              306

              (a)     Money                               309

              (b)     Capitalism and Labour                               311

  1.       Nationalism, Racialism and Politics                              314
  2. GLAMOUR AND ILLUSION                                            316
  3.       Glamour                                                                     316
  4.       Illusion                                                                       322
  1. LIGHT                                                                                325
  2.       Instinct                                                                      328
  3.       Knowledge                                                                328
  4.       Wisdom                                                                     331
  5.       Understanding                                                            332
  6.       Intuition                                                                     333
  7.       Illumination                                                                336
  8. THE SCIENCE OF CONTACT AND

          COMMUNICATION                                                          337

  1.       Thought                                                                     337

              (a)     Power of Thought                               342

              (b)     Thought Control                               343

              (c)     Speech                               345

              (d)     Ideas                               346

              (e)      Dreams                               349

  1.       Consciousness                    352

              (a)       Expansion of Consciousness                               355

              (b)       Continuity of Consciousness                               357

  1.       The Science of Impression                                          357

              (a)     Impression                               358

              (b)     Inspiration                               360

              (c)      Sensitivity                               361

              (d)     Guidance                               363

              (e)                                                                         Telepathy                               366

VII.   INVOCATION AND EVOCATION                                   369

  1.       The Law of Cause and Effect                                     369
  2.       Invocation and Evocation                                            372

              (a)  Invocative Living                               377

              (b)   The Great Invocation                               378

  1.       Meditation                                                                  380
  2.       Revelation                                                                  385

VIII.  HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS                                              389

  1.       General (Live to let Live)                                            389
  2.       Human Shortcomings                                                  391

              (a)          Selfishness                               392

                   (i)     Self-Centredness                                                392

                   (ii)    Self-pity                                                             393

                   (iii)   Material Desire                                                  394

                   (iv)   Personal Ambition                                              395

                   (v)    Pride                                                                 396

                   (vi)   Crime                                                                397

                   (vii) Separativeness                                                   397

                   (viii) War                                                                   398

                   (ix)   Pacifism                                                            398

              (b)           Criticism and Suspicion                               399

              (c)     Irritation                               402

              (d)        Fanaticism                               403

  1.       Human Virtues                                404

              (a)         Love                               405

              (b)           Goodwill                               407

              (c)             Forgiveness                               413

              (d)           Sacrifice                               413

  1. DISCIPLESHIP                                                                  417
  2.       The Disciple                                                               417
  3.       Need for Disciples                                                      423
  4.       Attributes of the Disciple                                            423

              (a)           Responsibility                               424

              (b)        Discrimination                               425

              (c)                  Free Will                               426

              (d)       Humility                               428

              (e)        Simplicity                               429

              (f) Detachment, Impersonality and Acceptance                 430

              (g)          Serenity                               431

              (h)          Selflessness                               432

              (i) Courage              432

              (j) Perseverance                 433

              (k)            Sharing and Giving                               434

              (l) Harmlessness                  434

              (m) Balance and Stability      435

              (n)         Sense of Humour                               436

              (o)      Solitude                               436

              (p)      Devotion                               437

              (q)              Joy                               438

              (r) Esoteric Sense                                                           439

              (s) Reticence and Silence                                                 440

  1. Group Life and Work                                                       440
  2.       Master and Disciple Relationships                               449
  3. SERVICE                                                                           455
  4.       Motives for Service                                                    457
  5.       Field of Service                                                          458
  6.       Methods of Service                                                    459
  7.       Money in Service                                                       459
  8.       Service and Old Age                                                  460
  9.       Recognition of Service Rendered                                 461
  10.       The New Group of World Servers                               462

              (a)    The Birth of the Group                               462

              (b)       Membership of the New Group                               463

              (c)    The Activities of the New Group                               466

  1. WHITE AND BLACK MAGIC                                          468
  2.       White Magic                                                              468
  3.       Forces of Light                                                           469
  4.       The Dark Forces and Black Magic                              470
  5.       Evil                                                                            471

XII.    SPIRITUALITY                                                                 473

  1.       Material Living                                                           473
  2.       Spirituality                                                                  474
  3.       Spiritual Man                                                              476
  4.       Spiritual Development                                                 477

XIII.  INITIATION                                                                      481

  1.       The Nature of Initiation                                               481
  2.       Preparing for Initiation                                                483
  3.       Group Initiation                                                           485
  4.       The Initiate                                                                487
  5.       First Initiation                                                             488
  6.       Second Initiation                                                         492
  7.       Third Initiation                                                            493
  8.       Fourth Initiation                                                          496
  9.       Fifth Initiation                                                             497
  10. Higher Evolution                                                             498

XIV.  THE KINGDOM OF GOD                                                  499

AFTERWORD                                                                              502

APPENDIX:

REFERENCE INDEX                                                                  504


Introduction

 

Universal Principles

 These thoughts are not expressed for the East or the West; for people with white, black or yellow skins; for English, Germans, Chinese or Jews; for Roman Catholics or Protestants; for Moslems, Christians or Buddhists; for the religious minded, the agnostic or the scientist; they deal with the basic principles of life and the Laws of Nature, which are applicable to every single human being and­ ­­­there­fore also to all of humanity. But neither are these so-called ‘Wisdom Teachings’ limited to the human kingdom – they are also relevant to every other kingdom of nature, such as the mineral, vegetable, animal and spiritual kingdoms. In fact the ‘Ageless –’ or ‘Ancient Wisdom’ teachings are all-inclusive, never ending and perpetually apply to all of Creation … the whole Universe.

The approach that will be followed is objective but leads to subjective and philosophic considerations which are altogether non-denominational viewed from the religious standpoint. These principles are fundamental and can therefore be studied by the occidental or oriental, the devotionally inclined, the mystic, agnostic or scientist. The stage to which the individual can advance will solely depend on personal limitations of intellect, mind and spiritual conscious­ness but progressive development could eventually lead him far beyond the relatively narrow precincts dealt with in this treatise. Should the envisioned unfoldment not occur during the present life, then it is bound to manifest in the course of some future incarnation. Although these concepts are treated at a relatively simple level, it is realised that with a large percentage of the world population being in an early stage of mental development, this comparatively unsophisticated approach will still be beyond the reach of many. The basic principles can, however, always be satisfactorily interpreted to any individual by appropriate adaptation of these concepts.

The beauty of these tenets is that each person can find his own level of adjustment according to his specific stage of development of intellect, mind and spirit and according to the position he occupies in his particular physical and social environment. Furthermore his subsequent progress, whether fast or slow, will depend purely on him­self. There may be the occasional individual who, although accepting these premises, does not have the inclination for further study or development. Should this be the case, there probably will be some sound esoteric reason, even though the man may not be aware of it. Occasionally there will also be those who apparently have reached their ceiling or ‘high-water mark’ of development for a particular life; such an apparently static phase may only prove to be of a temporary nature but in exceptional instances such a condition might remain relatively stable for the duration of that particular life.

On the other hand there is an unlimited scope for study and expansion of consciousness for those who feel the inner urge. As the result of persistent study and meditation, new vistas and spiritual fields of exploration will systematically be revealed before the awakening inner eye of the dedicated aspirant. He will experience growing light and understanding and an ever deepening feeling of love and goodwill towards his fellow men and this will find expression as a growing urge to be of service to his daily associates, his community, humanity as a whole and finally to his Spiritual Leader and thus to contribute towards the realisation of the Divine Plan.

May the thoughts reflected in the following pages serve as an introduction for these aspirants, to be used as a stepping stone in their spiritual development or as a refresher to bring back to the mind that which was already learnt or experienced in some previous existence, thus serving as a bridge leading to the study of more advanced teachings.

Although the principles of the Ageless Wisdom doctrines remain basically unalterable throughout the ages, practically each separate individual, depending on his physical, mental and spiritual constitution, will become aware of different facets of the One Truth. He will attach his own nuances of interpretation to these, depending on the influence of his environment and that intricate combination of forces and energies to which each individual is constantly subjected. The picture he eventually paints will then be coloured by the shades of those aspects which have made the deepest impression on his specific complex of characteristics. It is because of this that it will be found that no two versions of the Truth will ever be identical. This will, however, make no difference to and should actually serve to broaden the outlook of the intuitive and understanding student, who will realise the underlying reasons for this diversity and who will be able to ­discover the linking and continuous thread of gold running through and connecting all genuine renderings.

 

 

The Ever Changing Pattern of the Universe

 ENERGY … what a comprehensive term! The whole Universe, all that is manifested, all that has been, is or ever will be, all consists of energy and nothing but energy – ‘free’ energy; energy bound or limited to greater or lesser extent in the myriads of forms and shapes in manifestation; energy temporarily apparently locked up in the densely compacted atoms of minerals; energy in the more diffusely arranged atoms of gaseous substances; inexhaustible streams of energy contained in that invisible, intangible, unrecorded reservoir which man in his ignorance has termed ‘empty space’.

The above is a most clumsy and inadequate description of the all-inclusive energy of which the Universe is comprised and only reflects that infinitesimal fraction of the Whole which the restricted mind and intellect of even highly developed human beings can visualise or conceive. Furthermore the concept of ‘energy’ may be glibly discussed but not even the most highly qualified scientists know what this fundamental power or faculty really is. This mysterious but basic principle underlying all life and manifested existence may be variously described according to its many known qualities and properties and even practically applied in many ways to the benefit (or destruction) of man but for the rest these energies and forces either just have to be accepted for what they are, without undue concern about their hidden and inexplicable origin and quality, or else they can be broadly designated as divine gifts, totally beyond the comprehension of man.

Energy is manifested in a never ending range of qualities, streng­ths and combinations which man often tries to differentiate by ­commonly used terms, such as – Spirit, Matter, Life, Light, Electricity, ­­Vitality, Will, Power, Love, Wisdom, Intelligence, Beauty, Knowledge and Idealism. This treatise will in the first instance make a study of various known aspects of these energies, of the extent to which they may be invoked by man and the commensurate response that may be expected. The point that will be stressed, however, is the fact that all energies, whether moving freely through space or whether temporarily confined within the walls of an atom, remain in constant motion. The power determining this movement may be only enough to support the electrons in an atom or otherwise of sufficient potency to guide and support celestial bodies or even whole constellations on their predetermined orbits through the heavens.

One of the consequences of this perpetual but systematic motion of all energy is that no form of creation, nothing on Earth or in the rest of the Universe, ever remains stable. Everything that IS remains in a perpetual state of modification and adaptation and may be classified as being in the stage of:

(a) Involution – during which energies are in the process of being bound or converted into various structures or forms.

(b) Evolution – during which the different created forms are in the process of being altered, adapted and improved, thus to become better suited to ever changing demands, circumstances and environment.

(c) Devolution – the process of breaking down, effected either through sudden changes or otherwise by the progressive dissolution of forms, thereby releasing or liberating energy.

The present stage in human development, together with that of the physical environment in which he has been placed, has only been reached after vast aeons of time stretching utterly beyond man’s conception. But strictly speaking it is incorrect to refer to a ‘present stage’, because a point of status quo is never attained, as the various processes of change continue endlessly. Some of these developments take place so gradually, however, that they are hardly noticeable to the relatively restricted perceptive faculties of the human being. Furthermore it should be remembered that in man these progressive changes occur not only in his physical body but probably even more important are those demonstrated in his more elusive aspects, that is in his emotional, mental and spiritual unfoldment.

The flow of energy does not follow an even tenor but is characterised by pulsations or cycles, exhibiting periods of higher and lower concentration of energy and evoked activity. This can be compared with the process of in- and out-breathing, so typically exemplified in nature by the ebb and flow of the ocean tides, the perpetual sequences of day and night, the annual succession of the seasons and the recurrent birth, death and rebirth of man.

To keep pace with these ever varying and developing conditions exacts severe demands on man’s resourcefulness, versatility, vitality and perseverance, which may lead either to suffering, agony and even destruction or alternatively to the highlights of the expanding consciousness and eventually to spiritual liberation and exaltation.

Humanity is at present experiencing the throes of one of its most radical periods of transition. To enable it to make suitable adjustments and to reap the maximum benefits from evolving conditions, it is essential that man should have a reasonable concept of the energies and forces responsible for these changes. He has been endowed with a reasoning mind which distinguishes him from the animal kingdom and by means of this questing and probing instrument, he has been enabled to effect some influence in the direction of these energies and thus also on the course of his own life and development. Man was never intended to be just an inanimate puppet to be buffeted hither and thither by every chance circumstance or ‘wind of change’.

A brief survey therefore will be made of some of the many energies and forces influencing man’s existence on Earth, to determine what action can be taken to co-operate with the beneficial forces or how to avoid or to counteract the detrimental effects or otherwise how to control and guide such energies in the desired direction.

 The Path of Experience

 Who and what is Man? What is the sense and purpose of existence? What is Life and where must it all lead? What have I done that I should experience all this suffering? These are only a few of the questions which are daily being asked by thousands throughout the world who are weighed down by heavy burdens, who feel desperate, insecure and uncertain and are consequently searching for deeper values on which their hopes for the future may be founded.

In the following pages an attempt will be made to draw the veils obscuring the mind’s eye slightly apart and thus to throw perhaps a little more light on to a terrain that to many has so far been shrouded in ab­solute darkness. Although a beam of light may be thrown on the Path that lies ahead and on to the signboard indicating the direction and destination of the road, this is a path which each man must walk on his own – alone and yet not alone, because the man who honestly, sincerely and selflessly strives to serve his fellow man may rest assured that he will always be guided and inspired from subjective levels to ever brighter Light, to a more understanding and inclusive Love and to more profound Wisdom. In the early stages of his development he may, however, remain totally unaware of the helping hands which will constantly serve to protect him and to guide him along his determined Path.

Mankind stands at the portals of a New Age. Bridges with the past are being broken down rapidly and systematically, one after another, usually resulting in stupendous disruption and the upsetting of all that characterised previous generations. Because man as a rule is not ready and prepared for such demolishment, these changes are often accompanied by excessive pain and suffering which may appear unnecessarily severe and merciless. However, have every confidence that humanity’s fate rests in safe and benevolent hands and is being guided by the Lord of the World according to His carefully considered Purpose and Plan.

It should also be realised that nothing in all the Universe ever happens haphazardly. Although the average human being, bound as he is by physical, emotional and mental limitations, may not be able to fathom the reasons for all these changes which for him are so often fraught with distress and misery, there nevertheless mustbe and actually is adequate justification for each and every happening. Furthermore these apparent adversities must not be seen as a form of chastisement meted out by a discontented Father to His defecting children but merely as the implicit effects of the natural Law of Cause and Effect, combined and co-ordinated with the immutable and to man oft incomprehensible Divine Plan; they may also be regarded as the experiences and lessons of life which actively contribute towards the development and shaping of the character of each individual.

Although man, with the free will with which he has been endowed, is to some extent able to affect the course of events within the elements of time and space and in some instances can therefore either retard or expedite the trend of occurrences as far as these may concern his personal life and conditions, the final issue and destination has been determined by Higher Authority and cannot be modified or deviated by the ‘little wills of men’.

The Tibetan’s Teachings

 It should be clearly understood that the thoughts to be expressed are definitely not the product of the writer’s ‘fertile brain’. Neither does he presume to be qualified to proclaim his own teachings. This treatise is merely an attempt at producing an abbreviated and simplified interpretation of the tenets of that profound sage, Djwhal Khul (D.K.) – commonly known as ‘The Tibetan’ – and at sharing his thoughts with those who perhaps may not have access to his complete writings.

The original manuscripts were telepathically dictated to Alice A. Bailey (A.A.B.) who agreed to act as the Tibetan’s amanuensis and who over a period of thirty years, stretching from 1919 to 1949, recorded his directed thoughts. This original rendering was subsequently published progressively in a series of eighteen volumes, comprising a total of nearly 10,000 pages of text. (For a complete list of these books see the Appendix).

It is hoped that the present work may serve as an introduction to esoteric study in general, perhaps leading interested students to a clearer understanding of the more comprehensive and in places rather abstruse original writings.

Actually it is of no importance through which channels these principles are relayed or from what source they originate, as long as the correct message is conveyed to its intended destination – humanity. Come to think of it, from where did the Tibetan obtain all his knowledge?­­­ ­Although he must be regarded as an exalted and refined in­stru­­ment, he is again merely a channel through which thoughts, knowledge and wisdom, inspired primarily from some higher divine source, have been directed to humanity.

It should also be realised that as these divine inspirational thoughts are being passed down, step by step, from spiritual to material levels, the instruments used for this transference are of ever decreasing quality and become coarser and coarser. It stands to reason that as these channels become cruder and are no longer qualified by true intuition and divine wisdom, that the standard of the teachings will suffer proportionately and that they will thus become relatively distorted. These distortions are, however, not always due to faulty instruments but in many cases adaptations have to be made because the original message or concepts, in their pristine and elevated form, are beyond the understanding of the average, materially oriented human being.

Fundamental Nature of the Philosophies

 The principles to be reflected are basically of a philosophic nature and are intended for the average man of intelligence, with the purpose of possibly opening some new vistas of thought and thereby perhaps even a new approach to life. The concepts involved have already proved acceptable to men from all walks of life and an attempt will be made to avoid emotion­al aspects and as far as possible to retain a rational, logical, impersonal and detached approach.

These views may perhaps lead the unbiased scientist to totally unexpected visions on certain long-standing problems and even to a fresh outlook on certain old and accepted tenets and premises. In some instances this might result in the opening up of vast new vistas and the possibilities for further research. As far as this is concerned there seem to be special opportunities waiting in the fields of electrical energy, light, sound and colour. There also seem to be vast possibilities for exploration of the realms of the invisible and intangible or the so-called ethericworld – a field which today has already been tentatively approached and designated as ‘extra sensory perception’ (E.S.P.). When more is known of and closer contact has been ­established­ with the etheric realm, a totally new approach will be uncovered to both medical practice and the closely related and rapidly developing science of psychology. But more about this in its proper context.

The man with a religious outlook will also find, once he allows himself to read and think with an open and unprejudiced mind and therefore without being constantly limited and fettered by prescribed dogmatism, that new light will suddenly dawn for him on various problems that have consciously or unconsciously been puzzling him for many years. Dogma with its doctrines may have its uses but when it leads to suppression of free thought and an avoidance of careful and objective consideration and analysis of unsolved problems of the practised religion, then it is certainly indicative of mistakenly applied accents. God has endowed man with an intelligent and reasoning mind and it can surely not be argued that his questing thoughts are meant to be applied to every field of knowledge and all terrains of life except religion – that most important aspect of subjective existence, which should really constitute the background and quality of every conscious being – the spiritual well-being!

There are of course those who actually have so little confidence in their so-called ‘faith’ that they are afraid to discuss their religion, to submit it to the light of reason or to listen to or read about diverging views, as this might lead to doubt and uncertainty. However, a faith that rests on such insecure foundations can surely never be of much use to anyone; religion with its accompanying faith should form the mainstay of life and should in fact represent a raft of safety to which man can cling when he is being swept away by the turbulent currents which daily course through the uncertainties of life and when every other support seems to be failing him.

Remember that life, with its constant processes of development and evo­lution, can never remain static – there has either to be progress or other­­­wise retrogression, or devolution is bound to set in. The same as­sertion is valid in the case of religion. As man’s mind unfolds a growing urge inevitably develops to penetrate deeper into the arcana of the subjective realms – to pierce or at least to lift slightly that dense veil that has up to now obscured his view. And actually the power to obtain more ‘Light on the Path’ is at the disposal of each and every individual. It is only a question of becoming aware of the opportunities and for the urge to arise and to move forward to­­wards the beckoning Light. The degree of success that will eventually crown the aspirant’s efforts will depend on the motives and purposefulness underlying his striving and the perseverance that is maintained.

The basic truths can of course never be altered but at the same time the Absolute Truth will never be fully comprehended by the mind of man while he is still inhibited by physical limitations. What can however be altered, adjusted and expanded, is man’s interpretation of that which is being revealed to him and the subsequent sound application of his findings in his daily living and being. This in turn will lead to a closer approximation to and understanding of the final Truth. These studies should thus help to lead the aspirant to ever expanding horizons and to bridge some of the chasms between illusion and Reality.

Today the average man is more or less fully occupied with his daily range of activities, which vary between wide limits according to his individual qualities, his environment and circumstances and the position he occupies in the human community and the particular aims and objectives to which he aspires. Man’s material concerns, as a rule, engage his attention to such an extent that only a small percentage of human beings are consciously aware of the existence of the subjective worlds which are so intimately associated with the dense physical conditions. To the majority of men the latter still remain the only conscious form of life and existence. The surrounding spiritual world, which is actually closely interwoven and interrelated with the physical is, however, very real and it is only because of man’s limited range of perception that the presence of this more ethereal realm cannot be registered at this stage of his existence.

An attempt will be made to create a picture of the constitution of man; of how the human kingdom links up and is related to the other kingdoms of nature; to indicate how the physical and subjective worlds are closely integrated and associated and how our planet, the Earth, forms part of the solar system, which in turn only represents an atom in the greater whole of the Universe. It will also be indicated that these physical forms which man observes are merely the material or lowest reflection of spiritual Existences or Entities, which are finally synthesized in that inconceivable and indescribable concept – the Supreme Power.

So many human beings plod through life in a daze, unable to fathom something of the meaning and purpose behind it all, instinctively clinging to physical existence because of their fear of ‘death’ and the ‘unknown beyond’ which must inevitably terminate each individual term of life on Earth. Meanwhile in their daily struggle they seem to be experiencing an apparent constant series of reverses, leading to a never ending sequence of either or both physical and mental pain and suffering, which in most cases seems to be relieved by little real pleasure or happiness. In an effort to drown their sorrows or to create some sense of security, confidence or exhilaration, many turn to the use of alcohol; others again avail themselves of narcotics, in this way trying to escape from the daily problems and afflictions but thereby only transferring temporarily to an astral world of glamour and illusion and deferring the day of reckoning when life will have to be faced again with an increased load of tribulations. Still others, especially those just entering the path of life, try to cram in as much pleasure as possible in order to escape from the responsibilities of life. After a phase of such hectic living, many of these youngsters come to accept that this mad hunt after pleasure is but a chimera which in the end leads them nowhere.

It is hoped that a description of some aspects of the subjective realms may serve to make more men aware of this nebulous and undefined terrain which, nevertheless, forms such an intimate, although usually unrealised, part of all human existence and which inevitably has to play such an important and even conscious role in the future development of each and every child of man.

 Life’s Problems

 When man’s unfolding intellect is afforded the time to ponder on life’s problems, then the following are a few of the challenging questions that are apt to obtrude themselves into the explorative mind:

What is the nature of the Universe; is it circumscribed in any way and if so, where lie its boundaries and to what extent is it ­consciously, ­intelligently and methodically planned and controlled? How does our planet, the Earth, fit into this bigger scheme? What role is man supposed to play in this set-up? What is Life and what is its purpose? What happens at death and after death? Is there any form of life hereafter? Should man be immortal, then how does this comply with the fact that the physical body decomposes and disintegrates after death? Is there some form of subjective life and what about ‘heaven’ and ‘hell’? Do our lives consist of just a series of incoherent and fortuitous incidents and circumstances or are we being guided by some subjective Entity towards a specific and planned purpose or objective? Should there be a basic purpose, then there must definitely also exist some Supreme Guiding Power or Deity – where and of what nature is this Deity and how or through what channels does IT function? What are the relationships between this Deity, humanity and the other kingdoms of nature? To what extent can man depend on the guidance of this Deity and to what extent can these sustaining Forces be invoked?

These and many similar questions keep arising in the inquiring mind of the thinker. A thoughtful survey of the human family immediately discloses the never ending diversity between its individual components. Actually no two single members will be found who are identical in all respects. These differences occur within wide limits, not only with regard to the physical appearance and characteristics of individuals, groups and races but also when their emotional, mental and spiritual make-up is taken into consideration, as well as the conditions and environment of their existence.

An unbiased consideration of the widely varying conditions and circumstances under which each of the millions of individuals in the world are living; of the wide disparity that exists in the allocation of material and worldly goods with which they have been favoured; of the varying degree of intelligence with which individuals have been endowed; and finally the extent of spiritual unfoldment that is evinced – all such contemplation must lead the observer to the final choice between either of two premises:

Firstly, if each individual should only be afforded a single life and therefore only a single opportunity of redemption on Earth, as professed by the protagonists and dogmatists of certain religions, then according to human criteria this could only be regarded as a grave form of injustice. Why should some individuals under these circumstances be granted every opportunity in life and others hardly anything at all? No! Impossible. No righteous Father would ever tolerate such a position!

The second inference is that which has been propounded for thousands of years as part of the Ancient Wisdom teachings and seems to be the only logical conclusion that can be arrived at when all available evidence is carefully weighed. This is that all human beings are in a constant state of spiritual evolution towards an eventual common destination but that for various reasons the individuals (souls) composing mankind are at different stages and levels of development. Some are still near the bottom of the ladder, whilst others have already climbed to much higher rungs. This development of the human being is stimulated by the experiences gained during the activities of a physical life on Earth but as a single life would be hopelessly inadequate for all the experiences and lessons that life has to offer and because each individual has to undergo the full range of all possible experiences, each being has to return over and over again to this physical ‘vale of tears’. All this will, however, be dealt with in greater detail and in proper context in the course of the following pages.

 The Expanding Consciousness

 With regard to the comprehension of many of the subjective principles, an attempt will be made to explain matters as clearly as possible. Those who have the necessary affinity and sensitivity for these studies will, however, soon realise that many of the deeper and esoteric concepts cannot be expressed in human words. Human thought is exploring a field for which, as yet, there exists no adequate language and for the expression of which the exact terms are still lacking. As the student persists, however, his consciousness will gradually expand, until he unexpectedly becomes aware of a new form of discernment – his intuition is awakening and he is conceiving certain subjective and abstruse principles which could never be explained in words.

Most of the tenets under consideration can be approached from several aspects and are consequently being dealt with under different headings. Such apparent repetition in varying context should, however, be seen in true perspective, as it serves to present or clothe the thought in a different garb, thus leading to a clearer understanding of the various facets contained in the principle or truth under examination.

 Classification of the Contents 

The contents of this book are classified under numerous subject headings, some of which only comprise a brief paragraph. Although it is realised that this system has certain disadvantages and has led to some sacrifice of fluency and facile readability, this practice has notwithstanding been deliberately introduced to contribute towards greater clarity of expression and definition of concepts, which to many readers may prove new, strange and perhaps not readily understandable. This way of classification will also be of assistance to the student who wishes to avail himself of the numerical references given in the “Reference Index”. These references should facilitate the gaining of more complete information on specific subjects from the Tibetan’s teachings.

The intention is certainly not to supply light reading for relaxation but, on the contrary, to provide something for mental stimulation. To many the thoughts expressed and the approach that is being followed with regard to spiritual matters will be something new and a careful study of the relative principles will be required to arrive at a clear understanding of what is involved. It has therefore been felt that lucidity in the presentation of the subject matter is of more importance than the use of a perhaps more flowing arrangement to afford easier reading.

  1. J.

Pretoria, April 1978

PART ONE

Man in the Universe

I.

Summary

 Contrary to usual procedure, this book is being introduced with a brief survey of what is to follow, since the subject to be dealt with is complicated and comprehensive and the many aspects are so intimately intertwined that it is impossible to start the story with a few simple facts and then gradually to deploy the theme into its broader principles. This means that from the start certain terms and concepts will have to be introduced, which can only be elaborated or explained at a later stage. This might not matter to those already somewhat acquainted with these philosophies but might prove rather confusing to those who have had no previous contact with this line of thought. As the present treatise is intended primarily for the newcomer a brief review of what the subject comprises will enable the student to become somewhat better oriented to a philosophy of life and to points of view which may prove to be a totally new approach to him.

First of all it will be stressed that the whole Universe, with all it embraces, consists of Energy – energy in its myriad forms of manifestation; energy freely moving in space, supporting the celestial bodies and at the same time the carriers of those powers and forces which interrelate everything in the universal system, synthesising it all into the One Whole.

An attempt will be made to give some faint idea of who and what man is, the position he occupies in the overall picture and something of the role he has to fulfil in the Divine Plan. It will be briefly explained how man is constituted of three separate bodies – the physical, the emotional and the mental vehicles, with their functions co-­ordinated by the soul. The three ‘material’ bodies are mortal, ‘return to dust’ at death and merely serve for the temporary accommodation of man’s immortal aspect, the soul, ­during a single span of life. The soul (or Monad) in turn is but a spark of the divine Over-Soul.

The soul is in a process of constant evolution and, for some divine reason incomprehensible to man, it needs physical experience on Earth for its development and it is in order to gain this experience that the soul is reincarnated over and over again, each time into a new body and a fresh set of circumstances and environment, with the purpose of undergoing every possible phase of trial and experience that can be provided by physical life. The real inner conscious man is therefore the soul, a spiritual entity. Death of the physical body is thus not something to be feared and should often even be welcomed, as it only means a change in the state of consciousness and field of activity and a temporary release from physical limitations, till the soul is again ready for the next incarnation.

As the soul gains the required experience, it gradually begins to dominate the physical instrument or personality and step by step guides it to the life of perfectionwhich is the ultimate objective of physical life on Earth. During this process of spiritual evolution the human unit undergoes certain marked expansions of consciousness, which enable him to obtain a deeper awareness and more intimate contact with spiritual levels which previously remained hidden to the uninitiated mind. For the sake of convenience these expansions of awareness are called ‘initiations’.

After the soul has attained perfection on physical levels, there is no further motivation for return to a material body, except perhaps in the case of some specific mission on behalf of humanity. There is, however, no end to spiritual development and after the soul becomes absorbed in its even more exalted reflection, the Monad, its further evolution is continued in spiritual realms. Contrary to commonly entertained views, spiritual life is characterised by intense activity, either on behalf of humanity or otherwise on behalf of one of the sub-human kingdoms.

A brief description will also be given of the constitution of the Spiritual Hierarchy, that is to the extent that the limited human mind can conceive and understand existence on these higher planes and dimensions. It will be explained how the developing spiritual entity, after having gained even deeper consciousness and wisdom in the course of its more exalted activities, eventually reaches the stage known as a Master of Wisdom. These Entities, each in charge of their own group of disciples, are working under direct control of the Master of Masters, the living Christ, who still remains directly and actively concerned with the onerous task of uplifting, guiding and redeeming humanity. A study will be made of the little realised but close relationship between Humanity and the Hierarchy of Masters on the one hand and how this combination is again linked with the Planetary Logos, the Lord of the World.

The brief recapitulation set out above cannot even be regarded as a skeleton or framework of what is to follow. It is merely intended to give the beginner some faint indication of the lines of thought which are to be developed. It should, however, always be remembered that even with the elaboration of somewhat greater detail, these thoughts should only be regarded as a mere introduction to a never ending and ever expanding course of study which will eventually lead the ardent and persistent student, step by step, onto the Path of ever increasing Supernal Light.