Chapter 5 The Work of the Externalized Ashrams
In the dawning era of spiritual evolution, the externalized Ashrams are set to play a pivotal role in guiding humanity towards a new phase of enlightenment. Their influence will reverberate across multiple dimensions of life, shaping a future that reconciles divine principles with human aspirations. The work of these Ashrams will unfold along four major lines of activity, each contributing uniquely to the transformation of global consciousness.
1. Creating and Vitalizing the New World Religion
The emergence of a new world religion is a cornerstone of the Ashrams’ mission. This religion will transcend traditional boundaries, embracing the universal truths found at the heart of all spiritual paths. It will foster a sense of collective spiritual identity, encouraging individuals to recognize the divine presence within and around them. Through this new religious framework, humanity will be united in a shared understanding of love, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all life.
2. Reorganizing the Social Order
The Ashrams envision a social order free from the shackles of oppression, materialism, and pride. This reorganization will be gradual, guided by principles of equity and respect for all individuals. The aim is to dismantle systems that perpetuate inequality and create environments where every person can thrive. By promoting tolerance and inclusivity, the Ashrams will help build communities that reflect the highest ideals of human cooperation and justice.
3. Inaugurating the System of Initiation
The public inauguration of the system of initiation marks a significant step in humanity’s spiritual journey. This process will involve a deeper understanding and appreciation of symbolism, as individuals learn to navigate the inner world with clarity and insight. The system of initiation will offer structured paths for spiritual growth, empowering individuals to align their lives more closely with divine will and purpose.
4. Training Disciples and Humanity
Training will be a fundamental aspect of the Ashrams’ work, equipping disciples and aspirants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the new cycle. This training will focus on developing qualities such as discernment, compassion, and resilience, enabling individuals to serve as beacons of light in their communities. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and spiritual refinement, the Ashrams will prepare humanity for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Defeating Totalitarianism: A Material Goal
In this transitional period, the Ashrams emphasize the importance of defeating totalitarianism in all its forms. This struggle is not against a specific ideology but against the imposition of will that stifles human freedom and potential. By championing the cause of free will and informed choice, disciples and aspirants are called to dismantle systems that oppress and divide. Their efforts will pave the way for a society that honors the dignity and autonomy of every individual.
Establishing the Kingdom of God: A Spiritual Goal
The ultimate spiritual goal is the establishment of the Kingdom of God on Earth. This vision entails preparing humanity for the imminent return of the Christ, fostering a global environment where divine love and wisdom can flourish. Disciples and aspirants play a crucial role in spreading the message that the Hierarchy, with its profound wisdom and love, is actively working to bring order from chaos. The assurance that there is a Plan, driven by love and the collective goodwill of enlightened beings, offers hope and direction for the future.
The Role of Disciples and Aspirants
Disciples and aspirants are entrusted with a vital mission: to share the message of the Christ’s return and the overarching Plan with the world. Their task is to inspire faith in the enduring presence and power of divine love, embodied by the Hierarchy and the coming Christ. Through their dedication and service, they help to manifest the Plan, creating a world where the principles of love, justice, and unity prevail.
In conclusion, the work of the externalised Ashrams is both a profound promise and a call to action. As humanity steps into this new era, the Ashrams’ guidance will be instrumental in shaping a future that honors the divine potential within every soul. This transformative journey invites all to participate actively, embracing the principles of love and light that will illuminate the path ahead.
5.1 Spiritual Life in the New Age
Note: This section has been summarized and adapted from The Destiny of the Nations.
“Three methods of activity will eventually control the seventh ray types to gradually bring about changed attitudes to life and very different methods of daily living. These three are: 1) group activity for the scientific relation of substance and energy, 2) the stimulation of etheric forms through rightly directed force, and 3) the correct distribution, through scientific study, of vital energy.” -The Tibetan Master
The dawn of the New Age presents a profound transformation in spiritual life, characterized by the interplay of two significant forces: the Great White Brotherhood and the Lodge of Materialistic Forces. Both groups of advanced minds are equally illuminated and strategic, yet they diverge in their focus—one on the soul and consciousness aspect, guided by love and selflessness, and the other on the form aspect, devoid of these values. This dualism plays out on the mental plane, influencing the astral plane and shaping human consciousness.
The ongoing battle between these forces reflects in the external chaos seen in the world today, from economic challenges to religious tensions. Amidst this conflict, humanity stands as a bewildered Arjuna, torn between the soul and form, questioning its duty and direction. Yet, this chaos serves a greater purpose, as it expands human consciousness and shifts focus towards higher mental planes, promoting a collective awakening.
A pivotal shift is occurring as we transition from the influence of the sixth ray, characterized by devotion and idealism, to the emerging seventh ray (Ceremonial Order or Organized Ritual), which emphasizes synthesis and the integration of spirit and matter. This transition heralds new spiritual practices, moving away from the abstract and mystical towards a more practical and grounded approach. The seventh ray encourages the scientific exploration of spiritual realities, fostering advancements in understanding the etheric body and promoting a holistic view of life.
In this New Age, the sound of AUM remains a vital symbol, representing the connection between beginnings and endings, and the process of Becoming. It underscores the importance of maintaining continuity in spiritual practice and aligns with the seventh ray’s mission of synthesizing spirit and matter.
Central to this transformation is the purity of motive. As the seventh ray disciples wield greater power, the emphasis shifts from purity of body to purity of mind and motive, ensuring that thoughts and actions align with higher spiritual laws. This focus on mental purity and right motive is crucial for the new forms of magic and spiritual expression that will define the New Age.
As humanity embraces these changes, the potential for a new civilization arises — one that harmonizes the spiritual and material, fosters unity among the kingdoms of nature, and cultivates a culture of synthesis and enlightenment. The journey towards this new era is both a personal and collective endeavor, calling for a commitment to purity, wisdom, and the transformative power of the seventh ray.
5.2 The AUM
The threefold A.U.M. represents the creative, preservative, and destructive-regenerative forces of the universe. It is seen as the primordial sound from which all existence emanates, embodying the essence of the universe and the connection between the material and spiritual realms.
The sound of AUM, as the archetypal vibration, symbolizes the seamless transition from beginnings to endings, encapsulating the process of Becoming. It serves as a constant reminder of the unity of all existence and the sacred rhythm of life.
The OM, on the other hand, can be considered akin to the Christian Word (mediating principle or soul), both emanating from the AUM (soundless sound or sunyata).
In Eastern traditions, OM is the audible manifestation of the ultimate reality or Brahman. It serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms, embodying the essence of the universe and facilitating meditation and spiritual connection.
In Christian theology, the Word is the divine reason and creative order, as described in the Gospel of John. It is through the Word that God interacts with the world, and it is personified in Christ, representing the divine made manifest.
Thus, while they arise from different religious and philosophical contexts, both OM and the Word serve similar purposes in connecting the finite with the infinite, the known with the unknown, and the manifest with the unmanifest.
Both OM and the Word function as intermediaries that make the divine accessible and comprehensible to human consciousness. They originate from a deeper, transcendent reality — AUM in Eastern thought, which represents the soundless sound and the ultimate source of all creation, and the divine mystery in Christian theology, which is beyond human comprehension.
“The AUM is composed of one major Sound, three minor sounds, and seven subsidiary vibratory tones. So it is with the Will of God which is embodied and held in synthesis by the Members of the Council Chamber. To Them, as They”hold the Will of God in solution, it is one clear note; as They see that Will in motion, it is three abiding chords, carrying outwards into all the worlds the Purpose of the ONE Who for aeons will abide; as They impel that Will to demonstrate, it is seven vibratory tones, drawing out into the reflected worlds the structure of the Plan. And thus the note, the chords and tone produce the Plan, reveal the Purpose and indicate God’s Will.” This [Page 534] is a quotation from certain of the ancient Archives which constitute the study of the Masters; they relate to the nature of Shamballa, its work and emanating energies. -The Tibetan Master (The Externalisation of the Hierarchy)
“You have here a reference to the Lost Word of Masonry and to the SOUND of the Ineffable Name. The sound of the AUM, the sound of the OM, and the SOUND itself, are all related to vibration and its differing and varied effects. The secret of the Law of Vibration is progressively revealed as people learn to sound forth the WORD in its three aspects. Students would do well to ponder on the distinction between the breath and the sound, between the process of breathing and the process of creating vibratory activity. They are related but distinct from each other. One is related to Time and the other to Space and (as the Old Commentary puts it)”the sound, the final and yet initiating sound, concerns that which is neither Time nor Space; it lies outside the manifested All, the Source of all that is and yet is naught” (or no-thing. A.A.B.). -The Tibetan Master (*Esoteric Healing, p. 132)
Note: Adapted from HERMES Quotes by Sri Raghavan Iyer
In the vast cosmic tapestry, the pregenetic logic represents the initial stirrings of creation, intricately tied to the omnipresent Light of the Logos. This metaphysical fabric underscores the emergence of differentiation at every great cycle of cosmic time.
At the heart of this cosmic dance lies the mystical Dark Swan of Everlasting Duration, which manifests as the White Swan of Eternity in the temporal realm. Known also as the Great Bird of Life, it serves as the sacred bridge between the timeless and the time-bound, connecting the ineffable with the manifest.
The journey from the ineffable darkness of Divine Light to the colorful spectrum of cosmic existence is marked by a profound philosophical challenge. The Deity’s nature, unfathomable and beyond human conception, defies the boundaries of thought and language. It is a reality that transcends the finite, urging us to look beyond the temporal flux of existence and explore the limitless depths of cosmic consciousness.
In this vast, boundless space, the notion of Deity surpasses all possible forms of knowledge and understanding. The ineffable nature of the divine suggests a transcendence that eludes human grasp, embodying the agnostic reverence found in ancient hymns and philosophical musings. This reverence acknowledges the divine’s omnipotence, omnipresence, and inexhaustibility, while hinting at the underlying unity within the cosmos.
Central to this cosmic genesis is the concept of pre-cosmic ideation and substance, viewed as the dual aspects of a single primordial reality. This primordial essence, latent and potent, serves as the foundation for both manifestation and the unmanifest. The Unmanifest Logos, emerging from this divine ground, gives rise to the Manifest Logos, the active intelligence guiding the cosmos through its cycles of creation and dissolution.
Ultimately, the exploration of cosmic origins challenges us to transcend conventional thought, embracing the boundless potential of the cosmos. The journey invites us to peer into the mysteries of existence, where the interplay of the unmanifest and manifest Logos weaves the intricate patterns of time and space, shaping the eternal dance of creation.