Commentary on Rule XI for Applicants

(All Bolding, Underlining and Highlighting is by MDR)

Rule 11.

Let the disciple transfer the fire from the lower triangle to the higher, and preserve that which is created through the fire of the midway point.

1. This transference is undertaken as an act of deliberation. The long, slow processes of evolution will effect the same transference, but the way of discipleship is a forcing process undertaken when the necessity for achievement is realized.

2. Within the human energy system there are a number of possible triangles and some which clearly represent certain distinct phases of development. Interestingly in the six triangles given on TCF 169-170, the sacral center (or associated organs of generation) is not included.

3. The “lower triangle” is sub-diaphragmatic and the “higher”, naturally above the diaphragm.

4. There is naturally a spiritual benefit arising from this transference; something of value is created—something which elevates the quality of life and brings the higher faculties of the human being into expression.

5. When we read of the “fire of the midway point” we may expect that solar fire is indicated. The fire of the heart is, specifically, solar fire and is correlated with the potencies of Vishnu, the Preserver.

6. It is the second ray, and the second fire, which preserve and sustain quality generated within the human energy system. That which is preserved is ‘stored’ in the egoic lotus—i.e., within what is called the ‘Treasury’ or the causal body.

7. It is most interesting that when considering the seven major chakras, the heart center is situated at the midway point and when considering the three periodical vehicles, the soul lies midway between the personality sheaths (considered as a whole) and the monadic sheath. Both of these energy centers (heart and soul), lying midway, express the second ray of love wisdom or, in terms of “fire”, solar fire.

This means, literally, the control by the initiate of the sex impulse, as usually understood,

8. We note that the word “impulse” is used when considering the manner in which the sexual urge manifests. The sacral center, as seat of the sexual impulse, is generically ruled by Mars, the planet of sex and the planet most closely associated with impulsive behavior.

Secondly, Mars is closely related to sex, which is an aspect of the pairs of opposites, (EA 211)

9. We also gather that there are ways to understand the sexual impulse other than the usual ways. The mysteries surrounding sex are deep and the opportunity for misunderstanding, considerable.

and the transference of the fire which now normally vitalises the generative organs to the throat centre,

10. This is the first of the major transferences in the initiatory processes related to the great “manasic initiations”.

11. We note that DK appears to be mixing the chakras and their physical expressions. The throat center is definitely a chakra, but the generative organs are found in physical matter and are an expression of the sacral center (a chakra). He does this sort of ‘mixing’ with fair regularity and it would be well for us to understand the reason; presumably there is a reason. In one respect we are always reminded of the differences between chakras and their physical expressions.

thus leading to creation upon the mental plane through the agency of mind.

12. The human kingdom (which is ruled by the planet Mercury—cf. EA 35) is meant to become a creator upon the mental plane. This is not possible for the individual human being until his evolution is relatively far advanced.

13. We gather the notion that mental creativity is in a way ‘fed’ by the rising of the sexual energy to the throat center.

That which is to be created must then be nourished and sustained by the love energy of nature issuing from the heart centre.

14. DK goes even further. The power to create is directly related to the liberation of the sexual energy from its usual uses, but that which is created through the liberation of this energy must be further nourished and sustained. It is solar fire that is responsible for this nourishment and sustainment.

15. Solar fire creates a pattern, for it is an expression of the Ray of the Divine Pattern, the second ray. Creations are not to be simply random and unrelated, but to fit integrally into a creative activity which faithfully reflects the patterns of the Divine Plan. The solar fire of the second ray aids in the discernment of that which is of value and sustains creations of value preserving their relations to other creations which are of value.

16. The heart center and solar fire do not create thought, but they influence the quality of the thought that is created and hold valuable, created thoughts in coherence with other such thoughts.

17. At length solar fire motivates the creation of all thoughts that are useful for the expression of the Divine Plan, for it is (at this stage of planetary evolution) a Plan of Love.

The lower triangle referred to is:—

1. The solar plexus.

2. The base of the spine.

3. The generative organs.

18. This is the main sub-diaphragmatic triangle. Again we note that the sacral center (as a chakra) is not mentioned; rather, the physical organs associated with the sacral center are.

Whilst the higher one is, as pointed out:—

1. The head.

2. The throat.

3. The heart.

19. This triangle is the almost always considered the “higher triangle”. It is in one of the three chakras of this triangle that the Monad anchors itself at the time of the first initiation.

This is effected definitely at the first Initiation when the polarisation becomes fixed in one or other of the three higher centres,—which centre being dependent upon a man's ray. (TCF 124)

20. Still higher triangles can be found within the head—especially the crown center, the ajna and the alta major center, which in some traditions is said to have as many petals as the ajna center.

This might be interpreted by the superficial reader as an injunction to the celibate life, and the pledging of the applicant to abstain from all physical manifestation of the sex impulse. This is not so.

21. We live in the modern era—one in which the seventh ray as partial ruler of the sacral center is becoming increasingly powerful and in which the sixth ray of fanatical adherence to some ideal is fading. Often, sixth ray ideals (when pursued single-mindedly) abstract the adherent from the life of “common sense” and from responsibility to and upon the physical plane. This will not be an appropriate path during the seventh ray, Aquarian Age.

22. We note the suggestion that there are, indeed, other ways to deal with the sex impulse than the “physical” way. The creative life is one such way.

23. Yet each chakra has a divine function and may not be ignored if the human race, as a whole, is to survive and to fulfill its destiny.

Many initiates have attained their objective when duly and wisely participating in the marriage relation.

24. To those schooled in old, sixth ray methods of spiritual training, this statement may come as an incredible surprise.

25. We note that the terms “duly and wisely” are used to describe the initiatic approach to the marriage relation. We infer that the seventh ray of order and the second ray of wisdom are to characterize the correct, spiritual approach. The sex impulse is brought under regulation and (if it is to be expressed) is to be rhythmically expressed.

An initiate cultivates a peculiar attitude of mind, wherein there is a recognition that all forms of manifestation are divine , and that the physical plane is as much a form of divine expression as any of the higher planes.

26. This “attitude of mind” will be more easily achieved during the Aquarian Age than it has been during the Piscean.

27. HPB has told us, essentially, that spirit is matter and matter is spirit. It is illogical to think that the Creator has created a natural function (i.e., the sexual function) which is neither integral nor essential, especially since the sexual function is, presently, entirely indispensable for the perpetuation of human and animal species, and is of vital importance to the plant kingdom as well.

28. Most spiritually inclined people have, however, lived through many thousands of incarnations and are tired of their servitude to the more material energies. As a result (and at a certain stage of aspiration) they devalue such energies in favor of the energies which appear to transcend them. Consequently, at this stage of aspirational development, the energies of the ‘higher’ planes are favored and pursued. The spiritual approach prevalent during the sixth ray Age (and, let us remember that from one perspective, we still have some 21,000 years remaining in a major sixth ray cycle) has often been characterized by this bias.

29. The aspiration to be done with material servitude does not, however, excuse them from the wise mastery of these important energies. The wise student of spirituality cannot ‘escape’.

He realises that the lowest manifestation of divinity must be under the conscious control of that indwelling divinity , and [Page 205] that all acts of every kind should be regulated by the endeavour to fulfil every duty and obligation, to control every action and deed, and to utilise the physical vehicle so that the group may be thereby benefited and aided in its spiritual progress, and the law perfectly fulfilled.

30. The sacral center is meant to serve the wider group and not the pleasure of the individual.

31. DK has told us that the sacral center of humanity will continue to be active until approximately two thirds of the human race has taken initiation. We can realize that He is speaking of millions of years and of a condition which will not be achieved until still later rounds within this planetary chain.

This centre is located in the lower part of the lumbar area and is a very powerful centre, controlling as it does the sex life. One of the interesting things about this centre is that it must always remain a powerful centre until two-thirds of mankind have taken initiation , for the generative processes must go on and remain active in order to provide bodies for incoming souls. (EH 176)

32. We realize that the spiritual will, under Vulcan, asserts itself at the first initiation, at which time the regulation and control here discussed must be somewhat in place. The seventh ray, so much a part of the first initiation, also contributes to this regulation and control.

33. The correct attitude is “the use of the many for the One”—the use of the many vortices of force for the advancement of the one group—in this case, humanity.

That it may be advisable, at certain stages, for a man to perfect control along any particular line through a temporary abstention is not to be denied, but that is a means to an end , and will be succeeded by stages when—the control having been gained— the man demonstrates perfectly through the medium of the physical body, the attributes of divinity, and every centre will be normally and wisely used, and, thus race purposes furthered.

34. The wisdom of these words cannot be gainsaid. It is the responsibility of those who tread the Path of Discipleship to discriminate between temporary expedients and objectives which are to be sustained.

35. We must realize that (within reason) it is a spiritual duty for the disciples of the world to reproduce their kind so that physical bodies of a relatively high quality (as well as the benefits of early spiritual education and culture) may be readily available to incoming souls who will, increasingly, require them.

Initiates and Masters, in many cases marry, and normally perform their duties as husbands, wives, and householders,

36. We draw the conclusion that not only may initiates marry but that, in many cases, Masters may do so as well.

37. Depending on how we read the sentence, we may also infer that Masters of the Wisdom may be incarnated in female bodies. This must be investigated, as in some references DK points to the necessity for a male body if the fifth degree is to be taken.

but all is controlled and regulated by purpose and intention, and none is carried away by passion or desire.

38. This is the key idea; Vulcan and Saturn (planets of spiritual will and discipline) regulate Mars (the planet of passion and desire).

39. Participation in the marriage relation is pursued purposefully and not through surrender to the impulses of the lunar lords. This difference in approach should be pondered.

In the perfect man upon the physical plane, all the centres are under complete control, and their energy is legitimately used;

40. The word “legitimately” suggests use under the law. The law, in this case, is not only the “law of the land” but the inner and spiritual laws.

41. It is clear that the lower forces are simply not allowed to ‘run away with’ the true disciple; the “wild horses” of passion are retrained. The “Solar Lord” remains in control, and man, the true Thinker, utilizes all aspects of his mechanism to achieve divine objectives.

the spiritual will of the divine inner God is the main factor , and there will be a unity of effort shown on all the planes through all the centres for the greatest good of the greatest number.

42. The ideal expressed is beautiful and indicates the necessity for an integrated, soul-infused personality.

43. All centers are required and all centers are wisely utilized on behalf of the larger group of which the individual knows himself to be a part; the largest group relevant at this time is, for most, humanity.

This point has been touched upon because so many students go astray upon these matters , and cultivate either an attitude of mind which results in the complete atrophying of the entire normal physical nature, or indulge in an orgy of license under the specious plea of "stimulating the centres, "

44. As ever, balance is to be preserved and the extremes avoided. It is often amazing to witness the rationalizations used to justify the indulgence of sexual desire or the refusal to give the sex impulse its proper place in the scheme of human life.

and thus furthering astral development.

45. Either one of the extremes will contribute to unwholesome developments in the astral body. Undue restraint may lead to a damming up of sexual desire and an unwholesome stimulation of the imagination along sexual lines. Indulgence may allow the entry of many undesirable astral currents (usually refused admission) which seek physical expression.

The true initiate should be known by his wise and sanctified normality,

46. Here is a golden sentence. The initiate is not an odd or freakish individual, but an integral part of the great stream of life. He appreciates the beauty of life as it was intended to be lived and strengthens the Divine Plan by adhering wisely to its intended patterns. Thus, he expresses a “sanctified normality”—wisdom and purity with respect to Divine Intent.

by his steady conformity to that which is best for the group

47. Here the virtues of Saturn are emphasized. The initiate has overcome selfishness and offers his energies (all of them) for the welfare of the larger group.

as emphasised by the group laws of the land,

48. Again, a Saturnian issue. It is the duty of the initiate to help protect the laws which guard the development of the majority.

by his control and his refraining from excess of any kind,

49. Indulgence in excess will warp development and prevent the eventual expression of the divinely intended pattern.

and by [Page 206] the example he sets to his environing associates of spiritual living and moral rectitude, coupled with the discipline of his life.

50. Let us tabulate the three types of example the initiate must set:

1. He becomes an example of spiritual living
2. He becomes an example of moral rectitude
3. He becomes an example of correct life discipline

51. The example set by the initiate offers a pattern which can serve as an inspiration to those who aspire. Not all human beings will be able to live up to it, but the initiate succeeds in demonstrating that the ideal can be embodied. In this he performs a great service to humanity.