1.
Disciple BSD: ‘Developmental
Formula’: Being, Stillness, Detachment
2.
Ray Formula: 36-563. With
LTS-K, BSD is the only other third ray soul in the Tibetan’s groups-of-nine.
3.
No astrological chart for
BSD has yet been ascertained. A chart is proposed in error (we believe)
as it is the given for the same date, place and time as the first ray
disciple IBS. A clerical error of some sort is probably involved.
4.
Since BSD’s name is followed
by the initials, Esq. (meaning Esquire), it is likely that he was born
in England, since titles of that nature were more far more commonly
found in England than in America (especially, in Kansas where IBS was
born and the probable error stated BSD to be born).
5.
We will have to do our research
here, supplying astrological suppositions where they seem indicated.
Perhaps, our research (though difficult) will locate at least the year
in which BSD was born.
I would
say to you the following words: Waste not time in the realisation of
the years spent in occult work, nor in feverish anticipation of a few
more years of directed occult effort under my tuition. The time equation
has counted mayhap too largely in your thoughts, my brother, and in
the work of the present moment must the future possible developments
be forgotten. For you should come the forgetting of the form side in
meditation, for your intuition needs awakening. Working without attachment
to results is a hard lesson for all disciples to learn but one well
worth while. My special instructions for you, therefore, may cause you
temporary surprise but later you will see the reason.
1.
The Tibetan’s opening words
to His disciples are always important, as they often sound a note which
He finds Himself repeating throughout their tuition.
2.
BSD is apparently one of
the older disciples and perhaps only a few more years remain to him.
3.
The backward-looking realization
of years spend in occult work suggests the retroflective sign Cancer.
4.
“Feverish anticipation”
suggests the influence of the sixth ray and the importance of Mars,
the planet of “fever”.
5.
As well, the third ray is
the “Dispenser of Time”, and those upon the third ray are unusually
time-conscious. They must learn to live more in the present moment.
6.
BSD has apparently been
involved in occult work for a long time and is attentive to the form
side of the meditation process. This correlates well with his fifth
ray mind. Of course, at the time this letter was written, he had not
yet been told that his mental vehicle was upon the fifth ray.
7.
In addition, the fifth ray
in the mental vehicle indicates a condition in which the intuition needs
stimulation.
8.
Those upon the third ray
are very keen to see results manifested upon the physical plane. The
Tibetan counsels detachment from too much attentiveness to results.
9.
BSD is perhaps rather set
in his ways, and so the Tibetan seeks what may be a surprising approach,
to break the pattern.
First, drop
all form out of your meditation work and sit in perfect silence with
your attention focussed upon the Lord of Love — which is the soul. Steady
your thought processes (which for you is not hard) and then drop the
use of the seed thought. Listen and aspire. Close each meditation by
pouring out love to all beings. This outflowing thought is a great releaser
and each of you in the group of disciples whom I am seeking to train
needs release from something. For you, it is release from form in your
work of service. You will know to what I am referring.
1.
An approach of great simplicity
is offered.
2.
The combination of the third
and fifth rays can bring a strong emphasis upon form, especially mental
form.
3.
Instead of any usual approach,
DK counsels sitting in perfect silence. We also remember how difficult
it is for the third ray type to achieve silence. They must achieve the
silence of the “mill pond”.
4.
There is no second ray in
BSD’s ray chart as given, but we do not know about his monadic ray.
5.
The soul, no matter what
its ray, is always the “Lord of Love”.
6.
The steadying of the thought
process is of relative ease for those who have a trained mind upon the
fifth ray.
7.
To drop the use of seed
thoughts is to use a form of meditation sometimes called “meditation
without seed”. If successful, it tends to promote the intuition.
8.
It seems desirable to stimulate
BSD’s outgoing love nature.
9.
DK states an important principle
when He tells us that “outflowing thought (filled with love) is a great
releaser”. Each disciple (and, therefore, each of us) is to be released
from something, perhaps from a number of things. Do we know the main
type of release which would be desirable.
10.
It appears that BSD is to
be released from too strict an attention to form in service. The Tibetan
is not more specific, but is confident that BSD will know what He means.
11.
Three of the BSD’s five
rays are rays of form (i.e., on the “hard line”). The other two vehicles
are qualified by the sixth ray energy with its tendency towards repetition
and fixation.
Secondly,
until the time of the Full Moon of May, cease from all breathing exercises.
You have followed them for years and need a respite. Nature grows and
progresses through cyclic activity and cyclic rest, and, before I can
carry you forward to the next unfoldment, I seek to have you rest from
mental pressure and e’en from that devotion which has governed much
of your life experience. Till May, centre your thought, your meditation
[Page 106] and your service on being and see if the reward is
not great. Question not this suggestion but — in the thought of being
— find your way into the centre of life from which all occult work is
done. To be enjoined to be is an honour, brother of mine; it will carry
you at this time further than intellection, pranayama, and that potent
longing for spiritual fulfilment which is your outstanding divine quality
and in some ways your main hindrance.
1.
It is clear that BSD needs
a rest. There is a relentless quality in the sixth ray which never lets
up. Further, those upon the third ray are often full of activity.
2.
The Master finds His disciple
in a state of unrecognized fatigue. Like many of those upon the sixth
ray, he is not accustomed to observing cycles, including, presumably,
the cyclic needs of the body and brain. The third ray, if trained, could
help in this, but the third ray, untrained, will be a detriment to such
observation.
3.
Mental pressure could arise
from the combination of third, fifth and sixth rays.
4.
The importance of Mercury
may here be suggested and possibly Aries, which submits all things to
pressure. Mars again may be implicated.
5.
There is a dichotomy between
doing and being. The third ray is accustomed to doing,
but DK seeks for BSD a release from his doing, This release is to be
found for BSD if he will center his thought, meditation and service
on being. There is no charted way to do this.
6.
As usual, we find DK suggesting
a course of action which builds up to the month of May, presumably the
time of the Wesak Festival. In fact the Full Moon in May of that year
took place at the very beginning of the month, perhaps May 2nd
in England
7.
The way of being
may seem difficult for a third ray disciple. DK asks him not to question
the advice but simply to attempt it.
8.
We have noticed in all these
instructions to disciples that the Master offers advice of a balancing
nature. This is very evident in His instructions to BSD.
9.
BSD’s
usual approach is intellection, pranayama and a potent longing for spiritual
fulfillment (the latter of which is seen, in some ways, as an obstacle).
10.
But DK invites him toward the “honour” of being. Why
is it an honour to be enjoined to “be”? Does it represent a certain
stage of attainment, or a certain stage of eldership? It certainly represents
a release from many preoccupations. Perhaps, as one approaches being,
one can learn something of the spirit aspect. In some ways, Master
DK is signaling BSD’s degree of attainment by inviting him to be.
I am here
for a cycle to teach you to the best of my ability and I prepare those
who respond for the service of the next life cycle. Ask of me, therefore,
questions if you understand not the above injunctions and I will answer.
You will find this line of more quiescent activity hard at first, for
well-organised is your mind and life but, until May, simply live and
stand in spiritual Being and love all beings. Later I will outline for
you that training and that breathing exercise which seems to me to be
for you the way. Understand that an interlude is being given to you
wherein you cease from the active exercises of more than thirty years
of aspiration and endeavour, so that a calmness of rhythm may be achieved.
Later, upon that accumulated knowledge of years, a fresh structure of
knowledge may be erected and a new and higher rhythm be imposed. The
brain cells need rest, for a certain amount of mental fatigue exists.
1.
We see that patience may
be a problem for BSD. DK looks realistically toward the “next life cycle”,
trying to release BSD from any sense of rush or hurry (with which he
is initially inclined to respond).
2.
DK’s whole work with these
chelas was something of a rehearsal for a more serious (and fruitful)
attempt in later years (i.e., in future incarnational cycles). Even
at this early stage, He seems to be saying so.
3.
DK
notes that BSD’s mind and life are well organized. We do not note any
seventh ray in the equipment. Perhaps the seventh ray was a legacy ray.
Or, perhaps, there was an astrological sign which conferred order.
4.
The Master recommends simply living (i.e., proceeding
in relation to the first or life aspect; standing in spiritual
Being, also relating to the first aspect; and loving all beings — obviously,
an injunction relating to the second aspect). The third aspect, of which
there is an apparent sufficiency, is not recommended.
5.
BSD may have developed some
facility with breathing exercises, but they are not serving at the moment.
A different type of more suitable breathing exercise will be suggested
in the future.
6.
Through His advice, DK is
preparing for His disciple an interlude. We learn that the disciple
has been following active exercises for more than thirty years. This
means that his efforts in this respect began no later than 1901.
7.
Given all the emphasis upon
“practice” and “exercises” we may imagine that Virgo may have been prominent
in this chart. This sign could also account for BSD’s developed sense
of organization.
8.
DK acknowledges the “accumulated
knowledge of years” but is ordering a fresh approach preceded by rest.
New knowledge and a new rhythm are to come, though after the
results of the relentless sixth ray aspiration and the constant activity
of the third ray have been balanced by a different kind of emphasis.
9.
The last sentence is interesting:
“The brain cells need rest, for a certain amount of mental fatigue exists”.
The Master speaks of both mind and brain. The fatigue is mental, and
this may have resulted also in brain-fatigue, for the brain cells also
need a rest. It is clear from what has been previously said that DK
has prescribed a course of action which will give the mind a rest.
You have
acceded to my request, my brother, and I believe see now the reason
for my method of training you. The love aspect of your soul has been
released somewhat, though some of the inner fret for the outward achievement
still remains and hinders you on the way of realisation. One thing I
would remind you and this perhaps will answer some of your questions.
I view the achievement of my group of disciples from the point of the
average of the group effect and not so much from the success or the
non-success of its units. That result and success must, also, demonstrate
sequentially as it comes into manifestation. The first sphere of focus
was on mental levels. There you are unable to judge for yourself of
its success or non-success, for you have not, as yet, developed mental
vision. I tell you that the group already exists as a working factor
on those levels and that [Page 107] perhaps is much. Its note is sounding
and its influence is being organised. It will in the next few years
organise itself also on astral levels, on the emotional plane, and you
must bear in mind that here all forms are in danger of succumbing to
the Great Illusion. These years will, therefore, be critical in the
group life and this must be borne carefully in mind. No one in the group
must permit himself to be glamoured.
1.
About a year and a half
have passed since the first instruction. The disciple BSD has done as
his Master suggested.
2.
DK sought to release soul
love in BSD’s nature and, to an extent, it has occurred.
3.
Inner fret still remains
and is the result of the sixth ray (implicating as well, Mars and possibly
Aries). Because his life is focussed primarily on the third and sixth
rays, BSD is eager for outer evidence of progress. He is chaffing for
outer confirmation. Looking for results is typical of those upon the
third ray.
4.
DK shares His manner of
group assessment: it is based upon “the average of the group effect”.
The individual units, of course, are of some importance as they contribute
to the success or non-success of the whole. In time all individuals
also will achieve.
5.
A group is organized on
several levels — mental, emotional and etheric-physical.
6.
The Master, possessed of
mental vision, can see what his disciples cannot. Herein lies the wisdom
of trusting His judgment.
7.
Just as in the magical process,
precipitation occurs from the mind to the emotions and, thence, to the
etheric-physical levels.
8.
It seems to take a few years
for the group to organize itself on any level. The mental phase appears
to have been the fastest. It appears that the emotional organization
will be slower.
9.
Over and again DK warns
of the danger of glamor (which, in this context, he calls the “Great
Illusion”).
10.
BSD and all are told that
“no one in the group must permit himself to be glamored”. How is this
to be prevented? By a certain self-watchfulness which is alert to undue
emotional reactivity, and the over and under emphasis which indicate
distortion. As well, the Master will alert the chela to the onset of
glamor, and His words must be heeded.
All this
you are sensing, my brother, and this should indicate to you your progress
in subjective sensitivity. Later, a group relationship will be established
and a group accomplishment stabilised which will warrant attention from
the world of men. Waste not time in anxiety as to the phenomenal achievement.
That must inevitably come if the fiery aspiration of each of you and
the power to persist is steadfastly nurtured.
1.
In BSD, DK is dealing with
a strongly mental disciple.
2.
One objective for BSD is
to increase his subjective sensitivity. The Master remarks that such
sensitivity is, indeed, increasing.
3.
The group effort will eventually
precipitate upon the physical plane and the world of men will take notice
if all has been done correctly.
4.
Again we find DK referencing
BSD’s anxieties with respect to “phenomenal achievement”. Its appearance
is inevitable if the group members maintain their fiery aspiration and
persistence.
5.
We see that the Master has
been explaining a natural and sequential process of magical precipitation
according to law. This type of explanation is of value for a disciple
like BSD who feels a sense of urgency about manifest spiritual accomplishment.
You can
now resume more active meditation and a breathing exercise which I will
give to you. In your meditation seek to keep the whole process in the
head and remember that for you the problem is to become an “extrovert
of the heart type” instead of being, as you are, an “introvert of the
head type.” Therefore, for you the way of release is the way of Love
and the note of love should colour all your meditation. Proceed therefore
carefully to follow all instructions, remembering that, for you, I seek
to avoid all emphasis on the form side. The subject of your meditation
could be summed up in the following phrases:
1.
The effects of fatigue have
abated and DK can again assign more active meditation and an appropriate
breathing exercise. Such breathing exercises are not usually given exoterically
in the books.
2.
Occult meditation takes
place largely in the head. DK has specific reasons for asking that BSD
maintain his focus there. There are certain centers there to be awakened.
Later the Tibetan becomes even more specific about that.
3.
The Tibetan envisions a
transformation for BSD — really a kind of reversal. Instead of being
an introvert of the head type as he now is, he is to become an extrovert
of the heart type. The outgoing energies of Jupiter may be required.
4.
Again, it is love that the
Tibetan seeks to evoke in BSD. Will this mean that his personality in
the next incarnation is to be on the second ray? Does this insistence
somehow suggest a second ray monad? We remember that those working with
DK are likely to have either the soul or monad upon the second ray.
There has been, thus far, no obvious hint as to the monadic ray as there
was in the case of two first ray disciples, JWK-P and BSW.
5.
Emphasis upon the form side
is ever a danger for BSD, given his strong third ray and the literalizing
tendency of the sixth ray (accompanied by the fifth ray). It may be
that Saturn (Lord of Form and distributor of the third ray) is of consequence
in his astrological chart.
“I pledge
myself to the Path of Love. I demand of my soul that I, the Spirit in
form, shall act as a channel for compassion and an instrument for love
until I know myself to be Love itself. I am that Love. With pure intent
I serve. This love and zeal in me must feed the aspiration of my fellowmen.
To this — in knowledge full — I pledge myself.”
Your gift
to this group of co-disciples is that fiery, dynamic, zealous aspiration
which is the spiritual quality of the sixth ray, which governs your
personality.
1.
The mantram, seemingly from
the Old Commentary, sounds the note of love. BSD, despite his ray structure,
is to tread the “Path of Love” and become a “channel for compassion
and an instrument of love”. In short, he is to identify with Love.
2.
Really, the mantram blends
an emphasis upon the second and sixth rays, with which BSD is
equipped. The word “zeal” always implicates the sixth ray.
3.
BSD is already equipped
to fulfill some of the mantram’s requirements for he has a powerful
aspiration which can help feed the aspiration of his fellowmen.
4.
The mantram is really a
kind of pledge. Certainly, BSD is already a pledged disciple, for later
he is welcomed as an accepted disciple. DK wants him to be conscious
and deliberate about the process of aligning with love and expressing
it. The note of purity is also sounding in this mantram.
5.
DK speaks of BSD’s gift
to the group — a “fiery, dynamic, zealous aspiration”. We can be quite
confident that BSD is possessed of one or more fire signs. The possibility
of Aries was already suggested. This description suggests the possibility
of Sagittarius as well.
6.
Thus far, astrologically,
we see the possibility of a strong Mercury, Saturn, Mars, Aries, Virgo
and Sagittarius. Virgo and Sagittarius are two sixth ray signs, and
Aries is ruled by sixth ray Mars.
7.
The sixth ray has a number
of qualities, spiritual and not so spiritual. The qualities here listed
are called the “spiritual qualities of the sixth ray”. The Martian side
of the sixth ray is emphasized.
It is a
year since I gave you any definite instructions and the time has now
come when certain changes can be made. The [Page 108] progress towards
heart development has proceeded well and the heart centre is more alive
than heretofore. You are awakening to the consciousness of your brothers’
reactions and can more readily identify yourself with them. Do you not
see, my brother, how earlier you lived so much in the consciousness
which is focussed in the mind that your brother’s problems were to you
more important than he himself? Do you not now realise that your mental
ability to grasp his situation interested you more than his troubled
soul? Do you not also realise that your deep desire to find the Master
and to have with Him a definite contact has its basis in an intellectual
doubt? The satisfaction of your mental longing to verify the existence
of the Masters and to ascertain your own position upon the ladder of
evolution was — in those days — stronger than your love of humanity
and of service. This condition is now largely remedied and any thinking
along the old lines is more in the nature of a relapse of thought than
a step backward on the path of progress.
1.
DK is careful about suggesting
changes of form for BSD. It seems that set forms have preoccupied him
for many years.
2.
DK has been trying to assist
with the opening of BSD’s heart center and the proposed methods are
succeeding. Now the Master is in a position to contrast BSD’s present
attitude with his excessively mental attitude of former years. We remember
that, thus far, DK has said nothing to BSD about being a third ray soul.
3.
DK points out the somewhat
‘heartless’ mental approach which previously animated BSD. He was more
interested in his brother problems than his brother. He enjoyed his
mental ability to grasp the situation of his brother and this was of
more interest to him than his brother’s troubled soul.
4.
Also, he had mental doubts,
as is often the case with the fifth ray mind. His doubts concerned whether
the Master’s really existed. Such doubts prompted a mental longing to
verify the existence of the Masters.
5.
BSD’s attempt for long has
been an actual contact with the Master and the ascertainment of his
place upon the ladder of evolution. These motivations (prompted by the
sixth ray) were then stronger than his love for humanity and his love
of service. Now this condition is largely remedied.
6.
It is frequently said to
those upon the sixth ray: “love more your fellowmen”.
7.
If there was a degree of
skepticism in BSD’s approach, it could be related to the material aspect
of the sign Virgo, ruled by mental Mercury.
8.
We can judge that, thus
far, DK’s work with BSD has been successful and has established a new
orientation and a new rhythm. The very strong combination of third and
sixth rays has been balanced by an increase of the second.
9.
There may be an important
reason why DK has not yet offered BSD an assessment of his rays. The
Master seeks first to see certain developmental trends towards love
successfully established before running the risk that BSD will be biased
towards the third ray by considering the Master’s assessment of his
chart.
All growth
is cyclic and one progresses from step to step in spiral fashion and
this ever involves a retracing (apparently) of one’s steps. This is,
however, an illusion.
I wish today
to give you a breathing exercise which will blend and fuse the energies
of the centres above the diaphragm. No thought of the centres below
the diaphragm need enter your mind. In order, brother of old, that I
may know that you understand this work and in order that your brothers
in my group may profit from your experience, I would ask you to write
a paper upon this triple breathing exercise…. I wish you to explain
the purpose and the intent of this exercise and note its effect upon
the animation of your vital and psychic bodies….
1.
DK has spoken of small moments
of relapse in BSD’s case but not of a “step backwards upon the path
of progress”.
2.
From the very first instruction
we have seen that BSD was not functioning with due observance of cycles.
DK explains spiral cyclic motion and how it involves an apparent retracing
of steps. But the retracing is always done on a higher turn of the spiral
and, so, is not a literal retracing at all. If retracing seems to be
mere repetition, it is an illusion.
3.
We can see that BSD is in
a hurry to grow and advance. DK has constantly to moderate these fiery
tendencies related to the sixth ray.
4.
The Master is interested
in integrating BSD’s energy system, especially the centers above the
diaphragm. BSD’s ability with breathing exercises will thus, again,
be called into use, but the exercise given will be far more appropriate
for him than any he could have utilized before working with the Tibetan.
5.
In calling him “brother
of old”, the Tibetan gives the hint that He has known BSD for many lives.
6.
The breathing exercise is
specific to BSD and is deleted. DK is employing BSD’s mind profitably
— both for his own sake and for the illumination of his group brothers.
7.
We gather as we read BSD’s
instructions that the Tibetan is seeking for him a more animated
life, but not necessarily a more zealous or enthusiastic one. BSD has
been such a mental type (as one would expect with so much third ray)
that part of the counterbalancing proposed by DK will involve the animation
of his vital and psychic bodies.
8.
Again, there is another
deletion from the instruction.
I would
have you note my form of address. I can now use it, because you yourself
have reached a point — long desired in your experience — wherein you
now know yourself to be on the Path of Accepted Discipleship. I could
not earlier call you this as the outer recognition of the inner status
(as well as of inner [Page 109] states of consciousness which is another
name for the same thing) must come ever from within the disciple’s own
nature; we, the teachers, are only permitted to put the seal of recognition
upon the fact afterwards. You have for years worked actively upon the
mental plane both with and in yourself and also with the many whose
lives you are allowed to touch and whose guide upon the probationary
path you are. Yet always there has been an ache and a longing for a
more emotional and sensitive contact and for an increased heart activity.
This you are now acquiring and as a result of the past two years’ work
(for you only began to shift your focus at the close of 1932), you have
begun to link up head and heart. When this is done through the activity
of the will and when it expresses itself practically in service, then
a man passes on to the Path of Discipleship. He can then find his way
also into the group of one of the Great Ones, provided there is a vacancy.
This has happened in your case and this you also know for yourself,
and hence I can hail you as my accepted brother.
1.
Another six months have
passed and Master DK hails his disciple by a new form of address: “my
accepted brother”.
2.
What is interesting here
is that BSD has recognized his own status as accepted disciple before
being told by the Master. In fact the Master cannot tell him
of this status until he recognizes it. This bears pondering.
3.
We are told that the teacher
can only “put the seal of recognition upon the fact afterwards”. First
must come the disciple’s recognition.
4.
We learn that BSD is a long
time mental worker and has worked for many upon the probationary path.
It would seem that he is some sort of teacher even though the second
ray is not in his fivefold ray equipment. Perhaps, it is active in his
sixfold equipment (including the monadic ray).
5.
DK knows the ache in his
chela’s heart for a more emotional and sensitive contact and an increased
heart activity. That time is now arriving. It took about a year following
the first instruction in November of 1931 before the desirable shift
towards the heart began.
6.
The linking of heart and
head is now occurring, so the influence of Venus and/or Jupiter should
be prominent in the astrological chart.
7.
A description of how to
enter the Path of Discipleship is given. Head and heart are to be linked
through the activity of the will, and that will is to express itself
in service. We see that the stage of “accepted discipleship” can only
be entered from the Path of Discipleship, and, then, only if there is
a vacancy in the Master’s group. This also bears pondering.
8.
With this requirement (the
activation of the head, heart and the will in service) is accomplished,
the disciple may enter the group of one of the Great Ones. We note that
DK did not say “Ashram” (though that may be implied). An “accepted disciple”
stands upon the periphery of the Ashram of the accepting Master. At
least BSD is in the outer group of one of the Masters (although DK did
not yet reveal Himself to BSD, or to the other disciples, as a Master).
Still from His statements here, His status of Master can be inferred,
for only a Master can accept a disciple as an accepted disciple (unless
we are dealing with some of the scientific and mental Ashrams which
may be organized upon the higher mental plane by an initiate of the
fourth degree).
9.
We note that it is not a
foregone conclusion that even a disciple capable of being an accepted
disciple will necessarily find his way into the group of one of the
Masters. There has to be a vacancy in such a group. It appears that
such a vacancy existed, and thus BSD gained entry into the Master’s
group as an “accepted disciple”.
10.
We note that Master DK “hails”
him as an accepted disciple. This hailing is like a seal of affirmation.
It is a form of occult recognition.
11.
DK again emphasizes that
something has happened in BSD’s consciousness which allows him to know
for himself his stage of acceptance. The Master knows when this recognition
has dawned upon His chela and is then permitted to acknowledge it by
hailing His disciple as that which the disciple knows himself to be.
I seek to
make a change in your breathing exercise and also in your meditation
work and I would ask you in connection with both these to keep a register
of results and, at the close of six months, note the general average
of the results, any phenomenal effects and any growth in consciousness
which you feel can be definitely traced to these exercises. These effects
should be looked for, in your case, in the psychic consciousness. It
is in this department of your being that there is a measure of arrested
growth. The mental tension for thirty years has been such that the free
play of the psychic forces has been inhibited.
1.
We judge that breathing
exercises are important for BSD and the Master gives considerable attention
to them. With others He does not focus so much upon such exercises.
2.
Mercury is important, we
have gathered, in BSD’s astrological chart. Will Gemini, associated
with the breath also be important?
3.
The Master is calling for
close observation of the results of the exercises assigned. BSD’s fifth
ray mind will help him keep an accurate record.
4.
DK continues with work intended
to bring balance to BSD’s life. Psychic development is needed because
of the extreme mental tension under which BSD has labored for some thirty
years. Again the combination of rays three, five and six can account
for this mental tension.
5.
Since the psychic (emotional)
forces have been inhibited in BSD’s case, we may judge that the more
psychic signs (perhaps the water signs) are not so prominent in his
case. Perhaps the receptivity of the Moon is also challenged.
6.
All disciples are subject
to the process of “rounding out”. Very often we notice Master DK contributing
to this process by suggesting meditations, thoughts and activities which
bring a most needed balance to the condition in which He finds His chelas.
You are
of an age and a mental stability that will make it safe and beneficial
if you seek — under my supervision — for a measure of psychic unfoldment.
But along that line we will proceed slowly, my brother; for the next
six months we will simply follow the method of a general psychic “washing”
or purging by the means of the seven dynamic or electric breaths (anent
which I will instruct you) sent forth by an act of the will. These will
sweep through your whole being and produce a general stimulation that
will eventuate in a more general sensitivity. Note, therefore, your
response to that inner consciousness [Page 110] and, during the coming
half year, keep a most careful spiritual diary, noting every psychic
happening, recording each time you may tune in telepathically on the
need or with the thought of those around you, putting down every seeming
extension of the ordinary sense consciousness and writing down even
those things which seem to you speculative and of no real moment. Discriminative
recognition is for you the immediate goal. Reveal yourself to yourself
on paper, not as regards your longings and aspirations but as regards
your growth in sensitivity. Attempt to tune in more consciously with
the consciousness of your group brothers. Your diary will interest others
and be the guarantee to you of your own development.
1.
Psychic development is not
usually a path proposed by the Master. BSD’s rays, maturity and mental
experience make the suggestion of this path advisable. Physical age
does seem to play a role in psychic development. Perhaps at a mature
age the disciple is less likely to be carried away by that which may
arise during such a training process.
2.
Psychic unfoldment, however,
is always a risky business, so the Master’s supervision is needed.
3.
Preparation will be slow
and part of this preparation will be a “general psychic ‘washing’ or
purging by means of seven dynamic or electric breaths…sent forth by
an act of the will”. If there is to be involvement with psychic phenomena,
the mechanism of reception must be clean.
4.
DK is asking His chela to
approach this new curriculum as a scientist would, keenly observing
all extensions of the ordinary sense consciousness. The ‘censor’ is
not to reject any possible impression.
5.
The main discrimination
is to be between the ordinary and the unusual. Later the relative value
of those things which seemed unusual can be assessed.
6.
BSD is to experiment with
new modes of “tuning in” — on his brothers and on the need and thoughts
of those around him.
7.
The work is not to be along
the sixth ray line, to which he has such a facile response. Rather,
the second ray (the ray of the “true psychic”) is to be involved, for
it is “sensitivity” which is to be developed and not “longings and aspirations”.
8.
From the first we have seen
DK inculcating in BSD the presence of the second ray.
9.
BSD, we remember, doubts.
The spiritual diary and the evidence it will afford will be to him a
guarantee of his own development. The evidence will convince him and
he will move forward with greater assurance.
You have
made real progress, brother of mine, but have only, however, broken
ground. For the remainder of your life prepare for the future. Work
at the development of a greater psychic response to life itself and
to that inner awareness which will make you react to need from the angle
of a rounded out equipment; it will be of a psychical nature which can
identify itself with the reactions of others and a mental stability
which will enable you to work as a soul. Thus you will learn to avail
yourself of the knowledge, gained psychically, and to serve with increased
effectiveness.
Later, I
will (if you progress in sensitivity) train you in the art of psychometry,
but the time is not yet.
That the
light of your soul and the light emanating from the Master’s group may
flood your heart and energise your life is the thought which lies in
my heart for you.
1.
The training offered to
BSD is unusual; but so is his ray structure when compared to that of
his brothers.
2.
The Tibetan encourages His
chela, but reminds that real progress has just begun. The future is
to be more sensitive and for this BSD is in preparation.
3.
As stated, DK is assisting
in the rounding out of His chela. Reaction to need must arise from a
rounded out equipment, and not rather mentally and, thus, one-sidedly
as in the past.
4.
The two inner goals are,
first, a psychic development which will allow BSD to identify himself
with the reactions of others.
5.
In the midst of his growing
sensitivity, BSD will have that mental stability which will allow him
to work as a soul. Ray five already contributes to his mental stability.
It is largely achieved.
6.
BSD’s acquisition of knowledge
may, thus far, have been predominantly academic rather than experiential.
DK points to a future in which BSD will have access to knowledge gained
psychically and will be able to use such knowledge in service.
7.
A hint is given in DK’s
suggestion that He will (in the future) train BSD in psychometry. Psychometry
relates to the fourth subplane of the astral plane and the sixth subplane
of the mental plane. It is an extension of the sense of touch and is
related, thus, to the “soft line” energies, though it is usually used
in relation to matter and form — determining the soul within matter
and form.
8.
The Master blesses His chela
with light — from the Master’s group. That light is to flood BSD’s heart
and energize his life. It is apparent that Master DK is stimulating
BSD from His own heart center for He holds in His heart a thought
for BSD.
9.
The type of knowledge which
BSD had been pursuing was one-sided. The psychic faculties were suppressed
and under-developed. To continue acquiring knowledge in the old way
was a prescription for failure. Master DK is opening His chela, therefore,
to new forms of knowledge — to be self-derived.
I seek today
to make a somewhat careful analysis of the condition of your psychic
centres — from the solar plexus upwards. You are passing through a dual
process of psychic detachment and, at the same time, of psychic unfoldment.
You need to remember that the phases of detachment are many and varied.
Some of them imply a detachment from the world of outer sensuous attachment
or they may imply (as in your own case) a temporary and relative detachment
from the world of intellectual contacts. This is a detachment based
on an inner [Page 111] attitude and not on any outer condition or state
of affairs. This is taking place in order to round out and enrich your
psychic and emotional life. There is a real danger to the earnest student
in the widespread attitude of mind which regards the world of the emotions
and of sensitive response to subtle psychic phenomena as necessarily
retrogressive in effect. It can (and often does) mark a pathway fraught
with psychic disaster. At the same time, it can indicate a newly awakening
response and sensitive awareness to other aspects of the divine life
which are — in their place and rightful use — as divine and as needed
and as expressive of divinity as any of the aspirational objectives
of the devotee.
1.
The Master is training BSD
is sensitivity and psychic development.
2.
BSD’s strong mentality,
with his fifth ray mind, allows DK to approach the subject is an analytical
manner. This is the only place in all the books in which a close analysis
is made of the various chakras in terms of the percentage of their opening.
3.
If we read carefully, we
will see that the Tibetan is making an analysis of BSD’s psychic
centers. This could mean the chakras in the astral or psychic body and
not the chakras found in the etheric body. For more on these astral
centers, read Esoteric Healing p. 51.
4.
The dual process which BSD
is passing through is interesting. It is one of both psychic detachment
and psychic unfoldment. We might say that the only really safe way to
pursue psychic unfoldment is from a position of psychic detachment.
Certainly BSD has rays which at once promote psychic detachment and,
potentially, psychic engagement (the sixth ray).
5.
DK makes a very good point
about the nature of detachment; it certainly is not always detachment
from the world of the senses or the world of sentient response. In BSD’s
case, because of his over-emphasis on the mind, it is detachment from
the “world of intellectual contacts”, however temporary or relative
that detachment might be. This detachment is based upon an “inner attitude”.
Some detachments, we realize, seem to be forced by circumstance and
are very noticeable in the outer world of daily affairs. The detachment
through which BSD is passing is much more subtle.
6.
DK specifies the inner nature
of the detachment and its purpose — the rounding out and enriching of
BSD’s psychic and emotional life.
7.
There is an interlude in
the lives of disciples (perhaps prior to the second initiation) when
the balancing of the forces must occur. This interlude may be ruled
by Libra, as all interludes are. It is not safe to add too much spiritual
energy to a human energy system if it is a state of imbalance (as was
the case for BSD and for some of the other disciples in DK’s groups).
8.
It becomes clear that BSD
has, during his career as a student and teacher of spirituality, repudiated
the astral or psychic world. DK points out the possible danger (“a real
danger”) in this kind of attitude, for it may close certain doors to
necessary inner experience.
9.
Involvement with the psychic
world can lead to disaster. Of this possibility, some intellectually
inclined esotericists are perhaps too aware.
10.
New aspects of sensitive
awareness can awaken if the doors to the psychic worlds are not kept
fast closed. All areas of the divine demonstration have their uses and
purposes. The Master is trying to widen BSD’s point of view in this
respect. The strong sixth ray can, at times, incline to narrowness or,
at least, over-focussing.
11.
Under the Master’s tuition,
“other areas of the divine life” are now coming into BSD’s sensitive
recognition.
12.
DK has other chelas, however,
so vulnerable to the psychic life that He could not speak to them in
this way nor suggest a path of widening psychic unfoldment.
The psychic
life of a disciple is a definite part of his spiritual expression. It
is only when it is uncontrolled, over-emphasised and overestimated that
it is undesirable. It is a hindrance when it is misused or regarded
as a substitute for other forms of divine expression. Then it produces
that which is undesirable and immerses the disciple in the world of
glamour and illusion. The psychic powers are valuable aids to service
when rightly developed and sanely used; they can be unfolded safely
by the man who is mentally polarised and rightly oriented towards service.
1.
DK speaks for the value
of the psychic life in discipleship training. It is a part of the disciple’s
spiritual training.
2.
Its reputation for undesirability
comes from the fact that it is frequently “uncontrolled, over-emphasised
and overestimated”. To these faults BSD is not likely to succumb. But
we do remember the case of BSW (who was also a worker on the
mental plane) and he did succumb.
3.
As long as the psychic life
is kept in balance and proportion with other aspects of the energy system
its testimony can be of value. If misused or substituted for higher
contacts, it immerses the unwary in the world of glamor and illusion.
4.
DK is undertaking the unfoldment
of these powers with BSD and thinks that it is both safe and wise to
do so. This unfoldment can only be safely undertaken if the disciple
is “mentally polarised and rightly oriented towards service”. From BSD’s
ray structure, we can see that mental polarisation would not be difficult
for him. He has, in fact, led a life with a strong intellectual emphasis.
5.
True mental polarisation,
however, occurs midway between the second and third initiations, so
it must be established if BSD’s spiritual development is at that level
or whether the Tibetan is speaking of mental polarisation more generally
as, for instance, mental emphasis.
6.
In any case, BSD has had
at least thirty years of mental emphasis in the field of spirituality
and, also, has been long and actively engaged in service. The process
of psychic unfoldment is, therefore, deemed for him a safe undertaking.
You are
no doubt surprised that you are the first that I have chosen out of
this particular group of disciples to be prepared for psychic work.
My reason is that under your outer reserve and your strong mental polarisation
there exists a powerful psychic body at a relatively high state of development.
This you have never used in this life but it was brought to its present
stage of unfoldment in earlier lives. So strong have been your psychic
tendencies that your soul chose in this life to balance and round out
your personality by placing the emphasis upon the mind aspect. It was,
however, your past psychic links which led you into the organisation
whose work you have aided for some years — an organisation whose work
is predominantly carried out on psychic and astral levels. This should
be proof to you of the accuracy of my diagnosis.
1.
DK continues in the analytical
mode and reveals a surprising assessment.
2.
BSD, we are told, has “outer
reserve” and a “strong mental polarisation”. Astrologically we will
search for the prominence of Saturn, the planet of reserve, or of a
sign associated with it, Capricorn.
3.
The astrological chart of
a given incarnation cannot fully indicate former conditions (although
the Moon, and the Moon’s Nodes can be partial indicators). We are far
more than we appear to be or than our present astrological configurations
can explain.
4.
This appears to be so in
the case of BSD who developed a powerful psychic body in former incarnations.
Perhaps, he did not suspect this to be true of himself, but Master DK
has detected this condition and it has guided His choice in making BSD
the first of his group-of-nine to be trained for psychic development.
5.
There is, then, a similarity
between BWS (17-467) and BSD (36-563), for both developed the psychic
approach in earlier incarnations. It appears that BSW, however, continued
to use his psychic/astral tendencies during the present incarnation,
and BSD has not.
6.
Apparently BSD’s psychic
tendencies in the past were very strong. His soul, therefore,
chose a mental emphasis for the present incarnation in order to balance
and round out his personality. While the soul would not be changing
its ray focus, it could choose a mental ray (the fifth) and a brain
type (the third) which would induce towards mental polarization.
7.
The soul/Solar Angel can
also choose an astrological chart which will incline towards mentality
rather than towards psychic sensitivity. In attempting to construct
an astrological chart for BSD (should we fail to locate his birth data)
this would have to be borne in mind.
8.
Another reference to BSD’s
service work appears. Earlier we learned something of his service through
the sentence, “the many whose lives you are allowed to touch and whose
guide upon the probationary path you are”. BSD is connected with a certain
unspecified organization in which he serves the function of guide to
those upon the probationary path. In this way he touches many lives.
The work of the organization is primarily carried out on psychic or
astral level. Such an organization as the Theosophical Society comes
to mind (for the Tibetan has commented on the great number of devotees
which were associated with that organization), but there is no immediate
way to conform that this is correct. It could also be an organization
related to the teaching and dissemination of yoga, for breathing exercises
were a very prominent part of BSD’s spiritual approach, but such exercises
would also be important in the TS.
9.
The Master continues to
speak to BSD in fifth ray terms: “proof” and “accuracy”. We remember
that for someone of BSD’s ray type, mental verification is important.
10.
From this paragraph we learn
that we must not judge by appearances. The one who appears to exert
certain qualities in a prominent, seemingly unbalanced manner, may be
balancing formerly established qualities which are quite opposed to
those which appear. The soul hold the key to the balance, and the ray
chart and horoscope of the present incarnation may be chosen as ‘balancing
patterns’
Psychic
unfoldment, when not originating in the solar plexus must be brought
about by right control of the ajna, throat, heart and solar plexus centres
by the spiritual man, [Page 112] seated in the head. The ajna centre
is, in your case, very little awakened. It is quiescent and revolving
slowly. The pituitary body is, therefore, somewhat subnormal. The solar
plexus centre is awakened but you have paid little attention to it as
a means of contact and only during the past two years have you begun
to bring it into submission to the head centre and this through the
cultivation of compassion. The throat centre is lethargic in its movement
but could be easily aroused into activity and the heart centre is rapidly
awakening. Therefore, brother of old, we have the following situation
to consider; this I will try to picture to you in a tabulation:
1.
DK suggests a higher approach
to psychic unfoldment that that which originates solely in the solar
plexus. The ajna, throat, heart and solar plexus centres are all involved.
The spiritual man must be in control of these centers.
2.
The following analysis is
most interesting and reveals a balance to be achieved — especially in
relation to the ajna center which is the least awakened. The ajna center,
we realize, is involved in the higher psychism. It is also the center
which must be brought into strong functioning at the third initiation
(for which BSD, apparently, is not a candidate at this time).
3.
A correspondence to the
relatively unawakened ajna center is a pituitary body of subnormal development.
The close correspondence between the development of a chakra and its
correlated gland is called clearly to our attention.
4.
The most awakened center
has been the solar plexus, but it has not been used extensively in the
present incarnation and only under DK’s recent guidance is coming into
renewed usefulness in relation to the head center (and presumably the
heart center).
5.
DK says something interesting
about compassion. BSD has brought the solar plexus into submission to
the head center through the cultivation of compassion. Compassion is
also related to the rapidly awakening heart center. Something of the
will-to-good must be operative, preventing selfish desire (for spiritual
attainment) from exerting the emphasis it did in earlier years. Through
the agency of an unfolding love, will is regulating desire.
6.
The heart center is 50%
awakened at the time of the assessment. This probably represents an
increase of the degree of its awakening when DK first contacted BSD.
7.
The throat center is quite
awakened but, according to DK, “lethargic”. Certain astrological signs
usually correlated with an active throat center, and perhaps such signs
are not found prominently in BSD’s chart. One such sign would
be Gemini.
The Head
Centre . . . . . . . . 40% awakened
The Ajna Centre . . . .
. . . . 15% awakened
The Throat Centre . . .
. . . . 60% awakened
The Heart
Centre . . . . . . . . 50% awakened
The Solar
Plexus Centre . . . 75% awakened
1.
The Tibetan could make a
similar analysis for each of us and it would reveal the rounding out
through which we should pass. It would probably also reveal our stage
of evolutionary development.
2.
We could attempt our own
assessment subjectively, but could not do so with any certainty of accuracy.
Yet, some sense of the relative balance might emerge.
3.
As well, do we think that
in our life our present ray structure or astrological chart may be compensatory
for earlier energy conditions which needed to be balanced?
4.
If we are under supervision
by members of the Master’s Ashram, such charts probably already exist
for us. To the extent that we are aware of our imbalances and attempt
to remedy them, we will contribute to an alteration of the chart towards
numbers which reflect a more rounded out condition. We do not yet need
to know the details. We have but to sense imbalances in our nature and
do something about them.
You see,
therefore, that for the present the ajna centre is the one which should
receive immediate attention. Our problem is to awaken it and set its
two major activities into motion. These are, in your case:
1. Its
power to project thoughtforms.
2. Its
capacity to act as an organ of clairvoyance.
1.
Attention is to be given
to the least developed center. It only makes sense.
2.
DK describes two major activities
of the ajna center: a) the power to project thoughtforms and b) the
capacity of the ajna center to act as an organ of clairvoyance.
3.
The first of these activities
correlates generally to the first ray and the second to the second sensitive
second ray.
I will ask
you to do the following breathing exercise every day prior to doing
your meditation work…. You can do this exercise twice a day but no more
because it is very powerful. It will soon bring into greater vibratory
activity the quiescent ajna centre. Should headache or tension supervene,
stop the work for a day or two and then resume. Preserve ever the attitude
of the onlooker and watch not for results. They will be there but at
first only I will be in a position to note them.
1.
This breathing exercise
was wisely deleted as it is very powerful and as the ajna center and
pituitary body have no corresponding organ in the body which can receive
any excess of generated energy.
2.
The Master is cautious with
His disciple. We can see why a program of psychic unfoldment should
not be unguided. It must be supervised by one who knows the methods
thoroughly and the dangers as well.
3.
Pain is a great monitor.
Disciples must learn not to push any developmental process too far.
4.
In this case, BSD is not
to look for results. Elsewhere he was told to keep a spiritual diary
in which careful note was to be made of any arising phenomena.
5.
This ajna development, however,
is a subtle matter and only the Master can assess what is really happening.
6.
Occult obedience is needed
and a simple willingness to follow instructions.
7.
We learn that the Master
knows the techniques for awakening any center to fuller activity. Such
awakening is normally best left to a natural unfoldment over time. In
the case of disciples in training, however, special techniques may be
given to promote more rapid unfoldment. There is always some danger
in this, but the danger is much reduced if a Master is supervising the
process as in this case.
My brother,
the next two years hold in them for you much of inner testing and the
achievement of the subtle sensitivity to the voice of the Teacher which
will enable you to work with greater ease on the subjective side of
life. I have proved your sincerity of purpose and for many years you
have diligently set your face towards the light. But, brother of old,
you have walked the Path with rigidity and not with that supple ease
[Page 113] which negates fatigue and which is the hallmark of the trained
athlete — for that is what the disciple should be. You have seen the
need to serve and have realised the field of service which is for you
the rightful place of effort, but you have rendered that service in
set and crystallised fashion and have been too often unduly objective
and not sufficiently moved by opportunity. You have served from a rigid
sense of duty but you must now learn to serve with the loving spontaneity
which carries all before it. The fluidity of the true disciple must
be your goal and that out-going spirit which produces the magnetic server.
Your magnetism and your radiation need enhancing; that will take place
as you transit out of the effort to unfold and to manifest divinity
into that more advanced condition which is expressed by the words to
“stand in spiritual Being.” There may also come into your life (as it
does into the life of all true servers) an interlude or cycle of experience
which may temporarily negate your present cycle of influence but this
should only be preparatory to a greater power in service.
1.
If inner testing is to be
experienced, the activity of Saturn should be noted. Perhaps Neptune
is also involved in the “subtle sensitivity to the voice of the Teacher”.
2.
BSD has “sincerity of purpose”
and it has been tested by DK. This quality is strongly correlated to
the sixth ray as is facing towards the light. Sagittarius, again, may
be suggested in this one pointed orientation.
3.
DK becomes direct. BSD has
“walked the Path with rigidity”. The sixth ray (with its tendency towards
rapid crystallization) again is implicated. Also, there is much crystallization
in Capricorn (correlating also with the previously mentioned “outer
reserve”).
4.
DK uses the analogy of the
athlete: “that is what a disciple should be”. BSD’s rigid approach to
the Path has resulted in fatigue. From the very first letter he received
from DK, we saw that this was the case.
5.
A hint is given to all of
us; in what manner are we ‘walking the Path’? In what respects, in the
pursuit of our spiritual objectives, are we like a “trained athlete”?
6.
The third ray, per se, does
not contribute to rigidity, but the combination of the sixth and fifth
can.
7.
BSD has found his proper
sphere of service, but has rendered that service “in a set and crystallised
fashion”. The sixth ray must account for this. One would also expect
to see some misuse of the seventh ray when crystallization occurs, but
it is not in her present energy system. As stated, Saturn and Capricorn
seem implicated.
8.
BSD’s undue objectivity
is the result of his fifth ray mind, which also contributes to his non-spontaneous
approach (for he has not been able to respond readily to opportunity).
9.
BSD’s “rigid sense of duty”
is the result of his strong sixth ray. We have seen Master DK trying
to move him into greater responsiveness to the second ray which would
bring that “loving spontaneity which carries all before it”. The desirability
of a transition from six to two is very clear.
10.
Fluidity, an out-going spirit
and magnetism — these are the desirable states which must develop. DK
seeks to promote BSD’s magnetism and radiation. He says something very
interesting in this regard, and it refers to BSD’s ‘Developmental Formula’.
BSD has been preoccupied with the “effort to unfold and to manifest
divinity”. DK calls him to a more “advanced” condition which is described
by the words, “stand in spiritual Being”. Being we remember is
the first and most important term in BSD’s Formula.
11.
We can understand, can we
not, how the ability to “stand in spiritual Being” would enhance radiation
and magnetism. The influx of spiritual energy would be much greater
and, with an emphasis on being rather than doing, set
(and, perhaps, rigid) forms of activity would not capture the out-flowing
radiance nor neutralize the more rapidly extending magnetism resulting
from the inflow of the life aspect.
12.
Strenuous effort and much
doing (for “Stillness” is also a word in the Formula) will only take
BSD so far. A more “advanced” approach is needed. We remember that the
term “honour” is related to assuming this more advanced stance of being.
13.
DK seems to forewarn of
an impending cycle which may temporarily negate BSD’s present mode of
influence through service. DK assures him that this will be preparatory
to “greater power in service”. In our life of service we have observed
these cycles of ebb and flow, have we not?
As to your
meditation, my brother, after you have finished the breathing exercise,
proceed then to meditation, beginning your work at as high a point as
possible. Choose for yourself a seed thought each month, keeping a record
of those chosen…. Think deeply upon the embodied idea and carry your
thoughts forward and onward and upward (choose whichever word conveys
to you the deepest meaning) until you reach as abstract a point as you
can achieve. When you can go no further and have entered the world of
abstraction, then stay poised in thought and hold the mind steady in
the light for as long a period as you can. Watch your thought processes
as you do this and note anything new or especially intuitive which you
may register during this time of waiting. Keep a strict record of the
ideas which may come into your mind and note them down each day for
your spiritual diary.
1.
DK continues to advise the
vigilant, attentive approach.
2.
We find the Master promoting
a high and abstract focussing. We realize that the fifth ray emphasizes
the concrete mind, but that the third ray (with which BSD is
amply endowed) can give facility with abstraction.
3.
The method suggested is
part of intuitive training. It is assumed that BSD can carry his deepening
thought into the “world of abstraction”, but this will be only preparatory
to a further influx of light.
4.
Really, the Master is giving
Him antahkarana work. He is to be alert to the “new” and “intuitive”.
5.
The need for the “strict
record” continues. The spiritual diary is to become a useful document
to others and self-revelatory to BSD.
6.
We note that BSD is to be
alert to “ideas”, not just thoughts. Access to ideas is related to contact
with the world of intuition on the buddhic plane.
In closing
this instruction, brother of mine, will you remember that the lonely
way is also the lighted way. Loneliness is an illusion which seeks to
thwart the efforts of the server; it is a glamour which can seriously
impair true vision. That you may walk the Way in peace and light and
that power in service may be yours is the desire of my heart for you.
1.
BSD, it seems, does not
have many immediate outer plane contacts with people and, perhaps, has
no partner. Though, from other references, he does seem to have material
responsibilities (which he may not rightfully relinquish) toward certain
people.
2.
The Master is pointing out
the advantages of BSD’s life conditions, for the apparent loneliness
in which he lives will lead to an increase of light along the “lighted
way”.
3.
The glamorous or illusory
nature of imagined loneliness is pointed out. BSD is advised to think
of his aloneness in a new way so that his vision may not be impaired.
4.
Loneliness is not real;
imagination and a true vision of inner relationships can see beyond
it. Giving in to the sense of loneliness may cut off the sense of inner
contacts and thus impair inner vision of the inner relationships, which
are, really, much more important than the outer ones.
5.
The Master offers a heart-felt
benediction in closing. The note of heart is necessary for BSD and continuously
offered.
I do not
seek to change your work for the next six months, my fellow disciple.
I outlined to you in June 1935 a full quota of meditation work. Your
growth in understanding has been real, though the ajna centre has yet
resisted effort. The main result has been an intensification of the
heart centre’s activity, but this will eventually have a reflex action
upon the ajna centre. Any of the centres which have allied closely with
them certain of the major ductless glands and at the same time have
no large organ (such as the heart or stomach) connected with them develop
more slowly and are more carefully protected in the process than are
the centres with a major physiological organ closely connected with
them. For instance, the thymus gland is connected with the heart centre
and the pancreas with the solar plexus centre. At the same time, the
energy pouring through those centres can be deflected into certain large
physical organisms — such as the heart and the stomach. These centres,
therefore, when being developed or stimulated, carry far less physiological
danger than those which are not so related. The ajna centre is related
to the pituitary body but there is no large physical organism to carry
off the energy contacted; the etheric web is, therefore, in this locality
specially reinforced and the activity of the centre more slowly generated.
This is interesting and reassuring. It is in hints such as the above
that the real teaching is given.
1.
Six months have passed since
the previous instruction. There has been progress but the ajna center
has not unfolded as rapidly as desired.
2.
The heart center, however,
has unfolded and it is related to the ajna center in such a way that
the unfoldment of the heart will, reflexively, promote the unfoldment
of the ajna.
3.
DK offers some rather specific
teaching on occult physiology. He explains why centers like the ajna,
or perhaps the crown center would develop more slowly. They are more
protected, since they have no large organ (such as the heart or stomach)
connected with them (unless we consider the brain to be the large organ
related to the pineal gland).
4.
The ajna and pituitary gland
have for BSD been the focus of intended development. DK explains that
the pituitary body has “no large physical organism to carry off the
energy contacted” and thus the etheric web in this area is “specially
reinforced and the activity of the centre more slowly generated”.
5.
This is very interesting
teaching and is offered not only for BSD’s instruction, but for his
encouragement.
6.
Overstimulation can lead
to abnormal development of the stimulated gland, and even to dire disease.
7.
Since certain centers are
closely related to other centers (such as the ajna center to the heart
center), heart development will assist in carrying off some of the energy
which should not remain focussed in the ajna center (when under intensified
stimulation). We can see, then, one of the reasons why DK promoted BSD’s
heart development along with his psychic development to be focussed
in the ajna.
8.
We can imagine that when
a given center is singled out for development, collateral and related
centers should be properly involved to help preserve the balance. Thus
a given center, when active and when the consciousness is focussed upon
it, may help protect another center to which focal simulation
is being applied. The heart center, it seems, often assumes a balancing
role, as it is the fourth or middle center.
Before I
tell you what these two thoughts are, I want to give you a word of commendation,
knowing that you desire it [Page 115] not and knowing also that you
do most certainly seek always to act under the urge and the inspiration
of your own soul. You work and conform to the requirements, not from
any specific idea of pleasing me or even of producing further integration
of yourself into the group of your co-disciples but from a sense of
duty and of rightness of activity. Nevertheless, I seek to commend you
for your quality of steadfastness — a steadfastness in which you persist
in the face of much psychic disappointment, if I may call it so, and
the fact that there appears to be little phenomenal response to your
constant effort. You seek to keep your eyes off yourself and simply
to do that which must be done and which you have been induced to believe
is the way for you — as well as for all true disciples.
1.
Words of commendation from
the Master are not so frequent, perhaps, as words of ‘correction’ and
suggested adjustment. We have seen from a number of examples that commendation
from the Master is often followed by unexpectedly undesirable behavior
from the chela.
2.
In this case, the Master
assesses that the chela does not desire such commendatory words and
that his major guide in action is the urge and inspiration of his own
soul; the Master’s encouragement may be helpful but the implication
is that BSD’s attempt to act rightly would take place in any case.
3.
Some disciples might seek
to “please” the Master, just as some clients in psychotherapy seek to
please their psychologist. Such a motive is not found in BSD, nor is
he motivated by seeking to produce further integration of himself into
the group of his co-disciples (though this would be a worthy motive).
Rather he is motivated by a “sense of duty and of rightness of activity”.
These two motives again suggest the strength of Saturn in his chart
and, again, the possibility that either Capricorn or Virgo may be active.
4.
The Master’s commendation
is for the quality of “steadfastness” — a quality, we realize, which
is associated with the right use of the sixth ray (not necessarily the
third — though the third ray may give steadfastness in higher or philosophical
studies).
5.
In a way DK is acknowledging
BSD’s inner disappointment (“psychic disappointment” He calls it). There
has been little “phenomenal response” to his efforts to follow the Master’s
instructions which were intended to lead to the awakening of psychic
sensitivity. We remember BSD’s former tendency to focus on phenomenal
results.
6.
BSD is following instructions.
He is keeping his eyes off himself (except as a willing observer of
phenomena that might arise from the following of suggested methods for
inducing psychic response), and is simply doing what has been suggested
to him as correct. He now follows the way with detachment from
results. We remember that one of the terms in BSD’s ‘Developmental Formula’
is “Detachment”. It can have several meanings and applications.
Years ago,
my brother, you sought more eagerly for the good results of your activity.
Now you are just as active but you are willing to leave the results
unconsidered. This is well and very good. However, I tell you that there
are results and perhaps they can begin to be clarified in your mind.
Two results I can myself indicate to you and I choose these two with
deliberation because they are related to me and to your work with me,
your teacher and your friend. First, I have accepted you into my own
group in the technical sense and you are now an accepted disciple (chela)
in my group…. Secondly, I have told you and your brothers that I am
in process of preparing you for initiation.
1.
Year’s ago BSD’s very strong
sixth ray was perhaps more active. It induced in him an eagerness “for
the good results of your activity”.
2.
He has made progress in
discipleship, for right activity has remained (even improved), and motive
has improved, but eagerness for results has subsided. The Master is
attempting to build the inner man and the edifice He is seeking to see
erected may be, at first, visible to Him alone. Much faith in the Master’s
judgment is required of us and it should be a ‘reasoned-faith’.
3.
For purposes of clarification,
encouragement and in the interests of truth, DK indicates to BSD that
there are indeed “results” arising from his labors.
4.
The two results discussed
by the Master have little to do with increased psychic sensitivity per
se, but they are of great importance.
5.
First, DK reminds BSD that
He has accepted him into His group as an “accepted disciple”. More is
said here which has been deleted.
6.
Secondly, DK reaffirms that
He is preparing BSD and his group brothers for initiation. We are reminded
that one of DK’s special tasks is to work in connection to “aspirants
for initiation”. (R&I
586)
I am reminding
you of these two facts for the following reason: You must enter upon
the next cycle of activity with set purpose, clear vision and unswerving
attention to facts. You have ended one cycle of effort last month at
the time of the Full Moon of May. You are entering now upon another
cycle. I would have you keep this steadfastly in mind and go forward
to freer service, greater understanding and clearer insight. You have
laid a firm foundation.
1.
DK is reaffirming these
facts anent accepted discipleship and preparation for initiation for
a specific purpose with regard to BSD. BSD is to enter upon a new cycle
of activity and the Master seeks to see him fortified with “set purpose,
clear vision and unswerving attention to facts”. The combination of
BSD’s fifth and sixth rays will be of assistance.
2.
From many sources we gather
the importance of the year 1936, as year of crisis and climax, of new
possibilities and new beginnings. A new cycle for the NGWS was being
inaugurated. Such cycles occur in periods of three years and nine years.
3.
We also see how important
the Full Moon of May is as a point of termination and of commencement
in all the work proposed by Master DK. This should be taken to heart
with respect to our own individual and group work.
4.
The Master, then, is seeking
to implant certain thoughts which BSD is to keep “steadfastly in mind”
for purposes of guidance as the new cycle begins.
The two
thoughts which come into my heart to tell you can be summarised as follows.
Note that these thoughts come from my heart and the suggestion from
my mind. Herein lies a hint as to your work in the future for those
who look to you for assistance in their spiritual life.
1.
DK is instructing us all
in how we may work with those who look to us for assistance.
2.
We are to learn to differentiate
between the thoughts we hold in our heart and the suggestions we might
offer from our minds.
3.
We note that, for DK, the
heart has received the two thoughts, for they have come into His heart
to be told to BSD. A spontaneous, intuitive process is involved with
thoughts that enter the heart.
4.
Again we note that BSD attempts
to assist others with their spiritual life. Perhaps he is also an Arcane
School secretary?
1. You need
to work now more definitely and more confidently as an accepted disciple.
What do I mean by that statement? [Page 116] I mean that you should
work in the realisation that — because of this definite acceptance —
you are linked with the Hierarchy of Masters and, therefore, the quality
of the hierarchical service to humanity must also be expressed by and
through you. What is this quality? Wisdom, expressing itself intelligently
through love. Upon this statement you should ponder. Your service is
ever intelligent (highly so) for you have much knowledge as the result
of ancient experience and deep thought and study in this life. That
knowledge must, however, be translated into wisdom through the dynamic
power of a living love. I use no further terms to express this idea.
That sentence should provide you with much food for thought.
1.
The first thought concerns
the necessity for BSD to work more definitely and confidently as an
accepted disciple.
2.
Definite acceptance by a
Master is an empowerment to the chela, especially when the chela utilizes
the fact of acceptance rightly and deliberately.
3.
When a disciple is accepted
it is his responsibility to see that the “quality of the hierarchical
service to humanity” is expressed through him. This may necessitate
an adjustment in his usual modes of procedure.
4.
DK focuses on the particular
quality which is to be expressed. He calls it “Wisdom, expressing itself
intelligently through love”.
5.
BSD’s service is always
highly intelligent, for he is on the third ray of “Active Intelligence”
— the “acute energy of divine mental perception”. To this intelligence,
the Master seeks to see more love and wisdom added. When one comes under
the tuition of Master DK (or any second ray Master) there will be an
opportunity to increase the influence of both love and wisdom in the
life.
6.
At this point in His instructions
to BSD, Master DK has not yet revealed that BSD is a third ray soul,
but the many statements about intelligence and mind are hints in this
direction.
7.
As earlier stated, it is
possible, even probable, that BSD’s monadic ray is the second. Further
it is possible that a future personality ray (perhaps the personality
ray of the next incarnation) should become the second.
8.
In any case, BSD is given
a very deep assignment: the transmutation of knowledge into wisdom through
the dynamic power of living love. These last five words can be
construed as hints concerning the monadic ray, for the monad is dynamic,
it is the source of real power within the disciples energy system, and
it lives, as the representative of the life aspect of divinity.
A second ray monad would be, indeed, an example of dynamic, “living
love”.
9.
At our stage of evolution,
the monad is always the unknown factor, the “x” factor. Yet if we are
careful, we may find that DK is offering hints to his chelas concerning
this highest aspect of their nature. When one becomes an accepted disciple,
at some point mostly likely after the mid-point of progress between
the first and second degrees, the monad will become more effective (though
it still remains a largely unconscious factor).
10.
The Master is actuated by
monadic energy and, with “acceptance”, that kind of energy subtly reaches
the disciple. As well, just before, during and immediately after the
second initiation, will and desire are engaged in a contest for preeminence.
Will, of course, essentially represents the monad.
11.
There is no question but
that the Master has offered BSD a powerful hint which is to provide
“much food for thought”.
12.
We may be impressed by how
carefully one must read these letters to gather what may have been intended
by Master DK. Of course, as readers who are not in those groups-of-nine,
we read somewhat as ‘outsiders’ and cannot possibly apprehend all that
a chela for whom the hints were intended might apprehend. Yet, we can
still gather much and we have the advantage of an enlarged perspective
upon the entirety of the Tibetan’s exoteric work to date (both through
HPB and AAB).
2. The second
thought which comes to you from my heart is to urge you to remember
that chelaship (discipleship) involves responsibility, and that in its
turn is developed through suffering. This leads inevitably to detachment.
That process of detachment will go forward in connection with all in
the group and must entail difficulty. This difficulty may involve a
constant stream of minor problems and detachments which will colour
ceaselessly your life of service, your life in the home, and your contacts
in the world. This calls perhaps for a higher quality of faith and of
courage than do drastic purgings. But I have no fears for you, my brother
on the Path. You have a faith of tempered steel which cannot break.
Remember, however, that where the tide of love is thwarted, there might
happen a temporary warping of your nature. You will understand whereof
I speak and this sentence conveys to you a needed hint. Let love pour
through you and all is well.
1.
The second thought in the
Master’s heart is deep and requires much thought.
2.
DK equates chelaship and
discipleship. The connotation of chelaship is that the supervision by
the Master is, perhaps, greater than in the case of ordinary discipleship.
3.
It comes as no surprise
to read that discipleship involves responsibility, but it is perhaps
not so commonly thought that “responsibility is developed through suffering”.
Perhaps if we think that our ability to respond increases with sensitivity
and that suffering increases sensitivity (as it breaks down our defenses
and cherished glamors and illusions), we can understand how responsibility
is developed through suffering.
4.
When the suffering is sufficient
the dynamic of detachment will enter. One realizes that that
which suffers is not the real man but rather the form, and that
aspect of the consciousness which is identified with the distressed
form.
5.
Chelaship, responsibility,
suffering, detachment — these are the concepts here presented, but they
do not necessarily proceed in strict sequence, but rather interact.
6.
Detachment, we are told,
entails difficulty. It is the lot of all disciples. We are to expect
a “constant stream of minor problems and detachments which will colour
ceaselessly your life of service, your home life and your contacts in
the world”. Have we found this to be the case? Detachment does not occur
suddenly and at once. There are many little ties to glamor and illusion
and these have to be broken through a ceaseless detaching process with
all its attendant difficulties.
7.
A most important statement
is made concerning all these little problems and detachments. DK tells
us that such a process calls for a “higher quality of faith and courage
than do drastic purgings”. Drastic purgings are soon over and, therefore,
they do not call for the quality of courageous, faithful persistence.
Those upon the second ray are possessed by the ability to work relentlessly
with no let up. They do not so frequently go through the sudden and
drastic processes. The sixth ray has much in common with the second
ray in this regard (but may admit of more drastic experiences, for it
is also related to the first ray).
8.
Master DK is not simply
offering His chela advice in general. There is some specific situation
which requires attention. Perhaps there are difficulties at work, at
home, with certain contacts. DK speaks of His chela’s “faith of tempered
steel which cannot break”. This faith will be his strength and will
see him through. On two other occasions DK spoke of “tempered steel”
to a chela: “You have the persistence and the will (like tempered steel)
of the second ray” (to FCD) and also “You have the persistence and the
will (like tempered steel) of the second ray, and you can dismiss all
fear as to your capacity to transcend the difficulties or to make your
grade. Nothing can stop you” (to DHB). Both of these disciples were
second ray souls.
9.
DK is offering psychological
advice to BSD. There is a tide of love in his nature which must not
be thwarted or there will be a (temporary) warping in the nature. A
warping is a distortion in a form. A certain part of the form is unduly
enlarged or grows in an unaligned manner because of the energy to which
it has been exposed and the incapacity to distribute that energy in
a balanced manner.
10.
We remember that there are
certain rigidities in BSD’s approach to living and that he has much
“outer reserve”. Also his heart center has been under-emphasized and
his mental nature over-emphasized. Love and its passage through the
heart is needed in the situation to which DK alludes. BSD must not inhibit
the tide of love but, instead, allow it to pour through him. Then, assures
the Master, all will be well.
11.
Imbalance is the enemy of
discipleship. The disciple is to be ever alert to the possibility of
mismanaged energy within his nature. The inhibition of love is, above
all, psychologically unhealthy. If the tide of love is seemingly thwarted
by lack of possibilities to express it in normal circumstance, nevertheless,
a way for that expression must be found.
The suggestions
which I seek to make are based upon past instructions. Since June, 1935,
we have set ourselves one technical achievement and one that still remains
unachieved for the majority of advanced humanity. This is the awakening
of the ajna centre. Your major need and the thing which would arouse
that centre to usefulness lies — for you — in the power to visualise.
1.
Now DK turns for the thoughts
in His heart to two suggestions from His mind.
2.
We have noted that Master
DK is working on arousing BSD’s ajna center into activity. We also note
that the majority of advanced humanity has not achieved this.
3.
DK calls the awakening the
ajna center (in BSD’s case) a “technical achievement”. This terminology
in interesting given BSD’s strong fifth ray. Excessive application to
strictly mental procedures may, however, set up a condition in which
the psychic capacities associated with the ajna center are not easily
aroused.
4.
The simple expedient of
visualization is offered as the way to arouse the ajna center
into usefulness.
5.
We also remember that visualization
may not be the line of least resistance for those whose mind is focussed
upon the fifth ray.
The second
thing which will integrate your nature and increase your magnetic and
spiritual usefulness lies in the unfoldment of the creative imagination.
How shall this be done? The two are closely allied. Visualisation and
the creative imagination [Page 117] are related. A great deal of your
problem in this life (where your esoteric unfoldment is concerned) will
be solved when these two are better understood by you and when the play
of these two forces produces in you an inner re-adjustment, a re-alignment
and an externalisation of your subjective life. Will you think deeply
upon this matter, my brother?
1.
DK is differentiating between
visualization and the creative imagination, though He states that they
are related.
2.
Both of these suggestions
are intended to integrate BSD’s nature and increase his magnetic and
spiritual usefulness. The ajna center is not only necessary for self-direction,
but is involved in the successful guidance or direction of others. Its
power to foresee can wisely be employed in all matters of guidance.
3.
Visualization seems primary
and fundamental; it is, among other things, and when related to the
sense of sight (for it can be related to other senses — as in the ‘visualizing’
of sound) the ability to summon images or ‘sensory reflections’ before
the inner eye.
4.
The creative imagination
is then applied to those images which are arranged, shaped or manipulated
according to inner purpose and pattern. Visualization is a summoning
process; creative imagination is a building and designing process.
5.
Via visualization and the
creative imagination, the inner life can be out-pictured in form. The
inner energies are given another way of ‘getting through’ to the brain
consciousness. Rigorous thought, per se, may block the influence of
the intuition whereas one who has developed the power to visualize may
spontaneously see those intuitions take shape in visual form. Also one
may build through the medium of images provided by the imagination pictorial
forms which are resonant to the vibration of intuition. In fact, the
intuition may prompt the appearance of certain images, for visualized
images (though presented in as ‘sensory reflections’) do not necessarily
arise from the sphere of the senses, but often reflect the inner worlds.
6.
There is an element of spontaneity
which is associated with visualization; that same spontaneity is a quality
of the intuition. One can ask for an image which embodies an
intuitive insight, and that image may spontaneously present itself to
the consciousness. It may happen all at once instead of through a laborious,
reasoned approach. In this way, the inner man may be evoked and recognized
as ‘speaking’ through spontaneously presented images.
7.
These images can be refined
through the creative imagination. Creative imagination can also be a
method of invoking the intuition.
8.
Really, the process of relating
visualization and creative imagination to the intuition is reciprocal.
Intuition stimulates the appearance of certain visualizations, and images
wrought by the creative imagination are invocations to the intuition
and, thus, evoke the descent of intuitions resonant with the images
held (as magnets, in the lower world, for the appearance of testimony
from the higher).
9.
When visualization and creative
imagination are attuned to the intuition they offer faster and more
certain modes of apprehending truth than laborious reasoning. The question,
however, is whether the visualization processes and the use of the creative
imagination are attuned, or whether they simply reflect and work
with illusory forms to be found on the astral plane. Many people go
astray because they cannot make this distinction, and take spurious
material for the ‘real thing’.
I am glad
that you regard yourself as sensitive to my vibration, for so you are.
But not as often as you think. It is so easy for aspirants to confound
the second ray vibration — as it expresses itself through a second ray
group such as my group of disciples — with my individual vibration.
1.
The Master is responding
probably to His chela’s answers to questions He has posed: such questions
as, “Are you sensitive to my vibration?”; or “How often are you sensitive
to my vibration?”
2.
DK is always the voice of
truth and realism, for there can be no glamor where these two exist.
3.
An adjustment is needed
in BSD’s thoughts regarding sensitivity to contact and so the DK elaborates
on the other kinds of vibrations which can be confused with the individual
vibration of the Master. The whole matter requires a very keen discrimination.
Disciples
need to train themselves to distinguish:
1. The
vibration of the second Ray of Love-Wisdom.
2. The
vibration of the Master M. or the Master K.H. should They happen to
use the ray vibration for purposes of stimulating a group.
3. My
vibration, which is naturally strongly coloured by the second ray.
1.
There may be interesting
hints in what is here said.
2.
The first type of vibration
is general; it is the vibration of the second Ray of Love-Wisdom irrespective
of any directing source, such as a Master.
3.
We are not surprised to
see that Master KH is associated with the second ray, but we also gather
than the first ray Master Morya can “use” the second ray vibration for
purpose of stimulating a group. Although the vibration received would
have in it much of the second ray, the vibration of M. or KH would also
be present.
4.
DK says that His own vibration
is “strongly coloured by the second ray”. We would certainly expect
this to be the case, but is He also suggesting the presence of other
rays (such as the first — in His Triad — or the third — in His monad?)
which would be felt whenever His vibration was felt. The word “coloured”
has to be analyzed as it may suggest that which is effective and qualifying,
but not essential.
4. The
vibration of a second ray group which is an aggregate of all the notes
and tones of the disciples in the group.
5. The
vibration of advanced second ray disciples. This can at times be confused
with mine.
6. The
vibration of sixth ray groups which respond to a second ray vibration.
Their work lies predominantly on the astral plane and is contacted
relatively easily.
A consideration
of the above may indicate to you something of value. Curiously enough
you and your fellow disciple B.S.W. represent the two extreme poles
in this process of theoretical recognition. You both recognise a certain
contact yet, practically, B.S.W. is more sensitive to my vibration than
you are; he loses much, however, by an imposed impersonality to it;
you lose much by being too sure at times.
1.
The first three types of
vibration are strong sources. The last three mentioned are important
but secondary.
2.
From the fourth type (“vibration
from a second ray group”) one would expect to distinguish the ray type,
but the vibration would not be as strong as that of any of the Masters.
3.
The fifth type of vibration
(“vibration from advanced second ray disciples”) will be increasingly
present as more second ray disciples achieve their objectives. Distinction
between the vibration of advanced second ray disciples and the vibration
of the Master would have to be made both qualitatively and in
terms of intensity. In the vibration of any Master or disciple
there is more present than simply a ray, just as, for instance, in the
vibration of Mars, there is more present than the sixth ray. The vibration
of the entity Mars is also present, along with the ray which
is emitted from the entity. And of course, there are other rays associated
with Mars.
4.
The sixth type of vibration
needs consideration, as it is easy to confuse higher examples of the
sixth ray with the second ray. One of the main discriminators in this
case will that the higher sixth ray (when emanating from sixth ray groups)
will most probably be felt in relation to the astral plane whereas the
second ray is not so confined to that level, more readily touching the
heart.
5.
It is certainly good to
have all these possibilities in mind, just as the various sources of
guidance or of dreams should be understood. The disciple will then not
fall so easily into mistakes as to the source of that which he/she registers.
6.
The approaches of BSD and
BSW to the Tibetan’s vibration are contrasted. Both are sensitive
to DK’s vibration (and BSW, if anything, more sensitive). But BSW is
a first ray disciple with a seventh ray personality, and so seeks to
be impersonal in his responses, thereby negating the full effect of
the vibrational contact with DK. He probably discounts it or dismisses
it, negating its effect by the imposition of the attitude of impersonality.
BSD, having more sixth ray, and being, if anything, more eager, over-estimates
his degree of sensitivity to the Tibetan’s vibration and presumes that
he is experiencing that vibration when, in fact, he may be experiencing
other types of vibration (such as the kinds listed by the Tibetan).
7.
The Tibetan is teaching
both disciples that they need an adjustment in their approach — in each
case, a movement towards a balanced center. We have noted how, in true
Geminian fashion, DK will often contrast the approaches of two disciples
in the group, showing their differences of approach, thereby illuminating
for them (and for us) a more desirable approach. RSU and SCP have been
contrasted. Also FCD and BSW. Comparisons have also been drawn between
JWK-P and BSW. And there are also other examples.
In connection
with this matter of sensing vibration, it is of value to remember that
all sensing is naturally and normally an astral or an emotional reaction.
In considering my group, I am impressed (yes, and somewhat amused) by
the effort of some of you — and of you, in particular — to repudiate
emotional or astral sensitivity. Some of you admit it but regard it
as undesirable; others consider it as something to be inhibited or to
be unexpressed and ignored. Few of you, if any, look upon the astral
body as a divine expression of reality with its definite and specific
uses.
1.
DK seeks to clarify the
value of the astral body in the matter of “sensing vibration” Such sensing
is “naturally and normally an astral or an emotional reaction”.
2.
So much has been said about
the dangers of astralism and emotionalism that there are disciples who
(in self-defense) completely discount the value of the astral body “as
a divine expression of reality with its definite and specific uses”.
3.
Such an approach is not
helpful for a balanced approach to living, and, moreover, it shuts off
certain avenues of possible sensitive perception.
4.
BSD repudiates emotional
or astral sensitivity. His strong third and fifth rays make it possible
for him to do this with ease. However his two sixth rays are an open
door to such sensitivity and, really, he has a very sensitive astral
or psychic body developed in previous incarnations. Thus he is deliberately
shutting doors which, if utilized, would supplement his mental/intellectual
knowledge with knowledge gathered psychically.
5.
Thus, we must not think
of astral sensitivity as undesirable, nor should we strenuously seek
to inhibit it; all is to be used by the soul-infused consciousness.
6.
Admittedly, in the Teaching,
there is an apparent contradiction, for sometimes we are told that the
astral plane does not really exist, and that one must regard
all astral phenomena with divine indifference. On one level, this is
true, but it is also true that the principle of kama/desire is sufficiently
‘real-to-consciousness’ to be a strong developmental factor in the life
of every evolving human being and cannot be ignored. Especially in those
who hope to serve humanity, the solar plexus is an important doorway
for contacting many human beings.
7.
There is a way to use the
solar plexus and the astral body and its sensitivity without succumbing
to astralism. Some disciples are still so close to periods in their
incarnational development when they have succumbed that they
protect themselves from this level of divine expression by repudiation
or an imposed but unnatural ‘disinterest’ or indifference. There is,
in this whole matter, a desirable “Middle Path”.
These questions
which I have imposed upon your minds are in the nature of what might
be called “catch” questions. The astral body is — in its time and place
— of as real value, purpose and usefulness as the mind. It serves to
relate the higher impression to the lower and you cannot record my vibration
in the physical brain consciousness except through its mediation. You
can be aware of my vibration upon the plane of the soul and your mind
consciousness can be impressed by it. Unless, however, the sensory body,
the emotional vehicle, is also active in the right sense (negative to
the world of the senses and receptive to mental impression) that impression
will not be registered in the brain or waking consciousness.
1.
DK refers to His method
of posing certain questions for all members in His groups to answer.
2.
In this paragraph He gives
the astral body a value, purpose and usefulness equal to that of the
mind. This is an arresting thought and must be pondered by one who would
be a practical occultist.
3.
The Tibetan is saying something
that must be remembered by all of us. He is indicating the place of
the astral body in the process of recording His own vibration
in our physical brain consciousness. Without the astral body, He says,
we cannot register that vibration.
4.
The teaching becomes technical
but certainly comprehensible. Soul and mind may register the Tibetan’s
vibration, but the disciple in His brain consciousness will not realize
that contact — unless — the emotional/sensory/astral body is
rightly active (negative to the world of the senses and receptive to
mental impression).
5.
All this fits together,
does it not? DK has been training BSD in the development of psychic
sensitivity which involves, to some extent, the release of his already
powerfully developed psychic/astral body. But this disciple inhibits
astral response, repudiating its testimony. This is one of the reasons
that he is having difficulty developing psychic sensitivity. His mental
reaction to astral sensitivities is dismissive.
6.
The general teaching offered
in this paragraph is of importance to all who would be integrated disciples,
sensitive in all areas of their personality equipment.
Much that
you say in your communications in the form of written papers upon this
subject deals with the effect that your work and life has upon others
through your manipulation of the forces with which disciples have to
learn to work, and which are productive of real benefit to others as
they study them and watch the reactions called forth.
1.
DK is commenting on the
content of the papers which BSD has written.
2.
We see that he is involved
in the manipulation of the forces with which disciples have to learn
to work. We remember that he has a powerful third ray (soul and brain)
and that the third ray is the ‘Ray of Manipulation’.
3.
BSD’s approach is that of
the ‘doer’ rather than the ‘sensitive receiver’
It is of
value, however, to note the differing type of reactions evoked when:
1. You work
with those subordinate to you upon the Path, those who are the average
people or the probationers who are treading the Path for the first time.
With this type of person you have much to do. Is their effect upon you
of the most desirable kind?
1.
DK calls BSD’s attention
to types of reactions of which he would well-advised to take notice.
The Master is working to reveal BSD to himself.
2.
DK suggests the examination
of BSD’s reactions to three levels of people: those subordinate to him,
his equals and also his superiors.
3.
Again, we see that BSD has
much to do with probationers — those who are just beginning on the Path.
DK seems to suggest that there is something in BSD’s response to them
which is not of the most desirable kind. What may be the problem,
we do not know, but a disciple can learn much about himself by examining
how he interacts with those who have not yet reached his point on the
Path. Does he become proud, condescending? Does he develop paternalistic
attitudes? Does he enjoy the company of probationers because it inflates
his sense of importance? Something needs examination.
2. Your
inter-relation with those who are your equals upon the Path and those
whose vibration occultly “neutralises” yours, or “parallels in intensity”
yours and consequently evokes from you (as evidence from them of status)
no [Page 119] reaction practically, except a sense of well-being or
comradeship.
1.
The next analysis relates
to the interrelation of BSD with his equals upon the Path.
2.
It is interesting to see
that the vibrations of equals neutralise each other. When encountering
those individuals whose vibration “parallels in intensity” his own,
it is apparent that BSD has no particular reaction except the sense
of well-being or comradeship. With respect to our own life we may ask,
“Who are these people and why does this happen?”
3.Your recognition
of those ahead of you upon the Path who can — if they so choose — call
forth from you or evince in you a powerful response.
1.
DK asks his chela to focus
upon his reaction to those who are ahead of him on the Path.
2.
When he recognizes such
an individual, what it his response. Such people can, if they will,
call forth from BSD a powerful response.
3.
This threefold examination
will reveal to BSD how he ‘stands’ within respect to his own spiritual
development and that of others. The examination will also reveal weaknesses
in approach and attitude which must be corrected.
We are beginning
to deal with the more occult subtleties in our work and for these you
must be prepared. Your papers and replies to the questions given to
you deal primarily with your work in connection with your spiritual
inferiors. How about your spiritual equals and superiors? Reread your
questions and replies in this light and see what response is then evoked
in you. The initiate of the fifth degree in Atlantean times had to evidence
the right use of emotion. In Aryan times, the initiate of the second
degree has to evidence this. Are you, my brother, prepared to say that
this evidence can be produced?
1.
The Master continues to
attempt to deepen his disciple’s understanding. Instruction from the
Master must deal with matters increasingly subtle or it will fail to
push the disciple’s limitations.
2.
DK does not tell his disciple
what the examination will reveal — only that it is sure to reveal something
of significance.
3.
The point is driven home:
BSD prefers to think about his work in relation to his “spiritual inferiors”.
For some reason he does give proportionate attention to those on his
own level or ahead of him spiritually. There appears to be an emotional
reason for this, and DK wants him to discover what it is.
4.
An important hint is given.
It becomes apparent that BSD is being trained for the second degree
but has not yet taken that degree. DK implies that there is something
in BSD’s emotional response to his spiritual inferiors, equals and superiors
which is not characterized by “the right use of emotion”. Until BSD
can use emotion rightly, he will not be able to take the second degree.
5.
The undue mental emphasis
with which he has lived (not only in this life, but the life immediately
preceding) has been, in part, an avoidance of having to deal with emotional
sensitivity. This mental emphasis has created an unbalanced condition
which needs attention. DK is almost forcing BSD to examine his suppressed
emotional responses so that the uncorrected emotional orientations may
be corrected and so that BSD’s equipment may be rounded out.
6.
We realize that at the second
degree, the astral body is controlled, rightly utilized and subject
to the energy of love and buddhi; it is not simply suppressed, as suppression
is not a solution to emotional inharmonies and difficulties.
You entered
this group work as the result of serious and earnest seeking, ancient
karmic ties, much questioning which wrested response from your soul
and the earned right of a pledged server who had worked steadfastly
alone for many years. You brought to this group activity certain assets
of a pronounced nature and certain liabilities, equally pronounced —
as have all the group members. My task is to use the assets in the group
and to aid you in relinquishing the liabilities…. I would ask you, therefore,
to ponder on this matter, standing as the soul upon the narrow razor-edged
path between the pairs of opposites — your assets and your liabilities
— viewing them with complete detachment.
1.
We can see that the Tibetan’s
training of BSD is taking on a new level of directness and seriousness.
The Master seems to be forcing the issue.
2.
BSD’s history is reviewed.
Serious and earnest seeking, ancient karmic ties and much questioning
which wrested response from his soul have earned for him the right to
enter this group work. Moreover, for many years he has worked steadfastly
and alone.
3.
DK is now speaking to all
his disciples. Their assets are considerable, but so are their liabilities.
Disciples are, perhaps, not so keenly aware of their real liabilities.
The Master however, is profoundly aware of them. From the very first
He has known them, though He does not reveal such liabilities to His
chelas all at once. To do so would discourage them. Often He relies
upon the process of revelatory self-discovery which is inevitable in
such intensive spiritual training.
4.
It is clear that each of
the disciples in His group has much to correct. At the same time,
He once told AAB (who could not understand why He had included certain
people within the groups) that their faults could disappear quite rapidly,
leaving the potent inner life much freer and their real value more evident.
5.
A very important teaching
point emerges and one which has application to all of us. The Master
attempts to use assets in the group to help group members relinquish
their liabilities. Each of us uses our strengths to rid ourselves of
our weaknesses.
6.
DK calls for a very serious
assessment of strengths and liabilities, and He is calling to each of
us as well.
7.
It is a scientific rather
Libran evaluation that is needed — one characterized by complete objectivity
and detachment. The disciple (midway between soul and personality) is
evaluating his strengths and weaknesses with no attachment to what he
may discover. It is a sobering moment of self-assessment. Certainly,
such a reckoning must precede that step known as the second initiation.
The occult
sentences in which I would like to state your problem and its solution
are as follows:
“The magnet
swings, and swinging, fails to touch the pleading hands, held forth
for help. It swings in heaven high, held by the soul — serene and unafraid
— whose will is firm, whose eyes are clear, whose heart is slowly opening
to a distant sound — a sound of pain and sorrow, of weakness and distress.
1.
DK is attempting to state
BSD’s problem, but He does not do so in a direct and obvious manner.
Rather, He chooses phrases from the Old Commentary, hoping, it would
seem, to evoke from BSD an illuminated, intuitive response.
2.
It would appear that the
“magnet” is the consciousness of the disciple and its potential to draw
others closer to spiritual energy and life. In the case of BSD the consciousness
is focussed above the planes of earth and fails to touch those in need
— those who, in pain, sorrow, weakness and distress plead for
assistance.
3.
BSD (like BSW, and, to a
degree, like ISG-L) is focally interested in the higher life of soul
and Hierarchy. The sixth ray was strong in each of these disciples (even
in BSW where is ruled ‘only’ his astral body). Each of them, in some
way, was removed from the sorrows of ordinary humanity. Each of them
aspired to the heights without wishing to walk the dusty roads of life
with his brothers.
“The magnet
drops into the mass of clutching hands. It disappears from view. Disturbance
then occurs. The soul, [Page 120] whose eyes serene have looked upon
the far horizons of the world, withdraws its gaze. Both eyes are focussed
on the tumultuous group of seekers after truth. The soul searches for
the magnet and sees it not, for it is hidden in the forms of many men.
The soul descends and walks the way of earth and not the ways of mind.
The far horizon disappears. The vision just before the eyes succeeds;
the immediate takes the place of that which has been distant. And in
that place immediate, the magnet reappears.”
1.
The second stanza describes
the sacrifice through which every disciple must pass. Contact with high
spiritual energies is not for oneself alone; it is to be shared with
all those in need. One’s magnetic power must bring one not only into
the high world of the soul; the magnet must be used below.
2.
The disciple must descend
into the mass — disappearing amidst the many clutching hands of those
in need. This is disturbing.
3.
The disciple no longer has
so much leisure to contemplate the far horizons of the world. The immediate
needs of the seekers before his eyes now require the greater part of
his attention and energy.
4.
The stanza shows the interesting
division between the soul on its own plane (let us call it the higher
consciousness of the disciple) and the human soul in incarnation.
5.
In deep meditation and contemplation
these two are united. Those who live the contemplative life (often ignoring
evident human need) are aware of the union of human soul and the soul
on its own plane. But the union will remain incomplete until there occurs
a sacrificial descent.
6.
When that descent occurs,
the soul in incarnation (the magnet) disappears into the lower energies.
This human soul is then preoccupied with the immediate presented needs,
and may feel separated from the soul on its own plane.
7.
But that higher soul (metaphorically)
descends to find the serving magnet. Soul powers are now addressed not
to the contemplation of the far horizon (which disappears) but to the
assistance of the serving soul-in-incarnation.
8.
The higher soul finds
its magnet, and joins it in service.
9.
The language is symbolic
and metaphorical, but from it we may gather that when the disciple decides
to serve below (instead of, with spiritual selfishness, seeking the
delights of the higher worlds) the “soul on its own plane”, too, descends
and empowers the service of its instrument.
10.
Then, soul and personality
(the soul on its own plane and the human soul in incarnation) are again
united, but in a way spiritually superior to the earlier union on the
higher planes. They are united in service in the lower worlds and are
truly fulfilling the intended mission of redemption.
11.
We can see that the stanzas
are very deep, and that each should make application according to his/her
consciousness and circumstances.
12.
It is important to realize
that when the soul descends (after the apparent loss of the magnet)
it walks the ways of earth and “not the ways of mind”. In the case of
BSD, the soul had already descended into the mind, but it had not effectively
reached the physical plane. This means that BSD was not applying soul
energy effectively in his everyday life. But the highest and the lowest
must meet, and no disciple can call himself a true server (or initiate)
unless the high energies proper to the higher planes can also be displayed
‘below’. This greater degree of soul infusion still lay ahead for BSD,
and DK is helping him realize this.
The mental
body in your case is governed by fifth ray energy. This is a pronounced
condition and constitutes much of your life difficulty. It is, in the
case of all aspirants thus conditioned mentally, the paramount cause
of their non-magnetic behaviour, using that word in its psychological
implications. I would remind you that being non-magnetic at your stage
of development means that (even though you may have some measure of
soul contact) you cannot radiate that soul life to others as you would
like to do, for your dominant fifth ray mental body (the Ray of Concrete
Science, as you know) is insulated, isolated and has a natural tendency
to that discrimination which leads to separativeness. The reverse effect
is also true. The radiation of others can be also shut off and hence
your inability to register telepathic impressions. The value of a fifth
ray mind is however very great, for it means a keen and useful mind
and (ponder on this) an open door to inspiration.
1.
Only now, some six years
later does DK discuss with BSD his rays. In fact, He has not really
discussed the soul and personality ray with this disciple. Other disciples
received some of their ray information earlier.
2.
Although in BSD’s energy
system there are two third rays, two sixth rays and only one fifth ray,
the fifth ray is powerful and accounts for many of the difficulties
which DK has been discussing in early instructions.
3.
DK has been discussing with
BSD the need for him to increase his magnetism and radiation. Further,
selections from the Old Commentary on “the magnet” were given in the
last letter instruction. Now we learn that the fifth ray (as BSD is
using it) is responsible for his non-magnetic behavior (as it is for
all aspirants).
4.
We note that DK is calling
BSD an “aspirant”, even though He is an “accepted disciple”, technically
understood. The relativity in the use of terms of probationer, aspirant,
disciple, etc., must be noted. Surely, BSD is an aspirant for initiation.
5.
It is not ‘goal-fitting’
that BSD remain “non-magnetic”. He does have some measure of soul contact,
but he cannot radiate it as he would like. This means that his service
is curtailed by his lack of magnetism.
6.
A very good description
of the fifth ray mental body is given. While this type of functioning
may not be true in all cases, it will be so for many people. This type
of mental body “is insulated, isolated and has a natural tendency to
that discrimination which leads to separativeness”.
7.
It is the fifth ray mental
body, in interaction with the sixth ray astral body, that prevents that
astral body from assuming its true and constructive functions in BSD’s
energy system.
8.
In evaluating BSD’s use
of the fifth ray mind, DK sees it, therefore, as a separative and separating
factor, for it also shuts him off from the radiation of others and militates
against his telepathic sensitivity.
9.
Yet, the closing sentence
affirms the value of such a mind, which is, we are told, “an open door
to inspiration”. We know the relation of the fifth to the first ray
(which, allied with the spirit aspect, is the source of inspiration).
The fifth ray is associated with the “Angel of the Presence” (focusing
for now on the fifth systemic plane). That Angel veils the source of
inspiration, the “Presence”. Via the fifth ray, the door through the
“disk of golden light” can be opened, and the adventuring consciousness
can begin to live in the Presence. As well, the fifth ray contributes
to the power to take initiation.
10.
We note that the fifth ray
is not the open door to intuition but to inspiration.
This does not mean that fifth ray types cannot be intuitive but that
the fifth ray’s natural line of connection is to the spirit aspect
rather than to intuitive world of harmonious inclusion (ruled by the
fourth ray, in influential alliance with the fifth). The fifth ray is,
however, related to the second ray in relation to light.
11.
It seems clear that what
DK seeks for BSD is the right and non-separative use of the fifth ray.
As BSD uses it, it has placed a barrier between him and other people.
A wall of thoughtforms produces a cleavage preventing both outgoing
radiation and magnetism and right reception. We have already gathered
that his overly mental focus has been somewhat of a defense against
his strongly developed (but inhibited) astral sensitivity.
12.
This factor of inhibition
should appear in the horoscope. Perhaps those planets and placements
representing astrality and psychism are in inharmonious aspect with
a planet of suppression or inhibition such as Saturn.
The astral
or emotional body is conditioned by the sixth ray of devotion or of
idealism, but this can be most easily transferred and transformed under
the influence of the second Ray of Love-Wisdom. Your task this life
is to make this possible so that, in your next life, you can have an
astral body conditioned by the second ray. Your ability to go forward
in the face of obstacles in order to attain your ideal is your outstanding
asset, and one that will land you eventually at your goal. Your major
[Page 121] difficulty, at this time, is your fifth ray mind. Is this
not true, my brother?
1.
The astral body is given
as the sixth ray, but DK places the emphasis on the possibility of transforming
that sixth ray into a second ray. In his next life (if all goes as it
should) BSD is to have a second ray astral body.
2.
It seems that disciples
always have access to the second ray as, in general, it conditions the
soul no matter what may be the soul ray. Further, we have speculated
that at a very deep level, the second ray may be that which conditions
BSD — monadically considered.
3.
It would appear that BSD
is closer to the possibility of this transformation from the sixth ray
to the second than at any other time in his life. We remember that his
heart center has been “rapidly awakening”.
4.
DK always tries to present
a balanced picture. BSD’s outstanding asset is his persistence, his
ability to go forward despite obstacles in order to attain his ideal.
This, says the Tibetan, will one day bring him to the fulfillment of
his goal.
5.
But this asset is balanced
by the difficulties inherent in the fifth ray mind (or at least in the
way that BSD uses that mind). In retrospect, we can see that DK has
been working with BSD’s mind, seeking to open it to different forms
of knowledge — especially psychic knowledge.
6.
To this end, a breathing
exercise for the stimulation of the ajna center has been given. The
ajna center, we remember, is most often ruled by the fifth ray and Venus.
In the case of initiates, however, it can be ruled by the fourth ray
and Mercury. The fourth ray is altogether more inclined toward visualization,
creative imagination and the reception of the intuition. DK has been
training His disciple in this direction.
7.
When we think about BSD’s
persistence, the signs Aries, Sagittarius and Capricorn are suggested.
Also the possibility of a strong Mars and Saturn can be inferred. Mercury,
as the planet of the mind, has to be very important and its aspects
(once we have ascertained a correct chart) will be very necessary to
study.
You have
a third ray (the Ray of Intelligent Activity) physical body. This is
largely controlled, interiorly, by your fifth ray mind. Again you see
the dominance of this type of energy in your equipment of expression.
Your rays are, therefore:
1. The
soul ray — the third Ray of Active Intelligence.
2. The
personality ray — the sixth Ray of Devotion.
3. The
ray of the mind — the fifth Ray of Concrete Science.
4. The
ray of the astral body — the sixth Ray of Devotion.
5. The
ray of the physical body — the third Ray of Activity.
This analysis
should throw much light upon your problem for you will note the dominance
of the third major ray and the sixth minor ray of devotion.
1.
DK does not elaborate extensively
on BSD’s rays. He tells him that he has a third ray physical body, but
does not say much except that that third ray body is controlled by the
fifth ray mind. The control is an interior control. It appears
that the fifth ray mind is very powerful and conditioning (and may have
been prominent in the previous incarnation, which also had a strongly
mental emphasis). Such control would be a recipe for regulated action
upon the physical plane. The random motion of the third ray (on the
physical level) would be subject to purpose, and discrimination would
be exerted with respect to action.
2.
It is unusual that DK says
nothing about the influence of the soul ray other that that in contributes
to a situation in which the third ray and the sixth are dominant.
3.
BSD, however, will understand
how the third ray has worked in his life, for he has led an overly mentalized
life, rather detached from the world of everyday. The soul (as previously
stated) has descended no lower than the mind. DK seeks to bring soul
influence into the astral and physical fields.
4.
We can see, however, that
to bring the soul into physical plane expression would be a strong possibility,
as the two third rays are easily aligned.
5.
When we evaluate these rays,
we see that the second ray is certainly needed as a balancing factor,
and to this end DK has been working. Imagination, as it is related to
the fourth ray, would also help.
6.
We remember that only two
of DK’s some 51 disciples had the third ray soul — BSD and LTS-K. Of
these two, the third ray was far less a liability for BSD (a more advanced
disciple) than for LTS-K.
I have earlier
indicated to you the point of view from which I personally gauge the
capacity and growth of the group and from that angle I am pleased with
the progress you have made. During the past few years I have many times
spoken to you with frankness and even with apparent harshness. This
I have done in an effort to galvanise you to a greater oriented reaction
to the urge of your soul and thus draw away from you the two factors
which have blocked the free intercourse which should exist between your
soul and your personality. I have ever hinted. I do not voice my suggestions
in clear words at all times for my object is always to evoke the activity
of your higher Self, thus exacting the correct type of obedience. What
are these two factors?
1.
DK puts BSD’s progress within
the group context stating, from that perspective, that He is please
with His chela’s progress.
2.
It has been noticeable that
DK has spoken to BSD with frankness. Has harshness been apparent? Perhaps
in some the editor’s deletions the harshness has been more evident.
3.
DK has had a good motive
for His directness. The purpose has been galvanization towards a “greater
oriented reaction to the urge of your soul” and also to draw BSD away
from two factors which inhibit the free intercourse between soul and
personality. He will shortly elaborate on these.
4.
We have noticed (have we
not) that DK has used many hints with BSD, often presenting such hints
through symbolic language. The purpose of this type of hinting has been
“to evoke the activity of [his] higher Self”. If a person discovers
something for himself it is always much more meaningful than if he is
told directly.
5.
DK also suggests that the
method of hinting, which can evoke the higher Self, will also exact
“the correct type of obedience”. That obedience is not so much to the
Master as to the inner will of the higher Self, and also of the Angel
and, later, of the spirit/monad. DK seeks for His chelas to be self-directing
and Self-directed.
1. A life
activity which, though somewhat balanced by the work done in my group,
has nevertheless had a restricting effect and which does not succeed
in evoking the highest powers of your soul. You have tried to meet this
situation and to raise the general tone, but one lone disciple is hard
put to it to offset the vibration of a powerful [Page 122] astrally
polarised group. Do you know to what I here refer?
1.
DK now begins to speak of
the two factors from which His frank, direct and apparently harsh words
were meant to draw BSD away.
2.
It appears that BSD’s work
in the world, though ostensibly service work with a spiritually based
organization, has restricted him and has not evoked the highest powers
of his soul.
3.
This work has had, perhaps,
a somewhat stultifying effect even though BSD has labored to “raise
the general tone” encountered in the “powerful astrally polarised group”
for which he works. DK has sought to refocus BSD’s consciousness in
such a way that the effects (upon him) of his participation in this
group could be offset.
2. A life
tendency towards depression which you have amazingly offset by negation
and a persistent attitude of service. It has nevertheless complicated
your life pattern and yet has been one of your major educators.
1.
This is the first time a
tendency toward depression has been mentioned. Again Saturn may be implicated
and perhaps Capricorn.
2.
DK is commending His chela
for offsetting this tendency towards depression “by negation and a persistent
attitude of service”.
3.
DK, therefore, has sought
to draw BSD away from this psychological limitation, offering the possibility
of an influx of a new type of contact and knowledge — through cultivated
sensitivity and psychic unfoldment.
4.
The tendency towards depression,
we are told, has complicated BSD’s life pattern, yet been for him, also,
“one of your major educators”. How might this be the case? Always there
would be a factor to overcome through the assertion of that which faith
and spiritual experience have revealed. One would be forced always to
‘live above’ one’s negative psychological tendencies. In attempting
(persistently) to do this, one would learn much.
This life
experience has netted you big results and you will enter upon the next
cycle of phenomenal existence with much upon which to draw, and having
worked out many life relations during this particular incarnation.
1.
DK is summarizing BSD’s
life gains. This particular life has been very fruitful, so says the
Master. The gains accrued will provide a very good foundation for the
next incarnation.
2.
Also, many relations have
been “worked out” in the present incarnation.
3.
It is not always possible
to assess the value of a life in terms of evident, external accomplishment.
Some lives are given to the building of a better and stronger foundation
and/or for the balancing and clearing of karma.
4.
It would seem that DK wishes
BSD to be appreciative of his gains. This, too, will aid in the offsetting
of depression and will bring increasing radiation and magnetism into
the life. A little joy goes a long way.
What have
been your major gains in this life?
First of
all, the shift of your life emphasis from the outer objective work to
the inner subjective realities. In order to accomplish this, you came
into incarnation in restricted and limited surroundings so that there
might be no dominant obstructing outer attractions; you were, therefore,
free to concentrate upon the inner realities. You have largely profited
by this experience and your subjective orientation is stabilised upon
a rightful basis. Only one major adjustment remains to be made and one
major sacrifice. Your problem is, as you know, to effect this readjustment
without producing the material suffering of those dependent upon you.
1.
A very important gain has
been the shift of life emphasis from “outer objective work to the inner
subjective realities”.
2.
We learn something which
may be of use in proposing an astrological chart for BSD. He came into
incarnation “in restricted and limited surroundings”. Perhaps we are
to look for Saturn in the fourth house (or the third), or Saturn in
some restrictive aspect to the Moon.
3.
The purpose of this restriction
was to render BSD “free to concentrate upon the inner realities”. This
soul-intended process has been largely successful and BSD’s “subjective
orientation is stabilised upon a rightful basis”.
4.
DK hints at “one major adjustment”
lying ahead and also a major sacrifice. Perhaps this adjustment involves
BSD removing himself from the organisation which has consumed so much
of his attention over many years. This is a possibility because there
are financial implications to the adjustment. The one requirement (as
the adjustment is made) is that it not produce material suffering for
those dependent upon him.
5.
DK speaks mostly of the
adjustment and not of the sacrifice, but it would seem that they are
related. Some liberating change of life seems to be in the offing, but
it will have financial implications (which BSD must find a way to meet).
6.
He is to separate himself
from some condition. The planets of separation (Saturn and Pluto, and
perhaps Uranus) should be looked for in the chart at this time.
Secondly,
you have oriented the astral body to the higher values and impressions
and have done it so successfully that your emotional sensitivity to
others is now definitely a working asset. This sensitivity I would have
you develop into still greater usefulness through the awakening of the
heart centre and a renewed interest in the Way of the Heart. To this
end, I will give you a meditation in this personal instruction which
I would have you follow until further notice.
1.
Another gain relates to
the reorientation of BSD’s astral body “to higher values and impressions”.
The astral body that he had been repudiating is now a definitely working
asset; he has greater emotional sensitivity to others and is less conditioned
by mental separatism.
2.
We have seen that Master
DK definitely has second ray objectives in mind for His chela. At the
very least, his astral body is to be conditioned by the second ray in
the succeeding incarnation.
3.
The heart center has been
opening, and DK seeks to see this trend continue. This opening will
also make the acquisition of a second ray astral body more likely.
4.
BSD has trodden the Way
of the Mind. Now, as a balance, DK seeks his renewed interest in the
Way of the Heart.
5.
We have seen that BSD is
in training for initiation (in all likelihood the second initiation).
This continuing opening of the heart will recondition the emotional
difficulties to which DK earlier referred (and the thwarting of the
love energy) and bring the possibility of taking that initiation closer
to realization.
Thirdly,
you have in this life stepped off the probationary path on to the Path
of Accepted Discipleship and have made good progress upon it. The accentuation
of the times and your own intensity have together sufficed to carry
you a long way towards the goal and this I think you are beginning to
realise — much to your own surprise at times. The recognition of facts
— spiritual and subjective facts — is part of the needed training of
all disciples; the recognition of a physical plane fact requires no
such training in sensitivity. The recognition of spiritual [Page 123]
realities requires both training and formulated definite expression.
1.
We must note that since
accepted discipleship (technically understood) requires that a disciple
be at least an initiate of the first degree (in almost all instances),
the term “probationary path”, as here used, relates to those who have
taken the first initiation. It is usually only after several lives following
the taking of the first degree that it is possible for one to become
an accepted disciple.
2.
Disciples may remain upon
the Path of Accepted Discipleship for a number of lives — perhaps three,
usually. But BSD has made good progress on this Path. His own sixth
ray intensity has helped him progress and the “accentuation of the times”
(the very critical period through which people were living in England
and Europe immediately prior to and at the onset of World War II) has
contributed to the acceleration of his progress.
3.
It appears that when he
pauses to reflect, BSD is surprised by his own progress.
4.
BSD has a fifth ray, factual
mind, and we find DK constantly facing him with facts — in this case,
spiritual and subjective facts about his spiritual standing and progress.
Sensitivity is required for the registration of such subtle facts.
5.
DK is training all His disciples
to recognize such spiritual realities. Meditative training is part of
this recognition, but so is the attempt to tabulate in “formulated definite
expression” one’s assessment of what has been accomplished and what
still needs to be accomplished. Hence, the many searching questions
posed by DK for His students.
The past
year has not been an easy one for you, my brother. You have suffered
in many ways, known to you and recognised by me but by no one else.
I have stood by and watched and at times have strengthened you when
and where I could and twice I definitely succeeded in aiding you. Do
you know the occasions when this happened? Training in the registering
of offered and accepted aid is sometimes of value to disciples of your
type and hence I am pointing out what I attempted to do. I would have
you work during the coming year at accustoming yourself to my vibration.
It will increase your subjective sensitivity so to do. That is the true
value or permanent gain.
1.
DK knows the conditions
of all His chelas’ inner and outer lives.
2.
From what is here said about
BSD, we may expect the prominence (during the past year referenced)
of some of the testing planets (Saturn, Pluto, Uranus).
3.
The relation of a Master
to His accepted disciples is hinted. The Master, in full awareness,
watches and seeks to aid. Sometimes He succeeds, for it is not always
possible given the condition of the disciple. DK asks if BSD recognized
the moments of successful assistance.
4.
This question is part of
the continued training in sensitivity to which DK has now, for some
time, submitted His disciple. We remember that BSD has (through the
fifth ray and a strong mental emphasis) as strong streak of doubt. DK
is working to wear this away.
5.
Earlier, the Master said
that BSD is not as sensitive to His vibration as he thinks he is. But
work in the direction of that sensitivity is definitely useful and DK
wishes to see it continue. Such work will increase his subjective sensitivity.
Any increase in such subjective sensitivity can be considered a “permanent
gain”.
In connection
with the occult sentences I gave you a year ago and which I promised
to discuss with you, the following comments may prove of value. The
main lesson of your life has been the cultivation of the power to respond
to the distant sound of human pain. This I referred to in the words
“the slowly opening heart.” For two reasons, this response of the heart
has not been an easy thing for you to do. One is the fact that in your
last life you over-emphasised the intellect and thus came into incarnation
with a predisposition to polarise yourself in the mind nature, with
consequent detachment from human touch and sympathetic contact. The
other is a subconscious recognition that if you “descended to the unhappy
ways of human sympathy,” you possess a capacity for identification with
your brothers and for sharing their pain which would make you phenomenally
uncomfortable. This, in your earlier years, served to hold you away
from people, and led you to dwell on the plane of thought — detached,
serene and isolated. The past ten years have seen you change all this;
though you are not now so comfortable in yourself, you are open to others
and sensitive to them in a very real manner.
1.
We noted the two occult
stanzas or collection of sentences which DK offered his chela to help
clarify his life problem. Now, after the chela has had plenty of time
to ponder, the Master is ready to discuss the interpretation of those
sentences.
2.
DK actually suggests that
BSD has had a “main lesson” in life — “the cultivation of the power
to respond to the distant sound of human pain”. BSD’s heart center has
been slowly opening, and this opening will also open the door to that
pain.
3.
DK analyzes the reasons
that it has been difficult for BSD to respond to the cry of human pain.
An over-emphasis of the intellect in his last life, leading to a predisposition
in this life to polarise in the mental nature, detached from the human
touch and sympathetic contact. We see how the conditions of one life
lead immediately into the next and are fundamentally conditioning (regardless
of the present astrological chart or ray chart).
4.
The other reason why BSD
has found it difficult to respond is self-protection. He has a highly
developed capacity to share the pain of others and, subconsciously,
he realizes that descending “to the unhappy ways of human sympathy”
would make him phenomenally uncomfortable. This discomfort he seeks
to avoid.
5.
Yet, the life objective
is to respond rightly to human pain.
6.
DK notes His chela’s progress
in this regard. Whereas earlier he held people away from himself and
was content to “dwell on the plane of thought — detached, serene and
isolated — as those with a third ray soul can do so well, he is now
much closer to humanity, open to other and responding sensitively to
them. He is also much less comfortable in himself. This, DK, regards
as a good sign.
Next, the
realisation that “both eyes are focussed on the world of human pain”
is steadily becoming yours. You are learning that only in true self-forgetfulness
(forgetfulness of the soul’s goal as well as of all personality goals)
will be for you any real consummation, and that humanity is of far greater
importance than the individual human being. As The Old [Page 124] Commentary
says: “The focus now is true and real, for both the eyes, the left and
the right, are turned upon the ways of men and in this way the truth
is clearly seen.”
1.
BSD is now learning to walk
“the unhappy ways of human sympathy” with “both eyes focussed on the
world of human pain”. He is required to do this even though he is a
third ray soul. Again, the implication is that he is learning something
of the meaning of his proposed second ray monad.
2.
DK defines a dual mode of
self-forgetfulness — forgetfulness not only of the goals of the personality
but of the soul’s goals. This bears pondering. All personal and individual
goals (i.e., soul goals) are to be forgotten in the meeting of
humanity’s need. This is the only way of consummation and relates the
disciple to the plane of buddhic love, which is also, for humanity,
the plane of consummation.
3.
DK gives a bit more from
the Old Commentary. We see that the eye of the personality and the eye
of the soul are both focussed upon humanity’s needs. With this
focus upon the “ways of men” the “truth is clearly seen”. That which
was taken for the truth before full engagement with humanity
was not really the truth, but a formulation of the truth.
Then, we
come to the words, “that which is distant fades from view and the immediate
present looms.” One of the most difficult tasks which faces any disciple
is to exchange the abstract vision of future glory and reward for the
immediate duty and goal and to learn the spiritual values of the immediate
moment as they are to be found in the foreground of daily living. I
can remember the time, my brother, when it was hard for you to identify
yourself with the problem of the hour, so occupied were you with the
Hierarchy, its personnel and plans, and with your relation to the unseen
Master. Perhaps in the right adjustment which you have been successful
in bringing about, you may have forgotten that time of distant and difficult
striving. But I have not. You have to lose sight of the far-off spiritual
possibility in the service of the hour. This you have learnt to do in
no small measure, only to make the discovery that this path of service
and of self-forgetfulness brings you by a long and weary way back to
us.
1.
A great lesson is being
imparted: to exchange a yearning for future glory for a joyous participation
in the spiritual opportunities of the immediate moment. One can only
be alert to spiritual need in the moment; right appreciation and response
are required here and now in conditions as they exist.
2.
The Tibetan contrasts BSD’s
attitude in former times with the attitude he has now succeed in developing.
Earlier he was focussed very much on the Hierarchy and not much on humanity.
In this respect, he was like ISG-L.
3.
The most potent sentence
to one and all is the following: “You have to lose sight of the far-off
spiritual possibility in the service of the hour”.
4.
The important realization
to arise from this contrast is that participation in the needed service
of the hour brings the disciple back to the Hierarchy. His former aspirational
pursuit of Hierarchy was but the pursuit of an ideal.
5.
As disciples, we must remember
that the Hierarchy is the “Hierarchy of Love” and that only love opens
the door to that ‘place’ where reside the Masters of the Wisdom.
6.
This is a lesson applicable
to all disciples, is it not? We can each assess for ourselves the balance
between the desire for close association with the Hierarchy or our love
of humanity. A deep love of humanity, followed by the selfless service
of humanity’s immediate needs, bring us, inevitably, into fellowship
with the Masters (Who, in a much more intensely loving and intelligent
manner, are similarly engaged).
Finally,
“thus the magnetic life again holds sway.” This time, however, the magnetism
is not that of the soul in its own high place but that of the spiritualised
personality in the ways of daily, earthly contact. It is the development
of this “magnetic life” to which I call you afresh — for the remainder
of this life and its succeeding cycles….
1.
There is the magnetism of
the soul on its own plane and that other type of magnetism, so necessary
in the life of true discipleship, the magnetism of the soul-infused
personality — the spiritualised personality, serviceably magnetic and
radiant in the life of everyday.
2.
From the first we have seen
DK working on enhancing BSD’s magnetism. The work on inducing psychic
sensitivity was all part of this process. The right kind of spiritually
magnetic personality will result when soul infusion has advanced to
a sufficient degree. BSD’s use of the fifth ray mind has militated against
this, separating him from his own already highly developed astral sensitivity
and from those people he might more effectively serve.
3.
All of DK’s objectives for
His chela are related: greater response to human need and suffering;
recognition of that need and suffering through an opening heart center
and emerging psychic/emotional sensitivity; the emphasis upon the power
to visualize and upon the creative imagination, as faculties to be used
for the enhancement of sensitivity and in subjective service; increasing
magnetism of a spiritual kind expressing through the personality and
enhancing rapport with those who are to be served; a less abstracted
life — engaged in the “service of the immediately present”.
4.
Again there is an editorial
deletion. There have been many in this series of instructions to BSD.
Probably, there are significant items of information missing, but we
must proceed as best we can.
There has
been much questioning in your mind during the past few months and also
much mental discomfort, if I might so express it. There has been, at
the same time, a steady adherence to the chosen way and to your group
brothers. You are still, however, under the influence of an ancient
thoughtform, forgetting that one of the tasks of a disciple is to free
himself from these holding forms. This thoughtform leads you to look,
aye, to demand results of a phenomenal nature; it incites you to believe
and urges you to demand that your years of devotion, your personality
energy and your astral force (a strong combination, [Page 125] my brother!)
should be rewarded by a recognition from and a contact with a Member
of the Hierarchy. You look for this, not in order to feel any personal
satisfaction or prideful reaction but as a justified and right reward
of patient effort and true occult obedience.
1.
The tendency towards much
questioning is one of the tendencies of the fifth ray mind. DK has presented
His chela with suggestions which, if followed correctly, have life-changing
implications. The Master has been, if anything, more frank than usual.
In the assessing of his own strengths and liabilities BSD has probably
discovered much about himself. All this has contributed to his mental-discomfort.
Despite the discomfort there has been, as usual, a “steady adherence
to the chosen way and to your group brothers”.
2.
During this period, a number
of disciples were reminded that many tendencies they had been working
to eliminate were still strong in their nature. Perhaps the pressures
of the impending war were causing a degree of retrogression.
3.
DK informs BSD that he is
still imprisoned by the ancient thoughtform which seeks results of a
phenomenal nature as a reward for years of service rendered. The expectation
is even a demand, strengthened by the strong sixth ray emphasis.
4.
BSD seeks to be “rewarded
by a recognition from and a contact with a Member of the Hierarchy”.
Can it be that the problem of doubt persists, and that there is a part
of BSD which does not believe that the letters written to him through
Alice Bailey really come from a Master?
5.
He seeks some more phenomenal
assurance; a (mere) letter perhaps seems too remote, too indirect.
6.
This expectation still “holds”
him and negates the efforts which DK has been making to see the life
of His chela brought into better balance.
Yet, my
brother, you have had all you asked for if you could but recognise it.
You know who I am and surely, therefore, the recognition for which you
asked has been accorded you and you are aware of that for which you
are being prepared by your soul, by me and through the chosen group
work. Yet in all of this, you take no joy nor find any rest. Should
you not realise the truth of what I say, I would ask you to reflect
awhile and maybe in time illumination will come.
1.
DK specifies the problem.
The longed-for contact with a member of the Hierarchy has occurred,
the recognition which BSD has long desired has been accorded. He is
an “accepted disciple” in the group of a Master of the Wisdom, and he
knows it. Yet he finds no joy in this realization, nor any rest.
2.
The problem is most likely
a matter of form. Probably BSD has been hoping that a Master will appear
to him phenomenally, as KH appeared to Alice Bailey when she
was still in her teen-age years. He probably longs for direct and immediate
conversation instead of a mediated contact through letters written
by AAB. From the first we saw that there was, in his nature, a strong
emphasis upon results of a phenomenal kind. Perhaps it is the third
ray (the ‘Ray of Manifestation’) which contributes to this hope or expectation.
3.
DK hopes that patient reflection
on the perspective of achievement He is presenting will bring
illumination and an alleviation of His chela’s unnecessary disappointments.
The group
work is not easy for you. It is hard for an Englishman to free
himself from his national assurances and prejudices, as it is for the
nationals of all highly developed countries. But in this work and at
your stage of spiritual awareness, the inclusiveness of the life realisation
should bar out insularity. For this you must strive, and for you the
keynote is the conviction that all men are brothers — a thing most easy
to say and to hold theoretically but most difficult to express as a
living factor in one’s life.
1.
Usually it is first ray
types for whom group work is not especially easy. But the third ray
is also one of the “hard-line” rays, and is also inclined to separateness.
2.
As in the case of SCP, DK
is calling BSD’s attention to national prejudices which are inhibiting
his full participation in group life.
3.
BSD is a relatively advanced
chela, apparently in training for the second initiation. He cannot be
allowed to retreat into the insularity which characterized him in the
earlier part of his life. Instead “inclusiveness of the life realisation”
should see him in ever closer relationship to his fellow chelas and
to humanity.
4.
DK is seeking in BSD the
expression of true brotherhood through the overcoming of separativeness
(which is his line of least resistance and for the alleviation of which
DK has been training him during the past eight years).
5.
DK does not always identify
the nation in which a chela may be working, but in this case He does
so. With SCP, He only hints at the nation — England
6.
During the year 1939, the
letters to disciples tended to ask them to revisit their difficulties
(which in many cases proved resistant to change). We must remember that
later in that year, the groups-of-nine were dissolved. It had become
apparent to DK that the groups and their members had not achieved sufficiently
to warrant the continuation of His effort, especially once the German
invasions had begun.
We are going
to work with frankness henceforth and with freedom, and I — your Master
and your friend — will mince no words with you or with any of my group.
There is not time, such is the immediate urgency to train workers and
it is surely needless with a group such as this.
1.
The Master reaffirms the
necessity to approach His chelas with frankness and to “mince no words”.
The times were desperate and full of pressure.
2.
If disciples who had already
undergone about eight years of intense spiritual training could not
be relied upon to accept direct statements from their Teacher, that
in itself would prove the failure of the project.
3.
We have already seen DK’s
tendency to be quite direct with BSD — more direct that with some of
the other disciples.
You will
remember that I gave much time to the consideration of the rays which
governed the various aspects and vehicles of each of the group members,
and I trust that a careful analysis of what I said has enabled each
of you to know yourselves and to understand your problems more truly
and more fully. Today I seek to indicate the vehicles of force through
which the two major rays are predominantly focussed, reminding you that
the task is to relate two energies and three forces in such a manner
that you become, in fact, a divine manifestation. Let me here be precise.
1.
In this paragraph, DK is
speaking to all His chelas. DK’s purpose in offering His chelas
His assessment of their rays is to enable them “to know ourselves and
to understand your problems more truly and more fully”.
2.
The additional piece of
necessary information is the “vehicles of force through which the two
major rays predominantly focussed”. Note that He did not say “exclusively”
focussed. This bears pondering, for indeed, the soul must at length
work through all personality vehicles as must the personality.
3.
The goal in the impartation
of this information is that the disciple may become, in fact, a “divine
manifestation”. The two energies and three forces will necessarily be
related, but they must be rightly related.
First, your
egoic or soul ray focusses itself in and through your fifth ray mental
body. This — as I told you in an earlier [Page 126] instruction — has
given you your defined mental focus, your critical attitude and your
isolation, relatively speaking. It is this combination which has always
enabled you to rationalise yourself into a confidence in the rightness
of your decisions and into a surety that your particular life choices
and your preferred circumstances are correct and justified. This energy
and force are reinforced also by the controlling force of your physical
body which gives you a third ray brain.
1.
Whereas it might be supposed
that the third ray soul would focus through the third ray brain, DK
indicates that the soul focus is in the mind (which being on the fifth
ray is closely related to the third).
2.
The results of this focussed
combination of third and fifth rays have been a “defined mental focus”
a “critical attitude” and isolation of a relative kind.
3.
An interesting comment follows.
Both the third and fifth rays are “rational”, but BSD has used them
to rationalize the correctness of his decisions. He uses his
reasoning processes to confirm that his decisions are correct. Of course,
where rationalization is involved, there is no strict impartiality and
desire is playing a part.
4.
So BSD’s confidence and
assurance come largely from his reasoning processes.
5.
It is interesting to note
that the other third ray soul in the group, LTS-K, also had a fifth
ray mind and a third ray brain — and a sixth ray personality.
Only the ray of the astral body was different. In LTS-K’s case, it was
the first ray.
6.
What we notice about BSD
is that his conviction as to the correctness of his choices and decisions
did not have a sentient or intuitive foundation. His assurances were
mentally derived.
Second,
your personality ray is focussed in your astral body. The rays — three,
five and six — are your controlling factors. This gives you devotion
and mental control and it should give you real balance but, unfortunately,
it does not, because the mind aspect is unduly emphasised and you are
afraid of devotion. Yet it is your devotion, my brother, which has brought
you to us and not your mental ability. It is your devotion which has
led you steadily all these years and produced your service in the world.
To what have you been devoted? This is an important question for you
to answer to your soul.
1.
BSD’s case is very interesting.
He is well equipped and should be balanced, for he has three rays of
mentality and two rays of sentience. But strangely he is afraid of the
devotion with which he is so richly endowed. The reasons for this have
been reviewed by DK in other letters and comment has been made.
2.
There is an imbalance in
BSD’s nature. The mind nature is unduly emphasized, strengthened by
the fact that the third ray soul expresses through the fifth ray mind.
3.
It is not unusual for those
with a prominent sixth ray to refuse to recognize it, or to acknowledge
that it can used in a manner different to the way it is presently expressing.
4.
Earlier DK emphasized the
value of the astral body relative to the mind. Now He is emphasizing
the value of devotion (the major quality, with idealism, of the sixth
ray).
5.
DK tells of the importance
of devotion in BSD’s life. Devotion brought him to the Great Ones, and
not his mental ability. Therefore, the devotion must be very strong
and of value. Devotion has also led BSD to his service in the world.
6.
It will not do for BSD to
remain afraid of devotion. This fear only furthers the split in his
nature and maintains the imbalance which DK has long sought to help;
correct. Rather, he is to learn to use devotion properly. It can be
a most valuable energy.
7.
DK poses a very important
question to His chela: “To what have you been devoted”? There is no
attempt to answer this question. The answer must be provided by BSD
and it is to be answered “to the soul”, which means in all truth and
with as much clarity as possible. No doubt this answer is the seed of
yet another revelation.
I ask myself
anew: How can I convey to this disciple the nature of his problem? I
will put it in this form. Your egoic energy, focussed in your mind,
is at the service of your personality and of the work which you are
endeavouring to do in the particular field wherein you are forcing yourself
to remain. It should be the other way round and the personality — with
all its unified powers — should be at the service of the soul. All the
forces of your lower nature should be at the disposal of the higher
Self, working through an illumined mind and sensitive brain. Ponder
on this. The energy of the intelligence and two intelligent forces —
the soul, the mind and the physical nature — serve your devoted personality.
You should reverse this, my brother, and let the intelligent soul control
your devoted personality. There lies your problem.
1.
A most lucid rayological
analysis emerges as DK attempts to convey to BSD the true nature of
his problem — and it appears to be no small problem (despite his evident
attainment, acknowledged elsewhere by the Master).
2.
The egoic energy focussed
in the mind makes a powerful combination, but it should not be at the
service of BSD’s personality as now it is. This soul-mind combination
is also at the service of the work which he has been doing “in the particular
field you are forcing yourself to remain”. It becomes clear that BSD
has not succeeded in carrying out the “adjustment” suggested by DK and
the sacrifice probably entailed in this adjustment. That which
is forcing BSD to remain in a non-productive field is not his
soul.
3.
The energy situation in
BSD’s equipment is unfortunately reversed. The soul is at the service
of the personality instead of the personality at the service of the
soul. The desirable situation would be that all the forces of the lower
nature “should be at the disposal of the higher Self, working through
an illumined mind and sensitive brain”. The personality will (or its
rigid habit system) is obviously in control.
4.
The “energy of intelligence”
here referenced is the energy of the third ray soul. This energy, plus
two intelligent forces (the fifth ray mind and the third ray brain)
serve the devoted personality. But to what is BSD really devoted? Perhaps
answer to this question before the bar of his soul would help him reverse
the situation, as DK requests.
5.
A reversal is what is called
for — especially in the case of an accepted disciple. We might say that
the final “reversal of the wheel” has not yet occurred for BSD. This
final reversal may be expected in the vicinity of the second initiation
or a little beyond.
6.
This assessment must have
presented BSD with much to ponder. In fact we all may ponder. In our
own lives, what is in control — the soul or the personality? The matter
may be subtle and difficult to see, but it is a foundational discrimination.
Obviously, in an accepted disciple, the soul must certainly be gaining
the upper hand.
The need
of every disciple is ever to develop a closer and more direct alignment
between soul and personality and that is, therefore, your problem, even
if it seems to you an elementary problem. What you need to do is to
focus the energy of your soul in your sixth ray astral body instead
of in your mind, so that intelligent love may be your outstanding characteristic.
1.
DK reviews an “elementary
problem” — producing a more direct alignment between soul and personality.
It all comes down to something so simple. We must never think that an
assessment of the actual state of soul/personality relationship is something
long-ago solved.
2.
The focus of the soul as
it presently exists, is not, we see, the most desirable focus. It is
interesting that the foci of soul and personality through particular
vehicles can change.
3.
The third ray soul is to
focus through the sixth ray astral body (on its way to becoming a second
ray astral body). Then “intelligent love” will be BSD’s “outstanding
characteristic”.
4.
We notice in this refocussing,
the ray lines will change. At the moment, the third ray soul focusses
through a fifth ray mind; both of these rays are closely related. The
sixth ray personality focusses through the identical ray qualifying
the astral body.
5.
But DK proposes a focussing
in which a third ray soul will focus through a sixth ray/second ray
astral body, and presumably, a sixth ray personality will focus through
either a fifth ray mind or a third ray brain. Thus ray lines are crossed.
This possibility is important to bear in mind when attempting to determine
our own foci. Similarity of ray lines does not always determine the
focus.
This shift
will do certain things for you and in you:
1. It will
create a temporary upheaval in your life and, therefore, naturally affect
your solar plexus, producing a period of real difficulty.
1.
DK is most specific with
his disciple He is advising certain reversals and rearrangements and
He specifies the probable results.
2.
DK promises a “temporary
upheaval” in the life when the third ray soul focusses through the astral
body. Probably desires and values will change making the present outer
pattern of life untenable.
2. It will
transfer the energy of the soul and the force of the mind into the realm
of the emotions and of sensitive feeling response, thereby greatly increasing
your usefulness but also increasing for you the “dire pain of life itself”;
this is a pain with which all disciples must learn to live and from
which all disciples must inevitably suffer.
1.
The force of the soul (and
the mind) will be transferred “into the realm of the emotions and of
sensitive feeling response”.
2.
BSD will become much more
useful but also much more vulnerable.
3.
DK uses an arresting phrase
to describe the pain with which all disciples must learn to live. He
calls it, “the dire pain of life itself”. The life of humanity and planetary
processes in general are as yet far from harmonious; in fact, both are
filled with distress. The average non-aspiring individual may develop
many defense mechanisms to protect himself/herself from this pain, but
a true disciple (especially an accepted disciple) is not allowed to
do this.
4.
The Teaching cannot become
a defense mechanism against the pain and inharmony of life. DK seeks
for His disciple to re-engage with the pain of the world, which he may
have fled in immediately preceding incarnations.
3. It will
stimulate your brain cells and swing into activity many hitherto dormant
cells, thus making you capable of increased service of a different nature
to that with which you are now occupied. It will lead you to enquire
if your present field of service is, for you, a legitimate one or —
if it is — what must you do to “change the nature of the seed which
must therein be sown.” You will know to what I refer without my further
elaborating.
1.
DK has been subtly working
to help release BSD from his present focus in service (one that is restrictive
and form-bound). DK apparently thinks that BSD’s “present field of service”
is not legitimate for him.
2.
In that field, BSD cannot
assert his true occult knowledge. He cannot sow the seeds which of which
he is capable; the organization would resist any such sowing.
3.
Part of the upheaval would
probably entail a disengagement from BSD’s present service field, with
a possible temporary disorientation and financial repercussions.
4.
DK indicates that a stimulation
of dormant brain cells may be expected. Possibilities for a different
type of service may be related to such a stimulation. Also, the enhancement
of psychic sensitivity, for which BSD has been in training, may be promoted
by the realignment of his energies.
5.
We might expect this stimulation
of brain cells as the third ray soul impacts more potently the third
ray brain, having come closer to that brain by means of its new focus
within the astral body. DK does not actually say where the personality
itself will focus. The best candidate is probably the mind.
6.
There may be a hint as to
presence of astrological energies. Aries is the “sower of seeds”.
Such is
your problem. How shall we change your egoic focus and, at the same
time, fuse more closely your two major rays so that the personality
is subordinated to the soul. To aid in this specific meditation must
be followed….
NOTE: This disciple is no
longer working with the Tibetan Master, Who makes the following comment
about him: “He has reached his high water mark for this life. Further
instruction is not necessary. He has enough upon which to work.”
1.
The Tibetan closes with
a reiteration of BSD’s problem — change the egoic focus from the mind
to the astral nature and fuse the personality and soul rays so that
the soul dominates the personality.
2.
The meditation assigned
is not given.
3.
We do not know how it came
about that BSD was no longer working with the Tibetan. Perhaps when
the groups were disbanded, He was simply not invited to participate
in the New Seed Group.
4.
If he was not invited, we
might ask, “Why was an accepted disciple, so earnest and so long in
the application of his aspirations, not invited?”
5.
The only information we
get is that he has reached his high water mark for this life and that
he has enough upon which to work. If DK can see that the high water
mark has been reached, He may foresee that further training would not
be profitable.
6.
The implication in this
closing statement is that BSD (a persistent disciple) will indeed
work on that which he has been given over the years.
7.
Apparently, he discovered
that there was a New Seed Group and later sought reinstatement. However,
AAB’s health and time commitments prevented this.
Additional
References to BSD
You will
place yourself, I know, under those who, through lethargy, fail to achieve
the utmost possible. I would point out to you that though you may have
this liability in a physical or emotional form, you have not got it
mentally. You are among those who take the kingdom of heaven by violence
and enter therein. B.S.D. needs this mental activity in a dynamic form,
even if he recognises not the truth of my remarks. (DINA I 151)
1.
DK is talking to the advanced
disciple/initiate FCD — an “initiated disciple”. Lethargy is of several
kinds. FCD’s first ray mind is anything but lethargic even though his
emotional and physical bodies may not be as active as desirable.
2.
Although BSD has been mentally
polarized, his mental activity has not been dynamic as has been
FCD’s. We remember that the Tibetan remarked that it had been BSD’s
devotion which had brought him to the Masters and not his mental
abilities. BSD’s mind was analytical, studential, critical and somewhat
separative, but not a powerful penetrating, synthetic force as was the
mind of FCD.
You will
note, my brother, how you reverse the problem of B.S.D. because your
personality ray, your soul ray and your astral ray are all along the
same line of force — the line of the second ray. I have already pointed
out to you the difficult nature of your problem which is that most subtle
one of the right balancing of energies. You have no third ray energy
in you at all (the energy of the ray of the intellect) and this in spite
of the fact of your physical constitution. It accounts for your intense
feeling that you have no racial relationship to the Jews at all in spite
of the fact that you are of the Hebrew race. This is a true feeling,
and the only thing which relates you to the Jewish race is the fact
that your mental body is on the first ray which is the same as the soul
of Judaea
. The soul
knows no distinctions or differences and on soul levels no problem of
any kind exists — except the problem of understanding love. Of this
you know much. (DINA I 155)
1.
Again the comparison is
with FCD. FCD has a second ray soul, a fourth ray personality and a
second ray astral vehicle. Further, the mental and physical rays
were not along the line of the soul ray.
2.
BSD’s soul and personality
ray were not on the same line of force. For BSD, the mental and physical
rays were along the same line as the soul.
3.
It is still not entirely
clear why DK tells FCD that he reverses BSD’s problem.
Several
of the students did not spiritually appreciate the opportunity with
which they were faced. It was in reality a case of non-recognition,
of which they were practically unconscious; they remain in this condition,
awaiting another incarnation. (L.D.N-C. was a striking instance of this
attitude; another was J.A.C. though he would greatly like to be reinstated.
This is not possible; however, had the tenure of life by A.A.B. been
better, it might have been accomplished. Another of these types was
B.S.D.) (DINA II 92)
1.
DK numbers BSD among those
who did not spiritually appreciate the opportunity with which they were
faced.
2.
Speaking of non-recognition,
we have seen that although BSD knew he had been recognized by a Master
and was working in a Master’s group, he seemed to fail to appreciate
this fact, preferring, perhaps, a more phenomenal presentation of the
Master.
3.
The implication in this
paragraph is that BSD wished to be reinstated just as did JAC, but that
AAB was not sufficiently strong for this reinstatement to occur.
The
rays of BSD are unusual when compared to the majority of DK’s disciples
for he was a disciple upon the third ray. He had, however, obviously
worked strenuously within the spiritual field and had achieved at least
academic attainments there.
DK’s
task (as a second ray Master) was to subject him to the conditioning
of the second ray, thereby emphasizing his sensitivity rather than his
mentality. BSD had become unbalanced, and his latent depression was
probably evidence of this imbalance.
While
it seemed that much progress was being made in opening the heart center
and increasing sensitivity, psychic training met with resistance, probably
because an old thoughtform relating to the phenomenal appearance of
or direct recognition by a Master were still powerful in his mind.
Upon
assessment, it appears that DK decided not to invite BSD to be a member
of the New Seed Group (even though he was an experienced and determined
disciple). Perhaps the attitude of separation and insularity had not
been sufficiently overcome.
To
study the letters to BSD is to learn the value of balance in
the life of the disciple. The ray chart of BSD should have promoted
balance, but it did not do so sufficiently, because he could not release
himself from outmoded expectations nor fully appreciate (and find joy
in) the spiritual opportunity with which he was being presented.
There
were, of course, a number of gains as a result of working with the Tibetan,
but when letters to him ceased, BSD seemed to be numbered among those
who were waiting for a further incarnation to make additional progress.