102-1 Fires in the Bodies and Devas

What are the fires of the etheric body and how do they connect with the other fires?

The etheric body is fire in various forms; the simplest form is a wood fire. The human aura, the fire circulated in the etheric body, is the active heat or prana from solar radiation.

The human aura is not the etheric body. The aura is built by the radiation of all the three bodies, all the centers, the presence of the Solar Angel if present, the human soul and the Chalice radiation and the type of energy circulating in and out of the body. It is complex.

The active fire in the etheric body connects with the other fires through 3 stages of fusion: the first fusion between the latent heat of the physical body and the prana of the etheric body; the second fusion between the fires by friction of the physical-etheric body from the first fusion and the solar fire of the mind; and the final fusion between the fire of the mind, the second fusion, and the electric fire of the spirit.

Our well-being and spiritual development are reflections of the merging of these fires. Therefore, to have these fires safely blended, we should purify our physical-etheric bodies and dispel glamours and illusions from our astral and mental bodies. 

The etheric-physical radiation of a person relates to his surplus active fire/prana after circulating in the etheric body. This physical magnetism differs from real magnetism, the radiation of a subtler body (usually the astral). This real magnetism relates to the manifestation of the Divine Flame, formed on the 2nd plane (monadic), through the buddic and astral vehicles.

Sitting by the open fire for 30 - 40 minutes can benefit our health and help us overcome fatigue as the fire coordinates our etheric body, the nadis, and the nervous system. 

Explain the three-fold Sun and the three kinds of energy.

The three-fold Sun is about the 3 layers of the Sun. 

The 1st dimension is the Central Spiritual Sun, emanating the Electric Fire or Monadic Flame Divine. It is a destructive, liberating and synthesizing energy. The energy breaks the limitations and hindrances that imprison the spirit and liberates it, resulting in a new synthesis. It has 3 kinds of motion: rotating, revolving and advancing. It relates to the 1st Ray of Will-Power and operates under the Law of Synthesis. It allows us to bring together different actions into one. It gives us the ability to see physical, emotional, mental and higher levels of truth and understanding. It makes us able to see things from various perspectives. It is unity in diversity. When the electric fire, the law of synthesis, operates, we are giving and taking and expanding our knowledge together. This is not about opinion, it is about listening to each other through that fire of finding the truth, expanding ourselves and getting more points of view. This is the energy of the Path of Initiation, a gradual expansion of our vision, consciousness and creativity. As we evolve and increase our ability, we will live a more sacrificial life for others, and  becoming more harmonious with Life.

The 2nd dimension is the Heart of the Sun, emanating Love energy or Solar Fire or Fire/Spark of the Mind. It is the energy that loves, creates, builds, and unites on all levels according to the Divine Purpose. It has 2 kinds of motion: rotating and revolving. The Solar Fire relates to the 2nd Ray of Love-Wisdom and operates under the Law of Attraction and Repulsion. It is not about attracting money or material success by saying certain mantrams… It is about being able to identify what is inclusive in us and what is exclusive. It is about discernment, the capacity to differentiate and choose what is right and not right for us. But what may be right for us may vary with time and our point of evolution. When we are infused with this solar fire in our hearts, which is the sign of discipleship, we will be able to attract to us what we need and repulse things that are harmful to us. This energy put us in tune with our true-self and with Love. 

The 3rd dimension is the Physical Sun, emanating solar prana or Fire by Friction. It is the energy of internal vitalizing fire. Its motion is rotating. It relates to the 3rd Ray of Active Intelligence and operates under the Law of Economy, which is about sharing the right use of resources and caring for Nature and our Earth. We must purify ourselves and our environment, we must have fresh air, fresh water, good food, good relationships, and good thoughts… in order to receive efficiently the prana from the Sun.

Explain the function of the violet-golden devas. How are these devas involved with humanity?

The violet-golden devas work on the 4 etheric levels, and they are present in the pure and dry air. They receive the solar prana and step it down in such a measure that it can be transmitted to men safely. With their help, humanity will have more healthy physical bodies which are more resilient, having great strength and enormous physical magnetism and a delicacy and refinement in appearance as yet unknown.

In the future of decades and centuries, when Christ reappears and brings with Him the legion of the great Angels, they will contact humans and teach us:

• To see etherically
• To use the effect of color in healing
• To learn about superhuman psychics
• To nourish the body and to take the needed food from the surrounding ethers
• To expand our consciousness, embracing the superphysical levels.

Concerning the relation of the chakras and the rays in various DK’s books, where are the differences, and why do you suppose there are these differences? 

I list the relation of chakras and rays in the following table. We can see in all 3 references that Ray 1, 2, and 6 are always correspondingly associated with the head, the heart, and the solar plexus chakras. The differences were highlighted for the Ajna, throat, sacral, and base chakras.

The reasons for these differences, I guess, are based on the differences in the point of evolution or the level of consciousness. But I still hardly could explain, so I am unsure. So I would love to hear your explanation about this. Thank you very much! 

Relation of Centres and Rays

Chakra	Ray (Esoteric Psychology Vol. I, p. 428)	Ray (Esoteric Psychology Vol. II, p. 521)	Ray (Esoteric Healing p. 50)
Head	1	1	1
Ajna	5	4	7
Throat	3	3	5
Heart	2	2	2
Solar plexus	6	6	6
Sacral	7	5	3
Base	4	7	4

This is a very good assessment. I wondered about that often too, but could not come up with a consistent answer. It could depend on the point of evolution and level of consciousness. Also, what we see operating depends on our level of development. For example, if I am of high mental capacity, I will be able to discern things I could not see before. As I advance, I can see more clearly. Also, what Rays we are, affect what we see. What level of consciousness we are, affects what rays we discern. Additionally, perhaps the rays we have operating through a center is not the main ray, but the sub ray of the ray. Rays 5, 4, 7 can refer to the main Ray or the sub rays of any of the seven rays. An additional qualifier can be the ray of a center of an advanced person may be flexible depending on what they need to do; the rays may shift. There are many factors and for that reason, Torkom never told anyone what rays they are, nor do I and I personally do not advocate typecasting ourselves in any zodiacal or ray configuration.

You did a very good lesson. Thank you for sharing. I send you love and gratitude and wish you and your family a most joyous New Year.

Love

* The red texts are comments from my Mentor.

I wish you Love

I wish you shelter from the storm
A cozy fire to keep you warm
But most of all, when snowflakes fall
I wish you Love 💖

Starry starry night

Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and gray
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul

The Shadow of Your Smile

Look into my eyes, my Love 
And see
All the lovely things
You are to me

Feed the soil and let the soil feed the plant

A video summarizing VCIL Community's and The Soil Project's journey of learning about the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in Thailand this September. Thanks to the members of Pudalay Mahavijalaya for producing the video and supporting the training program. Thanks to P'Tang and P'Bouquet for accompanying and coordinating the program, and thanks to the hosting and facilitation of Mab Ueang Agri-Nature Center, Agri-Nature Network, Ecovillage Arsa Shaona Mahanakorn, Arsomsilp Institute of The Arts. Thank you VCIL and our friends! 💗

Text by VCIL Community

"As a part of “Module 2 of The Soil Project: Hands Education - Sustainable Living & Development'' and in collaboration with the Mab Eaung Agrinature Center, The Soil Project is organizing an international training program with the theme “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainable Development Goals.” This program is scheduled to take place from September 18th to September 30th, 2023, in Thailand. Our mission is to work towards a regenerative and sustainable world while also sharing and spreading the wisdom and vision of the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX).

Our diverse group of 25 participants includes individuals working in or related to agriculture. We have 1 participant from Taiwan, 2 from Laos, and 22 from Vietnam. This group boasts a wide range of backgrounds and interests, with some participants owning their own land and striving for self-sufficiency, while others are transitioning into agriculture. Some are farmers, some focus on research related to waste management, and others are involved in community development in the central highlands. This diversity of backgrounds and interests makes our group vibrant and fascinating.

Despite a tight schedule that mirrored the daily routines of farmers, our days began promptly at 6 am and concluded around 10 pm, packed with valuable interactions, learning experiences, and unforgettable moments.

Prior to arriving at Mab Ueang, we explored two remarkable projects initiated to address local challenges. Our first stop was Chak Daeng Temple, a place dedicated to controlling waste entering the Chao Phraya River, which flows south to the Gulf of Thailand in the Western Pacific Ocean. This initiative was spearheaded by Pra Maha Pranom monk. During our visit, we engaged in meaningful conversations with the monk, listened to his inspiring story, and had the opportunity to ask questions related to the project. We also toured the temple, witnessing the recycling systems in place that transform trash into valuable resources, including oil, compost, and textiles. The temple also serves as an educational center for local communities to learn about waste management.

Another inspiring visit was to Pathom Asoke, a Buddhist group in Thailand dedicated to practicing self-sufficiency at the village community level, where everything is self-produced within the community. Our interactions with the residents provided deep insights into this self-sufficiency movement. We explored various places within the community, including a medical center (which was a surprise due to the lack of patients!), a medicine production center, and a school.

Following these enlightening visits, we embarked on a 7-day training program with Mab Ueang Agri-nature Center, with assistance from Pudalay Mahavijalaya school (รร. ปูทะเลย์มหาวิชชาลัย - ศูนย์การเรียนกสิกรรมธรรมชาติมาบเอื้อง). To truly understand the Sufficiency Economy, we didn't just talk and imagine it; we immersed ourselves in various initiatives, social movements, communities, and engaged in community activities to gain practical insights.

We had the privilege of meeting Dr. Wiwat Salyakamthorn, known as Ajarn Yak, who shared the inspiring journey of Mab Ueang, from an idea on paper to a tangible center open for everyone to visit. We also engaged with Ajarn Thor to learn about social movements and the 5P framework, as well as the collaboration mechanisms known as 3-5-7. We developed a deeper understanding of the AgriNature Network. Additionally, we interacted with Buddhist monk Phra Sangkom Thanapanyo, who introduced us to the concept of “New Theory Agriculture” (Kok Nong Na model) for Sufficiency Economy. We met Vorakhet, a billionaire inspired by the Sufficient Economy philosophy initiated by the king, and we witnessed the process of building an ecovillage. We also had the privilege of a session with Prapapat Niyom, director of Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, where we explored Social Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise.

Furthermore, we dedicated time to learn about Sufficiency Economy, Agri-Nature Principles, the concept of 3 plantations for 4 Benefits, the 4P framework along with marketing strategies, and the 5 levels of Tree. We witnessed the practical implementation of these concepts at various locations we visited, especially at Mab Ueang Agri-Nature Center in Chon Buri and Arsa Shaona Mahanakhon in Bangkok.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, we had the opportunity to visit various projects and initiatives to witness how these concepts are applied in real-life scenarios. These visits included the Grandpa Market, Arsa Shaona Mahanakhon, and the alternative university - Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts.

Moreover, we acquired various techniques and management skills that we can take back to Vietnam and apply in our respective areas. These included water treatment, water system management (rainwater harvesting), soil management, the Social Entrepreneurship model canvas, landscape design, and more.

One of the most captivating sessions was about the Social Movement Iceberg model, presented by Mrs. Aeumporn Loypradit (aka Ajarn Nui), director of Social Entrepreneurship department at Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts. This session highlighted that the global issues we face today, such as global warming, deforestation, inequality, the COVID-19 pandemic, war, unemployment, lack of livelihood, ineffective policies, flooding, and more, are merely the visible tip of an iceberg. Below the surface lies the way of life and societal patterns, followed by the structures and systems we live within (socialism, capitalism, etc.). At the core of it all is a mindset driven by greed, forming the mental model. To address these pressing challenges, we must adopt a new paradigm, and that paradigm is the Sufficiency Economy.

This program extends beyond our time together in Thailand. Together, we have initiated discussions about continued collaboration upon returning home. VCIL Community and Mab Ueang Agri-Nature Center are exploring the possibility of further training in Vietnam, aimed at capacity building and supporting individuals during their own projects. Inspired by the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, one participant is motivated to establish a similar initiative in Vietnam. Participants with their own lands plan to apply the knowledge gained, particularly in soil management, water system management, and landscape design, with support from Mab Ueang experts. Some participants are in the process of creating a book documenting everyone's learning journey, serving as a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the Sufficiency Economy. Many participants are also forming connections and collaborations for future endeavors. Beyond mere projects, these initiatives are deepening and strengthening the relationship between Thailand and Vietnam, while also expanding the network of the Sufficiency Economy.

This training program represents a significant milestone for the VCIL community and its network in advocating for a paradigm shift towards Wellbeing and Sustainable Development. The success of this program is attributed to the volunteers from Pudalay Mahavijalaya school (รร. ปูทะเลย์มหาวิชชาลัย - ศูนย์การเรียนกสิกรรมธรรมชาติมาบเอื้อง), the dedicated individuals at Mab Ueang Agri-Nature Center, and the support from the Agri-Nature Network who work tirelessly to design and facilitate such a holistic and invaluable program for us. This program has been successful thanks to all the participants who brought their authenticity, uniqueness, curiosity, and good intention to build a better world. As we move forward, we anticipate greater cooperation and collaboration among us to collectively contribute to cooling the earth and creating a sustainable future together."

101-6 Reflection notes - Prana and the Sun

How do you define the laws of magnetic resistance? Please explain each of the 5 points.

The laws of magnetic resistance, or the laws of solar repulsion, are about how we can protect ourselves from the dangers of solar radiation, such as sunstroke. We can be immune from those dangers if the 5 below conditions are satisfied. Then, we have a magnetism that attracts just what we need at the right dose and resists or repulse what we don’t need. This is a very important part of this course that we need to know.

1. The 3 receiving centers of prana (the center between the shoulder blades, the center above the diaphragm, and the spleen) are working well and are in balance to circulate the prana throughout the body effectively and regularly. Yes, these three centers of prana are the key to our functionality. It is important to always remember this information.

2. Assimilation in the etheric body is not impeded by illusion, glamor and maya. We must do our inner work or our spiritual practice to purify all the impurities which act physically as the veil of maya, emotionally as the astral veil of glamor, and mentally as the veil of illusion. Yes, we can now see how these illusions and glamors and maya impede our clear functionality.

3. The etheric centers are active and in harmony with each other, making prana circulate well throughout the bodies, energizing and vitalizing them. Yes,

4. The radiation of the human soul is powerful enough to balance the radiation of prana. The more we are soul-infused, the more the soul is in charge, the more balanced life we live. Because the soul helps regulate the opening and closing of the centers, thus, making their operation in balance. The soul has 3 kinds of radiation: Love, Truth and Will, manifested as discipline, purpose and direction. Thus, if we put the Love, the Truth and the Purpose in charge at all times, everything will be calibrated to the right needs.  Yes, Always remember this part of the Teaching on the human soul. Most people do not know the qualities of the soul and confuse it with the Soul.

5. The personality is clear of combustible materials, which do not assist in the evolution of the human soul. In other words, combustible materials are related to hellfire; they are the vices, the negatives inside us that must be burned off.  Yes,

A protective shield is around us, built with these 5 laws above. The key point here is that if we log into our souls; if we live more and more as souls and let our souls speak through us, we will know just what to say, what to do, and what to help in a very impersonal, beautiful, loving way.  Yes, This is the key to health and wellness and continuous expansion.

SUMMARY OF THE FIRST QUARTER

What is the etheric body?

The etheric body, also called the vital body, is an electromagnetic field around our physical bodies, functioning as a vehicle of prana and a communication link between all planes of existence. Being the four higher, finer subplanes of the physical plane, the etheric subplanes are subtle yet substantial and physical in nature. All in the manifested universe possess an energy form as their etheric body. The individual etheric body is not isolated but is an integral part of the etheric body of the human family, the planet, the solar system, the galaxy, and the universe. The unbroken, whole, and continuous cosmos etheric web is evidence of the Oneness of Life.

The etheric body interpenetrates and occupies the entire physical body, extending beyond the physical form, and surrounding it like an aura. The individual point in evolution determines the extent of the area that the etheric body covers beyond the outside of the physical body (a few or many inches, at least two inches away from the physical spine).

The shape of the etheric body is not, in reality, an ovoid but usually an outline of the physical body which it is associated with. However, when the head center is awakened and active, the ovoid shape appears.

The etheric body is the blueprint of everything physical. It controls, governs, and conditions the outer physical body. Its major function is to vitalize and energize the physical body by receiving, assimilating, and transmitting planetary prana to the physical body. The etheric body also transmits solar prana, the golden prana from the sun. The planetary prana is through the violet devas, the solar prana, golden devas. The substance of which these etheric channels are composed is planetary prana, the life-giving, health-giving of the planet itself.

The etheric body comprises a network of fine tubes or channels called nadis, made of matter of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th subplanes of the 7th physical plane. The etheric body is a multitude of force channels or nadis. A major chakra, minor chakra, or lesser chakra is formed when the nadis cross 21 times, 14 times, or 7 times, respectively. Besides these main chakras,  there are many hundreds of minute centers in the etheric body.

Depending on the individual point of evolution and as a carrier of consciousness, the nadis bring about the development of self-consciousness in man by carrying many different types of forces: astral, mental and eventually soul energy. As the intermediary between the subtle planes and the physical plane, the etheric body is a potent receiver of impressions, which are conveyed to the human consciousness through the medium of the awakened centers. The etheric body enables a man to register the subtler worlds sensitively, and when energized and controlled by the soul, the spiritual realms stand wide open also.

The evolutionary process is about eliminating the lower etheric substances of the physical plane and substituting substances of the four highest planes, the four cosmic ethers. When the Antahkarana is constructed, the four etheric levels become simply the transmitters of the energy emanating from the four cosmic etheric levels. The channel is then direct, completed, and unimpeded; the etheric network of light is then of great brilliance, and all the centers in the body are awakened and functioning in unison and rhythm.

In summary, the functions of the etheric body represent the 3 aspects of divinity: (1) to vitalize the physical body, reflecting the 3rd aspect of Form; (2) to unfold self-consciousness in man, reflecting the 2nd aspect of Love; and (3) to transmit spiritual energy and sweep the entire man into a state of spiritual being, reflecting the 1st aspect of Will.

What are the fires in the body?

Our health is affected by the circulation, interaction, and eventual fusion of the energies throughout our bodies. These energies can be considered different kinds of fire, corresponding to their respective bodies.

(1) the fire corresponding to the physical body is the fire by friction, which is both the internal vitalizing fire from the base of the spine chakra and the latent heat at the center of every cell of the body.

(2) the fire corresponding to the etheric body is the active heat or solar radiation or prana.

(3) the fire corresponding to the mental body is the solar fire or the fire of the mind.

(4) the fire corresponding to the spiritual bodies is the electric fire or the fire of the spirit.

The fusion of these fires occurs in 3 stages.

The first stage is the fusion between the fire by friction of the physical body and the prana of the etheric body, bringing well-being to man.

The second stage is the fusion between the fires of the physical-etheric body from the first fusion and the fire of the mind, expanding consciousness and bringing radiant health and vitality.

The third stage is the final fusion between the fire of the mind, the second fusion, and the fire of the spirit in the head chakra, creating a great initiate dedicated to serving the world and healing the suffering of humanity.

Yes, you have tackled a very challenging part of the Teaching. Study these ideas often and internalize them. So much of the Teaching is based on the understanding of these concepts.

The red sentences are my Mentor's comments.

Time in a bottle

How I miss you...

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I’d like to do
Is to save every day ’til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I’d save every day like a treasure, and then
Again, I would spend them with you...

Fly me to the moon

Fill my heart with song
and let me sing forevermore

La Vie en Rose

 Life is not always rosy. But when we have true love in our hearts, life will be beautiful, right?

Circle of connecting education community

Organized by Teach for Vietnam on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Reflection by Julie:

"Common theme:

1/ We built different “lego serious play” models but all models are humanized: think for people, build for people , become the capsule for people to grow at their fullest.

2/ Changes made by invisible individuals who normally don’t have much time to go online because they’re too busy to fight for real battles in life.

3/ Find or Create a safe place for people to share their perspectives without being judged.

How to make sustainable impact like Teach For Vietnam:

1/ need to be slow sometime because people have different grow speed.

2/ TRUST is a must to influence the changes. Need to Trust people first, then Empower them so that they can be the Captain of Changes.

3/ Learn to speak languages of the ones you want to influence."

The SJC - Prework for the 1st meeting

 Concept Note

1. Please list some keywords that catch your attention. 

Paradigm, collaboration, collective reflection, systemic issue, deep sustainability, the natural steps, inner fulfillment, true freedom, spiritual intelligence, 

2. What do you think of the sustainability approach of The S Journey Collective? 

I found that it is a holistic, comprehensive approach that reminds me of the sustainability principles for a happy life: (1) Connection to/Care for Oneself (Spiritual Intelligence, Self-Knowledge), (2) Connection to/Care for Nature (Laws of Nature) and (3) Connection to/Care for People (Community Context).

3. What do you think of the vision for a sustainability citizen? 

A sustainability citizen, for me, is one who is healthy physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually; through his/her own self-transformation, he/she is striving toward Goodness, Truth, and Beauty.

Ideally, he/she is a living soul, a source of wisdom, joy, love, calmness and peace, who realizes and expresses his/her divine nature.

4. Please write a reflection that describes your thoughts and feelings that arise when reading the concept note. This is freestyle writing without any rules or requirements. Just be true to yourself and write as naturally as you can. 

Reflection on the Concept Note, it reminds me of the “Systems View of Life” by Fritjof Capra, the physicist with a spiritual perspective, talking about the interconnectedness of everything in the Web of Life. 

I like the idea of “true freedom”, “spiritual intelligence” and “experiencing life instead of consuming life” from the SJC approach. 

I feel grateful to be part of this interesting and inspiring journey, thank you so much Thao Meo and Hoang Anh! I believe that it would be a transformative journey, both for ourselves, definitely, and hopefully also for the community.

Just a little bit concerned about the word “sustainability citizen” as it may sound somehow stuck in the status quo (although it can show inner strength and endurance, sometimes people may sustain a situation, even in a negative sense). The word does not really reflect the continuously progressive, regenerative, evolving nature of life.  Anyway, just my 2 cents and I don’t know yet what should be better for it. 

Program Draft

5. What specific topics are you interested in?

I like all topics, specifically those related to spiritual development and sustainability knowledge and practices.

6. What other topics do you want to explore (that are not yet listed in the table)? 

Currently I am studying esoteric psychology, numerology, astrology and will probably soon learn about Human Design https://humandesign.vn/ They are tools of self-knowledge for transformation and finding one’s mission in life.

101-5 Reflection notes - The Three Centers of Prana

The three centers of prana receive and circulate it between this triangle and then transmit it to the etheric body. They are the center between the shoulder blades, the center immediately above the diaphragm, and the etheric spleen.

The center between the shoulder blades is affected by our thought currents. The center above the diaphragm is affected by our emotions. And the etheric spleen is affected by the physical environment surrounding us such as the quality of the air, the emanations of people whom we contact, and what we put into our systems when we eat, and drink. We can see that the three centers of prana interact correspondingly to the mental body, the emotional body, and the physical-etheric body.

Mentor's comment: This is a very good and clear explanation of the etheric pranic triangle. On this is based much of the healing and wellness of the body and later, on the condition of our senses. It is always good to keep this in our minds and build on it.

Our etheric web is like the medium that connects all the levels in our energy systems, and thus it is related to the conditions of our vehicles. Therefore, in order to have a healthy etheric body, we should take care of our three bodies and be careful with what we put into them.

In order to have a healthy mental body, we should train and purify our mind by practicing meditation, mindfulness, and clear and right thinking. Through meditation, we let the light of our souls illuminate our minds. Our motives should be consistently examined to make sure that they are beautiful, truthful, righteous, and benevolent from the higher self. We can also cultivate our minds with noble thoughts from spiritual literature and writings from wise sages. The realization of Oneness and Interconnectedness will end all separatism, helping us see Divinity in ourselves and in all beings, leading us to inclusiveness and respect.

Mentor's comment: Yes, this is very clear and well-articulated.  We can see clearly how a well-cared for mind helps us to translate what we experience in the Higher Worlds. Clearing our all deceptive thinking, illusions, ego and vanity removes these “germs” from our mental body.

In order to have a healthy astral body, we should keep our hearts pure with pure and elevated emotions. That can be done by calming all the toxic fires of hatred, anger, fear, and envy with the spring of sweet compassionate love and the cold light of divine indifference and discernment.

Mentor's comment: Yes, this is so important to keep in mind.  Consider how glamors and attachments pollute our emotional body and pulls us into the lower astral worlds.

For a healthy physical body, we should have a balanced lifestyle with regular exercises, sunbath, clean food, enough sleep and rest. It would be good if we can live close to nature with fresh air. Our sexual energy should also be saved for spiritual development. All things that are dangerous for our awareness and self-control such as alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, should be avoided.

Mentor's comment: Yes, very clear and well defined. Our physical health is so important to carry us through our life.

For our overall well-being, it is advised to practice harmlessness in all that we think, speak and do; having periodical fasting in silence as a withdrawal from the personality life to cultivate our inner and higher life; and doing creative labor as a way for joyful self-expression. Whatever we are doing, if we do it with all our heart, mind and being, we then become a  channel for divine energy to flow and manifest out into the world.

On the other hand, we should be careful to contact with the right people and the right objects as they all carry energies that can affect us positively or negatively.

It is also recommended that we use the right colors and right music for purifying our etheric body. It is because every color and music has their own ray and quality. If we know our Soul ray and use the right colors and music accordingly, by the law of resonance, they can have beneficial and healing impact for our bodies.

Mentor's comment: Yes, beautiful.

Questions:

1. I have a concern about cannabis/marijuana as it is legalized in Thailand. I feel that something is wrong with this, but I am a little bit confused as there are some arguments about its beneficial use in medical treatment. So, I just would like to know your opinion about this.

Mentor's answer: Yes, it is very dangerous to the subtle bodies. It is being legalized everywhere and the money makers are making money from the damage to humanity. Torkom has a magnificent lecture about “Why Drugs are Dangerous” and it is reprinted in a Chapter in Esoteric Science of Healing. I think you have that book and if so, take a look at it. Drugs damage our subtle bodies so our next incarnation we have damaged bodies.

2. If elementals belong to the angel evolution, why it will be human in a next manvantara?

Mentor's answer: The Secret Doctrine teaches that all evolution must go through the human kingdom. Consider what is learned in the human bodies and how we manage to build our mental mechanism. Without a mind, logic, reasoning, and ability to know to differentiate, there is no intelligence that is being used. Think of this and how important the human process is. In this, we learn first hand what is the purpose of life.

3. I read the books on Solar Angel about the sacred marriage between the Solar Angel and the human soul and I have some questions. I am confused because I read that at the 4th initiation, our Solar Angel will activate our 2 polarities so that we can become a hermaphrodite spiritually. And our Solar Angel is even beyond a 4th-degree initiate, why does It still have a polarity (feminine or masculine)?

Our Solar Angel is with us all the time through ages. And as the soul has no gender, we can incarnate in some lives as male and in other lives as female. So, it is true that even the soul has no gender, it still has polarity? And if so, is it true that only in a life that we have a gender with the opposite polarity of the polarity of the Solar Angel, the Soul Union can happen?

Mentor's answer: Polarity is science. There is no attraction to create new life forms if there is no polarity.

The story of the Solar Angel and the human soul is so confused in all the Teachings except Torkom’s work. In brief:

The human soul is part of the human development and is built in the Chalice.

The Solar Angel is the Teacher of the human being, until the human soul is built.

At the 4th initiation, the Solar Angel leaves because the human soul is now a Soul and is in the Triad.

These lessons will come to you in time.

Good work.

101-4 Reflection notes - Prana and the Etheric Body

The etheric body receives solar prana from the Sun (focused by the golden devas) and planetary prana from the earth (focused by the violet devas). Then it assimilates these two pranas, vitalizing all the cells of the physical body with them, as well as transmitting them to lesser devas and to the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms. 

We nourish the devas through our beneficial and sacrificial selfless thoughts, words, and actions. In their turns, the devas vitalize us with their magnetism, lifting us up to higher knowledge and wisdom, helping us communicating with our and others’ souls, warning and protecting us from dangers.

Through the constant absorbing, circulating, emanating and transmitting energies in and out, the etheric body creates an electromagnetic field around the physical body. This electromagnetic sphere works as a uniting field that integrates all the parts of the physical body. This electromagnetic field also acts as a medium for contact and communication to higher planes in the future of human development. It is because the 4 lower etheric levels are the lower reflection of the 4 higher ethers which are substances of the 4 higher Intuitional, Atmic, Monadic and Divine planes.

Until we are purified and having developed continuity in consciousness for safely and consciously entering into the astral and mental worlds, the etheric body acts as a protective barrier, preventing those fiery astral and mental forces from destroying our unready centers. It is because the electromagnetic sphere of the etheric body works as a buffer that could assimilate and step down the intense fiery forces of the astral and mental worlds so that the physical body can receive without being burned nor damaged. 

Mentor's comment: This essay is a very good and clear explanation of how the etheric body works. It is one of the most important topics in the first year of study. Keep this very clear in your mind as you study more and more of the etheric body.

Question: I’m a little bit concern about the warning on practicing Hatha Yoga in this Chapter. I am practicing some basic yoga asanas such as salutation to the Sun and i find it quite helpful and safe. I’ve also seen that Hatha Yoga is quite popular and being taught in every yoga center in my city. I am not so sure about its dangers. So it would be great if you could explain a little bit about this issue. I just would like to hear your opinion about practicing yoga in those meditation and yoga centers nowaday, as many of them demonstrate the healing effects. Thank you very much!

Mentor's answer: The practice of Yoga is another topic that all students have to be cleared about. Torkom writes about these in Talks in Agni volume 1. It is very clear. If modern people practice the ancient yoga, they are endangering themselves to over cement their physical bodies with the etheric body. The intention of the ancient yoga was to solidify the connection as it was loose at that time. 

Nowadays, no one teaches the real yoga. If you do the stretches and salutations, they are OK. However, when there is intentional emphasis on centers, the head and heart centers, one is over-stimulating these centers. In our modern life, we do not need to stimulate any centers, but allow them to function naturally and from natural growth and as a result of inner growth and physical balance.

Hatha yoga emphasizes center opening. This is not the right practice for modern students. The dangers involved are opening centers prematurely before the bodies are able to absorb extra energy; the mixing of centers before they are strong and ready; the tearing of the protective shields between the subtle bodies and then there is astral leakage.

All of these you will be studying in the lessons coming up. 

Do exercise, stretch and walk and run and swim; these are better than yogas.

I have spoken to many, many confused and truly endangered people. Once they get into danger, they never listen.

I hope this helps.

101-3 Reflection notes - The Etheric Body

What is sublimation, and the stages of sublimation?

Sublimation is the purifying and refining process of the etheric body, which is essential for higher contact. There are 4 stages of sublimation.

The 1st stage of sublimation: the inflow of the Intuitional Light (the 4th Cosmic Ether) into the 4th lower etheric level (the chemical ether). The chemical ether is very sensitive to colors, which often change into sounds in the inner ear. When this stage happens to a higher degree - a higher percentage of intuitional substance penetrates and increases in the 4th etheric level, we will hear the colors, see the sounds, also we hear the thoughts of other people. Colors is allied to the 4th ether.

The 2nd stage of sublimation: the inflow of the 3rd Cosmic Ether (on the Atmic Plane) into the 3rd lower etheric level (the life ether). As this life ether is connected to the generative organs and seminal fluids, this ether helps us to propagate. The life ether is also the conductor of sound and is closely related to the eyes and vision. Sound functions through the 3rd ether. The result of this 2nd stage is that we develop higher clairvoyance.

The 3rd stage of sublimation: the inflow of the 2nd Cosmic Ether (on the Monadic Plane) into the 2nd lower etheric level (the light ether). Light closely connects with and uses the 2nd ether as a medium. The electricity of this light ether supplies heat to the body. This light ether is closely related to the nervous system and the muscles, and connecting the physical body and the outside world. The result of this 3rd stage is that we develop divine vision and healing powers.

The 4th stage of sublimation: the inflow of the 1st Cosmic Ether (on the Adi or Divine Plane) into the 1st lower etheric level (the reflecting ether). The electricity passing through this ether enables the soul to control its vehicles by thoughts. This ether can store memories. The result of this 4th stage is that we develop the power of pure Intuition and the memory of past lives.

How is continuity of consciousness achieved?

Continuity of consciousness is achieved on all planes when the 4 Higher (Cosmic) Etheric and the 4 lower etheric layers are blended within each other, and the Higher Etheric Ethers (particles of electrical Fire) replace the lower etheric ethers. Thus, the lower etheric body is the continuation of the Cosmic Ethers. Through continuity of consciousness, man becomes aware of the activities of various Ashrams existing on the Intuitional and higher Planes, in the Hierarchy and in Shamballa. 

When the etheric body is built with the Higher Ethers, there would be no sickness or disorder as the person radiates healing energies, light, love, peace, serenity, and purifying and uplifting powers into his environment.

How is the refinement of the etheric body carried out?

The refinement of the etheric body is carried out through meditation, lofty aspiration, right diet, sunshine, fresh air, exercise, striving toward perfection, the influence of the 7th ray, right relations with others as well as with Nature, closer relationship with higher devas and angels.

Meditation: As we meditate, we calm and align our etheric body to become a more receptive and effective instrument that the higher ethers can flow with fewer obstacles and hindrances.

Lofty aspiration: such as unifying with Divine, sacrifice and service aspiration are upward-moving flows of aspiring energy. Thus, lofty aspiration facilitates the contact of the Higher Ethers and these Cosmic Ethers are called to respond and pour down to the lower etheric layers.

Right diet: All the food we eat have their own vibrations which is essential for constituting our etheric-physical body. We should eat high-vibration food such as fresh, organic vegetables, and avoid low-vibration food such as meat, industrial, processed food to maintain high vibrations for our etheric-physical body.

Sunshine, fresh air, exercise: these help circulate the prana or living energy throughout the body, revitalizing and dispelling the stagnant or blockages in our energy system.

Striving toward perfection is the refining and purifying all of the lower bodies so that they become purer and the true reflection of the Higher Archetype. This process should take place in all of our 3 lower bodies, in which the physical-etheric body is one of them.

The influence of the 7th ray: The 7th ray is the ray of synthesis, unifying the low and the high, manifesting the higher spiritual ideals onto the lower matter plane. The cycle of the 7th ray is active now, coincident with the incoming Aquarian Age, with the influence of Uranus as the Aquarian ruler, also transmitting the 7th ray. Thus, these astrological and ray cycles will help in facilitating the refinement process on Earth, through spiritualizing the physical plane, bringing and creating heaven on Earth.

Right relations with others as well as with Nature: the right relation here is manifested through goodwill, love, care and sharing. When these virtues are shining among humanity, we would have peace on earth, and nature would be cared and protected. Thus the etheric body of humanity would be strengthened through peace and vitality of the environment and Nature.

A closer relationship with higher devas and angels: As higher devas and angels are higher builders of our higher bodies, the closer relationship with them help bring higher substances from higher cosmic etheric levels into our lower etheric layers, thus transforming and purifying them.

What are the 8 radiant signs of health?

The 8 radiant signs of Health in Nature are: 

Symmetry

Rhythm

Cycle

Harmony of lines, cycles and colors

Palpitation - the expanding and contracting vibrations regulated by the heart

Clear and living color of the vibration

Clear and harmonious sound of the subtle bodies

Sweet fragrance, the result of the vibration of the vehicles under the impact of higher ethers, can be detected through astral smell.

To a higher clairvoyant, these signs demonstrate on the person’s aura as colors, pulsation and currents of energy. 

101-2 Reflection notes - The Constitution of Man

 1. What are the seven levels and seven bodies?

Number 7 is a magic one. We see it as 7 colors of the rainbow, 7 rays of all manifestations and now we have 7 levels of consciousness corresponding to 7 planes of our solar systems, with each having its own 7 subplanes; and beyond that, we even have the 7 Cosmic Planes. The 7 planes are the physical-etheric, astral, mental, intuitional (buddhic), atmic, monadic, and logoic or divine planes.

“As above so below”, we see the analogy between man and the Cosmos, men are often seen as microcosmos. It was written in the Greek Delphi - “Know Thyself” as it was advised by Socrates and all great Teachers and Sages - “Know Thyself”. Therefore, as we learn about the constitution of Man, we also come to learn about the constitution of the Universe. Man is also constituted of that 7 layers of substances.

In his full potential, man is 7-fold or multidimensional. However, in order for man to truly and consciously active in each level - each plane, man has to have his vehicle functioning at that plane. So, as man evolves in his consciousness, he is building up his bodies for operating in the planes, higher and higher throughout the course of time. Thus, he becomes more and more inclusive and balanced.

At the present time, humanity mostly functions in the 3 lower planes of physical, astral and mental, which are often called the three worlds or the three planes of human endeavors. The evolutionary goal of the Aryan root-race is developing the mental body. And the goal for the next 6th root-race is developing the intuitional body.

2. What are the names of the fires: in the Etheric body, in the physical body, in the mental body, in the spiritual bodies? Describe the fusion of the fires.

The following table shows the energies/fires of the corresponding bodies in the human constitution:

Human health is conditioned by these major fires, through their right relations, circulation, and eventual fusion. There are 3 major fusions.

The 1st fusion is between the fire by friction (internal vitalizing fire and latent heat) of the physical body and the active heat (prana) of the etheric body. These 3 fires blend at a point between the shoulder blades, bringing health and happiness or well-being to man.

The 2nd fusion is between the fires of the physical-etheric body (the 1st fusion) and the fire of mind or solar fire. As a man meditates, studies contemplatively, and works creatively, his solar fire increases and pulls the fire focused between the shoulder blades up to the head. During this process, the Kundalini fire - the 3 currents of fire coming from the base of spine, mixed with the pranic fire, rising up to the throat chakra and contacting the fire of the mind (the fire of the mental triangle, composed of the throat chakra, the pineal gland and the pituitary body). As the fusion between the two fires (Kundalini fire and the fire of mind) starts in this manasic triangle, the alta major chakra substitutes the throat chakra. When this 2nd fusion takes place, the Kundalini fire rises naturally due to the expansion of consciousness, purifying all the etheric chakras along the spine, enabling the chakras to transmit energy to the glands and their corresponding organs, thus, bringing radiant health and vitality.

The 3rd fusion is between the solar fire (the mental fire), the second fusion and the fire of the spirit (the electric fire), taking place in the head chakra (above the head). This final fusion creates a great initiate, dedicated to serving the world and healing the suffering humanity.