QU2. 230 The Kingdoms in Nature

Updated with comments from Mentor on 05.11.2020

230.1 The 5th Kingdom

What is the 5th kingdom of Nature?

The 5th kingdom of Nature is the spiritual kingdom, which is also called the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Souls. The Hierarchy is the living essence of this kingdom.

Correct– (except the Kingdom of God is the 6th Kingdom in nature, which includes the Solar Logos).

a. What are its characteristics?

The 5th kingdom of Nature is characterised by group consciousness/soul consciousness/Christ consciousness and love - wisdom, the second aspect of Divinity.

Exactly right.

b. What part did Jesus play in promoting its manifestation within humanity?

Jesus played an important role as the embodiment of Christ consciousness descending the first time on Earth to initiate the great work of the Divine Plan. He sacrificed His Life to fulfil the Plan, which is bringing Heaven to Earth, realizing the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Right. It’s interesting that Jesus is actually, quote, “an adept on the sixth ray under the department of the Mahachohan, works at present under the Christ for the welfare of Christianity.”– IHS:47

230.2 The Mineral Kingdom

We are told that “The secrets of transmutation are the true secrets of (the mineral) kingdom and the two words expressing the process and the secret are condensation and transmutation.” (EP I 222) Please define or describe transmutation:

a. The processes of transmutation as it occurs in atoms associate with the work of alchemists and the changing of inner structures of atoms that lead to producing a different kind of atoms or substances. This involves 3 stages of (1) fiery disintegration of form, (2) resolving and (3) volating, taking a new form.

b. As it is used in conjunction with the work of the Hierarchy. We can see here the analogy of transmutation in the work of the Hierarchy, which is supporting the transmutation of our Planet Earth into a higher state of being. In this work, every man is like an atom unit of our planet. And thus, each transformation of one single person contributes to the shift of the whole planet.

Transmutation is specifically concerned with the ‘three sheaths’– the third, or form aspect of humanity, though not just with the physical body. For example, we can transmute the quality of our thoughts and desires through meditation.

230. 3 The Vegetable Kingdom

What are the rays and attributes of the vegetable kingdom and why is it important that this should be our source of food more than the mineral or animal kingdom?

The rays of the vegetable kingdom are ray 2, ray 4 and ray 6. Its attributes are magnetism, beauty, attractiveness and perfume. Vegetables should be our source of food rather than minerals or animals because of the following reasons:

• Compassion for animals as they have more subtle emotional bodies that can experience pain.

• Avoiding the karma of killing.

• Vegetables draw their energy directly from the sun, water and the earth and thus they are full of prana as food and good for health.

• Vegetarianism is a way of purification for the physical body.

• Vegetarianism helps in reducing environmental problems caused by livestock farming.

Correct on the rays– and I totally agree with the reasons you give for vegetarianism!

230.4 The Animal Kingdom

a. Discuss the analogy and correspondences of the NGWS to domesticated animals.

There is an analogy in the relationships of the New Groups of World Servers (NGWS) and Humanity vs. the domesticated animals and the Animal World. 

• They are both the advanced groups in levels of consciousness as compared to fellows in their own kingdoms.

• They are both the linking bridges between their kingdoms and the next higher kingdoms. The NGWS is the linking bridge between the Hierarchy (the 5th kingdom) and Humanity (the 4th kingdom); while domesticated animals are the linking bridge between Humanity (the 4th kingdom) and the animal kingdom (the 3th kingdom).

• The mode of communications in their rapports are both related to telepathy. The rapport established between the NGWS and the soul kingdom is intuitional telepathy by nature, through the heart chakras; while the rapport between domesticated animals and humanity is instinctual telepathy through solar plexus chakras.

Exactly right. Also, both groups have an allegiance/identification with the next higher kingdom.

b.  What role does the 6th ray play in advancing consciousness from one kingdom to the next? 

The role that the 6th idealism ray plays in advancing consciousness from one kingdom to the next is that it brings about the aspiration to grow towards an ideal archetype. This is the urge to evolve, to advance to higher levels of consciousness.

Correct. DK says,“The sixth Ray of Devotion embodies the principle of recognition. By this I mean the capacity to see the ideal reality lying behind the form; this implies a one-pointed application of desire and of intelligence in order to produce an expression of that sensed idea.”

This leads to transmutation, and eventual transformation.

Good job, Daisy!

LL&P,

Francis

QU2. 220 Manas and the 5th Principle

Updated with Mentor's comments on April 13, 2020.

220.1 Manas, Consciousness, Sentiency

Elaborate on the following two adages: 

a. “The mind is the slayer of the real.” 

b. “The mind is the revealer of the real.” 

c. If one of these false and the other correct? Or are both false? Or are both correct? Offer your interpretation. 

The mind can be both the slayer and the revealer of the real. 

The excessive focus of consciousness on the lower-mind may exclude and ignore feelings, intuition and spiritual aspects. This arrogant propensity builds up a thick veil of concrete thoughtforms, which can distort the true interpretation of reality and hinder downflow inspiration from higher planes. In this case, the lower-mind becomes an agent of cleavage and illusion, and thus, the slayer of the real.

The mind only reveals when the personality is purified, integrated and soul-infused. When the analytic-lowermind and the abstract-highermind are synthetically bridged, and the mind can be illuminated by the light of the soul, it becomes the clear and holistic channel for true interpretation of reality. JC: Exactly Daisy. The distinction between the lower and higher mind is here described. 

220.2  Manas or Mind

Given a reasonable understanding of the functions of each of the five levels of mind. How would you assign planets or combinations of planets to each of these five levels? Offer your reasoned justification in each case.

The five levels of mind are (1) kama-manas or desire mind, (2) concrete mind, (3) the Soul, (4) abstract mind, (5) the transcendental mind (Buddhi).

1. Kama-manas or desire mind

Kama-manas is the emotional body tinged faintly with mind, the desire-will of the lower man. It involves the astral reactions and the lower psychic nature. It can cause the problem of glamour when mental illusion is intensified by desire (illusion on the astral plane). As the elimination of desire is brought about by conscious eliminating, emotion can be sublimated through the medium of thought. And thought, with its discriminating and analysing functions, makes us aware of the glamour and beams a clear light into the mist of the astral plane. When glamour and illusion are overcome, kama-manas disappears, the astral body fades out in the human consciousness and there is no desire left for the separated self. Self-consciousness becomes group consciousness. Kama-manas with its lower desire would be elevated into its higher spiritual correspondence, which is the desire to serve and the great and final desire for liberation. 

I would assign the Moon for kama-manas because this level of mind still deals much with desire and feelings, which are under the realm of the Moon. Your assignment of the moon to kamas-manas is interesting and so also, I would consider Mars as lower and Neptune as being transformative in the higher spiritual aspects of ray six and the emotional body however in EA 649 Saturn rules Kamas manas in the exoteric sense.

2. Concrete mind (Lower-mind, form building faculty)

The concrete mind relates to the Knowledge petals of the egoic lotus, expressing itself through the 5th ray of Concrete Science. It is the higher aspect of the lower self and the lower reflection of the Will aspect of Divinity. Main functions of this mind level are discrimination, form building and eventually being the searchlight of the soul. Strong development of the concrete mind is necessary and still an evolutionary goal for most people in the world. The lower mind can be brought under control through the processes of concentration. And through conscious, creative work, it can be connected to the higher abstract mind.

It should be noted that intense activity of concrete mind may deter the downflow of inspiration and shut out the higher illumination. Moreover, the imbalance development of the concrete mind which neglects the heart can cause illusion with the tendency of separation. This is the case of the sayings “Mind separates, love attracts” and “Mind disrupts and destroys whilst love produces coherence and heals.”

Mercury is assigned for this level of mind as it rules analysis, thinking and general mental functions.

3. The Soul 

There are many names for this level of mind, including the Son of Mind, the Ego, the Solar Angel, the Inner Identity, the Inner Ruler, the Son of God, the Higher Self, the Thinker, the Agnishvatta… It is the product of the thought of the Universal Mind, the thinking, perceiving, discriminating, analysing identity or spiritual entity. It is characterized by pure mind, pure reason, pure love and pure will. Its nature is love, its acts are wise, and its motive is group development. The Soul expresses itself most fully through the Love petals of the egoic lotus, its innate being. 

Through dedicated and devoted service, it brings the Divine Plane into activity. The Soul is the point of unification of both concrete and abstract intelligences. At the 3rd initiation of Transfiguration, the concrete mind is taken place by the Soul. And through the Law of Sacrifice, the personality is liberated and becomes an agent of the Soul.

Both Mercury and Venus are assigned for this level of mind. Mercury is the synthesis of manas-buddhi and mind-wisdom, ruling the bridge of the Antahkarana. On the other hand, Venus in its higher, esoteric aspect rules pure love-wisdom. As the Soul is the point of unification, it relates to both Mercury and Venus. Venus also represents the Solar Angel.

4. Abstract mind (Higher-mind, pattern building faculty)

The abstract mind is also called the Higher mind. It is the lowest aspect of the Spiritual Triad and reveals itself through the 1st ray of Will and Power. It energises the Will petals (Sacrifice). 

The abstract mind deals with the blue prints upon which the forms are modelled. It is brought into conscious functioning through the building of the Antahkarana. When the abstract mind is developed and sensitive, it can become the seed of the Spiritual Will, which involves responsiveness to divine purpose and is responsible for the emergence of the Plan. The Hierarchy reaches the minds of disciples through the abstract mind.

I would assign Jupiter for this level of mind as it is the ruler for higher education, for philosophy, and higher mind in astrology.

5. The transcendental mind (Buddhi)

The transcendental mind is the Intuition, the Christ principle, the combination of Buddhi-Manas or intuitive spiritual understanding and the higher abstract mind. It is the power to comprehend intangible, to understand immediately without conscious reasoning. Intuition is also considered the innate recognition of the lower aspect of the Divine Plan. It is the faculty which enables man to enter into contact with the Universal Mind and grasp divine ideas and the Plan synthetically.

I would assign Neptune for this level of mind as Neptune rules intuition, compassion (Buddhi heart) and spirituality.

220.3 Sublevels of the Mind

What, in essence, distinguishes one mental subplane from another? 

Vibration is slower on the lower planes and higher on the higher planes. In essence, we can distinguish one mental subplane from another by their corresponding faculties as listed in the following table: 

Mental Plane faculties                  Subplane                 form/less           Sense

Spiritual telepathy                         1st subplane           formless

Response to group vibration         2nd subplane          formless

Spiritual discernment                    3rd subplane           formless             Smell

Discrimination                              4th subplane           form                   Taste

Higher clairvoyance                     5th subplane           form                    Sight

Planetary psychometry                 6th subplane           form                   Touch

Higher clairaudience                     7th subplane            form                  Hearing        

What is the difference in the thinking process of an individual focussed primarily on the four higher subplanes of the mental plane from the process of one focussed primarily on the lowest subplane of the buddhic plane? 

The difference in the thinking processes of one focussed primarily on the four higher subplanes of the mental plane (1) and one focussed primarily on the lowest subplane of the buddhic plane (2) are: 

The thinking process of the 1st one would relate to the faculties of corresponding mental subplanes such as discrimination, spiritual discernment, response to group vibration and spiritual telepathy. On the other hand, the thinking process of the 2nd one would relate to the faculties of corresponding buddhic subplanes such as comprehension, healing and divine vision (see “Evolution of Man’s Senses” chart below). 

While both these processes are soul-influenced, the thinking process of the 1st one is of abstract higher mind nature, surpassing the lower mind (1), while the thinking process of the 2nd one is of buddhic or intuition reason, stimulating the emotional nature (2).  Your response to .3 on the subplanes of mind is excellent indeed.

220.4 Three Minds Unite

Why is manas as expressed upon the systemic mental plane divided into three parts?

We have seen many triple or three-fold symbols in the Universe that it is almost a characteristic of Nature: The Yin, Yang and the relationship between them; the positive, negative and neutral, the Trinity, the three lower bodies of man, the Spiritual Triad. And thus, as natural as it is, we have the three-fold manas, composed of the concrete-mind, the abstract-mind and the Soul - as the point of unification, connecting the lower and the higher. These three minds, on their turns, also become the bridge between the lower man (personality) with his Monad through the Spiritual Triad, manifesting the triple correspondings from all three levels (personality, Ego, Monad). 

4 shows you have a reasonable understanding of the question. Many thanks for these responses, Daisy. In shared service, J.

QU2. 210. Glamour and the Astral Plane

Updated with Mentor's comments 

Meditation 200

200.1 and 200.2 Review 

I do meditations everyday according to the schedule of QU2. Beside these, I also do the triangle meditation with my groups of 3 and join in the Esoteric United Nation meditation work. We, the Vietnamese students who join the Esoteric United Nation work, have formed a group on facebook to share information about each country on the list as well as thoughts and insights that we have learned and contemplated along the journey.  

200.3 The Law of Sacrifice 

Ponder deeply on the nature of the Law of Sacrifice.

Why is this law the very first law of the soul?

Why is sacrifice so necessary upon our planet and within our solar system?

Envision yourself living the spiritually sacrificial life.

Envision humanity imbued by the necessary for sacrifice and living more sacrificially.

The Law of Sacrifice is the very first law of the Soul because it’s related to Love, one quality of the Soul. Sacrifice is an expression of love which is love made visible. Sacrifice is so necessary upon our planet and within our solar system because the ray force of this planet and our solar system is the 2nd ray of Love and Wisdom. And thus, the main spiritual lesson of our lives on earth is love and expressing love through sacrificing for others, seeing others as no different with ourselves. Humanity now is at the stage of evolution moving from self-consciousness to group consciousness or soul consciousness, which concerns the mass awakening of the Oneness Truth. This would refer to the deeper meaning of “sacrifice” - “to make sacred”, as seeing the divine nature in all things, expanding our consciousness and the concept of self to embrace others and recognizing the interconnectedness of all. 

Living more sacrificially, humanity would have shifted from self-interest (the selfish tendency of personalities) to group consciousness (soul consciousness) and thus overcome the glamour of separateness. The world would be a much better place with more harmony and love.

Study 210. Glamour and the Astral Plane

210.1 The Nature of Glamour

Contrast Maya, Glamour and Illusion and discuss the manner in which each contributes to the ‘World Problem’. 

Glamour is the common term used for all the three Maya, Glamour and Illusion. It describes the deception, misinterpretation, distortion of truth and a defected perception of reality due to the limitations of human consciousness. Each term of these three is related to each scope of their influences, in terms of the people affected and the planes of their operation.

Maya is associated to the glamour on the etheric plane. Maya is the result of both glamour and illusion, mostly because of feelings without thoughts. Thus Maya affects nearly all people in the world. JC: The illusion of ‘deva force and substance’.

Glamour, specifically is on the astral plane. Therefore glamour presently is the problem of the world as most people in the world are now have their consciousness focusing on the astral or emotional level. JC: Very true, Daisy. I tend to agree with your thoughts on this topic. It is also true to say that all seven rays have their inverted and lower aspect that can lead to wrong identification and interpretation. Daisy, you make valid points and answer concisely. Good work. 

and Illusion is the glamour upon the lower mental plane. Thus, Illusion is more related to the intellect and highly developed people, even accepted disciples.

a. Which do you think is most severe and why?

In my humble opinion, I suppose that Glamour is currently the most severe in the world, not by its nature, but by the large scale of people affected. And it is also the current mission of our Aryan race to overcome this glamour and moving forward.

b. Which do you think is least severe and why?

I guess that Illusion is the least severe at the moment in the world, also not by its nature, but because only the smaller amount of people who are highly developed enough to be its victims.

210.2 The Glamours of the Seven Rays

It is possible to have glamours on all the seven rays? Please explain. Are there some rays which incline less towards the appearance of glamour and some rays which incline more? Please explain.

Yes, I think it is possible to have glamours on all the 7 rays. 

There are some rays which incline less toward the appearance of glamour such as ray 1, 3, 5. Because it is easier for these people to use their concrete minds in analysis, critical thinking, such as the scientific mind of ray 5, which is more objective. However, they may incline to get the glamours of separateness and illusion.

Some rays which incline more toward the appearance of glamour are ray 4 and 6, because of their passion and strong emotions…JC: A precise answer is given, Daisy. Ray 4 has the problem of persons bringing down their illusions and enveloping them with glamour. That must be especially tough to deal with.

210.3 The Scope of Glamour: Individual Glamour, Group Glamour, National Glamour, World Glamour

What are some of the major glamours which have emerged during history as you understand it?

Some of the major glamours which have emerged during history are the glamour of materiality, the glamour of separateness and the glamour of intellect.

The glamour of materiality is closely linked with consumerism, materialism and capitalism, which is the prevailing mainstream around the world, leading to environmental degradation, social broken and economic crisis. Hopefully, there are more and more awaken people who are realizing these issues and contribute to alternative living and ways of life for a better world. JC: From the point of view of the Master's capitalism is not bad in itself it is the extremes of which it is used by greedy and evil people. Capitalism has brought much uplift to many in humanity compared to extreme or pure socialism which usually brings vastly greater poverty and neglect. A mixture of the two is advised by DK and the balance is proving hard to maintain. Consumerism finds even average people guilty and greedy and even capitalists in the negative sense. Consumerism and capitalism in their extreme implementation does bring environmental degradation and this is compounded by extreme overpopulation as the teachings explain. The planet is overstrained. The extreme herd instinct of humanity has run amock and over busyness of all lives within all lives bring virus and as the Tibetan states, ‘bodily discomfort’ through contagion. 

The glamour of separateness and hatred, which is the cause of many wars, racism along history.

The glamour of intellect, which is the overconfidence in technology and empirical science to solve all problems of the world and that comes with the ignorance of ancient and indigenius wisdom…

210.4 Dissipation of Glamour 

Why is mental energy used in the dissipation of glamour but not, particularly, soul energy?

Mental energy is used in the dissipation of glamour but not soul energy because using the soul energy to deal directly with glamour may lead to an intensification of the problem. More importantly, it is the perception of concrete truth or facts, knowledge and clear thinking, calm, dispassionate attitude, analysising, discrimination, right thought, which all are functions of mental mind, that can stabilize the emotional nature and free one from glamour. 

Re .4 Yes, Daisy, control of the emotional stability is wrought by the direct fire of mind whereas soul energy does not dry up the mists and fogs of glamour but creates added vapours and mists. This concludes your 210 work. Well done. In shared service, JC.

QU1. 170 report

170 – Service and Solutions for Humanity – The Art and the Science of Service

170.1 Introduction to The Problems of Humanity: historical review

In the following paragraph, the Tibetan suggests that while both are essential for evolutionary development, "the Science of Service is of greater importance than the Science of Meditation". Please ponder upon this, and why this idea resonates with you, or not.

(DINAII 59) “Your personal instructions I have placed at the end to indicate to you its relative importance and so impress upon you the necessity for your individual teaching taking a secondary place; it is of less importance than the group development and the service of humanity. You will all awaken some day to the realization that the Science of Service is of greater importance than the Science of Meditation, because it is the effort and the strenuous activity of the serving disciple which evokes soul powers, makes meditation an essential requirement, and is the mode - ahead of all the others – which invokes the Spiritual Triad, brings about the intensification of the spiritual life, forces the building of the antahkarana, and leads in a grades series of renunciations to the Great Renunciation, which sets the disciple free for all eternity.”

The Science of Service is of greater importance than the Science of Meditation. It is through service that we open our heart and mind. It is through practical service that our compassion is developed, our wisdom grown and thus our soul contact increased. We can say that service is the expression of soul qualities just as “work is love made visible”. Also, we become more humble through service and this helps in purifying our personality. Therefore, as service should come before meditation, the Science of Service is of greater importance than the Science of Meditation.

170.2 Introduction to The Law of Service

Consider what the Tibetan has said about the seven distinctive methods of ray service. If one of the seven distinctive methods of ray service appeals to you over the others, briefly explain why you think this is the case.

The distinctive method of Ray II service appeals to me over the others as it embodies the love aspect and sympathetic understanding. These are the qualities I cherish and value, trying to apply in my work and service, in education and healing.

170.3 Introduction to the New Group of World Servers (NGWS)

Please read the file on the "Functions of the New Group of World Servers", and briefly describe in your own words what you understand one or more of their functions to be.

The main function of the New Group of World Servers is to help realizing the Divine Plan on Earth, or we may say, to create Heaven on Earth. In order to do that, those men and women of goodwill must find each other, connect, keep in touch, unite, collaborate and cooperate with each other. They must educate the general public the basic principles of brotherhood, right living, good will and harmony by their own living examples. The mass must be awaken of the Truth about the Hierarchy, the Divine Plan and the Soul.

QU1. Scorpio Report - 140. Treading the Probationary Path 140.5-12

140.5 Character Building and Personality Purification  

What is your understanding of the term “character”?

For me, character is a set of good qualities or virtues expressed in a soul-infused personality.

            a. We are told that it is character which is rightly regarded as the first requirement when a man steps off the Probationary Path and onto the Path of Discipleship, thus becoming a disciple. Why is the development of a good character regarded as one of the most important training requirements upon the Probationary Path?

Character building is regarded as one of the most important training requirements upon the Probationary Path because it involves purification of the lower bodies, imposing higher vibrations on the lower bodies in order to bring the personality under the soul’s control.

            i. What are the principal methods employed in character building?

The principal methods employed in character building are:

- cultivating qualities, using the technique “as if”, creative visualizing ourselves as already having all the desired virtues.

- self observing, self-reflecting to continuously correct and improve oneself.

- practicing mindfulness, being mindful in every activity.

- meditation for increasing soul contact

- practicing: think good thoughts, say meaningful words, do good works.

            ii. What qualities are present in good character? Why do you think so?

Qualities present in good character are:

• Kindness, compassion, unconditional love
• Patience, perseverance, endurance
• Wisdom
• Peace, divine indifference
• Acceptance, tolerance, inclusiveness
• Humility, selfless
• Devotion...
  GL…Facing challenges, or facing up to our mistakes etc.

I think so, because those are qualities of Soul. And thus, one who expresses qualities of Soul (having soul-infused personality) is a person of good character.

            b. Are you at work in the process of character building and if so, in what way?

Yes, I am. I use the methods as mentioned above, which are: creative visualization (“as if” technique), meditation, practicing mindfulness, applying self-observation, self-reflection, and practicing “think good thoughts, say meaningful words, do good works.”
GL…Well said Daisy…the descriptions you give demonstrate spiritual and moral qualities that give a person honor. You will appreciate the occult path brings its own peculiar set of challenges that are to be passed through – esotericists are often ridiculed for their beliefs and perspectives. The Christ covered this matter when he spoke of persecution in the Beatitudes.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
This image of Daniel in the Lions den came to mind…

140.6 Purification of Astral - Dissipation Glamour

What in your opinion is the single most effective means of purifying the astral body? Why do you think so? Are you applying this method to yourself? If so, with what results?

For me, the single most effective means of purifying the astral body is the light of the soul. Because the light of the soul is the pure dispelling beam. The soul energy from the higher levels of the mental plane carries the illumination which is the great dissipating agency to the astral plane.

I am applying this method to myself through everyday meditation, trying to contact with the soul to evoke the soul energy. Through meditation, I become calmer and less affected by emotions as being more of an observer, detaching from emotions.
GL…a clarity shines through in these responses you offer.

140.7 Recognizing, Understanding and Achieving Freedom from Kama-Manas

One of the difficult things for an aspirant to grasp is that peculiar moment in his life when he must shift into the realm of discriminative work.

a. What do you understand by discrimination and discriminative work? Why are they so important?

Discrimination is the mental capacity to differentiate between what is true and real with what is unreal, glamour and illusion. Discriminative work involves the recognition of the True-Self as a spiritual being and thus, not identifying oneself with the lower-self’s perceptions.

Discrimination is important as it is help us to overcome all the maya, glamour and illusion, and thus, out of them, to recognize the Truth.
GL…Yes – not only discriminating between the rights and wrongs, goods and bads, real and unreal but also to find the correct order of things, and process of co-measurement and what is applicable or appropriate to circumstances and to presented opportunity.

b. In what type of discriminative work is the aspirant to be engaged specifically upon the Path of Probation?

The discriminative work that the aspirant engaged specifically upon the Path of Probation is primarily that deals with overcoming the great maya of the world of form and perhaps also on the later stage, involving overcoming glamour of the astral world..

c. What role does discrimination play in your life?

Discrimination plays an important role in my life as I remind myself everyday of being aware, and trying to be mindful on all the things that I do (I am still practicing it and many time being forgetful). I think it is especially essential nowadays to have critical thinking and discrimination as one may get confused with various trends of spirituality.  
GL…Yes there are many impersonators – everything needs to be authenticated and weighed by the inner scales of discernment as to its real value and placement on the graph of distortion and truth.

140.8 The Control and Correct Utilization of the Lower Concrete Mind

Enlarge upon the following: “The aspirant should concentrate on the subjugation of the emotional body and the enlargement of the mental body and cultivate the habit of abstract thinking”. [Letters on Occult Meditation, page 77]

a. What does the aspirant learn by ‘reaching’ from the concrete mind to the abstract mind?

By reaching from the concrete mind to the abstract mind, the aspirant learns to unfold the intuition, which is a blend of the intuitive spiritual understanding and the power to comprehend abstract ideas and ideals. Yes great..

b. How do you understand the statement that the concrete and abstract mind are to the soul what the concrete mind and the brain are to the personality?

There is anology and corresponding between what the concrete and abstract mind are to the soul with what the concrete mind and the brain are to the personality. To the soul, the concrete mind is like the brain to the personality. The brain functions as an instrument of the personality, through which the impressions, thoughts from the concrete mind can be registered. Similarly, the concrete mind functions as an instrument of the soul, through which the impressions from the abstract mind can be registered. 
GL…Yes the role of the concrete mind is to articulate higher thought and the brain serves to articulate the concrete minds impressions on the physical plane.

c. Do you have any experience with abstract thinking? Why do you think you do or do not?

Yes, I do. Because we, as students of esoteric philosophy, have to deal a lot with abstract thinking through contemplating on the sacred texts of ancient wisdoms from the Masters.
GL…Yes and often this begins with questions such as “what is the meaning of life”, “who or what am I really” and “what is the purpose for my existence.

140.9 The Roles of Meditation in the Transition from Mysticism to Occultism: Understanding the Major Contrasts Between Mysticism and Occultism

What do you understand by "occultism"? What role if any does occultism play in your life?

Occultism is the science of energy and forces that underly all the phenomena in the world. I’m a student of esoteric study, thus I’m learning on the way to become an occultist in the future.
GL…many of us have dedicated lives to the mystical path and are now ready for the challenges of occultism…such a wonderful privilege I think.

a. How would you define the “practical mystic” or occultist? At what stage of the Path do we find the emergence of the practical mystic and why? Would you call yourself a practical mystic? If so why and if not, why not?

An occultist must first be a “practical mystic”. A practical mystic is the one who has mystical awareness or the power to feel correctly as well as the power to know mentally and practically.

After the first initiation we can find the practical mystics. Because the mystical way leads to the first initiation and then followed by the lighted way of occultism leading to the higher states of consciousness.  I may call myself a practical mystic as we are Morya Federation’s students, studying and being trained towards occultism.
GL…This is a good description of many of us Daisy.

b. What, in your estimation is “occult consciousness”? To what extent is your consciousness an example of occult consciousness? Please explain.

Occult consciousness is the united condition of the higher and lower selves through the use of the mental bodies. Maybe my consciousness is just at the very beginning step towards the occult consciousness as I’m still not very clear about it to explain.
GL…This is the very purpose of these types of questions as they assist us to engage aspects of the mind that are not so easily engaged in this area of research of the self/Self. These questions help us to be practical and grounded in our study. So far I think you are doing very well here Daisy so be encouraged. Articulating some of these matters is a common problem for us all…occultism fundamentally deals with causes and their translation into effects on the planes of form.

c. What are the differences between mystical and occult consciousness and why must every mystic become an occultist and every occultist, a mystic?

The differences between mystical and occult consciousness:

·        The mystical consciousness is emotional or astral in nature while the occult consciousness is mental in nature.

·        The mystical consciousness is related to the power to feel correctly while the occult consciousness related to the power to know.

·        The mystical consciousness involves the evolution of the mystical vision while the occult consciousness involves the revelation of light and power.

Every mystic must become an occultist and every occultist, a mystic in order to develop comprehensively and toward wholeness.
GL…nicely said.

140.10 The Role of Meditation Specifically Upon the Path of Probation

What specifically is the meditative task of the probationer treading the Path of Probation?

The meditative task of the probationer treading the Path of Probation is to start the alignment of the lower self through personality integration of the physical, etheric, emotional and mental bodies, and then to contact the soul through developing the alignment between the personality and the soul.

a. How is this different from the meditative task of a confirmed disciple?

This task is different from the meditative task of a confirmed disciple in the state of effectiveness. For a confirmed disciple, he can achieve higher states of effectiveness in contacting the Soul and operating at the mental level.
GL…Generally we would consider an accepted disciple a highly integrated human being, not the complete and full integration but the task is well under way. Therefore their capacity for concentration which leads to contemplation are more effective in the meditative technique.

b. Do you find that the meditative task before you is that of the probationer or that of the disciple, or somewhere between? Please explain.

I think the meditative task for me is somewhere in between that of probationer and that of the disciple. Through meditation, I could listen to the inner voice. But I’m still on the way to develop this connection with the Soul and to expand my consciousness.
GL…Have you read the “six stages of discipleship” Daisy found in DINA 1 page 673 – 790..?..
The master goes into some technicalities regarding each stage. Well worth a look.

140.11 Understanding the Problems and Requirements of the Probationary Path in terms of the Seven Rays, Esoteric Astrology and Energy Centres

Which chakra most implicated and active at the time of the first initiation and why?

The sacral chakra and the throat chakra are most implicated and active at the time of the first initiation. Because at that time, the first transference of energy is activated from the sacral centre to the throat centre.

a. In what transformational work is this energy centre involved?

This chakra energy involves the purification and controlling of the lower appetites.
GL…Yes the sacral centre is a potent vortex and area of gravity for those leading up to the 1^st initiation. Their task is to overcome the instinctual pull of this centre as a motivating force on the physical plane and transfer this energy fixation to creative living by transmuting the energy to the throat centre. No easy task as the forces are particularly powerful and also energized by the solar plexus. We are witnessing the ordeal of overcoming these instinctual forces on a large scale in the various groups in preparation for this initiation. 

b. Which planets and rays condition the first initiation and what is their role in this process?

The first ray of Will and Power and the planets Pluto and Vulcan condition the 1^st initiation. Their role in this process is purification of the lower bodies.

c. Is the aspirant still treading the Path of Probation at the time of the first initiation? Please explain.

Yes, he is. The aspirant is still treading the Path of Probation at the time of the first initiation because this period covers the later stages of the Path of Probation and the early stages of the Path of Discipleship.
GL…yes and we should include the influences of Uranus (sacral centre), Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn and Venus of course.

140.12 The Use of Rayological, Astrological and Chakric Energies to Integrate the Personality

Which zodiacal, ray and chakric energies do you believe contribute specifically to the type of personality integration which the aspirant should experience upon the Path of Probation? Please explain.

The zodiacal, ray and chakric energies contribute specifically to the type of personality integration which the aspirant should experience upon the Path of Probation:

·        The zodiacal energies:

o   Leo relates to self-consciousness, probationers, and the integration of the personality
Aquarius – Leo interplay relates to the integration and evolution of the personality, from self-consciousness (in Duong) toward group consciousness in Aquarius.

o   The Mutable Cross (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) rules the Probationary Path, the probationers and the integration of the personality.

o   Cancer—Capricorn—Saturn enable the aspirant to tread the Path of Probation.
GL…One of the main lessons when entering the probationary path is “to be true to oneself”…this takes place under the influence of Leo as you say…the next lesson is to maintain “group integrity” under the influence of Aquarius…I think there are also influences beginning to enter the psych from the fixed cross – Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius…This causes the individual to embark on a journey of self-improvement.

·        Rays:

o   The 1^st and the 2^nd rays draw us to the Path of Probation.

o   The 3^rd ray relates to the intellectual stimulation in personality integration.

o   The 7^th ray relates to the sacral energy which will be sublimed into creative energy.
GL…Yes Ray 7 is quite pivotal here and assists to establish a reorientation of the life theme more towards spiritual matters than just physical…I think the tide turns…This causes a reorganization of the energy field of chakras and their orientation to the influences of the soul.

·        Chakric energies:

o   The energies of sacral centre and throat centre. They are involved in the first energy transference from the sacral centre to the throat centre.

GL…Well done Daisy – you demonstrate a good grasp of these matters and are working these ideas into the physical plane environment which is not an easy task.
So you have completed this section of the course work and ready for the next area of study. Congratulations on your achievement in this regard - Geoff 

QU1. Aquarius Report - 140. Treading the Probationary Path 140.1-4

140 - Treading the Probationary Path

140.1 The Probationary Path, its Stages, Tests and Hindrances

What is the Path and what are its main divisions?

The Path is referred to the Spiritual Path of consciousness evolution (the Path of Evolution). It is the evolutionary journey upon which all creatures in the universe are proceeding, as consciousness evolves. It is the transition from a lower state of awareness, to a higher state, leading eventually to  identification with supreme universal Consciousness. In regard to man, the path refers to the process in which consciousness evolves from a state of ignorance, to the sublime heights of soul enlightenment. 

The Path of Evolution as it involves consciousness in the human kingdom has 3 main stages (each of these three sections have further sub-divisions):

1. The Ordinary Path upon which the personality nature of ordinary or average man is developed. The Probationary Path is the transition at the end of the Ordinary Path and towards the Path of Discipleship.

2. The Path of Discipleship, referred to the Initiation 1, 2 and 3, bringing the personality under the control of the Soul.

3. The Path of Initiation or the Path of Illumination, referred to the Initiations 4 and beyond, bringing consciousness under the control of the Monad or Spirit.

a. Why is it of value for student to know where he/she stands upon the Path and what may be his/her particular problem?

It is essential to know where we stand upon the Path, so that we are aware of the goals relevant to our positions and we can figure out the future progress to strive for. This means correctly identifying which body is being developed and purified, and which level of consciousness is emerging so that right techniques can be applied. On the other hand, this knowledge is also needed for accuracy of astrological prediction and interpretation.

b. What lessons is the student learning on the Probationary Path?

On the Probationary Path, the student is called probationer, or aspirant and is learning preparatory lessons for stepping on to the Path of Discipleship. As this is the Path of Purification, the main lessons involve purification of one’s lower bodies and integration of personality. The student learns to know himself, to discriminate, to ascertain his weakness and to correct them through building his characters, cultivating positive qualities and meditation.

The goals for the Probationary Path are:

• Developing the ability to contact his group, to be sensible of the vibration of the group of which some particular Master is the focal point.
• Developing the faculty of abstract thought, the power to link up with the higher mind, via the causal body.
• Practising technique of Indifference, to end maya and purify the astral body, freeing of the energies of the etheric body from the control of matter.
• Equipping oneself for service to humanity.

What do you understand by the term "mystical aspirant"?

Mystical aspirants are the aspirants with mystical consciousness, the attainment of a loving attitude and a sentimental approach to life (people and circumstances). They find that the path to the inner worlds of desire-emotion, of mind and of spiritual vision are the line of least resistance, and thus the physical plane integration and expression suffer. They are the sensitive, struggling people, conscious of duality, torn between the pairs of opposites and long for release from failure and from existence in our current world. The mystic is not a true esotericist or occultist, because he is not dealing with his consciousness with energies and forces but with the vague “Something other”.

GL...Hi Daisy, welcome to 140 course work. In this instance we are learning to make spiritual distinctions and therefore learn discrimination of the various energies and factors that will be integrated as we proceed on this interior journey. I see that you have read the master’s words in this regard and have put them to good use in your description above. 

a. How is this stage of consciousness and activity related to the Path of Probation as you understand that Path?

For my understanding, the mystic stage of consciousness and activity is related to the transition at the final stage of the Probationary Path and towards the early stage of the Disciple Path. At this stage of consciousness, the student becomes aware of capacities and powers but cannot control them intelligently. He experiences flashes of insight, contacting vibrations and the phenomena of other realms but still remains unknowing of the process and cannot recall the experience.

GL…Yes there does tend to be a bit of vagueness in articulating the inner factors to be integrated, even over estimation or inflation in this regard.
The objectivity of mental development has not modified their perspective of spiritual qualities as yet. 
Of course there are always exceptions to these basic parameters and in some of these cases we often see well developed examples and these will make a quick transition on to the occult path. There are still many mystics in the world doing valued work and influencing many in their communities but they may not strike a resonance with us with their particular teaching due to the influence of the soul type and mind activity.

b. At what stage of the Probationary Path do we find the mystical aspirant? Why do you think so?

We find the mystical aspirant at the final stages of the Probationary Path. Because the mystical way leads to the 1st initiation, which is the goal of the Probationary Path.

GL…Yes Daisy I agree with your position, although it would seem this will change as we enter the Aquarian age and more mental types enter the spiritual path. There is also the ray 7 cycle that will be influencing those coming into incarnation just as it was ray 6 influencing during the Piscean era. This will bring in the more mental types and clearer appreciation of the path of occultism in contrast to the mystical way. 

c. Within which stage of the Six Stages of Discipleship can we place the mystical aspirant and why?

We can place the mystical aspirant preceding the first stage of the 6 Stages of Discipleship, which is the Little Chelaship. Because in the wider context of the 6 Stages of Discipleship (Chelaship), the Probationary Path is the first stage. 

GL…Yes – However prior to the recent changes and reorganization of the Hierarchy we would assume that all stages of discipleship were populated with mystical disciples and initiates. When we consider the historical spiritual emphasis in India, China and greater Asia we can see the path of mysticism was prevalent. The teachers that influenced and trained those aspirants and candidates for the early initiations also seemed quite mystical in their spiritual orientation. So the requirements for the stages of discipleship have changed somewhat to meet the needs of the new types entering the spiritual path.   

140.2 The Distinguishing Requirements of the Stage of Probationary Discipleship

When a human being becomes a "Chela in the Light", certain developments take place which enable him to see the vision more clearly and to know what he must do. (DINA I/722). What are these developments? Give your own understanding of them.

When a human being becomes a Chela in the Light, certain developments take place which enable him to see the vision more clearly and to know what he must do, as the Light ever reveals. These developments are:

• A transition in consciousness from the astral plane to the mental plane with the help and guidance by a higher disciple (a senior). “The chela with the Light leads him by the hand from light into a greater Light.” 
• Discernment, distinguishing between the pairs of opposites. This is a Transformation upon the dual way, leading into the Way. 
• Awareness of glamour of the astral plane as something from which the aspirant must eventually free himself and aid in freeing the world.

GL…Well said – there is a greater facility for soul contact and this has brought about the use of a more direct technique of integration. 

a. Is the vision a gradually unfolding consciousness of what lies ahead or an unconscious remembering of something once sensed and seen? Or is it, in a way, both? Please explain.

The vision is in a way both a gradually unfolding consciousness of what lies ahead and an unconscious remembering of something once sensed and seen. Because the vision is corresponding to the consciousness, it is built up and accumulated by consciousness expansion. 

GL…Yes and at some stage in this process of integration, the vision itself is concerned with the Plan and the part that the aspirant can play that also facilitates further spiritual development.
 Woops - I see you cover this below Daisy…I see you are not new to these matters…😊

b. What is the vision with which the disciple should be concerned? 

The vision that the disciple should be concerned is the one that should be the true reality, free of glamours of the astral plane.

c. Light ever reveals, and upon the Way produces vision. Vision of what?

Light ever reveals, and upon the Way, the vision of a further portion of the Divine Plan is shown.

d. When the probationary disciple knows the pairs of opposites and has gained a vision of that which is neither of them he can pass on to the Path of Discipleship. What do you understand by this type of vision? 

The vision of reality of the physical plane and the astral plane, neither of them can the probationary disciple pass on to the Path of Discipleship. Because on the Discipleship Path, he must further developments starting from the mental plane.

140.3 Hindrances on the Path of Probation and Means of Overcoming Them

What would we consider as the typical hindrances of character in the probationer upon the Path of Probation? Can you recognize any of these hindrances in yourself and if so why?

The hindrances on the Path of Probation are the wrong ideas which have been accumulated for ages, preventing men from realizing that they are Spiritual Beings from higher Source and thus identifying themselves with their lower bodies and material. These hindrances are:

• Ignorance (the root of all the other hindrances)
• Egoism
• Attachment (desire)
• Hate (aversion to life)
• Clinging to life 

In Buddhism, these hindrances are considered as the “three poisons” - ignorance, anger and attachment.

I can recognize the hindrance of attachment in myself as I still have the emotional desire of being loved.

a. What are the qualities we need to cultivate to eliminate the hindrances? Give specific examples.

• For eliminating ignorance, we should cultivate wisdom, through esoteric study.
• For eliminating egoism, we should cultivate humility, seeing Divinity present in everything, seeing the great potential, the best version of everyone, from the perspective of their Souls.
• For eliminating attachment, we should cultivate the insight on impermanence, and practice the technique of indifference. We can hold the thought that we are spiritual divine ray, here on earth for learning and service, but this physical world is not our true home. Imagine ourselves letting go, as a free spirit returning to our spiritual Father, our Source, our true home.
• For eliminating hate, we should cultivate unconditional love and the insight of Oneness as God is love and our interconnectedness is the true and ultimate reality. We can practice loving-kindness or compassion meditation by holding the thought of God radiating love to us, and we pass it on - to nature, to those in need, to those we love, and finally, to the one we hate. Feel our heart chakra open up as we do this.
• For eliminating clinging to life, we should study the wisdom teachings to realize more and more the Truth.

GL…well done…

b. Are you aware of a particular quality you need to cultivate which, when present in your character, would enable you to pass a particular test? What is the quality and what is the test?

Yes, I am. The test is suffering from the emotional attachment to the one I love. And the quality that I need to cultivate to enable me to pass this test is the discernment to break the glamour of the astral plane, plus the unconditional love.

GL…Yes I understand Daisy and this is no easy achievement…there is much to consider in these dynamics and as you infer it ultimately comes down to ourselves and our 100% responsibility for the entire matter…such is the nature of attachment and these tests are presented in order to free ourselves from a limiting affliction and glamour. Have you ever looked into attachment style in romantic relationships.?. It is helpful to know our attachment style and this also gives us a clue to the ray and/or sub ray of the emotional body. 

140.4 Major Tests Upon the Paths of Aspiration and Probation

One of the most important tests upon the Probationary Path is the test of money. Why do you think this is so?

The tests upon the Probationary Path involves the transmutation of negative expressions of the personality and the breaking free of glamours of the lower worlds. Therefore, the test of money is one of the most important tests upon this stage, as it relates to the glamour of the material world and the greed or the goodwill in humanity. 

a. The difficulty behind the test of money is due to a wrong attitude to money. Enlarge briefly on this statement.

The difficulty behind the test of money is due to the wrong thought of humanity, which is affected by selfishness, greed and material desire. 

i. What is money?

Esoterically speaking, money is considered as concretised spiritual energy, as a means to real world work and thus together with it is the spiritual responsibility.  

ii. How do we develop a correct attitude to money?

We develop a correct attitude to money by nurturing the quality of selflessness and generosity so that we can use money as means for working towards higher causes and for the great common good.

iii. What is your attitude to money? Do you think you handle money in a manner congruent with spiritual values? Why or why not?

For me, my attitude to money is similar to materials in general. They should serve our basic needs and our group’s and the world’s needs but not our selfish desires. 

Yes, I think that I use money in a manner congruent with spiritual values. I always set aside a part of my income for sharing with others, or donation to charity or community works.

b. We are told that need, love and magnetic power are the three things which, consciously or unconsciously, and when manifesting simultaneously, attract money. (DINA I/272) How do you understand this statement?

“Need, love and magnetic power, when manifesting simultaneously attract money.” When the need is real, the love is unselfish and the magnetic force utilised is rightly motivated and animated by a spirit of love, the new group of the world servers then can act as magnets attracting money. Through right love, right thought or meditation, the financial requirements of the new group of the world servers will be realized.

GL…Thank you for your insights and experiences you have shared here Daisy. I tend to think it is important to formulate our own ideas on these topics and not just quote the master as it is in deliberation and pondering that discernment is achieved… I get the sense you have much to contribute and so wish to encourage you in this regard …As aspirants and disciples we continually review our performance and values – it is not an easy path but then what would we rather be doing – all the best to you - Geoff