The following dialogue between two students of the Alice Bailey teachings took place after this article was sent out:
The Search for Truth in the Matter of Channeled Esoteric Writings (Part I) – Michael D. Robbins (15-6-2016)
If you are new to this conversation, it is advised that you first read the essay at the link above before proceeding any further.
The dialogue is between Michael Robbins and Lyn Hebenstreit, exploring differences between the teachings of Alice A. Baily and Lucille Cedercrans. Both students are well known in the esoteric community for their specialisation in these two systems respectively. Michael is more pro Bailey, whilst Lyn uses both Bailey and Cedercrans.
Phillip Lindsay (Editor)
Letter #1
Letter #2
Letter #3
Letter #4
Letter #5
Letter #6
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1. I have the utmost respect for the work that Michael Robbins has done over many years and for his highly developed “esoteric sense”. If the esoteric community gave out Lifetime Achievement awards, Michael would be at the top of my list.
2. I have been a student of the Alice Bailey books (not an “A” student mind you) for over 40 years and consider them a pinnacle of esoteric tuition.
3. I hope the aim in this new forum is not merely to try to “prove” that the books of HP Blavatsky, and Alice Bailey are the only reliable source of Hierarchical teachings, but to build bridges to disciples around the world by sharing, comparing and rigorously analyzing esoteric concepts from various sources to “separate the wheat from the chaff” as Michael expressed it.
4. If Hierarchy is depending on the readers of AAB’s and HPB’s books alone for world salvage, I think we may be in trouble. The few of us left will probably all be dead before things really get going. In my opinion, Hierarchy is most likely working through many channels, many of which most of us are probably unaware. An abundance of Wisdom is emerging at an unprecedented rate – along with the distortions that intentionally or unintentionally impair this emergence. Hence the value of a forum such as this.
5. I think any “gem” from Hierarchy, regardless of source, should be considered a prized possession – if it strengthens one’s resolve to tread the spiritual path, inspires service to the Christ or aids in some way on the path of discipleship. Prospecting itself is good exercise in any event.
6. The students (and authors) of various streams of Hierarchical teachings have a long history of suspicion and mutual disrespect. Hopefully, disciples today can set the bar a little higher.
For example, here’s what Helena Roerich had to say about the books of Alice Bailey (translated haltingly from Russian):
“Many naive people believe, that the dark forces work only with evil, debauch and crimes. How they are mistaken. So the rough forces and forces of small degrees work only. Much more dangerous are those who comes under a mask of light of the Teaching. You already know such example. In America there is a very extensive society, and the head of it receives the doctrine from the teacher, which does not open his name, naming himself by the Tibetan Brother. We know, who disappears under this pseudonym. The force of him is great. And purpose of this teacher, personificates as though a Teacher of the White Brotherhood, is to attract in his staff so many as possible of the good and useful people, which otherwise could help effectively to the Great Plan of Masters, Plan of rescue of a planet.”
She goes on to say that the “best pages” of A Treatise of White Magic were “borrowed” from Agni Yoga and that all of AAB’s books are “deprived of the heat of heart.”
Phillip’s site discusses this issue a lot more thoroughly: https://esotericastrologer.org/articles/alice-a-bailey-h-p-blavatsky-and-helena-roerich-pt-ii/
7. AAB’s work doesn’t fare much better at the hands of many Theosophists. Some of the world’s best scholars of The Secret Doctrine won’t waste their time even opening A Treatise on Cosmic Fire because they already “know” that it can’t possibly compare with Blavatsky – apparently the last word from Hierarchy in their minds.
8. Regarding Michael’s excellent list of criteria for deciding what we believe. Item #4 concerns:
“Logic and the power of reason. By this means we notice harmonious relations between apparently related truths, or we notice discrepancies and deep contradictions which suggest that the ‘truths’ with which we are confronted and which contradict each other cannot all be really true.”
I think we might also benefit by keeping in mind the occult “Law of Paradox”. I think we’ve all run into that one. A quick quote for DK on this:
“There are many paradoxes in what I am here giving you, and apparently some contradictions where orthodox occultism is concerned, but that is ever the case as the teaching expands in content and the earlier all – inclusive facts are seen to be minor aspects of still greater facts.” (TEV, p.66)
9. Starting with an open mind is beneficial I think – but not so open that our brains fall out, as someone once said.
10. Assertion 1- the works of AAB are dated and passe. I agree with Michael that AAB’s works remain a priceless treasure for the contemporary disciple. It’s called Ageless Wisdom for a reason.
It seems from the mention of a claim that “these writings emanate from a very high Ashram which was formed in the later 1940’s” that this assertion is related to the works of Lucille Cedercrans.
I think it is important to differentiate between what students of Lucille’s work may think and what the teachings themselves actually say. I know of no reference by Lucille to this effect (or is it affect?). In fact, I often hear the same complaint about Lucille’s books.
11. Assertion 2 – that certain teachings are all that students of esotericism will need during the impending Age of Aquarius. I’m only familiar with the teachings of Lucille Cedercrans (in addition to Theosophy and AAB) and can’t tell if this assertion is pointed in that direction or not. Without specific quotes it’s hard again to differentiate between the teachings themselves and student opinions.
If, indeed, this assertion has reference to Lucille’s work, her first two books – Creative Thinking and Nature of the Soul are said by Master R to be just the “beginning” of the teachings. (Of course, not everyone will except at face value that Lucille is writing under impression by Master R, but I refer to it this way to differentiate what Lucille attributes to Master R versus her own opinion about things – another topic in and of itself).
In addition to the 12 or so volumes of Lucille’s work already published, there is more unpublished material and much still in “overshadowing” mentioned by Master R including volumes on Right Human Relations, Esoteric Mathematics, Every Man a Christ, The Disciple and Economy (the current book by that name has only the original Introduction. The rest of the book is extracted from other teachings via Lucille). There was also an 8 volume set of books on Cosmic Law alluded to by Master R that never saw the light of day. Lucille was not as well prepared as AAB it seems for her role as a communicating station for Hierarchy and failed to complete much of the work intended.
12. Assertion 3 – channeling Chohans. I agree, this is a tough one. Again, I assume that Michael is referring to the work of Lucille – and maybe others as well. He makes good points about why this seems unlikely. Not everything in life is likely, however, as unlikely as that seems.
One of Michael’s first points is that the Chohans are too busy trying to prevent a religious war to direct their attention to “any particular disciple in some small field of activity”. Although not an accurate comparison, we can recall that Master DK himself was dictating personal letters to a large group of not particularly advanced disciples all throughout World War II, possibly the greatest crisis since Atlantean times.
Points 2 and 3 suggest that the Hierarchy wouldn’t waste time repeating teachings that have already been given out in compelling form. That makes perfect sense, however, I would ask, are the books by AAB a repetition of Agni Yoga (as HR seemed to think)? Is Agni Yoga a repeat of the Secret Doctrine? It seems to me that each has its own purpose, and its own intended audience. Is it possible that there are other audiences and other purposes that Hierarchy intends to fulfill?
Just a couple thoughts about items 4-7. There may be some “channelers” that aspire to be a Chohanic amanuensis, but Lucille wasn’t one of them. When she made first contact with what she called the “Presence” (that years later she came to identify as the Master R) she was a 27-year-old high school dropout and mother of five living in Boise, ID who didn’t know her ajna from her elbow. She was contacted by a “Presence” one uneventful day in her kitchen, raised to a higher state of consciousness and given the choice to “continue the process, learn the full meaning of life, and become a teacher of this wisdom.” The Prescence went on to say, “This would benefit many people, far beyond family and friends. It is important for humanity.” “Like I even knew who humanity was,” she quips in her autobiography, perhaps revealing how unfit she felt herself to be.
While Lucille may seem an odd choice for such a role, Master R, many years later, indicated that Lucille had been in training in his ashram for several hundred years.
Is communication with a Chohan unprecedented? No – my next door neighbor was in contact with the Master KH and Lord Maitreya on a regular basis. OK, I lived next door to Krishnamurti for a year or so – maybe not your average neighbor.
In regard to the reappearance of the Christ, Master DK says that “disciples everywhere will find themselves increasingly sensitive to His quality, His voice and His teaching; they will be “overshadowed” by Him in many cases, just as before, He overshadowed His disciple Jesus; through this overshadowing of disciples in all lands, He will duplicate Himself repeatedly. The effectiveness and the potency of the overshadowed disciple will be amazing.
One of the first experiments He made as He prepared for this form of activity was in connection with Krishnamurti. It was only partially successful.”
If the Christ is experimenting with “overshadowing” disciples everywhere, is it possible that the Mahachohan might also do something along the same lines?
As another example, high quality transmissions from Master R were purportedly received at Findhorn through David Spangler in the early 1970s. Findhorn was one of the most well-known spiritual Light centers in the world at the time and closely related to the work Lucille was doing in the US judging from the similar subjective personnel and emphasis on the Avatar of Synthesis (Findhorn at that time was referred by Master R as an outpost of the “Brotherhood of Synthesis”. Lucille called the source of her impressions the “Ashram of Synthesis”.
13. Assertion 4 about the etherealization of the earth. Michael makes a very good case that terra firm will be around for quite a while. I’m sold.
14. Assertion about the physical reappearance of the Christ. I agree that both Master DK and Master R (via Lucille) assert that the Christ and his Hierarchy will reappear on the dense physical plane of our planet in physical (or seemingly physical) bodies. Of course, they will also manifest on the inner planes through various forms of energetic presence. (Good to see that common ground is growing).
Dear Lyn,
MDR 18Jun16: Thank you for your letter in response. You and I have been dialoguing on these matters (and in general on matters concerning the Ageless Wisdom)—both outwardly and inwardly for quite a number of years now. I have great respect for your knowledge of the Wisdom and admiration for all you and Tara have done in a practical way for those far less fortunate than are we in wealthy Western countries. Together you have offered a tremendous service which stands as a selfless example to the world esoteric community.
I assume that whatever dialogue ensues between us will be retained upon the plane of mind and will be pursued with the mutual respect we both hold for each other. Of course, we will speak frankly and from our own perspectives or from the perspective of the teaching we most focally represent. One day all will be utterly clear to the initiate who understands all these issues directly through observation. There are many matters in which that infallible, confirmatory approach is not yet possible, and so one proceeds reasonably and with caution, realizing that, as human beings, we all believe many things we are in no position to verify.
I suppose when all is said and done, you and I will agree to disagree on a number of points and as the decades and centuries elapse, proof will come regarding whether it was rationally justifiable to hold certain thoughts and expectations or whether it was not.
So then, some responses after MDR 18Jun16 – including the date as more exchanges may ensue.
Comment:
LH: 1. I have the utmost respect for the work that Michael Robbins has done over many years and for his highly developed “esoteric sense”. If the esoteric community gave out Lifetime Achievement awards, Michael would be at the top of my list.MDR 18Jun16: Well, I guess we have a mutual admiration society going here. Further, I know that in dialoguing with you, we will not descend into the ‘strictly personal’ and will reserve judgment where necessary as we both love the Truth.
LH: 2. I have been a student of the Alice Bailey books (not an “A” student mind you) for over 40 years and consider them a pinnacle of esoteric tuition.
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, your respect for the Bailey/DK Teaching has been clear and you have pursued it with clarity of mind and in good faith. – so I perceive.
LH: 3. I hope the aim in this new forum is not merely to try to “prove” that the books of HP Blavatsky, and Alice Bailey are the only reliable source of Hierarchical teachings, but to build bridges to disciples around the world by sharing, comparing and rigorously analyzing esoteric concepts from various sources to “separate the wheat from the chaff” as Michael expressed it.
MDR 18Jun16: I guess we all have our standards of comparison, but, indeed, as you suggest the factor of enlightened analysis should, where possible, be applied and from this the truth (as much as we limited human beings can perceive it) should emerge. H.P.B. and A.A.B. are just the beginning of occultism’s move towards the West. There is so much in the Buddhist libraries which has not been translated or interpreted, and far, far more in the Libraries of Shamballa (so to speak) which has not seen the light of day and will only be revealed as appropriate in a well-timed manner. I am sure we both agree that there is a “continuity of revelation” constantly in process. It can be applied to religious teaching (where it is stubbornly and even violently opposed by some groups) or it can be applied to the Light of the Ageless Wisdom.
What we need to do is look for points of commonality and points of contradiction which must be resolved—either by rejecting one or other of the conflicting alternatives, or by taking a more elevated and insightful position in consciousness from which the apparent conflict can be resolved. Not everything can be resolved, but blatant contradictions can at least be noted; then it is up to each aspirant or disciple to determine how he or she deals with the cognitive dissonance produced. To carelessly ignore the contradictions should not be the way of the disciple intent upon illumination.
LH: 4. If Hierarchy is depending on the readers of AAB’s and HPB’s books alone for world salvage, I think we may be in trouble. The few of us left will probably all be dead before things really get going.
MDR 18Jun16: Well, as we know it is a three-part offering of bridging Treatises, and around the year 2025 we can, according to the Tibetan, expect the third part or third installment. Whether such as you or I are alive or dead, we will probably be back just as the third installment is really gathering steam and will be able to continue offering the Light of the Ageless Wisdom to humanity.
I also think that there will be many developments in the next decade or so (not all of them pleasant) which will render humanity more sober and responsive to the esoteric teaching. Somewhere DK wrote that humanity would realize that it could not solve its problems entirely on its own. The implication is that humanity would invoke the Presence of Hierarchy. We are taught (EXH 530) that “…at the great General Assembly of the Hierarchy—held as usual every century—in 2025 the date in all probability will be set for the first stage of the externalisation of the Hierarchy.” We see that we are really not very far advanced into the project, but that definite hierarchical actions are impending I do think there is sufficient momentum in the Teaching to instruct disciples about what they must do to assist with this all-important process. Really, this highlighted statement is very encouraging and, in my view, can be trusted.
Additionally, DK assured us that there were more readers of His books that we realize. I suggest that the forces available can see to it that the first two instalments of His Teaching are held with clarity before the eyes of humanity in such a way that they can serve as a continued source of inspiration and spiritual propulsion.
LH: In my opinion, Hierarchy is most likely working through many channels, many of which most of us are probably unaware.
MDR 18Jun16: I assume you use the word “channels” in a generic sense. I do agree in the following sense—there are many disciples and initiates who are illumined by the Light, Love and Will of Hierarchy and they are bringing the Ageless Wisdom before the minds and hearts of humanity. The question of major bodies of hierarchical Teaching is, however, to be carefully investigated. That is a different matter than the general outpouring of light, love and sacrificial will from those who are affiliated in differing degrees of intensity with the Hierarchy.
LH: An abundance of Wisdom is emerging at an unprecedented rate – along with the distortions that intentionally or unintentionally impair this emergence. Hence the value of a forum such as this.
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, above all, as clearly and impersonally as possible, let us determine, within the range of our capabilities, what teachings can be completely trusted, and what teachings are embroiled in contradiction (even though heartily accepted by a significant number of people). There are, for instance areas of the AAB. Teaching which people strongly reject because of their own personal attachments; such are the teachings around the Jewish Group and homosexuality. The Christians, too, will offer their fair share of rejection, imagining that it was AAB who wrote the sections of text to which they object (not DK) and on a “bad day” at that!
LH: 5. I think any “gem” from Hierarchy, regardless of source, should be considered a prized possession – if it strengthens one’s resolve to tread the spiritual path, inspires service to the Christ or aids in some way on the path of discipleship. Prospecting itself is good exercise in any event.
MDR 18Jun16: I must agree with the way you have presented this thought. If people are strengthened in their resolve to tread the spiritual path (avoiding harm to fellow travellers and to hierarchical intention) and if they serve the Christ, and especially at this moment, plans for His Reappearance, then any teaching which does such things can be considered useful. Understanding of the degree of exact accuracy in any teaching will emerge in time. If, however, the “ancient landmarks” to use Masonic terminology, are disturbed, distorted or ignored, then we have a problem, and those who imagine they are treading a reliable spiritual path, may be wandering farther and farther from the real Spiritual Path as Hierarchy understands it and sanctions it.
LH: 6. The students (and authors) of various streams of Hierarchical teachings have a long history of suspicion and mutual disrespect. Hopefully, disciples today can set the bar a little higher.
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, we are all mortal in our present form and fallible, and we have our “good days” of illumined vision and our “bad days” of vision obscured.
LH: For example, here’s what Helena Roerich had to say about the books of Alice Bailey (translated haltingly from Russian):
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, I received, some years ago and with shock, what HR had said about AAB—especially given that for a number of years they were apparently friends, working, as I understand it, in the same building on 42nd St in New York.
LH: “Many naive people believe, that the dark forces work only with evil, debauch and crimes. How they are mistaken. So the rough forces and forces of small degrees work only. Much more dangerous are those who comes under a mask of light of the Teaching. You already know such example. In America there is a very extensive society, and the head of it receives the doctrine from the teacher, which does not open his name, naming himself by the Tibetan Brother. We know, who disappears under this pseudonym. The force of him is great. And purpose of this teacher, personificates as though a Teacher of the White Brotherhood, is to attract in his staff so many as possible of the good and useful people, which otherwise could help effectively to the Great Plan of Masters, Plan of rescue of a planet.”
MDR 18Jun16: Phillip Lindsay once did an excellent essay on the astrology of Helena Roerich, demonstrating the probable source of this type of suspicion—even paranoia. As I recall the sign Scorpio was involved.
No, none of us is perfect, and even Arhats or those on the border of such a degree, demonstrate their fallible humanity.
We all have to decide for ourselves. The Buddha counselled Self-reliance. People can say whatever, but we accept or reject according to the light within our consciousness. One cannot read The Rays and the Initiations or A Treatise on Cosmic Fire and give much credence to what Mme. Roerich wrote in this instance. Thus the need for keen discrimination (fourth subplane of the mental plane) and, even higher, spiritual discernment (third subplane). We decide for ourselves, as I would expect every true disciple to do, regardless of what I have written or you have written in defense of or in the questioning of any given teaching.
LH: She goes on to say that the “best pages” of A Treatise of White Magic were “borrowed” from Agni Yoga and that all of AAB’s books are “deprived of the heat of heart.”
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, if it were not so sad, it would be humorous. Everyone who have read the Agni Yoga Books carefully and A Treatise on White Magic carefully, knows that such a statement is without foundation.
One my major complaints about the quality of consciousness of the members of the world esoteric community is that they lack in sufficient intensity the type of discrimination and discernment I am talking about. (And, of course, I am working on the same.) It is great to be inclusive, but the search for quality must accompany the will-to-include, if the result is to be hierarchical in nature.
I also do a lot of work with Spirit and Identification. From such a perspective, quality makes no difference at all, as all things are One in Being—but that is another curriculum.
LH: Phillip’s site discusses this issue a lot more thoroughly: https://esotericastrologer.org/articles/alice-a-bailey-h-p-blavatsky-and-helena-roerich-pt-ii/
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, it’s a good lesson in humility for all.
LH: 7. AAB’s work doesn’t fare much better at the hands of many Theosophists. Some of the world’s best scholars of The Secret Doctrine won’t waste their time even opening A Treatise on Cosmic Fire because they already “know” that it can’t possibly compare with Blavatsky – apparently the last word from Hierarchy in their minds.
MDR 18Jun16: Well, we have a principle here—the principle of the continuity of revelation. A certain world religion with more than a billion members is assured that their Prophet has said the last word on truth for all time. We can see the limitations of mind and emotion at work. Esoteric groups, “the most glamoured” of all groups, are certainly not immune.
“Occult bodies and esoteric groups are, at this time, the most glamoured of any of the world groups;…” (EXH, p.571)
LH: 8. Regarding Michael’s excellent list of criteria for deciding what we believe. Item #4 concerns:
“Logic and the power of reason. By this means we notice harmonious relations between apparently related truths, or we notice discrepancies and deep contradictions which suggest that the ‘truths’ with which we are confronted and which contradict each other cannot all be really true.”
MDR 18Jun16: At least, we need far deeper insight fed by true intuition to resolve contradictions which apparently exist but do not in fact exist. The Tibetan often seems to contradict Himself, but when a larger picture is understood, what appeared as contradiction is demonstrated as concordant from different ‘altitudes’ of consciousness.
LH: I think we might also benefit by keeping in mind the occult “Law of Paradox”. I think we’ve all run into that one. A quick quote for DK on this:
MDR 18Jun16: True Ontology is full of paradox. If one gets into The Secret Doctrine on cosmogony, one is confronted with it immediately. I would suggest however, that we differentiate between true paradox requiring the real intuition for solution, and false paradoxes which “the acute energy of divine mental perception” could solve. Sometimes when we cannot reconcile an apparent conflict in thought, we call it a paradox, when, in fact, it is simply our own inability to think clearly which prevents us from solving the apparent paradox.
LH: “There are many paradoxes in what I am here giving you, and apparently some contradictions where orthodox occultism is concerned, but that is ever the case as the teaching expands in content and the earlier all – inclusive facts are seen to be minor aspects of still greater facts.” (TEV, p.66)
MDR 18Jun16: What is needed, He implies, is an ever-expanding and ever-deepening point of view. Then as the larger contexts are more fully and deeply understood, the apparent paradoxes of previous assessments are naturally resolved. Thus, the consciousness must continue to grow in scope, depth and refinement.
I have given a lot of thought to true contradictions and only apparent contradictions. To distinguish one from the other is not easy. Apparent contradictions will be reconciled in time with greater learning and understanding; true contradictions require judgment and decision. One cannot “serve two masters”. Master M. brings this home graphically when describing the sad fate of a very ambitious, spiritually greedy student who took on chelaship from two or more teachers instead of sticking with one. When each of the two or three sent the whirlwind which should have empowered the student, he was instead torn apart by the conflicting, though well-intended, forces.
LH: 9. Starting with an open mind is beneficial I think – but not so open that our brains fall out, as someone once said.
MDR 18Jun16: It’s a good caution. We are dealing somewhat with Pisces (and its global receptivity) and Virgo (with its keen selectivity).
LH: 10. Assertion 1- the works of AAB are dated and passe. I agree with Michael that AAB’s works remain a priceless treasure for the contemporary disciple. It’s called Ageless Wisdom for a reason.
MDR 18Jun16: It is a limited formulation of the “unfettered enlightenment” of Shamballa—a small part of it, but something foundational and reliable which we must assimilate and apply in service.
LH: It seems from the mention of a claim that “these writings emanate from a very high Ashram which was formed in the later 1940’s” that this assertion is related to the works of Lucille Cedercrans.
MDR 18Jun16: The ‘height’ of the Ashram of Synthesis or as DK discusses in the 1946 Wesak Letter, an Ashram which emphasizes the note of Wisdom, must be clearly analyzed. And of course, so often, students of LC speak of the superseded nature of the Tibetan’s writings. I have attempted to show that, so many of them, derived as they are from the Archives of Hierarchy or Shamballa, are hardly to be deemed superseded, passé or dated. Every writing reflects something of the writing style of the time in which it was written, and language changes, of course, but deep students of the Ancient Rules cannot imagine how this second installment of a three-part series of bridging Treatises can be viewed as superseded.
LH: I think it is important to differentiate between what students of Lucille’s work may think and what the teachings themselves actually say.
MDR 18Jun16: Of course, this is a good point. Our little minds and brains have only so much capacity, and people do reject that which causes the discomfort of insistent pressure towards expansion. DK asked us if we could “stand the strain of knowing”. Apparently, it is a real strain and not all can withstand it.
LH: I know of no reference by Lucille to this effect (or is it affect?). In fact, I often hear the same complaint about Lucille’s books.
MDR 18Jun16: Well, you would know best as you are very familiar probably with all that she has written. I hear what is said or implied in writing.
LH: 11. Assertion 2 – that certain teachings are all that students of esotericism will need during the impending Age of Aquarius. I’m only familiar with the teachings of Lucille Cedercrans (in addition to Theosophy and AAB) and can’t tell if this assertion is pointed in that direction or not. Without specific quotes it’s hard again to differentiate between the teachings themselves and student opinions.
MDR 18Jun16: Thus it was earnestly and factually spoken to me by someone I trust and know relatively well. This person was very familiar with the LC teachings—far more so than I. I am sure you have heard this spoken and maybe can locate this assertion or something similar in her writings.
It is, of course, a tendency among the devotees of certain teachings to consider the teaching around which they gather the be-all and end-all. One cannot do that with the Bailey Work because Master DK has so strenuously warned against it, and, further, promised a third installment in a relatively few years.
MDR 18Jun16: Maybe there is nothing in the LC teaching which suggests this, even though some of its more avid students may say so? Or did I misunderstand? You will know the teaching better than I.
LH: If, indeed, this assertion has reference to Lucille’s work, her first two books – Creative Thinking and Nature of the Soul are said by Master R to be just the “beginning” of the teachings. (Of course, not everyone will except at face value that Lucille is writing under impression by Master R, but I refer to it this way to differentiate what Lucille attributes to Master R versus her own opinion about things – another topic in and of itself).
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, I can see this would be another topic and an important one. I am one who questions the attribution of Master R’s authorship to the LC books. I question for a number of reasons: 1) as Francis Bacon He was a supreme master of the English language; I do not find this in the LC work. In fact, perhaps in some material you provided me with, LC said it was she who wrote the words or at least chose them. Maybe this is the way some amanuenses work. We are told that in the case of Esoteric Astrology, about which AAB knew very little, the impression was pretty much word for dictated word. 2) Another reason which causes me to doubt is the Tibetan’s statement, later discussed, that Chohans would not be working with dictation because of their great world responsibilities.
It can be debated whether Master R assumed the Mahachohanship in 1925 when a majority of the Hierarchy moved to a buddhic plane focus, or later in the 1940’s but by the 1940’s He was certainly in that tremendous hierarchical position. It is very difficult for me to give credence to the idea that a newly made Mahachohan, in the midst of an ongoing world crisis which could spell the end of humanity as we know it, would begin to instruct a small group of students about certain things concerning which (according to the Tibetan) a great deal had already been given on the Teaching Ray. The Master R. does take pupils, but, with the Master H., more along the third ray line (according to the Tibetan IHS, p.58-59) and not as many pupils as Masters M, KH, DK, and J. The Work of Master R in the field of esoteric ritual, economics, the reorganization of civilization, etc. seems to me a very different line of instruction than that which is the focus of the LC material, though some books, either given to intended to be given, may relate to those subjects.
Can I prove this? No I cannot, but this is my impression and causes me to doubt that assertion that R. per se, is behind the LC work as One Who had dictated it. Many disciples receive impression in general from the Ashram with which they are affiliated as members or towards which they are trending, but that is a different matter than direct dictation from the Mahachohan of our planet. But then, LC, said the words were hers, if I am correct, so it probably will be said that the teaching was under the impression of Master R but was not direct dictation.
LH: In addition to the 12 or so volumes of Lucille’s work already published, there is more unpublished material and much still in “overshadowing” mentioned by Master R including volumes on Right Human Relations, Esoteric Mathematics,
MDR 18Jun16: I will be very interested in what comes forth as Esoteric Mathematics.
It begins to seem that the method is not dictation per se, but impression, left to the capacities (adequate or not) or the receiver, or as students of LC seem to call it, the “station”.
Let us see about Right Human Relations. Master DK wrote so extensively on it that it will be interesting to compare. It does not seem like a third ray/seventh ray theme—more a second ray theme.
LH: Every Man a Christ, The Disciple and Economy (the current book by that name has only the original Introduction. The rest of the book is extracted from other teachings via Lucille).
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, The Disciple and the Economy, now that would be a third ray/seventh ray theme. I reference the third ray in relation to Master R because undoubtedly He is a third ray Monad (though a seventh ray soul), and His responsibility as, shall we say, Brahma among the Three Great Lords, concerns the manner in which the third ray subsumes the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh.
LH: There was also an 8 volume set of books on Cosmic Law alluded to by Master R that never saw the light of day.
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, it would be great subject. Of course A Treatise on Cosmic Fire is full of discussion about various Laws and Rules, so let us see what emerges. There was an Arcane School set which I believe was called “Cosmic Law” or “Occult Law”—something to that effect. In lieu of what might come forth under another amanuenses (and I am sure that people wonder whether they might be one to bring it forth), we have in DK the Three Cosmic Laws, the Seven Systemic Laws, the Seven Laws of the Soul, the Fifteen Rules for White Magic, the Seven Techniques of Integration, the Three Techniques of Fusion, the Six Laws and Principles of Esoteric Work, the Laws and Rules of Esoteric Healing, the Fourteen Rules for Individual Initiation, the Fourteen Rules for Disciples and Initiates, etc. No doubt I am forgetting something, but the subject is well covered, yet who could deny the possibility of further amplification?
LH: Lucille was not as well prepared as AAB it seems for her role as a communicating station for Hierarchy and failed to complete much of the work intended.
MDR 18Jun16: As I understand it, her horoscope showed a Gemini Ascendant with close to the same degree in which AAB had her Sun-sign position. I am familiar with the Aries Sun-sign. The Moon appears to be in Pisces and close to the MC. That position can be the source of interesting phenomena. That Uranus is close to the Moon and the MC is interesting in its seventh ray implications.
There also seems to be some unusual attribution of the MC as referring most specifically to the personality and its work in the world. That is at best a partial presentation. The Sun-sign (and the planets) must of course be considered.
LH: 12. Assertion 3 – channeling Chohans. I agree, this is a tough one. Again, I assume that Michael is referring to the work of Lucille – and maybe others as well. He makes good points about why this seems unlikely. Not everything in life is likely, however, as unlikely as that seems.
MDR 18Jun16: This statement by DK seems to me to be quite convincing and a point to be retained in the midst of all the extensive claims of Chohan-Channeling. Of course, there is LC and the Mahachohan (which I find improbable) but also Morya, KH and DK are ‘speaking’ voluminously through a number of clearly unreliable sources (in ‘pink ink’ as I have sometimes joked), and saying, in my view, next to nothing of value. At this time, and in my thought, given what DK has said, I find the probability of dictation from a Chohan low. That a disciple may receive impression from her Ashram, and bring forth that impression in her own words (as LC appeared to state) is far more probable. That is the task of disciples—to tune in with the Ashram they represent and to write accordingly for the enlightenment of humanity. DK kept his identity concealed until AAB gave it away through a clerical error. He simply wanted the Teaching to stand on its own merits. I think that is a good policy.
LH: One of Michael’s first points is that the Chohans are too busy trying to prevent a religious war
MDR 18Jun16: I used that example, but conditions in relation to all Ashram are dire.
LH: to direct their attention to “any particular disciple in some small field of activity”.
MDR 18Jun16: Part of the inference is mine, and part belongs to DK. The Christ is attempting to prevent a “final war”. The Chohans are busy in various ways and the world situation is far more dangerous than many may suspect. I do not think the reasons for the lack of Chohanic dictation have at all abated.
LH: Although not an accurate comparison, we can recall that Master DK himself was dictating personal letters to a large group of not particularly advanced disciples all throughout World War II, possibly the greatest crisis since Atlantean times.
MDR 18Jun16: I suspect that worse could be on its way. And, of course, in the pertinent paragraphs DK did deal with some Masters who were working on a small scale through dictation, but not Chohans. That was His point.
“None of the Masters of the sixth initiation (such as the Masters M and KH) are at this time working through dictation with Their disciples. They are too much engrossed with world problems, and with the work of watching over the destinies of the prominent world figures in the various nations, to have any opportunity to dictate teaching to any particular disciple in some small field of activity and upon subjects of which sufficient is already known to enable the disciple to go ahead alone and unaided. Two of the Masters are working telepathically and through dictation with several accepted disciples, and Their effort is to inspire these disciples, who are active in world work, to greater usefulness in the Plan. They are working in this way in order to impress a few of the prominent thinkers in the field of science and of social welfare with the needed knowledge which will enable them to make the right moves in the emergence of the race into greater freedom. But I know of no others, in this particular generation, who are so doing, for They have delegated much of this work to Their initiates and disciples. The bulk of the communicators today (working through aspirants on the physical plane) are active working chelas of accepted degree who (living as they do in the thought aura of the Master and His group) are steadily endeavouring to reach all kinds of people, all over the world, [Page 109] in all groups. Hence the increasing flood of communications, of inspired writings, and of personal messages and teaching.” (EP I, p.108-109)
LH: Points 2 and 3 suggest that the Hierarchy wouldn’t waste time repeating teachings that have already been given out in compelling form. That makes perfect sense, however, I would ask, are the books by AAB a repetition of Agni Yoga (as HR seemed to think)?
MDR 18Jun16: I understand what you are driving at and of course, you know my answer. Those two series of books are entirely different. They don’t use anywhere near the same terminology and their notes are remarkably distinct from each other.
LH: Is Agni Yoga a repeat of the Secret Doctrine? It seems to me that each has its own purpose, and its own intended audience. Is it possible that there are other audiences and other purposes that Hierarchy intends to fulfill?
MDR 18Jun16: One cannot fault the intent of your questions here. One has to get into the purposes, the rays involved, the distinction of the various teachings if, in fact, distinct.
LH: Just a couple thoughts about items 4 -7. There may be some “channelers” that aspire to be a Chohanic amanuensis, but Lucille wasn’t one of them. When she made first contact with what she called the “Presence” (that years later she came to identify as the Master R) she was a 27-year-old high school dropout and mother of five living in Boise, ID who didn’t know her ajna from her elbow.
MDR 18Jun16: I do not doubt that P/presences contact people and may have something to say. The question will remain for me at least (though not for those who are convinced) whether that Presence was indeed Master R., or from the Ashram, or something other.
LH: She was contacted by a “Presence” one uneventful day in her kitchen, raised to a higher state of consciousness and given the choice to “continue the process, learn the full meaning of life, and become a teacher of this wisdom.” The Prescence went on to say, “This would benefit many people, far beyond family and friends. It is important for humanity.” “Like I even knew who humanity was,” she quips in her autobiography, perhaps revealing how unfit she felt herself to be.
MDR 18Jun16: OK—I do not doubt the story and, given the manner in which DK contacted A.A.B., it is perhaps not so unusual. So of course, the circumstances and the words here related are inspiring.
LH: While Lucille may seem an odd choice for such a role, Master R, many years later, indicated that Lucille had been in training in his ashram for several hundred years.
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, of course, interesting. What is said between a source and its amanuensis can only be reported. There is no possibility (for us at this time) of objective evaluation. Let each respond to such statements as he or she will.
LH: Is communication with a Chohan unprecedented? No – my next door neighbor was in contact with the Master KH and Lord Maitreya on a regular basis. OK, I lived next door to Krishnamurti for a year or so – maybe not your average neighbor.
MDR 18Jun16: I understand your point. In all fairness and looking at the dates involved, that type of experiment took place well before the statement by the Tibetan that Chohans like M. and KH would not be working that way—i.e., through dictation (and, well before he was your neighbour). But of course, They do work with power on the inner planes and people are, of course, affected.
LH: In regard to the reappearance of the Christ, Master DK says that “disciples everywhere will find themselves increasingly sensitive to His quality, His voice and His teaching; they will be “overshadowed” by Him in many cases, just as before, He overshadowed His disciple Jesus; through this overshadowing of disciples in all lands, He will duplicate Himself repeatedly. The effectiveness and the potency of the overshadowed disciple will be amazing.
MDR 18Jun16: No doubt very inspiring and a state of communication to come after many requirements are fulfilled. This is a wonderful section and points to a time when humanity has probably passed certain tests. I have always found it very interesting to consider DK’s thought that when the Christ reappears, it will indicate that humanity has taken the first initiation.
LH: One of the first experiments He made as He prepared for this form of activity was in connection with Krishnamurti. It was only partially successful.”
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, this is what is reported.
LH: If the Christ is experimenting with “overshadowing” disciples everywhere, is it possible that the Mahachohan might also do something along the same lines?
MDR 18Jun16: We cannot say that it is impossible. The ray line of overshadowing would be different—not along the teaching line per se. The Great Ones do try to influence disciples, as Master M. works with statesmen, and KH probably with members of various philosophical and religious bodies. I can certainly see Master R. working in the field of economics, ritual and international organization but not so much dealing with second ray issues like, “the nature of the soul”.
LH: As another example, high quality transmissions from Master R were purportedly received at Findhorn through David Spangler in the early 1970s.
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, I am familiar with this and with David who is a disciple of high quality and who has attended the SRI/USR Conferences either in person or electronically on a few occasions.
LH: Findhorn was one of the most well-known spiritual Light centers in the world at the time and closely related to the work Lucille was doing in the US judging from the similar subjective personnel and emphasis on the Avatar of Synthesis (Findhorn at that time was referred by Master R as an outpost of the “Brotherhood of Synthesis”. Lucille called the source of her impressions the “Ashram of Synthesis”.
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, the Ashram the note of which was primarily Wisdom. At least this is how DK referred to it in the 1946 Wesak Message.
Speaking of this Ashram, I have always considered it an intra-hierarchical Ashram.
The following with which I am sure you are familiar, is what leads me to conclude that the New Wisdom Ashram concerns Shamballa and Hierarchy more than humanity, per se:
DK: “April-May 1946
I have delayed writing my usual Wesak message until this late date because of a certain event in the Hierarchy which was maturing and which necessitated my entire attention. This event was connected with the Wesak Festival and involved among other matters the formation of a new Ashram in which the Wisdom aspect would be of particular importance and not the Love aspect; this Ashram would also be related in a peculiar manner to the Buddha. It had to be formed at this time in order to be the recipient, and then the custodian, of certain “endowments” which the Buddha will bring at the time of the May Full Moon.
The endowments concern the will-to-good of the Lord of the World, the Ancient of Days, though they do not concern goodwill as you understand that phrase. This Ashram, when duly formed and established, will enable the Members of the Hierarchy to respond to this aspect of the divine Purpose—the Purpose which as you know lies behind and implements the Plan; this Ashram, related to the Buddha, will be specifically under the close supervision of the Christ, and also of the Lord of Civilisation—at this time the Master R. They are the only two Members of the Hierarchy able to register the divine Purpose (in regard to its immediate objectives) in such a manner that the entire Hierarchy can be informed and can then work unitedly and intelligently at its implementation. More than this I may not tell you about this particular hierarchical move, affecting as it does both Shamballa and the Hierarchy.” (EXH 541)
I know some of the LC writings which explain to certain students how it was that they (based upon their past) are now members of the Ashram of Synthesis—it was actually you who showed them to me long ago. However, I persist in thinking that this Wisdom Ashram of which DK writes, is very high in its nature and that most who say they are “members” of such an Ashram, could not qualify for the rigors involved in membership in even a lesser Ashram directed by a Master (necessitating the third degree for real membership)—let alone enter an Ashram inspired by the Buddha, the Christ and the Mahachohan for which even Masters, in general, might be unqualified. For me the Wisdom Ashram is internal to Hierarchy, and though students may be enthused about the possibility of engaging in synthesis, that would demand a level of Spirit-identification which few of them possess. It demands an antahkarana close to completion for the human stage and reaching through the spiritual triad to the Monad. This I have not seen. Instead I have seen aspiration towards such objectives (all well and good) but nothing like real and necessary achievement. I have simply heard claims.
So for the moment I sustain the thought of the intra-hierarchical nature of the Wisdom Ashram.
LH: 13. Assertion 4 about the etherealization of the earth. Michael makes a very good case that terra firm will be around for quite a while. I’m sold.
MDR 18Jun16: My objective Lyn (and the objective of those with whom I work) is to attempt to clarify the mental field concerning what may be worthy of belief and what may not be; why people believe what they believe. At least this should be given some thought and the premises upon which we found our belief should be examined. Many in our field accept without analysis. I think we could all do better.
LH: 14. Assertion about the physical reappearance of the Christ. I agree that both Master DK and Master R (via Lucille) assert that the Christ and his Hierarchy will reappear on the dense physical plane of our planet in physical (or seemingly physical) bodies.
MDR 18Jun16: Most, I suspect, will express through a mayavirupa which is tangibly physical enough, though created from a triadal impulse through the permanent atoms of the spiritual triad. People seem to forget that the Christ has His own mayavirupa made of physical substance (on its lowest levels) and not simply of etheric, substantial matter.
LH: Of course, they will also manifest on the inner planes through various forms of energetic presence. (Good to see that common ground is growing).
MDR 18Jun16: Yes, it’s quite amazing. People in various groups share some perspectives in common while other perspectives they do not share. In Master M.’s words, what we need is “straight knowledge”. This will come with the antahkarana, triadal focus and finally, the fourth initiation and beyond. The importance of Lord Maitreya’s dense physical appearance cannot be overestimated.
MDR 18Jun16: Lyn, I thank you for your perspectives. You are always a thinking person and fair-minded. I am sure we both want to see aspirants and disciples move forward on the Path of Spirituality in the most successful way and unburdened (as much as possible) by glamour and illusion. It is not possible to clarify all points at this time as to what constitutes glamour and illusion in any presentation of teaching, but the advocates of any teaching must be on the alert.
Soon I will want to speak to you and others about the possibility of taking five initiations simultaneously. That particular doctrine is in direct collision with tens and even hundreds of pages of DK’s exacting, technical writing. As you know, and as we have discussed, I find the prospect most dubious and misleading and will soon be indicating why. I am sure we can get into an interesting dialogue on that subject.
Meanwhile, we can continue to discuss what is credible in the field of esotericism and why we believe it to be so. I trust that these various dialogues on various assertions re truth in esotericism have the potential of bringing all true students closer to an accurate understanding of the truth—regardless of what teaching or teacher proposes it, and this would be, I certainly believe, desirable.
Light, Love and Power,
Michael
Letter from LRH Received 22Jun16
Dear Lyn, Thank you for your thoughtful letter below. As usual let me offer my interleaved comments after MDR:
But first I want to go on record as saying that when students gather together around some teaching, giving it their best meditative and studential approach, good may well arise and probably will, regardless of whether there are some errors in the teaching. I do not wish to imply that all concepts must necessarily be correct in a given teaching for students to benefit and make a significant contribution in service to the world. I hope to be understood in this regard. My present search is for Truth in Esotericism, using, I hope, the soul illumined mind and the most trustworthy hierarchical sources in this search. At least it may cause some to question and think carefully about that which they have simply assumed to be true. This approach is, I believe, conducive to spiritual maturity—and we all need that.
Dear Michael,LH: Thanks for your additional comments. Here are a few thoughts from my side.
1. Regarding your initial Assertion 2 – that Lucille’s teachings are all that students of esotericism will need during the impending Age of Aquarius, you comment that you are sure I have “heard this spoken and maybe can locate this assertion or something similar in her writings.”
The passage that comes to mind is one from Ashramic Projections:
“The Nature of the Soul series contains, within a particular frequency, the totality of the Thought-form Presentation. That means that that Thought-form Presentation finds its entry into the world via concepts contained within The Nature of the Soul.
MDR: Lyn, what is the “totality of the Thought-form Presentation”. I am reminded that as Master DK dictated to AAB, she became aware of vast vistas of thought and realization that would never make it into the books the Master was dictating. Perhaps the key lies in the words “within a particular frequency”. Just what is that frequency? I am always cautious when I read words like “totality”, especially given the Principle of the Continuity of Revelation.
LH: If, in receiving an impression from The New Thought-form Presentation as it is held in solution, you receive a concept that seems to be entirely new, look for it in The Nature of the Soul series and you will find it there.
MDR: Is this not quite a claim? I want to make sure I understand and do not jump to conclusions. I do imagine that entirely new concepts (new to humanity) will, for instance, be revealed throughout the Greater Platonic Age of Aquarius of some 25,000 + years, and I also imagine that such concepts will not be found in the present Nature of the Soul Work nor in any revelation, including those given by Master DK or Master M at this time.
LH: It will be new only insofar as your own understanding is concerned. By the time the student has completed The Nature of the Soul, he has touched on the point of entry for every concept held in solution within The New Thought-form Presentation of The Wisdom.”
MDR: I know Lucille was an Aries Sun-sign and that for such people the word “new” is often used, as I, another Aries type, have also used it. But what is it that really makes what LC presented the new thoughtform presentation of the Teachings. If Master DK is good to His word, within about nine or ten years, the third installment in His series of “bridging Treatises” will begin to be offered, perhaps with a different amanuensis. What should this concluding offering (for this time) be called? Is it somehow not as new as the New Thoughtform Presentation of the Teachings which LC has offered? Is it “old”? When it presents knowledge from the Hierarchical and Shamballic Libraries, which are ageless what should it be called? Neither “new” nor “old” would suffice, at least in my view.
As I have been reading some LC books I have, or LC documents which you gave to me, I struggle to find that which is really “new”—or any newer than Agni Yoga, the Blue Books or HPB. These authors deal with timeless Wisdom which I think should be held in high regard. The word “new” can be used for separative purposes, implying that other Teachings are old, outworn and should be superseded—which is strange as that which is timeless, ageless cannot be superseded.
So please clarify for me the use of the word “new” as applied to the LC teachings.
LH: While similar to your assertion, I think you will agree that what Master R is saying isn’t exactly what some students might have understood. The tree is in the seed, but the tree and the tree are not the same thing.
MDR: Is there planned a continuity of revelation with respect to the presently extant LC material? Is this in the works? If so, how will it be recognized? If not, how can one possibly imagine that any teaching, no matter how valuable, will not be greatly enlarged and deepened, perhaps by other authors or amanuenses as the centuries elapse? Will the Tibetan’s next installment be read as eagerly by the LC students as they now read LC? Or will Master DK be claimed as a Member of the Ashram of Synthesis? There is always a danger when the principle of the Continuity of Revelation is not respected. I think a revelatory challenge in this respect is imminent.
LH: 2. Your thought that Lucille might be working under ashramic impression rather than taking dictation from a Chohan is right on. In fact, Master R suggests to Lucille’s students that they read what Master DK had to say about the Science of Impression in Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle.
MDR: As Francis Bacon, the Count (Master R) was one of the undisputed masters of the English language. I would imagine reading His exemplary wording in any real dictation He offered. But, as I understand it, LC said she provided the words. So then, we might say that the teaching purporting to come from Him was more impression than dictation. Impression of course is more subject to error and to the interpretation of the receiver, station or amanuensis.
I have no trouble at all with various disciples tuning into the Ashram with which they are affiliated. By the way, given that by the early 1940’s and perhaps even earlier, Master R was already the Mahachohan, the stream of His influence would be in the inclusive third ray—including as a Ray of Brahma, the fourth, fifth sixth and seventh rays as well as the normal Third Ray Ashram headed by Paul the Venetian. As for the first and second rays, they would have to come from other Sources.
I still hold the likelihood that the Chohans on these rays had other things to do, as Master DK set forth in the quotation with which you are familiar and which I earlier shared.
LH: Here’s another quote from Ashramic Projections:
“I, the Master R., do not hesitate at this time, to ask you to aid my disciple, Lucille Cedercrans, in whatever way you can, thus aiding my own as well as your own service effort. I do not ask you to consider or accept her as perfect or infallible, nor to pay her homage, nor to place her upon any pedestal of illusion and glamour, but to see and to accept her in the Light of what she is—a disciple with a specific job to do, plus the training, the experience, and the capacity to fulfill the obligations she has undertaken.
I ask you not to judge the persona or its life and affairs, but only the work. In so doing, you may come to know and love the Soul. Let it be remembered that Lucille’s work with Me is not that of a machine which takes down words, phrases, and sentences; but rather it is that of the creative artist whose function, in part, is to create the form which will carry a specific concept and energy to a waiting humanity.
MDR: This is similar to the way Mme. Roerich regarded her role. As DK said in one of His rare commentaries on Agni Yoga regarding the book “Heart”: some of the words were provided directly by Master M; some were written under His impression; and others were provided by the publishers. I believe that the process with AAB and DK was more linguistically exacting.
Basically in the paragraphs you have offered above, the process is similar to any disciple tuning in on his or her Ashram (and perhaps, I would conservatively say, on the Master) and then offering in his or her own words (apparently much edited by certain members of the group?) a response to the impression. Of course, we must remember what the Mahachohan is—the Leader of five Ashrams! The charts in A Treatise on Cosmic Fire will demonstrate this.
My impression is that of LC reaching in a general direction towards this larger heavenly group but, herself, being largely responsible for what was written. When we say, “Master R said or wrote” it would seem more accurate to say LC “said or wrote” while under the impression of the Ashram which she considered to be her own. You already know that I think of the new Wisdom Ashram as being intra-hierarchical, and factually unattainable except by those who are actually members of Hierarchy or Shamballa. (This is a strong point to be considered.) That there may be many students aspiring towards Synthesis I do not doubt, but much more needs to be understood about the Nature of Synthesis than is customarily understood by most students. It will require an antahkarana completed to the monadic level, and only a Chohan has accomplished this. This is why the Members of the new Wisdom Ashram are Chohans of the sixth or seventh degrees, and some Masters Who are rapidly developing such capabilities. On Phillip’s Website, I have written a few points offering my understanding of Synthesis.
If one studies the Seed Groups carefully, one notices that the 10th Seed Group is the synthetic one. BUT, and this is a big BUT, membership in this 10th group of Synthetic Magical Workers is drawn from the other nine groups—three from each I believe. First must come the ability to prove oneself in a lesser Ashram before one earns the right to enter the synthetic phase. I think a little humility in this regard would be well placed by unready aspirants towards synthesis—and by the way, I consider all of us as unready aspirants towards true synthesis. It is nice word to use, but mostly, students know too little of Pure Being to come anywhere near a state of true Synthesis.
LH: Reread any paragraph in The Nature of The Soul and understand my meaning. It is not just any or every disciple on the thread who could have created precisely that form.”
MDR: Well occasionally the Source makes a comment about the condition of the amanuensis. This is one of those comments.
LH: Gretchen Groff, in her book Luminous Sitting, Torturous Walking about Lucille,
MDR: Gretchen is a wonderful, luminous individual whom I am happy to know even a little as a result of her attendance at SRI/USR Conferences.
LH: devotes a whole chapter to an excellent discussion about the differences and similarities between Lucille’s and AAB’s methods.
MDR: Yes, she is a bridging individual and I would like to read what she has written in this regard.
LH: Nothing, apparently, was communicated in word form to Lucille, but only a stream of abstract mental concepts – which she gave form to the best she could.
MDR: OK, then, we are establishing that the process was not one of “dictation”. This would require a reassessment of DK’s statement that the Chohans were not working through dictation.
Don’t we all, as gravitating towards certain Ashrams, receive such a stream when we are well attuned? It must be difficult to translate such an impression. So much will depend upon the state of mind of the receiver.
The section on Station Training in Applied Wisdom goes into the causes of “error in communication” between Hierarchy and humanity.
MDR: Yes, of course, it can happen.
LH: I find this quite useful when sorting through the various teachings of Lucille. Here’s an example. Sorry for the length, but it bears directly on this issue:
MDR: OK—I appreciate the care with which you are seeking to make your point.
LH: “First, it would be wise for us to face head-on, so to speak, the problem of apparent misinterpretation of instruction being projected from a member of the Hierarchy to a group through a station—
MDR: It is a very dignified way of referring to “channeling”.
LH: a problem which is uppermost in the minds of some of you who have been particularly close to this type or kind of activity. Until we discuss the questions regarding this subject—which are within many of your minds—until we clarify the problem, face the issues involved, communication of a useful nature between us is impossible.
Therefore, I am going to begin by presenting you with certain basic factors of major importance which must always be borne in mind if communication of this kind is to be carried out successfully to the benefit of all concerned.
It must always be realized and held in mind that any communication from one individual to another, or to a group, will be first colored by the individual or individuals who are acting as interpreters. It is colored, first, by the station who is interpreting a communication projection from one language into another.
Second, it is again colored by every individual who hears or reads the communication, according to his own state of consciousness, according to his own interpretation of that which has been projected.
Third, one of the most important factors ever to be held in mind by any group receiving instruction by this means, and which is too often overlooked, is that misinterpretation can take place in the actual projection, at the point of the projection from the station to the group, by the astral consciousness of the group itself.
MDR: Yes, I am understanding these qualifications. The use of “words” in the AAB/DK interplay, was, so it appears, much more intensive, and the process was, shall we say, “more concrete” Given the kinds of words which appear in Esoteric Astrology, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire and The Rays and the Initiations (and given AAB’s lack of understanding of the technicalities of these matters) it would have to be! AAB could not formulate such words. I do not believe there is any receiver who could—maybe HPB, (as the former initiate Cagliostro) would come closest in ability.
LH: If the individuals receiving a particular instruction are focusing will-force into an astral desire or fear, that in itself can so communicate itself to the station that misinterpretation takes place as the station endeavors to interpret that which is being projected.
MDR: This may shed light on why AAB kept to herself in her dialogues with the Tibetan.
LH: This is something that the recipient of instruction must ever hold in mind, if he would receive Truth, if he would receive that which is of Soul value to him, rather than that which is only a personality value.
And fourth, of course, there is always the misinterpretation by the recipient of instruction in that he believes he has been told—or that he has received—one thing when it is something else entirely. You are all familiar with this type of misinterpretation.
MDR: I think the foregoing covers the bases when it comes to possible reasons for error or misinterpretation.
LH: And, there is, too, that which you consider to be error in instruction, or misinterpretation, when it is not error or misinterpretation, but only your misunderstanding of that which has been projected.”
Master R goes on to say later in this section:
“Instruction from Hierarchial levels to humanity cannot be of benefit until that humanity is able and willing to take the responsibility of their own actions, is willing to set forth upon their own planned activity, is willing to make mistakes and to learn by those mistakes, and to take the responsibility of them.
MDR: This, of course, is common sense.
LH: They cannot evolve through placing the responsibility for their actions upon another’s shoulders. This is the whole problem, and until the group is able to recognize it and each one resolve it within himself, instruction between Hierarchy and group is of very little use, actually a greater hindrance than it is a help. And this applies to the problems involved in the function of a station as well as it does to any other problems.”
MDR: If a disciple does not take responsibility for his or her actions, then he or she is no real disciple. This is clear.
LH: One last thought about Lucille’s process. Early in her career as a telepathic communicator, she worked with a “power station” – a male figure with a lot of first ray who helped “protect her alignment” while she was working as a “station”. After many years, she was able to function successfully without one. There seems to be something similar (whether conscious or unconscious) in the process of other well know Hierarchical intermediaries – Peter and Eileen Caddy, Alice and Foster Bailey and Helena and Nicolas Roerich.
MDR: I am not familiar with such “protectors” in the cases of AAB, FB, and the Roerichs. It is an interesting thought and I am sure that hierarchical Sources do their best to make sure that what they say or impress gets through in the best possible form.
LH: 3. In one of your comments about the type of teaching expected from the various ashrams, you say, “I can certainly see Master R. working in the field of economics, ritual and international organization but not so much dealing with second ray issues like, “the nature of the soul”.
Later on, in a seemingly different regard, you say, “I know some of the LC writings which explain to certain students how it was that they (based upon their past) are now members of the Ashram of Synthesis—it was actually you who showed them to me long ago. However, I persist in thinking that this Wisdom Ashram of which DK writes, is very high in its nature and that most who say they are “members” of such an Ashram, could not qualify for the rigors involved in membership in even a lesser Ashram directed by a Master (necessitating the third degree for real membership)—let alone enter an Ashram inspired by the Buddha, the Christ and the Mahachohan for which even Masters, in general, might be unqualified.”
My reply to both of these concerns is that the Ashram of Synthesis, from which Lucille claims inspiration, works primarily with the energy of, well, Synthesis – emanating at this time from the Avatar of Synthesis.
MDR: Lyn, I must be frank with you in considering this a very high stretch. We are dealing with an inter-planetary Avatar Who may, in some respects, be more advanced that the Planetary Logos He is overshadowing. I simply share my impression that that claim is exaggerated. That there are student who aspire to the understanding of and conscious participation in Synthesis, there can be no doubt—and the trend is good, considering that the Yoga of Synthesis is being released in various ways. Given, however that the Avatar of Synthesis is overshadowing that becoming-seventh degree initiate we call the Christ, I do not see any direct contact between a “station” or between the students and that Great Being. It is would be a filter down situation at best. Perhaps, however, you are not actually claiming that there was direct contact, but only a stream inspired by the Avatar of Synthesis. Frankly, I will leave it to the Christ to understand what is intended.
LH: Of course, this is a big subject and I don’t intend to comment on that here, other than to say that, as Master R explains it, the energy of Synthesis is not a combination of rays (all 7, but primarily 1,2 & 7 at present), but something entirely new.
MDR: I always am a bit concerned when I hear about “something entirely new”. (We know how often such statements are used to negate that which has been tried and true and is well established. One leaves the ‘old’ which really works, because the so-called ‘new’ is inviting. I am very watchful about all such claims.)
I also think that the Third Ray of Aspect (on which ray the Monad of Master R must necessarily be) is always left out of the line-up when the sources of Synthesis are discussed. If anything, Master R, as Mahachohan, is synthesizing the five Rays of Brahma, through the use of the third ray of Creative Intelligence. That the seventh ray is focally powerful at this time, and that Master R through His Egoic Ray (i.e., Triadal Ray) has a very close relation to the seventh ray, are not to be denied, but without the 1, 2, 3—one does not have triune Synthesis.
LH: As such, what may have been separate areas of responsibility (ray-wise) may not be so now in the same way.
MDR: As with all claims, maybe, maybe not. The Ashrams still have distinct things to accomplish as Master DK sets forth clearly. There are indeed separate areas of responsibility and there is no use blurring these areas. KH deals with the Reappearance of the Christ focally. Master H. deals with scientific discovery and application. Master M deals with leadership and politics, focally. Master DK deals with training aspirants for initiation. Master R as Mahachohan with the restructuring of Europe along the line of economics.
Here is the quotation from The Rays and the Initiations, p.586:
“1. The group in which the initiate is working upon the physical plane and which is an externalisation (existing on the mental and astral planes) of some phase of work sponsored by the New Group of World Servers. All disciples and initiates in physical manifestation are at this time members of that group, which is the focal point of the present effort being made by the Hierarchy. Through it spiritual energy from five of the Ashrams is flowing. These five are:
a. The Ashram of the Master KH, particularly in regard to the work of education.
b. The Ashram of the Master DK (myself), particularly in regard to aspirants for initiation.
c. The Ashram of the Master R, particularly in regard to the reorganising and the reconstruction of Europe, from the point of view of economics.
d. The Ashram of the Master Morya, as He seeks to find, influence and direct the activities of workers in the political field throughout the planet.
e. The Ashram of the Master Hilarion, as He supervises the discoveries (and the application of such discoveries) of the scientific movement in the world today.You will note, therefore, the profound and widespread interest of this field of energy wherein ray energy is now active.”
MDR: Shall we doubt this, written just a few years before LC began receiving?
LH: Master R explains that he is the primary “Spokesperson” for the Ashram of Synthesis (if such an irreverent term can be used) because of His special relationship to the 7th Ray throat center in the Pacific Northwest.
MDR: It’s quite a claim. Can it be rationally justified according to the Law of Correspondences? What type of center is this—in the USA, or planetary, and if so how does it square with the Five Planetary Centres given by DK—their rays as cities and as global centers. This must be investigated.
LH: It was intended that that center would be responsible for “public relations” and the outer organizational aspects of the ashram in relation to humanity – just as the head center in Washington DC would be more directly related to Master M and the heart center in the LA area would be more directly related to Master DK. MDR: What happened to KH?
MDR: What do you think of the idea that Washington D.C. will soon no longer be the head center or at least the center of power?
“Like Russia, this country is in the making and — as I have told you elsewhere — as the nation’s power shifts, as it will and as it now really is shifting from Washington to New York, the Cancerian influence will steadily lessen and the country will take its place as an adult among the nations.” (DON 89)
MDR: All the above are assertions. Time will tell in all cases.
LH: Another characteristic of the “New Thoughtform Presentation of the Wisdom” emanating from the Ashram of Synthesis is that it includes “every school of thought, every walk of life, every level in the human consciousness.” It requires aspirants, disciples and initiates at all levels of human consciousness – and many members of the deva kingdom as well.
MDR: If we are dealing with what has thus far been given, my reservations are strong. It seems an excessive claim. To me, given the present evidence, it is over-reach. The scientific aspect, especially, would need much more work, as would the artistic aspect. Why should Master DK bother with further “revelatory” writing through the last of the three “bridging Treatises”? Does one include such writings as He intends to make within the NTPOTW? If so, we may have to discuss right appropriation and its opposite.
Of course, I know that the LC teaching includes Master DK and Master M in the Ashram of Synthesis, and so maybe what DK writes, imminently, will be claimed as a revelation from the Ashram of Synthesis? Maybe it is not only Master R who is ‘projecting’ etc.
That the Seven Ashrams contain all this—that is necessarily true and each will play its precise part in the coming Revelation for the Age of Aquarius, just as each nation has its role to play according to its soul and personality rays and its astrological equipment—and this regardless of the fact that synthesis among the nations is intended. That the Factor of Synthesis is necessarily growing under the influence of the Avatar of Synthesis and the incoming energies of Aquarius is also true, but I think we must walk before we can run. To me, I see a significant number of aspirants reaching towards an intra-hierarchical Ashram for which even some Masters cannot qualify. I do not see evidence in the character or service of these aspirants and disciples that they are any different from the aspirants and disciples who seek to serve and who are applicants for the privilege of standing on the periphery of some ‘ordinary’ Ashram. Claims aside, this is what I see after close observation over quite a few years.
LH: As a matter of fact (or esoteric fiction perhaps) according to Lucille, you too are a member of the Ashram of Synthesis (don’t let it go to your head) – at least the original plan was said to be for all disciples in the Ashrams of Master M, Master DK and Master R to be integrated into the Ashram of Synthesis by the end of last century.
MDR: There is no doubt in my mind that the objective of realizing the Nature of Synthesis and participating in it is an objective of all those who are focally working on building the antahkarana, and not just its initial stages. However, the third initiation, minimally will be required to participate in what Synthesis really is, and a Chohan is the One Who can claim to be truly synthetic—as a Self-realized Monad. I also go on record as saying that I am doubtful in the extreme that any kind of “synthetic initiation” (which jumps over life-times of necessary training for initiation) will solve the problem. The great majority of aspirants for initiation are focused somewhere between the first and second initiation, though not all have taken even the first. I am familiar with hundreds of aspirants, some of them who claim to be members of the Ashram of Synthesis. I do not see any contrast between them (the supposed members of the Ashram of Synthesis) and the many aspirants who simply are working towards the second initiation.
I will stick to the Seed-Thought Model and look to the formation of the Tenth Seed Group for hints about how a Synthetic Ashram is reached—by paying one’s dues in the lesser Ashrams I am quite sure (though I did read LC’s explanation concerning why certain people were rightfully members of the Ashram of Synthesis). While I respect the striving of any aspirant or disciple, I remained entirely unconvinced by her words. I would say, let those who are clearly unqualified for true ashramic membership in ordinary Ray Ashrams prepare with due diligence for this more humble but exacting task!
LH: It was predicted to be a bumpy road, especially at personality levels, but I think you will admit, there has been a measure of integration between disciples affiliating themselves with these three teachers over the past decade or so.
MDR: I personally, have always worked for this, especially in integrating the teachings of DK, M and HPB. With respect to the Teachings of Master R, I continue to reserve judgment. When I see that which truly convinces me that the claims of LC are hierarchically correct, I will not hesitate to accept them. So far, I see a number of claims which I consider to be incorrect, though I certainly do not say there is no disciplic value in her work.
Further, my reservation does not mean that I do not honor the aspiration and efforts of those who have gathered around the LC teaching. They are fellow aspirants and disciples and I wish them well in all their efforts to unfold spiritually and serve humanity and the planet. I think they will achieve some measure of success, because they are all souls and are attempting to cooperate, and because there is much of value in the LC teaching.
As time goes by, errors in thought and understanding will be seen and corrected. I am sure that people gathered around the Blue Books and the Agni Yoga Books are making many errors in understanding and interpretation.
My goal is to clarify certain relationships between concepts and practices which cannot all be true and useful. Erroneous teaching, wherever it appears, may seem harmless at first, but eventually is will lead its devotees into various delays and traps. In speaking of this, I am surveying the entire field of modern esotericism and not focusing on any one teaching.
MDR: I hope that we may examine these apparent conflicts from the plane of mind illumined by the soul and with a necessary detachment. In the end, we will accept what we will accept. For many, only bitter experience will reveal the nature of the glamours or illusions (or both) in which they have been willingly ensnared. The awakening (and I am ready to be awakened to my errors in thought and understanding) can be at first painful, but in the long run will save the awakened one much time and grief—perhaps a number of incarnations. So different teachings have to be examined carefully for self-consistency and also for consistency or contradiction amongst themselves. This is far from an easy task and the astral body of many will rebel before the task has hardly begun. The most careful thought must be applied and then greater light may come. And perhaps, one day, it shall be so, that the occult groups will no longer be the most glamoured of all world groups!
Always with appreciation for your thoughts and your intention to clarify important points.
Light, Love and Power, Michael
LH: I look forward to your thoughts on synthetic initiation and other matters of mutual interest.
In Love and Light,
Lyn
Letter #3
Lyn Hebenstreit says: June 23, 2016 at 7:48 am(Edit)Dear Michael,
1. You ask, “what is the “totality of the Thought-form Presentation”. I’m not sure that isn’t a rhetorical question, but it’s one I have pondered for a long time. My best guess is that it includes everything humanity needs in the way of spiritual understanding to establish the Fifth Kingdom of Nature on earth over the coming age. In my opinion, it goes back to the Hierarchical conclave in 1775 when (so it is said) Master M and Master KH first suggested that the teachings of the mysteries, formerly the province of secret societies like those spearheaded by Master R, be brought to the attention of the inquiring public. I would include within this purview the work of HPB and the Theosophical Society, AAB’s 30 years work, Agni Yoga, Lucille’s work and, to a lesser degree possibly, the work of such teachers as Rudolf Steiner and Henry T Laurency – all of these “thought-form presentations” being expressions or interpretations of the same living Truth we call the Ageless Wisdom, or in the case of Lucille, simply the Wisdom.
2. You ask, “what is it that really makes what LC presented the new thoughtform presentation of the Teachings?” and say, “please clarify for me the use of the word “new” as applied to the LC teachings.”
The world is always changing, and as Master DK has informed us, Hierarchy is always changing its methods to meet evolving conditions:
“You who read and study the ways of the Ashrams at this time are witnessing a period of extreme change and adjustment and of a far-reaching reorganization.” (DINA II, p. 357)
“This ancient and intelligent effort has created and conditioned what you know as the Hierarchy. However, it is constantly subject to change in response to new situations and developments.” (Externalization p.564)
“People are apt to forget that with each forward advance of humanity, the demands upon the Hierarchy change, new needs must be met, new techniques used, new and experimental methods must be employed.” (Rays & Initiations, p.245)
Lucille’s work describes some of these changes in Hierarchical approach as embodied in the new Ashram of Synthesis – at least this is my working hypothesis. There are a number of “new” concepts introduced, but much of this “new” information concerns practical application of the Wisdom via a 7th ray orientation.
Here in Lucille/Master R’s words are a few of the characteristics which differentiate the “new” approach of the Ashram of Synthesis from those that have preceded it.
1. The hierarchical approach to humanity is more direct and inclusive. While the Senior Disciple at hierarchical levels continues to work with humanity as a group life, he does, nonetheless, work directly with every level of development within that group life. Thus, the ashramic presentation of The Wisdom is formulated for, and has its application to, every state of consciousness from the heights to the depths of human development. It does not exclude those who do not “measure up”, so to speak, but works with that state of consciousness which the man or woman is, where he is. The aspirant or the group of aspirants cannot “fall out of Grace” with his Senior, through any act, or series of acts, which are deemed unworthy. His acts will produce their karma, and more quickly than would otherwise be the case; but so long as he maintains his higher alignment and perseveres in his effort, regardless of the mistakes he makes, his new hierarchical focus will include him (as an evolving Son of God a Soul) in Its attention.
The connotations of this are great and will undoubtedly cause much controversy within the field of discipleship itself. The aspirant, probationer, and disciple, working within the new ashram may not be a perfect example of The Wisdom, but they will be a perfect example of Its action or growth within the self-initiated evolutionary process.
2. The hierarchical experiment (for such it is) handles the opposition in a uniquely different and more functional way. The three masters who are responsible for the new Synthetic Ashram and Its efforts on behalf of humanity pre-cognize the seeds of opposition within the presentation itself, its methodology and techniques, and relate or equate that opposition to its correspondence within the body of humanity and the world of affairs at any given moment. Then, working in cooperation with the Lords of Karma, They focus upon that related opposition through their service group in the world, evoking such opposition into appearance within the life and affairs of the group as a problem of humanity to be met and overcome in that specific time and place.
3. The organizational structure of the serving group in the world of affairs will follow the Seventh Ray or Order with the emphasis being placed upon etheric organization around a group center system rather than an outer framework, or form. Every effort will be made from higher levels to guide the group away from an outer legal structure, which would limit and confine its service effort to any class, sect, or section of humanity. The individual disciples must remain outwardly free from group affiliation via a legal organization (that is, insofar as the ashramic group is concerned); his brotherhood and his cooperation resulting from a commonly realized purpose and goal which he shares in consciousness with his group brothers. Thus, the ring-pass-not of the group life never descends below the frequency of the etheric network, the group being in the physical plane of affairs unlimited by fixed boundaries.
4. Continuity of the effort from incarnation to incarnation will be attempted through the application of newly created meditative recall techniques. Every disciple of a certain degree serving within this Thought-form Presentation will undergo a process of Spiritual Soul analysis via meditation techniques which recall the past experience and state of consciousness into the present awareness. Thus, continuity of effort, growth, and function will, it is hoped, be established and kept on record.
As a reminder, here’s some advice from Master DK about opening to the “new”:
“One of the great needs of all disciples and aspirants is the detached relinquishing of pet theories as to life, discipleship and the Plan; the preserving of that open mind which is ever ready for the unexpected presentation and able (when the spiritual vision is strong enough) to achieve a quick reversal of all preconceived ideals. This must be done when it is deemed spiritually wise and it involves also that waiting attitude which expects the new vision to appear, the newer truths to emerge into formulated clarity and the new potencies to become increasingly effective. Such attitudes are peculiarly difficult for those disciples who have the sixth Ray of Devotion and Idealism dominant in their energy equipment, for the ideals of a sixth ray aspirant crystallise most rapidly and are quickly distorted thereby. The temporary ideal (intended to guide the undeveloped aspirant) can become a barrier, separating him from truth and from the realisation of a truer vision.
“So I would beg you, my disciples, to aim at a wide open simplicity which waits expectant of that new thing which is so ready today to precipitate but which is being hindered from so doing by the idealists of the world far more than by the man in the street. The latter is simpler in his reactions and more ready to grasp and see a way out of the immediate impasse than the mystic or the occultist because he thinks in terms of humanity. The disciples of the world (with their nicely formulated ideals and their neatly expressed idealistic concepts) are oft glamoured by the future beauty because they are oblivious of the present opportunity. Many of them will find out later that they have been left behind as far as registering the new truths is concerned. To this Christ referred when He said that it was not possible to put new wine into old bottles for that which is old will be destroyed by the expanding new life.
“The initiate, therefore, stands ready, for what? For the instant recognition of what is new, for its immediate grasp and the treading of the new step in the unfoldment of the pioneering human consciousness, for the revelation—steadily and constantly presented—of the new and superseding concepts. These concepts possess a dynamic expulsive power and satisfactorily meet human need in the immediate cycle. He is ready for the instant relinquishing of all that seems futile and unnecessary and inadequate to the need of the hour, and for the reception of the power from on high which breaks and destroys that which has become crystallised, which has served its purpose and become old and useless; he is ready to work as a practical occultist (and not only as a mystical idealist) upon the levels of vision as well as upon the levels of practical human affairs.” (DINA I)
5. I may be wrong, but I sense some reservation on your part to enthusiastically embrace all that Lucille has to say about the Ashram of Synthesis, its membership and the characteristics of the energy of Synthesis itself. It’s probably best to go straight to the source. I recommend that you temporarily put aside your own interpretation of the Ashram of Synthesis while reading this (rather long) excerpt because the way Synthesis is characterized by Lucille may be different from what you are accustomed to (I heard that).
“The Synthesis of First, Second, and Seventh Ray energies brings the planet and humanity a new energy, a new force, and a new substance with which to shape and mold a new civilization. The Synthesis reaches us from the Avatar of Synthesis, Who, acting under the direction of a greater Cosmic Life, synthesizes the energies into a lower correspondence of a Cosmic energy as yet of too high and subtle a frequency for us to reach.
The Avatar releases the new Synthesis to the Planetary Logos and the Christ, Who, in turn release it to the new Ashram of Synthesis via its focal point, the Masters M, R, and DK.These three use several methods of release for the distribution of the energy to humanity and through humanity into the devic lives of the planet. Among these methods is that with which we are here concerned, is released to seven disciples on the thread, each functioning as a Soul in the Ashram and each serving in incarnation as disciples in a particular department of human living. The seven disciples, each in his own field, continue the distribution of the Synthesis energy via a threefold method:
1. Through a creative service activity which gives body and form to the incoming energy. We are referring here to creativity such as in the fields of art, literature, music, medicine, psychology, etc.
2. Via groups of disciples working with them both esoterically and exoterically in all fields of human endeavor for human betterment.
3. Via special meditation effort carried out both individually and in company with co-workers, which directs the energy along those paths of manifestation indicated by the Divine Plan for humanity.
The many disciples who are attracted into a relationship with one or another of the seven disciples on the thread form seven major groups which continue the distribution process via:
1. Their chosen service activities.
2. An application of the Synthesis energy into their daily lives and affairs.
3. And via a radiation of it through that network which is humanity.In addition to the above, these seven groups of disciples step the energy down to the lower kingdoms in nature, both consciously and unconsciously, thus further conditioning the planetary life with the new Synthesis.
It might be of interest as a side note to those for whom this instruction is specifically projected to know that The Nature of’ The Soul series is a specific instance of a disciple on the thread having created a body and a form for an incarnation of the new Synthesis energy. So also are other works such as this one; therefore, a certain quantity and quality of the energy, force, and substance of Synthesis has already been released to humanity in this way and one might add has also been placed in availability for humanity’s direct appropriation.
The question has been placed before me—what determines the choice of those disciples on the thread for the function of Ashramic focal points in the reception and distribution of the Synthesis? I am going to endeavor to answer that question for the benefit of the many interested individuals both in the present and the future who have the right to know.
First, however, let me clarify one major point in all of this questioning and wondering. Each of these seven has been chosen by a Council made up of seven members of the Hierarchy, plus the Avatar of Synthesis and the Christ, acting in an advisory capacity. The initial choice was made by the then Masters of the First, Second, and Seventh Ray Ashrams. It was then passed upon by the others after due consideration of the total Council.
The seven were chosen from among a group of disciples on the thread, because for various reasons (not always the same in each case) they were more readily receptive and adaptive to the new energy; more in tune, as it were, with the mind and consciousness of one or more of the Masters directly involved, and thus more capable of communication with Him, and finally each in his own way had earned the right to both office and function.
One other point of interest I should like to make here: each of these seven were chosen long before this incarnation, their training began, and even their service initiated, several hundred years ago within the Ashrams of the Masters M, R, and KH.
These seven disciples of Synthesis, for such they truly are, should not be expected or requested to demonstrate perfection in the persona nor to be very different in the outer sense from other disciples in the field, yet they should receive the respect, love, and cooperation that is due them. Their task is one of the most difficult to be undertaken in any Ashram, and for three or more incarnations they have been hard at it, so to speak, building an instrument in the three worlds sufficient to that task.
If it is difficult to understand them, it is primarily because they are becoming an embodiment of Synthesis in what might appear to be both its positive and negative aspects. They do not manifest exactly the characteristics of the rays with which we are familiar, but rather they manifest the characteristics of the new Synthesis energy. They do not readily understand themselves (but then my brothers, who among you does?), nonetheless they are learning to do so. They have not as yet learned the most economical use of this energy, force, and substance, but their time is coming.”
You may note the similarity between this teaching and some of that emanating from Findhorn at a slightly later date. In Revelation: Birth of a New Age by David Spangler, “Limitless Love and Light” speaks of a new heaven and a new earth – “in preparation for a Being whom you have invoked in your desire to embody and to pioneer a new dimension of consciousness for mankind, a Being who is the Regent for energies brought from beyond your system.”
Interestingly, Master R was the overshadowing Presence of both Findhorn and the groups Lucille was forming in the US. A highly evolved being known as John also provided a great deal of teaching under Master R’s direction in both centers. As I mentioned before, both centers also understood themselves as outposts of the Ashram of Synthesis (or Brotherhood of Synthesis in the case of Findhorn).
5. You ask, “What happened to KH?” Beats me. I assume that Master DK advanced to the point that he was able to fulfill the role that Master KH had served in the incipient ashram which allowed KH the opportunity to focus his attention upon the Reappearance of the Christ.
6. You say, “I am doubtful in the extreme that any kind of “synthetic initiation” (which jumps over life-times of necessary training for initiation) will solve the problem.” I have doubts about many aspects of initiation as well. This is a big subject that will probably arise in another of your missives, but I will preface that discussion with a quote from Master DK:“As you together study this subject of initiation, I would ask you to keep an open mind. I have told you that changes are imminent in the training of the initiates of the future, and that the techniques of developing a disciple’s consciousness will be different to those used in the past.” (DINA II)
With respect and much love,
Lyn
Letter 3 Response
Michael Robbins says:Dear Lyn,
It is Midsummer in the north so my time is limited. I will respond a bit. It looks like Phillip has created a distinct section for this type of dialogue. Time is at a premium but we will see what we can clarify as we go along. MDR:
MDR: Preliminarily, I will say that when people are committed to various teachings in the esoteric field, it is quite necessary that they see these teachings through. Much is promised in many teaching, but the only way to know whether the promises lead where they are said to lead, is to persist. I have no doubt that this necessity for persistence applies to both of us. Our fields of concentration differ somewhat and, in each case, the major intensity of focus is differently directed, but each of us seeks for the best for humanity and for planetary process. I think it is reasonable to say this. In this sense we are co-operators in the Divine Plan.
Lyn Hebenstreit says:
June 23, 2016 at 7:48 amDear Michael,
1. LH: You ask, “what is the “totality of the Thought-form Presentation”. I’m not sure that isn’t a rhetorical question, but it’s one I have pondered for a long time. My best guess is that it includes everything humanity needs in the way of spiritual understanding to establish the Fifth Kingdom of Nature on earth over the coming age.MDR: Then I suppose it is a very large presentation, as the Christ, Himself, as World Teacher for this era, will offer considerable Teaching when He reappears.
LH: In my opinion, it goes back to the Hierarchical conclave in 1775 when (so it is said)
MDR: I have always looked of the source of (“so it is said”). I find the story to be a “reasonable” one but am not sure whether this was reported Theosophically or in some other way.
LH: Master M and Master KH first suggested that the teachings of the mysteries, formerly the province of secret societies like those spearheaded by Master R, be brought to the attention of the inquiring public.
MDR: Yes, this is how I have heard the story and find it inspiring.
LH: I would include within this purview MDR: (“the Totality of the Thought-form Presentation”?) the work of HPB and the Theosophical Society, AAB’s 30 years work, Agni Yoga, Lucille’s work and, to a lesser degree possibly, the work of such teachers as Rudolf Steiner and Henry T Laurency – all of these “thought-form presentations” being expressions or interpretations of the same living Truth we call the Ageless Wisdom, or in the case of Lucille, simply the Wisdom.
MDR: We will necessarily have to add DK’s predicted third-phase of the “bridging Treatises” He said He would be giving, dictating, impressing—let us see what the method will be. Master H apparently has also contributed something though nothing like He will contribute, I suspect. Of course, once the Members of the Spiritual Hierarchy Who will be externalizing have sufficiently externalized, there may well be an abundance of Teaching along the various ashramic lines.
MDR: Yes, I am familiar with the deletion of the word “Ageless” in the LC terminology.. From my perspective, however, it is an important word and deals with what is timeless and therefore with that which can only be presented in a timely manner but cannot be superseded.
LH: 2. You ask, “what is it that really makes what LC presented the new thoughtform presentation of the Teachings?” and say, “please clarify for me the use of the word “new” as applied to the LC teachings.”
LH: The world is always changing, and as Master DK has informed us, Hierarchy is always changing its methods to meet evolving conditions:
MDR: Yes, and I have sometimes observed an all-too-convenient rapidity in the assessment of just how rapidly things change. Pardon me offering the thought that a too-ready use of the word “new” is a convenience often used by those who do not wish to absorb the tried-and-true but difficult-to-assimilate hierarchical offerings so the past. The mantram, “That was then; this is now” has been used to relieve subconsciously reluctant students of much hard work.
LH: “You who read and study the ways of the Ashrams at this time are witnessing a period of extreme change and adjustment and of a far-reaching reorganization.” (DINA II, p.357)
MDR: And careful reading of the context and other places in which He had discussed this change, demonstrate that it is related to training in the old methods of individually-pursued discipleship—the older uplifting of isolated aspirants here and there. He (and M. and LC so it seems) was presenting a group method (as will be obvious in relation to the as-yet-unassimilated Fourteen Rules for Disciples and Initiates). The big change has to do with the planned Externalization and with the more advanced methods of training disciples in group formation (about which He wrote extensively).
LH: “This ancient and intelligent effort has created and conditioned what you know as the Hierarchy. However, it is constantly subject to change in response to new situations and developments.” (Externalization, p.564)
MDR: Hierarchy is an adaptive body, but the concentrated work of a Master’s revealing writings which deal which often deal with that which is timeless and ageless, are not about to suddenly be overthrown by that which succeeds these writings in a few short years. That is not what is meant by adaptation and change. DK in describing the nature of the new discipleship is speaking of very, very ancient methods, which His Teaching and training methods have modernized. Do we imagine that a few short years after He wrote His extensive modernization (which is obvious even to superficial readings of His Work), that that modernization would be in need of disciple drastic reformulation by something still “newer”.
There is always a continuity of revelation, but I do not accept this possibility and some students of the so-called “newer” presentations so readily do. They seem always to want to judge as changed, the direction and intent of what Masters have very carefully presented for the future, and, as I said, I find this a subconscious excuse to lessen the difficulties of study and assimilation of that which is admittedly difficult.
LH: “People are apt to forget that with each forward advance of humanity, the demands upon the Hierarchy change, new needs must be met, new techniques used, new and experimental methods must be employed.” (Rays & Initiations, p.245)
MDR: Of course, but He was speaking of the ancient tradition which Hierarchy through Him had modernized—and as I said, thus far, it is almost completely unassimilated. Or do you doubt that? Hardly anyone can approach, assimilate and apply the Fourteen Advanced Rules for work during the Aquarian Age—and other Laws and Rules, including the final three Laws of the Soul (not that the first four Laws are easy of understanding and application). He was not writing to be superseded in the short space of time before His third and promised installment appeared. Many, I think, will find this third instalment revolutionary and even challenging to that which they presumed would last a very long time. I personally, look forward to it—whether in this incarnation or more probably the next.
I am sure that it will carry the note of the Master—the kind of notes I recognize in so much of HPB (who was a very independent author), in all of AAB except for the books she wrote entirely on her own, and in much of HR. I even recognize the Master-note in that intense little book, “Light on the Path”, supposedly by the Master, H. Do I recognize a similar note in what I have read of many modern channeled writings? I do not. Of course, it goes without saying that you believe you recognize the note of a Master, for instance the Master R, in the writings of LC. For the moment I do not, but I am cautious by nature and reserve judgment until more is known and until I know more.
LH: Lucille’s work describes some of these changes in Hierarchical approach as embodied in the new Ashram of Synthesis – at least this is my working hypothesis. There are a number of “new” concepts introduced, but much of this “new” information concerns practical application of the Wisdom via a 7th ray orientation.
MDR: That a seventh ray orientation would necessarily reveal new approaches I have no doubt. I think there will be more of this kind of revelation as the Seventh Ray Age proceeds. Right now we are caught in the cross-currents between the outgoing sixth ray and the incoming seventh. I will reserve judgment.
MDR: From another perspective, the word “new” is always problematic, as it can mean that which is only now presented to modern humanity but which has a virtually ageless origin and has been known by “Those who really know” for millions of years—and that is only the beginning of its venerable antiquity.
I have also often wondered why so many of those who adhere to the LC work are found on the second ray. It has seemed to me that seventh ray souls are to a great extent involved with other things and other active approaches in the reformation of human society—financial, political, organizational.
Further, I consider it is a mistake to view Master R, the Mahachohan, as a strictly seventh ray Teacher. In many ways He is not a teacher in the usual sense, and further He holds sway with His third ray Monad, over the entire Brahmic Department of Hierarchy, on the third ray! This means that five Ashrams are specifically under His control. That, in itself, is quite a synthesis.
LH: Here in Lucille/Master R’s words are a few of the characteristics which differentiate the “new” approach of the Ashram of Synthesis from those that have preceded it.
MDR: I will add my response to the assertions below. I must say at the outset, the I think I hold the bar higher when it comes to confirming the presence of the “new”.
1. LH: The hierarchical approach to humanity is more direct and inclusive.
MDR: Given my strong involvements with the already established Work of M and DK, I find this a dubious assertion.
LH: While the Senior Disciple at hierarchical levels continues to work with humanity as a group life, he
MDR: Do you mean the member of the Ashram of Synthesis? What in this case is a “Senior Disciple”? An initiate member of Hierarchy? Usually, in the AAB work when we discuss a senior disciple, we mean someone who is not yet an initiate of the third degree. But I suspect this means a higher level of unfoldment?
LH: does, nonetheless, work directly with every level of development within that group life.
MDR: This is a sweeping assertion which must be substantiated. There is a division of labor among aspirants, disciples, initiates and Masters—in my view, none of them “works directly with every level of development” within humanity. I have seen nothing to substantiate this in any approach, including those which profess to be the new approaches. It would be against the Law of Economy. However a Master naturally takes into consideration the repercussion upon humanity of all hierarchical influences, especially the ones for which He may be responsible. But again, if one means by a “Senior Disciple” a Master, there is nothing especially new in this. That’s what They all do and have done for a long, long time.
MDR: Here we must also remember the very close spiritual/psychological attention given by Master DK to the Ashramic Group He was organizing through the Groups of Nine and the New Reorganized Seed Group. This was an unusual extension of labor for a Master of His capability and scope, but perhaps not surprising for a Master Whose soul was on the second ray. (As for the Monad, that is a different and debatable matter.)
LH: Thus, the ashramic presentation of The Wisdom is formulated for, and has its application to, every state of consciousness from the heights to the depths of human development.
MDR: This is a claim which in my eyes is not substantiated as particularly “new”—especially when I review what is already found in the Old Commentary (dealing with the entire history of the Jiva including the very early stages of manifestation as a human being—which Master DK amply develops) and in many advanced sets of Rules presented in the AAB Teaching—the “heights’. Yes, for me, it is a sweeping claim and the word “every” is certainly vague. Do the “heights” include the detailed presentation of the higher initiations presented by Master DK tabulated in in The Rays and the Initiations on p.340? Do the “depths” include that which is immediately apprehensible to the average, non-aspiring individual? Esotericism is not formulated for the average personality- centered person (and there are centralizations lower that personality centralization as well), though spiritual esotericism of course intends to benefit every human being.
LH: It does not exclude those who do not “measure up”, so to speak, but works with that state of consciousness which the man or woman is, where he is.
MDR: I think there are so many of representatives of average non-aspiring humanity who would not at all be able to understand or find relevant that which is found in LC, AAB, HPB, HR etc. The statement is not realistic (or requires detailed amplification) however much these esoteric teachings create changes in humanity which eventually will benefit all human beings. I find the statement above to be idealistically, vaguely inclusive but not factual. Nor do I think teachings previous to the LC teachings do what is suggested above. Master, initiates or high disciples do not exclude anyone from the benefits of their Teachings, but even the Christ spoke to the multitudes in parables and to His close disciples of the “secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven”. Every Master, initiate or senior disciple has certain spheres of influence and works within those spheres. As for the Christ and the Buddha, even two thousand years ago or twenty-five hundred years ago, They could speak to anyone, relating in a co-measured manner (Master M.) to any individual exactly where he or she was. Even though Masters, initiates and senior disciples have customary spheres of focus and influence, they know how to address many types of individuals. Again, in my assessment, nothing new here.
LH: The aspirant or the group of aspirants cannot “fall out of Grace” with his Senior, through any act, or series of acts, which are deemed unworthy.
MDR: To what can this possibly refer regarding the methods by which Masters, initiates or senior disciples train those they can influence?—certainly not to the fifty or so focal disciples of DK who did not remain in His group in this incarnation (whether they quit or were temporarily expelled), but would re-join later. I find the phrase “fall out of Grace” very old, very much expressed in sixth ray terminology and, frankly indicative of a different author than someone like Master R.. I am offering my frank assessment of the wording.
LH: His acts will produce their karma, and more quickly than would otherwise be the case; but so long as he maintains his higher alignment and perseveres in his effort, regardless of the mistakes he makes, his new hierarchical focus
MDR: Are we speaking here of the “Senior Disciple” as being a precipitator of karma for all whose lives they touch? What is this “new hierarchical focus”? An Ashram of Synthesis focus? Even for the apparently unready ones struggling along with Probationary Path issues? I have a very different assessment of the nature, scope and development of the Wisdom Ashram.
LH: will include him (as an evolving Son of God a Soul) in Its attention.
MDR: I find this to be more or less the case with any applicant related to a Master as that applicant struggles to make the grade, failing, returning, failing again, returning and finally succeeding. The eye of the Master sees the applicant for a number of those ‘approaching lives’. In my view, there is nothing new in this.
LH: The connotations of this are great and will undoubtedly cause much controversy within the field of discipleship itself.
MDR: Such as this discussion? But as said, this is just how Masters operate with respect to that “approaching point of light” who is the applicant to Ashramic participation. There is nothing new in this.
LH: The aspirant, probationer, and disciple, working within the new ashram may not be a perfect example of The Wisdom,
MDR: Given how Master DK discusses the formation of the New Ashram, I find it incredible (not credible) that aspirants, probationers and even the average disciple can be considered as members of that Ashram—which according to DK involved Hierarchy and Shamballa. I think this is a major problem, and causes students to think they can skip over membership in other Ashrams whose work is preliminary to synthesis. I have already spoken of the structure of the Ten Seed Groups, in which the Tenth Seed Group, the Synthetic, Magical Seed Groups, is composed only of those members who have proven themselves in more preliminary Seed Groups. I do not find it at all credible that so many who claim to be members of the Synthesis Ashram could possibly be working in it, given the was Master DK described it, its high Members, and its scope. From my perspective, I find this an erroneous assertion with potentially inflating results in the lives of such aspirants, probationers and disciples who claim membership.
LH: but they will be a perfect example of Its action or growth within the self-initiated evolutionary process.
MDR: Well, you know my assessment that the Wisdom Ashram is intra-hierarchical, and that most of those who imagine they are members of this Ashram would be doing very well to even make the grade in a far less exalted Ashram. The demands for entering any Ashram are very strict and almost universally unappreciated. Personally, I have not witnessed in any broad sense the presence of such abilities. I believe a significant and glamorous inflation to be present, but, after all, this matter of acceptance into an Ashram is between the applicant the Master, and is not focally my business.
LH: 2. The hierarchical experiment (for such it is) handles the opposition in a uniquely different and more functional way.
MDR: Let’s see about this claim. “Uniquely different”? Let’s see. And who is the opposition? The Counterforce or those who may resist readily accepting the assertions around the nature of the Ashram of Synthesis?
LH: The three masters who are responsible for the new Synthetic Ashram
MDR: Refresh me here—are these Master M., Master DK and Master R? If so What happened to the Buddha and the Christ
(“this Ashram, related to the Buddha, will be specifically under the close supervision of the Christ, and also of the Lord of Civilisation—at this time the Master R. They are the only two Members of the Hierarchy able to register the divine Purpose (in regard to its immediate objectives) in such a manner that the entire Hierarchy can be informed and can then work unitedly and intelligently at its implementation. More than this I may not tell you about this particular hierarchical move, affecting as it does both Shamballa and the Hierarchy.so focally mentioned in the 1946 Wesak Letter”).
MDR: Nothing could be clearer to me—this is an Ashram which relates primarily to Hierarchy and Shamballa. Humanity is not even mentioned, nor the many aspirants who would certainly be unqualified for membership when even certain Masters do not qualify. I again detect inflation which leads to the exaltation of the lower ego. It doesn’t matter what teaching we are dealing with—ego inflation is always a problem, but I certainly detect it here in the many who think that somehow, in their usually probationary state, they are actually members of the Wisdom Ashram which DK described even a little.
MDR: Although it is worthy to be aspire after an understanding of Synthesis (really a type of monadic awareness), I sense a huge inflation here which needs recognition and consequent adjustment. Let all disciples understand Synthesis if they can, but let us be realistic about our relatively negligible attainments!
LH: and Its efforts on behalf of humanity pre-cognize the seeds of opposition within the presentation itself,
MDR: This, I suppose, means that those who stand in opposition will be noted and their objections foreseen.
LH: its methodology and techniques, and relate or equate that opposition to its correspondence within the body of humanity and the world of affairs at any given moment.
MDR: Can questioning not come from the area of the illumined mind?
LH: Then, working in cooperation with the Lords of Karma, They focus upon that related opposition through their service group in the world, evoking such opposition into appearance within the life and affairs of the group as a problem of humanity to be met and overcome in that specific time and place.
MDR: All assertions within the esoteric field (including this one) must be justified by reason and pure reason. All assertions of any scope will be tested—one way or another.
3. LH: The organizational structure of the serving group in the world of affairs will follow the Seventh Ray or Order with the emphasis being placed upon etheric organization around a group center system rather than an outer framework, or form.
MDR: Etheric emphasis is far from new. Master DK deals with the intricate organization of the etheric body all the time and with its fundamental reliance upon the monadic ray.
LH: Every effort will be made from higher levels to guide the group away from an outer legal structure, which would limit and confine its service effort to any class, sect, or section of humanity.
MDR: I understand the general principle. However, I would suppose that having a non-profit status would help advance such work. DK has said that the crux of the problem facing Hierarchy is the financial one, and Foster Bailey was frequently called upon for his legal expertise on behalf of the Lucis Trust as the outer expression of inner groups must, per force, exist in the outer world. These things relating to “Caesar” cannot be ignored, even if the purpose is the expression of Christ.
LH: The individual disciples must remain outwardly free from group affiliation via a legal organization (that is, insofar as the ashramic group is concerned); his brotherhood and his cooperation resulting from a commonly realized purpose and goal which he shares in consciousness with his group brothers.
MDR: This is fairly straight forward and could be said of the Agni Yoga Work, the AAB. Work—of, I suppose, a number of esoteric groups. As you may know from your readings, DK always emphasized the need for “organisms” and not “organizations”. He emphasized this in relation to the Masonic Organism, the Church Organism, and the Banded Esoteric Organisms. And of course, no legal organization has the slightest thing to say about one’s ashramic affiliations. So again, why is this “new”?
LH: Thus, the ring-pass-not of the group life never descends below the frequency of the etheric network, the group being in the physical plane of affairs unlimited by fixed boundaries.
MDR: It is an interesting statement, but needs to be elaborated. I have not really seen anything of this nature well-demonstrated, by anyone.
4. LH: Continuity of the effort from incarnation to incarnation will be attempted through the application of newly created meditative recall techniques.
MDR: This continuity of consciousness, involves the foregoing of devachan (if the individual is qualified) and the attainment of the second initiation. Time will tell and subtle, esoterically scientific testing—the methodology of which is not common property.
LH: Every disciple of a certain degree serving within this Thought-form Presentation will undergo a process of Spiritual Soul analysis via meditation techniques which recall the past experience and state of consciousness into the present awareness.
MDR: Back in the early 1920’s DK wrote of the New Schools of Meditation and aspects of the curricula which would be taught. Methods for the recollection of past lives would be taught in these kinds of esoteric schools. Is anything here really new?
LH: Thus, continuity of effort, growth, and function will, it is hoped, be established and kept on record.
MDR: This is the objective of all deeper students of esotericism and the methods of training have existed for ages. When the Masters stand behind the new esoteric schools, these records will be far easier to establish and maintain. But this was predicted far before the appearance of the NTFPOTT.
LH: As a reminder, here’s some advice from Master DK about opening to the “new”:
LH: “One of the great needs of all disciples and aspirants is the detached relinquishing of pet theories as to life, discipleship and the Plan;MDR: Do we not all have our “pet” theories? I am sure that He was not suggesting that His students drop as inconsequential that which He was trying to teach them (which may now be suggested by those who think of DK’s Teaching as relatively superseded). Of course, one must always be open to the “new” IF it is really the “new” and not simply claimed to be such to distinguish it from other older Teachings. This is another rather glamorous technique to dignify one’s own approach while minimizing that of others. (Glamour is basically a problem of right proportion.) But what do you do with agelessness? How shall it be recognized? As the “new”? As the “old”? As the “timeless”?
LH: the preserving of that open mind which is ever ready for the unexpected presentation and able (when the spiritual vision is strong enough) to achieve a quick reversal of all preconceived ideals.
MDR: Yes, of course, IF the unexpected presentation really evokes the intuition and recognition under the Law of Correspondences and is not just another of the tens of presentations which falsely claims itself to be the “latest word”.
LH: This must be done when it is deemed spiritually wise
MDR: And the wisdom of acceptance of that which claims to be new is an important point.
LH. and it involves also that waiting attitude which expects the new vision to appear,
MDR: Forever in the Continuity of Revelation
LH: the newer truths to emerge into formulated clarity and the new potencies to become increasingly effective.
MDR: Without question this is correct, yet all that claims to be “new” is not necessarily so, and so many of those novelties (around which so much ephemeral enthusiasm is generated) are not at all what He is talking about.
LH: Such attitudes are peculiarly difficult for those disciples who have the sixth Ray of Devotion and Idealism dominant in their energy equipment, for the ideals of a sixth ray aspirant crystallise most rapidly and are quickly distorted thereby.
MDR: I have seen it in myself, in others and in those who do not suspect that it is present. One of my observations is that so many “inspired writings” present that which is not at all new, but which claims to be. In fact, certain writings (I am not referring to LC) are hopelessly old in thought and language, yet claim to be fresh from the Master’s lips. I am cautious, evaluate everything that comes forth with any claim to uniqueness, and reserve judgment until reason and intuition decide the matter.
LH: The temporary ideal (intended to guide the undeveloped aspirant) can become a barrier, separating him from truth and from the realisation of a truer vision.
MDR: Yes, of course. We see it all the time.
LH: “So I would beg you, my disciples, to aim at a wide open simplicity which waits expectant of that new thing which is so ready today to precipitate but which is being hindered from so doing by the idealists of the world far more than by the man in the street.
MDR: The HPB and AAB Teachings point precisely to that “new thing”. Every decent teaching does if one can go beyond the words into the Presence and the Energies which these teachings indicate.
LH: The latter is simpler in his reactions and more ready to grasp and see a way out of the immediate impasse than the mystic or the occultist because he thinks in terms of humanity.
MDR: Yes, as we know, the most glamoured groups are…..! This is a serious statement by DK, and must not be dismissed by any of us in the esoteric field.
LH: The disciples of the world (with their nicely formulated ideals and their neatly expressed idealistic concepts) are oft glamoured by the future beauty because they are oblivious of the present opportunity.
MDR: So this requires understanding something about Being and living presently in the Presence.
LH: Many of them will find out later that they have been left behind as far as registering the new truths is concerned. To this Christ referred when He said that it was not possible to put new wine into old bottles for that which is old will be destroyed by the expanding new life.
MDR: I think He spoke much of Theosophical formulations. The newer truths are registered along the developing antahkarana.
LH: “The initiate, therefore, stands ready, for what? For the instant recognition of what is new, for its immediate grasp and the treading of the new step in the unfoldment of the pioneering human consciousness, for the revelation—steadily and constantly presented—of the new and superseding concepts.
MDR: Via the antahkarana the spiritual triad and the Monad will reveal the new. For some the soul will be the Revealer, though in the 8% expected from soul revelation, perhaps not much that is really “new” can be expected—as DK informs us in Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle.
LH: These concepts possess a dynamic expulsive power and satisfactorily meet human need in the immediate cycle. He is ready for the instant relinquishing of all that seems futile and unnecessary and inadequate to the need of the hour, and for the reception of the power from on high which breaks and destroys that which has become crystallised, which has served its purpose and become old and useless;
MDR: I am sure we both agree entirely with what DK has said here. I am also sure that He did not intend the rejection of the barely fathomable concepts and ideas which He so often presented and which require initiate consciousness (possessed by so few) to apprehend truly. The attitude expressed above is, of course, good and necessary. To what shall it be applied? That is the question. I have seen so much ‘abuse of the term new’ that I approach any such claims with utmost scrutiny. I am sure I will persist in this method of evaluation. Let all evaluate as they will. Each must choose his or her method.
MDR: And I hope to be understood. I, too, eagerly await the “new”—the authentically new, even though every true revelation is the revelation of that which has always been. Each must evaluate presentations and claims on the basis of his or her own reason and intuition (if that is functioning). There is almost no way to convince another that that which he or she considers “new” is not really “new” at all. Each must discover the truth for himself or herself.
LH: he is ready to work as a practical occultist (and not only as a mystical idealist) upon the levels of vision as well as upon the levels of practical human affairs.” (DINA I)
MDR: To all this I can only say, “of course”. In the interpretation and application the differences of opinion will appear.
5. LH: I may be wrong, but I sense some reservation on your part to enthusiastically embrace all that Lucille has to say about the Ashram of Synthesis, its membership and the characteristics of the energy of Synthesis itself.
MDR: My dear Brother, whom I love and respect—I have been saying this all along. Indeed, I do, honestly, have reservations on every one of these points, which is not to say that she does not say good things which can be useful to students of esotericism. If people gather together, strive to improve their personality natures, strive to contact and be infused by the soul, and work together for the common good using a teaching which gives good advice on a number of points—the good will always results. And I wish all students of LC the very best. We all will achieve (and in my philosophy, at least, have achieved infinitudinous times—always more times than can be definitely numbered). But those are other considerations more appropriate to a discussion of the Curriculum of Being.
So, indeed, you know my reservations, though not perhaps the reasons behind all of them. As for the “energy of Synthesis” it is my thought that we all define this term in different ways. I recently tried to offer a little foundation of how I understand it in my several points which have been put up on Phillip’s site.
LH: It’s probably best to go straight to the source. I recommend that you temporarily put aside your own interpretation of the Ashram of Synthesis while reading this (rather long) excerpt because the way Synthesis is characterized by Lucille may be different from what you are accustomed to (I heard that).
MDR: Well, yes of course we must define our terms. I have thought much about the energy of Synthesis, but I am not saying that my thought is paramount or that others do not have equally valuable thoughts about what it means.
MDR: So, then, here we go, but in order to keep track of my responses, I shall have to insert them.
LH: “The Synthesis of First, Second, and Seventh Ray energies brings the planet and humanity a new energy, a new force, and a new substance with which to shape and mold a new civilization.
MDR: And let us not forget the universalizing energies of the constellation Aquarius! These three rays in combination with the Ashrams representing them are of great importance; as DK tells it, Master M, Master KH and Master R.
“You will then have three rays producing simultaneous effects upon mankind:
1. The first Ray of Will or Power, expending its force.
2. The second Ray of Love-wisdom, reaching its meridian and holding the centre of the stage until 1957.
3. The seventh Ray of Ceremonial Order, coming into activity in combination with the other two—the will-to-love and the will-to-order—producing beauty out of the present chaos.
The disciples, therefore, of the Master Morya, of the Master Koot Hoomi and of the Master Rakoczi are reaching out towards a period of the intensest activity. The destiny of the world lies in the hands of Their three groups of initiated disciples; with Them, the accepted disciples of the three groups are asked to cooperate and this offers opportunity to many everywhere. As they seek to vision the Plan, to cooperate with the three Masters and Their initiate groups, their opportunity will emerge. This triangle of energy is held responsible by the great Leaders in Shamballa for the regularising of world affairs. More than this it is not necessary for humanity to know.” (DINA I, p.730)
LH: The Synthesis reaches us from the Avatar of Synthesis, Who, acting under the direction of a greater Cosmic Life,
MDR: Is there any statement about the nature of this Cosmic Life? DK seems to call this great Cosmic Life, the “Spirit of Synthesis” (R&I, p.752)
MDR: I would also say that any group which thinks deeply about the Avatar of Synthesis cannot help but be inspired and learn much. DK has some twenty-eight references to the Avatar of Synthesis. They should be studied carefully and compared with references in the LC work.
LH: synthesizes the energies into a lower correspondence of a Cosmic energy as yet of too high and subtle a frequency for us to reach.
MDR: Fair enough.
LH: The Avatar releases the new Synthesis to the Planetary Logos and the Christ, Who, in turn release it to the new Ashram of Synthesis via its focal point, the Masters M, R, and DK.
MDR: So here it is answered—the three Masters Who are connected with the Ashram of Synthesis, as LC has called it.
LH: These three use several methods of release for the distribution of the energy to humanity and through humanity into the devic lives of the planet. Among these methods is that with which we are here concerned, is released to seven disciples on the thread, each functioning as a Soul in the Ashram and each serving in incarnation as disciples in a particular department of human living. The seven disciples, each in his own field, continue the distribution of the Synthesis energy via a threefold method:
MDR: On what levels are these disciples found? Further as all Ashrams have their place on various planes, on what planes or subplanes is the Ashram of Synthesis said to focus?
LH: 1. Through a creative service activity which gives body and form to the incoming energy. We are referring here to creativity such as in the fields of art, literature, music, medicine, psychology, etc.
2. Via groups of disciples working with them both esoterically and exoterically in all fields of human endeavor for human betterment.
3. Via special meditation effort carried out both individually and in company with co-workers, which directs the energy along those paths of manifestation indicated by the Divine Plan for humanity.
The many disciples who are attracted into a relationship with one or another of the seven disciplesMDR: Are these seven said to be on one or other of the seven rays? Have various disciples already professed to be one or other of these seven disciples?
LH: on the thread form seven major groups which continue the distribution process via:
1. Their chosen service activities.
2. An application of the Synthesis energy into their daily lives and affairs.
3. And via a radiation of it through that network which is humanity.
LH: In addition to the above, these seven groups of disciples step the energy down to the lower kingdoms in nature, both consciously and unconsciously, thus further conditioning the planetary life with the new SynthesisMDR: So far, though my understanding of Synthesis may differ, I have not seen Synthesis defined. Simply that it emanates from the Avatar of Synthesis and is stepped down through various channels.
LH: It might be of interest as a side note to those for whom this instruction is specifically projected to know that The Nature of’ The Soul series is a specific instance of a disciple on the thread having created a body and a form for an incarnation of the new Synthesis energy. So also are other works such as this one; therefore, a certain quantity and quality of the energy, force, and substance of Synthesis has already been released to humanity in this way and one might add has also been placed in availability for humanity’s direct appropriation.
MDR: What are the evidences that a certain disciple is distributing or radiating the energy of Synthesis? I know the work of LC will be cited as one. What of the other disciples and the Synthesis they are released into the world? Are there examples or is this an anticipation of things to come?
LH: The question has been placed before me—what determines the choice of those disciples on the thread for the function of Ashramic focal points in the reception and distribution of the Synthesis? I am going to endeavor to answer that question for the benefit of the many interested individuals both in the present and the future who have the right to know.
MDR: In my view, Synthesis is of the Monad and such a distributor must be at least an initiate of the third degree for even a preliminary distribution of the energy of Synthesis. In my evaluation, I have not seen this.
LH: First, however, let me clarify one major point in all of this questioning and wondering. Each of these seven has been chosen by a Council made up of seven members of the Hierarchy, plus the Avatar of Synthesis and the Christ, acting in an advisory capacity.
MDR: The Avatar of Synthesis is an extra-planetary Being overshadowing, presently, the entire Planetary Logos. And we put this Avatar on an advisory Council—though designate a chela on the thread as a recipient? I my view, I detect a lack of proportion.
MDR: Are these seven actively functioning on the physical plane now? Have they been identified or identified themselves?
LH: The initial choice was made by the then Masters of the First, Second, and Seventh Ray Ashrams. It was then passed upon by the others after due consideration of the total Council.
MDR: If one could see evidence of these disciples functioning, one would know better how to evaluate the process. I can also see a problem with a number of ambitious disciples desiring to fulfill such posts.
By the way, since the Buddha is so important in the formulation of the Wisdom Ashram of which DK wrote, what happened to Him?
LH: The seven were chosen from among a group of disciples on the thread, because for various reasons (not always the same in each case) they were more readily receptive and adaptive to the new energy; more in tune, as it were, with the mind and consciousness of one or more of the Masters directly involved, and thus more capable of communication with Him, and finally each in his own way had earned the right to both office and function.
MDR: Are these disciples presently, visibly at work, and if so, what is the result of their work? We have the Avatar of Synthesis and the Christ involved in choosing and designating chelas on the thread for specific representation of the energy of Synthesis? I must be frank in saying that I find this a non-credible stretch of the imagination. The Christ was not even aware of the Arcane School until the membership began to study The Problem of Humanity. Perhaps you have heard this story related by DK. As for the Avatar of Synthesis, He works through great groupings—such as the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Christ is a becoming seventh degree Initiate. A chela on the thread (not even a Chela in the Aura) is far too low a consideration for such a mighty Being—this is my view, of course, an each is entitled to his or her own view.
LH: One other point of interest I should like to make here: each of these seven were chosen long before this incarnation, their training began, and even their service initiated, several hundred years ago within the Ashrams of the Masters M, R, and KH.
MDR: It is an interesting assertion. Somehow, it seem that DK has replaced KH in this process? And now we have people who now are only chelas on the thread, being, long ago, chosen for this exalted work when perhaps they were not even accepted disciples or only chelas in the light (in DK’s terminology regarding the Six Stages of Discipleship) How long ago? Let’s see if it was so long ago that the Masters doing the choosing were not at that time even Masters.
LH: These seven disciples of Synthesis, for such they truly are, should not be expected or requested to demonstrate perfection in the persona nor to be very different in the outer sense from other disciples in the field, yet they should receive the respect, love, and cooperation that is due them.
MDR: What is their work and how does one recognize their work? I suppose the old staying goes: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” And, I must say, that a chela on the thread is already beyond the stage of “accepted disciple” and should demonstrate through the persona something that is of a higher nature than the ordinary disciple. People who claim to be among the Seven Disciples of Synthesis, could hide behind the statement given above about their rather ordinary appearance or manifestation.
LH: Their task is one of the most difficult to be undertaken in any Ashram, and for three or more incarnations they have been hard at it, so to speak, building an instrument in the three worlds sufficient to that task.
MDR: Have they been chelas on the thread so long? Is this what is meant by “long before”?
LH: If it is difficult to understand them, it is primarily because they are becoming an embodiment of Synthesis in what might appear to be both its positive and negative aspects.
MDR: Synthesis in its negative aspects? And how does an “embodiment of Synthesis” demonstrate itself? Have there not been great initiates who, in the past, were exactly this—expression of the Monad and thus, embodiments of synthesis.
LH: They do not manifest exactly the characteristics of the rays with which we are familiar, but rather they manifest the characteristics of the new Synthesis energy.
MDR: And what precisely is that? The rays extend all the way to Beings on the cosmic planes and work in various triangles to accomplish cosmic purposes. This new Synthesis energy will have to be clearly defined. Thus far, no clear definition offered. It is a great, euphonious word, but, again in my view, it is commonly used by those who have no idea of what it could possibly mean. They just repeat the word “Synthesis”, when their lives demonstrate something very different. Who is the Monad walking the Earth in demonstrable Being?
LH: They do not readily understand themselves (but then my brothers, who among you does?),
MDR: What is this? If these people are chosen by M, KH?, and R to represent a Great Ashram (guided by the Christ and Master R) as “the only two Members of the Hierarchy able to register the divine Purpose (in regard to its immediate objectives) in such a manner that the entire Hierarchy can be informed and can then work unitedly and intelligently at its implementation” they had better know who they are and what they are doing. Any true chela on the thread would know these things.
MDR: And, yes, there are disciples who understand themselves to a significant degree. The statement above (purportedly coming from R) is very hard to accept as reasonable. I simply give you my evaluation. That others will evaluate all this in an entirely different manner, I do not doubt. But since I have been in this field for almost fifty years, I have the temerity to offer my assessment—as any disciple is free to do.
LH: nonetheless they are learning to do so. They have not as yet learned the most economical use of this energy, force, and substance, but their time is coming.”
MDR: Lyn, if these seven disciples are “on the thread”, they are very nearly initiates of the third degree or have taken that degree (if they are real Disciples of Synthesis which is a monadic faculty). This means they should be far beyond in capacity of that which is said of them above. This is where logic and reasoning enter and not simply acceptance of that which is purportedly said by the Mahachohan.
LH: You may note the similarity between this teaching and some of that emanating from Findhorn at a slightly later date. In Revelation: Birth of a New Age by David Spangler, “Limitless Love and Light” speaks of a new heaven and a new earth – “in preparation for a Being whom you have invoked in your desire to embody and to pioneer a new dimension of consciousness for mankind, a Being who is the Regent for energies brought from beyond your system.”
MDR: OK, rather vague so far. This needs specification. Christ is the Great Avatar, supported by the three—the Avatar of Synthesis, the Spirit of Peace and the Buddha. I assume it is the same in the LC teaching? DK speaks of a number of Avatars (a most interesting section), and among the ones that concern humanity, there is a Seventh Ray Avatar, but He, though having Love and Wisdom (though not in as full measure as the Christ and the Buddha) cannot be “from beyond the system”. We have to keep a sense of proportion. It is the sense of proportion (which guarantees true humility and the avoidance of glamour) which is so often missing in many pronouncements of that which is claimed to be esoteric truth.
LH: Interestingly, Master R was the overshadowing Presence of both Findhorn and the groups Lucille was forming in the US.
MDR: I have heard it stated of Findhorn and repeatedly of LC.
LH: A highly evolved being known as John also provided a great deal of teaching under Master R’s direction in both centers.
MDR: I have heard this advanced by DS.
LH: As I mentioned before, both centers also understood themselves as outposts of the Ashram of Synthesis (or Brotherhood of Synthesis in the case of Findhorn).
MDR: OK—I understand the assertions.
6. LH: You ask, “What happened to KH?” Beats me. I assume that Master DK advanced to the point that he was able to fulfill the role that Master KH had served in the incipient ashram which allowed KH the opportunity to focus his attention upon the Reappearance of the Christ.
MDR: Alright—it’s an hypothesis and we are certainly allowed to generate such. It seems to me that the Triangle surrounding the Christ (the Avatar of Synthesis, the Spirit of Peace and the Buddha) are very much involved with making successful the Reappearance of the Christ and that Master KH would be thus, strongly related to this Triangle, as His Ashram has the major responsibility in preparing humanity for the Reappearance of the Christ.
LH: You say, “I am doubtful in the extreme that any kind of “synthetic initiation” (which jumps over life-times of necessary training for initiation) will solve the problem.” I have doubts about many aspects of initiation as well. This is a big subject that will probably arise in another of your missives, but I will preface that discussion with a quote from Master DK:
MDR: Yes, another time.
LH: “As you together study this subject of initiation, I would ask you to keep an open mind. I have told you that changes are imminent in the training of the initiates of the future,
MDR: This is the theme of Group Initiation which has been advanced in DINA II and in The Rays and the Initiations especially.
LH: and that the techniques of developing a disciple’s consciousness will be different to those used in the past.” (DINA II)
MDR: Yes, this is all part of DK’s presentation of the new approach to initiation. The subject of the fivefold synthetic initiation, is a big one. Perhaps you could send me some pertinent paragraphs. Most of what I have heard about it, I have heard from you or, perhaps, from some sections of text you showed me long ago.
It is of the utmost importance to discuss this, because the initiatory progress of the modern disciples depends upon their ability to understand what initiation is and the time and training involved—and also the time required of them to express in service that which the most recent initiation has conferred. I suspect a very big leap is being proposed, and one that has no foundation if the carefully written texts, involving hundreds of pages, which Master DK has presented are considered as valid. Or are they suddenly, given with such detail and scholarship, invalid? And suddenly replaced by something new!?
But more later.
MDR: Now a little reflection. I realize that the systems presented by LC have an extensive following of sincere aspirants, probationers and disciples. That all who adhere or follow are members of the Ashram of Synthesis I strongly doubt. In fact, in what I refer to as the Wisdom Ashram, I think you can find members of Hierarchy and Shamballa, according to the Wesak letter of 1946, but not the usual aspirants, probationers, disciples, initiates and even some Masters (who would not qualify). The pursuit of the understanding and expression of Synthesis is another matter and I consider it both necessary and legitimate through the process of building the antahkarana to the Monad. Still, I hold to my reservations on the nature scope and personnel of the Wisdom Ashram (or Ashram of Synthesis as LC calls it). When I see real manifested expression of this on the physical plane, I will give more credence to the thoughts advanced in the LC teaching concerning nature, scope and personnel. Right now, I consider the assertions improbable. This does not mean I am correct or reserve for myself the position of expert or judge in these matters. As a somewhat experienced worker, I am simply sharing my point of view at this time.
In a few short years we will know more. DK will be writing His third installment in His three-part series of bridging-Treatises. I can be patient until then, or until, during my next incarnation, more is revealed to me about DK’s intentions.
I imagine that writings supposedly impressed by DK or M. have been coming through LC or others affiliated with the LC presentation. I seem to remember seeing such writings claimed to be under their impression. If my memory serves me, in reading them, I remember not finding the note or M or DK—but I have to make sure that my memory of the existence of such writings is accurate. You know that since DK was “looking for no new stenographers” and since He said the Chohans would not be working through dictation (though I do understand that you say that impression and not dictation is involved), my first response would be to carefully scrutinize such proposed writings for their scope, depth, languaging and quality.
You know there have been a number of receivers or “stations” who have claimed to channel various Members of Hierarchy. Probably you know of the Claire Prophet channelings. About the “I AM” presentation, DK has commented clearly and unambiguous directness, so I have no need to elaborate, but I do have first-hand association with those messages and those who promoted them, and they would fail in all respects to suggest that a real Master (not an astral thoughtform) was behind them.
I persist in my analysis and evaluations—for my own purposes. I have no desire to impose my will in the effort to change the course of meditation, study and service for any who have decided upon a particular spiritual Path, whether than of LC or others. I simply try to think as clearly as I can about what is true and useful and what may be illusory, glamorous and therefore delaying and misleading for adherents to various “new” teachings—and in saying this I am not speaking specifically of LC’s teachings.
My final thought is that if aspirants and disciples are truly working for the Externalization of the Hierarchy and the Reappearance of the Christ, they are working in the right direction and will do humanity and themselves much good. These two processes are my “touchstones” as I believe them to be the most important processes on and in the planet at this time.
The esoteric writings of the world today are of vastly different scope and quality. Some material is really trash. Other materials are very good. Some are supreme. Let everyone make up his or her mind. I simply evaluate (at my present level of knowledge and ignorance!) for the clarification of my own understanding and to assist others in the process of clarification.
LH: With respect and much love,
Lyn
Reply
MDR: And as always, I offer my love and respect to you. You have done such fine work in the world and are a true scholar of the Ageless Wisdom. Our differences in perspective will be clarified in time. Then we shall see the truth concerning that about which we can necessarily (at this time) only believe.MDR: With the hope for the spiritual advancement in meditation, study and service of all true disciples of the Great Ones,
Michael
Thanks Lyn and Michael for your excellent dialogue, I hope students of both Bailey and Cedercrans are following this conversation or sharing it with others, it is most illuminating. Lyn, you said above, “7th Ray throat center in the Pacific Northwest” – what do you mean by this? DK has given Washington as the head and New York as the throat – so there is a seeming contradiction here? As you may know, I have studied the planetary centres in a bit of depth and have several essays about them, one of which is here: https://esotericastrologer.org/articles/five-planetary-centres-and-five-cities/
Lyn, Where did this information come from, the LC teachings or was it “divined” by other students?
The center locations were based on information transmitted to the groups Lucille established in each particular location. The teachings primarily concerned Master R’s instructions for the activation and function of each center – head, heart, throat and center of synthesis.
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Letter #4
Dear Michael,
Here are a few comments re the Ashram of Synthesis (I can’t comment on all your comments or we will wear our fingers out). Based on Lucille’s teachings, no one would get the impression that the Ashram of Synthesis was reserved exclusively for the most highly evolved Beings on the planet. Certainly, some of those are included, but the influence of the Ashram is intended to extend to all levels of consciousness within the planetary ring pass not – eventually synthesizing all those states of consciousness into a One Life. This process relates to humanity taking the first initiation as a kingdom, the establishment of the Fifth Kingdom in Nature on Earth, the externalization of the Hierarchy and humanity entering upon “its destined task as the intelligent, loving intermediary between the higher states of planetary consciousness, the super-human states and the sub-human kingdoms.”
I’m not aware of anyone aligning themselves with the Ashram of Synthesis who feels somehow more advanced than other disciples thereby. If they take Lucille’s teachings seriously, they will consider the followers of HPB, HR and AAB also part of the Ashram of Synthesis – either as an aspirant in the “aura” of the ashram (on soul levels), a probationer at its periphery or a disciple within the ashram itself – so there’s no one to feel superior to, even if they wanted to.
Of course, we can’t be sure that the Ashram Master DK referred to in his 1946 Wesak message is what Lucille refers to as the Ashram of Synthesis. My guess is it is, but it may be another Ashram with a nature and membership similar to what you infer.
To give you another perspective on the Ashram of Synthesis from Lucille’s perspective, I offer this quote which is an answer by Master R to a question from someone in one of Lucille’s group.
“The Conscious Soul Incarnate, as such, is in a sense a new effort within the body of humanity. The Ashram [of Synthesis] is endeavoring, via the initiation which it is taking, to become the Conscious Soul Incarnate within the body of humanity, which will make possible the initiation of humanity into the consciousness of the Soul within any evolutionary level of development. The animal-man can be, within his particular evolutionary place, a Conscious Soul Incarnate as humanity takes this initiation. This does not mean that he will function at the highest evolutionary development of Soul, but that in his particular evolutionary status he will be consciously identified and therefore evolving as Soul.”
To be frank, I don’t really know what that means – or how it will look – but one does get the idea that a grand synthesis is envisioned that even the lowest level of human consciousness will be profoundly affected. The ashram certainly has its “esoteric” teachings, but includes far more – as the previous quote I sent re “disciples on the thread” indicates with disciples in 7 different fields of human endeavor.
You asked about other “disciples on the thread”. Lucille/Master R did not indicate who any of these might be. My candidates include Roberto Assagioli, the Mother of Auroville, and possibly Eileen Caddy. Assagioli because of his synthetic approach to psychology via Psychosynthesis. He was also the inspiration behind Meditation Mount which has had board members deeply involved with Lucille’s teachings for over 20 years and continues to draw inspiration from those sources today – in addition to Masters M and DK.
Auroville has always impressed me as one of the nine planetary “centers of synthesis” that Master R refers to. It is closely related to the synthetic teachings of Sri Aurobindo (Integral Yoga and the Synthesis of Yoga) and demonstrates the synthesis of many nationalities, cultures, spiritual paths and the outer expression of this synthesis in practical, life enhancing, earth friendly political, social, economic, artistic, scientific and spiritual ideas, practices and technologies. Ken Wilber, another promoter of the synthetic or integral ideal draws a lot of his inspiration from Sri Aurobindo, without proper credit – or so the Aurovillians claim.
Interestingly, there was a guru who incarnated near Pondicherry in the 1890s who was called the Avatar of Synthesis (I forget his name, but I have a whole book about him). Obviously, that can’t be the incarnation of a Being who can descend no lower than the mental plane, and it precedes by many years the date Master DK first began talking about the Avatar of Synthesis, but it might represent some kind of seed that was being planted for future developments.
Findhorn has many of the same characteristic as Auroville, as well as its own unique qualities. Known to its leadership as a “Brotherhood of Synthesis”, it seems possible that Eileen Caddy – or perhaps Peter – might also be a “disciple of synthesis on the thread”. The community also demonstrates several of the characteristics mentioned by Master R as goals of the Center of Synthesis in Estes Park.
Of course, this is all just speculation on my part and proves nothing, but I find it suggestive. It should be noted that the center in Estes Park never achieved the outer manifestation seen in Findhorn or Auroville – nor little of what Master R hoped would be achieved by the year 2000. He did, however, indicate that the center had been anchored on etheric levels, so hopefully, the destined outer manifestation will take place in good time.
I think there is some indication of this if you consider that nearby Boulder now has one of the highest concentrations of Tibetan Lamas in the Western World, is home to Naropa Institute, is home to previously mentioned Ken Wilber (a prominent proponent of “integral” dynamics) and shares some of the qualities and characteristics of the two previously mentioned centers.
In reference to your question – what about the Buddha: First of all, Master DK says only that the Ashram of Synthesis is related to the Buddha, not that he was serving an active role within the ashram itself.
Secondly, there is a deep root of Tibetan Buddhism in Lucille’s teachings going back directly to Padmasambhava – the “transitional” Buddha between Buddha Shakyamuni and Buddha Maitreya. (Peter Caddy also had a strong connection to Tibet). In fact, Lucille was officially authorized by Dudjom Rinpoche, the Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition (the “old” school going back to Padmasambhava), to offer teachings under his auspices via a group in Denver started by Lucille and named by Dudjom Rinpoche, Udiyan Maitreya Kosha.
As far as the Avatar of Synthesis being only on the “advisory committee” of the Ashram of Synthesis, that just seems to be the way things work. The more highly evolved Beings are not here to tell the lesser evolved what to do – or do it for them – but merely to “advise”, inspire and enlighten. It’s up to us earthlings to find the way out of the mess we ourselves have created.
You say, ”We have the Avatar of Synthesis and the Christ involved in choosing and designating chelas on the thread for specific representation of the energy of Synthesis? I must be frank in saying that I find this a non-credible stretch of the imagination.”
I would reply that the energy of Synthesis demonstrated by a Chohan or even a Master would never even register on the radar of most humans. It needs to be stepped down significantly if indeed humanity as a whole is the target – let alone the sub-human kingdoms in nature.
You say, “if these seven disciples are “on the thread”, they are very nearly initiates of the third degree or have taken that degree (if they are real Disciples of Synthesis which is a monadic faculty). This means they should be far beyond in capacity of that which is said of them above. This is where logic and reasoning enter and not simply acceptance of that which is purportedly said by the Mahachohan.”
I would point again to Krishnamurti, an amazing human being but with many of the shortcomings common to much of humanity, who was groomed to be a living embodiment of the Christ Presence, not merely a communicating station. Anyone who has read the book “Lives in the Shadow” knows what I’m talking about. (I’ve never read the book myself, but knew the main character, besides K, well and have worked for years with her foster son so I have heard stories firsthand).
You say, “This new Synthesis energy will have to be clearly defined. Thus far, no clear definition is offered.”
Here are a few quotes from Lucille/Master R bearing on this. I apologize for the length, but I think this will give you a better idea than a short quote here and there. Remember, we are not considering the energy of synthesis on rarefied monadic levels, but the at the level of the “disciple in the street” here.
“Each and every disciple working within the field of humanity from a focus as Soul within the new Ashram of Synthesis has before him or her the seemingly difficult task of understanding the energy which is now his or her prime concern. What is Synthesis? What are its characteristics and its effects in manifestation? How may one appropriate and rightly use it in service to the Divine Plan for Humanity? What are its dangers?’ And how may one protect oneself, one’s group, and humanity from those dangers?
I shall endeavor to answer these questions for you now, and in so doing release the initiating impulse for a renewal of group effort in the manifestation of the Ashramic Plan. Try to realize, in reading, studying, meditating, and practicing the following, that it is only a first lesson, so to speak, in Synthesis. Much more will follow in rhythmic cycles, each expansion in its own time and in response to its true need in service.
The energy of Synthesis is a new energy, a new force, and a new substance. Its Purpose is the building of a new civilization which will carry the Evolutionary Plan for humanity into manifestation.
While it is a Synthesis of First, Second, and Seventh Ray energies, and carries then resemblances to these, still it is not like any one or any combination of them. It is like itself insofar as this planet is concerned. In the Cosmic scheme, it is a lower correspondence of a very subtle Cosmic energy which does not yet reach our Solar Logos.
Its primary characteristics are Fourth dimensional and thus most difficult to define and describe. It both radiates and absorbs at the same time, producing a motion and a relation of motions which brings the extreme opposites into immediate juxtaposition.
(Note: I am forced to use the terms “radiate and absorb” because they are the closest language can produce, yet they are not completely correct, nor do they adequately carry the concept. Keep this in mind, endeavoring to intuit the meaning in meditation without the use of language. Some day science will produce correct terms with which to define this fourth dimensional activity.) It, the energy, radiates the positive pole, and absorbs the negative pole, conducting each of these in whatever form it has entered; and thus through radiation and absorption it out-pictures as its own substance the extremes to be resolved.
It might be said, then, that conflict in the extreme is one of its major characteristics and effects. That conflict, however, will be short-lived, relatively speaking, due to another major characteristic and effect of the Synthesis energy. Because of the radiating and absorbing nature and motion of Synthesis, the pairs of opposites are quickly synthesized into a one, a total, or whole. The positive and negative poles are radiated and absorbed into one another, or one atom, so to speak, because of their juxtaposition or perfect alignment. Thus that which was once so-called good and bad have been wedded into a new state, condition, or manifestation, which is neither good nor bad, but simply an evolutionary movement. One of its characteristic effects in manifestation then is rapid and (one might almost say) radical change. Conflict in the extreme, followed by quick evolutionary change will manifest wherever the Synthesis energy is applied.”
“This organization of Truth, which is the task of every disciple in the field today regardless of his department of service, is based upon a new understanding of the pairs of opposites. Remember that Synthesis actually synthesizes the many into the one. The disciple who is working with this energy looks for the right relationship of all apparently separated parts, so that that which appears by itself as false and unreal is finally seen as a facet of the many-faceted jewel of Truth. Nothing is discarded as actually false or wrong or bad, but rather it is gathered into its right relationship with the other pieces of the whole. The whole or total unit then becomes a part of the heretofore missing pattern of the Divine Plan for humanity, and serves its Purpose. In so doing it becomes an illuminating force in the world.”
“You will find that carrying a Synthesis of One, Two, and Seven is much different than carrying either a combination of the three or of one or two of the energies. You will find that the characteristics and qualities of each of these energies, while they are basically present within the Synthesis, are nonetheless in themselves, as basic characteristics, recondite to and productive of a new and different characteristic and quality which is that of the Synthesis itself. To even approach an understanding of the Synthesis, it is necessary for you to bring into your own consciousness as much as you already know of these three rays and from that knowledge to move up in frequency to the Second Cosmic Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom, or Pure Reason, of which these three are subsidiary.
For it is only through an understanding, at least in part, of Pure Reason—to which these three are subsidiary—that the Synthesis of them can be approached in understanding. I am going to ask you, because there is still—even though you have been discussing these ray energies and their expressions over a certain period of time, and have to a degree been working with them, have become familiar with them—there is still much within your consciousness that is a distortion of truth regarding them. There is a certain amount of glamour, I might add a great deal of glamour in some cases, regarding the various rays and their outer expression.
I would like to remind you that the highest definition of the First Ray that has been formulated within this planetary ring-pass-not is that the Purpose of the First Ray is to bring into focus and to interpret the Cosmic Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom or Pure Reason—so that in the higher frequencies of First Ray are to be found within this planetary ring-pass-not, the highest most focused expression of Divine Love.
There are a few points I should like to bring out here regarding the Second Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom. First, Divine Love is not an emotion. It is most important that the disciple realize this. It does produce, as do all energies, a feeling response. But in itself it is not an emotion. It is an energy, and I might add it is a consciousness.
Its highest frequencies manifest as Wisdom—Divine Love is Divine Wisdom—perfect understanding. The definition of Divine Love, more than the definition of any other ray energy, defies logic. Its understanding cannot be reached through the use of the logical interpretative mind. A true understanding of this energy can only be achieved via an experience in consciousness of it. As I speak to you, it is through the use of this particular energy. You, in turn, are receptive to it by your reception and your response. A relationship is established between us, a relationship which produces within both your consciousness and mine, a greater understanding of one another, of ourselves, and therefore of that One Life of which we are but a part.
The disciple enters into this experience of love, through the use of the First Ray, by focusing the intent, the Will to Love, recognizing that the basic energy underlying every relationship—regardless of the outer form of that relationship—is Divine Love-Wisdom. By truly entering then into the energy of the relationship, the experience of love, the experience produces understanding in ever increasing degrees until the disciple enters into the heart of the One Life, and lives within that heart regardless of his outer movements in time and space.
The true path of understanding, the true path of evolution, of service, of one’s own growth, is found always ready to be known in the relationship which it is his good karma, in every instance, to experience. By entering into the energy of the relationship, regardless of the outer form it takes, and resolving the mystery of the relationship, man comes to know God and therefore to know himself.
For some reason, it seems that the Seventh Ray is the most difficult ray for disciples below a certain degree of initiation to understand, and yet it is the one with which they are the most familiar and the one with which they have had the most experience throughout their entire cycle of incarnation. It is the energy today, during this transitory period in the evolutionary development of humanity, which brings the greatest opportunity.
It is the energy which is today most predominant within the world of affairs. I should like first for you to understand that while this Seventh Ray is the new ray of civilization, still it is not a Ray of Aspect, but rather one of Attribute. The First and Second Rays of this new Synthesis are rays of Aspect. The First Ray is an expression of the First Aspect of Deity, that of Divine Purpose, Divine Motivation.
The Second Ray is an expression of the Second Aspect of Divinity, that of consciousness, of being, the self aspect, the Christ Aspect. And the Third Ray is the expression of the Third Aspect of Deity, that of Intelligent Activity. Prior to this transition between an old and a new age, civilization was predominantly a Third Ray expression, an expression of Intelligent Activity within the form nature. The Seventh Ray found expression in primitive culture, primitive race—in their ceremonies, in their attitudes and so on—but was never built up into the higher forms of civilization, the higher cultures, until this period, into which humanity is now transiting.
The differentiation between the Third Ray and the Seventh Ray is at first very hard to find, very hard to perceive. The Third Ray upon which civilization has been constructed, the ray which has been predominant in the building and the expression of civilization and therefore has contributed so much to the evolutionary development of humanity thus far, is an energy which expresses itself very logically. It has produced the present mathematical sciences. It defines, depicts, in logical sequence, presenting, then, an appearance of order out of chaos. This is the expression of Intelligent Activity.
The Seventh Ray expresses without regard to time and space, and this is the basic difference between the expression of these two rays within the civilization. The Third Ray demands that the working out from the subjective into the objective must follow specific, defined steps that make their appearance, each one, in the physical plane of affairs. The Seventh Ray expresses itself without regard for this sequential manifestation of each step or each sequence which results in a final appearance. The Seventh Ray follows its own logic, so to speak, but is governed by several Cosmic laws working in relationship to one another.
One of these laws is the Law of Periodicity. The Seventh Ray being governed by this law, and it being therefore expressive to a certain degree of it, follows in its manifestation of appearance a cyclic motion which does not account for, or necessitate, the physical appearance of that subjectivity which rests between the intervals in the cycle of this expression.
With the civilization transiting from the expression of Third Ray to the expression of Seventh Ray, we find many opportunities manifesting, many crises of opportunity. For this energy comes into appearance only during those cycles wherein rapid growth is predetermined by the Planetary Logos. The Seventh Ray is the reflection of Spirit, or the First Aspect, in substance.
Now I would have you consider your own almost unconscious uses of these energies from the time you became interested in your evolutionary development—in the processes of the mind, and their relationship to the working out of your purposes and plan, whether right or wrong, in time and space. The moment that the conscious thinking entity becomes cognizant of the fact that he is, by reason of his own mind, creative of his own destiny, whether to a great or a small degree, he begins, unconsciously at first, to utilize this energy and to be used by it.
In one sense this Seventh Ray energy is one of the most important energies for you to understand, because it is this expression that you will meet in your outer efforts to be of service to the Divine Plan for humanity. You will meet it in its positive and its negative expression. The positive expression of the Seventh Ray, insofar as the disciple is concerned, is that of White Magic. His is the ability to manipulate energy, force, and substance, to manifest those forms in the world of affairs which carry the Divine Plan for humanity into outer manifestation. His is the ability to wield his mental, astral-emotional, and physical influence in such a way as to deliberately effect a greater growth and development of consciousness for those with whom he comes into con-tact. This is Seventh Ray work on the positive side of the scale.
The negative expression of the Seventh Ray is the opposite, the use of Black Magic as the individual seeks to serve his own separated purposes and goals, or the use of Black Magic by the disciple of the Black Lodge for the purpose of opposition to the Divine Plan for humanity. You will meet with both expressions of this energy, and it becomes ever more necessary for you to learn the right use of the Seventh Ray in your own life and affairs, both as they pertain to you personally and in your service ac-tivity. The magic of the Seventh Ray brings the Purpose and the Love, the Life and the Quality of God, both tran-scending and imminent, into outer appearance.”
Finally, you say, “My final thought is that if aspirants and disciples are truly working for the Externalization of the Hierarchy and the Reappearance of the Christ, they are working in the right direction and will do humanity and themselves much good. These two processes are my “touchstones” as I believe them to be the most important processes on and in the planet at this time.
I can only say that all of the students of Lucille I know are sincere in these very efforts, so let’s forge ahead as one in these troubled times.
In the One Work,
Lyn
Letter #4 Response
Michael Robbins says:
MDR: My response to LRH is divided into two parts as the dialogue box will only accept a certain amount of text: MDR
Dear Lyn, Thank you for your extensive letter which I welcome despite the time it will take to reply. We seek clarification and cooperation in the esoteric field, and so the motive is correct. We will both and all do what we can. After MDR:
Dear Michael,
LRH: Here are a few comments re the Ashram of Synthesis (I can’t comment on all your comments or we will wear our fingers out).
MDR: Yes, the wear and tear of serious mental engagement!
LRH: Based on Lucille’s teachings, no one would get the impression that the Ashram of Synthesis was reserved exclusively for the most highly evolved Beings on the planet.
MDR: Yes, quite true. Her idea of an Ashram is rather extended when compared to that of DK. Peripheral association with an Ashram can occur perhaps at the second degree or thereabouts, but even preliminary, non-peripheral membership requires the third degree.
Here is an excellent symbolic section given by DK re the stages of ashramic affiliation. It should be attended to by all who wish to know more about ashramic dynamics.
DINA II 632-535:
‘These stages in service and in recognition of duty and obligation are related to status more than to soul growth and control, though this growth is one of the determining factors as regards his position in the Ashram. Let me enumerate them, leaving you to place yourself in the category of servers to which you belong, and leaving you also to demonstrate to the world the nature of your ashramic position. I will give you the esoteric names and symbols of this differentiation:
1. The stage of the “awakening urge.” Of this stage, the half-opened eye is the symbol. The neophyte, just admitted into the Ashram, becomes (as the Book of Instructions for Neophytes expresses it) “the victim of a dual sight. With the right eye he sees a shaded way into the central Ashram; from point to point, from light to dark and dark to light as the pillars point the way, he sees a narrow corridor and at the end a room; within that room the passing figure of the Master appears and disappears. With the left eye, a world of mist and fog, of gloom and shadowy forms is seen—a land of woe and dire distress, with light and shadow moving back and forth. From within that gloomy land a cry comes forth: We need your aid.
We cannot see. Come hither with the light.” In these phrases is embodied the first reaction of the new disciple to the dual life to [Page 633] which his admission to the Ashram has committed him—the life of ashramic instruction and of steady approach to the Master, plus the life of outer service which must come as a response to need and not as a fulfilment of an enjoined duty. He sees in neither direction with clarity. Remember ever that approach and service must be self-initiated and self-implemented. The only help which the disciple gets at this stage comes from the stimulating effect of the aura of the Ashram.
2. The stage of “advance.” By this I do not refer to progress in understanding. That is inevitable in time and incidental in space when the disciple is immovable in his determination. I refer to the process of his moving forward (technically understood) along the pillared corridor, simultaneously with his appearance in the outer world as an ashramic worker. You have a phrase which is usually employed in a derogatory sense of “social climber”; it refers to a person who—dissatisfied with his social position, his social contacts and his social relationships—uses every and any method to penetrate into those social milieus which have seemed unattainable. It is a platitude to say that all unworthy goals (because incorrectly motivated) are the lower correspondence or symbolic expressions (e’en though distorted) of higher aims and aspirations.
This thought should clarify your thinking. A disciple at this stage is a man whose character and capacities have permitted him to enter the Ashram with the full consent of its membership. He hovers, however, on the periphery of its activities; he knows that here are action, contacts and relationships—within the ashramic ring-pass-not—which can be his some day. Yet he also knows that he has to master the meaning of the paradoxical statement with which his voiced aspiration was met: “Go out the door and leave the Ashram as it was and as you are; seek for another entrance; find what you seek by leaving it behind; move forward through the art of moving back.”
In the blazing light of the Ashram the disciple realises that he has not yet earned the right to pass along the corridor to the Master’s sanctum, but must needs go forth [Page 634] into the world of men, of darkness and of pain; then he can return to the Ashram for strength to continue his work outside. What lies outside the door of the Ashram, symbolically speaking, becomes to him of greater moment than his own success in passing along the corridor. What has happened to him, as both his eyes “function in the dual light,” is that his sense of values is adjusted and his own progressive satisfaction becomes of less importance to him than what he can do to ameliorate the pain and distress outside the door.
3. The stage of “leaving each pillar behind its own shadow.” Is it only a truism to point out that as service proceeds, and the effectiveness of that service increases, the disciple when he enters the door of the Ashram, discovers he is no longer standing upon the inner side of the door but has already penetrated a definite distance along the corridor? Certain pillars are left behind. One of the Masters—using the word in its correct sense—has called these symbolic pillars the “pillars of propriety,” meaning that each pillar passed indicates the attainment of certain aspects of appropriate conduct. When these aspects of behaviour are developed, the disciple can pass up and down the corridor at will, which symbolises to him the, as yet, undeveloped phase of ashramic conduct.
These pillars embody the final phase of illusion—those illusions which bewilder the disciple but have no effect on anyone outside the Ashram. These you must discover for yourself. There are five more pillars which you must develop the ability to pass before you have the complete freedom of the Ashram. You have already learnt to pass seven of them and they, for you, are now non-existent.
4. The stage of the “withdrawing alcove.” I have to put these aspects of consciousness into material symbolic forms so as to bring pictorially to your attention the phases of approach which you and all disciples must follow. The pillars (again symbolically) no longer stand on either side of your way of approach. Though there for others, for you they constitute no longer any concern. The way stretches clear before you. The hope of free admittance into the [Page 635] room where the Master works is a present possibility. But within the Ashram, protecting the seclusion of the Master, is the antechamber to the place where He works and in that antechamber His senior disciple presides. This disciple protects the Master from undue disturbance, is responsible for the care of His physical vehicle when He goes into “samadhi,” has the right to interrupt Him in moments of emergency, and can be trusted to pass in and out of His study, whenever he deems it desirable. This arrangement requires the advancing disciple to recognise the senior disciple; it is this process of recognition which oft constitutes the final test, prior to being allowed through the inner door.
5. The stage to which is given the name “the right of entry.” When this stage is reached, the disciple can come and go as his soul and the need of his service in the outer world may dictate. He has developed the sensitivity to know when, or when not, he may intrude into the presence of the Master. He finds, when he has arrived at this point, that all desire to contact the Master for his own satisfaction or help has left him. One thing only sends him on the wings of light along the corridor and strengthens his hand to open wide the door, and that is world need.”
LRH: Certainly, some of those are included, but the influence of the Ashram is intended to extend to all levels of consciousness within the planetary ring pass not
MDR: In my view, Lyn, the influence of all Ashrams is intended to extend into humanity and through the various lower kingdoms of nature. For me this is not the same as “membership” in an Ashram. That many people interested in Synthesis may be influenced by an Ashram or group of Ashrams which intend to promote Synthesis, is not, for me, in doubt. But the standards for entry into and progression in even a normal Ashram are very rigorous and few there are in the present esoteric world community, at least according to my observation, who can as yet make the grade. Of course, I must perforce include those who presently profess to be members of the Ashram of Synthesis as LC names it. An earnest student of esotericism is one thing; a member in an hierarchical Ashram quite another—at least from my perspective.
LRH: – eventually synthesizing all those states of consciousness into a One Life.
MDR: Here I would say with DK that “…that synthesis is, whilst unity is achieved and is the reward of action and effort.” (EXH, p.533)
LRH: This process relates to humanity taking the first initiation as a kingdom, the establishment of the Fifth Kingdom in Nature on Earth, the externalization of the Hierarchy and humanity entering upon “its destined task as the intelligent, loving intermediary between the higher states of planetary consciousness, the super-human states and the sub-human kingdoms.”
MDR: All this is to the good, the very good, as an expression of the work of ALL Ashrams at this time, especially the Ashram of Master KH, as I understand from DK. The Factor of Synthesis is advancing under the influence of the Avatar of Synthesis. Again, for me, those who aspire to understand and work with Synthesis (and as I have said, in my view real ability to wield and express the Energy of Synthesis requires real contact with the monadic energy), are perhaps many and they stand at all different levels in their understanding of and identification as Synthesis, BUT, again for me, this has nothing to do with “membership” in a very advanced Ashram, which from my perspective, is not even open to all Masters.
LRH: I’m not aware of anyone aligning themselves with the Ashram of Synthesis who feels somehow more advanced than other disciples thereby.
MDR: I am but of course such a notion is illusory. And of course, it is possible for students of any teaching to exhibit the limitation of pride in their association with that teaching. Happens all the time.
LRH: If they take Lucille’s teachings seriously, they will consider the followers of HPB, HR and AAB also part of the Ashram of Synthesis
MDR: And of their own specific Ashrams as well? DK is a Member of KH’s Ashram—the “second in command” so to speak. It is also inferred that DK is a Member of the Ashram of Synthesis, but KH is not? Will DK then no longer have His responsibilities within KH’s Ashram, so focal in preparation of the Reappearance of the Christ?
DK has clearly delineated the role of five of the major Ashrams in the work of preparing for the Externalization of the Hierarchy and the Reappearance of the Christ. From my perspective, this work, described in the middle 1940’s still applies. These Ashrams are powerful and do not need to be subsumed by an Ashram of Synthesis. The Wisdom Ashram (discussed in the Wesak of Letter of 1946, is, I assume, of its own nature and is not in any way pre-empting the meticulously designated work of the five Ashrams described).
R&I: 586:
1. The group in which the initiate is working upon the physical plane and which is an externalisation (existing on the mental and astral planes) of some phase of work sponsored by the New Group of World Servers. All disciples and initiates in physical manifestation are at this time members of that group, which is the focal point of the present effort being made by the Hierarchy. Through it spiritual energy from five of the Ashrams is flowing. These five are:
a. The Ashram of the Master KH, particularly in regard to the work of education.
b. The Ashram of the Master DK (myself), particularly in regard to aspirants for initiation.
c. The Ashram of the Master R, particularly in regard to the reorganising and the reconstruction of Europe, from the point of view of economics.
d. The Ashram of the Master Morya, as He seeks to find, influence and direct the activities of workers in the political field throughout the planet.
e. The Ashram of the Master Hilarion, as He supervises the discoveries (and the application of such discoveries) of the scientific movement in the world today.
You will note, therefore, the profound and widespread interest of this field of energy wherein ray energy is now active.
LRH: – either as an aspirant in the “aura” of the ashram (on soul levels), a probationer at its periphery or a disciple within the ashram itself – so there’s no one to feel superior to, even if they wanted to.
MDR: I think I understand your point of view. It’s simply a common failing often voiced and more often implied. Below you question that the Wisdom Ashram noted by DK and with which He has some work to do, is not the same as the Ashram of Synthesis. For me, at this time, it is the same, and as you know, I think of it as an intra-hierarchical Ashram.
As I understand it, it is initiates who are truly members of any Ashram. All others may aspire, but stand on the periphery, perhaps as members of a Master’s “group” which was the case with the fifty some students of Master DK, or simply within the range of influence of an Ashram, which would be possible if they are meditators and students of these matters.
LRH: Of course, we can’t be sure that the Ashram Master DK referred to in his 1946 Wesak message is what Lucille refers to as the Ashram of Synthesis. My guess is it is, but it may be another Ashram with a nature and membership similar to what you infer.
MDR: I think there is no way we can confirm or deny the proposition. I do believe that this was the Ashram being organized and that it related directly to the fact that the Avatar of Synthesis had begun to work in cooperation with our Planetary Logos—overshadowing that Logos (at least according to my present understanding)
MDR: I simply speak of the standards for any Ashram within Hierarchy. They are very high. Disciples even on the periphery of an Ashram have to be “accepted disciples”, and when you look at what that means (i.e., the standards involved as presented in many places in DK’s books—for instance, in The Six Stages of Discipleship) it is not yet a common thing. To be influenced by an Ashram—yes, of course, but to be an accepted disciple in an Ashram (and let us say, what for me is, a very high Ashram—the Wisdom Ashram or Ashram of Synthesis) demands inner achievements far beyond the achievements of most of those who claim membership. At least this is my present point of view.
LRH: To give you another perspective on the Ashram of Synthesis from Lucille’s perspective, I offer this quote which is an answer by Master R to a question from someone in one of Lucille’s group.
LRH: “The Conscious Soul Incarnate, as such, is in a sense a new effort within the body of humanity. The Ashram [of Synthesis] is endeavoring, via the initiation which it is taking,
MDR: And, by this initiation, you mean I think, the “synthetic” initiation including a number of the previously designated initiations—for instance initiations one through five? Of course this is a big and looming subject for our discussion.
LRH: to become the Conscious Soul Incarnate within the body of humanity,
MDR: Is this not the function of the Spiritual Hierarchy of our planet and one that it long been offering?
LRH: which will make possible the initiation of humanity into the consciousness of the Soul within any evolutionary level of development.
MDR: From my perspective, all the Ashrams now expressing and not simply those said to be subsumed by the Ashram of Synthesis, are involved in working with humanity so that it can take the first initiation. I suppose some of those Ashrams on the scientific line working with the lower kingdoms of nature are not so focally involved in this process, but as I understand from what Master DK has said, this stimulation of the Soul of Humanity and its preparation for the first initiation (though not all human beings can or will take this initiation) is the predominant function of the Ashram of Master KH at this time.
LRH: The animal-man can be, within his particular evolutionary place, a Conscious Soul Incarnate as humanity takes this initiation.
MDR: Lyn, I think you are speaking of something which is destined for our fifth chain-round which, according to HPB lies rather more than three hundred million years ahead. Is there any non-individualized animal man on this planet right now? All of human beings, however lowly, according to DK have a least one petal of the egoic lotus open or opening, so are individualized even if in a relatively primitive state (though some may not have a Solar Angel in attendance). The next round of individualization has nothing to do with the group initiation facing some members of the human race. Or what do you mean by a “Conscious Soul Incarnate”?
LRH: This does not mean that he will function at the highest evolutionary development of Soul, but that in his particular evolutionary status he will be consciously identified and therefore evolving as Soul.”
MDR: This depends upon the existence on Earth at this time of non-individualized animal-man which I do believe is not the case.
LRH: To be frank, I don’t really know what that means – or how it will look – but one does get the idea that a grand synthesis is envisioned that even the lowest level of human consciousness will be profoundly affected.
MDR: With you, I do believe that the entire human kingdom will be beneficently affected by the first initiation of humanity (in its upper brackets—so to speak). Probably all the lower kingdoms of nature will be beneficently affected through that first initiation as well, through the presence of the Christ and the energies of Aquarius which penetrate down to even the lowest Creative Hierarchy. (Esoteric Astrology, p.34-35)
But this was the Divine Plan anyway, correct?—and according to the writings of Master DK long before the Wisdom Ashram (or, if they are the same, the Ashram of Synthesis) was in process of formation. That all will be helped by the first initiation (the completion of which, to a measured extent, will be signalled by the Reappearance of the Christ) and by the Externalization of the Hierarchy and the Reappearance of the Christ is something I think we all accept. It is just the modus operandi of that help which is in question. For me the five externalizing Ashrams presented by Master DK are playing their specific parts in this help. That the energy of Synthesis will surely help is certain, but that the Ashram of Synthesis is needed to make this happen (when it does not even include apparently some very necessary ashramic efforts—such as the Ashram of Master KH) is to me doubtful.
LRH: The ashram certainly has its “esoteric” teachings, but includes far more – as the previous quote I sent re “disciples on the thread” indicates with disciples in 7 different fields of human endeavor.
MDR: Thus, it seems to me, related to the seven different Ashrams. And when a disciple is “on the thread” a Master has to be the, so to speak, ‘holder’ of that thread. Who are the Masters Who connect to each of those seven threads, or is it presumed that it is Master R for all of them. Remember that you said they were selected long ago, when the Master R was demonstrating only as the Head of the Seventh Ray Ashram and not as the Mahachohan with huge responsibilities upon the third ray. This would hardly allow for the necessary variety, even if one includes Master M and Master DK (remember that long ago DK was not even a Master) in the selection process.
Or did you say Master KH was involved in the selection and not DK? You probably realize from what I am saying that I consider the Seven Disciples of Synthesis a dubious proposition. For me the Seven Chohans, at home in Shamballa, hold such a role and through Their Ashrams, inspired by the Christ, Who is inspired by the Avatar of Synthesis, Spirit of Peace and the Buddha, bring Synthesis into the world through whose who are really and truly initiates and members of Their Ashrams.
LRH: You asked about other “disciples on the thread”. Lucille/Master R did not indicate who any of these might be. My candidates include Roberto Assagioli, the Mother of Auroville, and possibly Eileen Caddy.
MDR: OK, you rate them quite highly. I am not sure of the ray of the Mother of Auroville, but we have the second ray for RA and probably (though I do not know for certain) the seventh for Eileen Caddy. But then was not LC one of them and fulfilling the role of the seventh ray Disciples of Synthesis? It is my impressions that all seven rays should be covered as the seven rays are the organizational principle for Entities as far as the eye can see, so all seven are necessary.
MDR: According to DK’s writings RA is an initiated disciple (or “disciple-initiate”), and everyone who knew him and was informed of the “Trans-Himalayan Wisdom”, thought of him as an initiate. He was on the Path of the World Saviours, and of course, with his strong Pisces/Cancer and first ray mind, and probable second ray Monad (as well as soul), he was well-equipped to offer to humanity the assimilable energy of Synthesis.
LRH: Assagioli because of his synthetic approach to psychology via Psychosynthesis. He was also the inspiration behind Meditation Mount which has had board members deeply involved with Lucille’s teachings for over 20 years and continues to draw inspiration from those sources today – in addition to Masters M and DK.
MDR: Yes, for RA, Synthesis was a very important factor and his psychological approach demonstrates it.
LRH: Auroville has always impressed me as one of the nine planetary “centers of synthesis” that Master R refers to.
MDR: Is it seven Disciples of Synthesis and nine planetary centers representing this? The seven and the nine are both involved in the Pleiades so I certainly see a relationship between these numbers.
LRH: It is closely related to the synthetic teachings of Sri Aurobindo (Integral Yoga and the Synthesis of Yoga) and demonstrates the synthesis of many nationalities, cultures, spiritual paths and the outer expression of this synthesis in practical, life enhancing, earth friendly political, social, economic, artistic, scientific and spiritual ideas, practices and technologies. Ken Wilber, another promoter of the synthetic or integral ideal draws a lot of his inspiration from Sri Aurobindo, without proper credit – or so the Aurovillians claim.
MDR: Yes, Aurobindo, a great disciple-initiate.
LRH: Interestingly, there was a guru who incarnated near Pondicherry in the 1890s who was called the Avatar of Synthesis (I forget his name, but I have a whole book about him). Obviously, that can’t be the incarnation of a Being who can descend no lower than the mental plane,
MDR: An important point….
LRH: and it precedes by many years the date Master DK first began talking about the Avatar of Synthesis, but it might represent some kind of seed that was being planted for future developments.
MDR: It is interesting…
LRH: Findhorn has many of the same characteristic as Auroville, as well as its own unique qualities. Known to its leadership as a “Brotherhood of Synthesis”, it seems possible that Eileen Caddy – or perhaps Peter – might also be a “disciple of synthesis on the thread”. The community also demonstrates several of the characteristics mentioned by Master R as goals of the Center of Synthesis in Estes Park.
MDR: Many of the achievements of Findhorn are well known. On another note, DK gave out many of the planetary centers, but a center like Estes Park has always seemed to be too minor to be taken seriously as a Center of Synthesis or is it the major Center of Synthesis? And is there anything about the ‘location’ of Shamballa being transferred elsewhere, for instance, to Estes Park? I may simply be misinformed.
LRH: Of course, this is all just speculation on my part and proves nothing, but I find it suggestive.
MDR: We have to be free to indulge in well-reasoned speculation.
LRH: It should be noted that the center in Estes Park never achieved the outer manifestation seen in Findhorn or Auroville – nor little of what Master R hoped would be achieved by the year 2000.
MDR: Was Auroville mentioned in the LC teaching? I think you said that Findhorn was?
LRH: He did, however, indicate that the center had been anchored on etheric levels, so hopefully, the destined outer manifestation will take place in good time.
MDR: Well, this can neither be confirmed or denied at this time.
LRH: I think there is some indication of this if you consider that nearby Boulder now has one of the highest concentrations of Tibetan Lamas in the Western World, is home to Naropa Institute, is home to previously mentioned Ken Wilber (a prominent proponent of “integral” dynamics) and shares some of the qualities and characteristics of the two previously mentioned centers.
MDR: The activities in Boulder show it to be a center of some significance.
LRH: In reference to your question – what about the Buddha: First of all, Master DK says only that the Ashram of Synthesis is related to the Buddha, not that he was serving an active role within the ashram itself.
MDR: This statement should prompt us to ask further questions: “How related to the Buddha?” It must mean that He and His vibration have some significant influence on that Wisdom Ashram. The word “related” suggests a significant role to play—at least to me.
LRH: Secondly, there is a deep root of Tibetan Buddhism in Lucille’s teachings going back directly to Padmasambhava –
MDR: We do have to keep our chronologies straight, as Padmasambhava is usually related to the 8th Century A.D. and Gautama and Maitreya to periods at least 500 B.C.E.
LRH: the “transitional” Buddha between Buddha Shakyamuni and Buddha Maitreya. (Peter Caddy also had a strong connection to Tibet). In fact, Lucille was officially authorized by Dudjom Rinpoche, the Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition (the “old” school going back to Padmasambhava), to offer teachings under his auspices via a group in Denver started by Lucille and named by Dudjom Rinpoche, Udiyan Maitreya Kosha.
MDR: Yes, I seem to have heard that LC focussed more on Buddhism in later years.
LRH: As far as the Avatar of Synthesis being only on the “advisory committee” of the Ashram of Synthesis, that just seems to be the way things work.
MDR: As I must state, and for reasons of timing and status which I mentioned, I find it doubtful. That Avatar was not even associated with our Planetary Logos at the time these disciples were being selected as future Disciples of Synthesis. Much depends on what is meant by “long ago” or “long before” (I think you used one of these two terms in a former letter). If DK was involved, He was not even a Master (1875 was the year for Him). Was Master M functioning as M or was He Akbar at the time? All this should be investigated carefully.
LRH: The more highly evolved Beings are not here to tell the lesser evolved what to do – or do it for them – but merely to “advise”, inspire and enlighten. It’s up to us earthlings to find the way out of the mess we ourselves have created.
MDR: Trouble is, the Avatar of Synthesis was not “here” (related to our planetary scheme), either “long ago” or “long before”. For me, this presumes too much and there is a big problem with scale. The Planetary Logos is an immense Being Who was at the degree of our fifth human initiation many Mahakalpas ago:
“Man is repeating His endeavor up to the fifth Initiation which will bring him to a stage of consciousness achieved by a Heavenly Man in a much earlier mahamanvantara.” (TCF, p.272)
MDR: An Avatar of Synthesis is a Being still greater than a Planetary Logos. Something about spiritual scale does not fit here. If the Avatar of Synthesis needs His exponents, I would say He should choose from among the Chohans and Masters—that would be more proportional (when even for the Planetary Logos the nature and origin of such Beings is mysterious). The seven of which you are speaking may not have been more than initiates of the first degree when the choice was made—maybe lower. I find this narrative not suitable under the Law of Analogy.
LRH: You say, ”We have the Avatar of Synthesis and the Christ involved in choosing and designating chelas on the thread for specific representation of the energy of Synthesis? I must be frank in saying that I find this a non-credible stretch of the imagination.”
LRH:: I would reply that the energy of Synthesis demonstrated by a Chohan or even a Master would never even register on the radar of most humans. It needs to be stepped down significantly if indeed humanity as a whole is the target – let alone the sub-human kingdoms in nature.
LRH: You say, “if these seven disciples are “on the thread”, they are very nearly initiates of the third degree or have taken that degree (if they are real Disciples of Synthesis which is a monadic faculty). This means they should be far beyond in capacity of that which is said of them above. This is where logic and reasoning enter and not simply acceptance of that which is purportedly said by the Mahachohan.”
MDR: LC seemed to say not to expect too much of these Seven Disciples of Synthesis, that they might look and act more like ordinary people, etc.
LRH: I would point again to Krishnamurti, an amazing human being
MDR: And quite extraordinary in his expression for those who knew him or were taught by him… Hard to think of him as quite ordinary in appearance and expression! Such expressions as he was were definitely members of the Hierarchy and not simply disciples in the usual sense. I think I once met Peter Caddy, but maybe not Eilene. He seemed to me more usual. I never met RA, but qualitatively, so I have been told, he had something quite special. As for the Mother in Auroville, I cannot say. It seems to me that Sri Aurobindo would have been more likely as a Disciple of Synthesis, and surely he was an initiate.
LRH: but with many of the shortcomings common to much of humanity, who was groomed to be a living embodiment of the Christ Presence, not merely a communicating station.
MDR: A direct overshadowing; a process, we know, which did not work out.
LRH: Anyone who has read the book “Lives in the Shadow” knows what I’m talking about. (I’ve never read the book myself, but knew the main character, besides K, well and have worked for years with her foster son so I have heard stories firsthand).
MDR: Lyn, it is my impression that we need Masters of the Wisdom, walking visibly among us, to convey in an immediate way the Energy of Synthesis (though I must say, Nelson Mandela was impressive!) They are either the Embodied Monad or close to that stage. Otherwise, I find the stretch too great. A Being superior in power to the Planetary Logos (of Whom the Planetary Logos knows perhaps little), working through rather ordinary people—perhaps initiates! It would seem that the Christ Himself (being nowhere near the spiritual stature of the Planetary Logos) would have difficulty understanding the power and scope of such a Being when the same is obscure even to a Planetary Logos. I await the actual Externalization of the Hierarchy for any true representation of the Energy of Synthesis. Perhaps humanity can prepare for this by working on behalf of the achievement of Unity.
LRH: You say, “This new Synthesis energy will have to be clearly defined. Thus far, no clear definition is offered.”
LRH: Here are a few quotes from Lucille/Master R bearing on this. I apologize for the length, but I think this will give you a better idea than a short quote here and there. Remember, we are not considering the energy of synthesis on rarefied monadic levels, but the at the level of the “disciple in the street” here.
MDR: I understand what you say, but then, for me at least, it is not Synthesis—more likely workers in the field of Unity which can be “achieved” by human beings.
LRH: “Each and every disciple working within the field of humanity from a focus as Soul within the new Ashram of Synthesis has before him or her the seemingly difficult task of understanding the energy which is now his or her prime concern. What is Synthesis? What are its characteristics and its effects in manifestation? How may one appropriate and rightly use it in service to the Divine Plan for Humanity? What are its dangers?’ And how may one protect oneself, one’s group, and humanity from those dangers?
MDR: These are, of course, good questions.
LRH: I shall endeavor to answer these questions for you now, and in so doing release the initiating impulse for a renewal of group effort in the manifestation of the Ashramic Plan. Try to realize, in reading, studying, meditating, and practicing the following, that it is only a first lesson, so to speak, in Synthesis. Much more will follow in rhythmic cycles, each expansion in its own time and in response to its true need in service.
MDR: That ever-more (until the Universal Logoic level) can be known of Synthesis, I have no doubt
LRH: The energy of Synthesis is a new energy, a new force, and a new substance. Its Purpose is the building of a new civilization which will carry the Evolutionary Plan for humanity into manifestation.
MDR: Fair enough. From the Lord of the Constellation Aquarius comes universality which I think is a fairly good synonym for synthesis. DK also calls Synthesis, “universal fusion”.
MDR: About the newness of Synthesis—well, new to planet Earth, perhaps. Certainly not new in any cosmic or universal sense.
LRH: While it is a Synthesis of First, Second, and Seventh Ray energies, and carries then resemblances to these, still it is not like any one or any combination of them. It is like itself insofar as this planet is concerned. In the Cosmic scheme, it is a lower correspondence of a very subtle Cosmic energy which does not yet reach our Solar Logos.
MDR: This needs elaboration. Right now it is just a statement. To say that the Synthesis of the first, second and seventh ray energies “is not like any one or an combination of them” needs clarification and elaboration. I am not sure that anyone could get any clear idea of the nature of Synthesis from such descriptions. There is an analogical precedent, however, as atoms combine to produce molecules with properties different from the atoms.
LRH: Its primary characteristics are Fourth dimensional and thus most difficult to define and describe.
MDR: What is meant here? Dimensions in occultism are like solar or cosmic planes and the states of consciousness inherent on those planes. The buddhic plane is the fourth dimension; the atmic the fifth; the monadic the sixth; the logoic the seventh, etc.
LRH: It both radiates and absorbs at the same time,
MDR: The Tibetan said the same of “magnetism” assigning it to both the radiatory first ray and absorptive second ray, but to the first ray primarily.
LRH: producing a motion and a relation of motions which brings the extreme opposites into immediate juxtaposition.
MDR: In my view, unification would be sufficient. As I understand it, if one uses the term Synthesis with exactitude, it relates to Origin from Sameness. Synthesis is the Factor of Sameness in all apparent difference. But what you describe above could, indeed, fit into the dynamics of Unification.
LRH: (Note: I am forced to use the terms “radiate and absorb” because they are the closest language can produce, yet they are not completely correct, nor do they adequately carry the concept. Keep this in mind, endeavoring to intuit the meaning in meditation without the use of language. Some day science will produce correct terms with which to define this fourth dimensional activity.)
MDR: I seriously doubt the application of the term “fourth dimensional activity” to the Nature of Synthesis. To what transpires on the buddhic plane, bringing about harmonization, unification, pure reason etc., the term “fourth dimensional” with certain qualifications might apply. Of course, dimensionality will be found to vary as we ascend through the cosmic and super-cosmic, etc. planes. There will, however, be dimensional reflections ‘below’.
LRH: It, the energy, radiates the positive pole, and absorbs the negative pole, conducting each of these in whatever form it has entered; and thus through radiation and absorption it out-pictures as its own substance the extremes to be resolved.
MDR: This is an obscure sentence. How do you “conduct” a “pole”? Again, resolution comes through unification. Synthesis already IS! I find the use of the term “Synthesis” but most students rather inexact.
LRH: It might be said, then, that conflict in the extreme is one of its major characteristics and effects. That conflict, however, will be short-lived, relatively speaking, due to another major characteristic and effect of the Synthesis energy. Because of the radiating and absorbing nature and motion of Synthesis, the pairs of opposites are quickly synthesized into a one, a total, or whole.
MDR: I understand this as the Union of the Pairs of Opposites. In the process known as the “fusion of the poles” there may be nothing quick about it. DK describes the long interplay between lower centers and the higher centers which are intended to absorb the lower.
LRH: The positive and negative poles are radiated and absorbed into one another, or one atom, so to speak, because of their juxtaposition or perfect alignment.
MDR: This is somewhat how the Synthesizing planets work in relation to a solar system, themselves absorbed into the Sun/Solar Logos. And on and on it goes until all is reabsorbed into the Universal Logos.
LRH: Thus that which was once so-called good and bad have been wedded into a new state, condition, or manifestation, which is neither good nor bad,
MDR: The STATE which is “beyond Good and Evil” is to me either post—Maha-Pralayic or pre—Universal.
LRH: but simply an evolutionary movement. One of its characteristic effects in manifestation then is rapid and (one might almost say) radical change. Conflict in the extreme, followed by quick evolutionary change will manifest wherever the Synthesis energy is applied.”
MDR: I understand this in terms of the interaction between various poles. There is a timing to all this, whether in the energy system of man or in the planet or in the solar system and beyond. The Energy of Synthesis may be “new” only to us, human beings at certain relatively low level of development. Otherwise, it is constantly applied in Cosmos.
LRH: “This organization of Truth, which is the task of every disciple in the field today regardless of his department of service, is based upon a new understanding of the pairs of opposites. Remember that Synthesis actually synthesizes the many into the one.
MDR: That One Is the Synthesis. The many are already the One and this, through the process of unification, has to be realized. It seems to me that what is being called Synthesis is, in a sense, fusion. With the Factor of Fusion, different units are brought together into a state of harmony, unification, united purposeful interplay, etc. Synthesis, in my view, restores apparently distinct units to their homogeneity as the One. And yes, this would require monadic impress
LRH: The disciple who is working with this energy looks for the right relationship of all apparently separated parts,
MDR: For me, this is right relationship leading to unification.
LRH: so that that which appears by itself as false and unreal is finally seen as a facet of the many-faceted jewel of Truth.
MDR: Forms, such as the forms through which the Black Lodge is manifesting, can be false and unreal and unintended, but the archetypal essence of these forms is part of the “many faceted jewel” of Universal-Logoically Intended Purpose—thus Truth. In the World of Being, the false is still the false and the untrue-to-Purpose is still untrue-to-Purpose, but the archetypal essence of those misbegotten forms and relationships is never false and untrue.
LRH: Nothing is discarded as actually false or wrong or bad, but rather it is gathered into its right relationship with the other pieces of the whole.
MDR: The forms and relationships which are false and untrue-to-Purpose have to be reconfigured (archetypalized), or they cannot be regathered into the Form of God which is archetypally destined. There are, indeed,
Useless-for-Purpose, misbegotten forms and relationships and they must be rearranged, re-configured or you simply have a mess.
LRH: The whole or total unit then becomes a part of the heretofore missing pattern of the Divine Plan for humanity, and serves its Purpose. In so doing it becomes an illuminating force in the world.”
MDR: When in the World of Being, the forms and relationships (for what is form but relationship?) become archetypalized then they can be gathered rightly into the Divinely Intended Archetypal Pattern—and not before. This involves recognition of that which is out of alignment with Divine Universal Destiny and Divine Purpose.
LRH: “You will find that carrying a Synthesis of One, Two, and Seven is much different than carrying either a combination of the three or of one or two of the energies.
MDR: Here Synthesis is being distinguished from combination. Master M. tells us that He is always looking for new, creative combinations. The analogy in chemistry might be the contrast between mixtures and compounds.
LRH: You will find that the characteristics and qualities of each of these energies, while they are basically present within the Synthesis, are nonetheless in themselves, as basic characteristics, recondite to and productive of a new and different characteristic and quality which is that of the Synthesis itself.
MDR: One, Two and Seven are important in the Aquarian Age, but the other rays must not be excluded from the Synthesis. They are indispensable and part of a still greater Synthesis—using the term in the sense of unification, fusion and eventually universal fusion.
LRH: To even approach an understanding of the Synthesis, it is necessary for you to bring into your own consciousness as much as you already know of these three rays and from that knowledge to move up in frequency to the Second Cosmic Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom, or Pure Reason, of which these three are subsidiary.
MDR: Good as far as it goes, but the Energy of the Cosmic Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom is far more than the “pure reason of the buddhic plane.
I find here much concentration upon the Synthesis of the three rays concerned (excluding the Third Ray of Aspect—strangely) but not dealing with how the Avatar of Synthesis must work in relation to our Planetary Logos, the Rays of Whom are: Monad—One; Soul—Two; Personality—Three. In the Triangle which surround the Christ, the Avatar of Synthesis takes the first ray position; the Spirit of Peace the second ray position; and the Buddha (with His third ray Monad, as given in TCF) the third ray position. While the seventh ray is very important during this particular Equinoctial Age, it is derived from the Rays of Aspect. I would not overemphasize these three rays (One, Two and Seven) exclusively when speaking of Synthesis.
LRH: For it is only through an understanding, at least in part,
MDR: Glad this qualifier is added…
LRH: of Pure Reason—to which these three are subsidiary—that the Synthesis of them can be approached in understanding.
MDR: There is a problem here. Pure reason (in relation to man, at least) is the quality of the buddhic plane. The Ray Lords are found on the logoic plane in the Council of Shamballa. We could begin raising the nature of pure reason to the cosmic planes, but to do so would be meaningless in terms of our apprehension at the moment, as none of us would know what we were talking about, as it takes an initiate of the sixth degree to begin to be responsive to the cosmic astral plane (on which, again, a still higher correspondence to “pure reason” could be found). Depending on how you define “pure reason” I do not find the first, second and seventh rays to be subsidiary to it. Of course, the Second Ray of Love-Wisdom is the Great Synthetic Ray of our solar system, but we are not in a position to understand how that ray works on the solar systemic level. It is sufficient to try to understand and respond to the second ray soul of our Planetary Logos working through Hierarchy.
LRH: I am going to ask you, because there is still—even though you have been discussing these ray energies and their expressions over a certain period of time, and have to a degree been working with them, have become familiar with them—there is still much within your consciousness that is a distortion of truth regarding them. There is a certain amount of glamour, I might add a great deal of glamour in some cases, regarding the various rays and their outer expression.
MDR: OK—who can dispute this fact of the broad range of students of esotericism?
LRH: I would like to remind you that the highest definition of the First Ray that has been formulated within this planetary ring-pass-not is that the Purpose of the First Ray is to bring into focus and to interpret the Cosmic Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom or Pure Reason—so that in the higher frequencies of First Ray are to be found within this planetary ring-pass-not, the highest most focused expression of Divine Love.
MDR: I would say that this is true of the solar ring-pass-not, but within the planetary ring-pass-not, the first ray is the monadic ray (so, planetarily, it will be the function of the second ray soul of our Planetary Logos to draw forth His first ray Monad) . At present and for the greater duration of this solar system, the function of all rays within the planetary ring-pass-not is to express the solar ray of Love-Wisdom (which I gather you are also calling “pure reason” on the solar logoic level—which would necessitate knowledge and rapport with the cosmic buddhic plane). This is presently an impossibility as the Solar Logos, Himself, is on the Path of the Solar Logoi (Path VI) and is only oriented towards the cosmic buddhic plane, but as a Cosmic Initiate of only the second degree, is nowhere near accessing it—except, we might infer, through a astral-buddhi ‘leap’ such as is sometimes found in the human being before the mind is well developed.
LRH: There are a few points I should like to bring out here regarding the Second Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom. First, Divine Love is not an emotion.
MDR: Yes, as is widely known through the DK Teaching and really, any other solid Trans-Himalayan Teaching.
LRH: It is most important that the disciple realize this. It does produce, as do all energies, a feeling response. But in itself it is not an emotion. It is an energy, and I might add it is a consciousness.
MDR: Ultimately it is one of the Seven Integer Gods, or Number Gods emanating from the Universal Logos and thus a Being/Consciousness.
LRH: Its highest frequencies manifest as Wisdom—Divine Love is Divine Wisdom—perfect understanding.
MDR: This can be argued ether way. There are presentations in which Wisdom is predecessory to the later developments of Divine Love. I would not accept this statement at face value.
LRH: The definition of Divine Love, more than the definition of any other ray energy, defies logic.
MDR: Only perhaps. The Second Ray Lord is, however, called “The Cosmic Mystery” so Divine Love is not easily fathomed.
LRH: Its understanding cannot be reached through the use of the logical interpretative mind. A true understanding of this energy can only be achieved via an experience in consciousness of it.
MDR: And this is absolutely true of every other Ray. The mind is simply the gateway to the Shamballic Experience which would allow true understanding through identification with the particular Ray Energy.
LRH: As I speak to you, it is through the use of this particular energy. You, in turn, are receptive to it by your reception and your response. A relationship is established between us, a relationship which produces within both your consciousness and mine, a greater understanding of one another, of ourselves, and therefore of that One Life of which we are but a part.
LRH: The disciple enters into this experience of love, through the use of the First Ray, by focusing the intent, the Will to Love, recognizing that the basic energy underlying every relationship—regardless of the outer form of that relationship—is Divine Love-Wisdom.
MDR: This is true of our planet but not of other planets in our system, per se. It is also presently true of our Solar Logos, with its second ray soul (and, perhaps, ultimately, fourth ray to second ray Monad.) In a cosmic sense, the statement is true, as all archetypal relationships in cosmos are based on Universal Pure Reason which is Universal Love.
I suspect there are many ways to enter the realization of that portion of Divine Love which can be experienced by a human being. The Will-to-Love is one way ‘in’.
Many of our relative statements will depend upon the ray structure of our local “One About Whom Naught May Be Said”, in which this solar system plays its small but necessary part.
LRH: By truly entering then into the energy of the relationship, the experience of love, the experience produces understanding in ever increasing degrees until the disciple enters into the heart of the One Life,
MDR: And what exactly is that “heart of the One Life”?—the Heart of the “One About Whom Naught May Be Said”, or the Heart of still Greater Beings such as the Galactic Logos, or is it the Heart of the True One Life of Cosmos—the completely inaccessible (at this time) Universal Logos? Clearer definitions are needed.
LRH: and lives within that heart regardless of his outer movements in time and space.
MDR: Unfortunately, the term “heart of the One Life” is vague and has many interpretive possibilities. A practical solution for the human being is to live within the soul or true Ego (either within the egoic lotus or as the spiritual triad)—the soul being the heart center of the Monad which essentially we are.
LRH: The true path of understanding, the true path of evolution, of service, of one’s own growth, is found always ready to be known in the relationship which it is his good karma, in every instance, to experience. By entering into the energy of the relationship, regardless of the outer form it takes, and resolving the mystery of the relationship, man comes to know God and therefore to know himself.
MDR: On our particular planet and in our (at this time) essentially second ray solar system, Right Human Relations is the key to all human progress. We could expand the idea to include the other kingdoms of nature, and deal with Right-intra-Planetary-Relations.
LRH: For some reason, it seems that the Seventh Ray is the most difficult ray for disciples below a certain degree of initiation to understand,
MDR: I would not think so, as from the time of individualization (or at least from the time it is possible to have an emergent personality ray) the seventh ray is included among available rays (along with the sixth, fifth and fourth) whereas the first, second and third rays are not included. This is also true of soul rays; no human being can be individualized on the first, second or third ray soul, but only on the fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh. This is some technical material given by Master DK in The Rays and the Initiations.
MDR: Further, since the ray of the etheric-physical body will usually be the seventh or the third, the understanding of either of these rays (at least within that context) should be fairly easy and familiar.
LRH: and yet it is the one with which they are the most familiar and the one with which they have had the most experience throughout their entire cycle of incarnation.
MDR: Well, the same point is made but the conclusions are different.
LRH: It is the energy today, during this transitory period in the evolutionary development of humanity, which brings the greatest opportunity.
MDR: I would suppose that the second ray of Love-Wisdom brought by the reappearing Christ and being the soul-ray of our Planetary Logos, would be a ray of the greatest opportunity, seeing to the transition of some members of the human kingdom into the fifth kingdom of nature.
LRH: It is the energy which is today most predominant within the world of affairs.
MDR: Not yet…
LRH: I should like first for you to understand that while this Seventh Ray is the new ray of civilization, still it is not a Ray of Aspect, but rather one of Attribute.
MDR: Why must this be repeated when it is so frequently given in DK’S Teaching. Different students?
LRH: The First and Second Rays of this new Synthesis are rays of Aspect. The First Ray is an expression of the First Aspect of Deity, that of Divine Purpose, Divine Motivation.
LRH: The Second Ray is an expression of the Second Aspect of Divinity, that of consciousness, of being,
MDR: Problem here—being is beyond any aspect of divinity, and includes them all. If anything the first ray is closer to it as its number is one.
LRH: the self aspect,
MDR: The monadic nature is the Self-aspect and relates more to the first ray than the second, though one can find second ray relations because of the Monad’s ‘position’ on the second cosmic ether.
LRH: the Christ Aspect. And the Third Ray is the expression of the Third Aspect of Deity, that of Intelligent Activity. Prior to this transition between an old and a new age, civilization was predominantly a Third Ray expression, an expression of Intelligent Activity within the form nature.
MDR: And thus is will remain, being a Synthetic Ray, until after one of its attributes, the seventh ray, has offered its gifts.
LRH: The Seventh Ray found expression in primitive culture, primitive race—in their ceremonies, in their attitudes and so on—but was never built up into the higher forms of civilization, the higher cultures, until this period, into which humanity is now transiting.
MDR: This is a very doubtful assertion given the magnificent cultures and civilizations of the past.
LRH: The differentiation between the Third Ray and the Seventh Ray is at first very hard to find, very hard to perceive.
MDR: I think not so hard. Related but distinct.
LRH: The Third Ray upon which civilization has been constructed, the ray which has been predominant in the building and the expression of civilization and therefore has contributed so much to the evolutionary development of humanity thus far, is an energy which expresses itself very logically.
MDR: The Tibetan’s favorite nomenclature for this ray is “the Ray of Creative Intelligence”. Let’s go beyond the logic of the fifth ray to realize the encompassing nature of “the acute energy of divine mental perception”—the name for the energy of the third ray.
LRH: It has produced the present mathematical sciences.
MDR: In part, with the help of the fourth and fifth rays. The fourth ray is the “Ray of Mathematical Exactitude”. Of the fifth ray’s relation so applied mathematics there can be no question. The third ray is related more to abstract or philosophical mathematics.
LRH: It defines, depicts, in logical sequence, presenting, then, an appearance of order out of chaos. This is the expression of Intelligent Activity.
MDR: And a very limited description of the capacities of the third ray, which is the monadic Ray of the Mahachohan, Master R.. The true ray for Order out of Chaos is the seventh, of course as an extension of the third ray in combination of the other Rays of Aspect.
LRH: The Seventh Ray expresses without regard to time and space,
MDR: This is clearly untrue and, in my view, an irresponsible statement. The seventh ray has created especially the factor of ‘position’ in time and space and has given us the need to attend to repeated cycles of time. If this is Master R. supposedly writing, it is my impression that He could never say such things. Is it not realized that the majority of seventh ray people are those who are most subservient to the illusions of time and space? The third ray, under Einstein and others (along with fifth ray mathematics) has helped us break out of the time-space illusion. Same is true for that great third ray soul, Emmanuel Kant. The conquest of Illusion per se, is particularly a third ray project.
LRH: and this is the basic difference between the expression of these two rays within the civilization.
MDR: I have made my objections clear but could elaborate upon them. The overcoming the Great Illusion is particularly the task of the third ray Monad (such as the Buddha). “All is illusion, O dweller in the shadows”. Let all read what is said of the Third Ray “Blessed One” (i.e., Monad and Monad-in-extension) (EP II, p.37)
LRH: The Third Ray demands that the working out from the subjective into the objective must follow specific, defined steps that make their appearance, each one, in the physical plane of affairs.
MDR: What then is the “magic” of the seventh ray—the most procedurally orderly descent from the abstract to concrete possible. The third ray is much less skilled in this.
LRH: The Seventh Ray expresses itself without regard for this sequential manifestation of each step or each sequence which results in a final appearance.
MDR: Sorry to say—exactly the reverse. You cannot separate the seventh ray from orderly, sequential manifestation. Those upon the third ray would be much better served if they had such seventh ray abilities to deal with descending and ascending sequences. This, Lyn, according to my best thought is simply an error in assessing the differences between the third and seventh rays and how they manifest through human beings and other beings as well.
LRH: The Seventh Ray follows its own logic,
MDR: A very vague statement. Every ray has inner laws to be followed. That the Uranian influence can be erratic we know, but the monadic ray of Uranus is the first and not the seventh. (EP I, p.420) The first ray will often throw logic and sequence to the side as it goes straight to the goal. This is not true of the seventh ray.
LRH: so to speak, but is governed by several Cosmic laws working in relationship to one another.
MDR: And the other rays are not?
LRH: One of these laws is the Law of Periodicity.
MDR: This Law is the Second Fundamental of the Secret Doctrine and applies to everything in any Universe.
LRH: The Seventh Ray being governed by this law, and it being therefore expressive to a certain degree of it,
MDR: Every ray has its ray cycles. Focal work on this has been done by Stephen Pugh. EVERY Ray Lord is governed by exact cycles according to the Law of Periodicity.
LRH: follows in its manifestation of appearance a cyclic motion which does not account for, or necessitate, the physical appearance of that subjectivity which rests between the intervals in the cycle of this expression.
MDR: This subjective state is true of all withdrawing ray influences. DK gives exact years for some seventh ray cycles: seven years, seventy years, seven hundred years, seven thousand years. There are others as well—all governed by the Law of Periodicity, just as all the other ray cycles are. TCF has this information.
LRH: With the civilization transiting from the expression of Third Ray to the expression of Seventh Ray, we find many opportunities manifesting, many crises of opportunity.
MDR: The coming Aquarian civilization will have for its personality ray the fifth, just as the Age of Pisces had the third. The seventh ray will be very important during the next 2500 or so years. Whether the seventh ray will be the ray accompanying the approximately 25,000 year Great Platonic Year is yet to be established definitively—by students such as we are. Hierarchy knows!
MDR: We must be very, very careful about not glamorizing the seventh ray and deflating the great synthetic third ray of which the seventh ray is an expression (as well an expression of the first). Really, in the ray work I have done, the seventh ray is a balanced extrusion of a combination of the first, second and third Rays of Aspect.
LRH: For this energy comes into appearance only during those cycles wherein rapid growth is predetermined by the Planetary Logos. The Seventh Ray is the reflection of Spirit, or the First Aspect, in substance.
MDR: This is partially true. DK also tells us that the seventh ray has a very rapid cycle.
This statement by DK may add light to the question:
EP I 86:
“This ray Lord has a peculiar power on earth and on the physical plane of divine manifestation. His usefulness to His six Brothers is therefore apparent. He makes Their work appear. He is the most active of all the rays in this world period, and is never out of manifestation for more than fifteen hundred years. It is almost as if He whirled in and out of active work under a very rapid cycle, and His closest relation, symbolically, is to His Brethren of the second and fifth rays in this world period.”
According to the Law of Mutation, it is necessary to consider ray relations as in constant, orderly, lawful mutation. We know little of the details.
LRH: Now I would have you consider your own almost unconscious uses of these energies from the time you became interested in your evolutionary development—in the processes of the mind, and their relationship to the working out of your purposes and plan, whether right or wrong, in time and space. The moment that the conscious thinking entity becomes cognizant of the fact that he is, by reason of his own mind, creative of his own destiny, whether to a great or a small degree, he begins, unconsciously at first, to utilize this energy and to be used by it.
MDR: This is reasonable but should be applied to other rays as well. There is too much ‘glorification’ of the seventh ray. It is out of proportion.
LRH: In one sense this Seventh Ray energy is one of the most important energies for you to understand, because it is this expression that you will meet in your outer efforts to be of service to the Divine Plan for humanity.
MDR: You will meet (in your efforts to express the Divine Plan) all the Ashrams (externalizing at different times) and their rays.
LRH: You will meet it in its positive and its negative expression. The positive expression of the Seventh Ray, insofar as the disciple is concerned, is that of White Magic. His is the ability to manipulate energy, force, and substance, to manifest those forms in the world of affairs which carry the Divine Plan for humanity into outer manifestation.
MDR: Fair enough and liberally repeated throughout the entire DK Teaching.
LRH: His is the ability to wield his mental, astral-emotional, and physical influence in such a way as to deliberately effect a greater growth and development of consciousness for those with whom he comes into con-tact.
MDR: When speaking of the growth of consciousness, it is not permissible to speak only of the seventh ray. Many rays are involved and the exclusion of the second ray would be a great mistake.
LRH: This is Seventh Ray work on the positive side of the scale.
LRH: The negative expression of the Seventh Ray is the opposite, the use of Black Magic as the individual seeks to serve his own separated purposes and goals, or the use of Black Magic by the disciple of the Black Lodge for the purpose of opposition to the Divine Plan for humanity. You will meet with both expressions of this energy, and it becomes ever more necessary for you to learn the right use of the Seventh Ray in your own life and affairs, both as they pertain to you personally and in your service ac-tivity. The magic of the Seventh Ray brings the Purpose and the Love, the Life and the Quality of God, both tran-scending and imminent, into outer appearance.”
MDR: Lyn, I am not sure who is writing the above material—whether this is LC or supposedly a Master R impression. I simply share my thought and the reasoned exception I take to a number of the statements. No one has to agree with me or deflect from the Spiritual Path they are following. I simply offer what I hope is my clearest thought on the subjects involved—though if my schedule allowed me to take more time, I could be still clearer.
LRH: Finally, you say, “My final thought is that if aspirants and disciples are truly working for the Externalization of the Hierarchy and the Reappearance of the Christ, they are working in the right direction and will do humanity and themselves much good. These two processes are my “touchstones” as I believe them to be the most important processes on and in the planet at this time.
LRH: I can only say that all of the students of Lucille I know are sincere in these very efforts, so let’s forge ahead as one in these troubled times.
MDR: I am perfectly happy to work in cooperation with any individuals or groups who see the Externalization of the Hierarchy and the Reappearance of the Christ as their major objectives.
MDR: Lyn, what I am trying to do is to apply a somewhat lighted reasoning to a number of assertions I find not only in the LC Work but in many statements which purportedly come from the Masters. It is my experience that students simply accept and do not think through. They do not apply the Law of Analogy or the Law of Correspondences in any rigorous way. Although they are making their way into the New Age, they are simply believers and defenders of what they believe. I suspect we will never influence the intelligentsia of our planet in the manner expected by Hierarchy if we approach them merely as convinced believers. Reason (hopefully inspired occasionally by “pure reason”) must play its part. And this is what I am trying to do. If my thoughts are rejected after due and careful thought—that is fine with me. The object is to get people to think about what it is they believe. The goal is to help to eliminate at least some of the glamour we find prevalent in occult groups and in the esoteric field especially—and who is immune?
With appreciation for your earnest following of the Path of Spirituality, and your undeniable and admirable service to humanity and the planet.
Light, Love and Power,
Michael
Lyn,
You say, “based on information transmitted to the groups Lucille established in each particular location” – I take it that was after Lucille’s passing?
This brings up the issue again of whether these were genuine transmissions, and if so to whom – amanuenses as good as LC? (Who is questionable already for some.) This information on the centres may be to some, borderline or outright esoteric fantasy – with no proof, reasoning or verification – from what I have seen thus far.
Can you see the propensity for group glamour here? This information is taken as “gospel” and creates a thoughtform that might be entirely erroneous. And then is compounded over the years by LC followers’ firm belief, many of whom may not even have investigated or tried to prove for themselves the veracity of these claims.
If you have a compilation on all this information about these centres – allegedly transmitted by Master R, I would love you to share it with me or on this forum.
In companionship upon the Way,
Phillip
Hi Phillip,
The information about the “centers” you ask about comes directly from Lucille in her function as a “communicating station” for Master R. There were two different roles she played in this regard – one for the general public and one for specific groups related to the various centers that she attempted to establish in the US.
The material she wrote for the general public – The Nature of the Soul, Creative Thinking, The Soul and Its Instrument, the Introduction to The Disciple and Economy, etc. were written out long hand via a process of meditation and apparently subject to revision by Master R. This seems to be somewhat similar to AAB’s method, although LC was the one putting the abstract impressions she received into word form – not Master R.
On the other hand, the majority of material we have from LC comes from “projections” she did under impression from Master R to groups gathered around her to help establish “centers” in specific areas – Pacific Northwest, Southern California, Washington DC (Bethesda, MD) and Estes Park, Colorado (Throat Center Instruction, Heart Center Instruction, several sets of Teacher Training Lessons, Headquarters Lessons, etc.).
These group projections probably require more discrimination – although I have no reason that they aren’t in general accurate – at least for the group concerned. Master R does, however, explain how “error in communication” arises between Hierarchy and Humanity (as I copied & pasted in an earlier reply) and even gives an example of where communication went astray. He adds that usually, these “errors” are not corrected by Hierarchy because they serve as a good exercise in discrimination for the disciples concerned.
Gretchen’s book, Luminous Sitting, Torturous Walking and Glen Knape’s website (www.gknape.com/) provide excellent coverage of these issues.
Cheers,
Lyn
I will begin by stating that I have read about 1/2 of what is above. What I appreciate most is the feeling of connection, respect, and love between two men I also respect and care about in the above dialogue. My reason for “weighing in” is not to further examine what each of you have been sharing with each other back and forth, but rather to give some experiential perspective of my own regarding have been involved in both these teachings for a substantial part of my life.
As Michael Robbins will attest I was one of the first people from the Cedercrans group to “cross over” into the Bailey teachings as of 1988. At least as viewed through my eyes I was received with a certain level of welcome and maybe what I would call a “curious caution.” At the time I joined the USR MSE in Esoteric Psychology class I had spent three years with a heavy involvement with the work of Lucille Cedercrans. I had taken Nature of the Soul from Georgia Lambert, Corrective Thinking (it was later changed to Creative Thinking) from Richard Randall (Georgia’s former husband), and Teacher Training from Richard Schiable (I might have the spelling of the last name wrong here, I am not sure) who was Lucille’s husband. I had also spent two years doing heavy meditation work along the lines of what the Cedercrans teachings were giving me.
My experience with the Cedercrans teachings gave me a lot of just that, experience. Yes, I loved lapping up the extensive knowledge that Georgia gave out in her Nature of the Soul class that went on for two years. Later, I realized that Georgia added a LOT of her own wisdom, primarily along the Western Mystery Tradition lines, to that class, but I appreciated it all. She was a brilliant and captivating teacher, very patient with your questions, and could also be funny and fun while not losing her capacity to have a penetrating mind. I also enjoyed the feeling of community in her class. We started out with 100 people and ended with around 60. To this date a highlight of my spiritual life is the experience of having so many people go through a step by step weekly meditation process where they were learning every week to practice a precise form of meditation to build an alignment that kept building upon itself over time. I have never before or since felt such power in a group meditation. I suspect that was mainly because there was a dedicated group who met in person who followed the same steps from week to week to building a meditation focus together that was not just about feeling “nice” during a meditation, but was about using technical precision about where to focus and what to focus along the lines of creative meditation over time.
In my class with Richard Randall, the experience was different, but the class also had a different focus. Corrective Thinking (again now called Creative Thinking) gave me the benefit of bridging over into what the New Thought movement has now popularized, how to be aware of what you think and how to become the master of your own thoughts. It also had more heart centered meditations and used a more Christian language. To be honest, having come out of a Master’s in Marriage, Family, Child program just a few years before, I found a good portion of what I got out of Corrective Thinking (still attached to that name I guess) to have already been mainstreamed. Much of it was talked about in a similar way in Unity and Science of Mind circles and I also found these ideas having been mainstreamed into my psychology classes at university along the lines of Rational Emotive Therapy which began in the 1950’s with Albert Ellis. Yes, there were differences in approach, but similarities. And, who knows maybe there were even direct influences. Lucille was in the Long Beach area near Los Angeles where new ideas had been incubating and growing for a long time. Her thoughts may have influenced people directly, or as they say the “raincloud of knowable things” may have been “raining down on everyone.”
As for Teacher Training with Richard Schiable, at that time a rift happened in the group that in my 20’s seemed very traumatic. There was quite a row over who you should take Teacher Training with, Richard or Georgia. I was already pretty attached to Georgia, but she was not starting up Teacher Training for awhile so I went with Richard. What I can say about my years of training with him is that it was very frustrating. I was used to Georgia’s intellect and adept ability to answer questions as well as her humor. Richard in comparison seemed dull. But, I also came to appreciate that by not having answers given to me so readily I had to reach a lot harder on my own. So, the irony is, while in Richard’s class I found I intensified my meditation practice (which had already been getting pretty vigorous) even more. It got to the point where I was meditating for four hours at a stretch for what turned into years during the afternoons. (At that time I had a husband who had money and I didn’t need to work, so while he was at work I was at home studying and meditating until it was time to get dinner ready. I had no idea what a blessing that was in my life at the time).
I am sharing the above because though I have read and worked with a great deal of what Cedercrans had to say, I for one have never found the real point of her work to be in what she was writing. For me, it was the meditations. The step by step process of building week by week to build a certain kind of alignment. So here is another confession.
As some people know and most don’t, I was at first connected with Glen Knappe and Michael Miles with the movement to publish the books. I was the one who wrote the summaries to the Nature of the Soul book, and I was the one who provided the “reason” to include the meditations in the books, something that was hotly debated about. The reason I gave is that the main meditation (Lesson 13 going into the cave) was already in print in a book that had sold 3 million copies on Stress Management!! The authors had come out of Los Angeles and I even wondered at the time if they were originally students from one of Georgia’s classes.
I took quite a hit for that decision on a personal karmic level. And, at the time, my greatest worry about supporting the teachings going into print was what would it do to the notion of oral transmission. I thought about the pros and cons and sadly I have seen many of the cons I worried about come true. And, I see some of those cons being revealed again in the dialogue in this post. What are the cons? That the focus would shift away from the process of going through the meditations, to one of debating over the words.
While in the Bay area getting another Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology, I ran into a group of students studying Nature of the Soul. I joined the group. Their derision of having a teacher was startling. Their inability to understand the point of doing the meditation even more startling. It was mainly a discussion group debating ideas, which has its value. But, at least through the lens of my experience they seemed to be missing the point of DOING the meditations and not getting bogged down in the words. After a few months, I left that group.
On a final note, what I can say about doing the meditations rigorously ever day over a period of years they CHANGED something in me substantially. It took me ten years to understand everything that happened to me internally, and ironically the people who helped me understand what had gone on with me and were best able to help analyze my extensive notes on all that was occurring were not found in Cedercrans or Bailey circles, they were my teachers in the Transpersonal Psychology fields, who were more inclined to rigorously examine from a psychological perspective what was going on with people who were having altered state and transformational experiences.
To will continue this now lengthy response in another post as I am not sure how long these posts can go.
Back to my first encounter with USR having at the time been fully immersed in Cedercrans. I don’t know how Michael first saw me having met me in 1988 as a Cedercrans enthusiast. I have labeled it “curious caution.” Certainly, I felt Michael’s support. Marianne was also very supportive. And, it was wonderful to be part of a larger group. In my 20’s still, that made quite an impression. I do remember diving into the Alice Bailey material with enthusiasm. I was still married for awhile to that first well off husband, and when I divorced him I had money to leave, so most of my days and nights were spent reading ALL of the Bailey books, many two to three times over. I remember being accused by someone of succumbing to a state of mental indigestion. But, I found the books confusing but satisfying. They were like a big puzzle. AND, over the many years, I have found that the more you go over and over and over them the more the pieces all start to come together. I also found that at times it was all too intense. At times it seemed like debating “how many angels are on the head of a pin.” I also missed MOST OF ALL what I got out of the Cedercrans works, the sequential and ordered meditations that led me to what remains the most remarkable and transformational experiences of this life. HOWEVER (sorry for the caps, I would use itallics for emphasis but can’t here), at the time everything errupted in my consciousness another even had just taken place. All of it happened around Wesak. It began the night before when I was coming off an East/West conference I was volunteering at in 1989 put together by my psychology supervisor Ron Jue who had invited the Dalai Lama and monks from the Gaden Sharste monastary out. The evening before Wesak I was initiated by the head of the Gaden Sharste monastary as a White Tara. The next day I was in a USR class. That evening I was with Richard Schiable in a Teacher Training class doing another Full Moon meditation. I won’t go into details about what happened to me, but I am bringing this up because it is hard to discern why it happened to me. Was it the initiation (where the Lama took me aside later and looked at me and repeated three times, White Tara, White Tara, White Tara) that caused everything to happen that did? The USR class and meditation with Michael? The meditation with Richard? All three? Was it just “time” according to my own soul etc? Why am I saying all of this here? Because I think it is important to understand the combination of influences and not to get to attached to one method in particular. Having said this, I can say that what I feel prepared me for the events that took place was primarily again the meditations I got during the Cedercrans work.
And, now my conclusions. First, I find it satisfying to know that the many efforts me and some of my Cedercrans friends made to attempt to get Bailey groups to become open to the Cedercrans in the 1980’s has paid off. Conversations like the ones being had on this blog were unthinkable back then. It demonstrates a real care for each other and the overall work. It is also kind of weird and ironic that Meditation Mount (which used to be very resistant to the Cedercrans work) now has more Cedercrans classes going on than Bailey ones.
However, in my own personal evolution, I can say that I have come to a point where I don’t find the Cedercrans works that satisfying any more. I now spend my time mostly on Bailey, the Integral movement, and have gotten more heavily into Classical Yoga (the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali where I still find Bailey’s rendition the best of the ten versions I have read, especially regarding Book Four) and I am increasingly involved in learning about Buddhism. I can say I have read all of the Cedercrans works that I know of to be published. I very much enjoy being around Cedercrans people. Something is just falling flat to me. And, I think it is because for me the process of working together as a group not studying and discussing texts, but working the meditations together is mostly gone. Having been the main person responsible for helping with that fateful decision to publish the meditations and the Cedercrans books, I can’t help wondering at times if a mistake was made on my part. Yes, the teachings are out there more than ever before. But, here on this post is the very debate I worried about words over experience.
Though I totally respect everyone’s passion, it is strange to me that I am no longer passionate about the Cedercrans teachings. I respect them a great deal and the back and forth conversations here don’t approach for me what was most essential about the Cedercrans work, the meditations. I do feel that these meditations helped me build an alignment. I do feel they connected me to an ashram (that seems to be mostly 2nd ray on my part). I find it curious that I was born in the town Richard Schiable was born in (Jackson, MI) and as soon as I had a car and independence I zoomed out to California (with only $600 to my name) and landed in Long Beach, CA. until I got on my feet in a few months, and then headed to the Riverside area where the first thing I did was go to a bookstore where Michael Miles worked who handed me a flyer about Nature of the Soul, which landed me in a class with Georgia and even Richard! Clearly, there is a higher intention and design going on here. None of this was conscious on my part, but unconsciously it was. And, all of that led me to USR and you Michael and so on and so on.
So, clearly there is a connection and I am deeply honored to be part of that connection. As for the people writing here (Lyn, Michael, and even you Phillip) I could even use my 6th ray astral body to get a little gushy and so I will. Lyn, when you speak people listen. You have a way of talking with thought and care. You exude integrity and humility and it is an honor to know you. What a great brother in the one work. Michael, you and Georgia Lambert remain the two most significant teachers in my life. The two of you feel like bookends in the Tarot deck with you Michael metaphorically being the Magician and Georgia the High Priestess. Ok, a bit lofty but of the Tarot cards that are connected side by side that is what the two of you seem like to me.
And, Philip, though I sit up and Meditation Mount and wonder how anyone could have written the books you have while I pour through the copies there, at least I am finally finding through your writings a doorway into the one work.
So, yes, this is a wonderful discussion between Michael and Lyn and very necessary. Personally, I am not very attached to the details listed above, though I find them important to sort out. I just know in my life these two lines seem to be very much connected at some level. Without these two lineages I would not have gotten on the path the way that I have. Bravo to this very important dialogue and may it continue.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comments. I think they bring to light some of the deep esoteric undercurrents flowing beneath the World Group of Disciples (yes, a bit of a mixed metaphor). Your prominent role along both lines of work – Lucille’s and AAB’s – demonstrate clearly the unity of the One Work.
Much love,
Lyn
What Was New About Lucille’s Teaching?
I am sure if I want to look for specific examples here and there I might find something new in the way of specific information with Lucille. I am not inclined to do this, as again I prefer to focus on experience, which I only have my own to relate to. Here is what stands out for me with Lucille in regards to primarily myself.
1) As mentioned it is strange to me that as I review my life I very much see how I traced the path from Jackson, MI (where Lucille’s husband Richard Schiable lived a few miles from me had I known it), to Long Beach, CA (where Lucille anchored herself at first in CA), to meeting Michael Miles who immediately hooked me up with Lucille’s teachings. What that tells me is that there is an ashramic connection, and that somehow I was personally connected to it.
2) If it is true (and I have heard that it is) that at first Lucille did not know about the Ageless Wisdom teachings as put forward by Alice Bailey, then it certainly is amazing how she picked up on them, as the two thought-form presentations are so similar. Again, that lets me know there is some sort of cooperation going on in the inner planes.
3) It is true that Lucille gravitated towards Tibetan Buddhism and was later accepted by them and that some have said the Master R was Padhasambhava, so again some sort of connection there.
4) What seemed the most new to me about Lucille’s teaching was not so much the information (the majority of which can be found in Alice Bailey though there are some differences between the two lines), but rather the sequencing of meditations in a step by step process to be worked on by a group over time, a process that is not emphasized as much in the Lucille’s groups now, something in the previous posts of mine I have already talked about.
5) With perspective, and my experience talking to my professors in the Transpersonal Psychology field who helped me examine what happened to me while using my Nature of the Soul meditations, I can say it felt like I went through an initiatory experience. I can also say, having studied Raja Yoga and Classical Hinduism, it does seem that these meditations are along Raja Yoga lines. The focus is concentrated thought with a concentrated placement of focus, unlike mindfulness meditation, these meditations taught me to keep my mind in a very quiet but alert place for very long periods of time. I now see how this style of meditation led me to various levels of samadhi. To understand that though, I had to jump out of Lucille’s teachings into Classical Hinduism, where getting into samadhi states is far from new, but perhaps the sequence of meditations in Lucille’s writings might have new and they are what led me there.
6) In Teacher Training Vols I and II (not published) a lot is spoken of regarding the Science of Impression. Honestly, those techniques helped me understand Bailey’s Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, and again give techniques for practice, more than just information.
7) Regarding Tibetan Buddhism and Lucille. Tibetan Buddhism relies heavily on visualization and this is one major difference between some other Buddhist schools that do not do this. The Cedercrans books only do limited amounts of visualization, though I used to think they did more. What I came to see is that in particular the more extensive visualization work came more from Georgia, my teacher of the Cedercrans work, and not the teachings per se. But, then Georgia was much more heavily into the use of visualization and precision along these lines, so I am not so sure how much of that was just her very adept meditation skill paired with Lucille’s teachings. I do know Georgia Lambert’s Kabbalah class with the visualizations she created to help you work the different areas of the Tree of Life was heavy into visualization and really quite incredible
8) I can also say that based upon what I understand from Alice Bailey regarding the initiations, certainly, though in theory some of the people in the Cedercrans groups may be approaching the 3rd initiation as they suggest, from what I learned from my intensive compilation work and study of the initiations as Bailey presents them, we may want to rethink that. I know personally, I am constantly amazed at how the more I further my understanding of the initiations and what they entail, the more I feel constantly demoted from where in my 20’s may have thought I was! LOL!
10) Personally, I find the Cedercrans teachings “new” in that they are much more easy to utilize to access and get an orientation of the Ageless Wisdom teachings. I am so glad they were my first exposure to all of this, because the sequencing of the lessons and the meditations helped make it much easier for me to grasp the Alice Bailey teachings. They were an excellent foundation and the meditations led me to quite profound depths. (I only wish I had that capacity for intensive meditation practice now. Perhaps the group focus and youth helped me sustain what I did for so long at the time).
Also, were they really from the Master R? It makes sense to me as Michael argues that a Chohan has a lot more to do than put forward this teaching. As stated above and as written in Teacher Training II when Lucille outlines her view of the Science of Impression, it was not dictation, but aligning with the energy and using her own words and thoughts to formulate it. (I would have to look up her exact quote and though my Teacher Training II copy is getting kind of yellow and I haven’t looked at it in awhile, perhaps I will take the time to find her exact words). My own intuition is that her mind was oriented in that direction and she certainly having supposedly been a total new comer to these concepts, brought forth something of real value. I guess if we want to be precise it sounds more reasonable to me to suggest that she was in touch with the overall ashram to some degree, and perhaps even to the ashram of Master R. There are some links, I agree. It is just at what level was the reception? Direct? Like a one-on-one conversation? Or, more indirect, like entering the overall field. She herself seems to suggest that she was more in alignment with the overall field.
Finally, regarding the various centers, it is my understanding from when I knew her husband Richard Schiable and also Billie who both worked directly with Lucille these were set up when she was alive in conjunction with her. But, Pam Nisson is the best one to ask, as she is one of the few still alive who really knows for sure.
Comments from my pulling out Teacher Training II. (TT II)
1) Lucille clearly believes and states that she is in touch with R and he is the main inspiration for her work. Regardless, if you take away the debate of was it R or not, and just look at what is written here (something hard to do when TT I and TT II are not publicly available), in my opinion there is a real high level of quality work being written here.
2) As mentioned, the language is similar in an astonishing number of ways, but again not as precise as with Bailey. Still, it is amazing how similar it is (at least from my perspective) especially as you get into the more in depth stuff in TT I, and TT II (not published).
3) The emphasis is that those working with the Cedercrans teachings become potent servers in the world no longer concerned with their own personal development, but rather oriented towards making the substantial sacrifices necessary to move humanity forward. You could say the same emphasis is found in Bailey and in both groups it seems as if only the rare few have ever accomplished this shift. Especially if we look at the world of effects, how many of us can truly say we are effective enough, loving enough, free from criticism enough, discerning enough, wise enough etc… to warrant true entrance into an Ashram where effective servers are desperately needed? But, then again, D.K. had few people under his guidance really reached this level, so it seems in both groups there were mainly aspirants and disciples to some degree.
4) As I am sitting here briefly reviewing TT II I am reminded how much technical information there about just that, techniques. That is a big difference as I see it between Bailey and Lucille. The emphasis is way more on meditation and techniques of alignment than you find in Bailey. They speak a lot about the Science of Impression and Projection. Ultimately, this is what teachers of her work were being trained in. When the books were printed, in many ways a major part of what this teaching was all about was lost. You were taught in Teacher Training that it was not so much the words, but the energy communicated behind that words, what was projected, that was important here. You only get that through an energetic transmission with a teacher who has built an adequate alignment. You are transmitting energies, not concepts. That has pretty much been lost, and as mentioned I personally am somewhat responsible for that. It is a very different experience to read the Cedercrans books and to sit in a class with a teacher who is working subjectively attempting to hold an alignment and project the underlying energies or qualities of a lesson, instead of just the concepts. In fact, students of her teaching who follow the books pretty much rebel at that entire notion. They don’t want a “teacher” in that way. They want to just do it on their own. So a lot of what Lucille was attempting to do has been dismantled with the books being published and that is why people like me will talk more about an experience than concepts in regard to her work.
Especially as you get into TT I and TT II every lesson has a technique. The focus is on meditative alignments. And, there is very little focus on personal development. It is almost all oriented towards the group being of service as a unified group and primarily through meditation techniques and the science of impression and projection. If we were to relate it to the Bailey seed groups, it might even be connected with the first seed group of Telepathic Communicators and the last seed group of Creative Manifestors. And, it is attempting to be much less focused on information, and much more focused on meditation alignments and group cohesion as a meditative and invocative focus. Again that certainly was my experience of this training. Information was not so much the point.
Ok. I have found the lesson on channeling in TT II, but my husband reminds me we are late for lunch. I will attempt to say more about it later. Still, if the focus is trying to prove whether it was R or not, well, in some ways, to me that misses the boat. Yes, that can be an important discussion, but to me it is the teaching itself and what it conveys, more than the source that matters here. Will do the channeling post when I return from lunch.
Back from lunch. In continuing to review TT II, I will again emphasize that much of what was being emphasized in all this training was doing the subjective meditative work to invoke certain energies, and then to train your equipment to hold those energies (as a field of consciousness) so that the students were better able to access these energies themselves (unless of course they were move evolved than the teacher, then this was not necessary and in all likelihood the student would in turn no longer feel attracted to the teaching).
Then as you projected the teaching, you were taught to do it using three centers, the head, heart, and throat and there are specific techniques given as to how to do this. When working with the head center you have to stay out of the glamour that “you” are doing this for the student. Though I am over-simplifying it, is it more like you trying to keep the light on in a room so the student can find his/her way in the dark by way of specific techniques.
When you are using the throat center method of projection, you are explaining the teaching, ideally according to the student’s temperament, alignment, and needs, not an easy thing to do especially with a group. When you are projecting through the heart center you are attempting to connect soul to soul, while avoiding personality attachments and glamours in yourself or them. Again, not easy to do. To really be effective you have to have your own head, heart, throat centers aligned, opened, adjusted and free from glamour as well.
Through the Science of Impression and Projection as a teacher (and a soul), you were using meditative techniques to help the student’s soul/mind/brain alignment be stimulated almost as if the student was thereby more able to access the insights/answers for him or herself. Certainly, when I worked with Richard Schiable, who was much less inclined to give extensive knowledge to feed your mind like Georgia did, I got a lot more of this approach. Though I might have judged Richard as being more intellectually weak (and a lot less entertaining than Georgia to me), my experience in meditation with him was more along the lines of having to reach more on my own inwardly.
Now onto Lucille’s exact words in TT II for a bit…
“Now, the teacher who is functioning properly… will not be teaching from his own state of consciousness. He will be teaching from that state of consciousness which overshadows, and which in its wisdom relates with the specific needs of the group. So that his teaching of one lesson at a time might be quite different from what it would be at another time for another group.” (Note by myself. This is not like regular teaching where one group of students evokes something different than the next group so you teach differently. This is how you work consciously with the invocative alignment in regards to one group or the next. Again, this is a kind of magical work in the subjective sense).
Back to TT II.
Student: “Are you channeling?”
Lucille: “No, interpreting. Channeling is when you are the channel and have nothing to do with the energies that are moving. This teaching is bringing it into your own consciousness and then translating it.” … “You don’t receive a thing.. in other words, and this is very difficult, yet of vital importance, you have to realize that this state of consciousness overshadows — it’s the soul life, not just your own soul but everyone’s soul. Soul life, its the ashramic life”…. “As you bring that wisdom in, if you are aligned with it perfectly with that which overshadows and perfectly with your group out here…” “This is not ‘channeling.’ This is very active participation, very active work wherein you are using your mind, your consciousness.” Student goes on to talk about some psychic work he is doing and if this is what is meant here.
Lucille: “That’s very dangerous business (name of student), because if you are doing that, all that’s happening is that a thoughtform is pouring through you. Someone else’s thoughts, someone else’s words. That isn’t good. The thoughtform could be anything. That thing is that here we are attempting to help everyone become CONSCIOUS. (Her capitals not mine)…. You see the difference between being a vehicle for the Wisdom and the vehicle for words or thoughtforms?”
I am jumping ahead now because it gets into a long discussion of what channeling is and what Lucille is doing. I will start after a student is questioning her about what she is doing and how it is different.
Lucille: “This is tremendously important. Even bringing through the Presence of a master is not that. It’s bringing through the frequency, his color, his tone, but not bringing through his words.”
(She then goes into the glamours of being in touch with Masters and having them “take you into a garden” etc and she calls this “malarky.”) Then she says,
Lucille: “Even the communication that comes through from R, I have to translate the ideas, the concepts I receive. R doesn’t say any so & so & so.”
Student: “Could there be a danger you are translating him wrong?”
Lucille: “Oh, absolutely. There is always, always… no one ever gets to the point where they are infallible. Where they can’t make any errors, there’s real danger. Every one can and does bring thru errors. Every one can and does color. Everything that comes through is colored via the state of consciousness thru which it passes. You can’t get away from that. It’s part of the evolution. And, these are the dangers of this kind of thought, if we don’t look at it clearly and see the facts and proceed from there. This is why even the work that WE’RE in, we are told that, no matter who projects anything or what’s coming thru, always use your discrimination. If something comes thru that you simply can’t accept, don’t!”
They go on to discuss some more about the Science of Impression and Contact talking about various churches, groups, etc. then this lesson closes.
Anyway, I hope this was helpful to the discussion here using Lucille’s own words this time.
Peace – Love – Light to All,
Lisa
Final Thought for Today.
I hope I am showing how Lucille’s work was not really about concepts or ideas presented, but about how to work subjectively to build an alignment and use the Science of Impression, Contact, and Projection especially in regards to teaching and assisting through a magical process of sorts, with a student then being encouraged in the light you invoke (through a series of very specific lessons over TT I and TT II amounting to dozens of techniques) as his/her teacher to more rapidly build his/her own soul-mind-brain alignment. Without really understanding this and the importance of the meditation work, and the importance of trained teachers doing this work you do not fully comprehend what Lucille was trying to do. Sadly, with the books published most students don’t even want a teacher. They may even rebel at the idea of “subjective support.” Especially in the Western world we want to do it all on our own. The notion of some teacher trying to facilitate turning the light on in a darkened room, may not appeal to him/her. And, again this is not like giving that person a map (a guidebook that way teachings like Integral founded by Ken Wilber do). This is something very different. This was a training to try and help people turn the light of consciousness on in themselves, and then in turn using very specific techniques to help turn that light on for others, and keep that light on as well. Maybe this view of her work will help everyone in this discussion to take another view.
MDR: Dear Lisa, I have offered a few comments below, more towards the end of your collected letters. I appreciate the point of view which you have offered and your narrative about the benefits of working within the teaching coming through LC. It did indeed offer me another perspective.
The thoughts I have offered are not rigorous. I was just following your narrative and trying to understand, which I think I do, somewhat better.
I have stated my purpose a number of times—to reach the transcendental mind of buddhi, pure reason, one should reason well about these esoteric matters and not merely believe. So my purpose is to help students think clearly about what they are doing and why they are doing it. If glamours and illusions are exposed along the way—and who is immune?—then there will be benefit. If students are occasionally thrown into cognitive dissonance, the result may not necessarily be bad!
1. Lisa Love says:
June 25, 2016 at 5:46 pm
LL: I will begin by stating that I have read about 1/2 of what is above. What I appreciate most is the feeling of connection, respect, and love between two men I also respect and care about in the above dialogue. My reason for “weighing in” is not to further examine what each of you have been sharing with each other back and forth, but rather to give some experiential perspective of my own regarding have been involved in both these teachings for a substantial part of my life.
LL: As Michael Robbins will attest I was one of the first people from the Cedercrans group to “cross over” into the Bailey teachings as of 1988. At least as viewed through my eyes I was received with a certain level of welcome and maybe what I would call a “curious caution.” At the time I joined the USR MSE in Esoteric Psychology class I had spent three years with a heavy involvement with the work of Lucille Cedercrans. I had taken Nature of the Soul from Georgia Lambert, Corrective Thinking (it was later changed to Creative Thinking) from Richard Randall (Georgia’s former husband), and Teacher Training from Richard Schiable (I might have the spelling of the last name wrong here, I am not sure) who was Lucille’s husband. I had also spent two years doing heavy meditation work along the lines of what the Cedercrans teachings were giving me.
LL: My experience with the Cedercrans teachings gave me a lot of just that, experience. Yes, I loved lapping up the extensive knowledge that Georgia gave out in her Nature of the Soul class that went on for two years. Later, I realized that Georgia added a LOT of her own wisdom, primarily along the Western Mystery Tradition lines, to that class, but I appreciated it all. She was a brilliant and captivating teacher, very patient with your questions, and could also be funny and fun while not losing her capacity to have a penetrating mind. I also enjoyed the feeling of community in her class. We started out with 100 people and ended with around 60. To this date a highlight of my spiritual life is the experience of having so many people go through a step by step weekly meditation process where they were learning every week to practice a precise form of meditation to build an alignment that kept building upon itself over time. I have never before or since felt such power in a group meditation. I suspect that was mainly because there was a dedicated group who met in person who followed the same steps from week to week to building a meditation focus together that was not just about feeling “nice” during a meditation, but was about using technical precision about where to focus and what to focus along the lines of creative meditation over time.
MDR: Sounds like a very rewarding experience.
LL: In my class with Richard Randall, the experience was different, but the class also had a different focus. Corrective Thinking (again now called Creative Thinking) gave me the benefit of bridging over into what the New Thought movement has now popularized, how to be aware of what you think and how to become the master of your own thoughts. It also had more heart centered meditations and used a more Christian language. To be honest, having come out of a Master’s in Marriage, Family, Child program just a few years before, I found a good portion of what I got out of Corrective Thinking (still attached to that name I guess) to have already been mainstreamed. Much of it was talked about in a similar way in Unity and Science of Mind circles and I also found these ideas having been mainstreamed into my psychology classes at university along the lines of Rational Emotive Therapy which began in the 1950’s with Albert Ellis. Yes, there were differences in approach, but similarities. And, who knows maybe there were even direct influences. Lucille was in the Long Beach area near Los Angeles where new ideas had been incubating and growing for a long time. Her thoughts may have influenced people directly, or as they say the “raincloud of knowable things” may have been “raining down on everyone.”
LL: As for Teacher Training with Richard Schiable, at that time a rift happened in the group that in my 20’s seemed very traumatic. There was quite a row over who you should take Teacher Training with, Richard or Georgia. I was already pretty attached to Georgia, but she was not starting up Teacher Training for awhile so I went with Richard. What I can say about my years of training with him is that it was very frustrating. I was used to Georgia’s intellect and adept ability to answer questions as well as her humor. Richard in comparison seemed dull. But, I also came to appreciate that by not having answers given to me so readily I had to reach a lot harder on my own. So, the irony is, while in Richard’s class I found I intensified my meditation practice (which had already been getting pretty vigorous) even more. It got to the point where I was meditating for four hours at a stretch for what turned into years during the afternoons. (At that time I had a husband who had money and I didn’t need to work, so while he was at work I was at home studying and meditating until it was time to get dinner ready. I had no idea what a blessing that was in my life at the time).
LL: I am sharing the above because though I have read and worked with a great deal of what Cedercrans had to say, I for one have never found the real point of her work to be in what she was writing. For me, it was the meditations. The step by step process of building week by week to build a certain kind of alignment. So here is another confession.
MDR: This is an interesting perspective and I appreciate you offering it.
LL: As some people know and most don’t, I was at first connected with Glen Knappe and Michael Miles with the movement to publish the books. I was the one who wrote the summaries to the Nature of the Soul book, and I was the one who provided the “reason” to include the meditations in the books, something that was hotly debated about. The reason I gave is that the main meditation (Lesson 13 going into the cave) was already in print in a book that had sold 3 million copies on Stress Management!! The authors had come out of Los Angeles and I even wondered at the time if they were originally students from one of Georgia’s classes.
LL: I took quite a hit for that decision on a personal karmic level. And, at the time, my greatest worry about supporting the teachings going into print was what would it do to the notion of oral transmission. I thought about the pros and cons and sadly I have seen many of the cons I worried about come true. And, I see some of those cons being revealed again in the dialogue in this post. What are the cons? That the focus would shift away from the process of going through the meditations, to one of debating over the words.
MDR: And, perhaps we can say that words do reveal concepts and ideas which can be of importance. In the “Trans-Himalayan Wisdom” there are a lot of words! But, would you not say, the World of Ideas stands behind those words.
LL: While in the Bay area getting another Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology, I ran into a group of students studying Nature of the Soul. I joined the group. Their derision of having a teacher was startling. Their inability to understand the point of doing the meditation even more startling.
MDR: It is hard to judge a teaching by its students. Many are just beginning and have not fathomed the teaching or its true intent.
LL: It was mainly a discussion group debating ideas, which has its value. But, at least through the lens of my experience they seemed to be missing the point of DOING the meditations and not getting bogged down in the words. After a few months, I left that group.
MDR: I understand your point of view. Of course, unless we are dealing with “Meditation Without Seed” we will have words even in very experiential meditations.
LL: On a final note, what I can say about doing the meditations rigorously ever day over a period of years they CHANGED something in me substantially. It took me ten years to understand everything that happened to me internally, and ironically the people who helped me understand what had gone on with me and were best able to help analyze my extensive notes on all that was occurring were not found in Cedercrans or Bailey circles, they were my teachers in the Transpersonal Psychology fields, who were more inclined to rigorously examine from a psychological perspective what was going on with people who were having altered state and transformational experiences.
MDR: Understood.
LL: To will continue this now lengthy response in another post as I am not sure how long these posts can go.
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2.
Lisa Love says:
June 25, 2016 at 6:20 pm
LL: Back to my first encounter with USR having at the time been fully immersed in Cedercrans. I don’t know how Michael first saw me having met me in 1988 as a Cedercrans enthusiast. I have labeled it “curious caution.” Certainly, I felt Michael’s support. Marianne was also very supportive. And, it was wonderful to be part of a larger group. In my 20’s still, that made quite an impression. I do remember diving into the Alice Bailey material with enthusiasm. I was still married for awhile to that first well off husband, and when I divorced him I had money to leave, so most of my days and nights were spent reading ALL of the Bailey books, many two to three times over. I remember being accused by someone of succumbing to a state of mental indigestion. But, I found the books confusing but satisfying. They were like a big puzzle. AND, over the many years, I have found that the more you go over and over and over them the more the pieces all start to come together. I also found that at times it was all too intense. At times it seemed like debating “how many angels are on the head of a pin.”
MDR: Yes, I must say, a very significant questions!
LL: I also missed MOST OF ALL what I got out of the Cedercrans works, the sequential and ordered meditations that led me to what remains the most remarkable and transformational experiences of this life. HOWEVER (sorry for the caps, I would use itallics for emphasis but can’t here), at the time everything errupted in my consciousness another even had just taken place. All of it happened around Wesak. It began the night before when I was coming off an East/West conference I was volunteering at in 1989 put together by my psychology supervisor Ron Jue who had invited the Dalai Lama and monks from the Gaden Sharste monastary out. The evening before Wesak I was initiated by the head of the Gaden Sharste monastary as a White Tara. The next day I was in a USR class. That evening I was with Richard Schiable in a Teacher Training class doing another Full Moon meditation. I won’t go into details about what happened to me, but I am bringing this up because it is hard to discern why it happened to me. Was it the initiation (where the Lama took me aside later and looked at me and repeated three times, White Tara, White Tara, White Tara) that caused everything to happen that did? The USR class and meditation with Michael? The meditation with Richard? All three? Was it just “time” according to my own soul etc? Why am I saying all of this here? Because I think it is important to understand the combination of influences and not to get to attached to one method in particular. Having said this, I can say that what I feel prepared me for the events that took place was primarily again the meditations I got during the Cedercrans work.
LL: And, now my conclusions. First, I find it satisfying to know that the many efforts me and some of my Cedercrans friends made to attempt to get Bailey groups to become open to the Cedercrans in the 1980’s has paid off. Conversations like the ones being had on this blog were unthinkable back then. It demonstrates a real care for each other and the overall work. It is also kind of weird and ironic that Meditation Mount (which used to be very resistant to the Cedercrans work) now has more Cedercrans classes going on than Bailey ones.
LL: However, in my own personal evolution, I can say that I have come to a point where I don’t find the Cedercrans works that satisfying any more. I now spend my time mostly on Bailey, the Integral movement, and have gotten more heavily into Classical Yoga (the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali where I still find Bailey’s rendition the best of the ten versions I have read, especially regarding Book Four) and I am increasingly involved in learning about Buddhism. I can say I have read all of the Cedercrans works that I know of to be published. I very much enjoy being around Cedercrans people. Something is just falling flat to me. And, I think it is because for me the process of working together as a group not studying and discussing texts, but working the meditations together is mostly gone. Having been the main person responsible for helping with that fateful decision to publish the meditations and the Cedercrans books, I can’t help wondering at times if a mistake was made on my part. Yes, the teachings are out there more than ever before. But, here on this post is the very debate I worried about words over experience.
MDR: Lisa, I cannot dichotomize the two so completely.
LL: Though I totally respect everyone’s passion, it is strange to me that I am no longer passionate about the Cedercrans teachings. I respect them a great deal and the back and forth conversations here don’t approach for me what was most essential about the Cedercrans work, the meditations.
MDR: Yes, I am understanding your point of view on this.
LL: I do feel that these meditations helped me build an alignment. I do feel they connected me to an ashram (that seems to be mostly 2nd ray on my part). I find it curious that I was born in the town Richard Schiable was born in (Jackson, MI) and as soon as I had a car and independence I zoomed out to California (with only $600 to my name) and landed in Long Beach, CA. until I got on my feet in a few months, and then headed to the Riverside area where the first thing I did was go to a bookstore where Michael Miles worked who handed me a flyer about Nature of the Soul, which landed me in a class with Georgia and even Richard! Clearly, there is a higher intention and design going on here. None of this was conscious on my part, but unconsciously it was. And, all of that led me to USR and you Michael and so on and so on.
LL: So, clearly there is a connection and I am deeply honored to be part of that connection. As for the people writing here (Lyn, Michael, and even you Phillip) I could even use my 6th ray astral body to get a little gushy and so I will. Lyn, when you speak people listen. You have a way of talking with thought and care. You exude integrity and humility and it is an honor to know you. What a great brother in the one work. Michael, you and Georgia Lambert remain the two most significant teachers in my life. The two of you feel like bookends in the Tarot deck with you Michael metaphorically being the Magician and Georgia the High Priestess. Ok, a bit lofty but of the Tarot cards that are connected side by side that is what the two of you seem like to me. And, Philip, though I sit up and Meditation Mount and wonder how anyone could have written the books you have while I pour through the copies there, at least I am finally finding through your writings a doorway into the one work.
LL: So, yes, this is a wonderful discussion between Michael and Lyn and very necessary. Personally, I am not very attached to the details listed above, though I find them important to sort out. I just know in my life these two lines seem to be very much connected at some level. Without these two lineages I would not have gotten on the path the way that I have. Bravo to this very important dialogue and may it continue.
MDR: Dear Lisa, maybe it’s the fourth ray, but you do tell a good story! It’s refreshing to look at the contributions of these two teachings as a narrative.
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3.
4. LL: What Was New About Lucille’s Teaching?
I am sure if I want to look for specific examples here and there I might find something new in the way of specific information with Lucille. I am not inclined to do this, as again I prefer to focus on experience, which I only have my own to relate to. Here is what stands out for me with Lucille in regards to primarily myself.
1) As mentioned it is strange to me that as I review my life I very much see how I traced the path from Jackson, MI (where Lucille’s husband Richard Schiable lived a few miles from me had I known it), to Long Beach, CA (where Lucille anchored herself at first in CA), to meeting Michael Miles who immediately hooked me up with Lucille’s teachings. What that tells me is that there is an ashramic connection, and that somehow I was personally connected to it.
MDR: Reasonable assumption I think.
LL: 2) If it is true (and I have heard that it is) that at first Lucille did not know about the Ageless Wisdom teachings as put forward by Alice Bailey, then it certainly is amazing how she picked up on them, as the two thought-form presentations are so similar.
MDR: Yes, this is true in many respects—even in quite a bit of the terminology.
LL: Again, that lets me know there is some sort of cooperation going on in the inner planes.
3) It is true that Lucille gravitated towards Tibetan Buddhism and was later accepted by them and that some have said the Master R was Padhasambhava, so again some sort of connection there.
MDR: Interesting.
LL: 4) What seemed the most new to me about Lucille’s teaching was not so much the information (the majority of which can be found in Alice Bailey though there are some differences between the two lines), but rather the sequencing of meditations in a step by step process to be worked on by a group over time, a process that is not emphasized as much in the Lucille’s groups now, something in the previous posts of mine I have already talked about.
MDR: I would like to be better acquainted with those meditation procedures.
LL: 5) With perspective, and my experience talking to my professors in the Transpersonal Psychology field who helped me examine what happened to me while using my Nature of the Soul meditations, I can say it felt like I went through an initiatory experience. I can also say, having studied Raja Yoga and Classical Hinduism, it does seem that these meditations are along Raja Yoga lines. The focus is concentrated thought with a concentrated placement of focus, unlike mindfulness meditation, these meditations taught me to keep my mind in a very quiet but alert place for very long periods of time. I now see how this style of meditation led me to various levels of samadhi. To understand that though, I had to jump out of Lucille’s teachings into Classical Hinduism, where getting into samadhi states is far from new, but perhaps the sequence of meditations in Lucille’s writings might have new and they are what led me there.
MDR: You have had a broad experience with the Ageless Wisdom.
LL: 6) In Teacher Training Vols I and II (not published) a lot is spoken of regarding the Science of Impression. Honestly, those techniques helped me understand Bailey’s Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, and again give techniques for practice, more than just information.
LL: 7) Regarding Tibetan Buddhism and Lucille. Tibetan Buddhism relies heavily on visualization and this is one major difference between some other Buddhist schools that do not do this. The Cedercrans books only do limited amounts of visualization, though I used to think they did more. What I came to see is that in particular the more extensive visualization work came more from Georgia, my teacher of the Cedercrans work, and not the teachings per se. But, then Georgia was much more heavily into the use of visualization and precision along these lines, so I am not so sure how much of that was just her very adept meditation skill paired with Lucille’s teachings. I do know Georgia Lambert’s Kabbalah class with the visualizations she created to help you work the different areas of the Tree of Life was heavy into visualization and really quite incredible
MDR: Yes, very interesting. We all have our different lines of approach.
LL: 8) I can also say that based upon what I understand from Alice Bailey regarding the initiations, certainly, though in theory some of the people in the Cedercrans groups may be approaching the 3rd initiation as they suggest, from what I learned from my intensive compilation work and study of the initiations as Bailey presents them, we may want to rethink that. I know personally, I am constantly amazed at how the more I further my understanding of the initiations and what they entail, the more I feel constantly demoted from where in my 20’s may have thought I was! LOL!
MDR: On the normal day, I say, “subtract one”. Maybe on a bad day, more grumpy but more realistic, I say “subtract two”! No one likes ‘me’ on those days.
LL: 10) Personally, I find the Cedercrans teachings “new” in that they are much more easy to utilize to access and get an orientation of the Ageless Wisdom teachings.
MDR: Probably ease of access is an important factor for those who are beginning with the Ageless Wisdom.
LL: I am so glad they were my first exposure to all of this, because the sequencing of the lessons and the meditations helped make it much easier for me to grasp the Alice Bailey teachings. They were an excellent foundation and the meditations led me to quite profound depths. (I only wish I had that capacity for intensive meditation practice now. Perhaps the group focus and youth helped me sustain what I did for so long at the time).
LL: Also, were they really from the Master R? It makes sense to me as Michael argues that a Chohan has a lot more to do than put forward this teaching. As stated above and as written in Teacher Training II when Lucille outlines her view of the Science of Impression, it was not dictation, but aligning with the energy and using her own words and thoughts to formulate it.
MDR: I do believe that this is a good way for disciples of various Ashrams to work. So many of our inspired thoughts come from the direction of the Ashram in which we, as souls, are focussed. It seemed that A.A.B. and Master DK had a more “verbal’ process going between them, working out a form of English which would be most suitable for conveying the content of DK’s Teaching.
LL: (I would have to look up her exact quote and though my Teacher Training II copy is getting kind of yellow and I haven’t looked at it in awhile, perhaps I will take the time to find her exact words).
MDR: I think Lyn may have quoted it.
LL: My own intuition is that her mind was oriented in that direction and she certainly having supposedly been a total new comer to these concepts, brought forth something of real value.
MDR: Sometimes it is best not to be prejudiced. Something fresh might arise.
LL: I guess if we want to be precise it sounds more reasonable to me to suggest that she was in touch with the overall ashram to some degree, and perhaps even to the ashram of Master R. There are some links, I agree. It is just at what level was the reception? Direct? Like a one-on-one conversation? Or, more indirect, like entering the overall field. She herself seems to suggest that she was more in alignment with the overall field.
MDR: We must be grateful to her for understanding it in this way when so many others might call it direct dictation. Was it not so that much which was received had to be edited into the best English for presentation, the editing done somewhat by a group? Correct me here if I am incorrect.
LL: Finally, regarding the various centers, it is my understanding from when I knew her husband Richard Schiable and also Billie who both worked directly with Lucille these were set up when she was alive in conjunction with her. But, Pam Nisson is the best one to ask, as she is one of the few still alive who really knows for sure.
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5.
Lisa Love says:
June 28, 2016 at 7:50 pm
LL: Comments from my pulling out Teacher Training II. (TT II)
1) Lucille clearly believes and states that she is in touch with R and he is the main inspiration for her work. Regardless, if you take away the debate of was it R or not, and just look at what is written here (something hard to do when TT I and TT II are not publicly available), in my opinion there is a real high level of quality work being written here.
MDR: In general I am for judging according to quality rather than source—though the two are often congruent.
LL: 2) As mentioned, the language is similar in an astonishing number of ways, but again not as precise as with Bailey.
MDR: Yes, this is true. Supervised dictation from a Master leads to a high degree of precision, especially in subjects about which A.A.B. knew very little—like astrology. As for TCF, who but a Master could offer the content of that book?
LL: Still, it is amazing how similar it is (at least from my perspective) especially as you get into the more in depth stuff in TT I, and TT II (not published).
MDR: Yes, this is interesting—the similarity.
LL: 3) The emphasis is that those working with the Cedercrans teachings become potent servers in the world no longer concerned with their own personal development, but rather oriented towards making the substantial sacrifices necessary to move humanity forward.
MDR: If this were the case, it would be a very laudable result of working with the LC teaching. This is the kind of thing we really need in these times of crisis.
LL: You could say the same emphasis is found in Bailey and in both groups it seems as if only the rare few have ever accomplished this shift.
MDR: Must agree for the most part—sadly.
LL: Especially if we look at the world of effects, how many of us can truly say we are effective enough, loving enough, free from criticism enough, discerning enough, wise enough etc… to warrant true entrance into an Ashram where effective servers are desperately needed?
MDR: Few.
LL: But, then again, D.K. had few people under his guidance really reached this level, so it seems in both groups there were mainly aspirants and disciples to some degree.
MDR: I estimate, mostly initiates of the first degree, some applying to the second and a few beyond it. The groups did not measure up to His expectations, as we all know.
LL: 4) As I am sitting here briefly reviewing TT II I am reminded how much technical information there about just that, techniques. That is a big difference as I see it between Bailey and Lucille. The emphasis is way more on meditation and techniques of alignment than you find in Bailey.
MDR: I would have to see the material. So many of the meditations which DK offered were never published in the books as they were either too potent or had a specific purpose for a specific individual. They could not be attempted by the average reader with beneficial results.
LL: They speak a lot about the Science of Impression and Projection. Ultimately, this is what teachers of her work were being trained in. When the books were printed, in many ways a major part of what this teaching was all about was lost.
MDR: OK—well this is an interesting perspective, about which I could obviously learn more.
LL: You were taught in Teacher Training that it was not so much the words, but the energy communicated behind that words, what was projected, that was important here.
MDR: Of course, those who know about meditation, know, in general, that this is an important truth.
LL: You only get that through an energetic transmission with a teacher who has built an adequate alignment.
MDR: Or with one’s own “Angel of the Presence”, Solar Angel, spiritual triad or Monad, in my view.
LL: You are transmitting energies, not concepts.
MDR: This is occultism.
LL: That has pretty much been lost, and as mentioned I personally am somewhat responsible for that. It is a very different experience to read the Cedercrans books and to sit in a class with a teacher who is working subjectively attempting to hold an alignment and project the underlying energies or qualities of a lesson, instead of just the concepts.
MDR: Understood.
LL: In fact, students of her teaching who follow the books pretty much rebel at that entire notion. They don’t want a “teacher” in that way. They want to just do it on their own. So a lot of what Lucille was attempting to do has been dismantled with the books being published and that is why people like me will talk more about an experience than concepts in regard to her work.
MDR: OK—interesting.
LL: Especially as you get into TT I and TT II every lesson has a technique. The focus is on meditative alignments. And, there is very little focus on personal development. It is almost all oriented towards the group being of service as a unified group and primarily through meditation techniques and the science of impression and projection.
MDR: At a certain stage of development, this is as it should be.
LL: If we were to relate it to the Bailey seed groups, it might even be connected with the first seed group of Telepathic Communicators and the last seed group of Creative Manifestors.
MDR: Yes, I can understand the connection. The last group, as I emphasized to Lyn, way synthetic and took its membership from those who had proven themselves in th previous Nine Groups.
LL: And, it is attempting to be much less focused on information, and much more focused on meditation alignments and group cohesion as a meditative and invocative focus. Again that certainly was my experience of this training. Information was not so much the point.
MDR: OK, then—glad to have your perspective on your expeience.
LL: Ok. I have found the lesson on channeling in TT II, but my husband reminds me we are late for lunch. I will attempt to say more about it later. Still, if the focus is trying to prove whether it was R or not, well, in some ways, to me that misses the boat.
MDR: It is good to have the facts. From erroneous information, glamours and illusions can grow.
LL: Yes, that can be an important discussion, but to me it is the teaching itself and what it conveys, more than the source that matters here. Will do the channeling post when I return from lunch.
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6.
Lisa Love says:
June 28, 2016 at 9:51 pm
LL: Back from lunch. In continuing to review TT II, I will again emphasize that much of what was being emphasized in all this training was doing the subjective meditative work to invoke certain energies, and then to train your equipment to hold those energies (as a field of consciousness) so that the students were better able to access these energies themselves (unless of course they were move evolved than the teacher, then this was not necessary and in all likelihood the student would in turn no longer feel attracted to the teaching).
MDR: I am understanding how some NS teachers would conceive their responsibilities to the students.
LL: Then as you projected the teaching, you were taught to do it using three centers, the head, heart, and throat and there are specific techniques given as to how to do this. When working with the head center you have to stay out of the glamour that “you” are doing this for the student. Though I am over-simplifying it, is it more like you trying to keep the light on in a room so the student can find his/her way in the dark by way of specific techniques.
MDR: OK…
LL: When you are using the throat center method of projection, you are explaining the teaching, ideally according to the student’s temperament, alignment, and needs, not an easy thing to do especially with a group. When you are projecting through the heart center you are attempting to connect soul to soul, while avoiding personality attachments and glamours in yourself or them. Again, not easy to do. To really be effective you have to have your own head, heart, throat centers aligned, opened, adjusted and free from glamour as well.
MDR: These are final the three major centers for the three major monadic types.
LL: Through the Science of Impression and Projection as a teacher (and a soul), you were using meditative techniques to help the student’s soul/mind/brain alignment be stimulated almost as if the student was thereby more able to access the insights/answers for him or herself.
MDR: The only thing which must be watched for is the “glamour of intermediaries”. You know the Gemini Labour featuring Busiris. You also know how the priests interposed themselves between the average person and “God”. Of course, I realize that ideally the motive you are talking about is very high.
LL: Certainly, when I worked with Richard Schiable, who was much less inclined to give extensive knowledge to feed your mind like Georgia did, I got a lot more of this approach. Though I might have judged Richard as being more intellectually weak (and a lot less entertaining than Georgia to me), my experience in meditation with him was more along the lines of having to reach more on my own inwardly.
MDR: Understood.
LL: Now onto Lucille’s exact words in TT II for a bit…
“Now, the teacher who is functioning properly… will not be teaching from his own state of consciousness. He will be teaching from that state of consciousness which overshadows, and which in its wisdom relates with the specific needs of the group.
MDR: I suppose this is soul consciousness and that the group soul can be understood as significant in the process.
LL: So that his teaching of one lesson at a time might be quite different from what it would be at another time for another group.” (Note by myself. This is not like regular teaching where one group of students evokes something different than the next group so you teach differently. This is how you work consciously with the invocative alignment in regards to one group or the next. Again, this is a kind of magical work in the subjective sense).
MDR: Obviously, the skill-in-action of the teacher is important.
LL: Back to TT II.
LL: Student: “Are you channeling?”
Lucille: “No, interpreting. Channeling is when you are the channel and have nothing to do with the energies that are moving.
MDR: Perhaps…
LL: This teaching is bringing it into your own consciousness and then translating it.” …
MDR: This reminds me a bit of the method of Mme. Roerich who, as it were, “participated” in much of the impression from Master M. What DK wrote of the way “Heart” was written was: 1) some of the words were exactly those of Master M. He was responsible for them; 2) some of the book was written under His impression; 3) some of the book was simply provided by the “publishers”.
LL: “You don’t receive a thing.. in other words, and this is very difficult, yet of vital importance, you have to realize that this state of consciousness overshadows — it’s the soul life, not just your own soul but everyone’s soul.
MDR: This would have to be clarified..
LL: Soul life, its the ashramic life”….
MDR: So, is this what she means?
LL: “As you bring that wisdom in, if you are aligned with it perfectly with that which overshadows and perfectly with your group out here…” “This is not ‘channeling.’ This is very active participation, very active work wherein you are using your mind, your consciousness.” Student goes on to talk about some psychic work he is doing and if this is what is meant here.
MDR: I think I see her perspective. I think the attitude of the amanuensis must vary depending on the exactitude of different impressions. With A.A.B., and in relation to some books, it was word for word—His words, though she might argue for a more modern type of English. It also could have been impression at times, but with very close supervision by DK of the words A.A.B. was using.
LL: Lucille: “That’s very dangerous business (name of student), because if you are doing that, all that’s happening is that a thoughtform is pouring through you. Someone else’s thoughts, someone else’s words. That isn’t good.
MDR: Well, not bad if it is a Master’s thoughts and words. DK tried to write scientifically through A.A.B., but found that the mental substance was not adequate, I suppose, even for direct dictation.
LL: The thoughtform could be anything. That thing is that here we are attempting to help everyone become CONSCIOUS. (Her capitals not mine)…. You see the difference between being a vehicle for the Wisdom and the vehicle for words or thoughtforms?”
MDR: Clothing higher thought in the proper words is an important art. I cannot find the dichotomization useful.
LL: I am jumping ahead now because it gets into a long discussion of what channeling is and what Lucille is doing. I will start after a student is questioning her about what she is doing and how it is different.
LL: Lucille: “This is tremendously important. Even bringing through the Presence of a master is not that. It’s bringing through the frequency, his color, his tone, but not bringing through his words.”
MDR: This may describe her process, but overall it is not entirely correct.
LL: (She then goes into the glamours of being in touch with Masters and having them “take you into a garden” etc and she calls this “malarky.”)
MDR: I suppose different people working as receivers have varying experiences.
LL: Then she says,
Lucille: “Even the communication that comes through from R, I have to translate the ideas, the concepts I receive. R doesn’t say any so & so & so.”
MDR: Francis Bacon was a superb master of the English Language, as anyone who has studied His writings will confirm. One would expect to see this mastery if dictation were involved.
LL: Student: “Could there be a danger you are translating him wrong?”
LL: Lucille: “Oh, absolutely. There is always, always… no one ever gets to the point where they are infallible. Where they can’t make any errors, there’s real danger. Every one can and does bring thru errors. Every one can and does color.
MDR: What I understood about the book Esoteric Astrology is that the Tibetan proofed it word for word. I don’t know about the other books, but strong proofing was involved.
LL: Everything that comes through is colored via the state of consciousness thru which it passes. You can’t get away from that. It’s part of the evolution. And, these are the dangers of this kind of thought, if we don’t look at it clearly and see the facts and proceed from there. This is why even the work that WE’RE in, we are told that, no matter who projects anything or what’s coming thru, always use your discrimination. If something comes thru that you simply can’t accept, don’t!”
MDR: OK—it was a different working relationship with A.A.B. There were times when He could not dictate because she was too much under the influence of lower manas. Also, A.A.B. said, that if she did not take down exactly what He said, He would dismiss her, no longer work with her.
LL: They go on to discuss some more about the Science of Impression and Contact talking about various churches, groups, etc. then this lesson closes.
LL: Anyway, I hope this was helpful to the discussion here using Lucille’s own words this time.
Peace – Love – Light to All,
Lisa
MDR: Thanks Lisa for your impressions. Another perspective and useful for understanding. I would have to see more about the meditations used and the meditative sequences. Maybe that will someday be possible.
Meanwhile, Lots of Love and Appreciation,
Michael
Reply
7.
Lisa Love says:
June 28, 2016 at 10:02 pm
Final Thought for Today.
I hope I am showing how Lucille’s work was not really about concepts or ideas presented, but about how to work subjectively to build an alignment and use the Science of Impression, Contact, and Projection especially in regards to teaching and assisting through a magical process of sorts, with a student then being encouraged in the light you invoke (through a series of very specific lessons over TT I and TT II amounting to dozens of techniques) as his/her teacher to more rapidly build his/her own soul-mind-brain alignment. Without really understanding this and the importance of the meditation work, and the importance of trained teachers doing this work you do not fully comprehend what Lucille was trying to do. Sadly, with the books published most students don’t even want a teacher. They may even rebel at the idea of “subjective support.” Especially in the Western world we want to do it all on our own. The notion of some teacher trying to facilitate turning the light on in a darkened room, may not appeal to him/her. And, again this is not like giving that person a map (a guidebook that way teachings like Integral founded by Ken Wilber do). This is something very different. This was a training to try and help people turn the light of consciousness on in themselves, and then in turn using very specific techniques to help turn that light on for others, and keep that light on as well. Maybe this view of her work will help everyone in this discussion to take another view.
Reply
MDR: I think I answered a little to this last entry in a short post before this one. Many people seem to be getting a lot out of the LC material. They have a Spiritual Path as a result of her work, and that is good.
I think that “subjective support” is a very necessary concept. It usually derives from one’s soul/Solar Angel or from the Master and not so much, these days, from an outer teacher, but that too is possible and can be effective.
I have enjoyed thinking about your perspective and it has indeed offered another view from the one which Lyn and I seemed to be emphasizing.
With Love and Many Blessings,
Michael
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for providing your perspective on the nature and value of the LC teaching and its relation to that of DK. As time allows I will try to offer a few thoughts which may be useful. Many Blessings, Michael
Dear All,
In general I wish to say that Truth is vast. The present mind of man is tiny. There are many ways to return to That which we have always been. Intuition must be activated, but Intuition which is “pure reason” can be activated by ‘rigorous reasoning’. This is why I present to the members fo the World Esoteric Community further opportunity to think about ‘why they believe what they believe’ and whether those beliefs correlate with evidence from the Law of Correspondences. From acute manas to buddhi–a bridge can be built, and I would recommend it for those who find in them the tenacity to do so. Light, Love and Power, Michael
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comments. You make some very good points not addressed in the comments Michael and I have been sharing. I would agree that there is a strong focus on meditation and subjective techniques in Lucille’s works. As you suggest, the time spent in many of these subjective techniques can far exceed the amount of time spent in the objective study of the teachings. These techniques are something you don’t find in AAB’s works – at least not in the published ones.
Something else of interest you brought up is that the organized step by step “lesson” approach common to much of Lucille’s work seems to provide an easier entry into the teachings. This is something that comes up often at Meditation Mount in regard to AAB’s works when students inquire, “where does one begin?”. The reality is, there isn’t an easy entry point. I guess that’s the role of what are called “bridging books” by students of DK.
You say, “I hope I am showing how Lucille’s work was not really about concepts or ideas presented, but about how to work subjectively to build an alignment and use the Science of Impression.” I agree with that, but think that Master DK’s three pronged approach of “study, meditation and service” has great value.
I think different people will place a different emphasis on one or other of these three essential activities – based on ray makeup, soul purpose, past experience, etc. – but each is contained in the other, like the three inseparable aspects of Deity. I don’t think the Masters would have expended the time and energy making available the vast array of knowledge pertaining to the nature of “man, God and the universe” if it didn’t serve a vital purpose in the life of disciples aspiring to serve the Divine Plan.
I find reading the AAB books or those by Lucille a meditation in itself. Each paragraph is a door into the depths of reality. True, these are only outer word symbols, but they attune the mind with the living Realities inhabiting the Mind of God and help create that resonance which can prime the pump of intuition.
Service also is inseparable from knowledge and meditation. There is a great quote form Master John I’d like to include, but alas I can’t locate it now. Anyway, I’m sure you get my drift.
In Love & Light,
Lyn
Excellent points Lyn. Yes all three are necessary. Meditation, service, study. Thank you again for your very valuable insights. Much love, Lisa