Philosophic Initiation has as its aim a fourfold purpose which must be attained if the Neophyte is to be fully successful.
First: During the process, growth or progress, all the inner potential forces of the entire complex being - of body, mind and Soul - must be aroused. The ultimate must be attained on each plane of being; assuring a full measure of health, strength, success and power in the true sense. This permits rendering service to humanity generally.
Second: Either before, or during, the process there must result the birth of one dominant desire. This desire must constantly burn with an unquenchable fire within the mind and the, as yet, dormant Soul of the aspirant. It must enthrall him to such a degree that he will find no rest unless he is active in making every effort for the attainment of the inspired or aspired ideal.
Third: The concentration or centralization of all potential forces within the entire being gives the individual the necessary strength, patience and fortitude to work incessantly toward the fulfillment or the desire.
Forth: (a) There must be desire and effort toward the awakening, and the Illumination of the Christos or the Soul Center. (b) The establishing of contact, i.e., contracting an alliance with one of the Hierarchical Centers of activity.
To this end the Neophyte must learn to Obey, to Know, to Will, to Dare, and yet remain Silent. He must recognize the truism that in silence there is strength.
It is only natural that there should be misconceptions and misgivings relative to this subject in the minds of those to whom it is comparatively new. To anticipate difficulties which will present themselves to searching, questioning minds, and to offer clear explanations regarding them, is the purpose of this work. Many erroneous impressions exist among Neophytes, as is proven by the questions constantly asked concerning Initiation, especially its esoteric or Arcane features.
Little information has been given the reading public on the esoterics of true Initiation, although numerous books on the subject are available to the seeker. Many of these treatises are of little practical value. Some of them are actually harmful because they becloud the problems involved and frequently encourage occult, and especially psychic, practices, which tend toward negativity of mind and the exact opposite of the requirements for attaining to Philosophic Initiation.
Initiation deals primarily with the process of inner spiritual growth - a gradual awakening of the Christos or Soul! - and the attainment of Soul Consciousness. In Biblical language this is the rebirth, or the second birth, that of the spirit and, once attained, brings with it EVERY GOOD AND DESIRABLE THING.
A rational presentation of this problem must be based on the foundation of mental clarity and physical health; strength of mind and body, vigor and virility, and a superior force and alertness of the discriminative faculties. Any system which disregards the body and its functions tends toward mental apathy; is dangerous and must be avoided.
Misconceptions are all too prevalent regarding the place and function of Will power. The general, the almost universal, impression is that Will power can be developed by all, irrespective of an inborn desire and the energy to carry out the purpose of the desire. This is a great fallacy.
However much one might wish to accomplish a special work, if the desire toward that end is not sufficiently strong, if the actor is not ready, aye, anxious, to give up all else in the accomplishment of the one desire, and if this one desire is not potent enough to induce every mental and physical activity necessary to bring it about, then failure is certain.
Will power is always based on desire, because desire is always the activating and governing principal. Desire is comparable to love. Where love is strong, even the certainty of death cannot intervene with its dictates.
Higher, or spiritual, development admittedly demands the cultivation of a masterful Will. Much stress is therefore laid on this part of the Great Work. Simple, sane, reasonable methods must be followed in its development. The methods best suited to the purpose are actually so simple that they are often ignored, and the means so continusously present that their power is often overlooked. In the process of Philosophical Initiation and in the cultivation of the Will, the Divine Law is:
Do that which is to be done, iresspective of how menial it may be. DO IT WHEN IT SHOULD BE DONE; THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE, without repugnance. If it is something usually disliked, do it with a willingness to accomplish a useful duty, ending with the feeling of satisfaction that it was well done and your duty and mission, therefore a means to an end.
Equal stress must be placed on the importance of directing the Will into channels of obedience to the Divine Ideal. Besides the factors already mentioned, there are still others important in the development of a superior Will and the power that accompanies it: First, the quality of truth, that is, knowledge concerning the laws of right-ness and goodness. Secondly, the quality of impartial love and good-will in every department of God's creation. To merely possess a strong Will is in itself not particularly desirable. It may merely end in mulish stubbornness.
A strong Will becomes a prized possession only as it is prompted and guided by the light of true understanding and made radiant in the warmth and love of goodness in heart. In this field of activity, goodness based on reasonableness and sanity alone is power and becomes creative. A carefully guided Will-power and a correct understanding of the laws governing life, vitalized by kindly justice and the genial rays of love and goodness, are proof against irrational and destructive tendencies.
Based on an irresistible incentive which nothing can turn aside, a Masterful Will set in motion to accomplish a desirable and constructive purpose brings you the knowledge and the power necessary for any desired accomplishment. This Law based on the principle which removes all erroneous impressions dealing with the development of the Will.
As a result of the reading of works dealing with mind or mental power, there are great multitudes who think that by entering upon a course of Will culture they can develop sufficient power to overcome any and all defects of mind and body, while giving little or no thought to the Soul.
Such overcoming is impossible by means of sheer Will force, without consideration of one's mode of thinking, living, hygienic surroundings and preparation for that which he wishes to accomplish.
All too many - there is a multitude - take up mind study and mental culture with the sole thought that here is a means to an end without the necessity of laboring or making physical effort to achieve their desires. They have become hypnotized by the slogan: "MIND is ALL," or "THINK AND BE RICH." They actually believe that to sit and think, and will, will bring riches pouring into their laps.
This is an illusion and a delusion. The awakening is usually sad, and this often comes only after they have become so inert that they no longer possess the energy to make a real effort to achieve success by means of the two-edged sword that never fails: WILL AND EFFORT (work).
It has been our experience, during forty-five years as physician and teacher, that many a failure and great disaster is wrought by an irrational system of developing the Will. In most instances those who suffer are themselves to blame. They are governed by an ignoble self-interest; the age-old delusion that it is possible to obtain something for nothing; ignoring the fact that perfect exchange is the Law; that he who obtains or accepts that which he has not earned is a robber and a thief, and every-thing so gained will ultimately be taken from him. The greatest Philosophic Intitate of all pronounced it as a Law:
Only "the laborer is worthy of his hire."
This means that no man can honestly receive until he has offered something in return for that which he desires.
Partially or erroneously instructed students fancy that it is possible to develop such superior power of mind and Will that, by means of mental gymnastics alone, they may correct every unsatisfactory condition of life. They believe that by mental force and Will power exclusively they can build health of body and gain sufficient strength for the maintenance of health, which is so essential to Occult science.
They think that by means of thought forces sent out, and vigorous direction of the Will, without the development of a pleasing personality, they may meet with lasting success in business or social affairs; and that, by mere faith and the affirmation: "money wants me," or "money is coming to me," they can send out forces which will return with all the money necessary to meet their requirements.
These ideas, it is true, are assiduously cultivated by many authors. Such beliefs are erroneous in the extreme. They are irrational. They are as dishonest as is the mind of a man who boldly enters the house of another and steals the things he want.
The development of a healthy, rational and powerful mind, and a strong, masterful Will, is well-nigh impossible without a foundation of physical health, strength and vitality. Mental force and power of Will are dependent on physical energy; on brain and nerve health and energy. All of these conditions are in turn the result of attention to hygiene, physical exercise, rational thinking, wholesome desire and, above all, proper food.
All too many will deny this statement, but would readily agree with us were it possible for them to witness, as have we, the mental and physical wrecks resulting from irrational systems of mental training and inane psychic practices.
Sheer force of Will in itself cannot, except possibly momentarily, control thoughts, guide accurate judgment and direct business propositions of huge proportions. It cannot exert strenuous physical effort in the performance of manual labor, unless the body is prepared and supplied with nutritious food adapted to individual requirements and to one's particular occupation or activity.
Neither is mere concentration of thought on a business enterprise or a money-making scheme sufficient to assure permanent success. Just as partaking of alcoholic stimulants may give a semblance of brilliancy of mind, or bring activity to even a dying body for a short period of time, so may Will power alone sustain super-activity for a time, but it is self destructive and defeats its own ends.
Mark well the requirements to attain and maintain physical health, strength and vigor. First of all, the mind and Will must be directed toward attaining accurate knowledge of the LAWS UNDERLYING PHYSICAL HEALTH, STRENGTH AND VIGOR. Secondly, THIS KNOWLEDGE MUST BE DIRECTED INTO CHANNELS OF USEFULNESS; ALL IN HARMONY WITH THE LAW. To attain success in business, the mind and the Will must be directed toward mastering the laws underlying commercial enterprises. There must be proper and complete preparation for the business in mind.
AFTER ALL THIS, the Will must be strong enough to direct and hold the desire to ATTAIN SUCCESS; refusing to become impatient, indolent, inert or careless, because success is slow in appearing. It is at this critical point that the Will is of paramount importance.
Spiritual Laws, the Laws dealing with the Christos or Soul of Man, are in perfect harmony with the so called natural laws. The natural world is a prototype of the spiritual world. The Tablets of Hermes the Law giver plainly state:
Because of this Law, any functioning of mental forces and of the Will which violates natural law likewise violates the Divine or Spiritual Law and is to be avoided.
The wise farmer, sower of the seed and reaper of the harvest, is fully aware that the buying of good seed and casting it to the four winds is not sufficient for a good harvest. On the contrary, his first thought is to PREPARE THE SOIL INTO WHICH THE SEED IS TO BE SOWN. THIS MUST BE DONE IN A PROPER MANNER; recognizing, as he does, that poor soil or unprepared soil will be certain to yield a poor crop.
Even after the soil is well prepared, good seeds obtained and sown at the right time, any experienced farmer knows that there must be proper and regular cultivation if the yield is to be as expected.
Thus it is with the wise and sincere Neophyte. His first endeavor is to gain a full understanding of the Law so that he will be fully informed on every phase of the subject. He does this in identically the same manner as the student in medicine, or law, or any other important profession, carefully and thoroughly studies his texts. Having gained this knowledge, he proceeds to prepare the body, cleansing it of impurities and furnishing it with the foods required to build a strong, physical, nervous, mental system. How can he expect to develop mental vigor and a strong Will if the vehicle lacks proper preparation?
We might just as reasonably expect the gasoline engine to give perfect satisfaction with its cylinders coated with carbon, spark plug points half-worn out and filled with soot, water and dust in the gasoline, lubricating oil dirty and worn out and air intake poorly adjusted. The gasoline engine is in every respect patterned after man. The same care is required of the body of man if it is to function properly and as efficiently as the engine.
It is common knowledge that the ordinary business man and brain worker who is not at all interested in spiritual affairs suffers greatly from nerve exhaustion when little or no attention is given to his nourishment, rest, breathing, recreation and exercise. It is equally certain that the sensitive system of the Neophyte will be affected if these important things are neglected; his organism being peculiarly sensitive and his imagination especially alert.
Higher occultism, or the Arcane, aims at spiritual or Philosophic Initiation. This is neither erratic nor irrational. Such Initiation embraces the ESTABLISHMENT OR AN EQUILIBRIUM OR BALANCE BETWEEN BODY, MIND AND SOUL. It includes a well-rounded development of man's fourfold nature: body, mind, spirit (the life or vital forces) and the Soul. The human being in ALL ITS PARTS must have equal consideration and attention.
We are familiar with the many who deny the actual existence of the material and the body, claiming it to be illusion and delusion, but who nevertheless live like gluttons to satisfy an abnormal physical appetite, and make every effort to obtain and accumulate material riches to satisfy their desire for possessions, which are also of a physical nature.
They are enmeshed by a smug, fallacious delusion which they call "faith." We do not hope or profess to reach them. We are laboring only for the many rational, reasonable seekers for better things and a higher life, who are ready and willing to be instructed and directed in the Way of Life: in what we term the Great Work.
The Neophyte should give first and most careful consideration to his physical being, providing it with the best food and recreation for its improvement. A natural, rational system of living is to be adopted and faithfully adhered to. This will in nowise interfere with his usual occupation or his daily pursuits among men. The purpose of Arcane or higher inner development is, indeed, to make man far more efficient in all practical affairs, and to help him live a more useful life of service both to himself and to his fellow men.
An almost universal misconception is that which associates the Arcane, or Philosophical Initiation, with subtle forms of hypnotism, psychicism, spiritualism, spirit control or phenomena and kindred phases of psychical experiences, all of which are based on negativism.
Soul development or Philosophic Initiation, the awakening of the Christos within and bringing him into manifestation, has nothing whatever to do with any of these beliefs or practices. The principles of the Arcane are radically and fundamentally opposed to every phase of abnormal manifestation. INITIATION RESULTS FROM A CONTINUOUS EFFORT TOWARD DEVELOPMENT. IT DEALS WITH THE AWAKENING OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS SELF, or BRINGING THE CHRISTOS INTO CONSCIOUSNESS. IT IS THE SECOND OR SPIRITUAL BIRTH: MORTALITY PUTTING ON IMMORTALITY. The methods followed on the path leading to Philosophic Initiation guard effectively against every form of negative, tendencies. They repudiate all manner of practices which interfere with the Neophyte's individual independence or manhood; his self-control and personal responsibility; accentuating ALL of these to the highest point.
At no time do these methods leave the impression that man, either in a sleeping or waking state, is to be influenced by disembodied entities on any plane of existence.
Exception is made to the higher spiritual Hierarchies or principalities spoken of in sacred literature. These the Neophyte is to contact for the purpose of forming an alliance later in his progress toward development. They will be of help to him, provided such help will not interfere with his normal and natural growth. Philosophic Initiation guards against hypnotic influences; guards against all other evil influences and discourages phenomena-seeking tendencies and the inclination to depend upon others rather than on one's own individual efforts.
The underlying principles and the methods followed in true initiation are distinctly positive, constructive, uplifting and are calculated to develop self-control under all conditions and self-mastery in every department of the individual being. The positive power of thought, desire and Will is fully taught.
No claim is made that the mind, or the Will, can endow inert substances with life-giving power for any length of time; nor is the doctrine endorsed that any force or power can be projected contrary to natural laws. There is insistence that the masterful and effective Will depends on the ability to work in harmony with natural and spiritual laws after gaining a full knowledge of these laws.
There is no pretense that mere thought attitude in and of itself is ever sufficient to lift man out of undesirable and into favorable environments. EFFORT ALONE BRINGS ABOUT THE RESULT. The "laborer" is being paid.
The Neophyte is taught to recognize that the aim of life is service: that efficiency and efficacy demand self-knowledge, self-improvement and self-development BEFORE man is able to truly serve others. In the system of Soul awakening, in which the August Fraternity is engaged, we not only advocate the adage of the ancient Priest Initiates, "Know Thyself," but also give definite instructions, by the application of which man may come into an understanding of himself, his weaknesses as well as his strength.
The Neophyte is instructed to hold his desires and Will in an active, positive, alert state during all of his activities. He must have particular regard for the body as the vehicle through which the Divine forces operate and function, a healthy body and an alert, self-controlled mind being requisites to attainment and advancement.
The Philosophic Initiation is encumbered neither by fads nor pet fancies. He is not biased, but always endeavors to keep free from self-opinions not founded on fact. He seeks the foundation of being; to recognize the good wherever found, whether it be in friend or foe, and welcomes everything tending to make men and women better, stronger and free from all things undesirable. He refuses to be bound to any special creed for the reason that he has no concern with either creeds or dogmas.
His mission is to first help himself, and having succeeded in this, to then help his fellow man to awaken to a comprehension of his almost unlimited possibilities and opportunities, and to recognize himself as a symbol, an embodiment, of the universal whole.
Only as man gains an understanding of his own creative powers, his weaknesses and his strength, can he attain to the status of a Philosophic Initiate. If he is able to realize that he, as a "little" universe, a Microcosm, is actually a reflection of the larger universe, the Macrocosm, then he can become initiated into a full understanding of his Oneness with God, who is All.
There is much misconception regarding the manner of living and system of training while on the path to attainment of Philosophic Initiation. Many are under the impression that rigid and austere demands are made, and that painful self-denial is necessary in diet, exercise and the pleasures of life. These ideas are based on ignorance. Nothing is required of the Neophyte except that which is for his own temporal and eternal welfare.
Respecting diet, a preponderance of Philosophic Initiates, among them many long-experienced physicians, maintain that the natural and proper diet for man excludes the warm-blooded meats, because of the content of disease, toxins and ureas; nevertheless, these men are not radical. Climate, occupation, temperament, physical conditions and ancestral inheritance must be taken into account. Here, as elsewhere, "circumstances alter cases."
There are instances where the organism of an individual
may for a period of time require animal protein(1), but in such
individual cases the person under consideration would hardly be
physically or mentally fit to proceed with the Great Work.
The first essential is to establish mental and physical balance,
or what we term "health."
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(1)A protein cell is just a protein cell to the physical system.
It does not matter whether this is obtained from an animal product,
a warm-blooded animal, or from one of the many sea foods or the
legumes.
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In some countries, notably China, India, Japan and a number of smaller countries, a diet of rice and fish is almost universal. These appear to furnish sufficient nourishment to both body and mind, building great physical endurance, nerve force and mental alertness.
In this connection we must bear in mind two important factors; First, in these countries, rice and fish are the two principal food products; the rice growing under the same sun under which live the people consuming it. It is endowed with the same vibrations or vital forces which give life to the people. Second, for long centuries the natives of these particular countries have known no other food. Their organisms are adjusted for the digestion and absorption of these foods and building them into bodily structure and vital force.
When, as frequently happens, these people migrate to another and different climate and remain there for any length of time, they may find it necessary to make a change in their diet; otherwise, their physical and mental efficiency would be greatly lowered, though this may be in part psychological, because of their association with those who subsist on a greater variety of food.
In countries directly under the tropical sun the people live chiefly on the fruits so easily obtained, notably the banana. On this food the natives develop a strength and endurance which is totally unknown to the consumers of meat. The same principle operates here: the banana and other fruits grown where the people live and endowed with the same vibratory or vital forces they themselves possess; consequently, they contain the necessary constructive and life-producing elements.
Those who live in the extreme cold, like the Eskimos, live
principally on fat, because of the heat-producing elements. They
would quickly weaken and die if forced to subsist or rice, fish,
bananas(2) and fruit.
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(2) The banana properly prepared, is a food as rich, if not richer
in protein than meat.
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The school of Initiates regards the non-meat
diet as ideal, natural and normal, and for a period of time
during training a necessary one(3). If forefathers and fathers
have been ravenous meat eaters, it is generally unwise for anyone
to suddenly discontinue warm-blooded meat entirely. The habit
should be overcome gradually, substituting natural foods that
contain identical elements essential for nerve, brain, muscle
and bone until one finds that his system no longer requires meat.
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(3) See volume three, Book of Rosicruciæ.
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The Neophyte entering the path should become acquainted with all of these things. It is for this reason that he should study texts which will familiarize him with the natural laws governing his being. He should also seek the personal instruction and guidance of one who has traveled the path and is blessed with a vast fund of knowledge and great experience. If the seeker attempts to follow general instructions only he may meet with many disappointments. To avoid failure, the Neophyte requires personal instruction, guidance and protection adapted to his particular needs.
In respect to physical exercise, the Neophyte may be left largely to his own inclination. Everyone must necessarily take a certain amount of calisthenics, NOT because of his desire to become a Philosophic Initiate, but to establish health; build up energy and a plentiful supply of vitality for endurance; all necessary to be at peace and succeed in life.
What of the general pleasures of life? Do the Philosophic Initiates and members of the August Fraternity teach the idea that a long, wry face, sans joy, sans laughter and the denial of the innocent pleasures of life are conducive to spiritual advancement? Do they forbid the sports and games of the field, the opera and music hall, the many forms of recreation men delight in? Most assuredly not!
Nothing which is beneficial is denied either to the Neophyte or the Initiate; nor is there the least inclination to be exacting and Pharisaical in regard to what constitutes "innocent pleasures." There is but one principle for guidance: nothing must be indulged in that is liable to bring pain, sorrow, harm or loss either to self or another. That is the only law that governs.
The long face of self-righteousness, the countenance of cant and creed, has no place in the Arcane of higher Occult. Man is permitted to enjoy life in any way he pleases so long as it is not at the expense of his well-being or the welfare of another; hence, the social dinner, the banquet, the opera, the games of amusement, the association of men and women, healthful sports of every description are not forbidden, but are rather to be encouraged.
All amusement must be free from everything that is liable to cause sorrow, pain, regret or loss to any human being. None of the essentials of true happiness are forbidden. On the contrary, the Neophyte is taught to seek those things which bring happiness and well-being to himself and others. Peace and happiness are the birthright of every living Soul, but they must first be earned. The fact that humanity does not possess them is the proof of selfishness on the one hand and weakness on the other. Both should be eliminated.
The word LAW, as used by Philosophic Initiates and in the texts of the Fraternity, does not refer to manmade rules, regulations and arbitrary decrees and dictates, but to the Divine fiats given unto men by their Creator for the government of ALL MEN.
Details regarding Divine Law are observed by the individual according to his enlightened interpretation. It is necessary, however, to call attention to the negative operation of the Divine Law, so that by contrast the positive becomes clearer and more forceful.
By knowing the effects of the negative application of Divine Law we can constantly be on guard and thus protect ourselves against its reactions.
Philosophic Initiation presupposes its possessor as having found the "White Chalice of God, the Holy Grail, the heart of the Fire - tongue of the Ineffable Light."
It equally signifies the finding of the "Lost Word" of the Mysteries of which the Alchemists, the Magi and other Initiates have written so much. It is the finding of the Christos within the temple which is MAN.
He who has attained to Consciousness has also found the Divine Light burning upon the Alter. He has succeeded in purifying his heart so that it throbs with love for humanity, is free from criticism of others.
The Initiate has learned the lesson the old Masters taught that "He who knows all forgives all." The Nazarene phrased this differently.
"Forgive them for they know not what they do"
One of the attainments aimed at by Initiation is the art of "righteous judgment" - a judgment that neither censures nor condemns.
If you have the Will to obey and do, then it will be well
for you to enter the Path of Philosophic Initiation.
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