Rosicrucian Science of Being

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In accordance with its precept “The greatest tolerance within rhe strictest independence”, the
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evolves as it has contact with the physical world.
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Originally published in French as L ’Ontologie des Rose-Croix © 1995 ISBN 2-908534-59-2 by Diffusion
Rosicrucienne, Château d’Omonville, 27110 Le Tremblay France.

First English versión published in Australia 2010

by the Rosicrucian Order AMORC, Grand Lodge for Australia, Asia and New Zealand
Suite 2, 111 Moore Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040
ABN 95 072 728 968

© 2 0 1 0 English language versión Rosicrucian Order AMORC,

Grand Lodge of AMORC for Australia, Asia and New Zealand
ISBN 978-1-876965-42-6

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Telephone +61 2 9518 3444,
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The ideas expressed in this book are those of the author and do not represent the official teachings of the
Rosicrucian Order AMORC.
Preface Contents

It is a great honour and joy for me to preface the Preface ....................................................................... 3

work o f my friend and brother on the Path o f the
Rosy Cross, Serge Toussaint, Grand Master of Introduction ............................................................ 5
the French Jurisdiction of the Rosicrucian Order,
AMORC. First Law .................................................................... 7
Originally, he had written this work for
Rosicrucians, but since the contents are of interest Second Law ............................................................. 9
to ali those who aspire to a better understanding
of the mysteries of life, and to lift to some extern Third Law ............................................................... 11
the veil over the Rosicrucian teachings, I thought it
would be interesting to put them ali together in a Fourth Law ............................................................. 13
work accessible to the public. I therefore asked him
to publish them for the Diffusion Rosicrucienne Fifth Law ................................................................ 15
[Rosicrucian Books]. As for ali books edited
under the aegis of the Ancient an d Mystical Order Sixth Law ................................................................ 17
Rosae Crucis, I must stress that this book does not
represent the official view of the Rosicrucian Order Seventh Law ............................................................ 19
AMORC, but that of the author. However, the
laws set forth here, and their commentary, seem to Eighth Law .............................................................. 21
conform entirely to Rosicrucian ontology, in spirit
as well as in basis and form. With careful study, Ninth Law ............................................................... 23
the reader will therefore have a very good outline
of Rosicrucian philosophy and the ideais o f the Tenth Law ............................................................... 25
Rosy Cross.
Few know o f the existence o f the Rose- Eleventh Law............................................................. 27
Croix for they never seek to attract attention to
themselves within the fraternity. But at the dawn Twelfth Law ............................................................29
of the third millenium, and as the age o f Aquarius
unfolds, the time has come to pull back in part the Conclusion .............................................................. 31
bushel which has been hiding the Light. I hope this
book will give to many seekers the desire for true
Spirituality and to become better acquainted with
the Rosicrucian Tradition. If you are asking yourself
about the meaning of your life, and if in your quest
you are searching for an authentic Way, then read
this book carefully and medítate on it. I am sure
you will fmd many answers to questions you have
asked yourself.

Fraternally
Christian Bernard
Imperator
This book is dedicated to ali Rosicrucians
and to ali who are on the spiritual quest.
Introductiom 3. Life, as it manifests in the universe and on
Earth, is the support of Cosmic Evolution.
4. Matter owes its existence to a vibratory energy
which propagates throughout the entire
universe and in each atom.
Dear reader, 5. Time and space are states of consciousness and
Firstly, I must point out that the term “Ontology” is have no material reality independem of humanity.
of Greek origin and literally means Science o f Being. 6. A human being is dual in nature and triune in
In an absolute sense, this Science corresponds to manifestation.
the Wisdom of God, who is considered omniscient, 7. The soul incarnates into the body of a child
omnipresent and omnipotent. Applied to a human from the moment the child takes its first breath,
being, it refers to the Knowledge of divine laws, making the child a living and conscious being.
knowledge which we can and must acquire in the 8. The destiny of each human being is determined
course of spiritual evolution. In a general way, only by the manner in which free will is applied and
the Traditional Orders have a true knowledge of the resultant karma.
Ontology because the teachings they perpetúate 9. Death is the moment when the last breath is
have their origins in a cultural and spiritual heritage given up, and the final separation between the
passed on from mystery school to mystery school in body and the soul takes place.
an uninterrupted chain across the ages. Religions, 10. Spiritual evolution is governed by reincarnation
on the other hand, are based on a theology, that and has as its ultímate goal the attainment of
is, on the transmission of beliefs based upon the Perfection.
interpretation of their sacred texts. 11. There exists a supra-human kingdom of ali
As far as the philosophical, initiatic and disincarnate souls which inhabit the invisible
traditional Rosicrucian Order is concerned, it has planes of Creation.
its own particular Ontology. This Ontology is 12. At the end point of their spiritual evolution,
very complete since it incorporates the Knowledge humans finally reach the status o f Cosmic
Initiates have handed down since the height of Master and become agents of Divinity.
Antiquity. In fact, the source of this Knowledge
is the Primordial Tradition and consequently it The aim o f this book is to present to you a general
includes ali the Wisdom accessible to incarnate study of each of these 12 laws. If you are not a
humankind. During the centuries, this Wisdom, member of the Rosicrucian Order AMORC, it
or more precisely this Gnosis, was passed down will give you an idea of the philosophy followed
from word of mouth during secret meetings held in by Rosicrucians, the word “philosophy” literally
temples consecrated to this purpose. It is only from meaning love o f wisdom, and, in a wider sense
the beginning o f the twentieth century that this Science o f life. Naturally, the explanations given will
Gnosis has been put into writing and constitutes the be limited to generalities since it is not my intention
basis of the Rosicrucian teachings as perpetuated to reveal the contents of the Rosicrucian teachings
by the the Rosicrucian Order AMORC today. in detail. Neither will I deal with the purely
Although it is impossible to make a synthesis initiatic aspect of the Rosicrucian Tradition which
of the Rosicrucian Ontology, we can, nevertheless, cannot and should not be reduced to an intellectual
give a general outline of it by way of 12 major laws. approach.
They are: Whether Rosicrucian or not, I hope this work
1. God is the Intelligence which thought, will be a useful aid to your inner quest and will
manifested and animated Creation according contribute to the unfolding of the rose within. With
to immutable and perfect laws. this hope, I send you my most fraternal thoughts.
2. Ali of Creation is infused with a Universal Soul Sincerely
which is evolving towards the perfection of its Serge Toussaint
own nature. Grand Master French Language Jurisdiction
 Earth is an expression of transcendent harmony
and beauty. Who has not marvelled at a sunset,
a field of flowers, the flight of migratory birds?
Every sufficíently intelligent and sensitive person,
whether religiously inclined or not, acknowledges
“God is the Universal Intelligence that nature is the most beautiful of all sanctuaries.
which thought, manifested and animated The heart of this sanctuary is occupied by humanity
Creation according to immutable itself since the physical body is a synthesis o f the
and perfect laws.” mineral, vegetable and animal kingdoms. More
than that, humans have an attribute which makes
The fírst law of Rosicrucian Ontology addresses the the human the most evolved being of our planet:
problem of existence and the nature of God. Many self-consciousness. Now, this attribute is of an
do not believe in God, because they think there ¡inmaterial nature and therefore originares from a
would be no wars, misfortune or suffering if God cause we can best describe as “spiritual”. Whatever
existed. Although this is a justifiable feeling on a we cali it, the fact that we are conscious gives us a
human levei, it expresses a poor understanding of special awareness of our destiny.
what God is, or more precisely what role God plays From a rational point of view, Creation is of
in Creation. In this respect, I wonder if atheism is necessity the work of a Creator for what exists
not really an absolute denial of the Divine Being, cannot arise from a non-being. And since the
but simply a refusal to admit that God does not universe, nature and humanity are governed by
systematically oppose the foolishness of humanity laws which scientists rhemselves admire, it follows
or neutralise everything which puts its well-being in that this Creator is incredibly intelligent. And so,
danger. You will no doubt have observed, moreover, why not cali this Creator “God” and consider God
that most atheists have not always held their views. as a Universal Intelligence? In fact, most scientists
Many turned to atheism out of despair in the face of today acknowledge that “chance and necessity,” a
human suffering, or against the apparent injustice view enthusiastically promoted by Jacques Monod
in the world. around 1970, cannot explain the appearance and
As a general rule, ali religions teach that God is evolution o f life on Earth. To explain the genesis of
Love, Goodness and Mercy. Given this principie, it our planet in this way shows excessive materialism
is actually difficult to understand why people kiil and explains nothing.
each other, suffer from various diseases or experience Today many scientists are more open to spiritual
so many forms o f trouble. In an attempt to expiain viewpoints and more willingly admit there are many
this obvious contradiction, religious creeds appeal mysteries o f which they have no understanding.
to fate, destiny, bad luck and sometí mes even divine This is, in itself, a sign o f humility. Internationally
punishment for reasons. In reality, everything that renowned chemists and physicists have even come
happens to people is the result of a law known to the point of supposing the existence of God as a
to all Rosicrucians, namely karma. This law, as I research hypothesis. One can only approve of this
will explain ¡n a following chapter, is the cause of attitude because it is a fact that everything proceeds
most hardships we experience as individuais and from a transcendental Cause.
as a society. Having said that, karmic law also The preceding explanations lead me now to
under-pins our happiness and good fortune. When define, in brief, what the Rosicrucian conception of
we understand how this law operates, it becomes God is. According to the first law o f this Ontology,
possible to master it and shape our life more in line God is the Universal Intelligence which thought,
with our hopes. conceived and animated Creation. In essence, God
Quite apart from any notion o f God, even an is an omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent
outright materialist cannot deny that the universe Energy. God should not be seen as a Superbeing
is both a wonderful and mysteríous creation. Is not seated on a throne somewhere in the heavens.
the starry sky the most beautiful of mirrors? The Ñor is God a being with the positive or negative
emotions ordinarily attributed to human beings. In only interested in the First two because they deal
other words, God is not an anthropomorphic Being with physical phenomena which are objectively
who watches over his creatures as a father over his observable and technically measurable. Gravity,
children. This, no doubt, may be obvious to you, for example, is a case in point. Rosicrucians, on
but many people still hold such a primitive notion the other hand, attribute as much importance
and are still convinced God can in turn be good to the spiritual as to the material. And this leads
or evil, merciful or wrathful, jealous or detached Rosicrucians to study, as well, the last category of
whenever the “mood” takes over. laws, which falls into the metaphysical domain. In
In contrast to theists, who consider God to be fact, the fínite arises from the infinite and the visible
outside God’s Creation and with no connection from the invisible. So long as Science does not accept
to it, Rosicrucians are pantheists. In other words, this fundamental principie, it will loose itself in the
they think God is present in all things and in all labyrinth o f appearances and multiplicity, when all
of being, henee the notion of omnipresence which that exists emanates from the One Reality whose
is associated with God. O f course, this means God origins are in the higher levels of Creation.
infuses so-called “inert” matter as well as living Whether natural, universal or spiritual, all
matter. This equally supposes that the human cosmic laws are immutable, in the sense that the
being is an incarnation of the Divine Being, in same causes always produce the same effeets, on the
the highest and most mystical sense o f the term physical and metaphysical planes. The marvels of
“incarnation.” Seen from this point of view, it is the universe and nature are evidence to our eyes
true, as most religions espouse, that humanity has that these laws are perfect. If you admit that the
been created in the image o f God and that we are laws are rhe expression o f God in movement and
living reflections of God. Henee we can consider action, then this implies that God is Perfection
our ability to think, speak and act as extensions itself. And it is humanity’s mission to manifest in its
o f God’s Thought, Word and Action, a Trinity works and behaviour this Absolute Perfection, the
we Pind under different aspeets in all religions and cause of all that was, is and shall be. To do this, we
mystical traditions. have no alternative but to become fully conscious of
Whether from a scientific or mystical point of our divine nature and to express this awareness in
view, God is unintelligible and undefínable. This what we think, say and do.
is why Rosicrucians do not claim to know God
or know what God is. When referring to God,
Rosicrucians speak of the “God o f my heart”
or the “God of my understanding”. These two
phrases express the fact that each Rosicrucian has
a different mental and emotional understanding of
God. In this respect, it seems to me that religions
or philosophies claiming to have the absolute Truth
as to the exact nature of Divinity are in error and
give testimony to their weakness, indeed their
intolerance. It is still possible, however, to study the
laws by which Divinity manifests in the universe,
nature and the human being. These laws grouped
together are referred to as the “Cosmic” in the
teachings of the Rosicrucians. In the final analysis,
this means the Cosmic is God in movement and
action.
From a Rosicrucian point of view, cosmic laws
include three categories of laws: natural, universal
and spiritual. Generally speaking, scientists are
 >econd Law the support of matter and life. And so the material
world and its living creatures have no other function
than to contribute to the evolution of the Universal
Soul and to its final reintegration into Divinity.
O f course such a concept of Cosmic Evolution
“Ali of Creation is infused is fundamentally a spiritual one since this makes
with a Universal Soul Creation a work subordínate to its transcendent
which is evolving towards Cause. I am convinced, however, the day will come
the perfection of its own nature.” when scientists will provide proof of a Divine Plan
as a basis of all that the human consciousness can
As we stated in the previous law, God is the embrace. Whether they are aware of it or not, their
Universal Intelligence which thought, manifested research will lead them to this ultímate Truth, in
and animated ali of Creation according to which the key to all the mysteríes of their studies
immutable and perfect laws. The “Big Bang”, a ¡s to be found, including the basic question: “Why
theory to which many scientists subscribe, does not does the Universe exist?”
mark the beginning of the universe. Supposing this From an intellectual point of view, it is difficult
gigantic cosmic explosion actually took place in the to conceive of the Universal Soul not being
beginning o f time, it would only have been the fírst conscious o f its latent perfection. Nevertheless,
effect of a Transcendental Cause. In other words, this is the way it is by cosmic necessity. By way of
it was solely the primordial manifestation of a pre- analogy, the greatest scholars may well have been
established plan o f Divine Thought. This means born with the necessary intelligence to become
that ali spiritual, universal and natural laws virtually what they are. It is only through study, however,
existed before actually operating in their respective that they developed this intelligence and became
worlds and domains. For this reason Rosicrucians aware of it. If they had not made the effort to learn
have always thought the material world to have and understand, they would not have acquired the
emanated from the immaterial. Conversely, what is knowledge they have and which now allows them
material is destined to become immaterial at the to exercise some control over the laws of which they
completion of its evolution. are aware. Similarly, the Universal Soul is perfect
As a Universal Intelligence, God possesses in essence but it must realise this by having an
certain attributes, includinga Soul which we can also ¡ntimate experience of its potential. In breathing
call “Universal” by virtue of its origin and nature. this Soul into the physical world, God had exactly
As its name suggests, this Universal Soul, called in mind to give it the necessary support for this
“Atman” in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, experience, the right condition for it to evolve
infuses ali of Creation, both visible and invisible. towards its own reintegration.
In the likeness of its source, it is pure and perfect. Infusing the whole of Creation, the Universal
In other words, it contains in potential all o f Divine Soul pervades all that exists on our planet, in
Wisdom and is a combination of all Cosmic laws. each realm o f nature, thus conferring upon them
This explains why the universe and nature are such a spiritual dimensión. It may seem difficult to
remarkable expressions of harmony and beauty, in accept, a priori, that vegetable matter and animals
the macrocosm as well as the microcosm. In fact, possess the qualities of Soul; in most religions,
both are animated by an innate Will to evolve human beings alone are endowed with a soul and
towards superior archetypes, reflections of Pureness are capable of evolving. This tendency to make
and Perfection which gave birth to them. humans the only creatures having received the
Although this Universal Soul is pure and “grace” of God, is to my way of thinking, a sign of
perfect, it is not conscious of being so. Rather, arrogance. In a similar vein, the Christian Church
its purpose is to evolve towards an awareness of taught for centuries that the Earth was fíat and was
its own nature and then to reintegrate the source the centre of the universe. It needed Copernicus to
from whence it emanated. To do this, Soul uses question such dogmas and refute them. Bigotry is
the greatest enemy of Truth whatever its nature. of the higher evolved species. And so I have great
The following question should now be compassion for the suffering they must endure in
addressed: “How does the Universal Soul evolve the name of barbarie practices or certain attitudes
throughout the various kingdoms of nature?” For o f Science. Moreover, I am convinced that this
centuries the Rosicrucian Order has taught that suffering actually creates negative karma which
Soul has a particular innate attribute in its divine explains to a large extern why humanity as a whole
nature, namely “Cosmic Consciousness,” or, if in turn suffers, particularly in the area of diseases.
you will, Universal Consciousness. Now, it is this To conclude this general explanation of the
consciousness which gives life to all creatures on second law o f Rosicrucian Ontology, I will simply
our planet. Clearly, life manifests differently in say that Creation is the mirror in which God
each organism and infuses each to varying degrees. contemplates God, the Universal Soul being the
For this reason, the consciousness of vegetable agent of this contemplation. The four kingdoms of
matter is less developed than that of an animal, nature are an integral part of this mirror and form
which in turn is more limited than that o f a human the faces of the pyramid of planetary Evolution. In
being. It should be understood, however, that relation to the Universal Intelligence, no face of this
these kingdoms o f nature form an uninterrupted pyramid is more important than the other. Each is
chain in the evolutionary process. In the final a part of this Sacred Edifice the Grand Architect
analysis, this unity explains the harmony of life of the Universe erected on this Earth. Because of
and the remarkable simplicity of the laws by which its privileged position, humanity has been given
it operates. the mission of maintaining this Edifice and to
The notion of unity in all things is fundamental make it the most beautiful sanctuary of our solar
to Rosicrucian thinking since it is the basis of its system. Regardless of our philosophical, religious
Ontology. It implies, in effect, that everyone is or other convictions, let us be the guardians of
animated by the same spiritual essence. That is, this sanctuary and let us endeavour to preserve its
everyone has the same cosmic origins and differs beauty for future generations!
only in physical appearance. From a mystical point
of view, races and nationalities are differences of
purely outward appearance and in no circumstances
can racism and nationalism be justified. Nor
can any religión maintain a monopoly on truth
and faith. The attempt by religions to control
and dominate peoples, such as waging “holy”
war in God’s name, is to be condemned. Every
person is a cell o f one and the same body, chis
one body being the temple of the collective soul
of humanity.
Although humanity is the most advanced
kingdom of nature, it has no rights over other
kingdoms, and here I think notably of animais.
As living creatures, they are also vehicles of the
Universal Soul evolving according to their particular
laws. That is, they particípate fully in Cosmic
Evolution and occupy a special place within the
Divine Plan. We should therefore consider them as
our lesser brothers and give them all of our respect
because fraternity must include all beings which
life has placed into the world. In my view, animais
are humans of the future, especially those animais
Third Law to generate it. Understandably, many at the time,
became infatuated with their theory o f“spontaneous
generation”. They had, in fact, succeeded only in
creating the favourable laboratory conditions for its
appearance. Certainly, the unicellular organisms to
“Life, as it manifests which they had given existence were alive, but in
in the universe and on Earth the hours which followed their “birth,” they ceased
is the support of Cosmic Evolution.” to develop and died of starvation. The scientists,
therefore, had to come to these conclusions: it is
Whether a mystic or not, no one can deny that Life not enough to merely combine chemical elements
is one of the biggest mysteries facing mankind. in proper proportions in order to create Life, no
For most scientists, it is the result of a chemico- more than subject them to duly calculated physical
physical process whose origin is within nature parameters (light, temperature, humidity etc.). A
itself. Obviously, we cannot deny the existence of human being does not and will not have the power
such a process, especially because we can observe to take the place of the Creator, if only because we
it objectively. Nevertheless, we do not know what are the Creators creatures.
really brings it about. In other words, no scientist is The foregoing explanations prompt me to make
presently able to define exactly what Life is. When this particular statement. As you are aware, many
all is said and done, we can only describe its effects scientists today are engaged in a systematic study of
and observe characteristics common to all living genetics and undertaking more and more elabórate
entities: birth, growth, reproduction and death. But experiments. It is a fact their researches have
these four characteristics do not explain why the enabled us to make significant progress in the relief
vegetable, animal and human realms are animated and cure of diseases. However, they should guard
by a Force, which, when absent, systematically leads against playing the role o f sorcerers’ apprentices who
to death. Here again we must turn to mysticism in manipúlate laws over which they have no control. In
an endeavour to understand the source and nature fact some of these scientists have already reached the
of this Force. limits o f acceptable experimentation, particularly in
The teachings o f the Rosicrucian Order, the domain o f cloning. This genetic manipulation
explain in more detail that Life is not limited to involves reproducing, without fertilisation, a living
a chemico'physical process. Rather, it involves entity from the tissues of a single basic organism,
a spiritual dimensión having its origin in the and its practice is now taking place on humans in
Universal Intelligence from whence all Creation secrecy in some laboratories. This practice is, to
emanates. More specifically, it is a Cosmic Energy my mind, fundamentally negative, from an ethical
Rosicrucians have always called the “Vital Life point o f view. Moreover, it brings tremendous risks
Force”. This Force, otherwise known as the because I believe that no human soul will incarnate
Universal Soul, radiates from a centre not possible into these created humanoids, if only because they
to lócate in time or space. Paradoxically, it infuses would not “be born” under the direct influence of
all that exists, including matter. In this respect, the Vital Life Force. Henee these beings would not
the world is not inert for what is alive cannot come have the potential for consciousness which nature
from that which is not. In fact, I truly believe the infuses into each human being, in the ontological
mineral world contains the germs of Life in a latent sense o f this term. Nor will it be possible to predict
state. For proof, we need only think of the extra- their behaviour and future evolution.
ordinary activity taking place in the heart of atoms In some ancient writings, notably the exposition
with its various leveis of electrón energy of which of the Kabala, it is said the Fali of Humanity was
they are composed. due to Adam wanting to take the place of God and
Eminent scientists thought they had discovered create beings subject to his will. In so doing, he
the mystery of Life at the beginning of the 19th exceeded the rights granted him in the beginning
century. More boldly, they even claimed to be able and he was punished for his disobedience. Adam
was subsequently expelled from “Paradise” to or frightening beings. More importantly, nor
lose his privileged rank alongside the Creator. should we project onto them our weaknesses and
Although this story of the genesis of mankind is in simply assume they are “invaders” driven by the
part allegorical, it nevertheless serves as a caution desire to conquer and domínate. Unfortunately,
against the negative use of the human intelligence. this is often the image attributed to them by
The well-known saying: “Science without books and films on the subject.
Conscience spells ruin for the Soul” is a very clear If we suppose that similar peoples to us
illustration of this sentiment. Leaving all religious live in other solar systems, we can assume
or philosophical considerations aside, any honest some to be more advanced, not only in a
and sincere scientist recognises the real dangers of technological sense, but also on the levei of
genetic research and technology without rhe very biologica] evolution. Why not consider extra-
strict Controls exerted by a competent and impartial terrestrials who are capable of contacting us as
authority. The establishment of an International belonging to superior civilisations? In this case,
Committee o f Ethics in Science, which appears to we need not fear an invasión. On the contrary,
be taking place now, becomes a matter of urgency. we should prepare ourselves to welcome them
Rosicrucian Ontology maintains that Life and to receive the knowledge they will have to
is not o f earthly but cosmic origins since it is the impart to us. Incidentally, it is worth poíntíng
manifestation on this planet of a universal energy, out that certain esoteric writings relate that the
the Vital Life Force. We cannot deny, of course, Primordial Tradition was brought to our planet
that vegetable matter, animais and people need air, by “beings who came from the Sky, from across
water and food to live. But none of these elements the Great Cosmic Ocean”. You will agree that
is in itself the cause of Life. Each only contributes such a reference suggests beings of superior
to maintaining Life within these living organisms. intelligence gave our humanity the necessary
Besides, recent research has shown that certain Ímpetus for its cultural and spiritual evolution.
bacteria grow by drawing their vitality directly Whatever the case, we know our galaxy
from the rays of the sun. The Rosicrucian teachings alone is made up of 100 billion stars and a great
have for centuries affirmed that it is this radiation number of these are the sun of a planetary system.
which is rhe vehicle for the Vital Life Force. That Given this, it seems somewhat presumptuous to
is, the sun is not just a source of light and heat think the Earth is the only planet with human
for the Earth but also the source which radiates life. From a mystical point of view, this cannot
the essence o f Life. This essence is o f a spiritual be how it really is because then the universe
nature and infuses our planet to enormous depths, would have no other use and would be limited
which explains why we find primitive animal life to a purely material creation. It comes back to
in the deep chasms o f the ocean deprived o f light saying the universe is the resuit o f chance or a
and oxygen. coincidence of events. As we have established in
We cannot discuss the subject of Life without the First two laws of this Ontology, the universe
also raisíng the question o f its existence in other is the work o f a Universal Intelligence and
parts of the Universe. I believe it does exist serves as a framework for the evolution of the
elsewhere because it is an attribute of the Universal Universal Soul. Life itself is the support for this
Intelligence and therefore part of the entire evolution. In the last analysis, these two cosmic
universe. Although we have no scientific proof as energies are inseparable and are interdependent
yet, it seems to me obvious it is present in other in matter making it the receptacle for conscious
worlds. Furthermore, I think its forms must be life, as it manifests in the different realms of
fairly uniform. In other words, it is most likely nature.
that vegetable matter, animais and living humans
in other solar systems would have great similarities
to those found on Earth. So there is no reason to
believe extra-rerrestrials are misshapen, hosrile
 Quite apart from people who mortify
Fourth Law themselves hoping to please God and receive His
blessings, we find incidences of bodily mutilations
of children, particularly in African countries, for
ethnic and religious reasons. Honestly, and at the
“Matter owes its existence risk of appearing intransigent, I do not think any
to a vibratory energy which propagates mutilation is justifíed from a Cosmic point of view.
throughout the entire universe In most cases, they are continuations of barbarie
and impregnates every atom.” traditions or ancestral rites having no spiritual
basis. Anyway, I believe those who practise them,
The fourth law of the Rosicrucian Ontology leads us or give their tacit approval, are creating a negative
to examine a subject having no a p riori connection karma for themselves which must be compensated
with mysticism whatsoever. In fact, a number of for sooner or later. They will come to experience
schools of philosophical thought show no interest physical or moral suffering in proportion to the
at all in the nature of matter, believing it to be suffering caused because the flrst duty is to learn to
incompatible with spirituality and that it degrades respect the body. To enforce such bodily cruelty or
the human soul. Some of these schools even go so inflict it on others is cosmically reprehensible and
far as to deny its existence, asserting that it is an sets in motion karmic law.
¡Ilusión o f the senses and the mind. By virtue of this Having made some important observations,
principie, its adherents choose to live on the fringes let s return now to the fourth law o f the Rosicrucian
of society and seek Truth by a direct contact with Ontology. As this law states, matter owes its
God, most often through meditation and prolonged existence to an energy which permeates the entire
prayer. Although all spiritual quests are worthy, universe in the form of vibrations. The Rosicrucian
this path to the Divine is restrictive and at best teachings have for centuries called this energy
can only provide a limited approach to Knowledge. “Spirit” The ancient Greek Anaxagoras actually
In extreme cases, this idea o f mysticism leads to a gave it this name. In the 5th century before our
reclusive, ascetic existence, which the Rosicrucian era, this philosopher and scholar claimed that the
Order has never advocated. Rather, it has always physical world was only the extreme condensation
encouraged its members to live in relationship with o f an intangible essence, even though the world
others and to make the daily world the crucible appeared solid. He believed this essence to be an
of evolution. emanation from God which he thought was like
Rosicrucians consider matter to be an integral a master Intelligence, outside o f Creation itself.
part of the Divine. To deny such an obvious fact In this respect he was a theist and not a pantheist.
would be to revert to accepcing that the Universe His concepc o f the origin o f matter, nevertheless,
was created by a Power outside of God and this was basically correct. Incidentally, he was also
proposition would stand in direct contrast to the a great biologist interested in the evolution of
laws we have examined in the preceding chapters. It animal species.
would also mean the physical body has no spiritual In the Rosicrucian Tradition, the word “Spirit”
function at all. The body is the temple of our soul and just mentioned, does not refer to the spiritual
serves to support its evolution. As such, it deserves dimensión of a person. In other words, it does
our greatest respect. It is difficult to understand not desígnate soul or even mind. Neither does it
why some religions encourage mortification and correspond to the “Holy Spirit”, the third “person”
allege that suffering of the flesh is necessary to of the Christian Trinity. As I have just poínted out,
reach the Kingdom of Heaven. If that were the it is the traditional term used to signify the energy
case, one wonders why the Master Jesus himself which is the basis of matter, and which radiates
spent so much time healing the sick. Suffering has from the same centre as the Universal Soul and the
never been necessary for spiritual evolution. In fact, Vital Life Force. These three energies, therefore,
the ideal would be to never experience it at all. have a common source and each is a particular
expression of the Divine Breath related to the Word positive and neutral charges respectively, were only
in numerous traditions. I should also add that each discovered at the beginning of the 20th century.
living and conscious creature is a specific synthesis This important discovery brought experimental
of the vibratory rates of these energies, and which proof to the theories intuited by the great thinkers
follow precise physical and metaphysical laws. The o f Ancient Greece, whose knowledge carne from
great enigma about these laws which challenges an even more ancient source. It also confirmed
us is to know when and how the transition from the well-founded Hermetic maxim known to all
matter to life is made. Rosicrucians: “As above, so below.” Like the planets
Physicists have, for some time, known spinning around the sun, so the electrons revolve
o f the existence of cosmic and gamma rays, around the heart of atomic life, the nucleus. The
electromagnetic, light and sound waves. It is microcosm, world of the infinitely small, is therefore
important to understand, however, that these rays a faithful reflection of the laws which govern the
and waves are not totally separate and independent macrocosm, world of the infinitely large. This is
phenomena. They are, in reality, only different why it is possible to learn a great deal o f both worlds
manifestations o f the one energy, namely “Spirit”. by the careful study of one.
It is likewise the case with the forces of attraction What then is the energy which animates the life
and repulsión exerted within the heart of atoms or o f atoms to which I have just referred? According to
within the apparent emptiness separating celestial Rosicrucian Ontology it is Spirit. In fact, it is this
or terrestrial bodies. As Anaxagoras, whom we energy which maintains the vibratory movement
have just mentioned, pointed to, the physical world of electrons, protons and neutrons of which matter
is only a tangible expression o f an essence which is composed. It is also responsible for the forces of
becomes denser as it extends from its source. As attraction and repulsión existing between atoms.
paradoxical as that may seem, matter has thus a Lastly, it is under the influence of its cohesive and
spiritual or divine origin. All scientists should study adhesive power that molecules come together to
the divine with this principie in mind. form all the physical substances. The universe is a
As we all know, matter is made up of atoms. vibratory ocean of an infinite number of particles in
This apparently recent discovery in fact goes back motion, combining to form stars, planets and all the
to Democritus, who was the first to propose this creatures which participare in Cosmic Evolution.
hypothesis at the beginning of the 5th century By virtue of our privileged status, humanity has the
before our era. We actually owe the word “atom” power to contémplate this ocean while being able
to him, a Greek term which literally means to contemplare ourselves as well. It is in this dual
“impossible to cut”. Many present day physicists contemplation the key to true Science is found.
consider him to be the father of atomic theory.
What’s more, this great scholar and philosopher
thought each atom itself was composed of
infinitesimal particles, known during his time
as “eons”. Naturally, he did not know exactly of
what these particles consisted, ñor their structure
or polarity. Nevertheless, he knew intuitively of
their existence, demonstrating how much he was in
harmony with the Divine Wisdom.
In this respect, mysticism has never been
incompatible with Science. Better still, these two
paths of Knowledge are complimentary, both
having as their goal the study of the mysteries of
the universe, nature and man.
The fundamental particles of the atom, namely
electrons, protons and neutrons with their negative,
Fiftfi Law measurement, notably the alternating cycle of day
and night, the phases of the moon and succession of
the seasons. For a long time, these visual indicators
were the only reference points to structure human
existence and organise activities for survival,
“Time and space are states of consciousness like fishing, hunting, gathering food, seeding,
and have no material reality harvesting etc. Gradually, humans found the need
independent of humanity.” to plan life ahead to better master it and shape it
according to their needs. And so instruments such
To properly understand this fifth law, we should as the hourglass, water-clock and sun-dial were
firsdy define what Rosicrucians mean by “material created to divide time into parts. Today we have
reality”. In line with the explanations given in the electronic watches and chronometers so that the
preceding chapters, matter owes its existence to the past, present and future intertwine into a virtual
vibrations of Spirit Energy. These vibrations, in moment which our consciousness is incapable of
effect, maintain the activity of the various atoms of perceiving objectively.
which it is composed. Their role, however, is not just From a Rosicrucian perspective, time is not a
limited to this internai atomic function. They also material reality in the sense that it is impossible to
allow us to be conscious of our earthly environment perceive it as a vibratory phenomenon. In fact, time
since everything we know o f the physical world is a purely objective State o f consciousness. If you
results from the perception o f vibrations emanating need convincing then just consider what happens
from it continually. This means that what we see, when we are in a deep sleep: the hours flow at the
hear, touch, feel and taste is the result o f vibratory same rhythm as when we are awake but we are not
stimuli which we interpret in terms o f sensations aware of this objectively. Paradoxically, a dream
or impressions. Consequently, the reality we give lasting a few minutes provides us with an experience
things is subjective and constitutes a relative truth. of inner events whose duration may seem infinitely
As is explained in more detail in the Rosicrucian longer. Besides, you know perfectly well time passes
teachings, our perception o f the physical world quickly when we are very busy but barely “flows”
depends particularly on our sense faculties of sight, when we are bored or engaged in something we
hearing and touch. These senses, as we know, are dislike. These few examples show that time is a
subject to many illusions. To take a well known relative notion and cannot be reduced to a series of
example, everyone knows that the same object may numerical valúes.
appear bigger or smaller according to the distance Space, like time, is also a State of objective
it is away from the viewer. However, in its natural consciousness. O f course, we have the impression
reality, the fact we are closer or further away from we actually perceive it but this perception
the object does not change in any way its dimensions depends on the things in it. If our environment
or form. The impression that it does is simply due contained nothing, it would be reduced to an
to the effect of perspective. And so things appear to absolute emptiness impossible to discern by our
us because that’s the way we perceive them and not objective faculties. As an analogy, we would be
because that is the way they are in their intrinsic like a shipwrecked individual, lost in the night,
reality. Moreover, the understanding we have of in the middle of the ocean, with a starless sky to
objects is determined by the way our objective guide us. In other words, we can think of space as
consciousness interprets them, this interpretation owing its existence to matter within it because this
being quite arbitrary. Thus we constantly live in gives it “substance” and determines its limits. As
what I call an “illusory-reality”. an example, if we can see the distance separating
Since humans appeared on the Earth, we two trees some metres away from us, it is precisely
have been confronted by the problem of space because each tree has a distinct material reality and
and have endeavoured to solve it. For thousands because we can see them simultaneously.
of years, hehumans used natural phenomena for It is relatively easy to demónstrate that our
perception of space is subject to illusion. To refer by science does not oppose our well-being ñor the
again to the effect o f perspective mentioned fundam enta 1 reason for which we were incarnated
previously, we all know that the line of the horizon onto this Earth, namely to complete the evolution
is purely a visual phenomenon and has no actual of our soul.
material existence. It is created by the iliusory Having said this, it is doubtful whether
meeting of the sky with the earth. Extending this technology will ever conquer time and space.
idea, you will notice it is impossible to accurately People will, of course, create machines which will
measure by sight the distance separating two objects go faster and further but there will be a limit to
at a great distance. This is because our sight, which the progress possible. Furthermore, we may well
discerns objects before us, undergoes a process of fear this singular pursuit of extending our action
reduction. Reference points such as in front, behind, in the material sphere alone when the conquest of
right, left, above and below are norms which people our spiritual world is our true mission. Since time
have established to structure their environment and space are states o f consciousness, it is especially
and orientate themselves in space. They are quite through our subliminal faculties that we can
arbitrary and have no absolute valué. For example, transcend them totally. I am thinking of psychic
the Earth, seen from the Moon, is “above”. projection in the first instance and attunement with
Although time and space are not physical the Akashic Records in the second. In developing
realities but only states of consciousness, we cannot these faculties through the techniques taught by the
deny they exert an enormous influence on us in our Rosicrucian Order it will be possible to leave our
daily life. Whether we like it or not, they are an space-time framework and experience the infinite
integral part o f the human condition. This is why and the timeless.
it would be unreasonable simply to accept them as
illusions and behave as if they didn’t exist. Since
we live in a world governed by exact social and
economic rules, we are obliged to take these rules
into account within the space-time framework
to which they apply. However, this framework
shouldn’t become too limiting and stand in the
way of our inner development. Un for tu nately,
this has happened in modern societies which have
committed the error of wanting to make profit at
all costs from time and space. They have given a
profit-making characteristic to these two concepts
and have turned them into a justification for
excessive materialism.
Today people are directing their intelligence
towards manufacturing machines which will allow
us to cross the greatest distance in the least amount
of time so that we can move about in the fastest way
possible and carry out a task or obligation in the
quickest time. Society is choosing to move in this
direction which is understandable enough without
necessarily agreeing with it. The choice is largely
responsible for the hectic life-style and the resultant
stress. Another consequence is allowing the material
aspect of life to be dominant to the detriment of the
spiritual. This is regrettable. We must, therefore,
show our wisdom and ensure the progress achieved
 are the expression of an intelligence and a will
¡ixth Law transcending the purely physiological aspect of
life. An examination of the mental faculties makes
this fact even more obvious, for rhought is o f an
immaterial nature and cannot result exclusively
“Humanity is dual in nature from the brain. From a Rosicrucian point of view,
and triune in manifestaron.” this organ is only the seat of the objective phase
of human consciousness whose role is essentially to
This law, as it stands, sums up the mystical nature perceive the physical world and to apply our various
of humanity. Humans have a soul and a physical processes of reasoning to it.
body, a duality represented by the Rosy Cross, For centuries, Rosicrucian Ontology has taught
the age-old symbol o f the Order. Every human that consciousness is an attribute of the soul. The
being thus has a dual nature and belongs to two soul, o f course, uses the brain to manifest on the
complementary worlds. The first o f these worlds objective and subjective planes, but it also has
is finite, tangible and visible. The other is infinite, transcendental functions operating independently
intangible and invisible. This is precisely why the of this organ. This is the case on the higher levels
materialist denies its existence. According to the o f our subconscious. For this reason, a person in a
materialist’s thinking, whatever can be perceived coma or one experiencing a clinicai death continues
by the senses alone is real. However, it is easy to to think and perceive the environment, a fact denied
show such reasoning is not as logical as it seems. by many doctors. In relation to this, a fíat reading
If it were infallible, then we would have to accept on an electro-encephalogram is not the absolute
that air does not exist because it is impossible to criterion for pronouncing that the individual
contain, touch and see it. The same observation has definitely ceased to be conscious. It merely
could be made about our own thoughts because indicates a loss o f the use of cerebral faculties which
they are immaterial. are related only to the State of awareness. As for the
Obviously, each human being has a physical soul itself, it has a form of perception and thinking
body. However, rare are those who are aware of transcending all such faculties.
the “miracle” which brings this about. How does Let me define more precisely what the human
one actually describe the process which makes soul is and how it expresses itself through us. As
each one o f us the result o f an evolution begun far as Rosicrucian philosophy is concerned, it is
by an egg a millimetre in diameter? Scholars and spiritual energy which animates the physical body,
scientists themselves are incapable of defining the in the etymological sense of the word “anímate”. In
intelligence directing and controlling this process. other words, it is under its impulse that the Vital
Naturally, they are able to describe the different Life Forcé acts with such intelligence and awareness
stages, from the moment of conception to birth. But in each o f our organs. It impregnates each cell o f our
their knowledge addresses the physiological aspect being and vibrates in each with the same intensity.
of foetal development and not the metaphysical Contrary to what is taught by some religions, the
cause which has generated it. Now, the mystery of soul does not have its seat in the heart or the brain,
procreation and the key to our earthly existence no more than the blood does. Similarly, neither is
lies in this cause. On this then, we will focus our it located in one of our psychic centres, as some
attention. oriental gurus claim.
Quite apart from any mystical, philosophical The soul is not limited to animating our
or religious convictions, our physical body is itself physical body in the sense I have just described. It
proof of the existence of God and the laws by which also confers upon humanity the power to evolve
God manifests to us. In fact, all our functions, spiritually and to accomplish the mission which is
including the most obvious psycho-motor (motion our divine right. This is possible because it is an
and movement) or organic (respiration, digestión, extensión of the Universal Soul and, in a wider
circulation of the blood and lymph) functions, sense, of God. Its origin is actually the noblest and
purest elements of human nature. Henee what we To conclude the study o f this sixth law, I think
now cali “qualities” such as humility, integrity, it is worthwhile stressing a particular point. It is
generosity, altruism, tolerance, patience etc., are this. If the awakening of our psychic faculties is
the faculties o f the soul. Given this principie, what worthy of interest, that does not make it a priority
we term “flaws” are due to the fact we have not yet for a mystic on his or her quest. Psychic abilities are
developed these qualities. The goal of our spiritual certainly useful since they give us access to levels of
evolution is precisely to attain this development consciousness which transcend our objective world.
and to express the perfection o f our divine nature. They are, nevertheless, of secondary importance in
How? Through living in contact with others and relation to the evolution of our spiritual being which,
putting the best of ourselves forward in Service, and rather, is based on the development of the qualities
with a willingness to do good works. to which I previously referred. Consequently, rather
As has previously been explained, humans are than fanatically seeking to attain paranormal
dual in nature. But the sixth law of Rosicrucian powers, it is better to become receptive to our soul
Ontology also states that we are triune in and learn to express its virtues in our daily conduct.
manifestation. Why is that? Because he has a With respect to this advice, we should understand
psychic body which is the result o f the unión that when we die, the “judgement” awaiting us in
between the soul and the physical body, a unión the beyond will not be based on our ability to see
which takes place at the moment of birth. This auras or project psychically, but on the good we
psychic body, which other traditions cali the “astral have accomplished in the Service o f others.
Body” or the “etheric body”, is the vehicle for the
Vital Life Forcé. In other words, it is through this
intermediary that all organs and functions of our
being receive their particular vitality. It does so
by using the branches of the autonomic nervous
system under the control o f the hypothalamus.
Concerning this system, I think it is worth noting
that Science has for a long time not been interested
in it, believing the autonomic nervous system to be
of secondary importance compared to the cerebro-
spinal system. Rosicrucians have always given it a
great deal of attention by virtue o f the fundamental
role it plays in the application of mystical healing.
Quite apart from its physiological role, the
psychic body is of great interest to mystics. In the
First place, it has centres allowing us to perceive
extra-sensory phenomena, in particular the aura.
This naturally assumes these psychic centres, which
other organisations incorrectly term “chakras,” are
sufficiently awakened. Their development is an
integral part of the Rosicrucian teachings. Secondly,
projection of our psychic body out of our physical
body is possible and henee extends our Field of
awareness. Although difFicult to attain, mastery of
projection allows us to transcend space momentarily
and to go psychically to places far from our physical
location. In fact, it is this ability, also included in
the Rosicrucian studies, which explains stories of
how Initiates could be in several places at once.
 it mathematics, the arts, foreign languages etc.
usually by encouraging the expectant mother to
play cassettes to the unborn child. While I do not
disrespect the method, I think the practice here is
somewhat extreme and illusory. If in fact you accept
“The soul incarnates into the body of a child that the soul incarnates at the moment of birth,
from the moment it takes its first breath, the foetus cannot be endowed with consciousness
making it a living and conscious being.” because consciousness is precisely an attribute of the
soul. So it is impossible for the foetus to memorise
Given the existence of the soul, then it is valid to or learn purely intellectual ideas.
ask the question at what moment it incarnates. If It is true the foetus reacts to numerous externai
most religions are to be believed on the subject, stimuli such as noise, cold, and heat to cite the most
it enters the mother’s body at the exact moment obvious. Moreover, it is sensitive to the mother’s
of conception. This means it is an integral part thoughts and emotions throughout the whole
of the embryo and thus participares in its entire pregnancy. But this reaction and sensitivity are
development. In the last analysis, this belief organic rather than of a living consciousness. In
basically explains why religious authorities are other words, these reactions are instinctive and not
generally opposed to abortion. They believe subject to conscious interpretation on the part of
abortion not only involves the death of a developing the unborn child. As an analogy, all our organs are
human being but equally the disappearance of a affected by our mental and emotional states which
soul which had taken possession of it. Although explains why many illnesses have inner causes
the Rosicrucian Order has no official view on the rather than externai ones. But this does not mean
serious subject of abortion, its teachings do allow us these organs are conscious of themselves or o f the
to examine it from a new perspective and, I believe, role they play within our body. Similarly, the foetus
a less dogmatic one. is not conscious of itself during its development and
From the Rosicrucian point of view, the soul is not capable of interpreting stimuli reaching it.
incarnates only at the moment the child leaves The fact the soul is not within the foetus
its mother’s womb and takes its first breath. It is does not signify in any way that it maintains no
actually under the impulse of this first breath that connection with it before birth. Quite the contrary.
the soul comes into the child and infuses its entire For centuries, the Rosicrucian Tradition has taught
being. As a general rule, the breathing out which that the soul chooses the body into which it will
follows is accompanied by a cry, usually associated incarnate, a choice largely determined by its karma
with the birth itself. Be that as it may, it is at the and the experiences it desires to have to further its
moment of birth and not conception that the new- evolution. From the fourth month of pregnancy,
born receives its spiritual Selfand when incarnation as a general rule, the soul establishes definite
really begins. As long as the child is in the womb, it connections with the foetus, these connections
is devoid of a living consciousness and has no vital being of a spiritual nature. From this time, it
autonomy. With this principie in mind, the embryo commences its cosmic “descent” and gradually
like the foetus, may be com pared to an organ “draws nearer” to the mother, until the final moment
whose special characteristic is a marvellous process before incarnation. From its plane of existence, the
of development with the most noble purpose of soul attentively follows the foetus’ evolution and
becoming the receptacle and vehicle of the soul. memorises the different phases of its development.
As you no doubt know, some schools of This is why we are able to have memories of events
psychology and philosophy teach that the foetus “we” lived in the foetal State.
is conscious of its State and possesses various Given that we can affect all our organs by our
mental faculties, including memory. Convinced thoughts and emotions, the future mother can
o f this, these courses offer methods to awaken therefore exert a positive influence on the unborn
the foetus’ intelligence and even to start teaching child. How? By directing positive thoughts to it and
visualising its normal and harmonious development. problem. As certain contemporary humanists State,
Through the regular application of this technique, I believe one o f the dangers facing humanity is none
the vitality o f the foetus is invigorated and the other than over-population. On this question, I just
organic consciousness is stimulated. In so doing, cannot understand why religions are so vigorously
the mother is assisting the developing child obtain opposed to contraception. Is it because their power
a healthy, dynamic body more resistant to illnesses. is based, to a large extent, on the rule of number?
Today pre-natal influences o f this kind are offlcially Is it because of a dogmatic interpretation of certain
recognised by many doctors. Courses have even sacred scriptures? Whatever the case, no one can
been created to help pregnant women apply these deny that over-population is one of the causes of
techniques. These methods are nothing new, of misery in under-developed countries, increasing
course, and are most often merely adaptations as the population grows, despite the aid which is
of techniques which have been taught by the provided. On a more general levei, it is obvious the
Rosicrucian Order for centuries. planets resourcesare far from unlimited even though
Prenatal influences, as applied by Rosicrucians, they could be better managed and distributed.
are not limited to directing positive thoughts to the Besides, I think by thoughtlessly increasing the
foetus. Attuning to the Cosmic plane, where souls worlds population, the divine reintegration of the
await to incarnate, is also practised. These souls collective soul o f humanity is slowed down since
may have a comparable levei o f evolution although new and inexperienced souls, in the mystical sense
corresponding to different natures on the human of the word, will have to reincarnate repeatedly.
plane. By regularly practising this harmonisation,
the mother is thus able to attract to her the soul
which best shows the personality she wishes for her
child. To do this, she must visualise with confidence
the qualities, tendencies and character she would
like the child to express. If she devotes herself to
this correct form of mental creation, the mother
will no doubt achieve results fulfilling her hopes,
remembering of course that “humanity proposes
while God disposes”.
Birth is not just the moment when the mother
delivers the new-born. It also marks the exact instant
when the child receives its soul, making it a living
and conscious being. Before becoming incarnate,
this soul dwelt on one the cosmic planes in company
with other souls, much like a family of souls on
Earth. Its incarnation therefore constitutes a death
with respect to the “place” in which it resided and
to its previous State. In another respect, it represents
a rather painful experience since it loses its spiritual
freedom to become locked into a physical body and
thus yielding to many contingencies, particularly
time and space. And so while we may not be
objectively aware of it, birth is a trying event for
the mother as well as the incarnating soul. This is
why everything should be made as physically and
psychically comfortable as possible.
To conclude the commentary on this law, I’d
like to bring to your attention a very important
 To assist us to realise our latent perfection
Eighth Law and to express it in his conduct, God establíshed
a fundamental spiritual law: Karma. Contrary to
what many mystics think, this law is not punitive
in any way but evolutive. In other words, its goal
“The destiny of each human being is not to sanction our faults or chastise us for our
is determined errors, but to allow us to become aware of them and
by the manner in which free will is applied not repeat them. Thus each time we do wrong, we
and the resultant karma.” put into motion a karmic reaction which sooner or
later produces an equivalent ordeal on the human
By virtue of their philosophy, Rosicrucians are levei. Conversely, when we act rightly, we create
neither fatalists nor determinists. In other words, positive thought forms which come back to us by
they do not believe their future is predestined by way of any number of benefits whose purpose is
God in terms of God’s decisions alone. If that were to contribute to our well-being and encourage us
the case, then humans would not have free will to follow the path of Goodness. As you know, all
and our existence would be a succession of events founders of religión have taught, in one way or
having no connection whatsoever with our own another, that we reap what we sow.
conduct. We would merely be puppets manipulated I should like to emphasise this important point.
by the whim of Divine Providence. Now, no one If all bad actions produce a karmic consequence
denies that daily life confronts us constantly with sooner or later, all the ordeals people are subject
choices which concern us directly, proving we have to are not necessarily the result of negative karma.
the power to have an influence over our future. Some are due to the fact that it is impossible to
Essentially, each human being is the maker of his or live on the earthly plane without being faced
her destiny, because it is in the freedom of thought, with difficulties and problems of all kinds. Some
word and action that spiritual evolution lies. By all are the result of choices made before our present
accounts, such freedom is difficult to assume, given incarnation and whose purpose is to accelerate our
the karmic responsibilities which result and the evolution or contribute to that of our familys, our
consequences this holds for our existence. workplace or whatever. With this in mind, it is
In an ap riori sense, it is difficult to undersrand wrong to believe that a physical or mental handicap,
why God granted humans the power to do evil an incurable disease, a serious accident, the loss of
and harm their fellow human beings. If God had material possessions etc., are systematically the
actually made a wholly and completely perfect consequences of a karmic debt. There is no doubt
being, the Earth would have been true Paradise all such tribulations can provide a very positive karma
along, a Place of everlasting peace and brotherhood. for those who accept the conditions with faith and
Well, it isn’t and never has been. Why not? Because dignity. In this domain more than any other, we
Perfection is a State of consciousness humanity should be very careful in our judgements concerning
must attain by itself, under the Ímpetus o fit s own our own life as well as the lives o f others.
aspiratíons and the effects of its individual and The effects of karma applied to our physical body
collective choices. And it is precísely in being free are obvious since we can feel them objectively and
to make decisions that humanity is able and must consequently become aware of them immediately.
evolve towards this State o f consciousness. With For example, when we bump into a wall, we feel
respect to the Divine Plan, it was necessary for the pain at the place of impact. Conversely, we feel
incarnated humans to be perfectible and actively a sense of well-being when stretching out to lie
particípate in the evolution of the Universal Soul, as down after a hard days work. For obvious reasons,
it manifests on our planet. Because o f this Cosmic it is much more difficult to discern the way karmic
necessity, individuais are capable o f evil as long as law applies to the spiritual plane. Thats why we
they have not understood that they are destined to don’t always understand the cause of our troubles.
serve the Good. It should be said that not grasping this law or
denying its existence in no way prevents us from accept the errors of judgement and behaviour.
achieving in life and determining our destiny. From In the last analysis, it is not so important to
a Rosicrucian perspective, karma is the universal know whether an ordeal is karmic or not since it
expression of Divine Justice. This Justice governs the could make us feel unnecessarily guilty. When
evolution of souls, whether incarnated or not. We it comes, we should face it with confidence and
should therefore think, speak and act accordingly, draw from our faith the strength to overcome it.
to establish in the invisible realm the foundations Whatever it is, we should consider it an additional
of an existence according to our hopes. means to surpass ourselves physically, mentally
As previous explanations indícate, free will is or spiritually and henee achieve progress on the
linked directly to the problem of good and evil. And path of our evolution. Neither is any purpose
so I think it is important to consider this problem served in focusing on our errors and spending time
briefly. From a philosophical point of view, evil regretting mistakes. As soon as we have become
is the absence o f good and has no actual cosmic aware of the situation, it is far better to use it to
reality. This means it is not a part of God’s laws compénsate for our mistakes by some determined
established at the beginning of time. Nevertheless, effort on our part. We are certain to neutralise the
we cannot deny it exists on the earthly plañe, with negative karma which would have ensued by taking
wars, conflicts and crime being unfortunately this action. I should add that mystically, to not do
proof of this. The reason for its existence is that it everything to rectify matters is as serious as having
comes from humans themselves. To be more exact, committed wrong. It is not our imperfection which
I am saying it springs from human ignorance at the brings Cosmic disapproval upon us since this
time and our human capacity to oppose the good. imperfection is the reason for our incarnation.
In other words, it is always the result of a negative What is karmically wrong is to persist in doing evil
application of free will and has no existence or to refuse to make amends.
independent of humanity. In a general way, we can The notion of destiny also raises the question
consider all thought, word or action, which puts of whether the time o f death is predetermined.
the physical and mental integrity of another in Generally, I think its moment is essentially
jeopardy, as fundamentally wrong and generating conditioned by our genetic make-up, the care
significant negative karma. we have taken of our health, the karma we have
All religions have established commandments created for ourselves and the interest we have given
to define what is good or evil in human behaviour. to our spiritual side which involves to a large extent
Most o f these commandments are prohibitions. our free will. For obvious reasons a person who
Sonríe of these are well founded since they actually constantly and excessively violates natural laws
concern despicable human behaviour and are (alcohol, tobacco etc.) reduces life expectancy to a
karmically negative. As a particular example, to kill considerable extent. There is nothing to suppose that
another is culpable from a human and cosmic point those who die in an accident, a disaster, a cataclysm
of view, except perhaps in some circumstances I am or war, do so under Cosmic decree. It is best not
in no position to judge. On the other hand, some to be fatalistic in this area and not simply place
prohibitions are arbitrary and serve no other purpose yourself in the hands o f Divine Will. Nevertheless,
than to promote partisan dogmas. In this respect, in some special cases, the hour and circumstances of
“sins” which religions refer to, are not all wrong in death can in effect be pre-determined, particularly
the eyes of the Cosmic and do not systematically when an individuáis spiritual evolution or that of
engender negative karma. Anyway, rather than his or her surroundings necessitate it. Whatever the
urge us not to do evil, it seems to me preferable to case, and contrary to appearances, there is never
encourage us to do good. The former tends to create injustice at this level. Besides, if we accept the law of
a sense o f guilt and reinforces inhibitions, harming reincarnation, the ¡dea of destiny takes on a much
our general well-being and inner development. larger perspective and dimensión because it enables
The latter allows us to become more conscious of us to understand that certain tribulations or events
our own accord of our divine nature and to better in our existence have their causes in past lives.
 accepts the existence of the soul, most often
Ninth Law considered to be an immortal essence having
its origins in God. However, this belief does not
explain death and less still, what comes after it.
Henee many turn to religión to provide an answer
“Death is the moment when to the fundamental question: “What happens
the last breath is given up after death?” Most religious creeds, with minor
and the final separation variations, teach that the soul of the deceased goes
of the body and soul takes place.” to Heaven or Hell, according to the good or evil
deeds committed during earthly life. In Heaven, the
O f a 11 the mysteries human beings have been faced soul enjoys absolute bliss and remains there for all
with since the mists of time, death is certainly the eternity in the company of angels. In Hell, it goes
most intriguing and fascinating because its moment into the bowels of the earth and is for ever subject
cannot be avoided by anyone. We are all destined to to torments reserved for the blasphemous, under
die one day and leave behind loved ones with whom the watchful eye of demons. For centuries, this
we have shared our life. The only thing we don’t religious concept of the after-life has conditioned
know is when, where or how it will come about. For the faith and behaviour of hundreds o f millions
many people, this inescapable event o f existence is o f individuais. However, more and more are
forbidding and dreaded if only because it is often questioning this or refuting it because it no longer
preceded by physical and mental suffering. To this brings inner satisfaction or seems just too dogmatic
natural and understandabJe anguish is added the a view.
fact that no individual can describe with perfect As a general rule, the death of a human
knowledge what the after-life is like ñor bear witness being takes place at the moment the heart stops
to his or her own death. In other words, death truly beating since all functions and cells of the body
deais with the unknown as we understand it in the are deprived of the vital energy which maintains
philosophical sense of the word. However, the Rose- their activity. The ceasing of cardiac activity may
Croix of the past have handed down a prodigious be the consequence of prolonged illness, oíd age,
knowledge about this myscery. violent shock or a heart attack. Deprived o f blood,
Although it may seem a contradiction, the idea the brain also ceases to function and an electro-
we have of death conditions to a large extent the encephalogram indicates this with a continuous,
way we live because it determines which moral unwavering horizontal line. Medically, this brain
valúes we adopt and which will influence our “death” officially certifies that the person has died.
behaviour. Generally speaking, there are two ways The person is considered actually to have lost all
of approaching death, from a materialist’s point of use of his or her physical and mental faculties.
view or with a spiritual perspective. For those who The body graduaily becomes coid because o f the
deny the existence of the soul and God, death marks cessation of metabolism, then starts to decompose
a return to nothingness and absolute non-being. and, as the Sacred Scriptures declare, returns to
Given there is merely a physical body endowed with dust. For this reason, it must be buried or cremated
simply a brain consciousness, death is considered a in the days following death.
total and Final annihilation of the human being. For Rosicrucians, death involves a metaphysical
For this reason, it is approached negatively and dimensión, transcending the physical, and the term
conceived as a cessation o f everything which “transition” is preferred to describe it. When a
contributed to conscious existence. Convinced person gives up his or her last breath, an opposite
materialists therefore, seek happiness in the phenomenon actually occurs to that which takes
satisfaction of physical desires, their essential joys place at the m om ent o f birth, as explained in the
being based on the pleasures this world can provide fifth law of this Ontology. Upon the last breath, the
them. soul is graduaily freed from the body. According to
A spiritual person is by definition one who the degree of spiritual awakening of the deceased,
this liberation occurs within a few hours or may its earthly existence. Having reached this plane
require several days. Whatever the length of time, o f consciousness, the soul remains there to the
the separation occurs in three major stages. During extent its conscious energy allows, and is assisted
the first, the soul firstly reviews a multitude of in the evaluation o f its earthly life by the “Lords of
scenes from the just completed life, most consisting Karma”. After having drawn from this evaluation
o f sparse and fleeting memories of childhood, any karmic lessons, the soul goes through a period of
adolescence or other periods marking out this purification and prepares for its next reincarnation,
incarnation. Then the person sees his or her body with other souls and under the guidance of certain
and those in proximity. This visión does not seem cosmic hosts.
real, however, because the person is not conscious Be assured that death does not mark the
of having passed through transition, especially if deflnite end of who we are as a personal ity. As these
the death was violent. Rather, the impression is explanations suggest, death is a transition of the
that of a dream. For a spiritual person, this post- soul and a spiritual rebirth. We should understand
mortem dream is always pleasant and resembles an death does not exist in the absolute and that it is
initiatic dream. On the other hand, a materialist one o f the two phases of Cosmic Life. Neither is
often experiences this as a nightmare and feels out there any reason to fear or dread it. It is better to
of control in such a situation. face it philosophically and consider it an initiation
After having totally separated from the body, for which we can and should prepare during our
the soul fully realises that it has passed through incarnation. Besides, itonlyseparates us temporarily
transition and that its incarnation is definitely over. from loved ones with whom we have shared our life
This awareness is the second stage o f the transition. because we shall meet again in the beyond and live
At the same time, it sees a light towards which it is again by their side in another form o f existence. By
irresistibly drawn. Conscious of the pain the death virtue of our origins and nature, we are children
has aroused in loved ones, however, the soul remains of space and travellers in time. We are therefore
for some time in their presence, radiating towards eternal and shall live for ever under the benevolent
them thoughts o f love and comfort to console and eye of God who is within.
sustain them in their time of tribulation. Through
all means, the soul tries to give reassurance and
make them intuitively understand death is not
the end of life, and that the beyond is a “tangible”
reality. Unfortunately, precisely because o f pain
and confusion, they most often maintain an
objective State of consciousness, preventing them
from receiving this spiritual support and comfort.
If, however, they could overcome their sadness and
attune with the invisible world, they would be able
to perceive or feel the presence of the soul for whom
they weep.
At a given moment, the soul of the deceased
feels the desire and the need to withdraw from
the earthly plane and go to its new abode. The
third stage of the transition starts at this point.
Accompanied by other souls who have come to
welcome it to the beyond, and guided by the
light previously mentioned, the soul is gradually
raised into the Cosmic Consciousness and rejoins
the plane of consciousness corresponding to the
degree of its spiritual evolution attained during
 Such mastery always comes after an apprenticeship
Tenth Law of many years of classes from kindergarten to
university. Similarly, each human being must
reincarnate numerous times before assimilating
all the lessons allowing the State of Master to be
“Spiritual evolution is governed by reincarnation attained, and to express fully the virtues of the soul.
and has, as its ultímate goal, This implies dying and being reborn as many times
the attainment of Perfection.” as is necessary to become perfect. This is, in effect,
the basis of reincarnation.
Before examíning this tenth law, I should point out These explanations lead me to stress an
that reincarnation is not a dogmatic teaching o f the important point. When we examined the eighth
Rosicrucian Order. In other words, each Rosicrucian law, we saw that humans are responsible for their
is free to accept or reject this doctrine, according destiny determined by the way free will is applied
to his or her convictions and personal experiences. and the karma which results from this. On the other
It is included in the Rosicrucian studies because it hand, a persons cosmically pre-established destiny
is a subject which has always been taught in the is to attain Perfection. We do not have the power
mystery schools, notably those of Ancient Egypt to change or avoid this. Rosicrucians contend the
and Greece. Given that the Rosicrucian Order fate o f each individual corresponds to the luture
AMORC is both a trustee and perpetuator of these created from one life to another, while destiny is
schools, it is its duty and privilege to transmit the the ultímate State to be attained at the end of all
whole of the cultural, spiritual and traditional incarnations. The Divine Providence called forth in
heritage it has received from the past. It has for some traditions represents the influence the destiny
centuries dedicated itself to precisely this task, with of each human continually exercises on his or her
the utmost respect for the freedom o f conscience in fate. In other words, it is the influence of cosmic
the most human and divine forms o f this term. laws on the humans karmic future.
Having made this preliminary remark, let us In the East, reincarnation is a very widespread
now examine reincarnation from a Rosicrucian belief, particularly among Hindus and Buddhists.
perspective. To do this, we should first come back In the West, on the other hand, it has relatively few
briefly to a consideration of the goal of human adherents except among enlightened thinkers or
evolution. As we have already seen in exploring members of traditional Orders like the Rosicrucian
the previous laws, the human being has a soul Order AMORC. It seems the doctrine is opposed
emanating from the Universal Soul. That is, humans for two main reasons. Firstly, Westerners tend to
have a divine cause and nature which makes them be of a logical mind and reject any notion science
virtually perfect beings. However, humans are cannot prove or which they have not personally
not objectively conscious o f this latent perfection, experienced. However, I honestíy think the inability
which explains why we are imperfect in our manner to demónstrate a principie or a law is not sufficient
of thinking, speaking and behaviour. The ultímate grounds for concluding there is no substance to it.
goal of our existence is none other than to realise Secondly, Western culture is heavily influenced by
this awareness and to express it in our conduct. Christianity. Now, every one knows this religión
How?— by learning to apply in a positive manner preaches about the resurrection of the body. In this
our free will and to live in harmony with natural, dogma, each human is supposed to come to life
universal and spiritual laws. again at the end of time when God announces the
As soon as we accept that the goal of humanity Last Judgement and divides the “good” from the
¡s to become conscious of its divine nature and to “evil”.
express its perfection in its conduct, it is reasonable Without wishing to discredir the Christian
to suppose this goal is not attainable within the faith, the resurrection of the body does not rest upon
one life-time. As an analogy, no student is capable any ontological truth, ñor even on any theological
of mastering any discipline in one year of study. premise. In fact, this dogma was introduced
into Christíanity during the Second Council of subconscious and bring to his or her consciousness
Constantinople held during the 6th century in our impressions he or she is often unabJe to understand,
era. How can we conceive o f a body, reduced to assume responsibihty for and control. In the worst
dust over the centuries, being able to emerge from scenario, these impressions can cause irreversible
the grave, coming back to form and becoming alive psychological and psychic disorders.
once more? Quite apart from the fact that this is Generally speaking, all experiences o f regression
incompatible with all known laws of nature, what o f our past lives should be made by individuais
would be the use o f such a revival? Besides, it is themselves and in a natural way. The methods
well known that numerous ancient texts confirm taught by the Rosicrucians in one of the degrees
that the first Christians and Jesus himself accepted o f study present no danger whatsoever because
reincarnation as a fact. As an illustration, when he they take into account the mental, emotional and
stated the only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven spiritual aspect of each person. In other words,
is to become a little child, he did not only mean one they are adapted to our own personality, bringing
should regain the innocence of childhood to do so. to the surface only those impressions which our
In an allegorical way, he also hinted it is impossible spiritual seif entrusts to our objective consciousness.
to acquire this purity in one single life, henee the Moreover, these techniques are the subject of quite
need to reincarnate. a long inner preparation. When we think about it,
Like most Rosicrucians, I think spiritual our present life is actually a synthesis of all our past
evolution is governed by reincarnation. Quite apart incarnations. By carefully studying our character,
from my inner convictions, I think reincarnation our tendencies, aspirations and various abilities, we
explains the differences which exist between can gain a fair idea of who we were in the past.
individuais on a moral levei, their maturity and Nevertheless, it is better to start from the principie
wisdom. It also explains cases of child prodigies that the foundation of our future lies in the present,
and generally, the gifts some people show at an early and it is in the present we should put into practice
age in such diverse areas as the sciences, the arts, the mastery of our destiny.
literature and mysticism. In this regard, heredity,
education and brain intelligence does not explain
everything. These talents are the expression o f an
attainment formed in previous lives. Similarly, our
attraction towards a culture, religión or specific
country often has its source in our previous
incarnations. And so, this law gives humanity its
true dimensión, making us children of the stars and
travellers in the Infinite.
Today there is a certain fascination for
reincarnation, at least in the West. A number of
“pedlars of ¡Ilusión” state, without hesitation, they
are capable of regressing anyone to previous lives, for
a fee of course. Although we are each free to take on
board whatever we believe useful to our existence, I
cannot resist cautioning you against such practices
because many who claim to have these abilities are
mostly playing the “sorcerer’s apprentice” and do
not have sufficient spiritual development to justify
such “powers”. Be assured they also present a real
danger to those who give themselves over to such
powers. Actually, when regressions are not illusory,
they can lead the subject to the very limits o f the
Eleventh. Law that we are conscious o f this cycle in the after-life.
To take another example, a person who dies at the
age of 80 is not aware of waiting 64 years before
reincarnating on the earthly plane. At the Cosmic
levei, time, like space, obviously has no real existence
“There exists a supra-human realm because it is a concept of the physical world and
of all disincarnate souls which inhabit has a reality only for the incarnated consciousness.
the invisible planes of Creation.” Given this principie, you could say the waiting time
between two successive incarnations will seem like
If we accept that humans possess an immortal soul, a night of sleep filled with an uninterrupted dream
we are naturally ¡nclined to ask ourselves what in which we continuously play the leading role. In
becomes o f it after death. Contrary to what most other words, it is not measured in terms o f time but
religions teach, the soul does not go to Heaven or rather as a state of consciousness lived and perceived
Hell, no more than to Purgatory, because these by the soul like the eternal present.
“places” are purely allegorical and have no reality in Quite apart from reincarnation, the Rosicrucian
theafter-life. In fact, as I have indicated in the chapter Order has always taught that a human being can live
devoted to the ninth law of this Ontology, the soul up to the age of 144 years. Naturally, this assumes
remains in the Cosmic on the levei of consciousness inheriting a very healthy constitution at birth and
correspondi ng to its degree of spiritual development living in very healthy lifestyle. It also implies aperson
attained at the close of its incarnation. It undergoes will lead a spiritual life because numerous problems
a period of purification on this plane and awaits and illnesses are the result o f a lack of spirituality,
reincarnation, along with other souls, with whom or more exactly, an excessive materialism. At the
it communes freeiy. The question is how long this beginning o f the century, no scientist would have
period lasts and what the nature of existence in the entertained such a life expectancy, unless initiated
beyond is like. We may wonder what form those into what we traditionally call the “Wisdom of the
who have passed through transition assume in this Wise”. Today some accept the idea completely and
existence. Nothing is actually more difficult than are undertaking research in this area. Recently, it
to conceive of the nature of a disincarnate soul. has even been declared publicly that “the human
According to the Rosicrucian Tradition, a being has the genetic potential to live up to the age
period of 144 years passes between two successive of 130 years.” Henee Science has come to confirm a
incarnations. For example, if a person passes truth Rosicrucians have perpetuated for centuries,
through transition at the age of 70, his or her which attests to the well established basis of their
soul remains in the Cosmic realm until 74 years teachings.
have passed on the earthiy plane. This then is the As things exist right now, there are millions
spiritual law governing successive incarnations of of souls in the Cosmic awaiting reincarnation. By
all human beings. However, this law is not exempt saying “millions”, I am perfectly aware of being in
from exceptions and adaptations. It is thus possible error because convinced that similar humanities
for karmic or astrological reasons to reincarnate to ours exist in other worlds, disincarnate souls
several years after the conclusión of a cycle. On the probably count into the billions and are likely to be
other hand, a child who dies in a premature fashion born in places other than on Earth. Whatever the
can be reborn in the following weeks, if not days, case, all these souls form a realm which we could
since the child has not had the time to exercise free call “supra-human”. This realm, like all those the
will and accumulate karmic debts to balance in the universe and nature have given birth to under the
beyond. It should be understood that the 144 year impulse of the Divine Intelligence, is ruled by its
cycle is an average time span and not an immutable own laws which we cannot apprehend through our
arithmetic one. objective faculties. Nevertheless, it is as real as our
Although the reincarnation of the soul is earthly world, and, I might add, as alive. In this
governed by the 144 year cycle, this does not mean respect, we should not limit Life to expressions
we are familiar with on the physical plane, in the their consciousness, also of a vibratory nature. To
vegetable, animal and human kingdoms. By all establish such contact naturally requires a certain
accounts, it covers a metaphysical dimensión and is technique, taught in one of the degrees o f the Order
an integral part of the invisible world. and which, I should point out, has nothing to do
Having made these comments, I would like to with spiritualism. Quite apart from this technique,
make an important point. As a general rule, Science it is possible to see a soul, especially in the hours
does not think Life can manifest in any other way following transition, at the moment it becomes
than through physical organisms, no matter how separated from the physical body. In this instance,
microscopic they might be. For this reason, most it is seen psychically in the form o f an ethereal
scientists are convinced life is a result of a chemico- essence, usually having an ovoid shape. Likewise,
physical process having its source within matter one can feel its presence quite strongly in the hours
itself or within the sub-atomic particles o f which before incarnation.
it is composed. Now, as we have seen in examining To this day, science is incapable o f proving the
the fírst laws of the Rosicrucian Ontology, all living existence of the beyond, that is, of the invisible world
beings are animated by a Universal Soul and vivified where the souls of the deceased dwell. But I would
by the Vital Life Force, these two energies having a not be surprised if scientists of the future succeed in
Cosmic origin and not a physical one. This means proving the universe contains parallel planes, zones,
they have a pre-existence in essence before taking spaces, or even “black holes” which are the stages
form on the earthly plane. If we take this further, of living and conscious activity related to a supra-
it is logical, then, to hold the view life still exists human realm. In the same way, I think the time
on the spiritual plane after death. We can concur will come when they will show that at death, the
with Heraclitus in the 6th century before our era, human being releases a body o f energy from his or
that “Nothing is lost or is created, but everything her physical being, and whose vibratory frequency
is becoming.” is related to octaves of cosmic rays. Be that as it
As incarnated beings, humans have a tendency to may, many people have had undeniable contacts
deny the existence o f phenomena we cannot perceive with the beyond and have experienced an intimate
through our senses, sight in particular. “Seeing is communion with the soul of a deceased dear to
believing” is our slogan, the more so if one is an them. Their testimony is, for me, proof in itself of
atheist or materialist. Although understandable, an after-life and confirms my own conviction that
this kind o f belief is not justified, even with regard we are immortal in essence.
to earthly phenomena. For example, it is impossible
for us to see the surrounding air, and even less
the thousands o f bacteria which are always there.
However, no sensible person would dare deny their
existence because Science has proven their presence
with irrefutable evidence and has identified a
huge number of them. Similarly, the fact that
disincarnate souls are invisible does not under any
circumstances prove they do not have a spiritual
reality. It only proves we cannot see them with
physical eyes whose function is limited to dealing
with the physical world.
In line with these explanation then, it is
impossible to see souls on the Cosmic plane
because each is connected with a particular energy
whose vibrations transcend our fleld of sense
perception. Nevertheless, it is possible to enter into
contact with these souls and communicate with
 which are intrinsically valuable and for which we
Twelfth Law should admire them. What makes these Masters
exceptional beings compared to mere mortais, is that
they have attained mastery of Life. In other words,
they have totally sublimated negative aspects of the
“At the end of our spiritual evolution, ego and are no longer subject to the imperfections
the soul of every human being reinstates the inherent in human nature. This means that vanity,
universal Soul in complete purity and lives in full selfishness, jealousy, etc., no longer have any
consciousness in the divine Immanence.” hold on their behaviour because they have finally
acquired the opposite qualities. Their purity is such
In line with the explanation o f the tenth law, the that they act entirely under the impulse o f the soul
goal of humanity is to achieve Perfection and and express all the virtues in what they think say
thus attain the State o f Rose-Croix or Cosmic and do. In one word, they are the living expression
Consciousness. This state o f consciousness has been o f Divine Perfection, to the extent a human being
attained and expressed by the founders of revealed can manifest it on Earth at the end of his or her
religions such as Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity spiritual evolution.
and Islam just to mentíon the most important. This leaves us to suppose that Cosmic Masters
Without a doubt, this means Moses, Buddha, Jesus are incarnated. Actually, some are but most are not,
and Mohammed received the same Illumination and they accomplish their work from the spiritual
and, during their ministry, had access to the plane. Those who live on the earthly plane most
same Wisdom, the repository of the Primordial often live in very secluded places and act in a
Tradition, the Religión of all religions. However, totally impersonal way. Given this principie, the
each expressed this Wisdom differently and this for individual who claims to be a Cosmic Master is
at least three reasons. In the First place, they had to not, and is attributing to himself or herself powers
adapt their message to the mentality and culture and attributes he or she does not have. The claim
of the people concerned. Secondly, each had a is usually made to mislead seekers in the quest of
different personality and sensibility. And thirdly, a guru, and regrettably this happens to many. In
their cosmic mission was not identical and took this respect, the Rosicrucian Order AMORC has
place at different periods. never encouraged its members to cross the world
By dePinition, a Cosmic Master is a being who in search of Masters because, if these Masters have
has attained mastery o f cosm ic laws, that is, mastery decided not to meet anyone nor see any reason to,
of spiritual, universal and natural laws as manifested it is impossible to meet them. In this context, the
on the visible and invisible planes of Creation. saying “The Master will appear when the student is
A Cosmic Master is able to perform what are ready,” is very significam.
currently called “miracles”, whether in the domain Whether in bodily form or not, all Cosmic
of healing, psychic projection, materialisation, Masters make up the Great White Lodge, that is,
making oneself invisible etc. However, contrary to the Occult Government o f the world, called the
current opinion, it is important to understand that “Agartha” in certain oriental texts. Each Master is
such powers were not given to them arbitrarily by an Agent of Divinity carrying out a specific mission
God. These powers are, in fact, the result of their within the Universal Plan. Some of these Masters,
psychic development which, in turn is the result of those who pursued the Rosicrucian path in their
their very advanced levei of spiritual development past incarnations, make up the Invisible Hierarchy
and their unconditional desire to serve humanity. of the Rosicrucian Order AMORC and constantly
I should add they never use these powers as a give assistance in its mission of Light. Quite clearly,
demonstration or for self-gloriFication, but always it is these Masters that members contact on the
in a discreet manner and for altruistic ends. spiritual plane since they are an infinite source of
If it is true all Cosmic Masters possess protection and inspiration. Naturally, such contacts
transcendem abiliries, ir is not these capacities are relarively difficult to make because of the
enormous ¡nner preparation necessary and contact called the “Fall” is the result of a punishment or
can only be made by means of a proper technique chastisement from God. As I explained in the
as taught in the Rosicrucian teachings. first laws o f this Ontology, Creation was a Cosmic
Since I have just made reference to the “Great necessity, because Eve, that is to say the collective
White Lodge”, I think it would also be useful to Soul o f humanity, would not have been able to
explain what the “Great White Brotherhood” is evolve towards the perfection of its own nature
because I have noticed a great deal o f confusion without incarnating into the human kingdom,
about this topic, including among Rosicrucians. As designated in Christianity under the allegorical
I have suggested, the Great White Lodge is made ñame o f “Adam”. Consequently, humanity from the
up of all Cosmic Masters, incarnate or not. The beginning, was destined to incarnate into matter
Great White Brotherhood consists of all Initiates and experience many lives. This was the condition
who labour in their service and under their impulse. allowing humans to eat of the fruit of Knowledge
All these Initiates are incarnate and live among and attain mastery o f cosmic laws.
people, engaged in various tasks on the social or To cióse this chapter, I think it useful to point
professional level. For obvious reasons most belong out that the Rosicrucian Order, by virtue of its
to a traditional Order or one o f the influential origins and its nature, is an emanation o f the Great
religions. Moreover, some are not conscious o f their White Brotherhood and receives continuai support
status and are unaware o f acting under the guidance from the Great White Lodge. For this reason it is
o f Cosmic Masters. However, all are basically both traditional and initiatic in the most mystical
spiritual people and are totally dedicated to serving sense o f these words. Clearly, the Rosicrucian
humanity as their first and foremost concern. Tradition is complete in itself because it contains
In some mystical writings, Cosmic Masters in essence all the elements which humans need
are put in the same category as Angels. From a to raise ourselves to the State of the Initiate and
Rosicrucian point of view, there are two different thus to cross a significant threshold on the path
notions here. Actually, Angels as defined in the leading to the State o f Master, the summum bonum
scriptures of the Bible and the Koran, are spiritual of our spiritual evolution. In this, I truly believe
entities who have always been perfect and to Rosicrucians are privileged because not only do they
whom God has never given a free will. From the know what the fundamental purpose of life is but
moment God created them, God attributed to they have at their disposal the desired Knowledge
them a precise function within the Divine Plan of how to attain the goal in the best conditions and
and never gave them the possibility of experiencing in the shortest time. It is up to them, therefore, to
evil, ñor to ever incarnate. On the other hand, all make their lives conform more and more to their
Cosmic Masters are beings whose Perfection is the hopes and to share with others the benefits o f a life
result of thousands of years of evolution. In other dedicated to mysticism.
words, they are at the conclusión o f many, many
successive incarnations. This means they have
experienced the human condition and have known
all the tribulations with which we are faced. And so
Angels, like Cosmic Masters who are not incarnate,
are to be found on the highest levels o f Cosmic
Consciousness and can likewise be contacted by
those whose aspirations are pure.
As you know, some religious traditions teach
that humans are fallen Angels because in the
beginning of time, when they lived in the presence
of God, they disobeyed God. I prefer to view
humans as Cosmic Masters in the making. In
this sense, I don’t think that what is traditionally
Conclusión

Obviously che Rosicrucian Ontology is not limited

to the 12 laws which have been the subject of
this book. As I pointed out in the introduction,
these laws are only a very general synthesis o f the
subjects dealt with in the Rosicrucian teachings,
and which can only be studied in a very thorough
manner within the Rosicrucian Order AMORC
Nevertheless, I hope that the few explanarions
provided about these laws will have allowed you to
better understand the Knowledge the Rose-Croix
have handed down to us throughout the ages.
This Knowledge actually goes back to the mystery
schools o f Antiquity. It is not the work o f one
individual but of a College of Initiates who, since
the very origins of human civilisation, have done
their utmost to pierce the mysteries o f the universe,
nature and humanity itself. Today, most historians
affirm that on the margins of religions, there have
always been mystical Orders whose mission has
been to preserve and perpetúate the Primordial
Tradition, or, in other words, the Original Wisdom
humanity received from the first Masters it gave
birth to. The Ancient an d Mystical Order Rosae
Crucis is a part of these traditional Orders and has
incorporared within irs teachings the cultural and
spiritual heritage which lies outside the mainstream.
Due to its origins and nature, it is not well known
to the public and does not seek to proselytise for
this has never been its purpose. Since its inception,
the Order seeks only to open its portáis to those
who aspire to Knowledge of the true mysteries and
who are in search of a true Ontology.
Whatever your aspirations, may life grant you
the privilege of gaining greater self-knowledge, and
may this knowledge give you the inner strength to
seek the meaning of your own destiny!
ROSICRUCIAN ORDER