The Soul and Its Instrument

LESSON 1
Introduction To Group Work
Group Responsibility to
the World Group and Humanity,
Individual Responsibility to the Group,
Assessment of Motivations for the Work,
Identity: Personality, Soul and Creativity,
Habits and the Recognized Need
for Discipline and Application
LESSON 1
Most of the individuals who receive this second series of

instructions are those who have become integrated into
a group of “minds” who are dedicated to the work of the
Soul. They have in the first series become acquainted
with the immediate goal insofar as their own development
is concerned and are earnestly working toward that goal.
For the sake of those who may still be on the borderline

between searching and realization, I shall here define
the immediate goal of such groups in a two-fold manner
as follows:
1. Group Responsibility to the World Group and

Humanity:
The group as a whole realizes its purpose as service. For

this purpose it has been conceived and born; for this
purpose it continues to grow.
The group realizes that it is not alone in this endeavor,

but that it is really a portion of a larger group whose
experience and consciousness is such that it is actively
engaged in service to the race.
It recognizes that at the head of this World Group

stands the Christ and His senior disciples, those who
constitute the teachers and guides of the race.
The small group, actually in the state of infancy, then

recognizes its responsibility first to the larger group of
which it is a part, and then to humanity. It endeavors to
align itself with the world group and its teachers,
conforms to the higher ideals as represented by the
Christ, and slowly expands the periphery of its con-
sciousness to include the World Group. It then becomes
a channel for the energies pouring down from the Soul
to a needy humanity.
3
The Soul and Its Instrument
During this same period of expansion the group as a

group is confronted with several different kinds of
choices: its type and method of service activity, its
membership size, its methods of procedure, etc. It must
learn to differentiate between that which is important
and that which is not, as well as how it is best adapted to
serve.
Thus the group passes Initiation and becomes an

integral part of the World Group of Servers.
2. Individual Responsibility to the Group:
This is the stage in which I now find most of you. You

are just beginning to recognize your responsibility to
your group, which is the development of the instrument
to its highest point of efficiency, and integration with the
other members of the group.
Remember again, the purpose of the group is not your

attainment. It was not created to serve you as an
individual. Its service is to humanity as a whole and
your growth is your own responsibility to the group.
Think on this. It is important.
Most of you are now ready to receive technical in-

structions that will enable you as a group to enter into
more definite service activities. You are aspirants and
probationers on the Path of Discipleship leading to
Initiation.
Others of you may not as yet have entered into outer

group activity. In that case you are studying and
working alone insofar as physical plane awareness is
concerned, and in some ways yours is a more difficult
task than the others.
If this be the case, take time now to realize that you are
a member of the World Group of Disciples (if only as a
4
Lesson 1
probationer). Consider the connotations of this fact and

proceed as though you were a member of a group
meeting regularly on the physical plane. Consider your
responsibility to such a group and rest assured that as
soon as you are ready you will find your co-workers.
I should here like to insert a bit of advice to all of you.

Consider your motives. If there are any of you who are
members of the group for any reason other than those
described in the preceding paragraphs, drop out until
such time as you can and do accept the teaching as
Truth and until such time as you definitely feel a desire
to serve. Those who do not meet with these two require-
ments will find the second series very difficult, if not
impossible, unless the study proceeds as a scientific in-
vestigation with the investigator remaining completely
detached and impersonal. My brother, your time will
come, and with it the joy of recognition. Until such time,
go your way in peace and take with you the love and
understanding of your brothers.
To the rest of you, I, on behalf of my brother disciples,

welcome you into the White Lodge. Together we stand
as one, dedicated to the Christ and the work of the Fa-
ther. In the name of the Christ may you receive the
blessings of the Father and in receiving, share those
blessings with all mankind. Peace be with you.
As you have no doubt observed, the second series is

subtitled “The Soul and Its Instrument”. I wish to speak
of this before continuing with the technical instructions
covered in this series.
At the end of the first series students are inevitably

confused if asked to explain their identity. “Who and
what are you” serves to bring the student into a state of
bewilderment. This is good in that it forces an issue at
the proper time and students must sooner or later con-
sider their true identity.
5
They have by this time become aware, at least in part, of

their essential duality. They have for a long time been
aware of themselves as personalities, identified with
form. In studying the first series of instructions, “The
Nature of the Soul”1, they have become aware of that
which underlies form, the Soul or consciousness aspect,
and are attempting to identify themselves with that. At
the end of this second series2 they will have shifted
their polarization and realized that they are the Soul,
independent of the form though utilizing it as an
instrument of contact with this, the physical plane.
Then let us presume, for the purpose of this series, that

we are Souls, my brothers. We are not personalities
aspiring to the Soul, but rather we are Souls aspiring to
the Christ and attempting to control the personality.
In order to better do this, let us clarify what is meant by

the term “personality”. The personality is a reflection of
all past experience into which the Soul has entered
while incarnate in form. In other words, the aggregate
of individual experience is reflected into a more or less
integrated form, that form constituting the personality.
It is a conditional state of existence into which the Soul
projects a part of its consciousness for the purpose of
further experience. It is not a state of consciousness as
is supposed. Therefore, the term “personality conscious-
ness” is, in a sense, a misnomer. What is actually meant
is that the projected consciousness has identified itself
with the personality rather than the Soul and has then
recognized and accepted the limitations of the personal-
ity as its own.
The projected consciousness is the creative aspect of the
Soul. Its many successive lives in form finally bring it to
an understanding of the Law of Cause and Effect. Once
1The Path of Initiation, Vol. II. An earlier, short version of The Nature of
The Soul.
2The Path of Initiation, Vol. III. The Soul and Its Instrument.
6
Lesson 1
it is no longer identified with the personality, its incarnations

become acts of service to the race. By this time it has
developed its own nature, its inherent characteristics
and its own quality.
I stated previously that this series of instructions is de-

signed to shift the polarization of the student out of the
instrument into the Soul. This is done through a
process of identification and the exertion of a positive
control over the form nature. This, of course, necessitates
discipline.
At the same time the student is engaged in the evoca-

tion of creative activity. The basic need of all individu-
als, after they have reached a certain stage of develop-
ment, is the need to create. The inability to satisfy that
need is the cause of many of our psychological problems
today. The individuals for whom these instructions are
written fall into this category.
If you have properly analyzed yourselves you have be-

come aware of a great lack within your experience. That
lack, when seen from the right perspective, lies within
yourselves. You may be able to pin it down to a lack
within some part of your equipment; the physical, emo-
tional or mental. This is because there has been no true
alignment of these three, and no one-pointedness of
purpose. The desire nature has often been at war with
the physical or mental aspects or both, and in most
cases this battle is focused primarily between the desire
nature and the mental aspect, with the physical body
taking the place of the battleground. It shows the ef-
fects of this battle in many ways and is often badly
scarred as a result. The desire nature must be domi-
nated and controlled by the consciousness focused in the
mental aspect. It must be made to aid the consciousness
in its creative activity and this is only possible through
self-imposed discipline.
7
What are your habits and in what aspect are they rooted?
Any habit is now undesirable because it holds the con-
sciousness a slave to the form nature. Almost any habit
is rooted in the desire nature. Many so-called physical
habits are rooted here. The desire nature is compensat-
ing for some unfulfilled wish. Just so long as this condi-
tion remains, full Soul consciousness is not possible.
Knowledge of this poses a test for students, does it not,

a test of their sincerity, a test of their strength and a
test of their motives?
I do not order you to discipline yourselves. I merely

offer suggestions that point out the way. I do advise you
to begin now with a process of identification. The “I”
consciousness is an aspect of the Soul. It is not, then, its
physical body, its desire nature or even its mental as-
pect. These are temporary and are discarded often for
newer and better equipment. It is not necessary, how-
ever, to discarnate in order to build better equipment. It
can be done while incarnate and at some time it must
be done during this cycle. That is part of the evolution-
ary process. The aspirant masters the form nature
while inhabiting it and this usually takes many lives.
In the light of this, my brothers, I suggest that you con-

template identification, discipline and application.
Before proceeding with this series, I shall ask you to

quickly review the first series. As an assignment, de-
termine for yourselves the discipline indicated by the
instructions received and the response both your con-
sciousness and your form nature have made to them. Give
this in written form to your teacher before you proceed
with further lessons, and keep a copy for yourselves.
PEACE BE WITH YOU
8
Lesson 1
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
9
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
10
Lesson 1
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
11
LESSON 2
The Constitution Of The Human Entity
The Monad,
The Soul or Consciousness Aspect,
The Personality,
The Threefold Movement
of Manifestation,
Further Clarification of
the Monad, Soul and Personality
LESSON 2
In this lesson we shall begin our study of the constitution

of that entity called humanity. This will provide the basis
from which to proceed to eventual understanding of the
threefold human entity and its utilization in the working
out of the Divine Plan.
We shall break down the human atom, as it is called, into

its three major aspects. Since you have at present no
method of proving or disproving that which I shall
communicate, I ask you to proceed with an open mind
accepting for the present the following information as a
hypothesis with which to experiment. As your experi-
ments develop you will be able to prove the truth in ex-
perience. Remember that reality only becomes factual as
it is worked out on the physical plane in concrete form.
As regards your experimentation, proceed with extreme

care, experimenting only along those lines indicated in
these lessons, and only after you have sufficient infor-
mation to warrant experimentation. Remember that
knowledge without understanding can be dangerous. I
rely upon your good judgment, ability to follow instruc-
tions and your right motive.
The three major aspects of the human atom are:
1. The Monad.
This is the positive central life that is characterized by the

Will to Be. Its motion is forward progression, its force is
propulsion and its quality is defined as being electrical.
You may or may not have heard of Monadic conscious-

ness. We shall attempt to clarify the term, but any at-
tempt to bring understanding of this state to your
present state of consciousness is almost futile. It is the
15
consciousness of the One rather than the many, having

nothing whatsoever to do with form as you know form.
Monadic communication as such does not exist. That
which is termed “Monadic communication” is the inter-
pretation the Soul gives to Monadic impulse; and even
that word “impulse” carries different connotations than
does the term as used by present day science.
The plane that is known as Divine Mind is the home of

the Monad, and this plane, too, is most difficult of defini-
tion. It lies above the Divine Plan and yet it is the perfect
plan. It lies above thought and yet it is the perfect thought.
It lies above form and yet it is the perfect form. From this
formless One proceed the many. From this unconscious
state proceeds the states of consciousness.
I realize that this does not mean much to most of you and
yet seeds must be planted and will in time germinate.
2. The Soul or consciousness aspect.
This has been defined so many times and in so many ways

and yet still I find little understanding among you. The Soul
is the conscious thinking entity indwelling the human form.
It is the neutron, that which experiences, that which
absorbs and that which radiates. Its motion is spirallic, its
force is radiation and its quality is love or pure reason.
The Soul is consciousness and we find it in many differ-

ent stages. Everything that is — is animated by life; the
nature of that life being some degree of consciousness and
resultant activity. I am not here speaking of self aware-
ness for that is only one state of consciousness. The rock,
the vegetable, the animal, the human are all conscious.
The human has awareness of self. Concentrated into the
human atom are all the stages of awareness — some de-
veloped, some latent; thus humanity is created in the
image and likeness of God Himself.
16
Lesson 2
3. The personality.
We spoke of this in the first lesson of the series as being

a conditional state of existence into which the Soul fo-
cuses itself.
It is related to the negative electron that is characterized

by activity. Its motion is rotary, its force is repulsion and
its quality is relativity.
In considering these three major aspects I shall give you

three words upon which to meditate for further clarification:
1. Monad — Synthesis
2. Soul — Magnetic attraction
3. Personality — Relationship
Each of these three aspects is also a triplicity and for

purpose of study should be broken down into their three
component parts. This I shall do for you. However, I do
not expect you to understand or even grasp the signifi-
cance of that which is imparted at this time. Simply file
it away for future reference.
1. Monad
a. Will or motivating impulse
b. Love or synthesis
c. Intelligence or activity
2. Soul
a. Spiritual or super human, referred to as the
Christ consciousness
b. Human
c. Animal or subhuman
3. Personality
a. Mental
b. Astral or emotional
c. Physical or etheric
17
Let us now consider these three major aspects from a

little different angle, that of energy and motion. We have
three distinct types of energy moving in three major
patterns in three frequency ranges. It is the pattern of
movement, and, of course, the frequency that determines
the form any body of energy will take.
Monadic energies move in a straight line forward, thus

we have evolution.
Solar energy moves in a spirallic pattern, thus we have

the development of consciousness.
Personality energy moves in a rotary pattern, thus we

have experience.
Time and space as we know them are phenomena of

personality energy.
Affinity or attraction is a phenomenon of Solar energy.
Progress is a phenomenon of Monadic energy.
For contemplation I shall list certain further manifesta-

tions of the three types of energy as they are stepped
down and work out on the three planes of human endeavor:
Monadic Soular Personality

Synthesis .............. Magnetic Attraction ..Repulsion
Progress ................ Awareness ................ Change
Inspiration ............ Intuition .................... Instinct
Eternity ................ Creation .................... Time and space
Will ....................... Love ...........................Activity
Power .................... Wisdom ..................... Knowledge
Cosmic awareness . Universal awareness .. Self awareness
Continuity ............ Life ............................ Death
18
Lesson 2
Though all of this may not seem clear to you now, once
again I ask you to file it away for future reference. Dis-
ciples must learn to think in terms of energy before they
are initiate. Later you will relate this information to
other information and understand much that is now only
vague and difficult. In the meantime, try to realize that
you are an aggregate of many energies manifesting in a
world of energies and reacting to the impact of many
energies upon your own energy body. It is your direction
and control of your quota of energy that determines your
evolution of consciousness and its consequent experiences.
Today we find the human entity entering into that stage

of development wherein some of the Laws of the Soul
begin to govern experience. This is because of certain
Soul energies that are pouring down into race mind
consciousness and stimulating spiritual awareness.
That these energies are misinterpreted and wrongly di-

rected is true, but this is ever true as new energies make
their presence felt. A transition period always manifests
and precipitates a series of crises in which the entities
concerned must make a choice and so determine the path
they will take.
Now, as never before in the history of the race, the op-

portunities for group service to a needy world are great.
Groups united in purpose can lift humanity out of the
darkness into the light if they so choose. Whatever path
humanity takes will have been the result of group deci-
sion. Think on this.
How is that decision made? You may well ask this ques-
tion, for it is not made suddenly and in the twinkling of
an eye. It is made daily as disciples put into activity
those energies that are theirs to direct. Those energies
we shall consider as three-fold for the moment — mental
energy, emotional energy and physical energy. As
19
disciples accept, embody and radiate Truth consciously,

and with the goal in mind, their decision is made and the
forces of light are strengthened. Every word which is
impulsed by Divine Love, and formed with a clear mind,
brings the Christ consciousness that much closer. Every
act of selfless service swings humanity onto the path.
20
Lesson 2
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
21
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
22
Lesson 2
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
23
LESSON 3
The Threefold Instrument Of Contact
And The Etheric Network
The Four Major Energies

of the Etheric Body,
The Seven Centers or Chakras
of the Etheric Body,
Meditation on the Etheric Body
LESSON 3
In this lesson we shall study the instrument of contact

through which the Soul must work while incarnate. I
shall have to speak generally and in broad outlines in
order to cover this very large subject in a few short les-
sons. Much, then, will not be given and will have to be
filled in later through study and meditation, as well as
experience.
I would suggest that you learn to enter that meditative

state known as contemplation in order to arrive at an
understanding of these lessons. Most of the material
given can be defined as seed material. It is up to the
student, and time, to nourish the seed to growth. This
must always be the pattern by which spiritual truths are
given to insure the protection of those who are not ready
for revelations. Though the time is now when much can
be revealed which has heretofore been hidden, it must
necessarily follow the tried and true methods of
projection. In this way the safety of the many is assured.
The instrument of the Soul is three-fold in nature, being

composed of three energy bodies co-existent in time and
space. These energy bodies are:
1. The Mental
2. The Astral
3. The Etheric
I have not listed the dense physical body because it is not

a principle. It is a temporary effect of very short duration
when observed from the perspective that sees the
evolutionary scheme as a whole. It is an appearance or
effect of the etheric, which we shall consider now in more
detail. The etheric network is the vital energy body that
feeds and makes possible the life of the dense body. It
interpenetrates all substance, relates it and holds it in
27
form. It is electrical in nature, being composed of many

tiny lines of force, which form channels for the flow of
energies throughout its entire system. In the human
form these lines of force underlie and are peculiarly
related to the physical body and nervous system. From
here the etheric body interpenetrates every atom of the
physical body and extends out some inches from it,
varying in distance according to the evolution of the
consciousness concerned.
It is composed of many classifications of energies, four of

which we shall consider here:
1. The sum total of energies that govern individual

form. It is the type of etheric energy that makes a
person an individual. It relates the particles of
substance to one another and the central life,
causing the emergence of an integrated whole —
possible of intercommunication, conscious direc-
tion and coordinated activity. Without this un-
derlying network the human form would fall
apart. In cases of poor integration or gaps between
the etheric and the physical — we see the feeble
minded, imbecilic, etc. The indwelling entity has
no adequate contact with and, therefore, no
control of its dense body.
2. The sum total of energies underlying and govern-

ing the environment of which the individual is a
part. This energy relates people to their families,
associates, their locale, and makes possible most of
their daily activities. This energy is not confined to
individuals in the same manner as are the former
energies but interpenetrates the environment in
which they live, move and have their being.
3. The sum total of energies that interpenetrate and

influence the nation or peculiar race. The resulting
relationships are obvious.
28
Lesson 3
4. The sum total of energies which interpenetrate

and govern the planet itself and relate humanity
to everything therein.
A study of the above energies will bring a picture of at-

one-ment underlying the appearance of separation. This
picture is very important to the student. Therefore, I
would advise you to dwell upon it deeply and often.
The physical body depends entirely upon the etheric for

its appearance of action. It is the etheric network under-
lying the brain and nervous system that carries the
subtle stimuli so necessary to human activity but rarely
considered by the average psychologist. It is the carrier
for the mental energy, astral energy and physical force.
Through the medium of the etheric network the mind im-
presses the brain. Through this same medium the astral
body (desire nature) impresses the brain and nervous
system. Through this same medium the force necessary
to action is fed into the physical body via the nervous
system and the endocrine glands. When the etheric body
is sufficiently developed the Soul utilizes it to dominate
and control the mental nature, the astral consciousness
and the physical body.
The etheric body contains within it certain force centers

that can be defined as centers of transmission for incom-
ing and outgoing energies. Of the many centers in the
etheric network, we shall consider here the seven major
centers and their functions. These are located in the
etheric network that extends outside the physical and
from there interpenetrate the physical counterpart.
I shall very quickly list these seven major centers and

their obvious function in order that you may arrive at a
picture of the etheric body itself. This information is
given for consideration but not for experimentation as
yet. Please keep this in mind.
29
1. The head center is located from three to six

inches above the top of the head, extending
down into the head itself. It is the center that
puts the lower consciousness in touch with the
spiritual Soul and in most cases is relatively
quiescent.
2. The ajna center is located between the eyes from

three to six inches outside the forehead and ex-
tending into the forehead. This center is relatively
quiescent until such time as the three-fold
personality becomes more or less integrated and
can be consciously focused on the mental plane. At
this time the center is activated and plays an
important part in the alignment of Soul, mind and
brain. It relates the three in awareness and aids
in the creation of a magnetic field of mind so
important to the growth of a student’s under-
standing. This magnetic field of mind is used by
the Soul and the disciple in service to the race.
When the disciple nears the 3rd Initiation, an interplay

of energy is set up between the head center and the ajna
which compels the entire system to reorientation. This
last statement is important to those of you who find your-
selves in the process of becoming adjusted to the head
polarization.
3. The throat center is located from three to six

inches outside the body, about midway in the
neck. It is very active within the intellectual —
although not conditioned and influenced by the
two head centers in most cases. Therefore, all
mental types who concern themselves with con-
crete form with little or no spiritual understand-
ing are influenced by energies reaching them via
this center, and in turn exert influence via the
same center. Very often such individuals are very
narrow minded regarding things that do not
30
Lesson 3
demand their interest; not having the insight

characteristic of the active ajna. They are nor-
mally methodical, intolerant and critical. When
this center is dominated by the head and coordi-
nated with the ajna center, we see individuals
who display a great potential for good, who are de-
pendable and very capable and who are almost
always a powerful influence within their particu-
lar sphere of influence. They will invariably use
words as a medium of influence, but in a manner
totally different than is the case with lesser evolved
individuals.
4. The heart center is located from three to six

inches outside the spine between the shoulder
blades and extending into the body. This center
is an extremely important one in that it feeds
the physical body with vital life energies via the
physical heart and the blood stream. It also re-
lates the individual intuitively and as a Soul
with the Soul of all others. Energies pouring in
via this center impel the individual to seek, to
establish relationships, and to aspire.
A very interesting correspondent can be drawn here for

those who can intuit. The heart center corresponds to the
physical sun, that which provides the conditions conducive
to growth. Think on this.
This center, like all others, must be dominated by the

head center and coordinated with the ajna to be effective
in service. When an alignment between the head, ajna,
throat and heart takes place, a human becomes a creator.
In the creative artist of today we usually see an
alignment of the head, throat and heart. When the ajna
center becomes the coordinator, we shall see creative
works that will surpass anything known today insofar as
influence is concerned.
31
5. The solar plexus center is located from three to six

inches outside the spine just above the waist. This
center is active within most of humanity today,
particularly all of those who are emotional types.
An over-active solar plexus is responsible for all
astral phenomena of lower and sometimes higher
nature. It has eventually to be dominated and
finally superseded by the heart center.
6. The sacral center is located from three to six

inches outside the spine, about three inches be-
low the waist. This center transmits the creative
energies to the reproductive organs and has to
be dominated and superseded by the throat
center.
7. The Kundalini center is located from three to six

inches outside the spine, just above the coccyx.
This center is the last to be awakened and is lifted
to the ajna center at the 3rd Initiation. Very little
can be given about it at this time as the
consciousness of the race does not warrant the
revelation of its mystery. It is analogous to the
Virgin Mary and is esoterically called the Latent
Fire of Matter.
In order to clarify this instruction I shall list once again

the centers with a word symbol of their functions.
1. Head center ................... Divine Will

2. Ajna center .................... Divine Love-Wisdom
3. Throat center ................ Divine Intelligence
4. Heart center .................. Life
5. Solar Plexus center ....... Form
6. Sacral center ................. Propagation
7. Kundalini center ........... Appearance
32
Lesson 3
I shall here give an exercise that will stimulate

awareness of the etheric and at the same time better the
health of the physical.
1. Focus the consciousness in the ajna center and

align with the Soul.
2. Visualize the etheric network underlying the

physical body.
3. Then extend the “I” consciousness from the ajna

throughout the etheric body that interpenetrates
the physical. Do this slowly and carefully.
4. When the “I” consciousness has been fully ex-

tended into the etheric, speak the words:
“My etheric body is revitalized and energized”.
5. Withdraw the consciousness back into the ajna

and speak the words:
“My physical body is galvanized into right action.”
As an assignment, write a report of the results of this

exercise and hand it in to your teacher.
33
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
34
Lesson 3
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
35
LESSON 4
Three Major Classifications
Of Soul Consciousness
Spiritual Soul, Human Soul

and Animal Soul Defined,
The Dual Nature of the Concrete Mind,
Observing the Mental Process,
The Four Stages of Human
Development Visible Today
Lesson 4
The etheric body is the substantial form of the Soul,

acting as a vehicle for the three major classifications of
Soul consciousness. They are:
1. The Superhuman or spiritual Soul Conscious-

ness, which is focused into the center of the
head, in the region of the pineal gland, via the
head center. It is this that relates people to God,
making them more than human.
2. The human soul consciousness, focused into the

heart center and related centers. It is this that
relates people to people and makes them more
than animal.
3. The animal soul consciousness, focused in the so-

lar plexus and related centers. This center of
consciousness relates humanity to the animal
and its past.
As can be easily deduced from the above, these three

centers constitute three major centers of contact with
consciousness. This contact is registered in each of the
three centers and carried to the brain in the manner
peculiar to the major classification of consciousness
concerned:
1. Spiritual Soul.
Contact with superhuman consciousness in the head

center and impressed upon the brain via the etheric net-
work as inspiration.
2. Human Soul.
Contact in the heart center with the group (both the

mental and astral consciousness of the race) and im-
39
pressed upon the brain via the etheric network as
intuition.
3. Animal Soul.
Contact with subhuman consciousness in the solar plexus

and impressed upon the brain via the etheric network as
instinct.
There is another center of contact that is rapidly devel-

oping in the West today, and which is presenting both an
opportunity for and an obstacle to, spiritual unfoldment.
This center is the throat center which puts humanity in
contact with the concrete plane of mind.
While it is not my intention to discuss the mental plane

as yet, I shall, however, explain the dual nature of the
concrete mind, in order that the student may see the part
the throat center is playing in the evolutionary crises
today:
1. The concrete plane of mind is that part of race

mind that contains all concrete knowledge
achieved by the race to date. That so-called
knowledge may be correct or incorrect, a truth or
a partial truth, or a truth so distorted by its
form as to be considered a falsity.
2. The concrete plane of mind is composed of

mental matter of sufficient density to clothe an
abstraction and so give it concrete form.
The student who has developed this center of contact,

and once again there are many in the Western world, has
free access to all knowledge that has evolved to the
present, as well as an ability to work in mental matter.
This presents a great opportunity for Western students,

in that they can, if spiritually oriented, bring their
mystical vision into manifestation on the physical plane.
40
Lesson 4
They will not only be dreamers and so-called thinkers,
but they will give their dreams form and the race will
benefit. The veiling of truth that has been so predominant
in the past will give way to a clear enunciation of truth.
The obstacle lies in the fact that where there is a rapid de-
velopment of this center without spiritual orientation,
students become crystallized in their thinking. They
contact only concrete knowledge, only that which has
been given form by other minds, and in so doing, lose
touch with the reality underlying form. This is extremely
important and I ask you to give it much thought. The
majority who receive these lessons fall into this stage of
development and many of them are not as yet sufficiently
oriented to contact anything other than concrete form.
Observe your mental processes. Do you think in ab-

stractions or concrete form? Later in this series I shall
point the way to freedom from domination on the mental
plane by concrete knowledge. In the meantime, prepare
yourselves for this step by attaining an open mind.
Wherever your thought is set, you are crystallized. Wher-
ever you entertain a set of ideas as being absolute truth,
there you are crystallized and incapable of contacting
reality; your vision is distorted. Attain an open mind
anent all subjects. This is the first step toward the
attainment of Wisdom.
We see humanity in many stages of development today,

but they can be classified into four major types:
1. The stage in which people move, think and have

their being in the animal consciousness of the
race. This is rare; however, it can be seen operat-
ing in some.
In this stage the solar plexus center, the sacral center

and related centers are highly developed as the main
centers of contact. The brain is impressed with impulses
coming in through the solar plexus and the sacral. The
41
emotional nature will be of a very low order, meaning
there are few real emotions present. The instinct to self-
preservation and propagation of the race will be the
dominating influence in the life of such a one.
The etheric network with its lower centers, and the dense
physical body below the diaphragm will be of a low order,
more animal than human, transmitting but dull emotion
into the feeling aspect of the person.
During this stage the heart and throat centers will be

very slowly activated so that in the latter part of this
development the individual will show a tendency to feel
emotionally and to respond in a dull sort of way to
thought.
2. The stage wherein people move, think and have

their being in the strictly human consciousness.
This is more preponderant than any other stage
at this time; most of humanity having awareness
of its emotional relationships both to people and
to things.
In this stage we see the solar plexus and sacral develop-

ment plus an activated heart center, and some activation
of the throat. It is here that the emotional nature of
humanity makes its rapid development. The astral body
achieves great capacity for feeling pleasure and pain, good
and bad, etc. Here we find the so called good and bad
people of the race — strictly emotional types responding
to life according to the impact of their environment upon
this emotional response mechanism.
As a result of heart activation, a bridging in the etheric

network takes place between the solar plexus with its
animal soul and the heart center with its human soul. At
the end of this stage of development, the animal soul and
the human soul will be integrated and functioning as one.
The astral body will be highly developed, capable of great
42
Lesson 4
emotional depths and highly aware of itself as a center of
influence.
3. The stage wherein a person is shifting from the

human to the spiritual consciousness. This de-
velopment is the second largest insofar as mem-
bership size is concerned and at this time almost
equals the second stage.
Both mental and emotional types are included here, hence

much confusion. These people are undergoing an almost
constant change of values, are fluctuating in response
between the purely form side of their natures and the
idealistic. Thus we see the cause of the present world
crisis and the constant chaos manifesting.
In this stage the former center of development is seen,

plus greater heart activation, throat activation and some
ajna activation. The bridging is taking place between the
human soul in the heart and the Spiritual Soul in the
head, via the mental body. The astral body is undergoing
discipline and losing its position as the center of in-
fluence to the mental body. The head center is slowly
being awakened and transmitting the energies of the
Spiritual Soul into the system. The mental body is then
the midway point and aspirants take their stand here via
the ajna center. Their intuition is functioning, they are
becoming attentive to inspiration and are preparing
themselves for service.
At the end of this stage the mental body will be inte-

grated with the astral and physical bodies via the etheric
network and its system of centers. The bridging will have
been done and the two lower states of consciousness will
be absorbed into the spiritual Soul.
43
4. The stage wherein people constantly function in
the spiritual consciousness of the Soul. This is
rare; however, it is becoming more possible of at-
tainment and can be seen on the verge of emer-
gence in greater and greater numbers.
The seven centers will be fully awake and vibrating in

harmony. The polarization will have shifted into the
causal body and from here the Soul will utilize the three
lower vehicles as instruments of contact within its sphere
of service.
Remember that the physical brain is impressed via the

etheric network from the center or centers most active. A
careful observation of your own response to life will bring
you a realization of your center development as well as
indicate the necessary steps to be taken toward further
development.
As an assignment, please write your understanding of

your own center development and the steps you feel you
should be taking toward further Soul unfoldment. See
how this checks with the disciplinary measures you have
ascertained as necessary and hand a copy of the paper in
to your teacher.
PEACE BE WITH YOU
44
Lesson 4
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
45
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
46
Lesson 4
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
47
LESSON 5
The Planetary Etheric Body
As A Vehicle Of Synthesis
States of Awareness,
The Threefold Personality and
the Need for Integration,
The Etheric Body as
the Medium of Communication,
Meditation for Cleansing the Mental Body
LESSON 5
In Lesson 4, I stated that the etheric body acts as a vehi-

cle for the three major classifications of Soul conscious-
ness. Actually it is much more than a vehicle for it coor-
dinates and synthesizes all states of consciousness into
one.
A state of consciousness is a state of being aware, re-

sulting from the experience of life in form. A flower is
aware of warmth, light and growth; the animal is instinc-
tively aware of things outside itself and the sensations of
hunger, fear, etc. Humanity is more or less intelligently
aware of itself.
All of these states of awareness, plus many more, we find

contained within and functioning through the planetary
etheric body. While each one appears as a separate entity,
it is in reality but part of the One Life linked to every
other part and to the central directing Will of the One
Life.
The evolutionary scheme, then, as far as the human

mind can grasp, can be seen to be the ultimate synthe-
sis of all states of consciousness within the one body. It
has been stated elsewhere as being at-one-ment com-
plete with individuality. In other words, individual
awareness of at-one-ment or continuity.
The planetary etheric body is the major instrument of

synthesis for this evolutionary activity.
To bring all of this down to individuals and their prac-

tical application of Universal Law, we find contained
within their etheric network many states of conscious-
ness in the process of integration. I have already listed
the three major classifications of Soul consciousness.
Now we shall consider the three states of personality
51
consciousness that are the result of the identification of

the Soul with form.
1. Mental
2. Astral
3. Physical
It is these three which pose for humanity the greatest

problem today. The work of synthesis cannot continue
until individuals have integrated their mental, emo-
tional and physical awareness into a working unit. Then
their integration with the Divine consciousness, with
time, or their past, and with their immediate
environment, can proceed as planned.
When aspirants have arrived at the stage of develop-

ment in which they are aware of their etheric network
and are learning to utilize it intelligently, the process of
integration goes forward rapidly.
The first step toward this development is, of course, the

ability of students to accept and contemplate the fact of
the etheric body. They must realize that everything
they see, hear, taste, smell and feel are the result of en-
ergy being carried by and focused through the etheric
network. All energies that they receive come to them
via this medium as well as all energies which they
project. That which they sense is the effect of this inner
activity.
The energies that continually flow through the etheric

network originate on the plane of mind and are directed
by the entities found inhabiting that world.
The spiritual Soul “in meditation deep” sets into motion

the Divine ideas which in their turn are consciously or
unconsciously received and incorporated into the
mental life of the personality, as the thoughts that
direct the flow of energies through the etheric network.
The ability of the personality to receive, correctly inter-
52
Lesson 5
pret and apply these Divine ideas will determine the

condition of its etheric vehicle. Where the idea is
distorted into thoughts containing greed, resentment,
fear, etc., a clouded, sluggish etheric instrument will
result; hence an unhealthy physical body and an
unpleasant environmental condition.
When one stops to consider the thought life of the aver-

age individual and the race as a whole, it is little won-
der that the world is engulfed in pain and suffering to-
day. This will not, cannot change until the thought life
of the human family has changed. It is the duty of all
aspirants and disciples to cleanse and purify their
thoughts as well as bend all of their efforts toward the
purification of racial thought. When hate and resent-
ment give way to love and forgiveness, when desire and
greed give way to right aspiration and service, then we
shall see the era of Christ.
Once again I seek to warn the earnest student. This is

not done through criticism. Disciples endeavoring to
cleanse the thought life of themselves and their envi-
ronment do not do so by sticking their noses into an-
other’s business. They do so through self discipline, first
of all, and through their ability to love their brothers.
My brothers, cease your useless criticisms, your little

jealousies and petty gossips. Those who think loving
thoughts, who speak kind words and are gentle in be-
havior are true disciples although they may never have
heard of the Path.
I shall now give you an exercise that will aid in the pu-
rification of the mental body. I ask that each one of you
continue to use this exercise until such time as you,
yourselves know it is no longer needed.
Become relaxed and comfortable. Focus the consciousness

in the ajna center. From this point of observation let the
53
mind wander for 15 minutes. Do not repress any thought

that comes to mind or allow yourself to become alarmed.
Simply follow the thought to its logical conclusion.
At the end of the 15 minute period visualize the light of
the Soul pouring down into all these thoughts, whether
so called good or bad. Hold the mind steady in the light
and repeat the words:
“The Light of my Soul cleanses, purifies and reveals.

I am that Light.”
54
Lesson 5
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
55
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
56
Lesson 5
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
57
LESSON 6
The Astral Body And

The Emotional Nature, Part 1
Three attitudes which hinder growth;

Fear, attachment to phenomena,
and refusal to recognize the astral plane;
The astral body as the power factor
of manifestation
Lesson 6
We come now to that part of the instrument that has

perplexed so many occultists and of which there has been
very little teaching projected. I am speaking of the astral
body and the emotional nature of humanity. Most of the
teaching that has been given anent this aspect of the
personality has been either misrepresented, misin-
terpreted or totally confused.
This has been due to several factors, among them an

overall lack of understanding regarding the three-fold
personality and the lack of proper terminology with
which to define it. The terms “astral body” and “astral
plane” have been used to define any subtle body or plane
seen or sensed by the sensitives. The astral body has
been confused for the mental body, etheric body, the Soul,
Angels or Devas, Saints, Masters, etc. Many of those who
have partially grasped the Truth have rejected the entire
plane as total illusion and blithely gone their way
ignoring it.
Today, those of us who teach find an appalling condition

present within the consciousness of our students; one
that is hindering the desired unfoldment of spiritual
powers and knowledge. This condition is characterized by
three attitudes that I shall explain as follows:
1. Fear of the astral plane that renders the student

incapable of dealing with this part of their na-
ture or environment. This fear — which is the
product of incorrect teaching, deliberate false-
hoods and centuries of superstition — results in
an illusion so great as to blind the student to
reality. They can reach no further for Truth be-
cause they are barred from it by their own fear.
61
How can this fear be conquered? By first realizing that you

have nothing to fear except that which lies within your-
self. Nothing from without you can harm you. This may
sound as if it were a statement in direct contradiction to
fact, but if you will think deeply you will grasp the con-
cept. That harm that appears to come from another in-
dividual or circumstance finds its point of origin within
your own consciousness.
The fears of this kind entertained by most people are

stimulated by unhappy experience undergone upon the
astral plane. For the sake of clarity, let us look into the
nature of such experiences and their natural consequence.
In lesson 8 of the Nature of the Soul1 series I stated: “The

astral plane contains the aggregate of human emotion
and has been called the world of illusion, for here in form
are all of humanity’s thoughts concretized and made
manifest. All of these thoughts live and have their
separate existence on the astral plane. Little wonder it
has been called the plane of illusion. Wise must be the
consciousness who enters and works therein.”
Consider, then, individuals who for the first time find

their awareness focused in this world. They will be aware
in that area that contains the forms either created or
entertained by themselves and those within their
environment. If these individuals entertain fear of any
kind, they will meet the object of their fear in form. If
they believe in a devil or a hell, they will very likely see a
devil complete with horns and a tail and a flaming hell of
brimstone and fire. If their thoughts are largely ugly with
jealousies, resentments, etc., they will meet them in
form; without recognizing them as their own creation.
Those within their environment who are closely related
to them will also furnish this world with their created
1The Path of Initiation, Vol. II. An earlier, short version of The

Nature of The Soul (also by Lucille Cedercrans).
62
Lesson 6
forms. The individual will then see and hear dreadful

things that are a threat and a danger to them. They will
see them as a reality of the astral plane; never recog-
nizing them as their own created world, subject to their
domination. This, then, will constitute their illusion; the
fog that veils the light of Truth.
The aspirant must cultivate fearlessness. Aspirants must

accept first the fact that they are their only enemy. They
no longer look upon others with fear and suspicion. They
realize love for all and so establish right relationship.
They turn the light of the Soul upon their instrument
and the surrounding environment, effecting the purifica-
tion of the various aspects of their consciousness. Such
ones will not be fooled by the forms contacted on the
astral plane, but will know and coordinate their activities
with the reality underlying it.
2. Attachment to phenomena, which serves to hold

the student a prisoner to the world of form. This
attachment ensues when the student contacts the
astral plane without the adequate understand-
ing to correctly interpret the astral form, and with-
out sufficient knowledge to handle the forces
contacted therein. Students think they have
reached the goal in the beauty of the form and
strive no longer for spiritual perfection, but are
led into the by-path of phenomenal experience of
unduly long duration.
Such individuals will have behind them many incarna-

tions of devoted and often fanatical aspiration; their con-
sciousness will be focused in the astral nature and their
experiences will be largely emotional. Their vision of per-
fection will naturally constitute a form of great beauty
and intricate design. In their meditation they will contact
their astral body, which will be highly emotional and of
great strength. The sensory centers of their brain will be
stimulated in such a way as to register the sight and
63
sound of their inner astral visualizations (those forms

that they have created during centuries of devoted
thought). They will not recognize the form as their
personality creation, but will accept it as the goal, hence
the streets paved with gold, the angels with harps, etc.,
of many Christian religions. Such ones no longer aspire;
they live in a dream world, content with its outer
appearance of beauty and are deaf to the call of service
and a needy humanity.
Later individuals may develop a certain psychic sensi-

tivity to other forms on the astral plane; but because
their attention is caught by the form they will be inca-
pable of correct interpretation. They will be the recipient
of astral force without the ability to handle it. They may
have visions, hear voices, foretell the future, etc., but
there will be little of spiritual significance in what they
do. Their inability to handle astral force will gradually lead
to a deterioration of the instrument, resulting often in
disease, insanity and death.
This attitude constitutes one of the greatest dangers to

all aspirants. Therefore, I say to you — do not look for
phenomena. Do not concentrate upon the development of
psychic sensitivity. Wait until you have acquired an un-
derstanding of Truth. As your spiritual perception is
developed there will be a parallel development of extra
sensory perception that will be utilized with Wisdom. If
you do register a vision, hear a voice, etc., attach no im-
portance to it. Look for truth in abstract form. Later you
will be able to give it concrete form, without losing touch
with reality. Then yours will be a gift of interpretation and
service to the race.
3. Refusal to recognize the existence of the astral

plane, which causes students to inhibit their
own emotional nature, closes the door to extra
sensory perception and makes it utterly impossi-
ble for them to engage in creative activity.
64
Lesson 6
The astral body and plane is the power factor in manifes-

tation. Until it is understood, controlled and properly
directed, the student cannot engage in creative work. As-
tral energy gives the mental form the substance that
ensures its manifestation in physical form. This is true of
any work of art as well as the service rendered to
humanity.
The student who refuses to accept the astral plane as

anything other than complete illusion, usually does so
because they have seen how fear of and attachment to it
have blinded others to truth. They are mentally polarized
and usually contemptuous of emotionalism. They are de-
termined to avoid the mistake of their brothers and so
consider the entire subject of the astral body and the
emotional nature as false. They inhibit their own
emotions, thereby aiding in the growing though hidden
strength of their own created forms and their emotional
impact. They seek to work solely upon the mental plane,
building form after form that they must meet sooner or
later upon the astral plane.
Because of this attitude their thought-forms cannot take

material form; therefore, they are frustrated in all of
their attempts to manifest Truth in the world in which
they live.
All of these attitudes delay the necessary integration of

the three-fold instrument and ultimate Soul awareness.
I shall ask each of you to eliminate from your minds all of

the preconceived ideas you have accumulated anent the
astral plane before continuing with the next lesson.
Dare to throw out all of the so-called “knowledge” you

have acquired and begin the study of this subject with a
fresh uncluttered mind.
65
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
66
Lesson 6
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
67
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
68
Lesson 6
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
69
LESSON 7
The Astral Body And
The astral plane as a convergence

of many forms, worlds and energies;
The individual astral body
and its contact with the physical body;
Three methods of cleansing the astral body;
Inherent dangers of past systems
and the astral body;
A mantram for truth
Lesson 7
The astral plane is composed of energy that interpenetrates

and duplicates physical substance. It lies between the
frequency ranges of the mental and physical planes and is
held in relation to, and coordinated with, the other
planes via the etheric network. Its substance is molded
and vitalized by the energy of thought — meaning that
not only does every physical form have its duplicate upon
the astral plane, but that every mental form also has its
duplicate there. It is, then, insofar as outer appearances
are concerned, a world in which there are many worlds, a
plane of many varied forms.
The disciple who has attained true vision looks beyond

the form and sees a plane of converging forces. These
disciples see that which is coming from higher levels into
incarnation and that which is coming from lower levels
out of incarnation, plus the force of human emotion. They
see those energies and forces in action that decide human
destiny and in so doing, are able to see into the future.
This seeing into the future is not as some suppose a
viewing of the form, but rather of the conditions that are
both in a state of present precipitation and probable
future precipitation.
They see the path both in symbolic form and in present

conditions. They may visit, as a part of their training, the
many illusory worlds existing upon this plane (such as
the wish life of an individual, a family, race or nation, the
different hereafters created by the various religions, the
many so-called occult schools that are attended by those
both in and out of incarnation, etc). They are not, however,
blinded by the form they see. They are able to look upon it
and interpret its meaning; its place in the scheme of things.
In doing this they are not attracted by the glamour of the
form and are free, then, to observe, learn and move on to
the next lesson. They are neither alarmed or elated by
73
what they see and are gradually enabled to control the

forces contacted upon this plane for the betterment of
humanity.
When disciples have reached this stage of development

they are a great power in the world for good; free and un-
cluttered by the glamour of the astral plane. They can
safely lead others in truth, for their light will pierce the
fog that would ordinarily blind them.
The individual astral body interpenetrates and dupli-

cates the physical body and environment. It will be col-
ored by the individual thought life and be composed of
the grade and quality of energy determined by the evo-
lution of consciousness concerned. The astral or emo-
tional nature, whether of an advanced or lesser evolve-
ment, expresses the quality of the personality conscious-
ness. Individuals are known by their emotions. Whether
or not they will be successful in their undertakings is
dependent upon the development of their astral nature. To
be successful one must be equipped with emotional depth.
This does not mean that the individuals are given to
emotionalism, but that they have the emotional strength
to devote their efforts to any given plan.
The astral body underlies and is peculiarly related to the

liquid content of the physical body. It has four main
points of contact with the physical body, which are:
1. The Sacral center
2. The Solar Plexus center
3. The Heart center
4. A certain area of the brain
The aspirant very rarely contacts the astral plane via the
sacral center. Either the solar plexus door has closed or is
in a process of closing. They are usually in contact via the
heart center — and so becoming aware of their karmic
74
Lesson 7
relationships. Their aspiration is activating the centers of

contact in the brain and they are being unconsciously
prepared for the study of and entrance into the astral
plane. When these brain centers have been correctly
stimulated and activated; when the students have
received an intellectual grasp of this plane, and when
they have undergone the purification of their own astral
nature, then they will develop extra sensory perception
as well as other spiritual powers.
Let no students fool themselves into believing that they

are ready for this development, until the former develop-
ment has been made. For just so long as they are subject
to emotionalism, to glamour of any kind, and are in-
terested in phenomena — they are barred from this type
of growth. The development of psychic sensitivity and
other spiritual powers is extremely dangerous if it is
either forced or sought after before the student is ready.
No true teachers ever seek to develop the student along

these lines, for they know that as the growth of con-
sciousness progresses in the right direction, so will the
abilities of the student. These will be a by-product of the
student’s understanding.
Students are first taught to cleanse their astral aura

through:
1. Character building.
They develop those attributes that they know to be their

divine heritage by conforming insofar as is possible to
their divine prototype, the Soul. This constitutes for them
the “ideal”, the vision held before the personality as the
goal of development. This is necessarily colored by much
glamour in the beginning and is usually motivated by
selfish interests. However, as the student nears the state of
right aspiration, the vision becomes a thing of beauty and
conforms more nearly to reality, until, at last, the as-
75
pirant is expressing one or more of these attributes

through right action. Usually such a one is engaged in
service through creative art, however, as yet they have no
true concept of Soul inspired service. They are
nonetheless on the path approaching conscious dis-
cipleship and will one day wake up to their inner motive.
2. Meditation.
When aspirants consciously enter the Path they are

taught the fundamentals of meditation. They learn that
through right thought the astral body can be controlled
and utilized as an instrument of service. Taking their
stand on the plane of mind, they consciously turn the
light of Truth into their astral nature. There they see
standing the forms of centuries which they have created
through many successive incarnations. They learn the
meaning of karma, the hidden motives that have driven
them as a personality both to success and failure, and
finally the secret of the astral body, which is revealed only
during a certain initiation.
They are taught the effect of sound upon this aspect of

their instrument and through the right use of sound, and
the energy of the mind, they rebuild the astral body.
They throw out of it all that substance that is heavy and
colored with the gross emotions of lesser evolved
humanity, and build into it substance of a finer, clearer
nature. The astral body then becomes the desire body of
the Soul and is utilized as an instrument of magnetic at-
traction for all that is needed for service.
3. Service.
This activity is in itself the final act of purification, for

only through service is the disciple freed from the glam-
our of the three worlds. Through what appears as the
great sacrifice, the chains of the astral plane drop from the
76
Lesson 7
consciousness and are seen as the illusion so often spoken

of. The disciple has then attained self-mastery.
Because there is much teaching presented today that

actually constitutes a danger to humanity at this time, I
shall take this opportunity to point out to students cer-
tain practices that must be avoided if they are to avoid
unnecessary hardship.
1. Do not center the consciousness in the solar

plexus center, either through meditation or so-
called mental exercises. This center was used
during Atlantean days as the main center of con-
tact, by both sensitives and magical workers.
The race was emotionally polarized and the evo-
lutionary plan necessitated the stimulation of the
astral consciousness.
Today, remnants of that civilization remain with us, and

(due to crystallization or deliberate misrepresentation)
certain of their teachers are presenting the old Atlantean
methods.
The evolutionary plan today necessitates mental polari-

zation and the development of mind. The astral body
must be subdued and controlled by the consciousness
focused in the mental aspect. This eliminates, for the
present, many of the old phenomenal experiences known
to mystics — and constitutes one of the sacrifices the
human race must make for the sake of progress. It is dif-
ficult to give up anything which one has grown to know
and love, but believe me, my brothers, this phenomena
that holds so many of you prisoners to the astral plane is
not reality. It has been a step in the evolution of
consciousness. You will note I stated “has been”.
2. Do not use the creative energies to produce magi-

cal works via the sex act. That such a practice
would be taught in the world today is unthink-
77
able, but we have among us those who are doing

just that. The purpose behind this type of teaching
I shall not reveal to you, but I warn you that such
practices will lead down a path that is most
dangerous and undesirable for humanity.
3. Do not attempt to leave the body through any

center but the head center, and then, only under
instruction you know to be rightly motivated.
Finally, my brothers, I shall give you a mantram to use

before you accept any instruction as to meditation, the
act of transition, etc., which will, if used with complete
honesty, insure your protection against that which you do
not as yet understand and cannot, therefore, control.
Focus the consciousness in the head and repeat slowly

and with care,
“I seek only the power of Truth.”
78
Lesson 7
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
79
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
80
Lesson 7
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
81
LESSON 8
The Astral Body And
The future and the astral body;

Four ways to recognize astral polarization;
Movement from astral to mental polarization;
Methods of attaining mental polarization;
A meditation for group service
Lesson 8
In our last lesson I spoke in very general terms concerning

the purification of the astral-emotional nature. In this
lesson I shall be more explicit — giving detailed instruc-
tion that can be applied in a practical manner to the
daily life of any student.
The astral body contains within it all those forms that

are eventually to manifest the experiences of the indi-
vidual. It reflects or distorts pictures created in some
mind, giving substance to each picture, so that a sub-
stantial form may emerge; whether that form be a situ-
ation, a series of events, a book, etc. It is, then, the
womb of creative humanity.
Within the astral body of the average person we find

those forms that constitute the wish life of the individ-
ual. They may be of a very high nature or a very low
nature and are a product of many centuries. They are
usually created in race mind (which is largely astral in
nature) and given individual coloring by the lower men-
tal body of the person concerned. In this case, the po-
larization is astral — because the astral body is positive
to the mental. Individuals are polarized in the astral-
emotional nature when:
1. Their own astral body reflects the form predomi-

nant in the astral consciousness of the race.
2. They lend their mental energies to the task of

fulfilling desire.
3. Their astral body distorts the higher mental pic-

ture, as a result of emotional reaction.
4. They respond emotionally to any proposed plan.
85
The task of all aspirants is to complete the shift in po-

larization from astral to mental, and then to integrate
the three-fold instrument into a working unit. The shift
in polarization is not a sudden happening, as some of
you are inclined to suppose, but is a slow process of suc-
cessive steps, carried out over many lives — until the
consciousness lives entirely in the plane of mind, direct-
ing all activity from there. The task of shifting the po-
larization and integrating the instrument is simultane-
ous, so that there is always a balance in the evolution of
the consciousness.
One entire lifetime may be spent in shifting the con-

sciousness from one area in the astral nature into the
mental body, and the next life spent in stabilizing that
shift of polarity. The next life will see the consciousness
being lifted from still another area of the astral nature,
etc.
When a certain percentage of consciousness has been

shifted into the mental aspect, the entire process is
speeded up. Many of the former desires have been
transmuted into right aspiration and the student then
becomes an aspirant. As such, they cooperate with the
evolutionary scheme by consciously taking the steps
necessary to complete the shift in polarity. These steps
are:
1. They become the observer.
I have given you much anent this subject so shall not

repeat the instruction here.
2. Through study and meditation.
86
Lesson 8
They learn the nature of emotion. You will remember in

Lesson 8 of the 1st Series1, page 3, I stated, “Emotion is
the effect produced by the impact of astral energy upon
the sensory system of the physical body and its surround-
ing environment. The vibratory impact of that (astral)
form upon the sensory system produces what we call an
emotion, according to its strength, type and quality”.
I would suggest that you go back to that lesson and

study again the instruction devoted to the emotions.
There is much there of real value.
3. They impose certain realized disciplinary

training over the astral nature as a result of this
knowledge.
They endeavor to keep it free of emotion. This they do, not

through inhibition, but through right aspiration and love.
They endeavor to pour through their astral nature —

Divine Love for all that breathes. Divine Love is not an
emotion. It is the Law of the Universe, the energy of
which is cleansing and healing.
Right aspiration they achieve through the re-orientation

of their desires. Instead of desiring things of the world,
they desire, above all else, to live the life of the Soul. As
that desire transcends the lower desires, their astral
body slowly becomes aligned with and negative to the
mental body.
4. Through meditation they become receptive to the

vision of the Plan.
1The Path of Initiation, Vol. II. An earlier, short version of

The Nature of The Soul.
87
This is one of the most difficult of all the steps, because

the student has so many preconceived ideas as to what
the Plan is. The moment the term “vision” is introduced,
those preconceived ideas crystallize and it is this crys-
tallization that is seen as the Plan. As a result, aspi-
rants enter another by-path and are again delayed until
experience teaches them the fallacy of their belief.
In an effort to avoid this error, I shall attempt to clarify

what is meant by becoming receptive.
Aspirants must first realize that they could not have

truly envisioned the Plan at this stage of development.
Any picture that they may have envisioned must be a
distortion at best. It could not be otherwise. If this is
difficult for you to accept, my brother, you have already
entered the by-path. Dare to discard ALL pictures — ALL
visions of a so-called Plan, for it is only by clearing and
stilling the astral body that the Plan can be reflected as
it is. It is only by alerting the mind to the Soul that the
Plan can be known as the Soul knows it. The vessel must
be emptied in order to be receptive. When this state of
receptivity is attained, then the Plan is reflected via the
mind into the astral body (the womb) to be later precipi-
tated into service activity. Then, my brother, will the light
of the Soul pour forth to a waiting humanity.
I shall now give you a new group meditation, which I

shall ask you to incorporate into your meetings, both as a
training and as a service. Furthermore, I shall ask that
each one of you eliminate your individual meditations, no
matter what they may be or how great the sacrifice, and
use this one as your daily morning meditation.
1. ALIGNMENT
a. Become physically relaxed and comfortable.
b. Become emotionally calm and serene.
88
Lesson 8
c. Become mentally poised and alert.
d. Focus the consciousness in the ajna center

and realize at-one-ment with the group.
Do this by:
1. Seeing the etheric network as a clear and

unobstructed channel, linking every member
to every other member.
2. See the group astral body as a still pool of

clear reflecting water.
3. See the group mental body as alert and

standing steady in the light of the group
Soul.
2. MEDITATION
a. Meditate 10 minutes on the following seed

thought:
“I, the Soul, know and serve the Divine

Plan.”
3. DESCENT
a. As the group Soul, sound the audible Om,

pouring Divine Love-Wisdom through the
three-fold group instrument, and seeing it ra-
diate Love and Light to humanity.
b. Keep a daily written record.
89
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
90
Lesson 8
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
91
LESSON 9
The Mental Body And
The Plane Of Mind, Part 1
Clarification of terminology:
consciousness, mind and mental body;
The threefold consciousness of the individual;
The “individual” mind and
the creation of thought;
The division of the Universal Mind: Divine Mind,
Abstract Mind and Concrete Mind
Lesson 9
In the next few lessons we are going to study the

mental instrument. However, before we get into this
aspect of the personality, I shall take this opportunity
to clarify some of the terminology that has confused so
many anent the subject.
The terms “consciousness”, “mind” and “mental body” have

not been sufficiently defined to present the student with
understanding when they are used. This is due partly to
the use that has been given them by the race and the
inability of the student to intuit the meaning
underlying the words. I would remind you once again to
pass from the word to its inner meaning. Remember, a
word symbolizes a reality and constitutes a doorway
into the world of that reality. The ability to pass
through the doorway is determined by the development
of the intuition. The intuition can be developed by
attempting to feel the meaning underlying the form.
Instead of accepting an impression that is vague or
possibly misinterpreted, become still and allow the
consciousness to move into the true meaning. It is most
difficult to describe this technique for it is one so little
used. It is not an activity of the concrete mind, but
rather one of the consciousness. The consciousness or
understanding literally moves into the reality.
Consciousness is a state of being aware and is not con-

fined to mental awareness but includes all areas of
manifestation. An emotion is an awareness, and there-
fore, a part of the consciousness. The registration of
heat, cold, odor, etc., is a state of awareness that is
translated into meaning by the entity concerned. This
meaning, then, is a part of the consciousness.
95
The consciousness, while it is not the entity itself, is an

integral part of the entity and is composed of the es-
sence of all the entity has experienced. It undergoes
many expansions, many changes and transmutations,
and it constitutes the understanding of the entity.
The consciousness, then, is not the mind or the mental

body, nor is it confined to the mental plane. It inhabits
all planes of existence and determines the response the
entity makes to life in any of those planes.
Consciousness is the result of the merging of spirit with

matter. It is the Soul of both and grows to Wisdom as the
two continue to merge.
Let us consider the state of consciousness of any indi-

vidual. It will be divided into three major classifications
that I shall explain as follows:
1. That which has been attained in the past and

now lies below the threshold of awareness.
This includes knowledge gained during former incarna-

tions as well as that which has been experienced out of
incarnation. The surface of this area of consciousness
contains that which has been experienced during the
present life and has fallen below the threshold of
awareness. It can sometimes be recalled. Under proper
guidance, the student who is ready can recall
experience gained in former incarnations; but this is not
advised for any of you at this time nor in the near
future.
When the proper development has been reached, the

student will achieve continuity of consciousness as
naturally as a baby nurses. Do not, therefore, take this
by-path into astral glamour.
96
Lesson 9
2. That which lies within the present awareness

and is termed conscious knowledge or under-
standing.
The extent of this area will be determined by the evolu-
tion of the entity and is surprisingly limited. The aver-
age conscious awareness includes very little, being lim-
ited by the accepted standards of the environment in
which it lives. The concept of time and space holds the
average awareness confined to but one happening in
one place at a time. The identification of the average con-
sciousness with its physical body, confines the aware-
ness to that body and its environment and its conse-
quent limitations, etc.
3. That which lives above the threshold of aware-

ness and includes the consciousness of the indi-
vidual spiritual Soul, group Soul, Oversoul, etc.
Remember, I have stated elsewhere that the Spiritual

Soul is in meditation throughout incarnation until such
time as the projected consciousness reaches a certain
state of development, after which the Spiritual Soul
begins to take an interest in the affairs of the personal-
ity. Throughout all of these incarnations, the essence of
all experience in form is absorbed into the Divine con-
sciousness as Wisdom, plus the essence of experience
achieved on its own plane. This constitutes an area of
consciousness that is far in advance of the other two.
It is interesting to note here how little actually lies in

the threshold of awareness at any given time and with
what rapidity the content can and usually does change.
There are those, of course, whose conscious awareness
remains practically the same at all times. They have
been spoken of as being “in a rut”.
The average conscious awareness is in communication

with the subconscious almost constantly, and in cases of
aspirants and disciples, is in communication with the
97
superconscious. This accounts for the rapid change of

content and the gradually increasing awareness.
Mind has been greatly misinterpreted because it is, to

the average consciousness, an intangible. Actually, mind is
just as tangible as you or I, though not perceptible to
our astral-physical sensory apparatus. Mind is a plane
of existence, a world in which there are many countries,
many environments, etc. It is not consciousness, nor the
mental body, but is rather the world in which conscious-
ness, traveling in a mental vehicle, lives, moves and has
its being.
There is no such thing as individual mind — and right

here is where so much confusion exists. We say a mind
— your mind, my mind, etc. I have even used the term
in these lessons when speaking of various things
“originating in some mind”. This is, however, a misno-
mer; for there is, in reality, only one mind. When speak-
ing in terms of an individual mind, what is actually be-
ing considered is the mental body of an individual
consciousness.
The mental body, with its sensory apparatus, is the vehicle

of contact with the world of mind. The consciousness,
through this instrument, contacts (through conscious or
unconscious selectivity), accepts or rejects and interprets
thought-forms existing in the Universal Mind.
It is utterly impossible for the consciousness to

originate or create thought. An abstraction may be
given concrete form, after it has been contacted by the
consciousness, and it is this we confuse with creation.
A so-called creative mind is actually a receptive mental

body, capable of receiving, interpreting and transposing
vibration. The individual mental vehicle is apportioned
its quota of mental matter with which to mold the
proper clothing for the abstraction. This mental matter
98
Lesson 9
is concrete mind substance, and though it does exist

outside the mental body and cannot, therefore, be called
an individual mind, it is theirs with which to work.
Just as a farmer’s plot of ground lies outside his physi-
cal instrument and is not separated, in truth, from the
rest of the physical world, it is nonetheless his quota of
physical substance to do with as he pleases, according
to known physical laws. In this plot of ground he may
plant his seeds; leaving the sun, the rain and the natu-
ral food of the earth to nourish them to growth.
The Universal Mind can be divided into many classifica-

tions. However, for purposes of this lesson, I shall limit
those classifications to three. Later we shall consider
some of the others.
1. Divine Mind.
This is the highest plane of mind possible for the con-

sciousness of the present day person to contact and
then, only in theory. It is the natural habitat of the Mo-
nad, and contains only that which is relative to the
Cosmic consciousness. Nothing in this plane of mind is
ever related to form, be it a thought-form or a vehicle of
manifestation. Form, as the comprehension of humanity
knows it, does not exist except in the three worlds of the
personality; therefore, this plane of mind must be de-
fined as formless. Here we find consciousness in a pure
state of being, insofar as our consciousness can compre-
hend “being”.
2. Abstract Mind.
This is the natural habitat of the Soul and the highest

aspect of mind in which the personality consciousness
can function. It is here that the lower consciousness is
merged with that of the Soul; the union often referred
to as the “marriage in the Heavens”. It is here that the
consciousness takes Its stand during Initiation. Here it
99
is that It bridges the way between that which is material

and that which is Divine. And it is here that It attains
liberation from the three worlds of human endeavor.
Emanating from the plane of Divine Mind are those im-
pulses that become abstractions in the abstract plane of
mind. Here form as we know it is conceived. That form
is perfect insofar as we are concerned, and has yet to
become manifest in perfection. Form in the three worlds
of the personality is distorted by the consciousness of the
personality and is, therefore, in a state of evolution.
3. Concrete Mind.
This is the habitat of the mentally polarized personality

and is the lowest plane that can be contacted by the
Spiritual Soul. The lower planes (astral and physical)
are contacted by the personality, either working on its
own or under the guidance of the Soul. In this plane of
mind the abstraction takes concrete form as thought and
is worked out by the personality in the astral and physi-
cal plane as fluidic and solid form.
As an assignment, I shall ask each of you to trace the

development of a specific hypothetical form, from its
conception on the abstract plane of mind to its eventual
manifestation on the physical plane. Hand the paper in
to your teacher before going on to the next lesson.
100
Lesson 9
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
101
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
102
Lesson 9
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
103
LESSON 10
The Mental Body And
The mental body, its form and substance;

Each vehicle occupies the same time and space;
The layers and density of mental substance;
The center (chakra) system and
the layers of the mind
Lesson 10
The mental body is an energy body that interpenetrates

the astral and physical bodies and is held in relation to
and coordinated with them via the etheric network. It is
threefold in nature, being composed of three distinct
vibratory types of mental substance that have been called:
1. Concrete Mind
2. Abstract Mind
3. Divine Mind
Actually, as I stated in the last lesson, there is no such

thing as an individual mind. However, there is an indi-
vidual quota of mental substance available to the incar-
nating entity at all times. Any thought that is visualized
in the mind substance of the entity is instantly available
to all other entities operating on that particular frequency.
The mental substance, which in total constitutes the

mental body, is held in form by the focused thought of
the overshadowing Soul. This thought, which is actually
the blueprint or framework of the three vehicles, is con-
stant and does not change until it is destroyed by its
creator. It is not the mental body but rather the essen-
tial cause of its manifestation.
The mental substance that adheres to the focused thought

and constitutes the mental body, is in a constant state of
change. The focused thought is held steady and into its
magnetic field is attracted the mind substance that
gives it a mental form. This mind substance is continu-
ally passing into, through and out of the magnetic field,
being immediately replaced by other mind substance.
The mental body is conditioned by the Dweller in the body

according to Its thought habits. It can easily be seen,
then, that the mental body is not the perfected form as
107
is the inner focused thought held by the Soul, until such

time as the consciousness of the Dweller is merged with
that of the Soul.
I would again remind you that all of these bodies occupy

the same time and space, but different frequency ranges
of vibratory activity. The student would do well to visu-
alize a sphere with a dot in the center. The dot is the
incarnating entity, the sphere its vehicles of manifestation.
Encircle the dot with four larger spheres and label thus:
1. Causal Body
2. Mental Body
3. Astral Body
4. Etheric Body
5. Periphery or
Physical Appearance
It will be necessary for you to realize that the symbol

does not convey a true impression because the bodies
interpenetrate one another, and that within each body
is an extension of the consciousness of the incarnating
entity. According to the degree of identification of the
extended consciousness with its vehicle will be the limi-
tation of said consciousness and the lack of continuity.
When the lowest extension of consciousness bridges its
awareness with the next extension, etc., continuity will
have been achieved and simultaneous awareness on all
planes of existence will be maintained.
The mental body is composed of various grades and

types of mental substance, according to the evolution of
the indwelling consciousness. To fully understand this,
consider the physical body. It is composed of various
types and grades of physical substance, the blending of
which appears as a substantial coordinated form.
108
Lesson 10
There are many grades of mental substance, ranging all

the way from that which intermingles with astral sub-
stance and consequently is of a slow vibratory frequency,
to that which is so subtle and of such a high frequency as
to lie out of the range of human experience.
The outer covering or sheath of mental substance that

adheres to and is a part of the mental body is what we
have called the lower mental aspect. It intermingles
with astral substance and constitutes what has been
called by some students of psychology, “the reactive
mind”. It is composed of those half mental, half emo-
tional impressions that constitute in their entirety the
world inhabited by a large percentage of humanity. People
who live and operate from this polarization react to situ-
ations according to the emotional impact upon their al-
ready formulated thought habits. Their family back-
ground, educational background, religious background,
recognized authority and various opinions provide an
automatic response mechanism that continuously reacts
to all incoming stimuli. Such a one cannot accept any
idea for which they have no response already built in.
The idea will simply pass through, seldom being regis-
tered by their consciousness. If the idea is forced upon
them, they will immediately reject it as false (becoming
very frightened and usually antagonistic). The apparent
rationality of their reactions will depend entirely upon
their built-in response mechanism.
The next layer of mental substance is very little re-

moved from the lower one, for it, too, consists largely of
a built-in response mechanism. It is more nearly men-
tal, however, and the person who is polarized here may
give the impression of logical thought. Because this sub-
stance is somewhat finer and more free of astral con-
tent, it is more easily assembled into thought and does
not crystallize so rapidly, as does that of the lower
sheath. This person will be able to venture out into
newer realms of ideas providing they do not oppose their
109
foundation of thought. This foundation will be extremely

orthodox and represent some commonly accepted author-
ity. We find many mathematicians here (the mediocre
ones) and many physical scientists, teachers of orthodox
subjects, etc. They are very exclusive in their thought
processes, being unable to relate the differing and ap-
parently separated fields of thought.
The next layer of mental substance found in the mental

body is still of the same nature as the above two, but of
a much greater flexibility. It is not so easily dominated
or conditioned by childhood impressions, has a wider
range of selectivity (meaning that it can both receive
and hold both concrete and abstract ideas for contem-
plation), is capable of much greater assemblance and is
capable of imagination. Here we find mathematicians,
scientists, teachers and artists of all kinds using old worn
out ideas in new ways.
These three layers of mental substance constitute the

concrete mind aspect of the mental vehicle. Individuals
who are polarized:
1. In the first layer receives their impressions in

the brain via the solar plexus, heart center and
the etheric network.
2. In the second layer receives their impressions in

the brain via the solar plexus, heart and throat
centers; that which comes in via the solar plexus
being conditioned by the heart.
3. In the third layer receives their impressions in

the brain via the heart and throat centers and
the etheric network. In this case, either the
heart or the throat may be the conditioner. How-
ever, it is more likely that the two will operate
together. This one will have developed a small
degree of intuition.
110
Lesson 10
The main center of contact for the concrete mind is the

throat center. As stated in a former lesson, people who
receive all their impressions via this center are self-cen-
tered crystallized individuals with no apparent emo-
tional capacity and no intuition. It is not a planned evo-
lutionary step, but a karmic one, which has come about
as the result of certain conditions prevailing in the West
and one that will need adjustment before the Western
world can proceed upon the Path.
I have given you much in this lesson and shall require

its absorption before presenting you with the next lesson.
As an assignment, write down as many of your own re-

active habits as you can discover and the area of mental
substance where you find them.
111
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
112
Lesson 10
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
113
LESSON 11
The Mental Body And
Characteristics of mental polarization;

The synthesis of the lower mind
into a working unit;
Mental polarization as a requirement
for progress upon the Path;
The inward movement and
alignment with the Soul;
Recapitulation of polarization
and alignment
Lesson 11
I trust now that you think you understand what is

meant by the concrete mind, and I find among you a
certain wonderment as to why this should be the de-
sired place of polarization for the personality. Let me
say first that you do not really understand this aspect of
the mental body at all, but that you have glimpsed the
three transitory stages of polarization that mark the
progress of the shift of the personality from the astral
nature to the mental nature. The completion of that
shift will be characterized by:
1. A thorough cleansing of the lower mental, elimi-

nating all of the crystallized forms to be found
therein, maintaining only those response mecha-
nisms which are necessary to the health of the
physical instrument and the steady growth of the
consciousness.
2. A thorough cleansing of the next layer of mental

substance, eliminating all false standards and
values and substituting a strong and sure founda-
tion of basic concepts of truth upon which the con-
sciousness can build its temple.
3. A thorough cleansing of the third or innermost

layer of concrete mind substance, rendering it
free of all self-imposed limitations, and main-
taining its steady acceptance of the light of the
Soul. It is here that personalities will be polar-
ized and reoriented to the Soul. Here they will
set into motion those disciplines necessary to the
rebuilding of their threefold instrument and here
that they will observe the activities of their lower
bodies.
117
Before continuing with our study of the other aspects of

the mental body, let us consider very carefully what we
have covered in this consideration of the concrete mind.
It is very important that each and every one of you un-

derstand this well, for it constitutes a part of the train-
ing that is imperative to your continued steady growth.
First, I would have you realize that you are a represen-

tative of each of the three stages of mental polarization
that I have listed in Lesson 10. Each of you has a part
of your consciousness held in each of the three layers of
concrete mind substance and this is why you are receiv-
ing these lessons. If you were completely polarized in
any one of the three you would profit nothing from the
lessons. To effect the mental polarization explained at
the beginning of this lesson, the three layers must be
bridged and eventually synthesized into a working unit.
This means, then, that each of you:
1. Reacts at times from the lower or outer layer of

mind substance, which is neither purely mental
nor purely astral. This also means that you are
given to irrational conduct at times and in this
area you are mastered by your environment.
2. Reacts at times from the second layer of mind

substance, which is more mental and given to ra-
tionalizing. Here the aspirant doubts, argues, pro-
crastinates, builds illusions and takes exception to.
3. Reacts at times from the third or innermost layer

of concrete mind substance, which is character-
ized by its pairs of opposites. Here aspirants re-
ceive realization, are aware of their lacks, prac-
tice their first meditations, deliberately commit
what they know is wrong action, and here they
think they are intelligent. Here it is that they
separate on one hand and include on the other.
118
Lesson 11
Here they are attempting to establish themselves

and here they look to the Soul. Their cry is often,
“Oh, God, there you are!” for all is beautiful and
“Oh, God, where are you?” for all is lost.
When the personality consciousness is finally polarized

in the innermost layer, and all three layers are inte-
grated into a working unit, the heart and throat centers
will be coordinated and all activity will be impulsed via
the mental polarization from the heart. This means
simply that people who are withdrawn from the outer
world of impressions do not react to circumstances ac-
cording to the old habit patterns of thought, but rather
operate from the heart of their being, from their true
self. Such people can “turn the other cheek”, can forgive
their brothers and love all that breathes, for they are not
inhibited from expression by prejudice and intolerance.
When the heart and throat centers function in perfect

unity, the Light of Intuition breaks through. These peo-
ple know, but do not know how they know.
This mental integration and perfect balance is brought

about by conscious alignment and reorientation.
By now each one of you knows (if you stop and reflect),
that all activity is the expression of certain energies in
manifestation. Incarnating entities either consciously
wield the energies flowing through them according to a
purpose and plan, or unconsciously react to the impact
upon their automatic response mechanism. The former
stage is that of Discipleship and has been called the
Path of Initiation; the latter stage is that of the purely
human consciousness and has been called the Path of Ex-
perience. The shift from the one stage to the other is not
made all at once, but is made in ordered successive
steps according to the overall evolutionary plan and the
initiatory activity of the aspirant. It is aspirants who
must initiate their own growth as they respond to the
119
evolutionary urge within. I would have you ponder the

last statement as it is one of vital importance to you.
This initiatory activity of aspirants is characterized by
the conscious alignment and reorientation referred to
above. Until they have done this themselves, they can-
not hope to progress upon the Path.
In an earlier lesson I spoke of alignment. I shall do so

again in order to focus your attention upon the needed
work.
Alignment is the establishment of a path of least resis-

tance for the energies flowing between two given points
Let us now consider the two points, and the desired
path of least resistance.
The source of energy we recognize, in this instance, as

being the Soul. Later it will be necessary to revise and
expand this concept in order to include that which is
specific. Now we are using the term “Soul” in a general
manner as the source of all inflowing energies.
The destination of the energies we recognize as the

physical plane of appearances. This, too, will have to be
revised and expanded as your comprehension is capable
of more understanding.
These energies reach their destination, in this instance,

via the etheric network and its system of centers. They
are either consciously directed into some form of expres-
sion as the entity becomes aware of them in their brain
consciousness, or take expression according to the im-
pact upon their automatic response mechanism.
I should also like to point out that many of the energies

simply pass through the system with little or no appar-
ent expression. They are of such a high vibratory fre-
quency that they do not impinge upon the consciousness,
and any effect is of such a subtle nature, and often so
120
Lesson 11
long-ranged, as to be unobserved by the incarnating en-

tity. There are many such energies that the initiate
gradually learns to wield for the betterment of humanity.
The aspirant establishes the alignment for the expres-
sion of the energies in the following manner:
1. They withdraw their consciousness, insofar as

they are capable, into the innermost layer of con-
crete mind substance. This will place them in
the region of the pituitary gland (the seat of the
personality consciousness). Here they observe
rather than react. Gradually they detach them-
selves from the magnetic attraction of the world
of impressions and appearances and allow them-
selves to be attracted to the Life of the Soul. This
will accomplish, among others, two important
redirections of energy.
a. The energy of Life itself will be contacted in

the brain via the heart center and eventually
its secret will be unfolded to the conscious
awareness.
b. The energy that we call creative intelligence

will be contacted in the brain via the throat
center and eventually its secret will be un-
folded to the conscious awareness.
Formerly these two energies entered the system via:
a. The heart and were instantly channeled into

the affairs and activities of the entity via the
solar plexus center and the astral vehicle, as
reactive expression. It gave life to all of its
activities, but without its conscious direction.
121
b. The throat and were instantly passed into

the affairs and activities of the entity via the
sacral center and the astral vehicle as reac-
tive expression. It gave substance (form) to
its activities, but without its conscious
direction.
2. They throw out a line, as it were, to their Soul,
via the ajna center. This line constitutes their
attention and forms a bridge between
themselves and the abstract plane of mind
where their Soul can be contacted.
When the line is firmly established in the ajna center

(when the attention becomes fixed), the consciousness is
magnetically attracted into the center and the final po-
larization is complete. The personality consciousness
then resides in that area of mind where abstractions
take concrete form. They are no longer polarized in the
concrete mind aspect of their mental body, neither are
they polarized in the abstract aspect of their mental ve-
hicle; but rather they are stationed outside both in the
etheric body where the two planes of mind can be
viewed and utilized with equal dexterity.
From here the bridging continues; this time between

the ajna center and the head center. The flow of
energies between the two creates a magnetic field of
mind, which is neither abstract nor concrete, but a
combination of the two. When this field is sufficiently
magnetic, the consciousness of the personality and the
consciousness of the Soul are blended into one.
I shall now recapitulate this process of polarization via

alignment for your greater understanding.
The polarization in this instance means the vehicle in

which the consciousness lives and from which it directs
its activities.
122
Lesson 11
Average people are polarized in their astral body. Their

alignment with their environment is through the solar
plexus center sensory apparatus. They are emotional in
nature.
The average aspirant has aligned the solar plexus center

with the heart. They are polarized in the astral body.
They are aligned with their environment via the solar
plexus center, the heart center and the sensory system.
They are devotional in nature.
Aspirants verging on Discipleship have aligned their heart

center with their throat and are becoming mentally polar-
ized. Their alignment with their environment is via the
solar plexus center, the heart center, throat center and
their sensory apparatus. They are aspirational in nature.
The Disciple has raised the energies of the solar plexus

center to the heart and no longer utilizes the solar
plexus as a main center of contact. They have aligned
the throat center with the ajna. They are polarized in
the etheric and mental body. Their alignment with their
environment is via the heart center, throat center, ajna
center and sensory apparatus. They are intuitional in
nature.
The Initiate has aligned the ajna center with the head
center. They are polarized in the light of the Soul. Their
alignment with their environment is via the heart,
throat, ajna, head and sensory apparatus. They are in-
spirational in nature.
As an assignment, please explain as nearly as possible,

in your own words, your alignment and polarization.
123
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
124
Lesson 11
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
125
LESSON 12
The Creative Process And
The Rebuilding Of The Persona
The Focus of the Aspirant in the Ajna,

Acting “as if”
The Cave as the Blending
of Will and Wisdom,
How Creativity is Utilized
Through the Meditation Process,
A Meditation Form for
the Manifestation of
the Soul Oriented Persona
Lesson 12
In our last lesson I stated that, “Aspirants initiate their

own progress via alignment and re-orientation.”
The highest point of alignment constitutes their goal of

attainment at any given time. In other words, when
they have fastened their attention to the ajna center, it
becomes their immediate desired polarization.
The next step which is re-orientation, consists of pro-

ceeding “as if.” This is one of the most important Laws
of the Path for it actually constitutes Initiation. Initia-
tion is a new beginning. Aspirants make a new begin-
ning by acting as if they were polarized in the ajna, as if
they were Disciples. This explains the necessity of self-
imposed discipline.
Aspirants must then grasp the meaning of Discipleship

to the best of their ability and proceed to realize that
meaning in action.
In their daily meditations they project their attention

into the ajna center, and proceed as if their conscious-
ness was polarized in the head. This cave is actually a
cavity in the brain and is the area in which the Soul
reflects Its light. It is here that the interplay of energies
between the ajna and head centers creates the magnetic
field of mind in which the consciousness of Soul and
personality are blended.
Disciples meditating in the ajna contact the light of

Pure Reason, or the Wisdom aspect of the 2nd Ray via
the ajna center. They contact the Plan or Will aspect of
the 1st Ray via the head center. As they contact the
Plan, the light of Pure Reason gives them understand-
ing or comprehension of it and it then becomes their
will or intent, their purpose for incarnation.
129
After the Plan is contacted and somewhat compre-

hended, the meditation continues, but this time with a
difference. Though their line of contact with the head
center is maintained, the attention is re-focused onto
the concrete plane of mind via the throat center. Here
the intelligence aspect of the 3rd Ray is contacted and sub-
stance is given to their concept of the Plan. It takes form in
mental substance. Remember, the line of contact with
the head center is held intact while the attention is re-
focused into the concrete mind. This is accomplished by
the steady contemplation of the purpose of the form being
created in mental substance. It is the action of will upon
intelligence that produces the form building activity
followed by the vitalization of said form via the power
aspect of the 1st Ray.
Let us recapitulate for just a moment.
Disciples are polarized in the etheric ajna center. They

align with the Plan via the head center and as they re-
ceive said Plan in their consciousness, polarized in the
ajna, it is comprehended in abstract form.
Maintaining their stability (polarization in ajna) they

turn their attention to the concrete mind via the throat
and steadily contemplate the purpose or Divine Plan.
Thus Divine Will acts upon intelligence and the ab-
straction is given concrete form. The head, ajna and
throat centers are functioning together.
The next step in their meditation process is the projec-

tion of the completed form into astral substance via its
steady visualization and the spoken word. When the
form can be seen to be completed it is spoken into astral
existence. The word or formula must be ascertained by
the Disciples themselves.
The heart center comes into play at this stage of the

meditation, giving life to the form. The Love aspect of
130
Lesson 12
the 2nd Ray is contacted in the heart and expressed as

aspiration. The spoken word then constitutes the mani-
fested aspiration of the Disciples to serve. It is this aspi-
ration that attracts the form into physical plane mani-
festation. Their love is so great as to give life to their
created form.
This brings us right back again to the motive. The Disci-

ples are impulsed to build the form out of a selfless aspi-
ration to serve rather than from a selfish desire to gain.
Their spoken word expresses this great love and aspira-
tion and so is creative. The word is made flesh.
In this stage the third eye (related to the ajna center),

throat and heart centers are functioning together.
After the form has been given separate astral existence

via the spoken word, the Disciples release it from their
consciousness knowing full well that their creation will
take material form and accepting all karmic obligation
for it.
In the above paragraphs I have given you the process

for manifestation. Never before have I projected with
such clarity this process in written form, because nei-
ther humanity nor the Disciples in the world were
ready for it. It may seem to you that this is a somewhat
dangerous step. It is, but not in the sense you may
think. It cannot be utilized without right motive and is,
therefore, useless to the misinformed and the
unscrupulous. The danger lies in the fact that with
increased knowledge comes increased responsibility, and
where that responsibility is not shouldered, grave conse-
quences ensue. In this instance the karmic consequences
of releasing information fall upon myself, as well as upon
those of you who receive it. Our responsibilities must be
met if humanity is to benefit from this act of yours and
mine.
131
The aspirants, in proceeding as if they were disciples,

follow this meditation process but with one difference;
while they are motivated by the aspiration to serve,
their immediate goal is the rebuilding of their threefold
personality into a perfected instrument of service. That
is the desired immediate manifestation.
This can be accomplished in a number of ways. I am

going to give you a form to follow and suggest that it be
utilized as a daily individual meditation, after the group
meditation is completed.
1. Quickly align the three lower bodies and focus

the consciousness in the ajna center.
Visualize a line of light extending through the

cave to the head center.
2. Contact the Divine Plan; in this instance, the

planned perfected instrument.
Using the “I” as the reflected appearance of an

essential reality, resolve it back to its reality.
Repeat “I” a few times, contemplating it as a
concept. Then relax the word form and become
receptive to realization.
3. Building the form.
When realization is grasped, throw out another

line. Visualize a line of light extending to the
throat center in the spine. Steadily contemplate
the purpose and goal of the work, as you watch
your abstraction take form.
This involves:
a. Stability. The consciousness must be main-

tained in the ajna center.
132
Lesson 12
b. The abstraction must be allowed to take

form. The consciousness does not interfere
with the work by attempting to build the
form himself. If the realization is held stead-
ily in the ajna and contemplated, along with
its purpose and goal, (much easier than it
sounds) it will build its own form. This is ex-
tremely important.
Now, because you are not yet adept, I must issue a

warning at this point, as well as rules that must be fol-
lowed if you are to steer clear of trouble.
Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to build a

picture of a physical form. Believe me, my brothers, you
are not adequately equipped to receive as yet such a pic-
ture free from glamour. If such a thing should occur,
realize it is the result of an impingement of emotion,
desire or ambition and discard it as such. Your forms, if
the meditation is rightly and honestly motivated, will
consist of those disciplines necessary for you to impose
upon yourself for the sake of progress.
Before using this meditation, eliminate all preconceived

ideas as to what will constitute the realization to be re-
ceived. Then make sure of your motive. Cast out all de-
sire and all ambition; for if that is the impulse motivat-
ing the meditation, it will avail you nothing but trouble.
Do not use this meditation if it is wrongly motivated. To
continue:
4. The alignment of the consciousness focused in

the ajna must be maintained with the head
center via the cave, and the throat center.
5. Projection of the form.
When the form is seen as complete (abstraction realized

in concrete form), it is visualized in the cave. It may be
133
seen just in front of the etheric ajna, but that is a reflec-

tion. The visualization actually takes place in the cave.
The consciousness remains in the ajna, but watches the
cave.
The line is then seen as extending down into the heart

center in the spine. Disciples in the ajna contemplate
their great love for humanity and when the realization
of that love reaches its zenith, they sound the audible
Om, placing, as it were, their created form on the Om.
Remember, the Om carries the expression of their self-
less love.
6. Release of form.
Then speak the words,
“So it is in Divine Law and Order”
and take your mind from the work done.
134
Lesson 12
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
135
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
136
Lesson 12
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
137
LESSON 13
The Body Of Knowledge
And Energies From Past Lives, Part 1
The Problem of Identity,

The Purpose of Experience,
The Goal of Unity
Lesson 13
We come now to that part of the instrument that is

somewhat difficult to consider because of the glamour
attached to the subject. I am speaking anent the body of
knowledge and the energies accumulated over many
past incarnations. This subject, around which so much
glamour has been built, must be clarified, for the past
does constitute a part of the instrument through which
the Soul must work in its service to the Plan.
I have not previously brought this subject into the Light

in the manner that I am now undertaking, for there
were not enough conscious Disciples in the world who
could be depended upon to hold it in that Light. This
condition has been somewhat changed and today I find
those Disciples who can, if they so choose, act as custo-
dians of certain information to be released to others
later as time and right opportunity permit.
As I release this information, I do so with the prayer

that all who receive it will consciously lend their efforts
to pierce the glamour of the past and so bring about an
adjustment of Karma within the human family.
Certain questions have been and should continue to be

posed by so-called thinkers everywhere, if the darkness
of ignorance is to lose its power over the human family.
Some of these questions are:
1. What is my identity? Who am I actually? This

question inevitably brings into the awareness of
thinkers the fact that they are self-conscious en-
tities persisting throughout eternity. They can-
not contemplate their own identities without
realizing their essential Divinity; the fact that
they are eternal (for it is impossible to actually
conceive of not being), and the fact that all other
141
people are as they themselves are; therefore, all

people are their brothers.
At the same time, they come to realize that which they

are not. They are not their physical body, nor their
emotions, nor even their thoughts. They recognize them
as energies they have appropriated and put to use for a
purpose. The purpose they recognize as being experi-
ence, and in this manner they begin to separate them-
selves from the experiences they have undertaken. They
no longer identify their experiences as themselves, but
gradually disentangle themselves from the web of illu-
sion that has held them prisoner for so long.
They are not personalities.
They are neither men nor women, male nor female.
They are not a king, queen, husband, wife, shoe sales-

person, business executive, etc.
They are not wealthy, poor, smart, stupid, ill, etc.
They are the Soul, conscious of themselves as such, and

of the role they are presently playing. Their personality,
their bodies, their status in life, etc., they recognize as
being a part of their experience, and as such, separate
and apart from themselves. This brings them to the sec-
ond question.
2. What is the purpose of all this experience? If

they are not really the personality nor the vehi-
cles of manifestation, then what is the purpose
of these vehicles?
The first answer they arrive at is the evolution of con-

sciousness. That must be the reason; but then again
they become bewildered. If they, as the Soul, are capa-
ble of creating these conditions, it must have been done
142
Lesson 13
with a knowledge of what it would lead to. If that is so,

the very fact of creation presupposes an evolution of
consciousness far in advance of anything they can even
imagine as a goal.
This line of questioning finally brings the realization

that each experience they have known has been but a
phase in the process of building an instrument of contact,
suited for some definite purpose. Hidden within the
depths of the consciousness is the objective for which
they are sacrificing so much, and they know without a
doubt, that evolution of consciousness alone is not the
answer, but only partial, in that it, too, is brought about
with a larger purpose in mind.
Now their mind strains to find the answer, to become

aware of that larger purpose, and because their realiza-
tion of identity is not complete, but an expanding
awareness of reality, the answer comes to them in degrees.
They are building an instrument through which they

can carry out a definite objective.
This building process has been going on over a long pe-

riod of incarnations, and will continue for how many
more, they cannot imagine.
Because of the nature of the vehicles they now inhabit,

they realize that the final one will be a super instru-
ment of contact with the plane of existence upon which
it is being created.
Because they themselves have undertaken to imprison

themselves in form, or substance, and are in a process
of liberation from that form, they realize that the
objective is the final liberation of all consciousness from
form.
143
They involute into matter or substance; vivify and

stimulate the inherent consciousness of substance itself
to awareness, and with it, evolve to liberation from
form. Thus is the marriage of Spirit to Matter, and the
consequent birth of the Son revealed.
They, as pure Spirit, merged with substance, and as the

consciousness of both, are returning home.
Beyond that, humanity’s present comprehension cannot

go. This much, however, does give them a realization of
purpose, great enough to enable them to grasp the con-
cept of Service.
Within each atom of substance is locked a unit of con-

sciousness. As the Spirit appropriates substance and
takes it on as form, It is blending with that imprisoned
consciousness. Its merging stimulates the consciousness
to self-awareness, and thus the liberated Soul is born.
Meditation upon this will bring a greater realization of

Christ’s words, “I and My Father are One.”
We see, then, that all vehicles appropriated in past in-

carnations are in truth one vehicle that is in a process
of construction. Each incarnation was but a step in the
building process; each vehicle but a building block in
the greater Temple.
To ones who create, the ones who in meditation observe

the carrying out of their purpose, the building blocks
are not separated by time and space. To them there is
no time nor space, but only the vast manifestation of
the Plan.
Realize now that you are not your experiences. You are
not a personality, but rather an entity that is utilizing
that personality as an instrument of contact with con-
sciousness. Each experience is a part of that
144
Lesson 13
instrument, and when regarded as such, becomes an

opportunity for service to the Plan itself.
I have given you much in this lesson upon which to

meditate. I shall allow you time to receive and absorb
the realization underlying the words before continuing.
I would advise you to contemplate deeply the meaning
contained in the lesson, before you go on to the next
one. Ask yourself the questions posed on these pages
and write your own answers. Hand the paper in to your
teacher before proceeding with the next lesson.
145
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
146
Lesson 13
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
147
LESSON 14
The Body Of Knowledge
And Energies From Past Lives, Part 2
The past as an instrument of

the Soul, Causal Body, Egoic Egg;
The Monad, Consciousness and
the three permanent atoms;
The redemption of consciousness identified with form;
Past lives and the identification with experience;
The United States and Atlantis:
the karmic obligation of a group Soul;
The glamours of the past;
Karmic relationships between individuals;
Karmic relationships within a group;
The application of Divine Love
to initiate right relationship
Lesson 14
The past is a part of the instrument through which the

Soul must work. It is actually a series of building blocks
which are being utilized in the construction of the super
instrument of contact. This instrument is called the
“Causal Body” or “Egoic Egg”. It is spheroidal in shape,
as are all bodies, and expands with each incarnation un-
til it becomes a sphere of pulsating light of great beauty. It
is constructed of:
1. A positive central life, that which has been

called the “Christ Consciousness”.
This is the true Son of God, the projected consciousness

of the Monad.
2. Three permanent atoms:
a. The mental permanent atom
b. The astral permanent atom
c. The physical permanent atom
Each of these three permanent atoms is a center of con-

tact with three states of consciousness:
a. The individual Spiritual Soul
b. The human Soul
c. The animal Soul
These three states of consciousness constitute:
a. That which has blended with Spirit and

become Light
151
b. That which has reached self-awareness and

stands beneath the Light
c. That which is aware of sensation and

remains in darkness
When Sons of God incarnate, they project a part of their

consciousness into the vehicles that are constructed
around and colored by the three permanent atoms. This
projected consciousness, which is in reality Divine and
Eternal, blends with the form nature and the inherent
consciousness within the form, and tends to identify
with that of which it has become a part. Thus the
awareness loses sight of its real identity and becomes a
prisoner to form, bound in the illusion of the personality.
It must be remembered that the projected consciousness

does not return to its original plane after each incarna-
tion in physical form. Once it has descended into matter
it does not return until it has not only overcome the
limitations of the form nature, but has brought the con-
sciousness inherent in the form to its own enlightened
state of awareness. Thus when it returns it is as it was
in the beginning, plus a new quality or tone derived
from the new consciousness, which has been raised
from inertia to activity. In other words, the Christ Con-
sciousness descended from its high plane of Light to
merge with a state of consciousness that was more or
less inert. In that descent, the Christ took on the condi-
tion of that with which He merged and as a combined
state of the two, is once again returning home.
The evolution of the projected consciousness takes many,

many lives. In between those physical incarnations, the
Soul resides on the plane determined by its own evolu-
tion. It may enter any one of the devachanic worlds ac-
cording to its belief, or as it realizes its identity it may
pass on to the various aspects of the mental plane, into
152
Lesson 14
the Master’s Ashram, etc. It does not, however, return

to the Father until it has become a liberated Son of God.
There are certain types of experience that each Soul un-

dertakes before it reaches consciousness of itself as a
Soul. One of the glamours attached to the subject of re-
incarnation is the curiosity individuals will feel, as to
who or what they may have been in another body. Those
who are particularly unhappy with their present status
in life will invariably “remember or recall”, to use their
words, an incarnation in which they were some great
personage. Seldom do you hear of an individual
“recalling” a former incarnation in which the individual
was nondescript. This has done much to discredit the
whole subject, as well as many other ideas voiced by
those who have no knowledge whereof they speak.
To offset this type of glamour, I shall here list five clas-

sifications of experience into which each one of you who
are capable of understanding this teaching and of serv-
ing the race in its present condition, must have incar-
nated during the past ages.
1. The experiences of murder, rape, adultery,

prostitution, theft, etc. This type of experience is
no longer a necessary part of the manifesting
conditions of the incarnating Soul, because the
human Soul has evolved beyond the polarization
that brought it on. Its persistence is but the
cleaning up of Karma and the continuance of a
racial habit pattern of thought. Disciples can, in
a united effort, throw light upon this condition
and release humanity from its hold.
2. The experience of war.
3. The experience of wealth, of poverty, of ruler, of

servant or slave, of husband, of wife, of mother,
of father, of son, of daughter, etc. This type of
153
experience continues as a necessary manifesting

condition into which the Soul incarnates to achieve
awareness of relationship both to things and people.
4. The experience of meditation; an incarnation or

more in which the major part of the life was
spent in meditation, often as a Priest, Lama, etc.
5. The experience of successful, creative activity.
All of these classifications are experiences that are the

natural result of the overall evolution of the Soul. They
are conditions through which it has lived, but they are
not the Soul itself. To say, “I was a queen”, or any other
great personage in a past life, is ignorance. Nor would
such a statement come from anyone who had achieved
integration with their past. They would realize that
these experiences have been shared with their brothers
and that to have played the role of a queen is no more
important than to have played the role of a mother. The
importance of any incarnation is only in its relationship
to the whole and this should be realized by all disciples.
Another point I should here like to bring out is the fact

that the present civilization, particularly that of the
United States, is a reincarnation of the Group Soul who
formerly incarnated as the Atlantean civilization. This
Group Soul brings with it into incarnation a karmic re-
lationship to the world, which is displayed in the activi-
ties in which it has engaged since its conception. It
comes in during a cyclic period of opportunity in which
the possibility of its karmic adjustment is obvious. Its
role, in the carrying out of that adjustment, is that of
the liberator and the salvager. Its task is the liberation
of the Soul from darkness, and the salvaging of all that
can be considered good out of our present civilization. It
can, if it so chooses, become the peace maker, and bring
an end to the ceaseless wars of the past. All of this ex-
plains why the Hierarchy is giving so much of its atten-
154
Lesson 14
tion to this nation, and why the Truth movement has

gained such strength during recent years.
Within the United States, and, of course, other parts of

the world, there are many disciples who are becoming
aware of the past with its karmic obligation, and the
part which they can play in the adjustment of that
karma. These are the ones who realize the value of group
service and recognize that only through a united group
effort can the final adjustments be made. No one person
can turn the tide of events from destruction to construc-
tion, but the united energies of all disciples of the
Christ can bring in the new era in which peace and
revelation will be the dominating quality.
Therefore, those of you who sense the necessary work

ahead, and those of you who may “recall” something of
the past, waste not your energies in a consideration of
who and what you may think you were or in attaching
importance to that which you have done, may be doing
or are preparing to do. Once again, in service there is no
competition, only cooperation and love.
The glamours of importance, guilt, fanaticism, revenge

(often in the form of violence), and ambition, so com-
pletely surround the past that almost any clear
thinking anent it is impossible. These glamours blind
the perception of students, just as fog will blind the eyes
of a person, so that all they see is blurred and out of
perspective. All students who detect this in themselves
should make it a point to turn the light of the Soul upon
the past and allow the Soul to wash away illusion. Do
not seek knowledge of former incarnations. Do not
speculate with the concrete mind anent these things,
but leave them to the Soul to reveal in its own time.
Another point that I should like to bring to your atten-

tion at this time is the fact of karmic relationship be-
tween brothers; of how it is recognized and adjusted.
155
Remember, the basic relationship between any two

individuals is brotherhood. The form that relationship
may take in the world of the personality is determined
by the inter-related karma which arises from the past,
as well as the attitude with which the association is ap-
proached. Karmic relationships fall into categories that I
shall explain as follows:
1. Physical relationship.
This is the result of past association on the plane of

dense substance and controls, to a certain degree the
family into which the Soul is born. The relationship of
the three permanent atoms to the other permanent at-
oms will often control the ties of the flesh.
2. Emotional relationship.
This can arise out of past association on the emotional

level, where certain ties have been erected and must, as
yet, be transcended before the Soul is free to serve with-
out the limitation of emotional relationship; or it may
be the result of two individuals coming together for the
first time, with a common emotional interest. The latter
is then the beginning or initiation of a karmic relation-
ship that will bring the two back into incarnation to-
gether again and again until it has been adjusted and
all that remains is the Soul tie.
3. Mental relationship.
This relationship is brought about by past mental asso-

ciation or the meeting of minds for a common purpose
and is somewhat easier to adjust than the above, for
mental ties are not so binding, nor so long lasting as
emotional ones.
4. Group relationship.
156
Lesson 14
This is brought about through past association. Groups

of Souls come in and go out together, and in the process
of living they create the conditions into which they are
karmically impelled to serve. This type of relationship
is completely different from that of any other. The Soul
tie is so strong and the realization of a common service
karma so great that it will draw these people together
against tremendous obstacles arising on the plane of
the personality. In spite of personality friction, they will
hold together and eventually arrive at an attitude of co-
operation based upon mutual love and understanding.
Within the group there are certain karmic relationships

that fall into a different classification than the others.
These are a source of difficulty until accepted and un-
derstood by all members of the group, allowing all in-
dividuals to assume their rightful relationship to all
other individuals and to the whole. The relationships are
determined by a number of things; the particular field
of experience in which the Soul has spent the most
time, thus achieving abilities along a certain line, as
well as making karma that must be adjusted in the
course of its service; the Ray makeup of the Soul of the
personality, and the consequent training it has
undergone in the past; the relative evolution of the
incarnating entity and the resultant polarization of the
awareness.
The karmic relationships within a group may be listed

as follows:
1. The group leader.
This individual will constitute the head center of the

group and will provide the 1st Ray drive which will enable
the group to accomplish its purpose.
2. The group guardians.
157
These may be any number of individuals whose experi-

ence has provided them with the Wisdom to balance the
energies of the leader, which may at times be impulsed
without discrimination. These are the disciples who
back the leader, who offer counsel to all members of the
group without discrimination against another member
and who provide the Love Wisdom which holds the
group together as a group. They are the heart center of
the group.
3. The group public relations center.
These are the disciples who are the main points of con-
tact between the group and the environment in which
the group serves. They provide the intelligent activity
aspect, in whatever form is necessary, from the group to
those outside the group. They are responsible for right
relationship between the group and the world, for they
bring the fact of the group to the attention of the outer
world. They act as the throat center of the group.
4. The group nucleus.
This is the subjective group, consisting of the group

leader and a member or members of each of the other
group centers. Together they act as the mind of the
group, carrying the light of the Soul to the brain. They
are the ones who make possible the form through which
the activity of group expression can manifest.
When you sense a karmic relationship on the personal-

ity plane, or an obstacle to the manifestation of group
right relationship, realize that it can be adjusted through
an application of Divine Love and the realization of
brotherhood. Any relationship other than brotherhood is
superficial and at best a substitute for the real thing.
Establish the relationship of brotherhood with all hu-

manity and know peace. Accept the responsibilities
158
Lesson 14
arising out of your present relationships, for you have in

some way earned them, and with Love in your hearts,
establish right relationship within your group, your en-
vironment and the world of humanity.
PEACE BE UNTO YOU
159
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
160
Lesson 14
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
161
LESSON 15
The Seven Rays, The Personality,
and Evolution, Part 1
The causal body and the cave;

The seven rays and the causal body;
The seven rays defined;
The evolution of the Soul and
its utilization of the seven rays
(with an example of the process);
Considerations of the Soul
Lesson 15
Each permanent atom is an aggregate of all experience

that has been undergone on its particular plane. In
other words, the essence of an entire incarnation is ab-
sorbed into each of the three permanent atoms and is,
then, added to all that has gone before.
The causal body or auric egg, as it has been called, con-

tains the reflected consciousness of the Christ; the three
permanent atoms and the outer shell or envelope. It is
contacted in the center of the head in what has been
called the cave, (the brain cavity) just above the pineal
gland. As the personality consciousness becomes aware
of it, it takes form as the light in the head. The “lighted
lamp” is symbolic of this stage of development.
Focused into and through the causal body are the five
dominating Rays that constitute the equipment of the
Soul; the Ray upon which the Soul is found, the three
sub-rays upon which the three vehicles are found, and
the sub-ray that constitutes the way of least resistance
for the integration of the three-fold personality.
This subject of the Rays is a very large one and while I

do not intend this to be a lesson on the Rays, it is neces-
sary that I go into them somewhat in order to clarify my
subject.
There are seven types of Ray energy which are the

seven expressions of Divinity. These Rays, which pour
through the etheric network and its system of centers,
constitutes the sum total of energies apportioned by the
incarnating entity at any given time, for the purpose of
its expression. They enter the system via the causal
body and are released into the three vehicles via the
three permanent atoms, the etheric network and its
centers. For instance, the Ray energy upon which the
165
mental body is found enters the causal body through

the Central Life, is focused into and through the mental
permanent atom and is released to the mental body via
the throat center and the etheric network.
The incarnating entity consciously or unconsciously re-

ceives the energy (usually misinterprets its Divine
meaning or intended expression) and directs it into
those channels that constitute the normal habit pattern
of thought. The response the entity makes to the impact
of energy upon its awareness and its consequent inter-
pretation, determines the experience to follow.
The seven Ray energies are identified as follows:
1. 1st Ray of Divine Will and Power.

2. 2nd Ray of Divine Love-Wisdom.
3. 3rd Ray of Active Intelligence.
4. 4th Ray of Harmony through Conflict.
5. 5th Ray of Concrete Knowledge and Science.
6. 6th Ray of Devotion to an Ideal.
7. 7th Ray of Ceremonial Magic or Divine Law and
Order.
A study of and meditation upon the identification of the

Rays will reveal their Divine Intention, making it possi-
ble for humanity to become a part of the Universal Di-
vine Expression.
All substance is colored by one or another of these Rays,

meaning that it has been impregnated with an inten-
tion. It is then released to the Souls awaiting incarna-
tion. The Soul appropriates certain of that substance
and builds the form through which it will gain experi-
ence. Thus the threefold personality, a conditional state
of existence, is constructed and colored so as to attract
166
Lesson 15
to itself the desired experiences. As an example I shall

draw an hypothetical parallel that will make this more
readily understood.
Consider a 2nd Ray Soul in a process of incarnating. It

has first to consider the Ray makeup of the last
incarnation which was, in this case:
1. Soul Ray — 2nd Ray of Love-Wisdom. That is to

say, the way of least resistance was and still is,
that of inclusive Love.
2. Personality Ray — 3rd Ray of Active

Intelligence. The way of least resistance for the
integration of the personality was constant activ-
ity, in which dramatization and outer organiza-
tion played an important part. Its experiences
were largely dramatic and had to do with form.
3. Ray of the Mental Body — 5th Ray of Concrete

Knowledge and Science. This gave it an analyti-
cal mind capable of organization and one-pointed
purpose.
4. Ray of the Astral Body — 1st Ray of Will and

Power, which gave it a strong dominating emo-
tional body capable of adhering to any realized
plan. This one was capable of sacrifice on an
emotional level to obtain the heart’s desire.
5. Ray of the Physical Body — 6th Ray of Devotion,

which gave it fanatical devotion to and need of a
physical ideal.
It can be seen that in this incarnation the Soul had

little chance of making itself felt, while the personality
had a very good opportunity for integration. The
polarization was in a process of transition from astral to
mental (which was somewhat difficult, due to the power
167
of the 1st Ray astral, and the physical brain recognition

of a needed ideal). The ideal took the form of the
idealized personality due to the power of the astral, the
organization of the mind and the dramatization of the
personality. The incarnation was spent in the endeavor
to glorify the personality and was quite successful
insofar as the awareness of the “I” was concerned.
In this next incarnation, the Soul wishes to continue the

shift of polarization from astral to mental and to stabi-
lize it. The Ray makeup in this case will be:
1. Soul Ray — 2nd Ray of Love-Wisdom.

2. Personality — 3rd Ray of Active Intelligence
Ray (again).
3. Mental Ray — 1st Ray of Will and Power
(transfer from astral to mental).
4. Astral Ray — 6th Ray of Devotion, (transfer
from physical to astral).
5. Physical Ray — 7th Ray of Ceremony, or Law
and Order.
Once again, this integrating Ray is that of Active Intel-

ligence, and this time the personality is more wise in its
interpretation of its meaning. The 1st Ray of power has
shifted to the mental body, giving it more strength and
endurance. The 6th Ray has shifted to the astral body,
bringing the ideal into the emotional nature and provid-
ing a path of least resistance for the expression of the
2nd Ray Soul. The ideal will still concern the glorified
personality, but it will have become an emotional drive
for power. The 2nd Ray Soul will bring conflict to the
personality by its release of Love into the astral body
(which will be interpreted as love on the emotional
level). The love of individuals will be in conflict with the
drive for power. The head will rule, but the heart will
168
Lesson 15
suffer, thus certain karma made in the last incarnation

will be balanced, as well as new karma initiated.
The 7th Ray physical will aid the personality in its abil-
ity to establish order and the end of the incarnation will
see a partial mental polarization, an emotional awareness
of love and a greater integration of the threefold personality.
In the next incarnation this same 2nd Ray Soul will

utilize a:
1. 6th Ray personality.
2. 1st Ray mental.
3. 4th Ray astral.
4. 7th Ray physical.
The mind will become aware of higher purpose; the astral

aware of conflict to a greater degree than heretofore;
the physical still capable of order, but a battleground
for the battle between the mind and the emotions. The
personality will be torn between its devotion to a
realized higher self (Soul) and its devotion to loved
ones.
This one will near the path as a probationer, realize

mental polarization and bring certain disciplines to
bear upon the emotional nature.
It can be seen, then, that the Soul awaiting incarnation,

must consider the following, in the light of the develop-
ment of the incarnating consciousness:
1. The former incarnation; its polarization and de-

gree of integration; its Ray makeup; consequent
experience; and resultant karma.
169
2. The desired polarization and desired degree of

integration; the necessary experience and the
karma to be precipitated; and the consequent
choice of Rays.
3. Its realization of the Divine Plan and the way of

least resistance for Its manifestation.
When the incarnating consciousness has become aware

of Divine Purpose to the extent that it has become an
aspirant, it begins to cooperate with the Soul by an in-
telligent direction of its Ray energy into manifested ex-
pression. It endeavors to aid by consciously shifting the
polarization onto the mental plane and by orienting to
the life of the Soul.
At a certain stage in this development, the disciple is

taught to utilize the past in service. I shall go into this
in the next lesson. In the meantime, contemplate the
meaning of the 7 Rays and write your understanding of
their Divine Intention. Hand the paper in to your
teacher before proceeding with the next lesson.
170
Lesson 15
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
171
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
172
Lesson 15
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
173
LESSON 16
Difficulties And Solutions
To Problems On The Path
Confusion as the aspirant

evolves into the disciple;
Difficulties are left-overs from the past;
Opposition from loved ones;
Transmutation, love and re-orientation
to soul rather than personality;
The wisdom available from the past;
The recognition of patterns
and habits from the past;
Integration with the past
Lesson 16
We are now concerned with the personality conscious-

ness who has become aware of the Soul, is endeavoring
to live as a disciple and has realized the need for Soul
control of the threefold instrument.
It goes without saying that they are rightly motivated

and are dedicated to service. They are often perplexed,
however, and frustrated in their honest desire to serve.
They have realized the Plan to a degree and in attempt-
ing to serve that Plan, meet with obstacles on every
hand; the opposition of loved ones, circumstances that
demand their time and attention and often difficult and
unruly personalities.
This is only natural and a normal condition for all disci-

ples at this stage of the Path. Actually, they are still
more aspirants than disciples, for they have not yet
learned how to shoulder the cross and follow the Christ.
Those of you who find yourselves in this state, stop feel-

ing different, and realize that it, too, is but a transient
experience. It will pass to take its relative place in the
whole. That passing can be more quickly achieved by an
intelligent observation of the situation, and applied
Wisdom.
In the first place, the obstacles they recognize are all

left-overs from the past and can be transcended. Not
only can they be transcended, but they can be utilized
as stepping stones upon the Path to full Soul conscious-
ness. Remember, the Path is found within in medita-
tion. Disciples become the Path as they manifest it out-
wardly. Think on this. It is important.
The opposition of loved ones to their desire for service is

very common and is brought on always by the karma
177
between the two and the disciples themselves. Individu-

als, particularly husbands, wives, children, close
friends, etc., who claim a close personality tie with dis-
ciples and who demand their attention are right in their
demand. This is the first thing disciples must face.
Service does not mean the dropping of one responsibility
for another, but rather the recognition of the present
responsibility and the additional burden of more respon-
sibility. Until the present burden is recognized, accepted
and met, true service is not possible. I would have you
think on this, for all over the world today we find a de-
plorable condition present; would-be disciples building
great glamour anent service, leaving their rightful places
and responsibilities to others and going out into the
world (so to speak) to serve.
The answer, in this case, is to accept your present re-

sponsibility as earned karmic obligation. Transmute
your resentments into Divine Love and allow It to sweep
through the astral nature and into the environment.
Apply the Truth and the realized concepts of service to
those who have claim upon your time and attention,
working with as much love and zeal as you would if doing
that which appears to you as the more desirable.
At the same time, detach from these persons as a per-

sonality and think of them as Souls with all humanity.
Love them, but no more than any other, and out of that
love, serve humanity through them. Remember that in
serving the few, the many are served for are not all inter-
related and inter-dependent?
When you have achieved an inner realization of the

Soul tie, rather than ties of the personality, and have
achieved the ability to establish right relationship in
your environment, all opposition will disappear natu-
rally and without harm to any person.
178
Lesson 16
The situations that demand time and attention are the

disciple’s own making. Clear thinking, love and application
of Truth will change them from obstacles to oppor-
tunities for service.
The unruly personality is a result of the past. Many life-

times of a misdirection of Divine Energy establishes
habits difficult to break.
Disciples should first discover their Ray makeup. This

they do by a meditation upon the intended expression of
the Rays and an intelligent observation of their own
tendencies. They should observe the activities of the
three vehicles and their effect upon the sphere of
influence.
What effect do their thoughts have upon themselves

and others?
Of what type are their thought patterns and what Ray

do these seem to express? Is this expression a positive
or a negative one?
Carry this same observation to the other aspects of the

personality.
The next step for disciples is the discovery of that Wis-

dom that has been carried over, but is apparently dor-
mant. They must be extremely careful in this activity so
as not to awaken that which is definitely undesirable,
such as ancient habits which the race no longer has
need of.
They realize first that in past incarnations they, as

Soul have achieved Wisdom anent situations similar to
those which they now meet. This is not the first time
they have undergone certain experiences, but often
these are repeated again and again out of habit. If they
could but realize it, the answers to many of their prob-
179
lems lie in the consciousness of the Soul. Very often

karma is relived over and over when it could be tran-
scended through Wisdom.
Consider first the problems which have continually re-
peated in this incarnation, for they are most likely the
repeaters of long standing. Stop reacting and take them
into meditation, realizing that you are placing them in
the light of the Soul. Cease trying to formulate an an-
swer with the concrete mind and utilize it as a receiving
station for illumination.
In this manner you will recover much apparently lost

(though only untapped) Wisdom and so become inte-
grated with the past. This does not mean you will arrive
at memory of the past, nor is that desired. It does mean
that you will be expanding your awareness and so
utilizing that part of the instrument in service. Thus
you will have made another step in progress and
stepped up the efficiency of your instrument.
As an assignment, please write what you consider as

constituting your Ray makeup and give your reason for
that conclusion.
180
Lesson 16
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
181
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
182
Lesson 16
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
183
LESSON 17
The Seven Rays, The Personality,
And Evolution, Part 2
Recapitulation of the evolution

of the personality (using example
of personality lives from Lesson 15);
Explanation of future growth
and the coming age of the seventh ray;
A group process for ray determination
Lesson 17
In Lesson 15 I explained how the threefold personality

is constructed and colored so as to attract to itself the
needed experiences. In that lesson I also drew an hypo-
thetical parallel in order to clarify the subject.
In this lesson I shall do the same thing, but from a dif-

ferent perspective. We shall consider the construction of
a threefold vehicle by the Soul whose projected con-
sciousness has arrived at an awareness of purpose and is
therefore consciously cooperating somewhat with the
Soul.
The consciousness in the first incarnation to be consid-

ered has entered the Path as a probationer, has become
aware of the Soul and has realized mental polarization.
It is still engaged in the battle between the pairs of op-
posites. In this incarnation its Ray makeup was:
1. Soul Ray of Love-Wisdom

2. Personality Ray of Active Intelligence
3. Mental Ray of Concrete Knowledge and Science
4. Astral Ray of Power
5. Physical Ray of Devotion
Because of its point in evolution, the consciousness was

vaguely aware of its Soul purpose and the way of inclu-
sive love. This brought conflict to bear, in that its mind
knew love of scientific knowledge, its astral body knew
love of power and its physical brain recognized science
as the ideal. God and religion were scorned, yet this
person’s mind could not escape the realization of a
higher intelligence than that of the brain. The concept
of service spurred this person on in scientific investiga-
tion, which increased this person’s lack of faith in ortho-
187
dox religion, attempts to find a concrete answer to life

and a reluctant belief in what this person called a
supreme or guiding intelligence. The person made many
emotional sacrifices to prove that humanity’s brain was
the only reality, but only proved conclusively that it was
but an instrument for use by some higher, more intelli-
gent being. Thus, this person entered the Path as a
probationer.
In the second incarnation to be considered, this same

Soul is utilizing the following equipment:
1. 2nd Ray Soul

2. Personality Ray of Active Intelligence
3. Mental Ray of Power (transfer from astral)
4. Astral Ray of Devotion (transfer from Physical)
5. Physical Ray of Ceremony, or Law and Order
The individual comes in this time with a background of

unrealized scientific knowledge and is, therefore, natu-
rally drawn to scientific education. The 1st Ray of
Power gives a clear purposeful mind with great endur-
ance and a recognition very early of the Soul.
The Ray of Devotion gives an emotional longing for and

devotion to the Soul and thus this person becomes an
aspirant.
The Ray of Ceremony or Law and Order gives a physical

vehicle capable of organization and drive. This same
Ray colors the brain cells in such a way that they grasp
and reflect Soul purpose and therefore swing the per-
sonality consciousness into a greater awareness of the
inner reality.
188
Lesson 17
The Ray of Active Intelligence accents form, which pro-

vides the conflict between the pairs of opposites; Soul
and form, form and Soul.
This one unconsciously begins real service in this incar-
nation, that of bringing abstraction into concrete form.
This person adjusts much karma and so suffers, but
realization of purpose, steadily integrating con-
sciousness and aspiration, are preparing this individual
for discipleship.
In the next incarnation, this same Soul will utilize the

following equipment:
1. 2nd Ray Soul

2. Personality Ray of Devotion
3. Mental Ray of Power
4. Astral Ray of Harmony
5. Physical Ray of Ceremony, or Law and Order
Slowly the Soul is preparing the projected consciousness

for a 2nd Ray personality and service on the Teaching
Ray. Devotion to an ideal has become the integrating
Ray of the threefold personality, and the ideal is
already well established as the Soul or Higher Self and
the way of inclusive Love.
The astral body has swung on to the 4th Ray of Har-

mony through Conflict and the real battle between Soul
and personality begins. The renunciation makes itself
known to the consciousness as the necessary discipline
and the question of motive enters the awareness.
The astral nature puts up a last ditch fight to regain its

supremacy in the life and affairs of the incarnating en-
tity. Because of its great strength, gained earlier on the
1st Ray of Power, the battle is severe. The mental po-
larization, with its 1st Ray Power, is the stronger, how-
189
ever, and will establish once and for all its control over
the emotions. The battle between Soul and personality
will then shift its focus to the mental plane.
The aspirant will need to beware of a mental tendency
to superiority, pride and a drive for power. Herein lies
danger and choice.
The 7th Ray will give this individual, in this incarna-

tion, much physical magnetism, an intuitive under-
standing of law and an ability to work with form to
advantage.
This incarnation offers great opportunity for progress.

Its finish will see the incarnating entity well
established on either the right or the left hand path,
depending upon its own choice.
This same equipment, if utilized by a Soul whose pro-

jected consciousness had realized discipleship, would be
handled somewhat differently:
1. The Soul Ray of Love-Wisdom would indicate

teaching as the field of service and the disciple
would establish as a teacher of the Ancient
Wisdom.
2. The Personality Ray of Devotion would indicate

some crystallization in regard to Truth, usually
gained during some former incarnation of devo-
tion to a sensed but unrealized, and, therefore,
distorted ideal; a karmic tie and therefore obliga-
tion to the Master Jesus and Christianity; and
the church (usually Catholic), as at least one
area of service karma. In other words, while this
one would be a teacher of Ancient Wisdom, serv-
ice karma would bring this one into the area of
the church. This one’s service, then, would be to
concentrate upon the uniting or synthesizing of
the Eastern and Western philosophies; for the
190
Lesson 17
other aspect of karma (that of the 2nd Ray Soul)

would obligate this one to the East and, there-
fore, the Buddha. This individual’s greater
service, then, would be the bringing of peace to
the disciples of both the Buddha and the Christ.
3. The Mental Ray of Power would give this indi-

vidual a good control of the two lower vehicles,
but provide this individual with conflict. The 1st
Ray tends to isolate, and when predominant in
the mental body, is often separative. The disciple
would necessarily have to detach from the per-
sonality, and will to Love.
4. The 4th Ray of Harmony through Conflict would

provide the Soul with an astral vehicle capable
of transmutation and conflict would be
transmuted into harmony. This would give this
one the intuitive understanding necessary to
work with the Eastern and Western doctrines.
5. The 7th Ray of Ceremony would indicate again a

karmic obligation to either the Catholic Church
or the Masonic movement and would allow the
disciple to work successfully with ritual and
mantric form.
Why have I gone into such detail in Lesson 15, and in

this lesson, when you apparently have such little back-
ground for understanding? The question has two an-
swers, which I shall explain as follows:
With the coming in of the 7th Ray of Law and Order at

this time, much knowledge anent the Rays is overshad-
owing humanity. It is possible for groups of dedicated
disciples to be impressed by this knowledge, and hence,
to aid their own growth by an intelligent understanding
of their own Ray makeup. All individuals have their
own peculiar problems arising out of their peculiar Ray
191
makeup, and their past experiences. An understanding

of their problems will render them more capable of fit-
ting themselves for service, as well as providing them
with the Light to shine upon the Path for their brothers.
When I tell you that it is possible for groups of

dedicated disciples to be impressed by the knowledge of
the Rays, I do not mean that they will receive
communication from an entity or groups of entities. The
Knowledge overshadows humanity and can be intuited
by those who can tune in on the right mental frequency.
Right motive, a sincere love of humanity and meditation
makes this possible.
I am presenting you with an assignment that will, if ac-

cepted, take as many weeks as there are members of
your group and possibly more. The assignment is op-
tional and is to be voted upon. Its acceptance must be
unanimous, if at all, and for that reason, I shall ask you
to consider it very carefully before a vote is taken. The
assignment is as follows:
One member of the group will volunteer each week as a

subject of study by the other members of the group.
They will study the person in the following manner:
1. Attempt to arrive at the individual’s Ray makeup.
2. Discover whether or not it is directed according

to its Divine Intention.
3. Discover the individual’s particular problem and

in what body it is focused.
4. Discover how best the problem can be solved.
They will work as a group, not as individuals, and to-

gether will write up a case record of the person under
192
Lesson 17
observation, which is to be given to their teacher at the

end of each study.
The member under observation will not take part in the

group activity, except as an object of study.
If this assignment is carried out, it will be absolutely

necessary for each member of the group to detach from
the personality and personalities. There will be no fur-
ther lessons until the assignment is either rejected im-
mediately, or carried out to its completion.
I realize that this is a difficult assignment and a test of

the group; therefore, I leave you free to make your own
choice.
PEACE BE UNTO YOU.
193
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
194
Lesson 17
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
195
LESSON 18
The Condition Of The Personality
And Past Actions
Acceptance of the Disciple’s

present instrument;
Attitude concerning personality problems;
Reasons difficulties are present;
Present difficulties as service;
Healing accomplished through right attitude
Lesson 18
We know now that we have a threefold instrument of

contact with the world in which we live and we know
also that it is through this instrument that we are
obliged to serve.
I would say that disciples must not only fit their in-
strument for service, but that this is done by making
right use of that which they already have through some
type of service activity. Our equipment, whatever it
might be, is karmic, in that until we have used it to the
best advantage, we cannot exchange it for better. It
would be wise for student disciples to give this serious
thought. For even should they discarnate, and thus
shed the defects of their physical vehicles, they would
be forced back, under Law, into like vehicles, when
again their cycle of incarnation brought them into
appearance.
We find a condition of procrastination, and at times,

even apathy, among aspirants and would-be disciples,
due to the type of equipment with which they are forced
to work. Often they sit back, entering not into service
because of some handicap that renders them immobile.
There is the common belief among them that later
(when they are better equipped), they will take their
places among the hard workers of the race. My
brothers, this is not so, for aspirants or disciples will
not be better equipped until they have utilized that
which they have for the betterment of their brothers.
It is then up to the incarnating consciousness to put its

threefold instrument into right use and thereby free
itself of that which serves as a handicap. Think on this,
for there is among you much distortion anent this sub-
ject. All of you, and I say “all” with deliberate intent,
199
are handicapped in some manner, in one, or more often,

all three of the instruments.
Some disciples are forced to function through instru-
ments that are more of a handicap than those of their
brothers, such as the physically deformed, maimed,
crippled, blind, deaf, etc. Many carry the burden of long,
drawn out illnesses, pain, etc., but all share this condi-
tion to a greater or lesser degree, dependent upon indi-
vidual karma.
Forget not that there are handicaps found in the astral

and mental vehicles, as well as the physical, and that
these, too, must be recognized, understood and put into
right use.
In its larger aspect, this condition is planetary karma,

the seeds of which were sewn long ago in a previous
system. It manifests in the various kingdoms in nature
(in proportion to the contributing factors associated
with that kingdom) and in individuals according to their
relative position within their kingdom; that is, their
evolutionary status and previous choice.
What does this mean to student disciples? Very simply

that their defects, whatever they may be, are the result of:
1. Previous choice as to the use made of the

instrument.
2, Their evolutionary status, meaning that the in-

strument is a reflection in time and space of the
incarnating consciousness, reflecting therefore,
its growth and lack of growth.
3. Their service karma, which is a product of the

above two, plus the service plan decided upon by
the Soul, and this often entails sacrifice. In other
words, a Soul may build a defective instrument in
order to render a specific service. By taking on
200
Lesson 18
certain conditions, the more advanced conscious-

ness can serve the race by eliminating the condi-
tion, as such, from race mind consciousness, or
more correctly, by transmuting the condition into
its polar opposite. A distortion is transmuted
into a perfection.
When this is the case, the disciples will be seen to be

working, to be serving, because of, not in spite of, the
handicap. The consciousness is so advanced that such
ones are not apathetic, nor do they procrastinate. Think
on this, my brothers.
All of these things have to be considered by the disciple

as regards healing. All disciples are, to a greater or lesser
degree, interested in the art of healing; often because of
some difficulty of their own or one of a brother.
Once disciples realize what is really meant by Spiritual

healing, much will be accomplished in the world of
form, but it will not be done through undue attention to
form. The attention has been given to the wrong aspect,
that is, the correction of a physical defect, thus very
little has been done of lasting value.
I would have you realize, my brother, that in every de-

fect there is Divine Intent. Discover that intent and you
will discover the means of correcting the defect. Do not
look upon a form manifestation, regardless of its
nature, as something which should not be. Realize that
Divine Purpose underlies every appearance and that
that Purpose is the evolution of consciousness.
The appearance of a defect in the instrument is but an

indication of an area of consciousness into which the
light of the Soul has not penetrated. Here there is dark-
ness. What else but ignorance, my brothers? Through a
process of meditation, acceptance and right use, the
201
consciousness becomes the recipient of light and defect

is corrected.
How is this done?
1. By recognizing the handicap, whatever it may

be, as a part of the equipment with which you
serve humanity.
2. By accepting that equipment as advantageous

and opportune.
3. By meditating upon its Divine Intent or intended

expression in line with Divine Purpose.
4. By putting it into right use, expressing its

Divine Intent.
Please look to your own equipment. As an assignment,

discover its defects, so-called, and arrive at an under-
standing of their Divine Intent. Hand in the written pa-
per to your teacher.
PEACE BE UNTO YOU.
202
Lesson 18
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
203
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
204
Lesson 18
Notes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
205

The Soul and Its Instrument

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Soul and Its Instrument

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Soul and Its Instrument

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the two main responsibilities of individuals in a group according to the text?

What are the two main responsibilities of individuals in a group according to the text?

What challenges does a group face as it expands?

What challenges does a group face as it expands?

LESSON 1

Introduction To Group Work

Most of the individuals who receive this second series of

For the sake of those who may still be on the borderline

1. Group Responsibility to the World Group and

The group as a whole realizes its purpose as service. For

The group realizes that it is not alone in this endeavor,

It recognizes that at the head of this World Group

The small group, actually in the state of infancy, then

During this same period of expansion the group as a

Thus the group passes Initiation and becomes an

2. Individual Responsibility to the Group:

This is the stage in which I now find most of you. You

Remember again, the purpose of the group is not your

Most of you are now ready to receive technical in-

Others of you may not as yet have entered into outer

probationer). Consider the connotations of this fact and

I should here like to insert a bit of advice to all of you.

To the rest of you, I, on behalf of my brother disciples,

As you have no doubt observed, the second series is

At the end of the first series students are inevitably

They have by this time become aware, at least in part, of

Then let us presume, for the purpose of this series, that

In order to better do this, let us clarify what is meant by

it is no longer identified with the personality, its incarnations

I stated previously that this series of instructions is de-

At the same time the student is engaged in the evoca-

If you have properly analyzed yourselves you have be-

Knowledge of this poses a test for students, does it not,

I do not order you to discipline yourselves. I merely

In the light of this, my brothers, I suggest that you con-

Before proceeding with this series, I shall ask you to

PEACE BE WITH YOU

In this lesson we shall begin our study of the constitution

We shall break down the human atom, as it is called, into

As regards your experimentation, proceed with extreme

The three major aspects of the human atom are:

This is the positive central life that is characterized by the

You may or may not have heard of Monadic conscious-

consciousness of the One rather than the many, having

The plane that is known as Divine Mind is the home of

2. The Soul or consciousness aspect.

This has been defined so many times and in so many ways

The Soul is consciousness and we find it in many differ-

We spoke of this in the first lesson of the series as being

It is related to the negative electron that is characterized

In considering these three major aspects I shall give you

Each of these three aspects is also a triplicity and for

Let us now consider these three major aspects from a

Monadic energies move in a straight line forward, thus

Solar energy moves in a spirallic pattern, thus we have

Personality energy moves in a rotary pattern, thus we

Time and space as we know them are phenomena of

Affinity or attraction is a phenomenon of Solar energy.

Progress is a phenomenon of Monadic energy.