2004-1 - RC Heritage

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

1/40

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

2/40

The Rosicrucian Heritage No.1 2004

Mail To: Scribe MSRH, Rosicrucian ParkState Housing Estate, P.M.B. 1220Calabar, Nigeria

Tel: 087-230340 --Fax: 087-235497Email: [email protected]

Programme of Events:

Grand Opening

Public Seminar

Drama

Symposium

Light Bearers/SIROC

Traditional Martinist Order

RCUI Classes

NIGERIA 2004

ROSICRUCIAN REGIONAL CONVENTION

NOVEMBER 19-21, AT THE NICON HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA

HONOURED GUESTS INCLUDE:

THE IMPERATOR ,THE GRAND MASTER, THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

AND OTHER NOTABLE PERSONALITIES

To empower us in transcending our limitations

TRANSCENDINGLIMITATIONS

Be there... Be part of an enriching Experience!

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

3/40

The Rosicrucian Heritage -- No.1 2004

1

COVER PAGE

INITIATION INTO THE ROSE

CONTENTS

Published biannually by theROSICRUCIANORDER, AMORC

(Europe and Africa)REGIONALADMINISTRATION

State Housing Estate, PMB 1220,Calabar, Cross River State,

NIGERIA

Published biannually by theROSICRUCIANORDER, AMORC

(Europe and Africa)REGIONALADMINISTRATION

State Housing Estate, PMB 1220,Calabar, Cross River State,

NIGERIA

Tel: 087-230340; 235495;235670

01-4961402 (Lagos State) TeleFax: 087-235497 Email: [email protected] Web: www.amorc.org

Statements made in this publication

are not the official expressions

of the organisation or its officers

unless declared to be official

communications.

All material in the Rosicrucian

Heritage is copyright and may not be

reproduced in any form without the

prior consent of the publishers andindividual contributors.

Changes of address must reach us

by the first of the month preceeding

publication.

Statements made in this publication

are not the official expressions

of the organisation or its officers

unless declared to be official

communications.

All material in the Rosicrucian

Heritage is copyright and may not be

reproduced in any form without the

prior consent of the publishers andindividual contributors.

Changes of address must reach us

by the first of the month preceeding

publication.

Issued free to members as an

incidence of membership

Issued free to members as an

incidence of membership

Director:Kenneth U. Idiodi

Director:Kenneth U. Idiodi

Volume 11 - No:1

2 Contribution to Peace in Africa

3 Unveiling the Mystery of Self- by Fred Flanagan, FRC

6 Sanctum Musings: AMORC and Society- by Kenneth U. Idiodi, FRC

8 Materialism and the Mystical Life - by Ralph M. Lewis, FRC

10 Peace and Security- by Daniel Bernard, FRC

12 Birth of a New Consciousness - by Martha Jane Fast, SRC

15 True Reality- by Richard Beardsley, FRC

16 Calm: A Small Word with Great Power - by Rosemarie Niles, SRC

18 The Triangle in Cause and Effect- by Edgar Wirt, FRC

21 Meditation on Brotherhood- by William H. Clark, FRC

22 The Soul of the World- by H. Spencer Lewis, FRC

24 Solitude and Inner Peace- by Roland Merullo, FRC

26 The Book Review: Mansions of the Soul - by H Spencer Lewis, FRC - Reviewed by Paul Goodall, FRC

29 A Prickly Situation - by Affectator

30 Death or Transition- by Matthew Miller, FRC

32 Waiting - by Helen Branson

33 Rain- by Gwen Moore, SRC

34 Improving Our Emotions - by Arthur Manley, FRC

36 The Prayer of Our Lord

ISSN 1118-0242ISSN 1118-0242

Design and Layout:Paul GoodallDesign and Layout:Paul Goodall

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

4/40

For more about Rosicrucians write to:

ROSICRUCIAN ORDER,AMORCRosicrucian Park, State Housing Estate, P.M.B. 1220 Calabar,

Cross River State, Nigeria.Tel: 087 230340, TeleFax 087- 235497,

Lagos Office: Tel: 01-4961402.Email: [email protected]

Web:www.amorc.org


I contribute to Peace in Africa when I strive to express the bestof myself in my contacts with others.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I use my intelligence andabilities to serve Good.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I feel compassion towardall who suffer .

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I see all men and women asmy brethren and sisters, regardless of culture or religion.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I rejoice over the happinessof others and pray for their well-being.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I listen with tolerance toopinions that differ from mine or even oppose them.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I resort to dialogue rather

than to force to settle disagreements.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I respect nature and preserveit for generations to come.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I do not seek to impose myconception of God upon others.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I make Peace the foundation

of my ideals and philosophy.

2

Contribution toPeace in Africa

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I strive to express the bestof myself in my contacts with others.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I use my intelligence andabilities to serve Good.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I feel compassion towardall who suffer .

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I see all men and women asmy brethren and sisters, regardless of culture or religion.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I rejoice over the happinessof others and pray for their well-being.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I listen with tolerance toopinions that differ from mine or even oppose them.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I resort to dialogue rather

than to force to settle disagreements.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I respect nature and preserveit for generations to come.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I do not seek to impose myconception of God upon others.

I contribute to Peace in Africa when I make Peace the foundation

of my ideals and philosophy.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

5/40


3

rom the mystical point of view, self masterymeans mastery of ones life through theagency of the higher aspects of Self. Butwhat is this self which is to be masteredand how is it different from the Self?Self

is defined as the consciousness we have when we sayI. This consciousness of I has different meaningsat different levels of understanding.

It is important to bear in mind that anymystical idea brought down to the level of the brain

consciousness loses most of its mystical content.Therefore, the ideas presented here should beregarded as a symbolic representation of realityrather than being reality itself.

Language is limited. It cannot be used toexpress colour to the blind nor sound to the deaf andcannot be used to express truth. Truth, being abovethe limitations of language, can only be expressedsymbolically or by analogy, and the comprehensionof truth so expressed is relative to the understandingof the recipient.

To begin with, Self cannot actually be dividedinto compartments. However, in order that the

idea of Self can be examined, let us assume that itis divided into threeparts: a finite limited aspect,an infinite manifested aspect and an infinite un-manifested aspect. The finite limited aspect couldbe called I am me. The infinite manifested aspectcould be called I am. The infinite un-manifestaspect could be called I.

The finite limited aspect of Self, or Iam me,is what most people mean when speaking of self andis that aspect of Self which is manifest physically

and to a certain extent psychically. This Self is egocentred. By ego is meant the sense of I at the physical/psychic level of consciousness. At this level, self isconceived as being mortal, finite, and separated fromother selves and things. The consciousness of self isfocused into one limited idea, I am me. I am notanyone or anything else. I am me.

At this level of conscious awareness it islogical to be selfish because selflessness is conceivedto be antagonistic to the welfare of this self that isme. It may be that lip service is paid to the idea of

selflessness, but the ego accepts such ideas as theoryrather than fact.

by Fred Flanagan, FRC

by Fred Flanagan, FRC

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

6/40


4

The level of consciousness above this limitedunderstanding of self is I am.

I am is one step removed from the particular,focused or pinpointed manifestation, I am me.

I am is similar to a light source casting manyshadows. The shadows aremultiple. The source oflight is one. The aspect of Self called I am is infiniteand manifests at the same time. It isBeingexpressingin all creation. It is unitymanifesting in duality. Atthis level ofconsciousness, Self is not separated fromall of creation, but is one with it. At thelevel of Iam, Self supersedes time and space.

Self is of the Soul essence and is divine. It isGod personalized. It could be compared to a beautifulpiece of music. Music as expressed is modified by theinstrument and by the player so that each expressionof it is different from the original and yet is the same

composition. In like manner Self expresses throughpersonality and the expression of it differs accordingto the personality through which it expresses. Thusthe one Self has an infinite variety of expressions. Oneway of representing I am is to think of a bicyclewheel. There is one central hub with a multiplicity of

spokes. The hub represents I am and the outer endof each spoke represents I am Mary, I am John,I am me, and so forth. At the periphery there ismultiplicity, separateness. At the hub there is unitywhich expresses in multiplicity.

At the level of consciousness represented byI am, selfishness becomes illogical because of theawareness of oneness. You should not only love yourneighbour as yourself, in reality he is yourself! What

is done to another is done to yourself, and at this levelof consciousness - the Iam-this fact is self-evident.

Community of Cells

To examine this idea further, consider the body asa community of cells, each dependent on the otherand each with a separate awareness of itself, i.e., withnerve cells always acting as nerve and muscle cellsalways acting as muscle in the normal, harmoniousbody environment. Should a cell negate the laws of

its existence and act individually without referenceto the harmonious interrelationship of the whole, a

cancerous condition might eventually arise whichwould become detrimental to the health of the totalbody and eventually to the rebellious bilious cellitself. We are in a similar interrelationship to thecollective being ofMan. Each of us is an individualexpression of Mankind and each is an essential,differing part of the whole.

We have individual freedom of choice andcan choose to live in harmony with the law andorder of the Cosmic or otherwise. To live selfishlywithout regard for others causes problems to onesself and adds to the suffering of the human race asa totality.

At the level of I am, selfishness is naturallyreplaced by selflessness, andservicebecomes logical.There is no praise expected for service rendered. Itis simply logical and necessary.

The next level of Self is designated as I.I is infinite, un-manifest, and undifferentiated.

It is unity. It is neither positive or negative, selfish orunselfish, good or bad. I is everything, that is, inidea or potential. In the simile of the bicycle wheel,I would be the hole in the hub. The I gives shape

to the Divine I am, so Self, then, isa continuum ranging from the ego-centred idea of self, the I am mewhich is limited, to the I which isunlimited. It is necessary to keep in

mind that this dividing of Self intoseparate compartments is artificial

and is only done so that the idea can be considered.Self is Oneand is not separated in actuality.

The Soul personality, the divine being which isthe real I am, enters the infant body with the firstbreath and immediately tries to assert its dominionover the physical consciousness of the body.

The body is a wonderful machine, equippedwith a marvellous micro-computer, the brain,which is designed to be programmed by the Soul

personality. The brain will act exactly according tothe laws governing its function, so if it is programmedproperly it will act as the Soul personality dictatesand the body will follow accordingly. At first this ismostly what happens. The Soul personality via theego (theam me)makes the decisions, and the braincarries them out. For example, the decision is madefor the body to walk. The ego wills the brain to sendmessages to the necessary muscles, and walking takesplace. In the child; this is clumsy at first and occupiesall his conscious attention, but as the decision is made

again and again, the brain becomes programmed forwalking and we say a habit is formed.

The body is a wonderful machine, equipped witha marvellous micro-computer, the brain, which isdesigned to be programmed by the Soul personality.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

7/40


5

The Mechanism of Habit

Habits are efficient mechanisms and atthis point walking becomes automatic, no longerrequiring the focused, conscious attention of the ego,thus freeing the consciousness for other things.Theability of the brain to form habits is necessary andwe could not functionefficiently without them; butit should be remembered that habits by nature areunconscious responses. If this were not true, habitscould not fulfil their purpose.

However, the brain is also amenable to beingprogrammed by the I am me, the ego, alone andwithout the egos reference to the Soul personality,the I am. In the majority of people, for a varietyof reasons which often conform to societys

values, the ego then retires behind theprogrammed brain, allowing it to performthe functions of acting and thinking whichhave become habitual. In the process, the egoforgets that it is an extension and expressionof a divine being, the I am which inhabitsa body, and is the original programmer ofthe brain. The body then becomes the prisoninstead of the temple of the Self.

It is illuminating to become aware ofthe extent of habitual thought and action

in our own lives. In most human beings,habitual thought and action dominate muchof their lifetime. But because habits areunconscious or instinctive, habitual, its existenceis rather akin to sleepwalking. Unfortunately, alife dominated by habit or instinct alone does notallow the higher aspects of self to manifest in theincarnation. Therefore, it is often only at the end ofthe incarnation when the body ceases to function andthe Self steps aside from the physical vehicle, that therealisation might come that here was another wasted

life time, and one where little was done with the lifethat was given!

The Higher Aspects of Self

As consciousness evolves, the light of the Divine Selfwithin shines more and more through the personality,and the choices made by the ego are characterizedmore and more by this light until there comes a pointwhere the ego consciously surrenders to the Divineand willingly allows the higher aspects of Self to

operate fully. It is necessary that the ego consciouslydesires and wills this sacrifice because matter is the

sphere of the ego and by law choice belongs to it inits sphere.

Surrendering is not done easily nor can it beaccomplished by any mental gymnastics. The desireand will to make this decision must be made againand again until this becomes operative!At bits first,the ego that has limited understanding of itself mightfeel that it will be exposed and helpless, thereby notrealising that surrendering leads to fulfilment andto a condition of self-mastery in which the strengthis sufficient to stand the light without fear. As thepersonality becomes flooded with the light of theSoul, the Self awakens to its potential and the truewill becomes operative for the first time.

The causes of phenomena appear to originatein the material world but only appear so because of

the limitations of the brain consciousness. In reality,the causes of phenomena lie in the higher levels ofconsciousness, at the level of I and I am. Thelogic of these higher levels is from causes to effectwhilst the logic of the lower levels is from effect backto causes. Decisions made according to the dictates ofthe higher aspects of Self are in accord with cosmiclaw and are karmic and are beneficial. Many decisions

made with the limitations of the intellect, however,can lead and often do lead to a chaotic condition.

One can choose to be like theFool who carriesover his shoulder a sack containing the four magicsymbols, the existence of which he is not awareof because he has never opened the sack. Or onecan choose to be like the one who uses the samesymbols with mastery. If one would exhibit themastery of self and life, it is necessary to allow thehigher aspects of Self to manifest in the incarnation.Then and only then can life be lived fully and with

joy as intended. Only then can one be a consciousexpression of Man.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

8/40


6

of their learning.True to its declared objectives the Rosicrucian

Order, AMORC, as a world wide organisation,

organises continuous research under the auspicesof the Rose-Croix University International (RCUI).Individual members throughout the world areencouraged to conduct research into natural andspiritual laws and phenomena. Contributing to thecentral pool of research findings is a carefully selectedcorp of experts in various disciplines drawn fromdifferent parts of the world, including Nigeria. Thiscorp is officially known as the International ResearchCouncil of AMORC. Here in Nigeria, our own IRClecturers conduct Rose-Croix University Extension

Classes in various cities from time to time.Education is perhaps the principal ingredient

in the development of a free and enlightened society.As a former Nigerian Head of State the Owelle ofOnitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, repeatedly emphasisedshow the light and the people will find the way.AMORC is an educational organisation, so stipulatedand defined by its Articles of Incorporation, and byits recognition as such by every government of everyland in which it operates. Its educational programmeserves to build character and integrity and bring

practical knowledge to its members in the followingmanner:

AMORC and Societyby Kenneth U. Idiodi, FRC

SanctumusingsM

e live in a dynamic world of change; aworld that has become a global villageif not indeed a global family. It is also

a world of political instability, socialmalaise and economic depression in

many countries, especially the developing nations.Living and functioning as we do in todays ratherhostile environment, a question is often asked: Inwhat way does the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC servesociety, serve people in general and contribute tonation building and a better world?

This question arises out of a popular notion,that in order to serve society an organisation mustitself provide some tangible good to each individual,

or at least to a large majority of them, as does theRed Cross, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides or othervarious service clubs. It must be emphasised thatthese kinds of groups are doing a marvellous jobaccording to their respective missions. However,it is not necessarily the nature of an educationalinstitution to provide such services. The role of aneducational organisation is to develop the hearts andminds of students; to provide society with artisans,technicians, knowledgeable parents, teachers, leaders,public servants or professionals, and especially build

character and integrity in these students who mustthen touch the rest of society, and bring the benefits

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

9/40


7

Our main purpose is to build human beings who

will exercise their Rosicrucian training in creatinga better Nation today and tomorrow.

By emphasising self-reliance: Rosicrucian studentsare made acquainted with natural laws; primarilythe law of compensation that for every actionthere is an equal and opposite reaction. There isno getting without giving. There is no rewardunearned. There is no achievement withouteffort. There is no magic or supernatural powerthat can override their own determination.By emphasising the here and now: Rosicrucianstudents are trained to concentrate on thematters of the day, not to dwell on the past oron tomorrow. If todays responsibilities areproperly tended to, tomorrow will take careof itself.By emphasising positive thinking: Rosicrucianstudents are encouraged to carry positive andconstructive thoughts in all their endeavours;

to carry in their hearts, thoughts of goodness,love, kindness, health and justice.By emphasising the preservation of harmony:Rosicrucian students are taught that harmony ismans supreme goal; that it is their obligation tobring harmony into their lives and into the livesof those with whom they live; to find harmonythrough discussion, learning and sharing withothers.By s t re s s ing v i r tue andmorality: Rosicrucian students

are instructed in the valueof right living, based onnatural and spiritual laws.The discipline of Nature itself is demonstrated,and again, the natural principle of compensationis emphasised. This instruction provides a clearerpicture of universal justice. The student actsrightly because he knows why he must.By its nationwide presence: The RosicrucianOrder, AMORC has several affiliated bodiesthroughout Nigeria, as indeed in many countries,

with temples that have facilities such aslibraries that are open to members as wellas non-members for educational purposes andpublic enlightenment. The word lodge, whichunfortunately has to some persons becomeopprobrium, has been used by the RosicrucianOrder, AMORC for several centuries to designatequite simply a meeting place for the mutualexchange of ideas and intelligence, relating tothe proper assimilation and practical applicationof the principles released by correspondence

through the official monographs.B y e x a l t i n g t h e v i r t u e s o f s e r v i c e :

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Rosicrucian students are extolled to serveGod and Humanity, that by so doing they servethemselves; that in service to family, neighbourand state, they work for the common good, andfrom the common good they derive sustenanceand happiness. This is the basis for our daily,weekly and monthly medifocus sessions ashumanitarian programmes. We know that withgood thoughts, good words and good deeds weassist God to create a better nation and a betterworld. We are able to create in our own smallsphere as we have been created by God in alarger sphere.

We all know that in recent years, and especiallydue to the falling standards in education as well asthe social and economic turbulence of the times,we have been passing through an era when many

Nigerians as well as the rest of humanity have becomeincreasingly concerned, if not even disenchanted,with the trend of human civilisation. The erosionof decent, customary and traditional practices, thedecline in cultural values, as well as the ardour andenthusiasm with which shamelessness is paradedin the name of so-called fashion, are worrisometrends. On the positive side, our local experienceof a depressed economy is exciting the creativity

of Nigerians who have now mutually agreed thathitherto we have wasted, misused or underrated thetremendous natural and human resources that theSupreme Intelligence has endowed us with.

The Order is primarily a cultural, educationaland philosophical organisation and although weare not traditionally identified with the erection ofelaborate physical edifices for the general or formal

type of education, it must be emphasised that ourmain purpose is to build creative, resourceful, self-reliant and altruistic human beings who in turn willexercise their Rosicrucian training and initiativeconstructively in creating a better Nation todayand tomorrow, through their spiritual and materialcontributions to the larger community, of whichthey are a part. It is now generally acknowledgedthat the primary, secondary and university educationwe receive is not only inadequate but regretfullysometimes irrelevant in our practical daily application

in terms of self-mastery or self-reliance when it comesto facing squarely the problems of life.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

10/40


8

here is still extant a traditional belief thatknowledge of the sciences is inherentlyan obstacle to mystical insight andspirituality. Even today the votaries of

some of our present-day religious sectsconsider universities and colleges to be seats ofiniquity.

They insist that having faith in God suffices,that He will provide for man. They say that thesciences are invading the sanctity of the Divine realmand are, therefore, iniquitous. This view is simply acontinuation of the conflict between rationalism, thespread of learning, and church dogmatism. At first,this view was exclusively expounded by the RomanChurch. Now, illiberal Protestant sects further it.

From the point of view of these religious sects,education does appear to be iconoclastic. Education

has broken, with its evidence, the superstitious imagesand concepts which these sects believed to be theword of God. One example, which is representativeof many of such instances, is the arbitrary dateassigned by the literal-minded and theologians, as toexactly when the world was created by God. Geology

and related sciences, of course, can only theorise asto the exact time when the Earth came into existence.However, scientists can prove that the Earth didcome into existence eons ago to a time before thedate decided upon by the theologians.

Although scientists have substituted facts forBiblical fancies, they do not actually strike at the heartof religion, at its immanent purpose. Yet the illiberalreligionist considers anyone who has the audacityeven to move a comma in the Bible as committinga sacrilege.

The purpose of true science is not to refuteor antagonise religion. Science is searching for truth

Our Rosicrucian programmes of instruction,through the graded monographs and affiliatedbody temple activities, such as forums, symposia,workshops, convocations, conclaves and conventions,are so enlightening and pragmatic that they fill thegaps in our formal education to provide the Nationwith developed soul-personalities who have a holisticappraisal of factors that are conducive to societalwelfare and development. Our intimate attunementwith the creative, constructive Cosmic forces and theconsciousness of God offers us the unique insight,foresight and intuition for effectively tackling human

problems at personal, communal, national and globallevels, especially with our ready understanding thatthere is a solution to every problem.

Rosicrucians build human beings to build theNation and promote a better world. There can beno greater contribution than that because the bestassets of any Nation are its citizens, the individualunits that make up the whole. From all the foregoing,it is evident that Rosicrucians are dependable nationbuildersand the architects and promoters of a betterWorld Order for humanity.

by Ralph M. Lewis, FRC

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

11/40


9

through the experience of observation and by reason.Religion, on the other hand, implied realities, whichit calls faith. Unfortunately, however, some scientistsare also illiberal. They will not countenance religionas a factor of importance in society in any sense. Theyrejoice in the exposing of erroneous religious ideas.They exploit these mistakes in such manner and withsuch evident gratification as to make it appear thatscience is the sworn enemy of religion.

A Divine Order

The real scientist knows the need for religion. Heknows that the emotional and psychical elementsof mans being cannot wholly be satisfied by reasonalone. Humans experienced sentiments and moodsfor thousands of years before they developed

rationalisation to a high degree. The scientist whorealises this, endeavours to integrate his discoverieswith the basic beliefs of religion. He will try toexplain that even if the Earth is the consequence ofa stream of matter pulled from a star passing tooclose to the Sun, this does not deny a Divine orderbehind such a phenomenon. He willpoint out that the mechanics of theEarth and its development do notdetract from the religious premiseof a First God Cause. On the other

hand, progressive religion, awareof the tremendous influence whichscience is exerting upon the public mindas a resultof its miracles, is seeking to correlate the two.Progressive religion takes the attitude that even thebiological sciences are but demonstrations of Godslaws, and are neither exceptions nor refutations ofthem.

It is not the first time that religion has beenfaced with the need for changing its dogmaticviews to keep pace with materialism. The revival

of Aristotelians during the Middle Ages compelledSt. Thomas Aquinas to arrange all knowledge in ahierarchical order. He embraced science as explainingthe physical aspects of existence, but to the churchhe left the realm of God. The realm of revelationwas said to transcend mortal reason. Religion, then,without compunction could condone chemistry,physics, geology, astronomy and other physicalsciences.

In effect, what religion postulated was thatGod is supreme, transcending every physical law and

phenomenon which man may discover and develop.The more man expands his temporal knowledge, the

more he elevates God. Worldly knowledge resemblesblocks in a pyramid; the more blocks, the greater themass and the height of the pyramid, but the apex isalways God.

The real mystic today has no quarrel withintellectualism. It is necessary to broaden our mindsand sharpen our wits. Reason is a blade that growsdull if not whetted by thought. Mysticism merelyadmonishes the thinker in his explorations of reality,not to travel so far that he loses sight of self. If hedoes that, his knowledge will embitter him. He maybecome so cynical that life itself will seem futile.Some of the greatest scientists have been mysticsas well, or have had a strong religious sense. Imreferring to such renowned scientists as Kepler,Burroughs, Morse, Harvey and Faraday.

As one cannot measure, bottle, or weigh an

emotion, one should not try to apply quantitativemethods and the procedure of the physical sciences tothe psychic nature of man. When such is attempted,intellectualism is being wrongly applied. Such wrongpractices produce intellectual human machines,fiends with cold calculating minds, who are unfeeling

and who would even destroy their own kind. Whenthe only spark that burns within one is intellectual,we then have a human robot whose usefulness islimited.

Some people claim that to conduct businesstoday one must resort to practices and dealings whichoften are inconsistent with personal idealism andmoral sense. Of course, it is first necessary that wedo not become unbalanced in our idealism. We must

not, for example, consider that it is cosmically wrongto achieve material success, to accumulate wealth, tobe an executive, to find pleasure in the battle of witswhich business consists. There is nothing, inherentlywrong in any of these things. Idealism is false if it isnot compatible with the necessary requirements ofdaily life. To be governed by the cosmic principleof unselfishness does not mean that you should notstrive for and gain material ends. It does, however,proscribe trespassing upon the natural rights ofothers, or to use your gains to injure others or prevent

them from the pursuit of happiness to which theyare cosmically entitled.

The real scientist knows the need for religion.He knows that the emotional and psychicalelements of mans being cannot wholly be

satisfied by reason.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

12/40


10

he car was going fast, too fast. The drivercould not swerve quickly enough to avoidthe embankment. The passenger, afterusing a technique she had learned, wasthrown from the car before it exploded.

A man lay quietly in his bed while a thiefsearched the dark room. The intruder padded towardthe bed and raised his gun to the apparently sleepingmans head. The sleeping man used a silent methodof self-defence and the thief ran from the house infear.

The Japanese sat and calmly ate his bowl offood. Before the burly samurai sneaking up behindhim could slice off his head, the man turned anduttered a powerful shout. The samurai dropped hissword and fled.

The mystic can recognize and understandsecurity methods more deeply than the non-mysticcan, and need not usepopular techniques only inrepelling danger, as the above examples show. Manhas always felt threatened, and consequently hasalways tried to be secure. Upon casually reading a

newspaper, one can see that countries are armed,and that banks, warehouses, and large organizations

use security forces to protect their interests. Homesare made safe and secure with smoke detectors,watchdogs, fences, locks, and even guns. Many citydwellers either know some form of self-defence,however limited, or carry a weapon or knowof another way to repel an attacker or attract apoliceman. Cars are equipped with many safetydevices, too.

The mystic uses his keen eye to observe thelaws of nature. He sees that security is one of naturesmost freely given gifts, and that many creatures

have built-in self-defence mechanisms. The rose hasits thorns, a rhino its armour and horn; there areteeth, claws, wings and poisons in the wild. Eventhe simplest forms of life eject or avoid somethingdangerous.

Security Mechanisms

Within the human body there are count le ssmechanisms of security. Skin reasserts itself afteralmost any injury and is impervious to many

threatening conditions. The eyelashes are protective,as well as the hairs of the nostrils. The eye washes

Peace and Security...walk abroad without fear...

by Daniel Bernard, FRC

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

13/40


11

away foreign particles with tears. The body filtersout many poisons and combats so-called germs whenthey are in excess. The well-known fight-or-flightreaction is another example of automatic-autonomicsecurity.

The psychically and physically developedmystic can insure his security without using physicalforce. Though animals and people resort to violence,a mystic can use the force of the Cosmic to defendhimself.

Some mystical disciplines, including martialarts, present examples of men whose command ofinnate universal energy, known variously as chi,prana, kundalini, or Vital Life Force, allowed themto overcome amazing odds when in dangeroussituations, such as being attacked, being involved inan accident or being threatened.

In the Tao te Ching, Lao Tsus doctrine ofChinese philosophy, the method of the sage, thecosmically conscious individual, is described: Hewho knows how to live can walk abroad withoutfear of rhinoceros or tiger. He will not be woundedin battle. For in him rhinoceroses can find no place tothrust their horns, Tigers no place touse their claws, And weapons no placeto pierce. Why is this so? Because hehas no place for death to enter.

T h e s a g e s c o m p l e t e

attunement and fullness of being provides him withtotal security. The infinite power of the universe,when properly channelled, enables men to performamazing feats. Some familiar examples are thesmashing and shattering of solid objects with thehands, feet and head. More esoteric techniquescan stop another mans advance by shouting orpointing the palm of the hand toward the attackerin a particular way.

The aura can also be used as protection.The aura is an objectively invisible radiation of

the life energy within someone or something. Itcan be controlled so that its vibration rate willrepel something threatening. Certain vowel soundsjudiciously used serve the initiate in self-preservation.Rosicrucian students are taught to use these vowelsounds, creative visualisation, petition of the Cosmicand prayer as effective methods of special self-defence.

Natural Law

Yet, for all the exotic self-defence techniques ofman, animal and plant, all the armies, guards, guns,

spines, claws and white blood cells, security methodsare a cosmic veil. Self-defence is natural law, not anunnatural paranoia.

Though the Cosmic may appear to be at warwith itself that is hardly the case. The Cosmic islove, ever-harmonious, all-inclusive, One, balancedand without strife. Peace Profound, the goal of allmystics, underlies every action of the Cosmic. TheCosmic is all that exists, thus one may consider so-called violent actions as manifestations of cosmic law,which emanates from an ultimatelypeaceful source.Martial artists strive to practice self-defence in anutterly calm, peaceful state of mind, as describedbelow:

His expression went blank as the four opponentsapproached from all sides. Slowly he began to emptyhis mind of disturbing thoughts, concentrating upon

what defence to apply against what attacker. Soon hismind was as calm as the breeze and as reflective as thequiet surface of apond. The first attacker received arib-crushing side kick; another, aspinning back kick;the others suffered multiple injuries onskull andface. Through all this the master did not stir; all he

was aware of was the gentle breeze against his face.When it was over, nothing had changed within him;all that remained were the crumpled figures of whatwere once attackers.

The laws of nature are secure; they operateeternally, without question. The oceans waves willcontinue their rhythmic motion, the sun will shine,the stars will always burn; lifes loving and vibrantpresence is everlasting whether or not the worldends. You may be appalled at the thought of aslavering wolf slaying and devouring a deer; you

may be revolted by mans brutality to man, indeedyou may need to break the bones of one who wouldbreak yours. Do not lose sight, nevertheless, of theimmutable laws of nature working through theseviolent conditions. Know that peaceful forces arethe base of everything.

Paradoxically, directing the peaceful power ofthe Cosmic can help the mystic survive a car crash,thwart a mugger, or render himself invisible to others.Harmony and attunement with the Cosmic are basicto success in security. You, too, can attune with the

Cosmic, study its laws and use them for inner andouter security.

The Cosmic is love, ever-harmonious, all-inclusive, One, balanced, and without strife.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

14/40

he dictionary defines the term birthpang as a regularly recurrent pain thatis characteristic of childbirth or thatassociated with disorder and distress often

accompanying major social change. We are poised onthe brink of great universal change which will affectall of humanity. Our world is experiencing the birth

pangs of a new consciousness that will penetrateevery aspect of creation, on levels seen and unseen,and for which we are responsible. Indeed, we are themidwives helping to bring forth a new impulse foruniversal brotherhood into a world somewhat barrenand thirsty for light while at the same time fightingagainst the unfamiliar and the new.

This birthing involves conscious andunconscious realms; areas where we can actimmediately, and those which require patience,particularly in those matters personal, social,

individual, group oriented, physical, psychological,scientific, mundane and spiritual. In short, our world

is being turned inside-out.The emergence of this new impulse is not

just suddenly happening without warning. It hasbeen incubating and growing in a kind of universalwomb, the all-knowing consciousness of God. Thosewho have come before us and those who comeafter us are, as we are, a continuation of the flow

of life which is recycled and reborn in successiverounds, spiralling upward through endless cyclesof creation, preservation, and regeneration. We areat a point where humanity must take another stepin consciousness to synthesize the physical and thespiritual elements common to us all. This birthingis asking us to bridge the gaps in our lower naturesso that we operate from the spiritual energy centreswithin each of us, using our hearts as well as ourminds as we grow into this new responsibility. Whatdoes all this talk of birth have to do with us here

today?We may not remember, but at some point we

by Martha Jane Fast, SRC


12

To the Infinite Father of us all,From our inmost hearts we plead

For power to love unselfishly;For wisdom to perceive aright;

For perception of righteous course;

For determination of purpose;For power of action according to Thy Will.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

15/40


13

agreed to go along with this programme, and nowthat were here it may seem like a rather silly contractto have signed. However, were stuck with eachother and our world. It is our responsibility to doeverything we can to improve humanity, starting withourselves. It is a tall order, but we need to take it onlyone step at a time; learning about our relationshipwith the universe by learning about ourselves. Weare part of the universe, and if we can understandour inner selves, we can beginto perceive the myriadways in which the divine consciousness is manifestedthroughout all creation.

Basic Characteristics

To understand what makes us tick, and how weare involved in this process of birthing, perhaps we

should identify some basic characteristics inherentin each one of us.

First of all, we are not just male or female, buta wondrous blend of both masculine and feminineattributes. We are physically formed from a fertilizedegg containing both male and female components.On a psychic level, we contain the abilities to givebirth to, and nurture an idea on, what we call theform-building planes, as well as to protect and defendit once it is born. In this respect each of us, male andfemale alike, has a womb, and each of us can incubate

new directions for the soul and the spirit.Likewise, each one of us can plant the seeds

for these changes. It is theanima(feminine) nature in

man, and theanimus(masculine) nature in woman,working together in balance, which form a completehuman being, an androgynous organism in which

both natures can function. The feminine aspect ofyour nature is what initially makes you aware of athing, and it is the masculine ability that focuses onthe precise nature of that thing. We need both aspects.Working together in harmony this duality leads usforward through the four steps of change; attention,awareness, conscious thought, and conscious actionas we deal with our life processes.

Our minds are very much connected to thisanima-animus duality. Thus our impressions of theworld come to us through matrixes that are both

masculine and feminine. The ways differ in whichwe perceive the world, gather information, make

decisions, and handle pressures. To collect data,some of us use mostly the five senses, while othersmake more use of intuition. Some logically thinkout decisions while others feel their way throughalternatives. Some people tend toward introversion,concerned with internal events, and others areextroverted and absorbed in what occurs outsideand around them.

There is no right or wrong way to be, differenceis inherent in all of us. We tend to depend more onone means than another. We can develop each typeof perception to a certain degree, and ought to,because use of one type of perception to the exclusionof another eliminates much information from theconsciousness and can lead to tunnel vision. Add tothese characteristics the dual nature of the masculineand feminine attributes discussed earlier, and one

can see that we are a complicated combination ofqualities that interact and react constantly, forgingthe individual natures of each one of us.

The Holistic Approach

Modern psychology has aided us in our discoveryof the make-up of the psyche. Psychology has grownto encompass the spirit as well as the mind, and hasencouraged our exploration of inner territories inan effort to help us realise that we are not made up

of separate, unconnected aspects. On the contrary,modern psychology embraces a holistic approach,dealing with the relationship of parts to the whole,

and examining the unity of mind,body, and soul; something that themystery schools have been teaching usfor ages. Modern man, having finallyreached the point in time where these

traits are comprehensible and understandable, isnow able to incorporate them into his daily life. Weare thus a part of the birthing process of science and

religion. Modern psychology is linking itself moreclosely to the spiritual as it discovers that humansare primarily spiritual beings.

This modern search for meaning is all themore intriguing as it bridges the gap betweenscience and the spiritual, two areas that are in manyways separated by a chasm of ignorance and nonacceptance. We are realising that body, mind andspirit cannot be disjoined as they are all part ofthe same package. It is our limited vision whichis expanding to incorporate what has always been

inseparable. In the birth of this new soul-knowledgewe are finally seeing the light that has always been.

We are not just male or female, but a wondrous

blend of both masculine and feminine attributes.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

16/40


14

One of the light bearers in this field of spiritualpsychology, Dr. Carl Gustav Jung, sums up one ofhis dissertations with this quote:

I hope therefore, that a psychiatrist who inthe course of a long life has devoted himself to thecauses and consequences of psychic disorders, may bepermitted to express his opinions, in all the modestyjoined upon him as an individual, about the questionraised by the world situation today. I am neitherspurred on by excessive optimism nor in love withhigh ideals, but merely concerned with the fate ofthe individual human being that infinitesimal uniton whom a world depends, and in whom, if we readthe meaning of the Christian message aright, evenGod seeks his goal.

Our attention having been turned to the manyfacets of the individual through religion, psychology

and/or self-encounter, we begin to become awareof the infinite number of responses to the stimuliwe perceive. These responses become little birthswhich occur constantly as we continually augmentour pictures of the world and change to meet itsdemands. One of these demands is to live with others,

who like us, are perceiving, responding, changing andlearning about the responsibilities of life.

As unique and evolving individuals, we havea responsibility to ourselves to recognise whattransitions are occurring, as well as the responsibilityto our fellow human beings, allowing them the rightto change. Not one of us has the corner on the marketfor perfection, and so we must live with our own

and everyone elses quirks and imperfections. Wemust learn to live with one another in a more lovingway, and that involves acceptance of whomever andwhatever we are.

This toleration includes our thoughts andbeliefs. Many times we find something that is rightfor us, so we feel it is right for all. Many of us havebeliefs that we feel is thetruthfor all. We must acceptthe fact that each individual wears different shoes andbears different trials, and that truth for one may notbe truth for another. If we can accept that we are all

heading the same way, only on different roads, wecan allow ourselves and our brothers and sisters the

right tobelieve in what has been found to be trueand good by each, instead of forcing our own set ofbeliefs upon the rest of the world.

We can take control of our lives if weencounter ourselves and our component partshonestly, by recognising and dealing with the positiveand negative aspects of our personalities. We canalso choose to ignore and not come to terms withanything distasteful we find in ourselves. This iscalled repression and it stunts our growth, fostersdenial and generates physical malaise because itultimately shuts out the light from our inner andouter lives. We have probably all observed thecontrast between those who seem to be walking indarkness, individuals who seem to be aware of onlythe negative in the world, and other individuals whoare radiant with light and joy.

Looking Within

Constant encounters with the many facets ofourselves, both good and bad, make us aware of ourpotentials and our shortcomings. This allows us to

take action, but if we are fearful ofeven looking, the road is far longerand darker; we become strangersto ourselves and living out lonelylives because we have chosen to.

One could just as easily choosenot to look, because that involvesrisk of discovery, of change, of

transformation. An often used quote says that weprefer familiar darkness to unfamiliar light. When wesee the risks we may have to take when choosing tochange, we sometimes stop short, denying ourselvesthe growth so near at hand.

How does one take the risk to become morefully developed? First we need to entrust ourselvesto the Cosmic, and turn ourselves over to its higher

laws. Second, we must be willing to change and bedifferent; wanting to discover who we really are. Weare more than we know. Third, we must hold beforeourselves our one-sidedness. If weve always donethings the same way, set the same limits, imposed thesame boundaries on ourselves, we can risk changeby using parts of ourselves we have never usedbefore. This kind of birth is exciting and rewarding,but it takes much effort, trust, and hopefully, theacceptance of those closest to us.

What if somebody important to us dares to

change? Our tolerance may drop to a new low. Risingconsciousness is no place for a double standard and

Our responsibility to humanity is to bring all thelight we can into the world, and to yield with graceto the holy change and growth which touches us

through ourselves and our brothers and sisters.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

17/40

we must practise the golden rule most especially here.When one close to us is confronting new parts of thepsyche, they are responding in new ways to theirdaily life events. They respond differently to us andour habit patterns are no longer valid. So we needto start paying attention again, responding in newways, and perhaps discovering more about ourselvesin the process. What matters is how we choose toaccept the new. We can accept or deny change; wecan encounter or repress it. Our responsibility tohumanity is to bring all the light we can into theworld and to yield with grace to the spiritual changeand growth which touches us through ourselves andour brothers and sisters. That means accepting themas they accept us.

On a world scale the entity we call humanity isexperiencing birth pangs. These pains are evident in

wars being fought, governmental upheavals, energycrises, treaties in the balance, peace negotiations andconcern for the ecology of our planet Earth. All arethe pains of a hard labour, the tension of a situationabout to change. By holding our own, standingpoised and firm in the knowledge that Cosmic lawis at work, we can help with this new impulse. Andhelp we must.

Our earth is no longer a disparate collectionof separate societies and nations. It is what istermed today as a global village. Modern forms of

communication have made our world appear smaller.

Consequently, our awareness is expanding to includeall the nations of the world and it is our responsibilityto understand and accept each other as citizens of thisplanet. Speed, communication and technology haveshrunk the globe and magnified our responsibilityto our fellow men. International affairs affect usconstantly and we are being tested in our ability to getalong with other governments and nations. Just as weare discovering new facets of ourselves as individuals,so we are discovering new facets of a kind of worldpsyche. As we learn more about our solar systemand our universe, it will be even more advantageousto develop a consciousness where we perceive ourworld as a whole, integrated within a celestial whole.We are one with the Earth and one with all creation,whether we are an atom or a galaxy; we are part ofthe Universal Consciousness of God.

As we learn to live a life centred upon aspiritual way, we will see yet more diverse births.Being spiritual does not mean retreating from lifeand its difficulties, but living life from the inside out.This inner sight allows us to perceive even more andadds greater scope to what we are already aware of.This inner vision also makes keenly clear the factthat responsibility for all that we are conscious of isgrowing with our expanded awareness. We are anembryo, a womb, a midwife, a parent, a new impulse.We are one with all life, responsible for all life and

weare all life.

15


If I walk aloneWithout a friend

In search of Truth,Along the path of life

Which has no end;

How can I be sureThat what I find is real?

Unless my inner self can feelAnd Cosmic Consciousness reveal

The true reality of Truth!by Richard Beardsley, FRC

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

18/40


16

lifted my husbands head. Im putting this coat overyou, Ed.He looked confidently at my husband.

Youll be all right. Well bring your wife and followthe ambulance to the hospital.

What I remember most is the composurethey both possessed. Though theywere not expertat first aid, they remained calm, gave assistance, andreassured me with soothing words of encouragement.Calmness is a quality you can learn. Itis not a giftgiven only to a few. You have this tremendous abilityto exercise and monitor your own thoughts, tochange your upset mood to one of serenity.

An adult class of 40 people was conducted

by a very capable teacher. Often the students readtheir assignments aloud but some took more timethan others. Once an agitated adult, voice quiveringand eyes blazing, stood up and began shrieking atthe instructor.

I feel you have not shown respect towardme! I think you have deliberately passed me by andgiven more time to others. I demand an apology!The other students gasped and stared. One yelled:Thats a terrible thing to say to our teacher!Another shouted: Youre lying! You dont know

what youre talking about.The teacher looked shocked by such behaviour

by Rosemarie Niles, SRC

e hasten through breakfast, spill things,shout at family members, then dash out to

meet a chaotic world. The day holds tensesituations for us, threatens our confidenceand ability to achieve our tasks. We worry,

fret, and argue. We tangle with problems and makerash judgments because we do not put to use thatpowerful little word - calm.

Decisions made under stress and confusionare often poor. Our competency to rationallyanalyse situations and come to suitable conclusionsis hampered by the absence of a calm attitude.

One rainy morning I waved goodbye to my

husband, who was leaving for work. Seconds laterhe lay painfully bleeding, his leg broken and slashed,pinned under his motorcycle. Ithad skidded on thewet pavement, and the engine still vibrated. Thespinning rear wheel had chewed into his leg. I heardmyself scream, Oh no!Frantic, I impulsively triedto lift him, not realising I was actually adding to hisinjury.

Two neighbours rushed to my side and helped.Were here, its okay.said Beth, grasping my hand.Dave spoke in a carefully measured voice while

removing the motorcycle. An ambulance is on theway. No need to worry, his leg will be fine.He gently

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

19/40


17

in adults. His eyebrows arched, he took a deep breathand calmly said: I do not feel you have been treateddisrespectfully. If you think I have slighted you, I amsorry, this was not my intent. May I see you afterclass so we can talk? The distressed student satdown and was quiet. Later talks revealed the greatstress this person felt with family and at his work.The teachers calmness subdued the outburst andkept the class in order.

Cary Cheeriness, assistantprofessor of psychology at theUniversity of Michigan, says everyoneoccasionally feels dread at gettingup in the morning and going towork, because they are unhappy andfrustrated in their jobs. When people experiencethis regularly, day in and day out, he calls it job

burnout.Your frame of mind in your job is important.

Think about your situation in a tranquil, calm manner.Compose your inner being. Reflect deeply on yourpurpose in life, on your goals. A lesson from CharlieBrown: Grey-haired Charles Schulz cheerfully spokeon national television about the characters he draws.Im not really Charlie Brown, he chuckled, thecorners of his eyes crinkling behind metal-rimmedglasses. My characters have personalities of theirown and are continually changing. I involve myself

in my drawing though, and do takesituations from real life.

He grinned again.However,it all boils down to my calmlysitting at my drawing board andsketching the comic strip. Hesbeen doing this for 30 years. In thecartoon trade a regular scheduleand routine is mandatory to pleaseeditors. Schulz pushed his chairback and continued, My drawings

have to be in on time. Sure, Idlike to travel more and do otherthings, but Id never make it as acartoonist.In spite of deadlines,he loves his work, and sketcheswithout help from assistants.

By diligent persistence andcomposed dedication to his job,Charles Schulz has given us the wonderful gift ofhis characters. Just like Charlie Brown, we cant allbe club champions, but we can employ a realistic,

peaceful approach to our daily lives.Naturalist John Muirs intense love of the

wild lands he roamed left us the legacy of numerousnational parks and monuments. He trod many milesthrough the grandeur of forests and mountains. Helived a long, dedicated life, writing vividly of hisdelight in natures magnificence. Inhis younger days,while working in Yosemite Valley, John Muir had thefollowing encounter:

A slender old man rode into camp on

horseback and asked to see him. Muir was astounded.There stood his mentor, Ralph Waldo Emerson,

whose glowing essays had inspired him since schooldays. Together they camped amid the Big Trees.The aged philosopher-writer and the younger discipleexchanged thoughts and expanded ideas. Years laterMuir would remember, Emerson was the mostserene, majestic, sequoia-like soul I ever met. AndEmerson, who listened calmly to this young man, wasto add the name John Muir to a brief list of peoplehe had known who most impressed him. It wasnteasy for John Muir to write. He preferred speakingand his easy-going style delighted many.

He complained, writing islike the life of a glacier, one eternalgrind.With the encouragementof friends like Emerson, he beganto write as he spoke, in a casualmanner, enriching the world withhis profound observations on lifeand nature, He would often runoff to the mountains to renewhis creative endeavours saying,These beloved mountains are

fountains of men as well as ofrivers.The tensions of our life

descend upon us, too. While wecannot always run off to a highpeak as Muir did, we can gaininspiration and encouragement,pursue our own thoughts, reflect

upon our personal goals, and greet each new dawnwith a warm feeling of positive reflection. We canmake a conscious effort to heighten our awareness,

be less agitated, and use the power of that smallword - calm.

Calmness is a quality you can learn. It isnot a gift given only to a few. You have thistremendous ability to change your upset moodto one of serenity.

Ralph Waldo Emerson.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

20/40


18

a result (2) which in turn might cause another result(3) and so on; a chain of events in which each resultbecomes another cause, like dominos falling oneagainst another? This logic is superseded in theprinciple of the triangle.

It is not that there are two causes for every

event, but that there are two parts in any cause: aforce and a condition. The second principle of thetriangle emphasizes that these two elements mustbe fundamentally different, not two forces or twoconditions, but of different nature - one of themactive and the other receptive. If one gives a push,the other must be pushable. In hermetic literaturethese two factors have been represented variouslyas active and passive, creative andplastic, positiveand negative, or even assun and moon or male andfemale. (No wonder it has been so confusing!)

Active is adequate for the one element, but theother is not inactive; it participates, too.Responsiveis a better term than receptive because it does join in,collaborates with the force to produce a result. Thethird principle of the triangle is the corollary thatthe two factors, though they have different roles,are both responsible; there is no point in assessingwhich one is more responsible.

But it is not always simple to determine orpredict which role will be which. To carry this sameillustration further, in any such triangle let the A

point always be theactiveelement,B the responsiveelement, and C the outcome or result. With the

A B

C

Figure 1

by Edgar Wirt, FRC

he triangle is not only one of the oldestmystical symbols of mankind; it also haspractical uses, one of which is in solvingproblems, in tracing out cause and effect.

To illustrate this at an elementary level, let any suchproblem be represented as a triangle (Figure 1) in

which we can assign concrete meaning to the pointsA,B, and C. Let us say, for example, thatB is a doorbellbutton at somebodys door.A is your finger, pushingon that button. Together these cause a bell to ringsomewhere at C. Nothing happens at C unless theother two factors are brought together.

The first principle of the triangle is this: A forceall by itself cannot produce any result; there must alsobe some condition that is susceptible or responsive,that can be affected by this specific force. While thismay seem self-evident, it really is unorthodox. Wehave been taught, of course, to discriminate between

cause and effect; but is it not popular logic thata causeproducesa result? Or that an initial cause (1) produces

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

21/40


19

doorbell we know there is some force that strikes thebell and makes it ring; but neither the button nor thefinger on the button is that force.

The result produced at C becomes part ofanother connected triangle of cause and effect(Figure 2). We might presume that the initial result,C, becomes the active agent orA point in that second

triangle, that it works on the bell at B to producethe ringing at C; but this does not fit the facts. Thefinger works on a condition behind the button, andall it does is to change that condition that is, to bringabout a new and different condition which thenmust become the B point in that second triangle(Figure 3 ).

This still would not accomplish anything ifit were not for another active element, a sourceof electricity that has been standing by out thereatA, ready and waiting for this condition to comeabout. When that happens, this second triangle is

completed, making the power effective somewhereelse in the system at C; and at that point there arestill other conditions set up so that other trianglescarry on the action until the clapper hits the bell andmakes it vibrate.

While this illustration has been in the area oftechnology, the same principles apply also in otherareas. In everything that is going on around us, andalso in everything we do, there are these long chainsof interlinked triangles of cause and effect. We cantrace them out, forward or backward. For each singleevent in the chain there are the three points; and ifwe do not identify correctly those three points, thenwe do not really understand what is going on.

In our own affairs we often have to choosewhether to direct effort toward modifying an Aforce or changing a B condition which makes the

force effective, and whether that condition shall beto facilitate the response or prevent it. Also in ourefforts there are times to take theA role ourselves, tobe forceful and in the drivers seat, and other timesto take the B role, to be receptive and responsive.To illustrate this, a Rosicrucian student in a painfulillness called for psychic help and did it effectivelybut kept calling continuously, not stopping to listen.Consequently she was tardy in receiving a directiveas to something she herself had to do that turned thetide of the illness.

In many practical ways we do sit in the driversseat; we can aim our efforts one way or another inline with our intentions. Conversely, we can withholdany action to do or to prevent. There is muscularand mental power, if not exclusively ours at least atour disposal, with which to be creative, preventiveor destructive. Muscular energy we can trace fromsunlight through the food we eat, but mental energydoes not have that same relationship to physicalenergies. Where does mind power come from?

Cosmic TrianglesInevitably this leads us into the consideration ofuniversal or cosmic factors and their operation.This is the substance of mystical teachings that areoften expressed in terms of dualitiesof forces andconditions, causes and effects that are every whereand forever interlaced. A grand symbol for thisnetwork of cause and effect is Solomons Seal (Figure4) consisting of two triangles pointing oppositelyup and down, that are not merely overlaid but

interwoven, inextricable.This symbol discloses that cosmic elements

Figure 2

Figure 3

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

22/40


20

follow the same laws of the triangle in all levels oftheir operation. Our practical applications of the

triangle were not only derived from such principles,but actually illustrate them. The inter-locked trianglesare a succinct summary of this relationship, not abeginners guide but a competent postgraduatesummary.

Going back to the roots of it; underlyingall conditions is a sort of universal substance, andunderlying all manifest energy a universal force;two aspects of the same First Cause, not yet fullystructured as either matter or energy, but alwaysavailable for it. Such structuring is brought about byanother universal factor, Cosmic Mind, which itselfhas dual aspects, awareness and volition or will. Thispervasive dualism is represented in myth as the twohands of God, or as a pair of deities, or some otherimage of polarity or partnership.

In terms of the triangle, First Cause providesof itself both the power (A) to create and also thesubstance (B) out of which to create. Everything elseis junior or derived from this dual First Causewhich is the triangle pointing downward. The thirdpoint (C) at the bottom represents all its manifoldresults. In still another differentiation or polarity, itnot only has the capacity to create (A) but also thecapacity to be impressible (B) as to what it creates.The working out of this two-way polarized schemeof things is summed up in the double interwoven

triangles of Solomons Seal.Exploring this symbol further, each creature

(that which has been created) is a microcosm orextension of all this; an outpost, as it were, ofFirst Cause and especially mankind. His substanceand energy are part and parcel of the universalelements, structured by natural processes througha long evolutionary development. His awarenessand volition are part of Universal Mind, likewisepatterned by a long evolution of experience, trainingand tradition.

Each creature inherits not only some of theauthority of its source but also, in one proportion or

another, both of its attributes (A andB) whereby tocreate further or to modify the varied manifestationsof First Cause. This is the triangle pointing upward,reaching to take advantage of the impressibility ofFirst Cause, at any level of its function, as to what itcreates. In effect, this makes mankind a junior partnerand collaborator in ongoing creation and life.

In Christian mysticism, where many familiarterms have also another secret meaning, thedownward pointing triangle is thefather,the othermatching triangle is the son. As one triangle is amirror-image of the other, the son is the image andlikeness of the father. This brings new meaning toscriptural statements such as, I and the father areone,and, It is not I but the father in me that doesthese things.

Mankind in his technology has learned to

make use of natural energies by practical applicationof the principles of the triangle. He does this onlyby manipulating the conditions in which differentenergies function. In mystical and occult applications,far reaching and unconventional benefits go beyondthe scope and limitations of technology; but inessence the method is not different. Inany case it isa matter of reaching back into the chain of cause andeffect in order to give direction, make changes, andso to take charge more and more as to the outcomeof things.

Where the mystical way becomesarcaneis inthe reaching levels of operation and authority thatare ordinarily beyond our ken but which neverthelesscan be directed. Raising ones consciousness orinvoking the higher laws is, in effect, reachingfarther back in the antecedent chain of cause andeffect.

To illustrate this, the Rosicrucian technique ofvisualising could be diagrammed in triangles, as oneaspect of human consciousness

(Volition, A) impressing the other aspect

(awareness,B) with a specific goal or directive (C)that is transmitted upward, that is impressed onthe cosmic triangle at a higher level, from whence itcan be worked out objectively because the ways andmeans, the forces and conditions, are responsive tothe senior creative authority.

As in any area of know-how, greater masterydepends on a higher level of understanding of itsprinciples. Yet the more competent a person becomesto sit in the drivers seat, the more he realises thathis drivers license is always a learners permit.

His authority to drive depends on the presence of hissenior partner who always rides with him.

Figure 4

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

23/40

physical and mental, have been performed longbefore an explanation of the same was forthcoming.For example, logical reasoning was a practice ofsome people many centuries before such practicewas explained in terms of formal logic or made clearthrough conceptual analysis.

There is an ancient injunction which says:Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep withthem that weep.True brotherhood does not restrict

love and concern to the small family group, circle offriends, community or even to ones country. Lovereaches out to embrace the whole world of humanityregardless of race, colour, social status, nationality,or political and religious affiliations.

John Donne, English poet of the seventeenthcentury, famously summarised the spirit ofbrotherhood in these words:

No man is an island, entire of itself; everyman is a piece of the continent, a part of the mainany mans death diminishes me, because I am involved

in mankind; and therefore never send to know forwhom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

There are two aspects of things the outwardand the inward. The outward has no meaningexcept insofar as it helps the inward. All true artis thus the expression of the soul. The outwardforms have value only insofar as they are theexpression of the inner spirit of man.


21

There are two aspects of things the outwardand the inward. The outward has no meaningexcept insofar as it helps the inward. All true artis thus the expression of the soul. The outwardforms have value only insofar as they are theexpression of the inner spirit of man.

by William H. Clark, FRC

Mahatma Gandhihe above statement expresses a secretof true brotherhood. In the RosicrucianOrder we speak of fraters and sorors ina special manner of reference to thoseindividuals who participate with us in

the study and practice of Rosicrucian principles.Yet, in another sense, it is a fundamental doctrine ofour tradition that all men are brothers. This widerconcept of brotherhood finds expression throughour beloved Order by its recognition and citation

of certain men and women who have distinguishedthemselves through humanitarian acts in the spiritof true brotherhood.

Brotherhood is sometimes easier to practicethan to explain. When the mind and heart areproperly oriented, the practice of brotherhoodbecomes a spontaneous exercise. It is much easier andsimpler to act as a brother when we are conditionedfor it, than it is to explain the intricate psychologicalprocesses and emotional involvement relating to theexperience; just as it is easier to fall in love than to

describe the psychology of love.Many profound and complex activities, both

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

24/40


22

The Soul of the Worldby H. Spencer Lewis, FRC

Sensitive Nature, did not prevail over the spiritual asit does now in us. The sensual, celestial ethereal part

of man is that whereby we move, see, feel, taste, andsmell, and have commerce with all material objectswhatsoever. In plain terms, it is part of the Soul ofthe World.

Sentences Analysed

I have seen these sentences analysed to the detrimentof the sense in which Bacon meant what he wrote.Some have misinterpreted the foregoing words, asthough Bacon had said that the psychic part of man is

that whereby we move, see, feel, taste and smell, andthat it is a part of the Soul of the World, or in otherwords, a part of the Cosmic Consciousness. Such athought would be contrary to the other statementsmade by Bacon quite frequently throughouthis mystical writings, and certainly contrary tothe principles of Rosicrucianism and mysticismgenerally.

Every mystic and occultist knows that itis not the inner or psychic man that sees, feels,tastes and hears the vibrations of the material,

objective world; and every mystic knows thatthese objective senses or their functioning do not

have been reading recently some of themystical writings of Sir Francis Bacon,penned during the time of his Imperatorshipof the Rosicrucian Order. Despite thefact that a few unproficient students of

Rosicrucian history state that there is no remainingevidence revealing Bacons activities with theRosicrucians, I brought back from London two morerare volumes to add to my Baconian selection in ourlibrary. They deal with the mystical side of Baconsactivities and prove conclusively that he was a highofficer, chief executive, and enthusiastic sponsor ofRosicrucianism during his lifetime. In fact, manybooks dealing with this matter have been known tocompetent Rosicrucian historians for many years,and extracts from them have appeared in several

Rosicrucian manuscripts.In some of Bacons mystical writings, we find

that he used a term which, whilst clearly significantto him, was perhaps little understood by laterstudents because it had become obsolete and a newone substituted in its place. This Baconian termwas Soul of the World. It is quite evident thatBacon used it to signify the Cosmic Mind or CosmicConsciousness in all mankind, and pervading allspace.

I think the term he used is a beautiful one,

and every time I think of it or read, in some of theold English Rosicrucian manuscripts, any referenceto the Soul of the World, I seem to slip away intoa subtle form of psychic contact with this mystic andsense just the shade of meaning he had in mind whenhe evolved the term and decided upon its use. Take,for instance, one passage of his writings pennedabout the year 1600, according to its place in hiscorrespondence and other writings:

Man in the beginning (I mean the substantial,inward man), both in and after his creation for some

short time, was a pure Intellectual Essence, free from allfleshly, sensual affections. In this state the Anima, or

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

25/40


23

utilise the consciousness known as the cosmic orpsychic consciousness of the universe. What Baconreally says in these words is that in the rapid andvainglorious physical evolution of man through hisaggrandisement of the outer self, the objectiveconsciousness and physical personality of man hasbeen permitted to overrule or dominate the spiritualor inner man. We know that this is true in so large aproportion of mankind today that it is accountablefor many of the forms of suffering and trials throughwhich man must pass while learning the lessons oflife. Bacon also means to intimate that the spiritualconsciousness or the celestial, ethereal part of mansconsciousness and of his seeing, hearing, feeling andsmelling is a part of the Soul of the World, or theCosmic Consciousness. That is why the word partis used in the last phrase of the quoted extract.

Two Forms of Consciousness

Bacon was attempting to show, in the treatise fromwhich these extracts are taken, that the psychicconsciousness in man and the objective consciousnessare closely related, and in factApart of each is foundin the other. He was trying to make plain the fact thatalthough man was dual in his nature and dual in hisconsciousness, the two parts of man were not so clearcut and so separated and isolated from each other that

there was not any form of intercommunication orreflex relationship. He was attempting to point outthat the close relationship between these two formsof consciousness in man made it possible for manto gradually change the dominance of the objective,material self over the subjective, spiritual self, withoutany sudden rebirth and without any period of realchaos in his life.

His words clearly state that there is anethereal as well as a sensual part of man associatedwith moving, seeing, feeling, tasting and smelling,

that can attune itself with material objects as wellas the physical faculties possessed by man, andthat we may therefore move, see, feel and sensethings in a psychic manner as well as in a physicalmanner, but that such functioning and such psychicconsciousness constitute a part of the universal,Cosmic Consciousness.

Psychology teaches that the demarcationbetween the sleeping state and the waking state ofman is so indefinite that it is difficult to tell whenman passes from the waking state into that of

sleep. Physiology also contributes its knowledge onthis point by stating that preceding the outward

manifestation of the sleeping state, various organsand their function relax in their activities and manycells proceed to enter a state of coma or dormancybefore the person is aware of even the desire tosleep.

Mysticism also claims that the demarcationbetween the inner, psychic self and the outer, physicalself is very indefinite, because at the borderlinebetween the two there is a blending of the two stateswhich really constitutes a third state, known tomystics as a kind of borderline state. Many of themost unusual of all psychic phenomena occur inthis borderline state, and for this reason they aredifficult to understand and very difficult to repeator reproduce.

This happy and intimate relationship betweenthe two pans of man makes it possible for the one

who is tired of the false method of living, whereinthe inner, psychic self is imprisoned and denied, andthe outer, physical self is permitted to have unlimitedpower, with unbridled miscomprehensions, togradually and effectively transfer the dominanceof power from the one to the other, or at leastequalise the power between the selves or natures ofhis being.

Unless man is as fully attuned with the Soul ofthe World and with the Consciousness of the CosmicMind or the Consciousness of the Infinite, as he is

with the consciousness of the objective world andits impressions, he is but half-living and half-existingin his present worldly state. Man cannot live whollyand completely in the spiritual state while upon thisearth plane. In fact, such a state of consciousnesswould be neither desirable nor of any real benefit tohim. Not until mans transition, when the objectiveself is completely cast off, can man live whollyand completely in his spiritual consciousness. Atno time here on earth can man live wholly andcompletely in his objective consciousness with a total

lack of spiritual sensitivity.It is the purpose of our organisation, as it is

the purpose of students individually, like studentsthroughout the world who are interested in thesematters, to help bring a more balanced condition tothe existence of man, whereby his two states functionproperly and efficiently, and he may at will enter thethird or borderline condition where he is consciouslyin touch with both states, and capable of transferringthe impressions from one to the other. This is theideal state for mans happiness and success in life; and

it is this state of existence that is truly the mysticalor Rosicrucian way of living.

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

26/40


24

is a point of view from which only I can see, there arethings only you know, and for each one of us thereis a single death, which cannot be shared. Despiteour intimate involvement in other lives and ourresponsibility toward them, we are fully committedfrom birth to death to our own life only.

The premise that we are, in one sense, solitary,is neither pessimistic nor selfish and acceptance of itleads not to despair, but to love. If we could come toterms with our predicament, ultimately that is nota choice we have but a reality, we must surrenderto Death. Pain might not seem so horrible and wewould be spared the disappointment that comes fromexpecting people to live according to our wishes andstop depending on objects to bring us happiness.There is no guarantee, of course, for all of thesechanges; thus, until we approach death or experience

great suffering, there seems to be no reason to discardour comfortable habits of perception.

Dissatisfaction with Life

We are reluctant to change our traditional ways ofthinking even though they cause us pain. Many of uslive with a vague frustration, sensing the deep peacethat the human mind is capable of, yet not possessingit. But the cure for our dissatisfaction always seemsto lie just beyond the territory of our present life; we

are forever seeking inner peace in external change.Modern society encourages this outer directed

by Roland Merullo, FRC

f all the subtle psychological fantasies wecling to, perhaps the most deeply rootedis the belief that we are not solitary. Tobe cut off from other humans, forcedto bear pain and death alone, is such an

unpalatable idea that we go to great lengths to denyit and expend much energy convincing ourselves that

we are permanently linked with people and society.Modern living seems to be designed around

this illusion. Increasingly we work in groups andeat in groups; entertainment is often experiencedin groups; the greater the number of people presentthe more pleasurable the entertainment is thoughtto be. No longer is it common for an individual orsingle family to inhabit a home. We live thousandsof people to a building and millions to a city. We arenever far from the human presence and at those timeswhen we may find ourselves physically alone at home

or in the car, electricity reconnects us. Television,radio and telephone insure that the link need notbe broken for a single moment. Death is pushed outof our consciousness by the liveliness of the cityand, as a result, when we see death exposed on theempty road before us, as we must, it is needlesslyterrifying.

It is, of course, impossible to be born, live anddie completely alone; we depend on each other in athousand ways. In that sense we cannot be solitary.In another sense there is not even the possibility of

solitude; each of us is part of the physical universeand even death cannot shatter that oneness. But there

8/13/2019 2004-1 - RC Heritage

27/40


25

seeking in obvious ways: we are told that if we changeour hair colour, our lives will change; that a new suit,home or hometown will make us happy; that a carturning in the spotlight will convert us into a moreattractive person.

It is true, especially in the past two decades,that the search for happiness has turned inwardsamong some people accustomed to envisioningmaterial solutions to their problems. But, in manycases, this movement has also been consumed by anirresponsible and materialistic approach: I will geta guru, a psychiatrist or a new philosophy and thatwill do what in the past was done by a new piece ofclothing or a new car.

This manner of thinking has even infected ourpersonal relationships. We like to believe that there isa new lover or friend out there who will magically

wash our concerns away. At the start of specialfriendships this dream seems to become reality;we move through time in a cloud of joy, thinking:Finally I have come upon, or rather, attracted withvarious aids, the ideal companion. Now life will bewhat I always knew it could be.

For a time the illusion of total unity can besustained, but with increasing familiarity and withthe complexities of daily life, differences emergeand grow. Aspects of the other person which wereonce invisible or overlooked, become obvious.

Personality quirks that were onceendearing become only tolerable,then annoying. At this point theinfatuation is looked back upon withdisdain, not because we deceivedourselves in the first place by denyingthe separateness of the other person, but becausewe chose the wrong person to become infatuatedwith.

In marriage, divorce can be the end result,but if that lonely prospect is too frightening, a

relationship veneered with politeness but cancerouswith resentment can develop. Such acrimony ispoisonous to happiness and gives rise, instead, toa polite routine of touching without feeling. Oran emotionally sad masochistic relationship maydevelop in which differences are forbidden in aperverted attempt at unity.

The Spectator Society

Voyeurism and vicarious living in their various forms

represent another common evasion of our aloneness.It is a disavowal of the uniqueness of our own life

to spend excessive hours watching others, whetheror not the people we watch are gifted with greattalent. Yet this behaviour, too, is socially encouraged.Of course, not all the motivation for attending aplay, watching television or going to a professionalbasketball game stems from fear of aloneness. Thereis a universality of human feeling which moves usto participate in o

2004-1 - RC Heritage

Documents

Transcript of 2004-1 - RC Heritage