Duality and Mental Polarization for the Spiritual Pilgrim on the Path Introduction
Every probational Aspirant, Disciple, or Initiate encounters what Master Djwahl Khul (DK) describes as rings-pass-not in their continuing spiritual process on the greater Journey of Return to the One. This journey can have connotations of both an involutionary and an evolutionary pilgrimage to greater awareness and consciousness. As we struggle from an expanded awareness to another we are seeking to be reunited with that highest expression of pure Abstract, Absolute Unification, and Eternal Oneness. We are taught to assign a unique meaning to that Being, we call the “ONE ABOUT WHOM NAUGHT CAN BE SAID”, as a way for expressing the deeper hidden occult mysteries in our process of Soul-infusion.
He permeates all aspects of the Cosmic Etheric Physical, and out of whom all 7 planes from the Divine to the dense logos of the 7th subkingdom of the Cosmic Real emerge. We speculate about Him through the recognition of a common symbology we sometimes refer to as that stated in this expression, “I am that I am.” This expression carries similar connotations of those who have come before. and today hold an office of their highest service-oriented dharmic fulfillment. These Great Light Beings guide and direct Humanity in Shamballa, where Sanat Kumara resides in the Holy City, bringing the force of Will through the Planetary Head Centre. Here we can also recognize His energies of Life Aspect becoming revealed and subtly known. In tandem with the other quality aspect of Love-Wisdom, and the Appearance aspect of the Adept Soul embodied as the Mahachohan who oversees Humanity in service as represented in this Chart from Externalization of the Hierarchy.1
1. SHAMBALLA Will or Power Planetary Head Centre The Holy City Purpose. Plan spiritual pineal gland
Life Aspect
Ruler: Sanat Kumara, the Lord of the World
the Ancient of Days
Melchizedek
2. THE HIERARCHY Love-Wisdom Planetary Heart Centre The New Jerusalem Unity At-one-ment
Group Consciousness
Ruler: The Christ
The World Saviour
1 Bailey, Alice A. The Externalization of the Hierarchy (NY: Lucis Trust, 1957) 107.
Page 1
3. HUMANITY Active Intelligence Planetary Throat Centre The City, standing
foursquare Creativity
Self-consciousness
Ruler: Lucifer
Son of the Morning
The Prodigal Sons
There are three primary focuses I am hoping to integrate in regard to duality and mental polarization.
I.) Understanding the dual-nature of the Aspirant, Disciple, and Initiate is a way of thinking that contributes with these transitions we are being asked by Soul and Spirit to resolve in a larger focus of moving beyond outdated concepts of duality into a unified state of being where we explore the keywords and thought forms involved in these three phrases(or phases) of Soul experience I refer to as the “I am”, “I am That”, and the “I am That I am” respectively.
II.) The analogies that can also be made relating these Soul experiences to this concept of mental polarization when Spiritual Pilgrims are able to look through the lens of root race focus as it relates to our human evolutionary process.
III.) Lastly, we are tackling the problems of cleavages (those evolving aspects of Glamor on the astral plane, Maya, Illusion, the “Dweller on the Threshold,” and the glamor of opposites). Cleavage emerges when the threefold Soul and threefold personality rise above the limitations of individually expressed rings-pass-not in a spiritual process that is being consciously revealed and may assist the Soul-infused personality to begin to identify with the monadic levels of the spiritual triad as subplanes of the Spirit as “One”, in all its myriad expressions.
In terms of cleavages, it is also important to consider the relationship to the Spirit as the “One” in which those energies of the first three Divine Lights converge. Out of these three united energies with the “ONE ABOUT WHOM NAUGHT CAN BE SAID” we attribute our continuing Involutionary/Evolutionary thinking processes according to individual and collective dharma. We seek to bring these energies forth in service to these Great Lights for our continuing spiritual evolution.
In the third expression described in the table, DK uses Lucifer as representative of the office of the Mahachohan in its five divisions. Because of the negative connotations associated with the archetypal Lucifer, I will instead refer to the office of the Mahachohan. As we are familiarized with the Egoic ray, we continue to evolve our understanding of the 3rd ray of Active Intelligence and the associative implications represented in the aspect of Appearance. From Initiation, Human and Solar. “Group three has as its Head the Mahachohan” and DK continues “His work concerns itself with
Page 2
the fostering and strengthening of the relation between spirit and matter, life and form, the self and the not-self, which results in what we call civilization.”2
With each point of expanded awareness rings-pass-not are encountered and experienced as points of tension, which involve working through duality, and mental polarization. These are referred to in theosophy.wiki as allegorical circles “within which are confined all those who still labour under the delusion of separateness”. “This separation is said to be set by the Lipikas. As Mme Blavatsky writes:
“Those who have been called Lipikas, the Recorders of the Karmic ledger, make an impassible barrier between the personal EGO and the impersonal SELF, the Noumenon and Parent-Source of the former. Hence the allegory. They circumscribe the manifested world of matter within the RING “Pass-Not.” .3 https://theosophy.wiki/en/Ring_Pass-Not
To confront and overcome our personal and collective rings-pass-not is a primary focus to consider. We walk the path of these great ones, that have come before. It is an ongoing process of expanding our inner knowledge. The goal here is in finding subjective ways for building and structuring thought-forms involved in our microcosmic inner world makeup. When we can recognize different points of views it enables a process of acknowledging our abilities and enables us to act in accordance with a process that aids us to learn from our mistakes and successes. We grow spiritually by revisioning the apparent limiting nature of our existence to grow in mind, and Spirit.
These three primary Beings of Light alert us to the individual and collective limitations that lie behind the apparatus of our lower etheric vehicles. We know and connect with these great Beings of Light that also include the highest bright mediator adepts like Sanat Kumara, the Cosmic Christ, and the office of the Mahachohan. When we commune with these Great Beings, we are also able to identify with the 5 divisions of the office that are also present. With these Great Lights, are also the Chohans of every ray. These adepts represent aspects of these Heavenly Men in service to the Absolute, “ONE ABOUT WHOM NAUGHT CAN BE SAID.” All the Heavenly Men are Pure models of fulfillment we can associate with the 6th and 7th root race human monadic expressions to be revealed to the Pilgrim on the Path as the future becomes the present, and the past is consummated in service to the highest Soul expression we perceive and hence start to embody.
Confronting our Dual Nature and Mental Polarization
There are many methods of thinking I will be referring to which apply in long-term spiritual evolutionary process I am seeking to describe. To simplify, I will only expound on a few applications of understanding in this investigation of the dual natures of the Aspirant, Disciple, or Initiate. This is a process of recognizing through clarification the
2 Alice A. Bailey. Initiation, Human and Solar (New York: Lucis Trust, 1951) 45.
3 Theosophy Wiki and S. Olcott Memorial Library, (https://theosophy.wiki/en/Ring_Pass-Not, 2009) retr. 2020.
Page 3
parallel modus operandi forms involved in mental development necessary for continuing spiritual growth.
When exploring these three phrases which in a sense are also phases, we can use to describe the evolutionary process of the Soul and personality rays for all aspiring Pilgrims on the Path to Source, I will be elaborating on thought-forms, the possible symbology, and meanings that also might be associated. These conceptual expressions of duality/non-duality can also be developed further as fellow Pilgrims on a Path to Source. I believe it is the greater goal of recognizing these qualities of Isolated Unity and evaluating the hidden meanings behind each expression that are being revealed for a Soul infused personality. What tools do we have for explaining mental polarization that directs, and guides us to unrealized states of consciousness?
When asking these kinds of philosophical questions, it is at this point that we can know subjectively for ourselves the esoteric meanings behind each expression. The petals of the personal Egoic Lotus are recognized, open, and the mediating Soul/Spirit is active for us all in defining and conquering the innate mental polarizations that may hinder our greater spiritual process. Mental polarization is another way for explaining the cleavages of glamor on the astral plane, illusion on the mental plane, maya, and other glamor’s associated with the personality ray and Soul ray we seek to dissipate. The assumption is that we are orienting ourselves for the long pilgrimage to Source and the personality ray is being redeemed for service to the higher Plan of hierarchy and of the individual and collective dharma that is involved.
Duality is present at every crisis point. In my opinion, it is the goal of finding common ground, which creates a template for moving forward into an understanding of our inherent continuous ever-expanding unity within the microcosmic little personality self when we incarnate. These rings-pass-not are necessary for developing consciousness and enabling the integrative initiatory process of the Soul to occur. DK shares the keywords used in the seven integration techniques discussed in Esoteric Psychology II:4
“We will deal with the work of the disciples of the world as, having endeavoured to bring about the desired reorientation, they learn the basic necessity of integrating the personality, and from that pass on to achieve contact or fusion with the Self, the ego or soul. It will be wise to keep these three stages carefully in mind, because all the many modern psychological problems are founded upon—
1. The process of reorientation with its consequences of personality upheaval and disorders.
2. The process of integration which is going on within the lower nature of intelligent humanity, leading inevitably to duality and conflict.
4 Bailey, Alice A. A Treatise on the Seven Rays: Volume 2: Esoteric Psychology II (NY: Lucis Trust, 1942) 345.
Page 4
3. The fusion of the personality and the soul in consciousness, with its physiological and personality effects, producing the problems and psychological dilemmas of the highly developed aspirant and disciple. In this stage, the so called “diseases of mystics” become pronounced.” 5
As we strive to overcome each ray integration and the keyword associations of each ray of integrative focus, the rings-pass-not are abstract signposts at which we may identify dependent on our respective individual ray energies. These points of tension also provide a map of transitional focus that will help an aspirant, disciple, or initiate in training.
We grow in deeper understanding when we can apply the subjective aspects being identified in the exploration of our personal dual natures as pilgrims on the Path to Source. Inadvertently we become associated with glamor on the astral plane, Maya, Illusion on the mental plane or the “Dweller on the Threshold” via the negative attributes which contribute to the innate motivations of desire. These attributes manifest esoterically through the personality ray, and natal Moon position. The symbolism of the personality ray and natal Moon represent outdated thought-forms that are requiring redemption.
In Esoteric Psychology II,6DK provides us with these 7 keywords to use for each of these Techniques of Integration, one for each of the 7 Rays:
“Ray One…………………Inclusion.
Ray Two…………………Centralization.
Ray Three………………Stillness.
Ray Four………………..Steadfastness.
Ray Five…………………Detachment.
Ray Six…………………..Dissociation or Restraint.
Ray Seven………………Orientation.”
When we begin to recognize them as conceptual signposts to consider in meditation as thought-forms they will only guide us forward. During meditation duality is revealed; and the dual nature of aspirants, disciples, or initiates is also more clearly understood. These signposts are examples of rings-pass-not that serve to prepare us for an emergence into higher understanding. With each expanding level we relate to a point of balance, a zero-point of awareness symbolized by a teeter-totter in motion that affects our spiritual lives. In this continuing process of self-realization, we are being directed towards rings-pass-not also involved in the larger cycle of the emerging Spirit. DK offers a term “cleavage”. The term is meant to be descriptive of the qualities and
5 Bailey, Alice A. A Treatise on the Seven Rays: Volume 2: Esoteric Psychology II (NY: Lucis Trust, 1942) 345.
6 Bailey, Alice A. A Treatise on the Seven Rays: Volume 2: Esoteric Psychology II (NY: Lucis Trust, 1942) 345-378.
Page 5
aspects of the lower self which will require transformation and redemption to assist in the process of integrating the lower natures of the “Dweller on the Threshold” with the Soul ray introduced in Esoteric Psychology II:7
“Thinkers are today awakening to this particular type of difficulty and finding the cleavages in human nature so widespread and so deep seated in the very constitution of the race itself that they are viewing the situation with much concern. These cleavages seem basic and produce the divisions we find everywhere between race and race and between religion and religion and can be traced back to the fundamental condition of manifestation which we call the relationship of positive and negative, of male and female and, esoterically speaking, of the sun and the moon. The mystery of sex itself is bound up with the re-establishment of the sense of unity and of balance, of oneness or of wholeness. In its higher human aspect, this sexual differentiation is only the symbol or lowest expression of the cleavage or separativeness of which the mystic is aware and which makes him seek at-one-ment or union with what he calls divinity. In between this physical cleavage and this spiritual recognition of divinity lie a large number of lesser cleavages of which man becomes aware.”
Later, I will explore in more detail root races association and why I think it is important to include in this larger focus on mental polarization, but in terms of cleavage. Hopper, D. writes about cleavage in his Glossary of Esoteric Thought:
“When man first received the spark of mind during individualization, it stimulated him to fully experience his physical and his instinctual animal life. Over time, the 5 senses unfolded, and man became selfish and a fighting animal. The element of dualism in man’s essential nature was always present and the lines of
cleavage gradually appeared. Subjective values were slowly becoming present and the lines of cleavage between spirituality and materialism became clearer and apparent.
Cleavage originates from 3 separate stages:
• Essential duality in man.
• Incarnating of the spiritually self-conscious human being into physical form.
• Influence of incoming Shamballa force.” 8
When we identify more with our lower desires it creates a dependency on being out of balance. Developing our intuitive mental faculties, and the abstract mind, we start to recognize the patterns that can affect us as we continue to work with DK’s metaphorical Science of Impression. To clarify, DK explores the “Science of Impression” as 1 of 5
7 Bailey, Alice A. A Treatise on the Seven Rays: Volume 2: Esoteric Psychology II (NY: Lucis Trust, 1942) 415-416.
8 Hopper, David E. Glossary of Esoteric Thought, A Reference (David E. Hopper: CreateSpace, United States of America, 2020-2023.) 48.
Page 6
disciplines which include the sciences of “Contact, Invocation and Evocation, Relationship, and Sensitivity”.
“All these terms convey different aspects of the reaction of form or forms to contact, to impression, to impact, to environment, to the thought context of various minds, to ascending and descending energies, to the invocation of
agents and the evocation of their response. The whole planetary system is a vast interlocking, inter-dependent and inter-related complexity of vehicles communicating or responsive to communication.”9
We are developing mature ways of thinking, and through the integration and emergence of higher symbolic techniques of “inductive inference” we are inspired. Such esoteric scientific practices as DK’s focus on the ‘Science of Impression’ become available for our personal use and a method for deciphering the Soul ray energies involved.
The dual nature of disciples on the Path may also play out as described in an article by Haymond, B. “Our Mystical Dualistic Nature as Human-Divine” at https://www.thymindoman.com/our-mystical-dualistic-nature-as-human-divine/__,10 in which he coins a term, “friendship approach”. I relate to this expression “friendship approach” through how Quakers worship. According to Quaker teaching,
“The heart of the Quaker way is the silent Meeting for Worship, which generally lasts for one hour. Meeting for Worship is a time for communal, gathered stillness, where we can be open to inspiration from the Spirit of God or the Light Within, heard within us as we sit together in common purpose. As we sit together in silent worship we find peace of mind and challenging insights; we develop deep community and a renewed sense of individual purpose; and we discover joy to wonder at God’s creation.”11
Haymond, B. gives a dropdown menu at his website labeled Friendship Room for visitors to set an appointment to meet with him and discuss spiritual issues. He starts the article with a quote from Carl Jung, 12
“We live at the crossroads of a dual nature. How well we bear that cross, integrating these dualities into one, may define our life.
Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one’s being, but by integration of the contraries.
-Carl Jung
9 Bailey, Alice A. Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle (NY: Lucis Trust, 1950) 83,94. 10 Haymond, B.,” Our Mystical Dualistic Nature as Human-Divine”, (https://www.thymindoman.com/our mystical-dualistic-nature-as-human-divine/, 2019.) Retr. October 17, 2022, para. 1. 11 The Rohd Group, “Quaker Principles and Practices” (Gunpowder Friends Meeting, 2022) para. 2. 12 Haymond, B.,” Our Mystical Dualistic Nature as Human-Divine”, (https://www.thymindoman.com/our mystical-dualistic-nature-as-human-divine/, 2019.) Retr. October 17, 2022, para. 1.
Page 7
We are of two natures in this life, sometimes called a lower self and a higher self, false self and a true Self, an ego self and a Divine Self. These dualities in us run deep, and it often seems illogical or contradictory how we could be both. Here are a few of the ways we are of two natures:
sinner and saint
demon and angel
human and Divine (God)
dual and nondual
mortal and immortal
finite and infinite
imperfect and perfect
many and One
separate and at-one
imprisoned and liberated-free
Satan and Christ
ego and egoless
broken and whole
creature and Creator
hell, and heaven
dead and alive
time-bound and eternal
impermanent and permanent
void and pleroma
dark and light
son of perdition and Son of God
self and no-self
separate from God and at-one in God
fallen and redeemed
deterministic and free-willed
nothing and everything
We usually think we are of one or the other, in a binary either-or way, but not both-and. But it seems to me that we are in a sense both at the very same time, a superposition of identities in life. And as Jung said in the quote above, becoming whole in life is not about cutting off part of our being, but the integration of the contraries, realizing a unity in the opposites of our nature, a coincidentia oppositorum which is perhaps Life itself.”13
There are so many examples of duality when we seek to express and understand it; as a result, we might miss some of the overlying concerns that all aspirants, disciples, or initiates face. Through mental polarization, a foundation is established in this process of exploring our dual nature as disciples. An analogy can be made in terms of the intricate details that are involved when exploring mental polarization through an inner world lens of subjective, contemplative, or
13 Haymond, B.,” Our Mystical Dualistic Nature as Human-Divine,” (https://www.thymindoman.com/our mystical-dualistic-nature-as-human-divine/ , 2019.) Retr. October 17, 2022, para. 2-4.
Page 8
meditative focus. I invite the readers to expound on and extrapolate through personal subjectivity some of motivations they might encounter with fellow Pilgrims on the Path. How, what, and why certain beliefs or qualities of “truth,” or “doctrine” are revealed is often dependent on the individual speculations we are learning to identify when analyzing the personality, Soul Ray, and even Hierarchical/Monadic ray.
Other terms from personal experience can serve and symbolize our inherent dualistic natures. Here are some of DK’s initial thoughts when exploring our dual nature as disciples in Glamour, a World Problem. (GWP) Although it may not seem pertinent for the topic of mental polarization, the emphases, and sections I’ve referenced are also applicable for the probationary aspirant.
DK considers 4 primary key phrases often used interchangeably for describing the issues we encounter in our own process of understanding when exploring our inherent personal nature. Venturing further it is important to develop sufficient discrimination when identifying the possible glamor’s that we are coping with internally. They are “Illusion, Glamour on the Astral Plane”, “Maya”, and the “Dweller on the Threshold”.14
“Illusion is primarily of a mental quality and was characteristic of the attitude of the mind of those people who are more intellectual than emotional.” Paraphrasing DK, these individuals are said to have outgrown glamor as we understand it. Their issues revolve more instead with the misunderstanding of ideas and thought forms for which they are guilty of employing in their misinterpretations.
Glamour is astral in character and is far more potent at this time than illusion, owing to the enormous majority of people who function astrally always.
Maya is vital in character and is a quality of force.” To simplify DK’s somewhat archaic explanations, for me, Maya is essentially the energy of the human being as he swings through personal activity and according to his/her subjective influences will also in part be involved in the creating of mental illusion and glamor on the astral plane.”
Concerning the “Dweller on the Threshold,” the “Dweller” is always present, but swings into greater activity on the Path of Discipleship, when the aspirant becomes occultly aware of himself, and of the conditions induced. These conditions originate from interior illusion, astral glamor, and the maya surrounding the native seeker on the Path. DK offers this statement, as “an integrated personality” with special emphasis on the fact, that (“no one is a disciple, my brother, unless he is mental as well as emotional, which is a point the devotee oft forgets”) these three conditions
14 Bailey, Alice A. Glamour - A World Problem (NY: Lucis Trust, 1950) 26.
Page 9
are seen as a whole and to this whole the term the Dweller on the
Threshold is applied.”
In GWP, DK writes, “I write for those who are still held by the varying aspects of glamour, and usually by the secondary glamour and maya. Illusion does not yet fully play its part and the Dweller is seldom adequately realised. I would here remind you of a stupendous occult fact and will ask you to endeavour to understand that whereof I speak.”15
It is not until the disciple nears the metaphorical Gates of Life when she can catch the glimpses of the Portal of Initiation, and perhaps also receive an occasional flash of Light from the “Angel of the Presence” who stands waiting beside that door when he discovers the principle of “duality, which is embodied for him in the Dweller and the Angel”. Paraphrasing, contrary to what some may believe, the “Dweller on the Threshold” doesn’t emerge out of a fog of illusion and glamor when the disciple approaches the Gates of Life. Only when the disciple starts to catch the dim glimpses for themselves of the “Portal of Initiation” can we begin to understand more of the esoteric meaning within the symbolism. It is especially significant as I understand it because the Dweller has been present with the “Angel of the Presence” for the early initiations prior to the 3rd initiation. DK adds, “Do you comprehend that whereof I speak? As yet, my words embody for you symbolically a future condition and event.” 16 His resolve on these matters is refreshing to me. Identifying with some future event after a certain level of adeptness is achieved helps me to relate to these concepts more clearly. Much of the meat of the “Truths” I elaborate throughout this paper are innately related to recognizing with the abstract focus found in the symbolism of this phrase “catching dim glimpses.”
Moving beyond Duality, 3 Phrases/Phases to Consider
Duality exists at every level overcoming and then expanding the rings-pass-not we encounter. It can only be known at the level of subjectivity, or intuitive awareness, which are dependent and defined individually by each aspirant on the Path. Moving beyond the inherent duality to complex states of being is a 3-step process. The complexity of each stage is far greater than we can possibly understand. Each impression subjectively speaking I believe is customized according to the spiritual needs of the individual aspirant.
The “I am” Phase
For the first state of “I Am”, I am exploring probable experiences that many of us might associate in reference to the first initiation. As probationary aspirants develop unique understanding it aids them in moving past the lower desires-based focus of the
15 Bailey, Alice A. Glamour - A World Problem (NY: Lucis Trust, 1950) 39.
16 Bailey, Alice A. Glamour - A World Problem (NY: Lucis Trust, 1950) 39.
Page 10
personality ray. In Education in the New Age (EINA) DK shares insight regarding 5 types of illusion:17
“You will note that these words ‘in time and space’ have repeatedly recurred in this instruction. Why is this? Because it must constantly be remembered that we are living in the world of illusion—an illusion which is temporary and transient and which will some day disappear, taking with it the illusion of appearance, the illusion of evolutionary unfoldment, the illusion of separativeness, and the illusion of distinctive identity—that illusion which makes us say ‘I am’.”
Although this might be considered a Leap of Faith, in the simplest analysis I identify with those experiences associated with the “I am” as more directly connected to the challenges and achievements we experience as probationary aspirants. By this point of initiation an aspirant has likely accepted the innate fact that there are far greater powers at work in our lives than previously known. As children we experience mere glimmers of individuality necessary when we might identify with the subtle realization that the little self is separate from the external influences of parent and siblings.
The “I am That” Phase
Further in EINA, Master DK comments regarding the illusion of duality. It seems there is an ongoing process of discriminatory focus involved in each application of the symbolic spiritual paths of initiation, discipleship, or probationary aspiration involved in this phase. There is a mental polarizing quality also involved when we identify with the “Observer” or inner “Witness”.
For me, “mental polarization” from an experiential perspective may not be recognized yet except with an identification with the “Observer” (inner “Witness”) and isn’t always associated with the mental plane. I would describe these revelatory experiences more as emerging out of the motivations of survival (our lower needs based requirements) in tandem with lower desires-based motivations of the symbolic “Dweller” as the physical and emotional bodies of the etheric physical vehicle become revealed for an aspirant, disciple, or initiate on the Path of the Spiritual Pilgrim.
“When this stage has been reached, the sensitive feeling-out into the environing universe still continues. Man weaves a thread which is like the thread the spider weaves so amazingly. He reaches out still further into his possible environment and then discovers an aspect of himself of which he had little dreamt in the early stages of his development. He discovers the soul and then passes through the illusion of duality. This is a necessary but not a permanent stage. It is one which
characterises the aspirant of this world cycle, perhaps I should say this manvantara or world period. He seeks to merge himself with the soul, to identify himself, the conscious personality, with that overshadowing soul. It is at this
17 Bailey, Alice A. Education in the New Age (NY: Lucis Trust, 1954) 24-25.
Page 11
point, technically speaking, that the true building of the antahkarana must be begun. It is the bridge between the personality and the soul.”18
When investigating this phase, I would suggest associating more with the identification of spiritual orientation by the seeker on the larger path to Source. It will be important to revise our understanding of rings-pass-not beyond the point of tension in tandem with the energies of the Soul ray that expands each previous ring-pass-not. With each ring-pass-not we are in a redemptive spiritual process that includes the honing of and chipping away of the negative qualities of our lower desires-based nature.
The “Dweller” can no longer serve the continuing evolutionary process of Soul expression on our path of spiritual Pilgrimage to Source. The redemptive process of the lower etheric vehicles of the autonomic initial unconscious “Dweller on the Threshold” continues. When the motivations of the “Dweller” are initially revealed it is still necessary for the chipping away of the negative qualities of personality ray and the instinctive needs of the survival urge that may slow the progress of Soul expression.
This archetypal dynamic of understanding and realization related to connecting with the “Observer” assists in the recognition of those deeper hidden inner archetypes of little self (personality ray) and Soul ray focus. Both aspects of the little self (personality ray) and Soul ray influence the external world of our manifest natures. We might even begin speculating on how we are also working with the Devic forces, energies, and influences that contribute to an expanding vision in support of the continuing evolution of the etheric vehicle.
I use the example of the scientist trying to pinpoint certain properties in particles as demonstrative of how something as simple as the act of measurement may have a potential for altering the Truths being revealed to us which may contribute to the misinterpretation of presumed Truth, we are trying to communicate with each other. It is a matter of finding a common language we can all understand. For me, the expression “The Observer is the Observed” can be used as a simile for the revelations that can come when we have a common point of reference to describe subjective experiences. It is at this point when our perception helps us to clarify the symbol and meaning behind the use of this expression “Witness state of Mind”.
Here is a short media presentation I found at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75DGO3GrF4&vl=en-US__ by Arvin Ash. It’s a short educational video which may help to clarify what I mean with my use of this expression, “The Observer is the Observed. “Does Consciousness Create Reality? Double Slit Experiment.”
It is a short video that Ash concludes with a quote from Heisenberg, “What we probe is not nature, but nature under our methods of questioning.” 19 Ash explores 3
18 Bailey, Alice A. Education in the New Age (NY: Lucis Trust, 1954) 28-29.
19 Ash, A. “Does Consciousness Create Reality? Double Slit Experiment” (Media Video Presentation, Arvinash.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75DGO3GrF4&vl=en-US__) 2018. Page 12 modern hypotheses regarding whether consciousness creates reality and how methods of modern scientific observation can contribute to mistakes using “deductive reasoning” which tends to be the mainstream thinking methodology used in scientific research. “Deductive reasoning” has flaws when attempting to measure subatomic or sub molecular particle properties. The act of measurement can seriously hinder the outcome, data, and conclusions in scientific fields like Quantum Physics, Particle Physics, and other fields of mainstream scientific research. More effective tools were required to measure and legitimize the data and conclusions being sought out in the theoretical work being tested in these field of scientific inquiry. When subatomic particles are in motion, the measurements of the particle properties can be drastically influenced by the tools used to measure accurately the associated particle properties. This process of observing data, and evasive particles in motion near the speed of Light causes what’s called “waves of probabilities” due to the proximity to each other when scientists attempt to measure certain properties like particle mass, electromagnetic charge, etc. When a measurement is made, these “waves of probabilities” collapse. Only when the “waves of probabilities” collapse can any kind of deduction be made about distinctive particle properties that a scientist is trying to measure and research. To validate their research, they need accurate tools and methods of measurement to substantiate their hypotheses and results. Like the particle we are trying to substantiate hypotheses and accurate results, a connection might also be made in determining properties that make sense when we are sufficiently honing the personality in service to the Plan and the Soul. We will have achieved a level of evolutionary advancement less likely to be influenced by the often unconscious ray energies involved when our lower natures are being expressed through the ray of personality. Spiritual work such as being discussed here likely also helps us to take more responsibility for the karma we’ve created. DK offers a way to rise above our human faults to dissipate such potential glamor’s as described earlier in this paper in application of the Technique of Light.20 Dispelling illusion is the next step in this process. We are being equipped with more effective coping strategies that support a stronger more stable and vital etheric physical vehicle. Understanding illusion on the mental plane can aid us on multiple levels individually and collectively in these crises we are facing today. Bailey, A. offers; “The initiating Soul, as we have already seen, is called by many names in the New Testament, and in the other religions it is called by a terminology suited to the time and temperament of the aspirant. Where the Christian disciple speaks of ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory,’ the Oriental disciple may speak of the Self or the Atman. The modern schools of thought speak of the ego, or the higher self, the real man, or the spiritual entity, whilst in the Old Testament reference is made of the ‘Angel of the Presence.’ A long list of these synonyms could be compiled, but for our purpose we shall confine ourselves to the word “soul” because of its wide use in the West.” 21 20 Bailey, Alice A. Glamour - A World Problem (NY: Lucis Trust, 1950) 190-241. 21 Bailey, Alice A. From Bethlehem to Calvary (NY: Lucis Trust, 1937) 41-42. Page 13 The simplest way I equivalate shared experiences is by offering a simple analogy that is unveiled, through the archetypal place of “Witness”. It is at this point when the “I” of the Soul and lower personality nature are redeemed into a greater state of awareness or Beingness; and the conscious Mind can now be more clearly understood. The abstract “Witness” of shifting and changing thought-forms emerges, falls away, and reemerges in these prayer-like levels of consciousness. It is a cyclical process when our understanding of the manifest and unmanifest reflect a quality of Beingness, and vital energies continuously surge in and out of mental focus. The “I am That I am” Phase For this “I am That I am” phase, I can only speculate that it is a point in the journeying process on the Path to Source, when we identify with a mental orientation that exists when there is no separation between individualized understanding, the intentions of the Soul, or Monad. It is a process of inner spiritual training that prepares us for our externalized service in the manifest world. Our inner spiritual training also directly influences and makes up the conjoined and collective substantiation of tangible existence for each of us accordingly. All these simultaneous quantum level “waves of probabilities” are an analogy of the human experience. From the more generic spiritual focus, it is likely that at some level there exist several probable realities we can conceive and choose from at the highest planes of the Egoic Lotus on the mental plane when the petals have opened in our continuing spiritual development. The modes of thought I associate with the expressions of “inductive inference,” or “deductive reasoning” create for an individual disciple a ring-pass-not that will be more associated with the 3rd Initiation, or Transfiguration. Jesus asks the apostles Peter, John, and his beloved brother James to accompany him to Mt. Tabor near Nazareth. I wonder why Jesus chose these three disciples to join him at the event of his 3rd initiation atop Mt. Tabor? The only reason I can see was an attempt by St.’s Matthew, Mark, and Luke to offer objective perspective of Jesus’ experience on Mt. Tabor. In all these testimonies there are some common themes described by the recording disciples of Jesus who include these third person accounts in their testimonies. When these three disciples rejoin the group of the other nine apostles the common themes described in form the entire testimony for describing this initiation. St. Luke writes, 22“While he was praying the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white.” From St. Mark, 23 we have, “and in their presence, he was transfigured; his clothes became dazzling white, with a whiteness no bleacher on earth could equal”, and lastly from the testimony of St. Matthew,24, “and in their presence he was transfigured; his face shown like the sun, and his clothes became white as the light.” 22 St. Luke, IX, 28-36, New English Bible with the Apocrypha, 1970. 23 St. Mark, IX, 2-8, New English Bible with the Apocrypha, 1970. 24 St. Matt, XVII, 1-8, New English Bible with the Apocrypha, 1970. Page 14 In these descriptions, how are we to use the Science of Impression for ourselves to interpret the possible esoteric meaning being shared in these bible excerpts? If we are fortunate to have a 3rd initiation, how are we to share what happened to us with others? Why does it matter? I feel that if I were to share such a powerful subjective experience, I would also want to find words to substantiate what actually happened both for myself and for any others who have not yet had these experiences. I would want to share the Truth of my experience, to the degree that I can and not have any regrets about the legitimacy of the event. Because these three disciples were not present, their testimonies is purely hearsay. I can’t imagine what might have factually happened to Jesus on Mt. Tabor and I would suspect there is a reason for that. If there were a first hand testimony of this experience of Jesus, it might be extremely valuable in scientifically describing the event. For me, providing a science-based account of the event, if possible, could only serve to expand and clarify more regarding the topic of mental polarization. This led me to what Alice Bailey has written in her book, From Bethlehem to Calgary (FBC) regarding the 3rd Initiation. In her investigation she writes, 25“Thus in the three friends, and in the various triplicities which we find in the Bible, we discover a symbolism which is vitally illuminating.” As we start our preparations for a final fourth initiation, we are also dealing with the mental polarization found on the mental plane involved in dispelling illusion. With each ring-pass-not, we are asked both to expand on our previous rings-pass-not that all serve to free us from the restrictions of the causal body and lead to a full redemption of the lower four physical vehicles. Understanding Mental Polarization as a Spiritual Pilgrim and Root Race Focus As the revelations permeate our regular meditative focus we define mental polarization at each ring-pass-not as probationary aspirants, disciples, which serve to expand our understanding, the depth of inner knowledge, wisdom, Divine Love and Agape. Buddha taught humanity about the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering as described below almost 500 years prior to the Birth of Christ as presented in this documentary media production from the Living Edens Documentary Series developed through National Geographic and used by Buddhist practitioners as a mainstream web site designed to elaborate on Buddhist teachings and practice. These Dharma documentaries at https://dharma-documentaries.net/thailand-jewel-of-the-orient created by an English Buddhist monk took higher ordination in the Theraveda tradition in Sri Lanka in 1996 with the ordination name Anandajoti (Radiant Joy). 26 “The Four Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddha's teachings, though they leave much left unexplained. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the 25 Bailey, Alice A. From Bethlehem to Calvary (NY: Lucis Trust, 1937) 150-155. 26 Dharma.Documentaries.net, (https://dharma-documentaries.net/thailand-jewel-of-the-orient) posted February 1. 2013. Page 15 cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. More simply put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end. The notion of suffering is not intended to convey a negative world view, but rather, a pragmatic perspective that deals with the world as it is and attempts to rectify it. The concept of pleasure is not denied but acknowledged as fleeting. Pursuit of pleasure can only continue what is ultimately an unquenchable thirst. The same logic belies an understanding of happiness. In the end, only aging, sickness, and death are certain and unavoidable.”27 I relate to suffering as a reality subjectively based in which we are asked to rise above and conquer the lower desires-based motivations of the “Dweller”. But when an aspirant can also acknowledge the personal needs-based motivations of their lower natures that are also involved with the desires-based motivations of the “Dweller” they must also develop a quality of discriminatory focus. As our discriminatory skills develop, levels of expanded awareness will also be revealed. The “Dweller” aspects we encounter within tend to be primarily unconscious early on the spiritual path and are based instead on learned habit patterns associated with the autonomic motivations that exist in our lower natures. These motivations are both in response to a need for survival and at times also motivated by desire. In time we all experience suffering with each expansion of previous rings-pass-not. Simultaneously we are all learning that we are not alone. Through this realization we are given an opportunity to learn with other members of the ashram. Suffering is real, and it is human nature that requires us to know the purpose behind suffering. We can only alleviate suffering after we have determined through discrimination the causes of our suffering. At any crossroads, there are qualities of conflict also meant to challenge our long-held beliefs and applied for meeting basic core instinctive needs of survival, at an individual, social, and spiritual level of evolving consciousness. The little self (personality) must decrease to allow for the Soul ray focus and embodiment to increase as John the Baptist explained to Jesus when he baptized him in the Jordan River. In my opinion, mental polarization is encountered as early as the first initiation for it is at this early crossroads that we can acknowledge the qualities of the “Dweller” being revealed. We are asked to accept the Truth of suffering and the nature of human error that contributes to the lower desires-based nature of the personality. For redemption to occur, the conflictive tendencies of the “Dweller” are consummated in higher Soul ray expression. Speaking esoterically incarnation is the beginning of a life cycle and for many the first glimpses of the lower “Dweller” must now be conquered by the “Angel of the Presence.” At this point in the process of developing Soul expression, the psychospiritual, or psychosexual development of the mind begins. Individual seekers on the path start to have impressions that contribute to the glamor of separateness from 27 National Geographic Living Edens Series, “Thailand, Jewel of the Orient, Episode 3 (media production 1999, dharma.documentaries.net.) Retr. online 2022. Page 16 members of our family unit and the rest of collective humanity. The process of developing individuality is a means for coping with the inherent chaotic nature of Life. When we first realize as children that we are separate and independent from our parents and siblings, it is an initiatory process in which the lower concrete mind, and kama-manas mind are being revealed for aspiring disciples on the path. These early experiences of separateness are examples of subtle dense expression at the deepest unconscious levels of vital force. I would speculate that even when we develop orientation and identification with the lowest kingdoms of the Mineral, Animal, and Plant, mental polarization is also active, albeit unconscious and primarily autonomic with its influence on the etheric physical, astral, and mental vehicles that makeup our personality, and Soul nature. As described by Ash, in the video I included in this investigation of mental polarization found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75DGO3GrF4&vl=en-US__28, he explores another possible hypothesis to use in describing the issues involved in the when attempting to measure the particle properties. These “waves of probabilities” exist at that moment in space-time when the measurements have been taken. Measurement causes the “waves of probabilities” to collapse. This is the point when a particle becomes distinct with distinct measurable properties.
When taking a digital snapshot of motion, the image is often blurred, but with modern advancements in photography, the still image won’t be as blurred as it was in earlier cameras with less resolution. In this world it is necessary for the spiritual aspirant to start with a sense of self-importance, and separateness from others. The dilemma of recognizing the motivations of our lower nature is a means of survival prior to the revelations of expanded awareness we experience after our individual, social, and spiritual core needs have been met. If these needs are not met, then unwarranted suffering results and we’ve forgotten the innate equality and inclusivity that is present with all our brothers and sisters of our collective human potential.
Thought forms that separate us from others instead of uniting us, contribute to the glamor of opposites, and separateness. It follows then that terms like Race, Ethnicity, Culture or Religious Ideology have less meaning and influence for the aspiring Pilgrim on the Path. In my opinion, these thought-forms are just constructs of inherent learned beliefs we have been taught through our culture, family of origin, religious ideologies, or racially based motivations and only serve to divide us.
It is documented fact genetically that there is no difference between us racially (based on skin pigmentation, etc.). Brain capacity or IQ is another factor used to separate us, but biologically speaking is a lie. Culture, caste, and race in terms of skin pigmentation, or ancestry are glamors we are meant to dissipate in our spiritual practice.
28 Ash, A. “Does Consciousness Create Reality? Double Slit Experiment” (Media Video Presentation, Arvinash.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75DGO3GrF4&vl=en-US__ ) 2018. Page 17 Root Race Focus and Mental Polarization As DK suggests, we live in a time when our fellow brothers and sisters must relate to mental polarization as is pertinent for each of us on our continuing spiritual evolutionary Paths. The Aryan Root Race contains within it all aspects of our species relationship and is a modern collective expression of Humanity as we know and understand it today. There are various forms of evolutionary process being subjectively identified in the exploration of root race identification that exists as DK describes, when he includes the Atlantean and the Lemurian Root races as parts of the greater whole of our modern Aryan Root race focus. We are in this together as we prepare for the reappearance of the Christ that I believe is associated with the greater Plan of Hierarchy for all humanity in the coming 100 to 1000 years. The major emphasis is on our individual and collective abilities, strengths, and determination to cope efficiently with the global paradigm shifts as the Earth round is completed in the Aryan Root Race and the emergence of the 6th and 7th root races follow. As members of a united developing collective humanity, we are also associated with the greater species evolutionary processes involved with the turning of the Ages, as the Piscean age transitions out, and the Aquarian age emerges. To me, humanity is faced with ongoing and radical changes. Examples include climate change, the looming possibility of world war, a collective species intention of travelling to the stars, and the collective rings-pass-not we will encounter with the sufficient developing technology used to physically explore beyond our solar system. These collective rings-pass-not may also be considered a more mature expression of mental polarization we inclusively consider as similarly related to the greater Plan of Hierarchy and of the Soul in this eternal process of expanded awareness. The revelation of the larger recognition of humanity’s place in the universe are meant to direct our individual growth and the collective Soul of humanity. These qualities of human development may include higher forms of mental development that contribute to the overcoming of illusion on the mental plane when we apply sufficient illumination through intuition and apply it to this greater process. Forms of connective telepathic awareness with all living species on our planet Earth are being revealed and makeup the sum-total of relative parts we might assign the label of ‘telepathy’ descriptive of the living energies of our Planetary Logos in action and how at some occult level of understanding telepathic abilities may be revealed to all of us, as members of the Aryan Root race in its myriad forms that break down to an understanding of Lemurian and Atlantean root race identification. Telepathy spans animal psychism, to empathic awareness, and other forms of psychism or mediumship we are trying to understand. When we experience levels of expanded awareness, we may speculate on idyllic states of spiritual orientation and may be encouraged to develop new psychic, telepathic, or superhuman abilities. As these kinds of telepathic opportunities arise, we need to apply right thought in discriminating the value of such abilities not motivated by desires-based modalities associated with the ‘Dweller’ and focus instead on the need for the energies of the ‘Dweller ‘to be absorbed in a higher Page 18 expression as described with DK’s concept of the “Angel of the Presence”. In the end all is consummated in its higher expression through the “Angel of the Presence” and not some expanded version of mental focus we associate with the “Dweller on the Threshold”. The glossary of Letters on Occult Meditation defines Root Race this way: “Root Race. One of the seven races of man which evolve upon a planet during the great cycle of planetary existence. This cycle is called a world period. The Aryan root race, to which the Hindu, European, and modern American races belong, is the fifth, the Chinese and Japanese belonging to the fourth race.”29 “The Science of Raja Yoga, or the “Kingly Science of the Soul,” as laid down by its main exponent, Patanjali, will eventually find its greatest demonstration in the West. This is owing to the fact that—under cyclic law—the fifth root race (in its fifth subrace) must inevitably touch its highest point. That point, in the economy of the races, is seen exemplified in the right use of the mind and its utilisation by the soul for the achievement of group objectives and the development of group consciousness upon the physical plane. Hitherto the mind has either been prostituted to material ends or has been deified. Through the science of Raja Yoga, the mind will be known as the instrument of the soul and the means whereby the brain of the aspirant becomes illuminated, and knowledge gained of those matters which concern the realm of the soul. Under the law of evolution likewise, the mind, being the fifth principle, the fifth root race must be intimately concerned with it, and its corresponding fifth subrace more intimately than any other. Students would do well to bear in mind the following correspondences: 1. The fifth root race Aryan. 2. The fifth subrace Anglo-Saxon. 3. The fifth principle manas, or mind. 4. The fifth plane the mental. 5. The fifth ray concrete knowledge.” 30 For this process of understanding root race motivations here are some examples of the differences between the relationships involved for the three “root races” that makeup our Aryan Root race as described by the associated ideologies and yogic practices involved. “All the various Yoga’s have had their place in the unfoldment of the human being. In the first purely physical race, which is called the Lemurian, the Yoga at that time imposed upon infant humanity was Hatha Yoga, the Yoga of the physical body, that Yoga which brings into conscious use and manipulation the various organs, muscles and parts of the physical frame.” 31 For the Atlantean Root Race, we find from DK, “In Atlantean days, the progress of the sons of men was procured through the imposition of two Yoga’s. First, the Yoga 29 Bailey, Alice A. Letters on Occult Meditation (NY: Lucis Trust, 1922) 215. 30 Bailey, Alice A. The Light of the Soul (NY: Lucis Trust, 1927) ix, xv. 31 Bailey, Alice A. The Light of the Soul (NY: Lucis Trust, 1927) ix, xviii. Page 19 which is called by the name of Laya Yoga, the Yoga of the centres which produced a stabilizing of the etheric body and of the centres in man and the development of the astral and psychic nature. Later on, Bhakti Yoga, growing out of the development of the emotional or astral body, was incorporated with Laya Yoga and the foundation of that mysticism and devotion, which has been the underlying incentive during our particular Aryan root race, was laid. The fourth initiation was at that time the objective.”32 These ideologies also contribute to the kinds of mental polarization involved for dedicated spiritual pilgrims according to personality ray, and Soul ray focus. Concluding that the Aryan Root Race is the Sum-total of all the other root race dynamics of our collective humanity, here are some parallels in terms of Yoga practice to consider. DK suggests; “Now, in the Aryan race the subjugation of the mental body and the control of the mind is brought about through the practice of Raja Yoga, and the fifth initiation, that of adept, is the goal for evolving humanity.” DK continues “It will be found that through the practice of Raja Yoga, and through assuming that point of directional control which is to be found by the man who centers his consciousness in the soul, the other forms of Yoga are unnecessary, for the greater Yoga automatically includes all the lesser in its results, though not in its practices.” 33 I felt it was important to consider DK’s words as we continue this discussion of root race identification, the initiatory processes involved, and their slight differences. Before an in-depth discussion, prior to the extensive research included in this section, my focus was on these questions; who of us makes up the larger Aryan Root Race that are incarnated? Are other spiritual processes at work in determining root race association according to the individual guidance of the Soul? How are we to orient ourselves subjectively using the analogy described in terms of the initiate’s orientation on the metaphorical Jacob’s Ladder? DK directly states that the Chinese and Japanese people are more associated with and belong to the fourth root race. In this case, he is referring to the Atlantean Root Race. Given that, the primary yoga practices they use tend to be more connected to the practices of Laya Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. Hence, the members of the fourth Atlantean root race in incarnation are more focused on developing these qualities: 1. “The stabilizing of the etheric body and in the Centers of Man” and 2. “through the development of the astral and psychic nature”. Because I’ve included Atlantean Root Race, it seems appropriate to also include the kinds of Yoga involved with members of humanity incarnating to finish up their Lemurian Root Race (3rd Root Race) tendencies too which is Hatha Yoga. 32 Bailey, Alice A. The Light of the Soul (NY: Lucis Trust, 1927) ix, xviii. 33 Bailey, Alice A. The Light of the Soul (NY: Lucis Trust, 1927) ix, xviii. Page 20 In relationship to the process of individualization which I associate as necessary for all Pilgrims on the Path this DK quote regarding Lemuria is also important to keep in mind when thinking about personal mental polarization. “In Lemurian days, individualisation took place because it was the third root race and the fourth round. In Atlantis, the door of initiation opened, and forced initiation became the objective of the best of the human family. Those who could or can thus become initiate are the “lights which ever radiate.” In Lemurian days it was the “lights which ever burn” that came into being. In our race we find the “lights which ever shine.” This is the individualisation of the sixth race types who came in the second round.”34 We all are developing the necessary discrimination when we encounter pitfalls that contribute to our rings-pass-not. When we can accept that we are not alone we can recognize that the spiritual path is a long-drawn-out process that includes different layers of mental polarization that all dedicated world servers will one day confront, face, and overcome in our spiritual pursuits. As members of humanity and the Aryan Root Race, the path to higher Spiritual development requires a quality of inclusivity with any ongoing relationships we are encouraged to work through as a means for conquering the experiential nature of mental polarization we are coping with according to the personality ray and Soul ray we most identify. It is part of the larger Soul process to transform the lower energies so together the incarnating dual nature of the disciple in partnership with the “Angel of the Presence” can emerge inwardly into a more mature place to resolve our conflictive natures through harmony, dispassion, discrimination, and the applied focus of the higher Will of Soul, and Shamballa. It is with that great teacher and brother Sanat Kumara, and our planetary Logos that we can begin to recognize our eternal Oneness with all consciousness, Life, and Matter expression. Confronting Personal Mental Polarization, as it is Explored in the Great Epic Story “The Mahabharata.” Here is a final example to use in understanding the symbology associated with mental polarization and the dual nature of 2nd and 3rd degree Disciples and Initiates who have found themselves at the inner world and are asked to expand the ring-pass-not of the spiritual battlefield when the “Angel of the Presence” and the indwelling “Dweller on the Threshold” must resolve their differences. Krishna and Arjuna have a conversation before the epic battle of Kurukshetra described in the Mahabharata, a chapter in the great book The Bhagavad Gita from the online source listed at https://www.human.libretexts.org/__.35
34 Bailey, Alice A. A Treatise on the Seven Rays: Volume 2: Esoteric Psychology II (NY: Lucis Trust, 1942) 200.
35 Getty, L. & Kwon, K., 3:1; The Bhagavad Gita, (translated by Prasad, Ramananda: May 17, 2020. https://human.libretexts.org/ .) Retr. December 12, 2022.
Page 21
“The Bhagavad Gita records the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna right before the epic battle of Kurukshetra. Although it is a part of The Mahabharata, it often is taught separately for its insights into Hindu beliefs. Krishna is the eighth human avatar of the god Vishnu, who sends down an avatar every time that the
world requires such serious divine intervention that the good side could not win without his help.”
“The misguided ones who delight in the melodious chanting of the Veda without understanding the real purpose of the Vedas think, O Arjuna, as if there is nothing else in the Vedas except the rituals for the sole purpose of obtaining heavenly enjoyment.
They are dominated by material desires and consider the attainment of heaven as the highest goal of life. They engage in specific rites for the sake of prosperity and enjoyment. Rebirth is the result of their action.
The resolute determination of Self-realization is not formed in the minds of those who are attached to pleasure and power, and whose judgment is obscured by ritualistic activities.
A portion of the Vedas deals with three modes goodness, passion, and ignorance of material Nature. Become free from pairs of opposites, be ever balanced and unconcerned with the thoughts of acquisition and preservation. Rise above these three modes, and be Self-conscious, O Arjuna.
To a Self-realized person, the Vedas are as useful as a small reservoir of water when the water of a huge lake becomes available.”
Sometimes in our spiritual work we offer an alternative point of view that feels so contrary to our instinctive nature which is seeking to be in harmony with the fellow members of the Ashram. We are being asked to express a unique Truth, which requires all members to find common language to further clarify the differences in opinion. Common language is deeply important for us to express our hypothetical Truths and together grow with this process of reevaluation. We seek harmony as an effort in resolving any conflict that might be present. The crossroads represent a ring-pass-not that may require expansion needed for the spiritual growth of the group. In each case, it is a continuing process of mental polarization when we are called to a higher purpose not yet revealed to other fellow members of the larger spiritual group. Individual members of the Ashram are called to fulfill a different dharma assigned by the wiser expression of Soul that is needed for this individual member of the Ashram. Here is another excerpt from “The Mahabharata” that might prove helpful when we are faced with conflict symbolic of Arjuna on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Page 22
“Theory and Practice of Karma-Yoga
you have control over doing your respective duty only, but no control or claim over the results. The fruits of work should not be your motive, and you should never be inactive. Do your duty to the best of your ability, o Arjuna, with your mind attached to the Lord, abandoning worry and selfish attachment to the results, and remaining calm in both success and failure. The selfless service is a yogic practice that brings peace and equanimity of mind. Work done with selfish motives is inferior by far to the selfless service. Therefore, be a selfless worker, O Arjuna. Those who work only to enjoy the fruits of their labor are verily unhappy, because one has no control over the results. A Karma-yogi or the selfless person becomes free from both vice and virtue in this life itself. Therefore, strive for selfless service. working to the best of one’s abilities without becoming selfishly attached to the fruits of work is called Karma-yoga or Seva. Karma-yogis are freed from the bondage of rebirth due to renouncing the selfish attachment to the fruits of all work and attain blissful divine state of salvation or Nirvana. When your intellect will completely pierce the veil of confusion, then you will become indifferent to what has been heard and what is to be heard from the scriptures. When your intellect, that is confused by the conflicting opinions and the ritualistic doctrine of the Vedas, shall stay steady and firm on concentration of the Supreme Being, then you shall attain union with the Supreme in trance.” 36
The record of this great battle in the valley of Kurukshetra is a tool we can use in understanding the deeper factors involved when faced with conflict with others in the group. Whether the story is historical fact or not, or purely understood as a metaphorical way of approaching the initiatory processes that happen for all of us, Krishna offers multiple approaches to aid the courageous spiritual warrior in affirming the duty he is being asked to fulfill. In my opinion war upon the physical plane isn’t justified in any case, and unnecessary for the greater fulfillment of personal or collective dharma. War is obsolete. When we explore the archetype of being a warrior of the Soul, true understanding comes when we can look beyond our personal faults and enact the qualities that we employ to serve the Greater Plan of the Soul and our dharmic responsibilities.
I could use these different affirmations by Krishna to Arjuna to encourage the reasoning necessary to act in direct conflict with less evolved aspects of self understanding when we are given the choice of acting in accordance with the highest aspects of Soul Development on the inward battlefield of Spirit when the “Angel of the Presence” and “Dweller” are forced to fight. This continuing Soul embodiment prepares us to for higher insight and Truth in the process of fulfilling individual Dharma.
Collaborating with the Lords of the Worlds and their counterpart Devas in a cooperative journey of return to Source, at which point we can identify a state of
36 Getty, L. & Kwon, K., 3:1; The Bhagavad Gita, (translated by Prasad, Ramananda: May 17, 2020. https://human.libretexts.org/. ) Retr. December 12, 2022.
Page 23
beingness and are learning to identify more the symbolic construct of Isolated Unity? Through this spiritual process, the Pilgrim on the Path is starting to have revelatory experiences. We are obligated in our search to practice through our meditative pursuits the practice of “Knowing thyself” by asking questions like who am I? what is my purpose? etc.? These crises points are signposts of the continued spiritual evolutionary journey when we begin to recognize subjectively the Beingness and speculate on the experiences associated with this concept of Isolated Unity.
In abeyance to the Plan of Hierarchy as members of Humanity, we are asked to honor with reverence the rings-pass-not that limit but later guide us into more subtle states of developing consciousness. Words cannot fully explain the depth of our personal insights, but only suggest possible states of mind, like Nirvana, or other levels of Samadhi all will know and experience in the given time as necessary. By the 4th initiation we will reach a ring pass-not when we are no longer bound to physical form; the causal body is annihilated in service to higher levels of awareness and emergent consciousness.
Conclusion
Soul infused personality, mental polarization, or Isolated Unity are common terms involved I believe in the processes of thought-form building we can use as common language for sharing with others of like mind, when we find ourselves at these unique points of tension or rings-pass-not of our respective Paths. Seeing the beauty and sacredness in all manifestation, the redemptive Soul-infused personality is brought to the gates of the Temple of Spirit. The glimpses of the Portal of initiation serve and affirm our higher spiritual progress. If as I am suggesting that there are levels of mental polarization that exist in all planes and kingdoms, it is the duty of each of us to determine for ourselves the rings-pass-not that may hinder our ongoing spiritual progress over time unless we can rise above these points of tension to expand the rings-pass-not. With each expanded awareness we are given an opportunity to see the glamors which hinder and slow our progress in joyous service to the greater Plan of Hierarchy on our continuing Spiritual Pilgrimage to Source.
Page 24
References
Alice A. Bailey, From Bethlehem to Calgary, (NY: Lucis Trust, 1937) Alice A. Bailey, Initiation, Human, and Solar, (NY: Lucis Trust, 1951) Alice A. Bailey, Externalization of the Hierarchy, (NY: Lucis Trust, 1957) Alice A. Bailey, Glamour a World Problem, (NY, Lucis Trust, 1950) Alice A. Bailey, Education in the New Age, (NY: Lucis Trust, 1954) Alice A. Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, (NY: Lucis Trust, 1922) Alice A. Bailey, Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, (NY, Lucis Trust, 1950) Alice A. Bailey, Light of the Soul, (NY: Lucis Trust, 1927)
Alice A. Bailey, Treatise on the Seven Rays, Volume 2: Esoteric Psychology II, (NY: Lucis Trust, 1942)
Ash, A. “Does Consciousness Create Reality? Double Slit Experiment” (Media Video Presentation, Arvinash.com,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75DGO3GrF4&vl=en-US__) 2018. Getty, L. & Kwon, K., “3:1; The Bhagavad Gita”, (Translated by Prasad, Ramananda May 17, 2020, https://human.libretexts.org/.) Retr. December 12, 2022. Haymond, B.,” Our Mystical Dualistic Nature as Human-Divine”, (https://www.thymindoman.com/our-mystical-dualistic-nature-as-human-divine/__, 2019.) Retr. October 17, 2022.
National Geographic Living Edens Series, “Thailand, Jewel of the Orient, Episode 3 (media production 1999, dharma.documentaries.net.) Retr. online 2022.
The New English Bible with the Apocrypha, Oxford University Press Cambridge University Press, 1970.
The Rohd Group, “Quaker Principles and Practices” at
(https://gunpowderfriends.org/welcome/quaker-principles-and practices/.) Retrieved December 13, 2022.
Theosophy online wiki Glossary, “Ring Pass-Not”,
https://theosophy.wiki/en/Ring_Pass-Not, 2009.
Page 25