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What Can I do to Help? Regardless of where our outer service responsibilities may lie we can each, if we choose, form part of an inner nucleus of people who will “daily…meet each other at a set time and in the secret place.” 1 Meditation is the means to establish this meeting and is perhaps our most important tool in the path of spiritual growth. In the Ageless Wisdom tradition meditation becomes a way of life and a state of consciousness that permeates our attitudes and actions throughout the day. But when we consider the actual formal practice of meditation we recognize that there are many different types of meditation and many teachers and this can sometimes cause confusion on the part of the spiritual seeker. Which techniques, of all the many types, are right for the student at any particular time? Certain forms of meditation do not require a formal practice of any sort, for meditation could most broadly be defined as the use of the mind to penetrate into deeper levels of consciousness. Therefore the artist, scientist, writer, thinker and all those who use the mind creatively, could accurately be viewed as applying themselves to a type of meditative endeavor. It’s said, in fact, that the modern business person, with his or her powers of organization and concentration, is doing much preparatory work within consciousness for the later practice of meditation—because meditation calls for the ability to utilize the mind creatively and in an organized fashion. The Differences Between Eastern and Western Forms The Ageless Wisdom teachings, as presented in the books of Alice Bailey and the Tibetan Master, are primarily geared towards a Western audience. These teachings stress that different meditation forms are needed for Eastern and Western students due to the fact that their bodies are differently constituted, In fact, it’s said that Eastern meditation techniques could prove dangerous to certain types of Western students. In the East, because of the long tradition of spirituality, vegetarianism, and the proximity of the Masters, the bodies of the people are naturally more refined and better suited to the rigors and strains which long periods of meditation place upon the lower vehicles. The Tibetan sought to bring forward meditative forms that were better suited to Western students who work amidst the coarseness of the vibrations that exist in the West. Generally these forms are shorter and more dynamic in nature. Long periods of meditation, the premature use of breathing exercises, and any other practices that are used to force a premature rising of the kundalini energy are strictly to be avoided. Meditation brings in fiery energies and we must take care to watch for any signs of possible over-stimulation as a result of this practice. The forms advocated by the Trans-Himalayan tradition (for students in both the East and the West), have always been the techniques of the raja yoga system that were first set down by the Indian sage, Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. The Tibetan gave a new translation of the sutras, The Light of the Soul, and he and Alice Bailey wrote a powerful commentary that provides a real aid in the practice of this ancient science. Alice Bailey’s book, From Intellect to Intuition, is another excellent source of information about the many different aspects of meditation. The first and most important step in any meditative practice is the establishment of an “alignment” of the lower, three-fold personality vehicles—the physical, emotional and mental vehicles, so that they provide as few distractions as possible to the creation of a clear channel for the inflowing light of the soul. As we perfect our ability to align with the higher self, we come to feel ourselves as part of a vast network of spiritual seekers throughout the planet that encompasses both the inner world of being and the outer world of form. In alignment with this group we come to understand the true meaning of the term brotherhood. The Meditative Life Through the daily discipline of meditation the soul can “communicate with its reflection” and bring through its wisdom and love into the mind and heart of the practitioner. This communication can take place during the actual period of meditation itself but also at any other time throughout the day. If practiced regularly, over many years, meditation comes to condition and shape all aspects of the life and provides the vehicle for a spiritual transformation and the means whereby the ideas and activities related to one’s service work can take shape. The bedrock of the raja yoga technique is ever the heart development that precedes it. The spiritual person whose heart is open and expressing love and service is laying the foundation for this path that is known as the “kingly science of the mind.” Patanjali outlined the basic qualities that we all need to build into our lives in the Commandments—“harmlessness, truth to all beings, abstention from theft, from incontinenece and from avarice” and in the Rules—“internal and external purification, contentment, fiery aspiration, spiritual reading and devotion to Ishvara (or the inner teacher).” These Commandments and Rules, which meet the need of seekers on all the many different levels of spiritual unfoldment--throughout centuries past, present and future-- become our sure guidelines upon the path. 2 Upon this path we come to learn that all meditation is essentially a means of aligning with our group brothers. To this end, and in recognition of the urgency of this time of preparation, the Tibetan offered a number of different spiritual practices that we can incorporate into our lives in order to contribute to the vast planetary process of change and redemption that is currently underway upon our planet. Each Thursday and Sunday are days for special group meditations. On Thursday the meditation is dedicated to the worldwide preparation for the Reappearance of the World Teacher: Reflective Meditation Upon Preparation for the Reappearance of the World Teacher The Sunday meditation is dedicated to the redistribution of the money energy within the world: Reflective Meditation on Attracting Money for Hierarchical Purposes These two meditations, perhaps more than all others, serve the purposes of the Plan for our planet which involves the creation of an attitude of subjective synthesis in alignment with the intentions of the spiritual Hierarchy and the work that is underway in preparation for the advent of the World Teacher. Meditation at the Time of the Full Moon Another practice that is an essential element of the preparatory work is meditation at the time of the full moon. Each month at the full and new moon we can join in with the worldwide meditation group that is cooperating with the inbreathing and outbreathing of spiritual energy that occurs during this higher and lower interlude period in the monthly cycle. Participation in this activity lays a strong, subjective foundation for all the other service work that we undertake. Once this vertical axis is secured, the horizontal, service projects can more readily begin to take shape in our daily lives. Although it is of course true that spiritual inspiration is available to us at any time, during the full moon period it is more actively present because of the spiritual condition of alignment that is set up within the planet. At the full moon time the moon’s influence is out of the way which allows for the full energy of the sun, the symbol of the soul’s light, to impact freely and directly upon human consciousness. It’s said that at the time of the full moon each month there occurs a thinning of the veils that normally separate the inner and outer worlds of perception. We’re told that it is as if a door stands open, a door through which inspiration can flow outward through human consciousness into the world, facilitating a closer contact and relationship between the Hierarchy and all those individuals who are searching and sensitive to its vibration. At this time we are asked to pause and turn our consciousness within, away from the outer concerns and activities of our daily lives and, in a collective group effort, work together in meditation and thought to create a channel (sometimes called the rainbow bridge), through which light can flow. By establishing the observation of the monthly full moon cycle within our lives, not only are we helping the planet through the contacting and distribution of spiritual energies but we are also working with a technique that can serve to solidify our group relationships with our co-workers throughout the world. Full moon work also expands our heart, deepens our love and helps to break down the barriers that separate us one from the other. At this time we develop the tools of inner listening and become more sensitive to the impressions from the soul and our lives and our work can come to be increasingly guided from within. The Tibetan teacher asks that we “look for results” during this time. He wrote, “Watch for these experiences—intuitive, telepathic and spiritual…” 3 (DINA I, 642). Full moon work is most effective in group formation. There is an energy released when people are gathered together that can be quite powerful. Group meditation at the time of the full moon is a monthly opportunity for spiritual expansion. It involves linking up in consciousness with the powerful subjective current that is always active at this time. Individuals and groups have been meditating at the time of the full moon since the 1930´s and today the network is global in scope. Each monthly full moon meditation is powerfully influenced by the constellation that is ruling during any particular month. Each sign has a key quality that can be built into human consciousness by meditating upon it; for example, Scorpio brings in the quality of triumph through struggle, the sign of Sagittarius is intended to convey the quality of direction, whereas Capricorn is more related to the path of initiation. Each sign also has a spiritual keynote that can be used in meditation. The Twelve Keynotes. The full moon period is a time for intense meditation and quiet, subjective work-- a time when we can turn our focus within and attempt to make contact with our soul and our spiritual group. As we attune ourselves to this inner rhythm we will find that we become aware of subtleties that we had not noticed previously. No matter where we are, or what we are doing, we can each take the opportunity to link up in consciousness with the organized spiritual push that is going on throughout the planet and we can make a difference. The Full Moon Approach The full moon approach is, in reality, a five-day period—the two preceding days, the day of the full moon itself and the two succeeding days. The two preceding days are known as days of preparation, when we work to establish an inner alignment with the soul and our group; these are days of “renunciation and detachment,” when we prepare spiritually for the actual day of the full moon that is known as the day of safeguarding. On this day we simply attempt, as far as possible, to stand in spiritual being--acting as a silent channel for the inflowing energies from the Hierarchy and a vehicle for their distribution into the service of the race. The two succeeding days are known as the days of distribution, when the energies contacted are “shed abroad in our hearts, through our group and throughout the world.” The Higher and Lower Interludes, the Eclipse Points, and the Solstices As we come to appreciate the importance of the monthly interlude cycles we can extend our understanding to include the annual observation of the higher and lower interlude periods. The Aries, Taurus and Gemini full moons correspond to the higher Interlude period and the lower Interlude occurs during the period of the Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius full moons. The Taurus full moon has long been celebrated in Buddhism and is known as the Wesak Festival. This time holds as its keynote the theme of enlightenment. The following Gemini full moon has come to be known as “The Christ’s Festival,” a day when Christ, the World Teacher, standing as a member of both the spiritual Hierarchy and Humanity, sends forth a blessing upon the worlds. These two full moons and the intervening weeks between them stand as the highpoint of the spiritual year. In the Ageless Wisdom teachings it states that at the time of these Festivals great and solemn ceremonies are held in a valley in the remote reaches of the Himalayan mountain range in which the Masters of the Wisdom gather to enact a sacred rite for the whole of the planet and all kingdoms in nature. All men and women of spiritual intention are asked to hold a point of spiritual intention at this time and to stand, as far as possible, as a channel for the inflowing energies of light and love and power. And the Tibetan tells us that the two most powerful eclipse points of the spiritual year (which will always correspond with either the full or new moon) should be observed with particular importance. 4 Many groups also recognize the importance of the solstice points that indicate important shifts in the movement and direction of the sun. The winter solstice is of particular importance as it signals the point when the “sun moves northward” and we’re told that it is at this time that the Masters begin their preparatory work for the great point of contact that occurs at the time of the Wesak full moon. Also, every seven years there is a powerful group ceremony that is observed at this solstice time from December 21 through December 28th. This week is known as “The Festival Week of the New Group of World Servers” and is said to be of particular importance in stimulating and strengthening this worldwide group in whose hands lies the working out of the Plan. Every seven years there is said to be a powerful inflow of energy that emanates from the constellation Capricorn and surely this relates to the cycle of planetary initiation that is occurring. The most recent observation of this festival week occurred in December 2005.5 In addition to the different meditation practices we can also “seize” the key points of the day, the “power points,” to join with others in the use of ancient mantrams to collectively “shed abroad” the light and love and power of the soul. The Mantram of the New Group of World Servers Triangles A group activity to foster the effectiveness of the Great Invocation is known as Triangles. This is a simple meditative and visualization exercise in which three people agree to link up each day to use the Invocation. These people work subjectively and they can, therefore, live in all different parts of the planet. The key idea is that they agree to participate in this group activity as a means of helping to distribute the energies of light and love and power throughout the world leading, in turn, to the transformation of planetary consciousness. It is now possible to contact others who are interested in forming Triangles online through a bulletin board that is found on the Triangles website: Ancient Mantram "Lead us, O Lord, from darkness to light; (Brihadaranyaki Upanishad I, 3,
28) Gayatri O Thou Who givest sustenance to the Universe Of the following mantram the Tibetan wrote, “Perhaps no better suggestion can be made to the man or woman who seeks to function as a true server than to ask them to repeat daily, with their whole hearts and minds behind the words, the dedication at the conclusion of the Esoteric Catechism, which is included at the end of Initiation, Human and Solar. I would remind such servers that if they revolt or are dismayed by the ideas embodied in the words, that is perhaps an indication of how much they need the impression of this life objective upon their consciousness. That pledge runs as follows: ‘I play my part with stern resolve; with earnest aspiration; I look above, I help below; I dream not, nor I rest; I toil; I serve; I reap; I pray; I am the Cross; I am the Way; I tread upon the work I do, I mount upon my slain self; I kill desire, and I strive, forgetting all reward. I forego peace; I forfeit rest, and, in the stress of pain, I lose myself and find Myself and enter into peace. To all this I solemnly pledge myself, invoking my Higher Self.’" 7 Many people incorporate an evening review as part of their spiritual practice. Each night we can briefly review the day’s events in reverse, sequential order, highlighting in our minds the key moments of importance that occurred. We should make the effort to observe these moments from the detached perspective of the Onlooker and try and interpret the meaning that underlies the outer, tangible occurrences. This review is helpful from the long-term perspective of the soul as it surely will prepare us for the moment of death when it’s said we all undergo a lifetime review. As we incorporate these simple activities into our daily lives we find ourselves aligning with the planetary purpose and we begin to play our part, in the one Work, with greater resolve and surety. An Engaged Spirituality Over the course of the last few decades the establishment of the strength of the new group of world servers has increased exponentially. At the present time there is a worldwide network of individuals and groups fully aligned with the purposes of the Plan, working along many different lines of endeavor but united along the lines of basic principles such as sharing, goodwill and right human relations. It is the energy behind this global network that will and is forcing the governments of the world to respond. Many groups within civil society, NGOs, faith-based groups, concerned scientists and economists have come together around the broad objectives of the movement towards sustainable development that has led to the creation of the Millennium Development Goals and the movement to “Make Poverty History.” These activities are the great hope of the world at this time for they are tapping into that most powerful force in the world—the force of an enlightened public opinion. It is coming to be clear that if the governments of the world cannot move to break the blocks to forward progress, the people of the world will. This network is uniting the disparate groups and breaking down the barriers of separation and selfishness that have been so successful in keeping humanity from taking its next step forward into the light. Another idea that is uniting people along many different lines is the simple, yet elusive demand for world peace. This idea is being given a powerful impetus through the annual September 21st “International Day of Peace.” Hopefully this idea of peace can go farther and unite with the demand for a systematic dismantling of nuclear weapons—moving them out from the hands of the nations and into the hands of an international body that would monitor them and use them only in a worst case scenario. The people of the world could make this happen. A manifesto could be drawn up that would be broad enough in its appeal that individuals and groups throughout the entire planet could sign it and then present it to the governments of the world and to the United Nations. The above is a brief sampling of the movement towards global change that is in or midst. The need at this time is so great that all individuals of spiritual intention can find many avenues for service activities. The spiritual workers of the world have a clear path before them and they can unite, along broad and basic principles, within the activities and actions of all men and women of goodwill.
Printed with the permission of the Lucis Publishing Company that holds copyright.
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