Synthesis through Graded Initiation

At this particular moment (with the aim in view of the development and tendering of opportunity to the fifth subrace) the Himalayan Brotherhood is the main channel of effort, power and light. But the work with other races proceeds simultaneously and numerous other projects, all emanating from the central office at Shamballa, are paralleling the Himalayan work.

Get this clearly in mind, for the point is important. The Himalayan School and Lodge is the one that principally concerns the occident and the only school without any exception that should control the work and output of the occult students in the West. It brooks no rival nor contemporary work with its pupils, not for the sake of its own teachers but to ensure the safety of its pupils.

Danger lurks in the path of the occult student and the Himalayan adepts know adequately how to protect their pupils, provided those pupils stay within the periphery of Their united auras, and wander not out to other schools.

All true occult schools demand this of their pupils, and all true Masters expect Their pupils to refrain from taking other occult instructions at the same time as they are receiving it from Them. They say not: "Our method is the only right and true method." They say: "When receiving instructions from Us it is the part of wisdom and the line of safety to refrain from occult training in another school or under another Master." Should a pupil desire so to do he is perfectly free to seek out other schools and teachers, but he must first break his connection with the old. LOM 303. The Tibetan.

The one fundamental school may be recognized by certain outstanding characteristics:

* By the basic character of the truths taught as embodied in the following postulates:

* The unity of all life.

* The graded steps of development as recognized in man, and by the graded steps of its curriculum, which lead a man from one expansion of consciousness to another until he has reached that which we call perfection.

* The relationship between the microcosm and the macrocosm and its sevenfold application.

* The method of this development and the place of the microcosm within the macrocosm as revealed through the study of the periodicity of all manifestation and the basic law of cause and effect.

* By the emphasis laid on character building and spiritual development as a foundation for the development of all the faculties inherent in the microcosm.

* By the requirement, demanded of all affiliated pupils without exception, that the life of inner unfoldment and development should be paralleled by a life of exoteric service.

* By the graded expansions of consciousness that are the result of the imparted training; these lead a man on from step to step till he contacts his higher self, his Master, his egoic group, the First Initiator, the One Paramount Initiator, until he has contacted the Lord of his Ray and has entered into the bosom of his "Father Which is in Heaven".

These are the outstanding features that are descriptive of the one true fundamental School. LOM 304.

This realization necessarily comes to the disciple through the means of graded revelation and in balanced sequence; each contact with the Initiator leads the initiate closer to the center of pure darkness - a darkness which is the very antithesis of darkness as the non-initiate and the unenlightened understand. It is a center or point of such intense brilliance that everything fades out and at the place of tension, and at that darkest point, let the group see a point of clear cold fire. RI 174.

Every initiation is approached by the disciple or initiate in a spirit of divine experimentation, but with a scientific aspect, because an initiation is a culminating moment of achievement, and success is a graded series of experiments with energy. 

Having garnered the fruit of the experiment above indicated, there follows a certain period wherein experience in the use of the related potencies takes place. This occupies the interlude between one initiation and another. This may cover a period of many lives or prove relatively short. The results of the experiment of initiation and of experience with the then endowed energies emerge as the ability of the initiate to express divinity more fully than heretofore. RI 338.

It has been emphasized many times in the occult teachings that the process of initiation, as it is usually understood, is an abnormal and not a normal one. All progression in the realm of consciousness is naturally by a graded series of awakenings, but this would proceed much more gradually and cover a longer period of time than is the case under our present planetary conditions. This particular mode of developing the consciousness of the human family was initiated by the Hierarchy during the Atlantean root-race at the latter end of the fourth subrace, and will persist until the middle of the next round. At that time the needed stimulus will have been imparted, and as three fifths of the human family will then have esoterically "set their feet upon the path," and a large percentage of them will then be in process of becoming the Path itself, the more normal routine will again be resumed. IHS 94.

The process of stimulation of the human Egos by means of graded instructions, and the application of the dynamic electrical force of the Rod is employed on three of the planets of our system at this time. IHS 94.

1.  Shamballa is occupied with the life aspect in its graded impulses.

2.  The Hierarchy is occupied with the consciousness aspect in its graded series of expansions.

3.  The Black Lodge is occupied with the matter aspect in its multiplicity of forms. EXT 75.

Step by step there is unfolded for us a graded system of development, leading a man from the stage of average good man, through those of aspirant, initiate and master on to that exalted point in evolution at which the Christ now stands. LOS Xi.

The true scientific meditation provides graded forms whereby the consciousness is raised and the mind expanded until it embraces:

1.  Its family and friends.

2.  Its environing associates.

3.  Its affiliated groups.

4.  Its egoic group.

5.  Other egoic groups.

6.  That Man of the Heavens of which the egoic groups form a center.

7.  The Grand Heavenly Man.

To effect this certain forms will be laid down later, that (working along the line of a man's ray) will teach him in graded steps to do this. LOM 144.

The man who meditates on this line seeks ever to enter into the consciousness of all that breathes, and by graded expansions of consciousness to arrive eventually at the All-Consciousness, and to enter into the life of the Supreme Being. Thus he enters into the life of all within the Logoic Consciousness. LOM 172.

The devas are on the evolutionary path, on the upward way. They are, as you know, the Builders of the system, working in graded and serried ranks. Devas are to be found of the same rank as the Planetary Logoi, and the Rulers of the five planes of human evolution hold rank equal to that of a Master of the seventh Initiation. Others are equal in development (along their own line) to a Master of the fifth Initiation, and they work consciously and willingly with the Masters of the Occult Hierarchy. They can be found on all the lesser grades down to the little building devas who work practically unconsciously in their groups, building the many forms necessitated by the evolving life. LOM 174.

He works along the path of fire. "Our God is a consuming fire" is to him a literal statement of fact, and of realized truth. He rises from fire to fire, and from graded realizations of the indwelling Fire till he touches the fire of the universe. LOM 155.

Each of these three lines works through formulas, or through set forms, which by graded steps put the man who employs the form in touch with the particular line of evolution represented by the Head of that line. LOM 167.

Within our own Hierarchy there are numbers of Words built up upon the Great Word of our Planetary Logos, and these are committed to the Departmental Heads, who in turn pass them on in permutated order to the graded initiates. IHS 155.

Two paralleling processes have produced humanity and its civilization: One is the evolutionary process itself whereby the mind of the individual has been gradually unfolded until it becomes the dominant aspect in the personality; and at the same time a graded, wisely imparted series of revelations which have led humanity as a whole nearer to the inevitable apprehension of being; they have led him steadily away from identification with form and into those states of consciousness which are supernormal from the ordinary human angle but entirely normal from the spiritual. GWP 175.

The seasons of initiation. The Egos in incarnation on any planet will - according to ray type - be easily stimulated or not as the case may be, according to astrological conditions, and this will produce shorter or more protracted periods of development prior to or between each initiation. IHS 95.

We are all graded, therefore, if it may be so expressed, according to the magnitude of the light, according to the rate of vibration, according to the purity of the tone and the clarity of the color. Who our Teacher is depends therefore upon our grading. Similarity of vibration holds the secret. IHS 68.

Groups of Egos are formed:

1.  According to their ray.

2.  According to their subray.

3.  According to their rate of vibration.

They are also grouped for purposes of classification:

1.  As Egos, according to the egoic ray.

2.  As personalities, according to the subray which is governing the personality.

All are graded and charted. The Masters have their Halls of Records, with a system of tabulation incomprehensible to us owing to its magnitude and its necessary intricacies, wherein these charts are kept. They are under the care of a Chohan of a Ray, each ray having its own collection of charts. IHS 69.

This Hierarchy exists and extends from the atom of substance at the very depth of manifestation to the entire solar system; it expresses in its graded ascent every type of consciousness, from that of the infinitesimally small to that of the infinitely great. It is with a small section of the hierarchical structured a very small section at that - that we are engaged. Our field of investigation is that of the fourth Creative Hierarchy, which is the hierarchy of human beings; it concerns the relations of the members of this hierarchy within its hierarchical periphery. ENA 126.

The power which he can bring to the task is drawn from his comprehension of the purpose of the planetary Logos and this expansive and all-inclusive work is entered into in graded sequences and carried forward under the influence of the initiate's expanding awareness and his growing sensitivity to impression. DINA2 282.

Initiation is, par excellence, a series of graded steps or awakenings which enable the human being to become eventually a member, or a point of light, in the Kingdom of God. DINA2 381.

Nothing can withstand the united demand of men everywhere in their graded and their serried ranks. DINA2 160.

The Masters in Their graded ranks direct the evolutionary process of  the planet. TWM 212.

All human beings, or "Imperishable Jivas," are those who evolve through a graded series of initiations, either self-induced or brought about on our planet with extraneous aid. EA 42.

Prayer, focused desire, meditation and focused intention are the graded and sequential lessons which mankind has to learn. DINA2 244.

Initiation is therefore a graded and realized series of expansions of consciousness, a steadily increasing awareness of divinity and of all its implications. Many so-called initiates today believe themselves to have reached this status because some occult leader or some psychic seer has told them that it is so; yet within themselves they know nothing of the process whereby they can pass (as Masonry teaches) through that mysterious door, between the two great pillars, in their search for light; they have no conscious knowledge of that self-initiated program which has to be followed in full waking consciousness. BC 27.

No group of disciples of the White Lodge was ever admitted to probation and to a higher degree of the Lodge at one time. Alone Man came into the world, alone he must leave it, whether it be by the Path of death or Initiation, and the same great power that presided over his birth must preside over his Initiation, whether such Initiation be brought about by the power and effect of the Hierophant of the degree he has reached, or by the Chela's coming face to face with his own soul on those heights of which I have spoken. Temple Teachings Vol1 142.

In all these perfections is seen the awareness of the Self, and the graded process of identification, utilization, manipulation and final rejection of the not-self by that Self who is now consciously aware. He hears the note of nature and that of his monad; he recognizes their identity, utilizes their vibration, and passes rapidly through the three stages of Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. TCF 200.

Throughout all these graded manifestations the law holds good, and the lesser is included in the greater. Hence the need for the student to preserve with care a due sense of proportion, a discrimination as to time in evolution, and a just appreciation of the place of each unit within its greater sphere. Having sounded this note of warning we can now proceed with the concluding remarks anent this final question. TCF 305.

Through the expansion of his consciousness through graded steps until it includes the planes he seeks to reach, and thereby demonstrating the truth of the statement that in order to tread the Path he must become that Path itself, and the accuracy of the occult truth that the antahkarana is itself but illusion. Ponder on this, for it carries illumination for those who have eyes to see. TCF 399.

Where is your triumph, my brother? Initiation is a process of graded triumphs and I seek to aid you towards that process. DINA1 491.

Having said this, let me at the same time remind you that any reaction of depression as the result of my words will but prove the extent of my truthful presentation.

For your comfort, I would point out that were you not in a position to triumph, were you not upon the Path of Accepted Discipleship and were you not a man in touch with his own soul, I would not take the time or trouble to help you see and wrestle with your problem. DINA1 493.

There will then be very many chelas in the Light and on the other graded steps of discipleship. DINA1 721.

The intensification of the spiritual life, forces the building of the antahkarana, and leads in a graded series of renunciations to the Great Renunciation, which sets the disciple free for all eternity.

I am giving you here certain needed hints and much upon which to ponder. I give you of my time and of my love, of my interest and my understanding. Let us together serve. DINA2 59.

1.  Through a study of the Cardinal Cross - Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn - the astrologer can arrive at a clearer understanding:

2.  Of ordinary, individual, human beings.

3.  Of group beginnings.

4.  Of the significance of the first initiation.

* Through a study of the Fixed Cross - Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius - he will arrive at a right interpretation of the lives:

* Of initiates.

* Of group absorption into synthesis.

* Of the significance of the third initiation.

* Through a study of the Mutable Cross - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces - he can arrive at the significance:

* Of disciples.

* Of group activity.

* Of the second initiation. EA 335.

Forget not that initiation is but another name for synthesis and fusion. EA 241.

4.  Capricorn - Synthesis - Initiation - Attainment. EA 247.

* Path of Initiation.

* Unfoldment of the will.

* Achievement of synthesis.

* Response to the center called Shamballa.

* Dynamic Purpose in control. The will-to-good. The Monad functions. EA 614.

Capricorn - The Crisis of Initiation. This exists in five stages and signifies the emergence of the dominating Christ life. It means the higher synthesis and the control of the Christ consciousness which is group consciousness. EA 266.

One of the more obvious of the significances of this statement is to be found in the unfoldment of intelligence and love in the initiate, at which time of manifested expression and at the last major initiation, he will be responsive to the synthesis of energies which emanate from the "seven spirits before the throne of God." EA 269.

When the Jupiter influence becomes strong and powerful in this sign, it indicates the initiate and the rapidly attained "dualism in synthesis" of soul and spirit. AE 365.

These three major energies in a mysterious manner express themselves through the seven rays just as all triplicities subdivide into septenates, yet preserve their identity. These seven energies, emanating from the major three and transmitted via the twelve constellations, are embodied in the seven sacred planets and are represented on our Earth by the seven Spirits before the throne of God (the symbol of synthesis). EA 595.

There must be organized activity and a recognition of the Plan of God, for that Plan is synthesis; that Plan is fusion; that Plan is unity and at-one-ment. EA 595.

In all these triangles (cosmic, systemic, planetary, and human) two points of the triangle represent each a different polarity, and one point represents the point of equilibrium, of synthesis or merging. (C. F. 375) EA 689.

The Law of Synthesis - the law governing spirit, or the first aspect. TCF 6.

The Ray of intelligent will. Little as yet can be said about this ray. It is the ray of cosmic mind and in its evolution parallels that of cosmic love, but as yet its vibration is slower and its development more retarded. This is definitely and deliberately so, and is due to the underlying purpose and choice of the solar Logos, Who seeks on His high level (just as do His reflections, the sons of men) to achieve a more rounded out development, and He therefore concentrates on the development of cosmic love in this greater cycle.

This ray is governed by the Law of Synthesis, and is the basis of the systemic movement which may be best described as that of driving forward through space, or forward progression. Little can be predicated anent this ray and its expression. It controls the movements of the entire ring-pass-not in connection with its cosmic center. TCF 41.

When the three Laws of Economy, of Attraction, and of Synthesis work with perfect adjustment to each other, then nature will perfectly display the needed functioning, and the correct adaptation of the material form to the indwelling spirit, of matter to life, and of consciousness to its vehicle. TCF 45.

The Law of Synthesis - a generic term which will be seen eventually to include the other two laws as subdivisions. TCF 51.  

The point of synthesis is always on the atomic subplane, and the six merge and become the seventh. In this solar system the plane of synthesis is not included in the evolutionary scheme. It is the plane of gathering in and of pralaya. In the earlier system the fourth aetheric was in this position; it was to the evolving units of that period what the atomic plane is now, the highest point of achievement. TCF 122.

A part of the plans of the Planetary Logos becomes revealed to him, and the vision includes the revelation of the plan and purpose as it concerns the planet, though as yet the vision is obscured in connection with those plans in their planetary relationship.

This brings the initiate through a series of graded realizations to the portals of the fourth initiation. IHS 122.

The Path of Initiation has at times been called the Path of Liberation, and it is to this essential aspect of the initiatory process that I am seeking to call your attention. I have pointed out continuously that initiation is not really the curious mixture of self-satisfied attainment, ceremonial, and hierarchical recognition as portrayed by the major occult groups. It is far more a process of excessively hard work, during which process the initiate becomes what he is. This may entail hierarchical recognition, but not in the form usually pictured. The initiate finds himself in the company of those who have preceded him, and he is not rejected but is seen and noted and then put to work.

It is also a graded series of liberations, resulting in the attainment of increased freedom from that which lies behind in his experience; this carries with it the permission (soul enjoined or given) to proceed further on the Way. These freedoms are the result of Detachment, Dispassion, and Discrimination. At the same time Discipline enforces and makes possible the hard work required to pass the grade. All these four techniques (for that is what they are) are preceded by a series of disillusionments which, when realized and comprehended, leave the aspirant no choice but to move forward into greater light.

I would like to have you study initiation from the angle of liberation, looking upon it as a process of strenuously attained freedoms. This basic aspect of initiation - when realized by the initiate - ties his experience into a firm relation with that of the whole of humanity, whose fundamental struggle is the attainment of that freedom "whereby the soul and its powers can unfold and all men be free because of an individually attained freedom." RI 685.

Alice A. Bailey.

Compiled by JPC.

13/04/2011.