In pondering over the quality of "Aspiration" as it
is expressed by the Aspirant and Disciple alike I have included a brief search on its nature whilst bearing in mind the esoteric
purpose of this our planet the Earth, The School of "Magnetic Response." in "Painful Endeavour."
Also, as we can see there is a close relation to the
Earths older brother Mercury Who's pupils are known as the "The Sons of Aspiration." Perhaps then we may see a close proximity
[relatively] between the two "Schools" on Mercury and Earth.
In Contemplation we may throw some added light on the
matter and achieve insight on the nature and creative expression of Aspiration. For we shall see that all graduates
of the Earths School, graduate and are released from Painful endeavour [Anguish] to tread the path of Spiritual Aspiration.
For this planetary school is one for the transformation of Anguish into Aspiration and Joy. JPC.
Rule 12: Let the disciple learn the use of the
hand in service; let him seek the mark of the messenger in his feet, and let him learn to see with the eye that looks out
from between the two.
The "mark of the messenger" in the feet, is a reference
to that well-known symbol of the wings on the heels of Mercury. Much upon this subject will be revealed to students in occult
schools who will gather together all that can be found concerning the Messenger of the Gods, and who also will study with
care information which astrological students have gleaned anent the planet Mercury, and which occult students have gathered
concerning the inner round. (IHS 206)
"Sirius was called the 'dog Star'. It was the star
of Mercury, or Buddha, called the "Great Instructor of mankind." (S.D. Vol. II, 391)
Simply, that after the stage of initiation
in Capricorn, as the result of the reversal of the wheel and the consequent experiences, and after the triumph of Scorpio,
the power of the mind lessens steadily till finally (like other aspects of form life in the three worlds) it comes to an end
and its meaning and illuminating aspects between soul and physical brain are no longer required.
The man, coming definitely into full soul consciousness,
requires now no mediator but deals directly himself with his emanating source. Mercury is then met with again under another
name, this time as the Sun, mediating between the higher aspects - soul and spirit - for Mercury and the Sun are One. Through
Mercury, the mind is illumined and relation is established between personality and the soul. As Mercury, the Sun - the mediator
- shifts to a still higher plane and is no longer mediator between two different stages in consciousness but between life
and consciousness itself; this is a very different matter and effects the higher understanding. This will necessarily be incomprehensible
to you at present for it is not a mediatorship between differences but a fusion of what is already related. Are you any the
wiser for that statement? (EA 132)
Mercury, embodying the energy of the fourth ray, eventually
carries the man around the wheel of life and through the medium of conflict enables him to achieve harmony. Mercury illumines
the mind and mediates between the soul and the personality, being the Messenger of the Gods. This mediatorship, in the first
instance, produces an inevitable opposition between the pairs of opposites and a long drawn out conflict. This conflict finally
works out into victory and the dispelling of illusion through the illumination of the lower mind. Mercury and the Sun are
one, we are frequently told in the occult literature. [EA 100]
Mercury indicates that the line of least resistance
for humanity is harmony through conflict, for Mercury expresses the fourth ray energy which is buddhic, intuitional and expressive
of the Christ, as Mercury and the Sun are one. (EA127)
It is this Gemini-Venus situation which lies behind
the fact that our Earth is uniquely the "planet of releasing sorrow and of purifying pain," the energy producing these releasing
factors being focused through Mercury and Venus upon our Earth. [EA362]
Vulcan has been hitherto hidden, but its influence
has steadily superseded all lunar control, for the personality or form side of life is lost to sight in the radiance of the
Sun, the soul. The light of Vulcan and the light of the Sun are one light and these three - Mercury, Vulcan and the Sun -
stand for a synthesis and a radiance which eventually dims the light of Mercury and it "falls" into the background and Vulcan
too becomes invisible and only the Sun remains. We have consequently a vision of the Sun, the experience of the personality
and effort, which is the mode of attainment governed by Mars. [EA133]
He walks no longer in the dark, for he sees what he
has to do and he therefore makes rapid progress and travels "fast upon the Way. He "flies from point to point, searching for
the arrows which he has discharged." He has, figuratively speaking, to dismount constantly from his white horse (the developed
and purified personality) and find where the arrows of intuitional aspiration will take him; he travels upon the "wings of
the soul" (note the relationship to the winged feet of Mercury, the messenger of the Gods) and becomes, in his own personality,
himself the winged God: Mercury, as you know, governs Gemini, the polar opposite of Sagittarius. [EA181]
c. Mercury, the star of the intuition, or of transmuted
manas, is, at this stage, considered as the fifth scheme. [TCF370]
In the middle of the fifth round the Logos of Mercury
will, with the Logos of the Venus scheme, and of our Earth, form a temporary triangle of force. We have here information given
that has only been hinted at hitherto but for which, in this fifth subrace and in this fourth round, the world is now ready;
it holds the solution of the mystery of this round. [TCF371]
Mercury, who is esoterically called "the Messenger
at the eighth gate"; Mercury was active at the time of individualization when the "eighth gate" was opened and a major initiation
of our planetary Logos took place, producing, in the human kingdom, the process of individualization. [EA299]
Mercury is the expression of the dual aspect of
the mind as it mediates between the higher and the lower. This mediation again falls into two stages: the use of the concrete
mind as the mediator within the personality, conditioning the personality life, analyzing and distinguishing between the human
self and the not-self and emphasizing the "me and thou" consciousness as well as that of the personality and its environment.
Secondly, it carries the messages between the soul and the brain and establishes right relation between the lower self and
the higher self; it is, therefore, the illumined mind, relating soul and personality. This process of the higher relationship
is carried forward with rapidity upon the Path of Discipleship. There is a third aspect of Mercury which begins to function
when the other two are perfected or in process of rapid perfecting. Mercury, in this case, is the abstract mind - removed
from all form contact as we understand it - and relates soul and spirit, and this again in two stages. Mercury is the revealer
of the Spiritual Triad (atma-buddhi-manas or spiritual will, spiritual love and the higher mind) to the soul, and this carries
the disciples to the stage of the third initiation. It is then the revealer of the life aspect during the processes of the
higher initiations, but upon these it is not necessary for us to enlarge. [TCF354]
In this sign, Virgo, the place and the mode of expression
of the planets are of paramount interest, though most esoteric in implication and most difficult to understand.
Mercury is exalted in this sign because the mother
is necessarily ruled by her son, the Son of Mind who is also the Son of God. Of this son, she is the protector and is responsible
for his development and slowly acquired experience. Mercury, being the Messenger of the Gods and the Agent of Their applied
control, is therefore the agent of the third aspect (active intelligence) from one point of view, and of the second aspect
(love-wisdom) from another. He is regarded as embodying in himself both these aspects of the mental principle, the expression
of the concrete and the abstract mind of God. The lower concrete mind was unfolded in the first solar system and the higher
abstract intuitional mind, the pure reason, is unfolding in this system. Mercury is the synthesis of manas-buddhi, mind-wisdom
which expresses itself through the human soul; Mercury rules the bridge or the antahkarana. In Virgo, Mercury reaches his
full power, for Virgo is intelligence and the hidden Christ is wisdom or pure reason. [EA281]
We come now to a consideration of the Rulers of this
sign and there is much to be learnt from a study of them. The orthodox ruler is Mercury who, as the Messenger of the Gods
or the "divine Intermediary, carries messages between the poles with speed and light." In this most potent and important planet
the idea of duality is again to be found, enhancing and enhanced by the influence of Gemini. Mercury is the expression of
the dual aspect of the mind as it mediates between the higher and the lower. This mediation again falls into two stages: the
use of the concrete mind as the mediator within the personality, conditioning the personality life, analyzing and distinguishing
between the human self and the not-self and emphasizing the "me and thou" consciousness as well as that of the personality
and its environment. Secondly, it carries the messages between the soul and the brain and establishes right relation between
the lower self and the higher self; it is, therefore, the illumined mind, relating soul and personality. This process of the
higher relationship is carried forward with rapidity upon the Path of Discipleship. There is a third aspect of Mercury which
begins to function when the other two are perfected or in process of rapid perfecting. Mercury, in this case, is the abstract
mind - removed from all form contact as we understand it - and relates soul and spirit, and this again in two stages. Mercury
is the revealer of the Spiritual Triad (atma-buddhi-manas or spiritual will, spiritual love and the higher mind) to the soul,
and this carries the disciples to the stage of the third initiation. It is then the revealer of the life aspect during the
processes of the higher initiations, but upon these it is not necessary for us to enlarge. [EA353/4]
To me a Messenger comes forth (Mercury. A.A.B.) and
says 'the Dayspring from on high is on the way, sent by the Father to the Mother.' Upon his way unto this nether star we call
the Earth he stopped at a bright sun where shines the light of love (Sirius. A.A.B.) and there received the accolade of love.
[EA433]
Quest : What kind of life is on Mercury ?
Answr : More of the soul or spiritual life prevails
there. It is higher than Venus. The nearer to the Sun the higher in the scale of
spirituality, as the planets approach the Sun they
partake more and more of its nature. [Temple Teachings 347 Vol 3]
Ponder on this. It is the energies of the fifth, fourth
and third rays, pouring through Venus, Mercury and the Earth, which are productive of the eternally recurring, divine triplicity
and its work of releasing the soul from the influence of form. (DK)
When the electrical interplay between the planets is
better ascertained (and by this I mean their negative or positive interplay), then it will be revealed which are related or
connected, and which are nearing the point of balance. I would here point out very briefly certain facts, not pausing to elaborate
or to elucidate, but simply making various statements which - as the knowledge of man progresses - will assume their rightful
place in the ordered scheme. They will then be seen as enlightening and revealing the necessary sequence of development.
(CF 296)
When the Heavenly Man, Who is at present demonstrating
through the Earth scheme, has succeeded in vitalizing His middle center, or in directing the force of planetary kundalini
away from the lower centers to the solar plexus center, a new cycle will be reached, and much of the present distress will
be ended. (CF 297)
The Dense Physical Planets:
Mercury - 4th Chain
- 5th Globe" (C. F. 373)
Earth - 4th Chain - 4th Globe AAB.
Mercury and Venus have no satellites, but they had
parents just as the Earth had. Both are far
older than the Earth (LHR II, p 67)
"Mercury is far older than the Earth." (Vol. I,
180) SD HPB
"Mercury is the Lord of Wisdom." (Vol. II, 31)
SD
The leader and evocator of souls. (Vol. II, 31)
SD
"The fifth race is born under Mercury." (the Aryan
race. A.A.B.) (Vol. II,32) SD
"Mercury is the elder brother of the Earth." (Vol.
II, 48) SD
"Mercury receives seven times more light than any
other
planet." (Vol. II, 570) SD From EA
"Buddhi and Mercury correspond with each other and
both are yellow and radiant golden-colored. In the human system the right eye corresponds with Buddhi and the left eye with
Manas and Venus or Lucifer." (SD Vol. III, 447-448)
Mercury (4th) - The pupils of this planetary school
are called 'The Sons of Aspiration' or 'The points of Yellow Light.' They have a close connection with our Earth scheme. The
name of this school is not given. EA 694 AAB
Earth (3rd) - The School of Magnetic Response. Another
name given to its pupils is 'The graduates of painful endeavor' or the 'adjudicators between the polar opposites.' Its graduates
are said to undergo examination upon the 3rd subplane of the astral plane. EA 694.
20. Leave not Earth derelict. Realization of the distant
worlds must broaden one's consciousness, but one must not turn away from earthly suffering. Otherwise everyone will take flight
and abandon his hearth. It is necessary to co-measure so that there be no conflict between the heavenly and the earthly.
[AUM]
245. Why is Earth so sick? Because the rays of the
heavenly bodies cannot penetrate its polluted aura. To what will man be reduced if he ceases his communion with the supreme
consciousness and sinks into base ignorance? From the greatest of the worlds to the microcosm, the law is one. Losing their
realization of the great worlds, people have wandered from the understanding of perfection. [AY]
Anguish How can a sensitive spirit avoid the onset
of world anguish? There has never been a case of a man being able to detach himself in spirit from the earthly plane without
contraction of his nerve centers, exactly like that of the daring aviator who feels a singular tremor in his heart upon detaching
himself from the Earth. (LMG I, 83)
In the achievements of the future, special attention
must be paid to the coordination of the development of the spirit and the bodily condition. The body has difficulty in overtaking
the spirit; attacks of anguish occur when the spirit is raised to heights. (AY, 383)
The growth of consciousness is accompanied by spasms
of anguish, and this is verily unavoidable. The non-conformity of Infinity with earthly reality can but call forth the feeling
of a just realization. There is no way to Infinity without sensing all surroundings. Be assured that the greater the consciousness,
the greater the anguish. (AY, 568)
The heart anguish comes ... from straining for luminous
desires. Heart-anguish primarily fills our being with the substance of power. Naturally, the sculpture of Akasa is not always
connected with heart pangs, but a feeling of anguish reveals, in any case, tension and cooperation with the Primary Thought-Frame.
(H, 51)
Dissatisfaction and anguish often are a response to
the call of Space. (INF I, 78)
Do not be disturbed by anguish, it comes from fire.
(HIER, 305)
Therefore, the striving spirit is a creator in unison
with the Cosmos, and knows the cosmic soundings which intensify space. In them is contained summons or call; in them is victory
or battle; in them is sorrow or joy. Verily, he who knows these soundings and experiences the joy and anguish of communion
with space, may be called a great fire-bearer. To this the fiery heart of the Mother of Agni Yoga bears witness. Thus let
us remember the great unified Heart. (FW III, 187)
Sometimes people say, "I was so moved by my dream that
my heart is even in anguish." The heart-anguish comes not from evil dreams but from straining for luminous desires. Heart-anguish
primarily fills our being with the substance of power. Naturally, the sculpture of Akasa is not always connected with heart
pangs, but a feeling of anguish reveals, in any case, tension and cooperation with the Primary Thought-Frame. Thus, one need
not fear anguish as an evil sign. (H, 51)
The heart in its full significance is a transmuter
and a condenser. Often these processes happen to be so strong that human strength cannot suffice to contain and endure the
tension. From antiquity has come the prayer about resigning ones spirit to God. One should understand truly this surrender
of the spirit. If you feel an unbearable anguish of the heart, transfer it mentally to the Lord. Thus you may join your heart
with the Inexhaustible SourceHierarchy. Such action may be particularly needed when the tension of the entire planet is great.
(FW II, 94)
There are rays which are sent into the heart, invisibly
and imperceptibly. They are most penetrative, and the organism must assimilate them. At first they evoke anguish, yet they
are comparable to pure Fire. The one who sends experiences a manifestation of the highest joy, and the one who receives will
manifest the same joy after assimilation. In the most sacred Mysteries these rays were called Agni Invisibilae. Thus, remember!
(INF I, 81)
Containment, Law of - The law of containment is
affirmed by all beginnings. When the cosmic creativeness is brought into strain by aspirations, the law of containment brings
forth manifold formulae. INF II 192
Aspirant:
"The practices which make for union with the Soul are:
fervent aspiration, spiritual reading, and complete obedience to the Master.
The word which I have rendered "fervent aspiration"
means primarily "fire"; and in the Eastern teaching, it means the fire which gives life and light, and at the same time the
fire which purifies. We have, therefore, as our first practice, as the first of the means of spiritual growth, that fiery
quality of the will which enkindles and illumines, and, at the same time, the steady practice of purification, the burning
away of all known impurities."
"Their aim is, to bring soul-vision, and to wear away
hindrances."
"The Rules are these: purity, serenity, fervent aspiration,
spiritual reading, and perfect obedience to the Master."
"The perfection of the powers of the bodily vesture
comes through the wearing away of impurities, and through fervent aspiration." - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book II, 1, 2,
32, 43 (C. Johnston's Edition).
The final hint which can be given, may be summed up
in the words that as the aspirant progresses, he not only balances the pairs of opposites, but the secret of his brother's
heart becomes revealed to him. He becomes an acknowledged force in the world, and is recognized as one who can be depended
upon to serve. Men turn to him for assistance and help along his recognized line, and he begins to sound forth his note so
as to be heard not only in human but in deva ranks as well. This he does, at this stage, through the pen in literature, through
the spoken word in lecturing and teaching, through music, painting and art. He reaches the hearts of men in some way or another,
and becomes a helper and server of his race. [CF 866]
Always remember about the young co-workers. Remember
that it is always possible to find them. Remember that they await you, even under diverse garments. Under a vague aspiration
they are still ready to receive a word about new attainment. BR 468
The highest achievement of a Yogi is the opening of
the Eye of Dangma, and it is not what we call clairvoyance. It is the awakening of perceptions which never can be developed
by any mechanical means but which comes as the result of accumulations of uninterrupted spiritual aspirations and self-sacrifices
over thousands of years; and these results are manifestsed in the most subtle energies, which are stored and preserved in
the Chalice. (LHR I, p 204)
Without God there is no path. Call Him as one will,
the Highest Hierarchical Principle must be observed; otherwise there is nothing to which to cling. Thus one must understand
how the upward aspiration of people's wills surrounds the planet like a protective net. (FW I, 626)
Through the heart one can transport one's consciousness
along the Chain of Hierarchy, thus multiplying one's strength and becoming invulnerable. This means that for such essential
achievements three elements are necessary: heart, Hierarchy, and the realization of non-separateness. Let us accustom ourselves
to constantly feel the heart. Then let us not forget to retain the Image of the Teacher in the third eye, and let us understand
the meaning of indivisibility of aspiration. (H, 582)
When you are told that the shortest way is through
Shambhala, through Kalachakra, it means that achievement is not an unattainable ideal, but that it is something which may
be attained through sincere and industrious aspiration here, upon this very earth and in this very incarnation. This is the
Teaching of Shambhala. Verily, each one may attain it. Verily, each one may hear the pronounciation of the word, Kalagiya!
... (S, pp 28-31)
Man-God advances as an evident aspiring Redeemer of
Humanity. We guard this sacred truth about Man-God. I affirm that the Tara, carrying the flaming Chalice of aspirations for
the redemption of humanity, can proclaim Our manifestation among men. The origin of the power of the Cosmic Magnet bestows
striving toward the consummation. We Brothers of Humanity point out that the change will take place through the fiery principle.
Verily, Our new step is so beautiful! The currents of the higher spheres impel the currents toward the construction of Our
Cosmic force. Great is the attraction! When striving hearts aspire toward consummation, the impetuosity increases, and the
current of oneness is affirmed by the tension of the Cosmic Magnet. Thus the union resounds. (HIER, 15)
But the earthly spirit is affirmed only by the lowest
energies, which very easily swallow up small stores of psychic energy; since this higher Fire is brought forth by the tension
of the higher centers, by higher aspirations and higher feelings. (FW III, 399)
Since aspiration is connected with psychic energy,
then beauty also lies at the same source. Therefore I say that psychic energy is 'beauty'. (AUM, 478)
The aspiration of humanity toward the unusual will
give it the understanding of the New, and will advance it toward Infinity. (INF II, 491)
Sensitiveness - The sensitiveness of sensation unites
all humanity in the higher spheres. Thus principle unites the Teacher with the disciple. Thus, sensitiveness is a chief quality
of the disciple. Sensitiveness applied by the spirit gives keenness of perception. Thus, by applying the sensitiveness of
the heart one may reach the highest aspirations. (INF II, 365)
There is complete consciousness in the Subtle World
only for those who created the bond with the higher worlds while still living, by reason of the aspirations of the heart toward
evolution, and by persistent attempts to preserve such consciousness. (LHR I, p 375)
The goal ahead of the aspirant is the consciousness
of non-separateness and the recognition of a universal inclusiveness; the secondary goal is the ability to reveal the nature
of that reality, Unity; the third goal is the ability to take those measures in the three worlds which will facilitate mankind's
apprehension of these fundamentals. You will note how this last definition of the goal removes inevitably the factor of self-interest
in its entirety. It might therefore be said that revelation concerns Oneness and nothing else. The practical nature of this
truth is only recognized when the disciple attempts to do two things: to realize it individually, and to bring the nature
of planetary unity and of non-separateness to the minds and into the lives of men everywhere.
The work of the aspirant is to see the light; only
when this has become a fact in his consciousness can he begin to grasp the hidden revelation which that contacted and utilized
light can reveal. Here is another key sentence for your consideration.
With the theme of light, of vision, and of illumination,
I seek not here to deal. I have covered these subjects at length in the books which I have written, and they have also constituted
the earnest search of the mystics of all time; and also the Scriptures and the literature of all nations give much information.
It is the subject of revelation and the task of the initiate to reveal with which I am concerned. The disciple, who represents
the Ashram, must reveal to humanity the essential unity underlying all creation.
This he does, first of all, by acting like a clear
sheet of glass through which all may see the reality of Oneness as it demonstrates in practicing operation. When he has, through
his own life and words, demonstrated his conscious participation in this basic unity, he passes on to practice ashramic methods
of making this fundamental truth still more apparent. You can here see why - as a hierarchical technique - we brought to the
attention of the general public the fact of the existence of the New Group of World Servers. They offer a practical expression
of an existent unity, based upon oneness of motive, of recognition, of orientation (towards the spiritual world and towards
the service of humanity), of methods and of ideas; and all this in spite of the fact that the physical plane relationship
is usually non-existent and outer organization and recognition lack. The unity is subjective, and for that reason is impervious
to every taint of separateness. RI 298/9
If the planet were to arbitrarily slow down or accelerate
its motion, one can easily imagine all the ruinous consequences. Hence it is so important to assimilate the significance of
rhythm. Speaking of human labor, one should continually insist upon rhythm. Constant and rhythmic work produces the best results.
The labor of the Brotherhood serves as an example of
this. Rhythm is indispensable because it also affirms quality of work. He who is conscious of rhythm loves his work. But the
magnet of love is not easily intensified. Without it reprobation and repulsion arise. Without it loss of quality and waste
of time and materials result. It is needful to speak more often about the rhythm of labor, otherwise even gifted and capable
workers will lose their aspiration. (BR, 300)
