Esoteric Christianity revisited

[Thomas]

Thoughts from a post made elsewhere ...

Esoteric Christianity

What few realise is the initiatic nature of the 'Way of the heart" within the Abrahamic Traditions. Yet it is there ...

Jeremiah 4:3-4:
"For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem, "Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord and remove the foreskins of your heart, Men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or else My wrath will go forth like fire and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds."

Deuteronomy 30:6:
"Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live."

Romans 2:28-29:
"For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God."

Colossians 2:11-13:
"... and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions"

Of course, one of the key initiatic texts is the discourse with Nicodemus (John 3), and again the text:
"The Spirit (pneuma) breatheth where he will; and thou hearest his voice, but thou knowest not whence he cometh, and whither he goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8) points to the formless initiatic process contained within and alongside the formal rite.

This, tied to the events on Golgotha, indicate precisely, especially in the symbolism of the Rending of the Veil of the Temple, the end of any between the formal/exoteric and the formless/esoteric that defines the Way in so many of its aspects.

Some propose an 'esoteric Christianity' founded on John at the foot of the cross, and an 'exoteric Christianity' founded on Peter, but this can be seen as an erroneous reading when the whole text is taken into account.

A significant key is the race to the empty tomb, as recorded in Luke, which I have spoken of elsewhere — suffice to say that John, symbolising the intellect, arrives first, but cannot enter the darkness, it is Peter, symbolising the will, who steps forward.

The other is that, in the Book of Acts, Peter and John, intellect and will, are found to be inseparable, they are addressed as one, and they answer as one ...

In Christianity all formal distinctions were done away, it really is 'an esoterism in plain sight', not either/or, nor even one/other, but both/and.

God bless,

Thomas

 

[radarmark]

Brava! This is so true. The outer (exoteric) may differ from Church to Church; the inner (esoteric, but not really because nothing is hidden in the occult fashion) does not.

 

[taijasi]

For those who wish to understand the basis of a Christian esotericism based on Theosophical principles and Teachings ...

... consider the continuity between 19th Century Occultism as popularized by H.P. Blavatsky and the 19 volumes of instruction for aspirants, disciples and initiates presented by Alice Bailey between 1919 and 1949.

The aforementioned 19 volumes (written by Bailey) reach us from the same Tibetan Initiate who was largely responsible for H.P. Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine, and many students of both sets of Teachings will recognize this continuity.

I say again, students of both sets of teachings, because in 99% of the cases where someone of Theosophical background speaks out (usually against Alice Bailey), you will find that s/he has not actually taken much time to investigate the latter teachings impartially or as sincerely and devotedly as works of a Theosophical nature.

Students of astrology, or the astute Theosopher, may be aware of statements made by HPB herself wherein a particular Samaritan cycle of interest is mentioned ... in which the Sun precessed into Pisces in 255BC, then into Aquarius in the year 1900AD.

The Tibetan Master himself would seem to allow for the latter official date to be no later than the end of the second World War [June 1945], when the Christ "definitely and consciously took over His duties and responsibilities as the Teacher and Leader during the Aquarian solar cycle." [The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey, pp. 82-83]

What this amounts to in simple terms is that many of the same astrological influences and energies which were available to HPB during the authorship, inspiration and precipitation of writings during the 19th Century would not be and were not available to Alice Bailey (or perhaps her Teachers?) during the first half of the 20th Century ... when Alice's books were penned.

I share this, here on this thread, because I know of no author during the 20th Century who contributed so much, so sincerely or so influentially on the Inner Side of life to the true heart and soul, the esoteric Cause, of Christ's own Christianity ... as Alice Bailey (with acknowledgment to the true, spiritual source of the books which she authored, the Tibetan Teacher DK).

I heartily recommend the book From Bethlehem to Calvary, written by Alice Bailey *herself* ... and NOT dictated, channeled or otherwise "inspired directly" by some outside source, Eastern or otherwise.

In this book, Alice tells us in her own words and in *Western terminology* of the five great crises of spiritual living or points of expansion of consciousness which marked the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and which are symbolic of the same five crises which each human Soul must someday undergo (John 14:6, John 6:44, John 12:32) ...

... on our long Journey from the unreal to the Real, from darkness unto Light and from death to Immortality.

~+~

Although this ancient Prayer of the Upanishads is a far better closing than any that I can come up with, I would nevertheless like to add that I am crossposting to the thread About occultists ... with a linkback to here.

On this other thread, there has been question about how esoteric and occult movements of the 19th Century (when the word `occult' carried far less of a stigma) - especially in the Theosophical Tradition - managed to progress into early 20th Century movements such as Alice Bailey's, Rudolf Steiner's (Anthroposophy) and even Max Heindel's (with its modern revival of Rosicrucianism) ... all with an emphasis on *Christian* Teachings and Principles.

The effort here is not to hijack or otherwise derail your excellent twin-threads, Thomas; rather, I would fall short of my own spiritual vows and miss the mark if I did not speak up here, as the opportunity arises, on this subject which I consider so dear to my own heart and spiritual interests.

Further discussion on these *exact* points - as I characterize them - may be better left to ... About occultists {esotericists with Theosophical roots, affiliations or otherwise kinship}.

Carry on!

 

[radarmark]

I choose to believe in a G!d who reveals H!mself to us directly. That is just me. It is heart and mind (passion and intellect) that reveal the experimentally verified facts of Sp!rit and Kosmos. Of G!d and world. Of all the wonders and love around us. For those in the Christian faith or those in the Islamic faith (put in your own tradition here), we agree on that much (for the most part) and I accept I am just to stubborn to accept exclusivity.

 

[Thomas]

Hi Andrew —

For those who wish to understand the basis of a Christian esotericism based on Theosophical principles and Teachings ...

Well the first response must be that the Theosophical understanding of Christian esoterism is profoundly flawed.

Simply put — if Theosophy understood the meaning of what is signified by the rending of the veil of the temple, then you would know that the formal separation of the eso/exo divide is overcome ...

... we would, in the love of God, understand that every form of separation, social, racial, gender, intellect and ability ... is overcome...

... but not only does Theosophy seem unaware of this, the tendency to travel in the opposite direction continues without pause.

Rather than simplifying the doctrine, as one might reasonably assume the esoteric would do, Theosophy actually complicates the matter in spades, and the accusation of elitism constantly dogs it — for to be a theosopher (as currently understood) requires no little mental capacity.

But what of the poor, the weak, the down-trodden, the dispossessed? Nada. It seems they're getting their just desserts for something done in a previous existence.

Where I say one, you say many, where I say here you point to some infinite horizon, where I say now you allude to some unknown future ... drip-fed to us, it would seem, by some 'supermen' in their mountain fastness somewhere, who sit in judgement on the world, those anonymous 'elders', our supposed 'Masters', who pride themselves in knowing better than you or I what lives in and moves the heart.

(It seems to me their day will come, and I for one would not like to be even near their shoes, let alone in them ... cue the old cartoon of shredded and smoking boots.)

It's hardly surprising that a belief in reincarnation is a necessary prerequisite for the Theosopher, for without an infinite number of lifetimes to cross every hurdle you erect in your path, the position surely is hopeless!

God bless,

Thomas

 

[taijasi]

Well the first response must be that the Theosophical understanding of Christian esoterism is profoundly flawed.

You need say nothing further. I believe some of us can see the flaw already ...

 

[taijasi]

Living in a glass house and throwing stones, the pot calls the kettle black, while picking motes and ignoring planks.

You strive so valiantly and desperately, yet vainly, to make enemies of the Friends and Defenders of Truth ... illustrating openly that you know little of the nature of this fight, much less its inevitable outcome.

How ironic and also a bit sad that you would even dare to speak at all of such matters, showing off your fondness for the Emperor's new clothes, flaunting and taunting as you admire your long flowing robes ...

... while the rest of us are content to strive humbly and in earnest simply to touch ~ the Hem of the Garment.

 

[Thomas]

Hi Andrew —

Lot's of smoke but no substance ... how about you stick to the point, and offer the Theosophical interpretation of the veil torn asunder?

God bless,

Thomas

 

[A Cup Of Tea]

I would be much more interested in what you have to say Andrew if you would stick to the subject. The fact that you two don't agree is obvious, lets move on.

 

[taijasi]

Oh I see. Okay then, I will sit down with a nice cup of coffee and as requested address more directly the subject at hand.

One thing I will *not* be doing is simply setting up argument after argument for Thomas to straw-man (good logician that he is) ... so that the poor saps here - who apparently don't know any better - can slap him on the back, commend his great intellect, and say, "good job old chap!"

When the topic is patristics or church history, I am glad to acknowledge what wonderful contributions Thomas has made. But one thing he doesn't have the right to do is to bully his way in, decide that there really is no such thing as an esoteric doctrine within Christianity - which is what his argument here amounts to - and tell the rest of us [especially those of Theosophical background] that we're out to lunch if we believe otherwise.

And yet, when I speak of "a Christian esotericism based on Theosophical principles and Teachings" ... we find Thomas quipping:

"Well the first response must be that the Theosophical understanding of Christian esoterism is profoundly flawed."
​

No no my dear man, it is your understanding which is quite flawed. And this is why:

Your assumption, and it has pervaded your half-hearted attempt to make any rhyme or reason of Theosophical teachings all along ... your *assumption* is that only a ROMAN CATHOLIC can properly understand or practice Christianity (and here I really mean yourself as the outstanding example of such, super-educated and fully versed in the subjects already noted: church history and patristics).

From here, Thomas, you go completely wrong. Because your mind, your reason, your intellect fails to penetrate the underlying message of your OWN religion, so it also fails to recognize that essentially the SAME MESSAGE lies at the heart of ALL religions ... and thus you cannot grasp, even in principle, that a Christian esotericism is most decidedly NOT the same as the superficial teachings, or the vessel into which the Gospel of Christ Jesus has been placed.

Granted, the latter vehicle has been shaped and decided, argued and rehashed down the centuries since Christ's own day ... such that the vehicle itself is no longer a fit and fully functioning religion, itself being both cause and justification for endless suffering, wars, crusades, argument (of non-philosophical sort, which is really what we see taking place here) ... such violence and bloodshed as the Christ certainly did not advocate, with palliation coming only when some tender, caring soul could again reconnect with the original Message of Christianity's Founder.

Now the latter are not so rare that they have not given their lives, from Christ's own day to modern times, in an effort to rekindle the original Glory of the *Ageless Wisdom* .... wrapt 2100 years ago in the words and Parables of Christ Jesus, from Nazareth.

Some of these wise and Noble souls have even had such insight and grasp of the Teachings and intent of the Founder of Christianity that they understood how he became the Christ ... or, speaking of the man Jesus, how HE became a high Initiate. Recognizing that an Initiatic Tradition is in fact a UNIVERSAL OCCURENCE in all religions as indeed it is something which occurs on ALL PLANETS, these sages and saints have always made their contributions to our understanding of this Universal Tradition.

From Apollonius to Origen, Hypatia to Giordano Bruno, even such scientists as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler ... the wisest minds among us have been almost summarily persecuted and often murdered AT THE HANDS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ... or, in some cases, another angry mob of self-righteous prigs calling themselves "Christians," yet clearly claiming this honor IN NAME ONLY.

The fact that the Dark Brotherhood still holds sway over the minds of men is all that practically accounts for the continued success of this bastion of evil, ignorance, fear, superstition and lies in American and European society today ... although, thank goodness, we see recently a sharp decline in the numbers of suckers still being drawn into the net of Satan's grasp, as surely no one but one of Satan's tools direct could possibly believe that THIS is what was intended by our Lord when He spoke to the first Disciples:

"Come with me, and I will make you FISHERS OF MEN."
​

Nonetheless, those who have incurred the karma of the ages by their failure to follow through with Christ's invitation and injunction are the ones who must bear the greatest burden in these, the times of transition.

Now the energies of Pisces are rapidly passing away, this sign having already left the direct influence of our Solar System and little planet for some 112 years ... such that a New Christianity, as indeed a New Spirituality of global scale and ramifications is swiftly making its influence felt along Aquarian lines, and those same disciples who might have enjoyed a free ride, so to speak, along the Piscean lines of approach to the Master [the Christ] are now finding their path far more challenging.

To this, you may bear witness, yet ye will know it not, and understandably you will account for it by all means and measures without appealing to the underlying astrological cause ... but I cannot dispute you in your assessment that some people just do not wish to play ball, or that they do not appreciate the same esprit de corps as those who like to gather together and sit in the pews to be preached at.

Yes, you will find that some take the individual tack, or lines of approach, and this must necessarily give way to the recognition that although New Agers value the innate abilities and contributions of the Individual (which Christianity has never properly appreciated, since the theology is flawed, and since the Individual Soul is rather improperly understood both metaphysically and ethically, or morally speaking) ... so too - and in fact, far more so - do those of Aquarian bent recognize that the New Discipleship is one involving GROUP energies, GROUP approach and thus, GROUP Initiation.

Thomas, of course, knows very little about Initiation, and thus he remains closed to the inspiration, influence or Insight coming from any insider to this, one of the Greatest of all Mysteries.

Now it is a fact that certain Revelations are only provided to the Initiate upon the beginning, or Initiation of spiritual progress after a certain point. For example, after undergoing the transformative, Transfigurative experience which Jesus illustrated for us ... the 3rd Degree Initiate makes definite contact with the Monad, to which Christ frequently refers with the expression: "Our Father in Heaven."

It is also a fact that from this point forward, the Sirian energies of the COSMIC CHRIST are available to the Initiate, although one should understand that s/he must become as a little child all over again in order to learn to use these energies wisely and properly ... just as we must do from the point of the 1st Initiation, the Birth of the Christ within the human heart.

Thus there is a repetition of sorts, on a higher turn of the spiral ... and of course, anyone at this point arguing that the veil has finally been pierced or rent in twain would be quite the fool, as even the lowly aspirant knows, there are practically an INFINITE series or layers of such a veil - placed there by God Himself, if we wish to construe it as such, in order to both protect us from the Power/Will aspect, which as yet Humanity barely even suspects ... and also to protect the further spiritual development of the budding human Soul/Spiritual Triad.

And of course, not until the 5th Intiation does a man understand the Mystery of Identity, which Mystery finally reveals to us the significance of the phrase: ALL LIFE IS ONE.Not that we may not already recognize this Truth both Intuitively and Nirvanically (on the plane of Atma) ... but it does make sense that the AT-ONE-MENT with `the Father' would not occur until that Great Experience which Christ Jesus illustrated for us in the Renunciation/Resurrection - often spoken of simplistically as the `ASCENCION.'

Of course, most importantly for all of this is the SYMBOLISM, meaning that just as in the East we have had the motif of Stream-Entrant, Once-Returner, Never-Returner and so on [or Wanderer, Hut-Builder, Swan, Great Swan, etc.] ... depending on whether we translate the Pali terminology or the older, Sanskrit terms ... so in the WEST in RECENT tradition (which Thomas cannot admit or acknowledge, so swollen with PRIDE is he of his own intellect and its beginnings of recognition) has added to the UNIVERSAL RESERVOIR of Truth and Spiritual Substance, from which all Initiates must draw in their [OUR] Mass (or Group) Approach.

Now it is a fact that Thomas understands all of this very little ... don't you, old Bean. You don't like to be patronized, yet you practice it fluently. You don't like to reminded that in fact, you are a great proponent, but by no means THE authority ... or even, I would go so far as to say, AN authority ... on such matters as a Universal Tradition of Initiation.

Nor are you, EVEN BY A LONG SHOT, anything LIKE an experienced, verteran, or well-versed authority on matters concerning an Ageless Wisdom, a Perennial Philosophy ... or, Good Heavens, a UNIVERSAL TRUTH.

So, before you rush quickly to step forward and strip ME of such honors or self-donned dunce cap ... let's just be frank, and admit to these kind people that in fact, you are no more Thomas the Wise than I am Andrew the Great.

Either folks like you will learn to get along better, and admit that we SHARE the Responsibility - for various reasons, even if one (or both!) of us has difficulty acknowledging it - of helping bring to the world a greater MEASURE of its deserved and desperately NEEDED LOVE-WISDOM and collective, GROUP UNDERSTANDING of Purpose ... always accessible TO the Individual, VIA the Christ (or Master) within the Heart ...


... and yes, I do PRAY GOD that it will manifest quickly as such, without undue emphasis being placed ON the intellect, BY the intellect FOR the sake of SOMEONE's EGO, or another ...

... or, I think we can see, quite plainly, we shall simply continue to DEPRIVE these good people of what they most clearly deserve ...

... and I will say it as clearly as I can:

Christ asked for NO withholding of the Salve of Aesculapian Wisdom, something which He Himself distributed and applied with tenderness, Love and what is called in Eastern Traditions, pure Compassion.

Thomas himself has often made this point, yet I must refuse him when he suggests that there is no Hierarchy of Masters, or Assembled Body Collective of `CHRIST and His CHURCH,' as it has been called in the Christian Mysteries.

So, to come to the CRUX, yes, I do believe in the Christian Mysteries ... because these are the SAME Mysteries into which both Thomas and I are Initiate.

I can say no more about degrees or specifics, not necessarily because I have no thoughts on or insight into the matter ... but because I recognize Thomas as a Brother ~ yes, as MY Brother ~ and I am taught that I AM my Brother's Keeper.

In certain times of difficulty, I will see to his needs, and it will be the case that he can depend upon me as readily as he could a fellow Roman Catholic, or a blood brother, or even - dare I say it - his own Father.

For these are the things that Christ taught, as known by Native Americans, as understood millions of years, in some cases, before Christ or Shakyamuni Buddha, or Sri Krishna ever walked the Earth.

And the circle is completed because I know equally well that I can trust Thomas equally well, and thus it becomes a shame for all on this thread - or in posterity - to witness the argument.

Notice, however, that both men SEEM to assert, and say they believe in, the Christ. It is left to your wisdom and discernment, if I must put it thus, to decide where the shortcomings exist.

Perhaps it is a matter of pure semantics, but I tend to think it's a little more involved ... unfortunately. The woe is simly owing to the matter of time which may end up passing before one or both of us ends up putting *more into practice* that which we HAVE been taught.

For you see, I can attest, not simply to the existence of the Great Ones denied by my Brother here ... I can say much more. In the interest of stepping forward, rather than backward, I am choosing my next words - or the remainder of my response - as carefully as possible.

[Follows in 2nd post]

 

[taijasi]

What needs saying, in an effort to show where the Ageless Wisdom stands regarding `an esoteric Christianity' ...

Thomas says: "Simply put — if Theosophy understood the meaning of what is signified by the rending of the veil of the temple, then you would know that the formal separation of the eso/exo divide is overcome ...

... we would, in the love of God, understand that every form of separation, social, racial, gender, intellect and ability ... is overcome...

... but not only does Theosophy seem unaware of this, the tendency to travel in the opposite direction continues without pause."
​

The Temple is the Heart of Man. Yet not in a day does man prepare the Temple, for not in a day did God create the Earth, nor man. Therefore, not in a day did Christ rend this veil ... that it was not ready to be rent.

As in the Kingdom of God, so also in the Kingdom of Humanity.

Each man must work this out for himself, where Christ has made the Great Work possible for ALL upon this planet. Anyone who speaks against this Truth, speaks against the Christ ... for he reveals that within his own heart, as yet there is division: himself from his brother, and therefore also between himself and God (and Christ).

So, for the one who speaks out against separation and undue division [divisiveness], let him also demonstrate this underlying UNITY, which is not *created* but which already EXISTS, in the "eyes of the Lord," yet which man must work out within his life, within his affairs, and within the world at large.

Arguably NO greater Bastion of Evil exists today than the Roman Catholic Church, with its vast series of hierarchies (Pope & Priesthood: bishops, pontiffs, prelates & cardinals, selling indulgences and vicarious atonement rather than preaching *Responsibilty* for one's own actions and transgressions).

As the Great Chief put it, No greater evil than religion ... exists on our planet today.

To be clear, neither religion nor Roman Catholicism is the SOURCE of said evil ... which includes fear and divisiveness, ignorance and supersition. Rather, wielding these collectively [but most potently, FEAR] as a WEAPON in their hands, the forces of Evil still find it all too easy to USE religions, above all Roman Catholicism - for the above stated reasons, et al - and Christianity, with its many sects and divisions ... in their OUTWARD expression of evil, keeping the heart of one man from another, and focusing his attention on possessions, comforts and vain imaginings of an eternity spent (with OR WITHOUT his brother) in Paradise.

Indeed, in Their fight for GOOD, the Forces of Light and Love must contend with all of this ... the cries of Humanity reaching Them and moving Them to remain involved in the effort to show us the WAY to the Farther Shore.

Let's take a look at what one Teacher says about the work of the Master Jesus (as distinguished from the World Teacher, where the former served as the literal vessel for the latter, exactly as the Biblical symbolism shows us ... vide 2 Cor 4:6-7):

"His work at this time is exceedingly responsible, for to Him is given the problem of steering the thought of the occident out of its present state of unrest into the peaceful waters of certitude and knowledge, and of preparing the way in Europe and America for the eventual coming of the World Teacher. ... As Appollonius of Tyana, He took the fifth initiation and became a Master of the Wisdom. From that time on He has stayed and worked with the Christian Church, fostering the germ of true spiritual life which is to be found amongst members of all sects and divisions, and neutralising as far as possible the mistakes and errors of the churchmen and the theologians. He is distinctively the Great Leader, the General, and the wise Executive, and in Church matters He co-operates closely with the Christ, thus saving Him much and acting as His intermediary wherever possible. No one so wisely knows as He the problems of the West, no one is so closely in touch with the people who stand for all that is best in Christian teachings, and no one is so well aware of the need of the present moment. Certain great prelates of the Anglican and Catholic Churches are wise agents of His." IHS
​

Concerning themselves greatly with Right Human Relations, many of the Great Ones work round the clock to inspire us anew to precisely the kind of hands-on `Humanitarian' work which our friend Thomas here simply cannot recognize ... because he cannot find the Christ in his brother's heart.

And so he will continue to miss It, as long as he is concerned with telling women they cannot use contraception, insisting that they do not belong in the priesthood, defending the atrocities of the latter as they molent young choir-boys by the multitudes ... and dismissing all of the above SINS with the waive of a hand, albeit in the darkness of the confession box, where one man can magically somehow purport to trump the will of the God.

Meanwhile, the Wise at least acknowledge the Law of Karma, of Cause and Effect, taught by Christ Himself ... and illustrated keenly in the Bible in Matthew 5:18 as well as in countless places elsewhere.

Now who is it that is blinded by the veils of the flesh and form, and bound by the foolish practices of superstition and ignorance ... all the while assailing the WORK of those in whom the Christ Spirit lives & acts ... himself accusing US of failing to recognize the True Christianity?

Even the Beatles knew of the glass onion ... and spoke of the Life which "flows on within you and without you." Thomas, on the other hand, cannot find his Christ either within, OR without ... yet he will readily tell you of the Church FATHERS (yes, they were all men, including the ones who ordered Hypatia dragged through the streets of Alexandria), and hail their lovely effort to veil and conceal the very Pearls of Christ which once (although no more) were entrusted to their guardianship.

Thomas, in boasting of himself and his mighty, towering intellect, declares:
Rather than simplifying the doctrine, as one might reasonably assume the esoteric would do, Theosophy actually complicates the matter in spades, and the accusation of elitism constantly dogs it — for to be a theosopher (as currently understood) requires no little mental capacity.
​

Yet he fails to recognize that the Ageless Wisdom enjoins the student to aspire to the Intuitive plane and seek to allow the spiritual faculties, chief among these the Love-Wisdom of the 2nd Principle, Aspect and Logos, to INspire the mental abilities. Instead of such encouragement or practice, Thomas here has polished his little apple into a right sharp, pointy and effective blade ... and with a little juice applied to preserve unduly the resulting travesty, and perhaps to exacerbate whatever wounds to ego he manages to inflict, he continues to miss the Truth that is in plain sight of which he himself often speaks, yet clearly - as some of us long have suspected - has apparently not ever touched.

That apple wasn't meant for going around bonking us on the head with, my friend. Just because I can do it too, or because it is so tempting on occasion to try and whittle another man down to size, doesn't mean that you must or should appoint yourself the sole right or responsibility of shoring us all up before the eyes of the Lord.

Yes, I myself have made the same mistake ... yet I have also come to recognize a resulting problem. When you try and whisk away this measure of the Truth you've won for yourself, absconding with the proverbial apple - and commencing to beat us all up with it, or carving it up into whatever little shapes you prefer (Roman Catholicism, although it gets carved up quite a bit into other shapes, by others ignorant of its true meaning or symbolic significance) ... the result is that:

You upset the Apple Cart.

Now the cart follows the ox that draw it ... and you are as bound to that wheel as the next guy (speaking of Rebirth), even if you do not recognize it ... such that no matter how stubborn you may be or insist on remaining, the Buddha's Truth, Christ's Truth, and Sri Krishna's Truth - all are, no matter how you prefer to slice It, inherently ONE.

Stop slicing up the apples, or stealing them from the cart, for Humanity is hungry, dear friend, and we both have made the commitment, LONG long ago, to FEED THE POOR, including those who are spiritually hungry, as well as those who need food for their bellies and a roof over their heads.

Would St. Francis carry on as either of us do?

I damn well hope he wouldn't. Nor would St. Claire, or Mother Teresa.

It isn't that they might not have had opinions or insights, yet whether one is a mystic or an esotericist it is certainly true that often what matters most is what we DO with what we know (or believe), and not how well we can beat another man over the head with it, or how well we use sophistry and casuistry to show off our more-than-abundant educational background.

And yes, both paths [mysticism & occultism] do converge, and although I do at least respect your desire to see this happen - which is your true motivation for overlooking the fact of the remaining distinction - I will not simply stand by and watch you pretend that you've personally and single-handedly DONE AWAY WITH completely, once and for all, every last shred of the `veil,' as you call it, between Inner and outer.

If you'd done this, even for yourself, you'd stop denying Rebirth, you'd acknowledge the Great Ones and their efforts - rather than impeding the same, including those of the Syrian Initiate and the World Teacher alike ... and you'd stop trouncing my efforts to show that an Ageless Wisdom *does indeed exist*, ensouling Christianity as every world religion, pouncing upon every opportunity to flount your seemingly superior intellect.

I think that's enough ... now it's time for you to get off your duff ... and get out there, my friend, PROVE to me that YOU are something more than just another casuist who's become an old hand at talking out of his hat.

Know, and I stress this, dear Thomas, KNOW for a fact ... that as Wesak approaches, I shall be doing my UTMOST to demonstrate precisely this same fact in my OWN life ... for indeed, if I can dish it out, I can also "take it" ... although you will surely be the first to agree, as any around us can plainly see, sometimes "taking it" means precisely the opposite:

TO GIVE

What did Christ preach again?

Oh yeah ... it was ...

 

[radarmark]

I am with ACOT on this. I prefer short simple discussions that are on point to lengthy philosophical diatribes. From this point-of-view, I have taken my share of criticism by Thomas... however, we do manage to communicate. I think that is a good goal for an "interfaith forum".

 

[Thomas]

... But one thing he doesn't have the right to do is to bully his way in, decide that there really is no such thing as an esoteric doctrine within Christianity

But that's not what I have said. I said Christianity is an esoterism in plain sight.

Your assumption ... your *assumption* is that only a ROMAN CATHOLIC can properly understand or practice Christianity

Wrong again. Please desist in your slanders.

I might also add that my own return to Christianity I owe to a Tibetan Buddhist, the late Marco Pallis. And as I am a Christian Neoplatonist, and a companion of the Perennial Tradition, please don't accuse me of demonstrably untrue religious narrow-mindedness.

But to matters under discussion:
To anyone with an eye to the meaning of symbol, the Synoptic account of the rending of the veil of the temple (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45) speaks of the end of the formal distinction between the esoteric and exoteric domains (especially when one consider's Josephus' account of the complete cosmology worked on the veil).

This action affirms Christ's words spoken to the samaritan woman:
"Jesus answered, and said to her: Whosoever drinketh of this water, shall thirst again; but he that shall drink of the water that I will give him, shall not thirst for ever: But the water that I will give him, shall become in him a fountain of water, springing up into life everlasting...
"Jesus saith to her: Woman, believe me, that the hour cometh, when you shall neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, adore the Father ... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true adorers shall adore the Father in spirit and in truth."
John 4:13-14, 21, 23 — 'Spirit' and 'truth' correlating to esoteric and exoteric.

So really, this is the issue on which the whole discussion turns ... and this is what I have addressed, and this is what I have asked.

So please stop insulting me, please stop blowing your own trumpet, and please address the issue under discussion.

God bless,

Thomas

 

[Thomas]

The Temple is the Heart of Man

Not everyone possesses the necessary qualities of asceticism, detachment and intellectual discernment to attain enlightenment under his or her own steam. In fact, few do, and thanks to the way of the world, that number diminishes.

The temple traces its origin back to Exodus, "And they shall make me a sanctuary, and I will dwell in the midst of them" (25:8).

As Plato says in the Phaedra: 'the philosopher seeks death', that is, the true philosopher seeks detachment from worldly things, and few possess the desire, let alone the power, to seek such a goal.

So in His grace, God makes provision ...

The veil 'typified the universe' according to Josephus, which tells us that the veil marked the separation between Creator and His creation, between Essence and Substance. What lay beyond this veil lay beyond the created order, it was a 'sanctuary' miqdashin which God could reside in order to be known, and from where "I will appear to thee, and I will commune with thee," (Exodus 25:22). This applies not only to the tabernacle, but also to the temple, which Solomon erected 'for God's name', for God is present in His name, for it is through His name that we can address Him.

The exoteric understanding of a sanctuary is as a sacred place, taking its root from the Greek sacare 'to set aside' and thus denotes a place set aside, by man, for the worship of God and for no other purpose (Thou shalt not have strange gods before me" 20:30). Again we can see that that few men manage to keep only the divine image imprinted in their heart's desire ... and because of this, the heart is rendered unsuitable.

(The Arthurian legends, of course, revolve around the same message).

I mentioned Plato above ... of course St Paul makes exactly the same point:
"For we are buried together with him by baptism into death; that as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

Arguably NO greater Bastion of Evil exists today than the Roman Catholic Church...

Arguably ... but then again, arguably, by René Guénon no less, universally regarded as the foremost spokesperson of authentic and traditional metaphysics, the Theosophical Society is actually a 'counter-traditional' and 'counter-initiatic' organisation. Take a look at Theosophy: history of a pseudo-religion...

So if you're going to throw stones, Andrew old chum, please do not start bleating when people toss them back at you.

God bless

Thomas

 

[taijasi]

Christ the Aquarian says to each of us, "Water of Life am I, poured forth for thirsty men."

Let him who is thirsty drink ... and if you fill the Chalice of the Heart, pour forth of this chalice to your fellow man.

Thomas, Christ taught His disciples how to pray, and we find this in Luke 11:1-4. In Matthew 6:5-6 we are taught specifically:

"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees from the hidden place will reward you."
​

What this comes to is that you may pray in a church, if you wish to ... but you do not need to. Christ is just as accessible to the man who does not attend a church, or synagogue, or temple ... yet when he stands and boasts of his faith, he has his reward (recognition, vanity). Or when the ostentatious make their altar calls ... again, they have the recognition they have sought, catharsis optional.

The Hindu, or the Muslim, the Buddhist or the Pagan, the Christian or the Theosophist ... all ALIKE may seek the Christ (World Teacher, Messiah, Logos, God within, Imam Mahdi, Saoshyant, Buddha-Nature, Higher Self, etc.) ... and looking within, ASKING, SEEKING ... s/he shall find.

Thus saith the Lord, and if I feel like playing little boy blue, I shall indeed blow my horn at the top of my little lungs, for I have been taught BY the Christ, in such places reflected in your holy scriptures as Matthew 5:16 ... to do my part to turn our attention back toward the Truth, and as best as I know how, toward all things Holy and Good.

Now some will hear or see nothing but talk, and plenty such as yourself will point their long finger, looking down their nose at me, and accuse me of this, or of that, and precisely for standing up for what I know, I will receive a reward of sorts, of my own. That's my own business.

This is the most sacred time of the entire year ... and you know it not.

That changes things *not one whit*.

My goal is to reflect in my actions what I have long tried to say inadequately, perhaps, through far too many words ... yet you have far too often, far too sharply criticized, Thomas, and this - I assure - goes to the Record just as surely as your commendations, and words of praise, or my own criticisms ... and praise.

Bear that in mind.

I am finished here, for when I first commented, I did so in a Positive Light, with the Spirit, Love and Truth of Christ Himself behind me ... and your SOLE CONCERN was that I should steal your thunder. Poor, poor Thomas with his fragile ego ...

While I myself take Responsiblity for responding to a fool's own foolish words IN KIND ... this was not my original intention.

Take this as my recognition, and statement that dialogue with you is useless. It is like beating one's head against a brick wall, and while I can hardly blame the brick wall for feeling overwhelmed by my lengthy diatribes, I also know that the ijit who keeps beating his head will come out the greater fool, at the end of the day.

Here, have your thread back ...

... but have another of St. Paul's thoughts to hum on as you do:

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

"I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."
​

When you are able to bear the meat, I assure you, the Lord will speak to you (as even in these words an esoteric hint is *veiled in plain sight*, yet I challenge you to ascertain it) ... and you will understand both my bluster, and my blitheness.

You great hypocrite, I have chosen the path of the goat, as surely as I am able to find my footing ... and while that necessarily means I shall stumble and occasionally FALL on my steep ascent, it also means I shall gladly stand and SUFFER FOOLS ... for I have long received the stones, thrown by sheepish fools living in glass houses - such as yourself ... and until this HOUSE stands UNdivided, I {as so many others} must soak down every ounce of poison you seek to pour:

For indeed, when you slander Theosophy, you slander Christ and the Buddha, Jesus and every other Lord of Compassion or Master of the Wisdom ... as e'en the lowly disciples or Little Ones, Christ's OWN ... nor least of all, the Father.

As is sometimes said, May God have Mercy on your (mortal) soul
... and as has also been said: Father, please Forgive him, for he knows not what he does.

Happy Wesak Blessings ... perhaps I will see you there.

 

[taijasi]

The open-minded are invited to read a piece on esotericism in a more universal context than applying to Christianity alone.

While one individual here argues that no difference exists within Christianity between an esoteric and an exoteric doctrine, I cannot help but differ, based on experience, knowledge and insight ... rather than speculation or hearsay.

The above article speaks of Christ and Christianity throughout, thus finding perfect relevance to the topic at hand, with an appeal to Universal Truths, rather than any one individual's interpretation, ideas or opinions.

Indeed, precisely the thrust of the esoteric nature of ALL religions is that man himself is capable of discerning Truth, intuitively - *without* external aid or the official bulls and pronouncements of any earthly church or external, physical plane organization.

Hence the saying, "Truth is One, Paths are Many" ... with an emphasis on equally valid approaches to the Higher Way, as well as a reminder that Christ comes to us ALL, regardless as to our specific profession of faith, or creed, vocation, caste or color.

Under what circumstances? Why not take Christ's own words for an answer:

"Henceforth I come not solely through groups with recognized officials, through organizations rendering me what is often no more than lip-service in their assumptions of Brotherhood; I come to each and all who love me, no matter of what race, class or creed. The greatness of their need of me, the strength of their desire to see me, shall be the measure of their power to see me. The peasant in the Swiss mountains; the scientist in his laboratory; the artist dreaming of his creation; the mystic and the psychologist; the spiritualist and the musician--to these and many others I come if their intuition, their inner vision be true enough to recognize me, if there be in their hearts That which responds to the Love which eternally flows forth to them from mine."
​

 

[Thomas]

Hi Andrew —

Let me take this out of order, but I hope you will see why.

While one individual here argues that no difference exists within Christianity between an esoteric and an exoteric doctrine ...

Well until you explain how that difference can exist after the rending of the veil, or explain the meaning of the symbolism away, when it is presented by exegetes and esoterists alike as mean precisely that, your arguments are moot.

Here I must correct you. Were such difference to exist, then each would necessarily require not only their own reading of Scripture, but would necessitate two distinct streams of doctrine, each with their own dogmas, rubrics, rites and liturgies.

But by the Mystery of the Incarnation, the two streams are now one. The esoteric is revealed in the exoteric, not apart from it. The Word is made flesh.

The open-minded are invited to read a piece on esotericism in a more universal context than applying to Christianity alone.

In fact it does not apply to Christianity at all. Nor indeed any of the Great Religious Tradition as, and I cannot repeat this enough, they are metacosmic in their origins, whilst the universal esoterism you describe is universal only in a cosmic context — as is self declared in the text:

The mystic is never a true esotericist, for he is not dealing in his consciousness with energies and forces, but with that vague "Something other" (called God, the Christ, the Beloved) and therefore, in reality, with that which satisfies the hunger of his soul.

That 'Something other' is vague to the author is the author's own opinion, which we do not dispute. What we do dispute, and the evidence is substantial enough to affirm our disputation, is that the mystic is never vague about what that 'Something other' is, in fact quite the opposite. Furthermore, if she is vague about the nature of the 'Something other' then she is equally vague about the nature of the soul, which is aligned to, indeed (as much as a created nature can be, to it) like unto it.

The scientist who is now so rapidly dealing with and entering into the world of forces and energies, is in reality a true esotericist ...

Here we are dealing with the empirical sciences, that which can be measured, calibrated, counted. Here the author stakes her claim.

Beyond this point of humanity's destined goal I seek not to go; to initiates and disciples who have not yet taken the Initiation of...

Now the author is inferring another esoterism, separate and distinct to the first, and here she highlights the tragic flaw in her schema. By so doing, she has rendered both defective, as each is rendered relative and contingent with regard to the other. Whereas an authentic esoterism addresses the Transcendent, the absolute nature of things, this pseudoesterism seeks not only to formalise the formless, but also to create separations and distinctions where none should properly exist.

Again we refer to the rended veil. By this sign, the Transcendent is Immanently present in and to the Formal. The Word is made flesh. The esoteric is one with its exoteric form. Each reveals the other, and this is amply evident in the parables, especially those of the kingdom and the vineyard, and explicit in the words of Christ Himself: "he that seeth me seeth the Father also" (John 14:9).

Thus Baptism, the Rite of Initiation in Christianity, is exoterically and washing and equally esoterically a calling upon the Holy Spirit, an initiation into the Mystical Body of Christ. Chrismation is the seal of the Holy Spirit, a sealing of the Baptism, and the Holy Eucharist is the 'third initiation', or more precisely its completion.

In the older Churches, the three can follow one another, Baptism administered to the catechumen in the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, culminating in the now-neophyte being admitted to participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist on Easter Sunday — traditionally a Midnight Mass.

Augustine's Sermon 272 to the neophyte says memorially "see what you receive, and receive what you are."

An 'esoteric tradition' of the Church is that each will receive his or her reward in paradise according to their ability to do so:
Mark 4:8 says "And some fell upon good ground; and brought forth fruit that grew up, and increased and yielded, one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred." Matthew's 13:23 is more anagogically nuanced: "But he that received the seed upon good ground, is he that heareth the word, and understandeth, and beareth fruit, and yieldeth the one an hundredfold, and another sixty, and another thirty."

But everything is given at the outset. It is up to the Christian to live it. And here we point to the true nature of the esoteric, according to Plato's Socratic dislogue in the Phaedo:

For I deem that the true disciple of philosophy is likely to be misunderstood by other men; they do not perceive that he is ever pursuing death and dying

Or as St Paul says:

"Know you not that all we, who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized in his death?"

(Romans 6:3)

Of course there is an esoteric current in Christianity:

I gave you milk to drink, not meat; for you were not able as yet. But neither indeed are you now able; for you are yet carnal" (1 Corinthians 3:2)

For whereas for the time you ought to be masters, you have need to be taught again what are the first elements of the words of God: and you are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat" (Hebrews 5:12).

But two distinct doctrines? No.

For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:13).

.

Our Catechism explains that:

The Fathers of the Church distinguish between theology (theologia) and economy (oikonomia). "Theology" refers to the mystery of God's inmost life within the Blessed Trinity and "economy" to all the works by which God reveals himself and communicates his life. Through the oikonomia the theologia is revealed to us; but conversely, the theologia illuminates the whole oikonomia. God's works reveal who he is in himself; the mystery of his inmost being enlightens our understanding of all his works. So it is, analogously, among human persons. A person discloses himself in his actions, and the better we know a person, the better we understand his actions. (CCC 236.)

To paraphrase the key third sentence: "Through the exoteric the esoteric is revealed to us; but conversely, the esoterica illuminates the whole exoterica."

God bless,

Thomas

 

[taijasi]

Thomas,

Your very last clarification characterizes Theos Sophia, the Wisdom of God, perfectly, summarizing it succinctly ... so beginning here, let me take your recent post in reverse order:

"Through the exoteric the esoteric is revealed to us; but conversely, the esoterica illuminates the whole exoterica."

Exactly.

(quoting Plato) For I deem that the true disciple of philosophy is likely to be misunderstood by other men; they do not perceive that he is ever pursuing death and dying

And what is rebirth, exactly?

Plato himself was an Initiate, now a Master of the Wisdom ... and the same applies to St. Paul, also known to history in the interim as the philosopher Iamblichus. But of course, if you can see beyond the veil then you will know these things.

I could go on, mentioning Philo Judaeus and the Three Magi, all of whom are now Masters of the Wisdom ... but what is the point for a man who denies the Doctrine of Rebirth? Surely if I simply wish to display that I have perused numbers of volumes which share some of their insight with us, I shall come up short ... as you are by far the superior Biblical scholar, a fact which I've never denied.

These various Elder Brothers, as Jesus himself, and several of their other incarnations throughout history for the past several thousand years are well-known to many students of the Wisdom. Today they belong to the various sections of the One Lodge, whether the Trans-Himalayan, the Lebanese Branch, the Greek or the Egyptian. A close study of the progression of such Souls along the Path of Initiation might provide much insight, thereby proving potentially helpful for us as we seek to follow in their footsteps and scale the spiritual heights. Hence the great *practical* value of such investigations.

When it comes to insight into the lives of the Initiates (of old) ... with continuity into their current, or recent incarnations, I believe I've got you beat. Nor does it really matter in the meantime that you will deny reincarnation with your dying breath. Once the final veil is rent, the silver cord disconnected and the golden bowl broken (Eccl 12:6), you shall find that all I have said is essentially true. Not that it is not subject to error, or often enough tainted by the unfortunate combination of impurity of motive, plus a poisonous dose of *other-self* condemnation.

This latter, Thomas, is what renders some of our exchanges least productive of all, however. To illustrate, let us see what the Wisdom itself has to say on this matter. In HPB's Practical Occultism, in explaining the rules for White Magic (vs. Black, or the `occult arts'), the 3rd rule reads as follows:

3. Before thou (the teacher) shalt impart to thy Lanoo (disciple) the good (holy) words of LAMRIN ... thou shalt take care that his mind is thoroughly purified and at peace with all, especially with his other Selves. Other wise the words of Wisdom and of the good Law, shall scatter and be picked up by the winds.

["Lamrin" is a work of practical instructions, by Tson-kha-pa, in two portions, one for ecclesiastical and esoteric purposes, the other for esoteric use. ... The "other selves" refers to the fellow students. Unless the greatest harmony reigns among the learners, no success is possible. It is the teacher who makes the selections according to the magnetic and electric natures of the students, bringing together and adjusting most carefully the positive and the negative elements.]​

Two additional rules further illustrate:

4. The upasaka while studying must take care to be united as the fingers on one hand. Thou shalt impress upon their minds that whatever hurts one should hurt the others, and if the rejoicing of one finds no echo in the breasts of the others, then the required conditions are absent, and it is useless to proceed.

[This can hardly happen if the preliminary choice made was consistent with the magnetic requirements. It is known that chelas otherwise promising and fit for the reception of truth, had to wait for years on account of their temper and the impossibility they felt to put themselves in tune with their companions.]

5. The co-disciples must be tuned by the guru as the strings of a lute (vina), each different from the others, yet each emitting sounds in harmony with all. Collectively they must form a key-board answering in all its parts to thy lightest touch (the touch of the Master). Thus their minds shall open for the harmonies of Wisdom, to vibrate as knowledge through each and all, resulting in effects pleasing to the presiding gods (tutelary or patron-angels) and useful to the Lanoo. So shall Wisdom be impressed forever on their hearts and the harmony of the law shall never be broken.​

The Tibetan Teacher (of HPB, Alice Bailey, et al) writes many volumes regarding these matters alone. Chief among them is A Treatise on White Magic ... with its 15 rules for modern Discipleship. The volume is essentially a manual for the training and conditioning of the astral body.

If anyone does not believe that the Mahatmas are real, or that there is such a thing as an Ageless Wisdom which vitalizes and ensouls all exoteric religions, then let him or her take up a serious study of *this volume* ... before pronouncing the final word. What shall more likely be found, if we are honest, is that certainly all of these things exist, yet in 999 cases out of 1000 (amazing how clear this should be by now), it is the enquirer who is not yet ready to make the necessary sacrifices, and devote himself to the Path.

Thus Baptism, the Rite of Initiation in Christianity, is exoterically and washing and equally esoterically a calling upon the Holy Spirit, an initiation into the Mystical Body of Christ. Chrismation is the seal of the Holy Spirit, a sealing of the Baptism, and the Holy Eucharist is the 'third initiation', or more precisely its completion.

When Jesus called to Peter and asked him to walk upon the water, he was demonstrating that although the former had the capacity already to *calm the proverbial stormy seas of the emotional self [astral body]* ... the latter, as yet, did not. It was not an opportunity for the former to demonstrate that the latter simply lacked faith, as theologians seem keen to point out. Rather, just as we know that Jesus likens the Faith necessary to "move mountains" to be as tiny as "a mustard seed" (see below)... so it becomes evident that certain objective requirements are most definitely necessary before the tempests can be stilled, the emotional waters [elementals] dominated.

The Church, unfortunately, has lost the right to guard the Mysteries, even those Lesser Mysteries as pertain to the Initiatory Rites, for long ago she chose worldly ways instead of Heavenly. We cannot attribute this to any one, specific individual, or group thereof, nor is this meant to reflect upon the entire body of Christians or Christianity today. I simply remind the reader that the Mysteries underlie and Ensoul the entire body of world religions today, Christianity no more - and no less - than any other.

The explanations of the latter, however, for Baptism (as symbolically practiced by the Forerunner of the Christ 2100 years ago, or as woven into the liturgical rites of the Christian religion ever since) ... or for other of the Initiatory experiences, *no longer represent* (if they ever did) the true Inner transformations of the candidate upon the plane of Soul, which is transcendent of lower mind, emotions and the physical consciousness. Outer symbols remain, while insight is woefully lacking in the religious world today ... if present at all. Fortunately for us, this situation is being reversed as the Mysteries are restored.

What can be said, after all, when the link is lost ... and when the veil is not even recognized as A) the protective, etheric net which prevents the brain consciousness from too readily and too powerfully receiving impressions from the astral plane for which it is not prepared ... or, worse, attempts at possession, which most definitely do occur (both attempts, and actual possessions) ... or B) the more comprehensive, overall division between the outer, apparently `objective' world of the dense physical plane (its three lowest sub-divisions) and even the next immediate of the ethers, the subjective and energetic portion of the physical reality wherein the force-centers (chakras) and vital energies (including the ensouling Prana) are found?

By the way, speaking of that grain of mustard seed ... I would invite you to research what Theosophists mean when they speak of `permanent atoms' - and note that essentially, the physical permanent atom is approximately the correlate of the nucleus of modern physics, if I recall my occult chemistry correctly.

Thomas, do you know how small this is? And we wonder why we need to go to *headshrinks* to cure our swollen egos!

Of course, an astral permanent atom is almost infinitesimally *smaller* by comparison, so if Christ perhaps had *its* development in mind (again, see the texts which you have already pushed aside as unnecessary, unappealing, superfluous!) ... it begins to dawn, if we CONNECT THE DOTS, what the Good Master was talking about.

Transfiguration, known in the East as the Initiation of HAMSA, or `Swan' (how Beautiful, how poetic) refers to the entire subjugation of the lower nature, the threefold personality (which reflects, microcosmically and quite imperfectly, the Spiritual Triad - the reincarnating Jiva *transcendent* ... yet itself still the vehicle of the Monad) by and to the Soul, which *stands occultly above* as Christ did on the Mount, with the lower three cast down. Or have you studied your Raphael recently?

If you wish to study (and practice) Esoteric Christianity, I strongly recommend studying the writings of a Master (this chart is helpful, but note the *text*)... one who HAS sat at the feet of the Buddha, the Christ and numerous other Great Ones, only to thereby become - Himself - a High Initiate. What you do with such Teachings, whether and how well you apply them ... will determine how well, and how quickly, you find your way - into His Group, into the Group of another Great One (perhaps more suited to your Ray and spiritual makeup), and eventually into the Ashram of a Master.

{And did you not say this, precisely, when you said, "But everything is given at the outset. It is up to the Christian to live it."}

The Christ has but One Ashram, which is all of Hierarchy, and this is composed of the Seven Ashrams of the Chohans, and each of these has its subsidiary Ashrams. EVERY human Soul is essentially already an Initiate along one or another of the Seven Rays (which resolve into Three, which you well know) ... and every single incarnating personality (3fold lesser self) is of the Soul a tiny, temporary and mortal emanation. Thus the importance of spiritual Aspiration, which is the correlate of Inspiration. If the Soul does its part, the least we should be expected to do, is *ours*.

So Let it Be

Namaskar

~~+~~

A thought on the High Road

(... as *you* have certainly taken it, Thomas, despite my ad hominem earlier ... for which I humbly, and sincerely DO apologize!)

Christ stood before Pilate, and for the most part remained silent when faced with accusations unfounded and untrue. How else should he have met such accusations, born of ignorance and misunderstanding, spoken by the ignorant, in mockery. ~

Thus ...

It is not for your benefit alone (or even primarily) that I include HPB's rules (excerpted from Practical Occultism).



Think always of Inclusivity, of the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number, and of the HIGHEST (sic).

I should hope you would know by now that I am a Trinitarian at heart (how could I be otherwise) ...
... for "There is but ONE, the One in Three ~ and He's in you, as He's in me."

 

[Thomas]

Hi Andrew —

Your very last clarification characterizes Theos Sophia, the Wisdom of God, perfectly, summarizing it succinctly ... so beginning here, let me take your recent post in reverse order...

Well let's just take a moment there, for at last you seem to understand what I am saying.

"Through the exoteric the esoteric is revealed to us; but conversely, the esoterica illuminates the whole exoterica."

Exactly.

So you seem my point. There is no formal distinction between the two. They are one, and never apart.

And what is rebirth, exactly?

Well not the point of Plato's statement ... so the question is irrelevant.

Plato himself was an Initiate, now a Master of the Wisdom ... and the same applies to St. Paul, also known to history in the interim as the philosopher Iamblichus. But of course, if you can see beyond the veil then you will know these things.

Oh dear ... here we go ... you're losing yourself in the veils again ...

Surely if I simply wish to display that I have perused numbers of volumes which share some of their insight with us, I shall come up short ... as you are by far the superior Biblical scholar, a fact which I've never denied.

Thank you ... then I wish you'd take my advice when I suggest that the volumes you have purused also fall far short of a true realisation of the meaning of Scripture ... they're simply presumption and syncretic application.

To illustrate, let us see what the Wisdom itself has to say on this matter.

You mean your wisdom? I think not ...
"Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1 Corinthians 1:20)

The rest is totally illogical in the face of your prior statement. It's an attempt to impose 'the wisdom of the world' on Christian doctrine — in short, as fast as God tears down the veils, you seek to raise them up again, more than ever before.

I only repeat (for it is good for the soul) in the hope that one day you'll get the point, upon which everything turns, that the doctrine — the Theos Sophia, the Wisdom of God — transcends all the other provisional and contingent wisdoms of your world.

Tell me: How could it not?

God bless,

Thomas

 

[taijasi]

Thank you ... then I wish you'd take my advice when I suggest that the volumes you have purused also fall far short of a true realisation of the meaning of Scripture ... they're simply presumption and syncretic application.

In other words ... "I have done some thinking, and my Church has told me what I'm allowed to believe or not believe. Shut up and let me shove these same cut'n'dried table scraps down your throat ... and hey, by the way, you're NOT allowed to CHEW."

No thanks, Thomas, I have a different approach.

When I take food for thought, although I do have a tendency to be greedy, some would say you can hardly blame me, given the Good Company I've been Blessed enough to dine with.

And hey, at least it gives me plenty to chew on ... and while this produces one of the same sorry habits from which yourself often suffer (involuntary regurgitation), at least I am able to decide WHICH foods are nutritious and which are bland, unpalatable or altogether unhealthy.

I reject the latter, which you cannot bring yourself to do (as the Church keeps force-feeding them to you),
and I dine graciously and gratefully on the former, knowing such nourishment to be the Prisca Sapientia, Prisca Theologica, Perennial Philosophy or Theosophy, aka Ageless Wisdom.

I only repeat (for it is good for the soul) in the hope that one day you'll get the point, upon which everything turns, that the doctrine — the Theos Sophia, the Wisdom of God — transcends all the other provisional and contingent wisdoms of your world.

Tell me: How could it not?

Our situation is best illustrated by that colorful little saying of which you yourself are so fond:
"Woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle."

Well you see, I need your interpretations of the Wisdom of God ... or commentary on Esotericism and Esoteric Christianity ... in precisely the same fashion.

Perhaps I can learn something about metaphysics from you, and for that, you can bet I will keep my ears peeled like grapes.

Meanwhile, my interests still center upon the Reappearance of the Christ, the Restoration of the Mysteries and the Externalization of the Hierarchy.

There is plenty of opportunity, in one's daily life and exchanges with all people (of all walks, faiths and interests), to be of assistance in this Great Work ... and my friend, if it's good enough for Saints and Sages, Arhats and Mahatmas, it's damn sure good enough for me.

Thus, I will keep my own counsel on what constitutes recognition or appreciation of THE WISDOM in my daily life, and more importantly, the degree to which I may or may not actually be putting the same into PRACTICE ... i.e., walking the walk, rather than just talking the talk.

I certainly hope you will do more walking, for at least with me, there is certainly plenty of talking ...

... and Thomas, I hear what you're saying, and there really isn't very much there.

No, I don't mean that in some Buddhistic, Zen type fashion, either.

If you ever get serious about removing the veils, try starting with ISIS UNVEILED ... and if you are ever ready for a constructive discussion, you will find that my interest is in reviving the Prisca Theologica which your Church long ago lost. I will even humbly submit to constructive criticism - yet to quote from a Brit who I've always respected:

People beseech me but they'll never teach me
Things that I already know (I know)

I'm a believer, I ain't no deceiver
Mountains move before my eyes
Destiny planned out I don't need no handout
Speculation of the wise
​

And before ye add to your mote collection, at least find a good use for all that LUMBER.