December 2020 – Page 2

Group Synthesis, Part 11

December 19, 2020January 9, 2021 Joseph Dewey

Group Synthesis, Part 11
The Ideal Spiritual Group

There are, as we know, many spiritual groups out there with widely different goals and of various different qualities. We come to an important question?

What are the ideal qualities that would be most conducive in aiding seekers of light and truth?

(1) The first, and what we may call the foundation ingredient, would be a purpose, most preferably a positive or benevolent one.

Without a specific purpose the group will drift and eventually disintegrate.

Groups with a purpose may be divided into a number of categories.

(A) A group dedicated to studying a specific set of teachings.

There are many groups like this on the internet and some meeting physically. They do not demand anything out of the ordinary from members but meet to encourage study and the sharing of information.

These can be useful for the seeker merely wanting to expand his knowledge in certain areas.

(B) In addition to educating members some add social interaction, gatherings, seminars etc.

Making friends and interacting with like-minded souls is a big draw for many.

(D) Groups with a goal to convert others to their belief system. This includes many churches as well as some alternative spiritual groups. Most people do not mind a gentle take-it-or-leave-it presentation of various groups, but many are turned off by heavy handed proselytizing and the our-way-or-the -highway approach.

(E) Groups with a goal to elevate the consciousness or spiritual quality of its members. These groups will present various goals of possible enlightenment for its members.

A longer list could be stated but overall successful groups will have several such ingredients as part of its purpose. For the wise seeker a most important ingredient is one that stimulates or aids the him or her forward on the path to greater light, truth, and liberation.

Once the seeker finds a group with a purpose in harmony with his ideal what should be the next important quality? High on the list should be:

(2) Freedom of Thought.

The wise spiritual seeker will avoid groups that seek to control its members and insist on rigid conformity or be ostracized.

A good test is for the seeker to participate in discussions and ask several questions that may challenge the perfection of the leader or group teachings.

When this happens, the response in many groups is this: The leaders as well as many members will frown on such a character and immediately start to squeeze him out of the group unless he conforms and quits asking difficult questions.

The ideal group will welcome challenging questions and seek to answer them. It is indeed a good sign when the seeker finds such an atmosphere as it indicates that there is no hidden agenda. There is nothing more stifling to true learning than to be restricted to conformist and limited doctrine.

Keep in mind that we are not encouraging a student to become a distraction and become a contrarian. A student who takes the class off topic or asks all kinds of nit picking questions is another matter. Extremes always create problems.

(3) Putting the Spiritual above the Material

The vast majority of spiritually related groups claim with their words to emphasize the spiritual, but many with their deeds say otherwise. Larger groups may reveal their deviation from the ideal by merely showing us where the money goes. Some leaders have a lavish lifestyle and the group may spend the money on elaborate structures rather than on the people or the spiritual work.

The Oregon cult of Bhagwan Rajneesh was a prime example of what not to do. He had 93 Rolls Royce automobiles and drove around in a different one every week. Not only was his focus strongly on money but also free sex.

It is also obvious to seekers that many of the churches are far too materialistic with some leaders also living lavish lifestyles and focusing on the carnal rather than the spiritual side of life.

Then you have many small alternative spiritual groups. Some are led by true servants who sacrifice materially to assist members; whereas, others are led by a guru trying to get rich as well as have lots of sex partners on the way – not to speak of feeding a big ego.

The ideal here, of course, is for the group and its leadership to be dedicated to spiritual above the material.

(4) The group should offer something of value to the individual, the group, the world, or all three.

The beginning seeker will seek self improvement. The more advanced will seek for the group good, union and interplay. As the pilgrim moves forward he or she will become more far-reaching in vision and seek the greatest good for the greatest number until a benefit for the whole world is embraced.

The individual must assess the level his learning and service is to embrace and find a group which will meet the need.

(5) The group’s teachings and goals must register as positive with the soul of the student.

None of us want to get caught up in teachings that will take us further into illusion. Each student therefore has a personal responsibility to check with his own soul and see how the group and its leaders register. The group will probably not be perfect, but it may be positive enough to take the student on his next step of the journey.

Here is a pertinent quote from DK:

“People may evince real desire to participate in the group life and to form part of the group activity, but their real difficulty will consist in bringing their personal life and vibration into conformity with the group life and rhythm. The narrow path which all disciples have to tread (and in the early stages these groups will consist primarily of those on the Probationary Path or the Path of Discipleship) requires obedience to certain instructions which have been handed down to us from the ancient past. These are followed willingly and with the eyes open, but no rigid adherence to the letter of the law is ever asked or expected. Flexibility within certain self-imposed limits is always needed, yet that flexibility must not be set in motion by any personality inertia or mental questioning.” Esoteric Psychology, Vol 2, Page 187

Dec 19, 2020

To read Part 1 go HERE , Part 2, HERE , Part 3 HERE, Part 4 HERE, Part 5 HERE, Part 6 HERE, Part 7 HERE, Part 8 HERE, Part 9 HERE, Part 10 HERE, Part 12 HERE, Part 13 HERE

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Principles Behind the Symbols

December 16, 2020 Joseph Dewey

Principles Behind the Symbols

There seems to be a lack of clarity with some on the subject of baptism so some additional remarks are in order.

Because baptism and other symbols are called dead works does not mean they are not useful. They are indeed powerful symbols of an inner reality seeking to find expression on the physical plane.

Let us look at another symbol, the flag of an honorable nation. The flag itself is just a combination of cloth, metal and wood – not living by normal standards. If a person from a far away nation were to look at it all he would see is a dead object. But if a citizen were too look at it he would instantly have stimulated the emotion of many memories that reminds him of the blood sweat and tears that went into the founding of his nation. At this point he may be moved to tears with a living powerful feeling.

The dead flag thus produced a living feeling when the meaning behind the symbols was registered on his consciousness.

Here is the interesting point to register. The person who is stimulated may have a dozen books worth of information about the history of his country that he associates with his flag. Personal experiences may also be involved. Whereas his general stream of consciousness may bring some of this up a general reflection may have little stimulation compared to his national symbol. One look at the flag could bring an encyclopedia’s worth of thought and feeling to the surface in an instant.

The same goes for baptism. If Rick, a Catholic Priest, or a Mormon Bishop were to baptize a non believer, all it would be is a dead work. It matters not how much authority or righteousness the one baptizing has if the symbol behind the act has no registration on the consciousness of the one baptized.

On the other hand, if the one being baptized correctly registers the symbolic meaning on his consciousness, and is accepting of the one doing the baptizing, then the symbol will translate into living effect in his life. This can happen regardless of whether the one baptizing has authority from a church, angel or man.

Thus the dead symbol is translated into a living effect just as dead ink placed on a page can create words that can inspire millions for generations. We must keep in mind that it is not the ink or the paper that gives the true power to words like “to be or not to be,” but the meaning which is registered by the consciousness.

On the other hand, most of the great words of history would be lost if they were not preserved for us in physical form. Even so, few would comprehend the symbolic meaning of baptism and other ordinances if masters in the past had not developed a physical method of bringing forth the inner spiritual reality.

The group had a baptism at the 2001 gathering and I not only participated in the baptizing, but was baptized myself.

Why?

Because the symbols of the act bring forth the inner spiritual reality with much greater ease than meditation or spiritual will.

You could say that spiritual ordinances are the lazy man’s way to spiritual focus or experience. But even these require a correct state of mind and focus to bring the desired results.

A reader asks about the fact that the scriptures command all to be baptized. What does this mean when in reality many of the people of the world live and die without even understanding what baptism is?

The truth is that all must experience the meaning behind baptism. And what is that? Baptism represents the birth of the consciousness of Christ or the higher spiritual reality within the life of mortal man. Every religion (even those that do not baptize) teach about this higher spiritual birth in one form or another.

The Book of Mormon expresses this quite well:

“Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?…

“And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever. Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.

“For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

“For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; AND I SHALL ALSO SPEAK UNTO ALL NATIONS OF THE EARTH AND THEY SHALL WRITE IT.” II Nephi 29:7; 9-12

Now here is an interesting question for the Mormons, who of course accept the above words from the Book of Mormon. God here says he will “also speak to all nations of the earth and they shall write it.” General Christianity believes that God spoke to prophets of one nation, and a past nation at that – ancient Palestine. The Mormons go a step further and they have scriptures from basically two nations past – ancient America and Palestine. On the other hand, the Book of Mormon teaches that God will speak to “all nations.” All nations are definitely more than two.

Where are these scriptures from the other nations?

The answer is quite simple. Every people of every nation has available sacred writings containing truths geared for the “salvation” of the people to whom they were given. These writings can range from the sacred teachings of the Hopi Indians to the Koran of Islam, to the Bavagad Gita, to the ancient Vedas to the writings of Confucius, to the sayings of Buddha to name a few.

Notice what God says about these words of his to all nations: “I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.”

Thus those people who do not have the Christian scriptures, but have other words of God, will be judged by those words that are accepted by their own peoples.

All the scriptures of all the religions teach the principle behind baptism – a new spiritual birth. But not all of them teach about the physical act of baptism.

Notice that the above scripture tells us that each group will be judged by their own scriptures. Therefore if one joins a particular religion and the precept of that religion decrees that physical baptism is necessary then he is requited to comply to be a full participant in the group of which he is a member.

If one joins a fraternity he may be required to go through certain rituals to become a member. The same holds true for a church. It has the right to demand that all who join be baptized. The individual has the right to participate or not participate.

So how does the act of baptism affect our situation in the life after death?

If you are baptized yet do not experience a new spiritual birth then it will have no effect.

On the other hand, if you experience the principle of baptism by transferring consciousness from the carnal to the spiritual life, the positive effect will follow you after death whether you have been physically baptized or not.

The principle behind every teachings is what must be examined and then incorporated into the life of the seeker when his consciousness is ready.

April 6, 2003

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The Path and initiation

December 15, 2020 Joseph Dewey

The Path and initiation

Question: How important is it to become an initiate?

That is like asking, how important is it to become an adult? It is just something that happens (to all but a few in this creation) as we grow up.

When you are born, you cannot speak a language. Eventually you learn a few words and when you find them useful you want to learn more words. When you achieve a good vocabulary then you seek to use it to your advantage and also learn to read etc.

Becoming an initiate is no more optional than learning to speak. Eventually all of us do it and when we pass the first then we have a strong desire to move on to the second. The initiate often does not know the details of initiation as he passes through them as a natural part of his evolution.

Question: What IS the “Path” and where does it lead?

The path is that trajectory which leads us in the direction of spiritual evolution, or back into the presence of God and beyond “worlds without end.”

The average person is on the path when he chooses kindness over cruelty, love over hate, the will of God over his own will etc. When he chooses the negative he is said to be off the path, but this is always seen as a temporary condition. When one goes off the path he goes through darkness and suffering until he is forced to get back on. He may stay off the path for a week, a year or for lifetimes, but sooner or later he learns his lessons and returns.

Question: I have been taught that the object of our existence it to strive toward a “fullness of joy”. Is that the Path?

Joy is not the Path, but progressing on the path brings joy. A sense of great peace and inner joy is a sign that the pilgrim is progressing on the path.

Question: The Bible speaks of a “strait and narrow path” and the need for baptism as a gate. Is this part of the path?

One of the names of the Path is the strait and narrow path. Physical baptism is not the gate, but is a symbol of the gate.

The physical act of baptism is a dead work. Taking a person and placing him under the water and bringing him out of it, by itself does nothing, even if you have all the authority of the hosts of heaven.

What then is the living work behind baptism?

The living work is the meaning behind the symbol and if a person understands this he could obtain all the benefits of baptism without baptism.

The scriptures basically tell us that we need to be baptized to be saved. If baptism itself is a dead work then what is it really telling us to do to become saved or delivered?

The basic meaning of baptism as many have been taught in church is to have our sins washed away, but if physical baptism is a dead work then what really washes our sins away?

We have learned that the real meaning of sin is error or “missing the mark” therefore the washing away of sin is the removal of error. But what is the error or errors that need to be removed?

The basic error that baptism helps to remove is this. All except those who have the name of God in their foreheads (Rev 14:1) look for authority from a God without. Now when that God without speaks and we accept a great error is created. It is not long before we imperfectly follow the God without and as soon as we disobey, even in the slightest, guilt is created.

Now there are two ways to remove this guilt. The first is to satisfy the demands of an angry “God out there.” But the trouble with this method is that it is not long before you break more commandments and guilt returns. The Catholic confession is a good method of alleviating this returned guilt, but this is a temporary measure and you are again dependent on a voice for God out there rather than the Spirit within.

What is the second and permanent way to remove the guilt?

The second way is to remove yourself from the voice of the outer God, or the “beast” as we taught earlier, and subject yourself to the one authority, the Spirit of God within.

This was the difference between the foolish and wise virgins in the parable. The five wise had oil in their lamps, or the Spirit of God in their hearts and this light of the Spirit lead them to the Christ. The five foolish had no oil and had to go buy some from the authorities, but the oil from the authorities without did not light the way and they “missed the mark” or sinned and were not able to find the Christ.

Thus we see that the true meaning of baptism is to remove the error of guilt, permanently, which guilt is caused by an error in thinking. True salvation is the removal of guilt. The scripture could have said: “Wash away the cause of guilt, center yourself on the Spirit within and you will be saved.” Because the true salvation through baptism is the salvation or deliverance from guilt, does this mean that the physical act should not be done?

No. It does not. The ordinance of baptism was instituted because it does indeed serve a useful purpose as do all symbols. Many angelic lives that differ from human evolution, as well as higher aspects of ourselves communicate with symbols. Also the Masters largely communicate with symbols.

The act of physical baptism sends a communication to higher spiritual lives that you are attempting to enter into a higher spiritual life and this symbolic communication therefore sends a message to refined lives who can help you remove guilt and center yourself on living the life of Christ.

Question: From your teachings it sounds like you have to do some awesome things or be famous like George Washington to be an initiate. Is this status beyond the reach of common folk?

All initiates do not become famous. The reason I use famous names when talking about them is that we know who they are and can learn from their example. If I were to present an unknown as an example of an initiate then this would not be helpful in teaching the principle.

You mention George Washington as an initiate. What did he initiate? He was a big factor in initiating the United States and the Republic. But was he the only one who saw the vision and worked to initiate it?

No. There were hundreds of them in various stages of initiation. Many of these names we would not recognize.

The same goes for the establishment of Christianity. The Christ was the greatest initiate, but there were many others who became initiates by seeing the vision and assisting in the beginning of a great work.

There are many initiates who are not the one who actually begin a great work, but are able to see the vision behind a work which is set in motion. He will see a place for himself and be a great instrument in moving the work forward.

There are other factors to master besides the initiation of a work. The initiate must master the various elements of the lower nature as progress is made.

The important thing for each of us is to achieve soul contact and get a sense of our next step in fulfilling the Will of God. When one picks this up and follows it he will move onward with joy and it matters not if he is an initiate or aspirant. Because of reincarnation we have unlimited time to achieve the goal. The present moment is what counts.

Reader Comment: You said this: “Because of reincarnation we have unlimited time to achieve the goal. The present moment is what counts.” You said we have around 1000 lifetimes to reach perfection. That doesn’t sound unlimited.

We have unlimited time, but not unlimited time within a cycle of creation or progress.

Just like we do not have unlimited time with a single life, but have additional opportunity in future lives, even so in this solar system we may experience roughly 1000 lifetimes, but then there are other solar systems.

If a person lives 950 lives and then chooses the dark path he may wind up cutting off his opportunity to reincarnate and will have to wait billions of years for a new cycle and then begin the approximate 1000 lifetimes all over again. In the meantime all his associates will have passed far beyond him and will have become gods in comparison to himself.

When we finish our incarnations in this cycle we will have a rest and then to on to higher cycles. Reincarnation in some form will exist all through eternity, “worlds without end,” as hinted at in the scriptures. But in a future creation, if we complete our education here, we will reincarnate in higher spheres in higher forms.

Consider the Ancient of Days. He incarnated here on earth 18 million years ago as the first Adam, or man, and is currently incarnated in an etheric body in Shamballa.

Consider the life of the earth itself, incarnated into an entire planet and will incarnate in the body of other planets in the future.

Someone mentioned about the possibility of sitting around and doing nothing. The only time this happens, in the body or out of the body, is during rest. Consider rest. When one is enjoying a good nights sleep is he ever bored? I get bored easily in certain physical plane conditions, but have never been bored by a good sleep, but do not want to sleep forever.

During future periods of pralaya (rest) there will be no boredom, but glorious rest and sweet dreams for those with good works.

For those who maintain full consciousness in the body and out of the body, there will be no boredom, but unlimited opportunities.

April 1, 2003

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Group Synthesis, Part 10

December 14, 2020January 9, 2021 Joseph Dewey

Group Synthesis, Part 10
Working with Other Groups

Here is the next question to consider:

How should my group work with other groups as far as goals, activities and teachings go?

There are three approaches of the various groups.

(1) Group leadership feels that they want to focus on their group purpose and keep interplay with other groups to a minimum or zero though some data may be exchanged. This is the most common group.

(2) Group leadership seeks to cooperate with other groups as much as possible and looks for opportunities. This would include more than inviting other groups to agree with the group’s teachings, but to seek cooperation in areas of agreement and overlap or even working to coordinate other groups. There are only a handful of groups in this category.

(3) Those with specific or unique group goals for their primary focus, yet look for (or at least open to) areas of overlap with other groups where cooperation is possible.

There are a few in this area and the number is slowly growing.

It is interesting to examine the churches and their evolution as groups. Just a few generations ago there was virtually no cooperation between the various churches. Each felt they had the correct direction and did little or nothing to seek areas of agreement or cooperation. Other sects were seen as the enemy to be defeated.

Today many new agers criticize the churches for being narrow minded, but overlook the progress they have made. Now many are seeking some overlap where they can work together and many different sects see areas of agreement in their church doctrines.

It is true that they are far from the ideal, but there is no doubt that progress toward synthesis has been made.

The present condition of many of the new age and esoteric groups is not much better than the churches. Many of them lack inclusiveness and are very guarded toward their members and teachings and do not seek cooperation in overlapping ideas.

Once in a while though there is an event that unites many of them. One of the largest was the Harmonic Convergence back in 1987. This was inspired by an unusual alignment of the sun, the moon and six planets. It does seem that solar events seem to be one thing that brings differing esoteric groups together for unified meditations geared toward world peace and unity.

Then too, every so often someone will come up with an idea for an event, like a moment of silence at a special time, that catches on.

The teachings in the Alice A. Bailey books on the full moon festivals and meditations have gained wide acceptance and many different new age and esoteric groups unite in meditation on these occasions.

But, overall the alternative spiritual groups have a long way to go to cooperate together effectively enough to influence world affairs in the desired direction of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men” (or humankind).

A question that needs to be asked is

How much should the various groups seek to cooperate and seek areas of agreement with other groups?

The answer is that it will vary accord to group purpose. If, for example, a group maintains that cooperation, synthesis and unity with all world servers is an objective then they naturally assume some responsibility to make this happen as much as possible.

If another has specific goals unique to itself that doesn’t involve outreach to other groups then their responsibility is much lower.

But wouldn’t this type of group be separative and just wrong?

Some may be, but others not so much. Let us illustrate with a non spiritual example.

We have two groups, one dedicated to learning French and the other Spanish. As far as group purpose goes each of these has every little overlap with groups dedicated to any other language or subject. If the French group wants to effectively learn French then focusing on the goals of a Spanish or astronomy group would be unproductive and distract from real learning.

Even so, the goal of some spiritual groups may be the study of select materials with which they want to focus. This is the case with the majority of groups on the internet.

On the other hand, many spiritual groups are different from something like a dedicated Spanish group in that many spiritual teachings, such as the Bailey works, emphasize synthesis sharing and the seeking of joining minds to bring in the new age.

Thus, even though the group may have a dedicated curriculum they should be open to living up to those teachings that are included.

This would mean that the ideal group with a specific purpose would still keep their eyes open for opportunities for cooperation with other groups with overlapping teachings and values.

Many students are somewhat frustrated by the conflict that is in the emotional atmosphere, as of this writing in December 2020, and feel that not only should the various groups be more open to promoting overlapping spiritual values, but groups are too reluctant to reach out and offer friendship and opportunities for synthesis.

This is definitely an area worthy of contemplation for all benevolent groups.

DK make an encouraging comment:

“The Spirit of Peace which is invoked is an inter-planetary Agent of great power Whose cooperation has been promised if all aspirants and disciples can cooperate to break through the shell of separation and hatred which holds our planet in thrall.” Externalization of the Hierarchy, Page 21

Dec 11, 2020

To read Part 1 go HERE , Part 2, HERE , Part 3 HERE, Part 4 HERE, Part 5 HERE, Part 6 HERE, Part 7 HERE, Part 8 HERE, Part 9 HERE, Part 11 HERE, Part 12 HERE, Part 13 HERE

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Understanding Polarities

December 13, 2020 Joseph Dewey

Understanding Polarities

A reader quoted this from DK

“Increasingly must your inner life be lived upon the mental plane. Steadily and without descent must the attitude of meditation be held – not for a few minutes each morning or at specific moments throughout the day, but constantly, all day long. It infers a constant orientation to life and the handling of life from the angle of the soul. This does not refer to what is so often referred to as “turning one’s back upon the world.” The disciple faces the world but he faces it from the level of the soul, looking clear-eyed upon the world of human affairs. “In the world, yet not of the world” is the right attitude – expressed for us by the Christ. Increasingly must the normal and powerful life of the emotional, astral, desire and glamorous nature be controlled and rendered quiescent by the life of the soul, functioning through the mind. The emotions which are normally self-centered and personal must be transmuted into the realizations of universality and impersonality; the astral body must become the organ through which the love of the soul can pour; desire must give place to aspiration and that, in its turn, must be merged in the group life and the group good; glamor must give place to reality, and the pure light of the mind must pour into all the dark places of the lower nature.

“These are the results of mental polarization and are brought about by definite meditation and the cultivation of the meditative attitude.” Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. 1, Pages 50-51

He said he really liked this quote outside of the use of the word “polarization” being applied to people He saw this as degrading because in his view it is usually applied to things.

Polarization in this context applies to the activity of the life within the form rather than the form itself. Even if we go to sub atomic particles we find that protons are polarized in the positive charge and electrons in the negative. Then each atom as a whole is polarized in either positive or negative, even the so-called neutral ones. The same applies to molecules in relation to each other. The polarization of the various particles causes attraction or repulsion which creates all form.

All this polarization, which is the foundation of creation, is caused through the attention of some consciousness great or small. A human has great consciousness in comparison to an atom, but consciousness of some degree causes the multiplicity of polarization nonetheless.

To say that since polarization is used in reference to an object makes it insulting to use it in reference to a human does not seem reasonable to me.

For one thing all polarization is the result of some type of consciousness at play and not the result of lifeless form.

Secondly we use many words interchangeably between humans and various form creations.

For instance, we may call a classy car “beautiful” in one breath and a human in another.

After we get the bugs out of our computer we mat declare it in a good state of health, just as a doctor may state concerning his patient.

We may declare a magnet “powerful” as well as a human who is strong.

Because “beautiful,” healthy” and “strong” are applied to material objects should we take offense that they are applied to humans?

I wouldn’t think so as long as the words were not negative. However, if I called my car a “useless piece of junk,” and then transposed that phrase toward a human, the person would indeed have cause to take offense.

Polarization is not a negative or positive word. It is merely a word to describe what is happening, as in turning left or right, something that can apply to an object in motion or a human.

Reader comment: “I resent the implication that I am supposed to “stay in my place until told to move.”

It is difficult to ascertain where this thought is coming from. No one, no thing and no principle is making you stay in your place. No one tells you to stay in one polarization or move from one polarization to another. This is entirely up to your free will.

Question: When we boil water it reaches a point where it turns from regular water to boiling water. Is that something like what happens when the disciple reaches a point where polarization is shifted from the emotions to the mind?

Yes, that could roughly correspond. When a person is in the emotional polarity he accumulates many pressures that push him toward the mental polarity. He resists many of them, but more pressures and incentives keep showing up until resistance is futile. Then comes a moment of time that he lets go of the emotional hold and switches to the mental domination.

The general mental polarity is achieved at the second initiation, but even during this time the emotional polarity can take back temporary domination during periods of stress. It is at the third initiation that he learns to “hold the mind steady in the light” and is able to hold his polarization in the mind/soul come hell or high water.

It is true that we evolve in degrees and there are many degrees to hurdle as we pass through the physical, emotional, mental, Buddhic and other planes. The degrees within the planes are not strongly differentiated and thus we do not have the appearance of strongly different poles as we do between the emotional and mental planes (when looking at them from a wholeness point of view). Because of the powerful contrasts between the emotional and mental planes the word “polarity” is often used in reference to our relationship with them.

As one moves from one small degree to another in the emotional plane there are visible effects that transpire around him. But like the diamond, there seems to be no break in the emotional hold. In fact the emotional hold is strongest just before the shift and weakest when he first begins his polarization in the emotional world. Do not forget that there was physical polarization before there was an emotional one. The astral world is an illusion and did not even exist when conscious man first appeared on the earth.

Reader comment:: A mentally polarized person recognizes the value of their emotions but uses them rather than being used by them. Interestingly, a fish would die in the air if kept their too long and a person would die in the water if kept under too long.

Good observation and expands on the statement that the mental person “will channel their emotions toward a purpose.”

I’ll add one more attribute to recognize one who is emotionally polarized:

He is easily offended, even when no offense is intended.

Question: Is the mental person easily offended? Why not?

Prophesies of Doom

I was asked to comment on Sollog’s predictions of the following. (Note this was written in 2003)

Sollog: “The 911 attacks on the USA are considered in the future to be THE START OF WORLD WAR III”

JJ The first thing to consider is that the future is not set in stone, so I do not pretend my words are god-breathed. There is a possibility that this could be the case, but the probability is that it will be viewed as a point of tension that will lead to a more stable society allowing Christ and the Masters of Wisdom to return.

Solog The INVASIONS of Afghanistan and Iraq by the United States are seen as TRIGGERS to unite the Muslim world against Western Civilization and particularly against Christianity.

JJ It may seem that this will be true for a couple years to come but the chances are that Muslim opposition will diffuse as the coming generation becomes more exposed to the ways of the west. If the U.S. is successful in establishing a democracy in Iraq the trigger can be the opposite of the above prediction, creating a domino effect for the downfall of authoritarian governments. The old will resist the new and it will seem for a while that the Arab countries are not ready for democracy, but it will eventually take hold. This is the probability. Wild cards are always a consideration.

Solog: No one can stop what has already occurred. Great prophets have seen this time throughout time. It is a horrific time. Billions will soon be dead from disease, warfare and violent earth changes.

JJ The great earth changes will not occur for over 100 years. There will be wars and famine but not as catastrophic as he expects.

Solog: The ONLY THING anyone can do is to stay away from the major targets. These are heavily populated areas around the world.

JJ There will be problems in the major cities but nothing like he expects.

Solog: By 2020 if you do not live in the high mountains of Asia, Canada and South America you will most likely be dead!

JJ This has a 95% chance of being far from reality.

Solog: The future of humanity is in the high mountains of Asia, Canada and South America.

There is no long-term future in large modern cities.

JJ Large cities will be around for thousands of years to come. However, many new cities will eventually be built with a planned limitation in population, but linked to make greater cities. The effect will be to live in a smaller city environment while enjoying the benefits of a larger city.

Notice that all of Solog’s (and many other’s predictions) focus on the worst of all possibilities. They see what they expect.

March 30, 2003

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The Real War

December 12, 2020 Joseph Dewey

The Real War

We live in an age where the prophecy of “wars and rumors of wars” seems to be on the minds of many.

What few realize, however, is that physical war is a partial externalization of a conflict passed down from the higher worlds of the emotional/astral and mental.

In the past, wars have been dominated by the astral and physical plane, with a hint of the mental in recent times. But now as we are entering the transitional period that takes us from the Piscean to the Aquarian Age we are also passing from emotional dominance (Pisces) to mental (Aquarius) dominance.

This passing from astral to mental dominance is difficult indeed and a war between the plane of the mind and the emotions is beginning to manifest as an undeniable reality.

The problem with achieving harmony through conflict here is that the emotionally polarized people live in a consciousness where their version of truth is based on upside-down vision. These are they that call good evil and evil, good, that take light for darkness and darkness for light.

An important point to note is that the beliefs of the emotionally polarized people are not all upside down. The reason for this is that they have been taught a number of good principles that originated by some teacher polarized in the mind or higher. For instance, the principles of mathematics were originated by the thinkers of the race, so when an emotionally polarized person is taught that 2+2=4 he is forced to incorporate this right side up thinking into his belief system.

However, such an astral person will rarely originate right-side up thinking on his own initiative. Unless he is taught right-side up thinking by a teacher, his feeling nature will distort even the most obvious truths.

Then there are those who are in a transition state where they are moving from astral to mental dominance. The personal universe for these people is a little like humanity at this time where some are of Piscean and others are of Aquarian consciousness.

Do these people see everything as in a mirror and turn truth upside down?

Answer: They will oscillate back and forth. When their emotional nature is calm they can use the mind to see correctly. But when their emotional nature is roused they will slip back into distorted vision again.

Because of emotion conflicting with mind for dominance we have an approaching Armageddon between these two planes and it is manifesting in the more advanced nations. The lesser advanced nations are yet ruled by emotional dominance – so we look to more experienced nations to find the real beginning of this war.

As we cover this subject I will ask a series of questions to clarify the war and the participants therein.

Questions: Since both the astral and mental people claim to work and act on a reasonable and logical basis, this makes it difficult for the average person to tell which is which, especially if we happen to agree with the astral person on a position or two.

How can we tell if a person is astral or mentally polarized?

What are the differences between the reaction of an emotionally and mentally polarized person to a situation or presentation?

Reader comment: “As we grow along the path, we don’t take huge leaps, we take tiny steps as we grow from one small degree to the other. I wouldn’t think we wake up one morning and stop being emotional and start being mental, but it happens gradually.”

Actually, there is an instant in which the switch is made, however, it would not happen at the point of waking up, but likely to be in the midst of a point of tension in the middle of the day. This point of switching comes after many lifetimes of effort.

I have written quite a bit about this in the past but let me give an updated explanation.

To be mentally polarized does not mean that the person becomes a Vulcan and no longer feels emotions, or is emotional at times. Spock is a lopsided example of the mentally polarized.

So what does it mean to be mentally or emotionally polarized?

To have a polarization there must be a duality or two poles. In this case the two poles are the emotions and the mind. To be partially polarized in one of these means that the majority conscious attention is on one more than the other. To be completely polarized in the mind means that the decisions made by the entity must be accepted by the mind or no decision will be made. For the mentally polarized person (second degree and higher) the emotions have full play, but are relegated to the station of a counselor. The mind listens to the strong emotions, but has complete power to use reason to override them and make a decision contrary to the lower feeling nature. This is done if mind or inspiration (accepted by mind) sees that the emotional reaction is not accurate.

To be polarized in the emotional body means that decisions will be more influenced by feeling more than by the powers of reason. This person will not be able to use the mind to override a powerful emotion in his decision making unless a more powerful emotion is at play.

This is a very difficult subject to be understood by the majority because of the various stages of polarization, but we shall try and clarify. We will make a list of the differences between the two polarities.

Students should not feel bad in any way if they find themselves in the emotional polarization for the greatest disadvantage for the seeker is to be emotionally polarized when he thinks he has mastered them. When we find out where we are then we can make real progress because we become aware of real work we need to do to make to move onward. When we begin to make real progress then real joy will begin to manifest in our lives, regardless of where we are on the path.

Unfortunately, many aspirants would rather be unhappy, yet see themselves as highly advanced, than starting from where they are and moving onward with joy.

A joyful inward sense of moving forward along with right relations with his peers is a sign that the seeker is not in high illusion about his place on the path.

Some may ask about Love. Is that an emotion that is to submit to mind?

The answer is yes, when we speak of love as the average person understands it for the average person loves that which serves him and fills his needs. Love as understood by the lower nature is linked to selfishness and all that is selfish on an emotional level must eventually submit to mind, as mind submits to Soul and Spirit.

On the other hand, spiritual love serves the good of the whole and not the individual as the prime motive. This is harmonious with mind and a part of mind.

When Spock gave his life and stated “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” he was being loving, yet true to his mental polarization at the same time.”

Lower love comes out of the solar plexus center. Higher love circulates between the heart center in the heart region and a second heart center in the head. Higher love has two poles which is love and wisdom, which includes pure logic and reason. Without mind there is no manifestation of spiritual love.

I want to finish with emphasis on this fact. The mentally polarized person will feel strong emotions, but his decisions will not be dominated by them. There are some people who are moving from the astral to the mental who oscillate in their polarization.

Here are some properties of the two polarities

EMOTIONAL POLARITY

Argues from what he feels is right

Makes decisions based on feeling.

Closed-minded

Distorts information to make a case

Easily slips into negative emotions such as anger, hate, frustration etc.

Lack of self control when emotions are involved.

Intolerant of those who disagree

Only seeks for truth that agrees with him.

Sometimes cannot explain the reason behind his actions or beliefs.

MENTAL POLARITY

Argues what he thinks is right

Makes decisions based on reason and mind

Open-minded

Good self control when emotions are involved.

Has common sense

Seeks for truth whether it agrees with his view or not.

Does not get upset with those who disagree.

Can always explain the reason behind his actions and beliefs.

These lists could be expanded significantly, but this gives the general idea.

March 28, 2003

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Group Synthesis, Part 9

December 11, 2020January 9, 2021 Joseph Dewey

Group Synthesis, Part 9
(F) Too much attention on the personality
(Finishing up on group problems)

The Prime Directive of true Aquarian spiritual groups is to direct its members to focus on the soul, or the Christ within themselves and others, rather than the outward imperfections of the personality.

This is a most difficult lesson for the student to learn. The test of correct focus indeed comes to light when other members seem to speak or act out of alignment with what is thought to be personal or group standards or goals.

Yes, there are times that other group members will show their personality imperfections (real or imagined) but the problem caused by such things often winds up being insignificant compared to some member rising up and openly calling out and criticizing others.

If there was a positive and peaceable spirit before the criticism, there generally will not be one afterwards. A harsh criticism can have the immediate effect of shifting the entire group focus toward the negative rather than a positive group goal. A criticism, just or unjust, will often lead to defense followed by attack leading to an endless circle that often does not get resolved.

Then there are times that the criticism is ignored. This often does not work either as negativity then remains and lurks below the surface. It also grows within the critic as he or she feels ignored.

DK has a lot to say about the problem of a critical spirit interfering with group unity.

“Let me put it this way: the petty selfishness and the silly little vanities and the irritations which disturb you, the unkind words you may speak of or to others, and the withholding of love or the fact of wrong emphasis in your daily life are not noted by me or by any Master. They are the affair of your own soul; the results affect your family, friend, or communal group, and are none of Our business. Yet those are the things which you notice in others and which affect your judgment, evoking like or dislike, praise or blame, but inevitably putting you—as an individual—upon the judgment seat. There no Master sits.” Discipleship in the New Age, Vol 2, Pages 334-335

“The difficulties confronting you are, therefore, great and I am anxious that you should realise this. Will you realise, for instance, that any differences of opinion which may occur in the relations of this group of disciples will be caused by astral-brain reactions and, therefore, must not be considered of any importance whatsoever? They must be immediately eliminated and wiped from the slate of the mind and of the memory and classed as entirely personality limitations and unworthy of hindering group integrity. … The astral-physical brain reactions should be regarded as non-existent and as illusion and should be allowed to lapse below the threshold of the group consciousness—there to die for lack of attention.” Discipleship in the New Age, Vol 1, Page 22

Then he gives the reason the personality flaws must be overlooked:

“Only as servers cooperate from the standpoint of an inner subjective linking can a united world be carried forward…. the inner relationships and cooperation Must be established and developed, in spite of the outer divergences of opinion.” Esoteric Psychology, Vol 2, Page 106

In advanced ashrams the members generally have learned to look beyond the personality to the Christ within the various members. Members of such groups are almost impossible to offend, but rarely would any group member try to.

On the other hand, groups forming among exoteric humanity will gather in a variety of souls, many of whom do not comprehend the importance of looking beyond the personality. The first lesson of any newly formed group will be to learn to see the personality as illusion and the soul as the reality wherein focus needs to dwell.

One may object and say something to the effect, “But what if that Jones character is rude, crude and crazy? Shouldn’t I say something? Surely something needs to be done.”

Of course, there are exceptions to everything, but when should the exception be made? After all, if Jones is really doing something outrageous, like promoting child pornography, something indeed should be done. What should be the criteria for just group criticism from a member?

First of all, let us consider what is not appropriate. The first question the offended member must ask himself is whether others in the group also have a similar problem with Jones. If you are the only one who feels like complaining then maybe you are magnifying the problem far beyond what it is. Maybe you are creating a problem (negativity) where none should exist rather than solving anything.

Secondly, if Jones is doing something truly harmful it will not be just one or two people who are disgruntled but a high percentage. It will be brought to the attention of the leader and he will remove someone with egregious flaws (child porn, for example) from the group. If the leader is so materially focused that he does not take care of the problem then the student should move on to another group.

So, let us suppose that you see a problem with some member or members, no one else seems to notice, but it is disturbing to you and you feel something needs to be said/ What should you do?

As mentioned earlier, first examine yourself. If, after doing that, you still feel something needs to be expressed then, instead of disrupting the whole group with a complaint, contact the individual member on a one-to-one basis and seek to resolve the problem. If that doesn’t work, contact the group leader and express your feelings. Maybe he has heard similar complaints from others and will do something about it. Maybe you are the only one and he will give advice to look beyond the personality to the soul. Whatever the case, the wise leader will do all in his power to keep all eyes away from the personality and on the Christ within. All grievances must be neutralized to create maximum spiritual flow for the group.

Dec 11, 2020

To read Part 1 go HERE , Part 2, HERE , Part 3 HERE, Part 4 HERE, Part 5 HERE, Part 6 HERE, Part 7 HERE, Part 8 HERE, Part 10 HERE, Part 11 HERE, Part 12 HERE, Part 13 HERE

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Group Synthesis, Part 8

December 10, 2020January 9, 2021 Joseph Dewey

Group Synthesis, Part 8
(E) No Purpose or a Harmful Purpose

There are three types of groups. Those with no discernable or a nebulous purpose, those with a harmful purpose and finally those with a truly beneficial purpose.

It might be argued that all groups have some purpose so let us clarify this differentiation. By purpose we are saying that it has to be more than a social club or one that is giving out nebulous ideals that go nowhere or cannot be understood.

For instance, some give out ideals using a fancy vocabulary that makes them sound to some as if they are really cutting edge in purpose but sometimes that is all there is. Fancy sounding phrases that say very little to those who pay attention and in the end accomplish little or nothing.

A significant number of new age groups have this problem with the language. Instead of presenting a greater light they present the illusion of greater light by introducing new phrases and words in substitute of old ones. Thus they can take a worn out Piscean message and seemingly present it as if it is something new, perhaps as something Aquarian.

Other groups see the true ideal for the new age and issue many ideas in fanciful language but offer no concrete steps to take to accomplish them.

If a seeker wishes to add his energy to a group to help to move us a step or two forward into the new age then he should avoid these nebulous groups which lack a well defined purpose. Why spend years of effort to accomplish nothing when you could make a difference if the group was actually working on concrete steps to be taken?

The second type of group is one that has a harmful purpose. And how do you recognize such a group?

Well, you’re not going to find them by looking for any confession. No one is going to come out and say: “We are the bad guys” or “We are working with the dark side.”

Indeed, they will vehemently promote the opposite of what they are and insist they are in the light with more repetition and insistence than do the true workers in the light. The true workers in the light demonstrate their true stand with their words and works; whereas, the false focus on words of deception that are not backed up by their works.

So, what are examples of groups with a harmful purpose? There are many but here are some examples.

(1) Lack of inclusiveness. Some reject those of the wrong race, political opinion, religious background, status etc.

(2) Messiah complex. They see their leader as a messiah and themselves as mini messiahs when there is nothing about them that stands out from the ordinary.

(3) They are the one and only group and members should shun those who do not recognize this.

(4) The leadership wants you to donate lots of money while they live lavish lives – apparently from the donations.

(5) Harmful teachings. There are many possibilities here. Those to be particularly shunned are those designed to produce guilt, a very destructive force that allows people to be controlled by outer authority. Many false end of the world teachings have disrupted lives. False promises of some easy and final salvation by accepting the group message is a popular one.

Each seeker must examined any potential group and discern any possible harmfulness incorporated and avoid them and move on.

All true seekers will seek out the third category of groups that have a beneficial purpose. These groups fall into three general categories.

(A) Teaching or study groups. In this case the group selects study materials and explores them as a group. The group overall is tied to no specific belief system but just presents the opportunity to learn from a specific author or set of teachings.

There are many groups like this on Facebook, and other places, and most are helpful. As long as they are inclusive and make no attempt to control (outside of a reasonable moderation) we can place them in a positive category.

(B) Meditation groups. Most of these groups have a positive purpose as most are not attempting to indoctrinate or control members but merely facilitate access to the inner self and some to spread light and love to the world.

There are potential problems with some. DK has given out several warnings. He particularly warns of wrong motive in meditation:

“Meditation is dangerous where there is wrong motive, such as desire for personal growth and for spiritual powers, for it produces, under these conditions only a strengthening of the shadows in the vale of illusion and brings to full growth the serpent of pride, lurking in the valley of selfish desire. Meditation is dangerous when the desire to serve is lacking. Service is another word for the utilisation of soul force for the good of the group. Where this impulse is lacking, energy may pour into the bodies, but—lacking use and finding no outlet—will tend to over-stimulate the centres, and produce conditions disastrous to the neophyte. Assimilation and elimination are laws of the soul life as well as of the physical life, and when this simple law is disregarded serious consequences will follow as inevitably as in the physical body.” A Treatise on White Magic, Page 205

In addition to this he warns that wrong use of breath in meditation can be dangerous to the student as well as premature stimulation of some centers or the premature raising of the Kundalini.

The student must therefore exercise wisdom even in being involved with seemingly harmless meditation groups.

The third type of positive group are those that go beyond examining teachings and meditations to embracing some purpose that will produce positive change in the world. Here the student must learn to weed out the harmful groups mentioned earlier and select one with pure intent and wisdom to accomplish something worthwhile.

This category of group is not for everyone for many just want to learn a few things and more on with their life. On the other hand advanced seekers want to serve and contribute to world progress and are looking for like-minded souls with which to join hands.

The best way for the disciple to make such a choice is by inner confirmation through the soul. Does your inner core vibrate positively when you examine the purpose of a particular group? If so, that is a good sign.

Dec 10, 2020

To read Part 1 go HERE , Part 2, HERE , Part 3 HERE, Part 4 HERE, Part 5 HERE, Part 6 HERE, Part 7 HERE, Part 9 HERE, Part 10 HERE, Part 11 HERE, Part 12 HERE, Part 13 HERE

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Group Synthesis, Part 7

December 9, 2020January 9, 2021 Joseph Dewey

Dec 9, 2020
Group Synthesis, Part 7
(D) Erroneous Teachings

No group is perfect, neither is any teacher or member of the group, but many aspiring students see things in terms of black and white. Either the group is completely rejected or completely accepted by some. The same goes for its leadership.

Therefore, once a black and white student joins a group and feels good about it he often sees himself as in 100%. If contradictions are run by him or her they will be oblivious to them, almost like they either did not exist, or espousing a feeling that it would be wrong to question anything.

Many of these black and white types are so embedded in their group, its teacher and ideology that attempting to change their minds is a waste of time. Such individuals will continue with the all or nothing approach for lifetimes to come, or until they reach some type of painful crises that causes them to seriously reflect on their approach.

The seasoned seeker though is not black and white. He realizes there is no such thing as the perfect group and people and merely seeks out the one that is the best for individual and group progression.

There are a number of flaws that the astute student may see in his chosen group.

(1) Teachings that he believes to be either not true or questionable.

Perhaps he likes most of the material presented. In other words, there are enough positive teachings and activities that the few which are questionable are not enough to cause him to withdraw support. The group does not seem perfect but it is the best he can find.

How then should he handle those teachings which do not register with his inner self.

First the student must make sure he understands the material correctly. As a teacher myself I have often found that this is where the problem lies. The seeker has misunderstood what I was saying and a little clarification and further explanation solved the problem.

Therefore, if the seeker senses that further details may help him to be more unified with the group then he should ask questions and study any additional materials available.

Then after doing all that is possible to understand the teachings, but some still do not correctly register, what should he do?

At that point he must weight the positives and negatives. If the group overall registers as 90% or more positive he may want to stay and support it despite the problematic 10%. After all, there may be nothing he can support 100% and everything else out there seems inferior.

If he decides to stay then it would be disruptive for group unity to focus, especially in any group conversations, with the negative 10%. He would be better off to focus on the 90% he can support.

Does this mean he goes into denial on the 10%. No. He should continue to keep his eye out for further resolution in a positive way, but resist the temptation to inject complaining and arguing in general group conversations.

If he comes up with new information that would shed light on the questionable 10% then it may be beneficial to bring it up to the leadership with a non critical attitude.

(2) Various teachings that are accepted by the group yet seem to contradict each other.

This appears often in many belief systems and group teachings.

Maybe the leader is teaching that the world will end in five years yet they are making plans for decades ahead.

Maybe one set of teachings seem to indicate we live only one life and another supports reincarnation.

Perhaps one part of the teachings say that in the true reality there is only one life and others seem to teach there will always be many lives, but just eventually unified.

In the ideal group the student should be able to ask any question that he desires as long as the tone is civil. However, most groups are far from the ideal and in many groups such questions may bring frowns from leaders and black and white members.

The student must therefore survey the situation.

If he senses that the leadership and the group are open to such questions then he should ask away.

If he senses the questions would create a disturbance then he needs to make a judgment call. Perhaps he may want to bring it up first with an individual group leader.

Perhaps he is willing to ask his questions and let the chips fall where they may.

Perhaps the suppression of questions will be strong enough to cause the student to reevaluate his membership and depart to greener pastures.

Overall, in the eyes of many serious students, a group should be open enough to allow awkward questions to be asked.

(3) The leader seeks too much control over the lives of members.

This is a common problem that is not always obvious at the group’s beginning. Maybe at first the leader seemed easy going but as time progressed he or she became more demanding.

If freedom is threatened then the member should speak out, even if frowned upon by others. If the problem is not resolved the member should consider moving on for a lack of freedom is not a problem that self corrects.

(4) Other members are creating problems.

If this is seen as a problem the first thing the student must ask is how widespread this view is. Are you, or maybe a very small percentage seeing this is a problem or do most members see it this way? If only you see something to complain about then perhaps the problem is in the jaundice way you are looking more than the members that irritate you. In this case you may not have enough traction to bring up the problem to the group as a whole but it may be helpful to discuss your feelings with the leadership.

If a large percentage of the members agree with you then you have evidence of having a valid point. In this case, it may be helpful to bring up this or any other agreed upon problem with the group as a whole.

Criticism within a group can be a very destructive force that can spread like a virus. Therefore, the wise group member will only criticize when it is absolutely necessary, as most criticism is met with a counter criticism that can lead to endless rounds of negativity.

Here was DK’s advice to a critical student:

For several years and more, you have consistently taken the position that one of my disciples has failed to measure up to his opportunities and that my entire group of disciples has not given the service which was demanded of it. You have so stated to a number of people and have also asserted that my work—as indicated by me in my various pamphlets and books—has not been properly done either by the group or by those who have pledged themselves to do it. You have criticised openly all that has been attempted and have steadily belittled and openly under-rated the work that has been done. You have misunderstood the attitude of my entire group. You have not helped in any way constructively. You have interjected a spirit of criticism everywhere.

Why is this? There are two reasons, my brother, and I care enough about your unfoldment to tell you with frankness what they are. One is that your fluid, uncontrolled, lower mind reverts with facility to criticism, to the formulating of group plans which are impossible of accomplishment, changing such plans at frequent intervals and using speech as a means of spreading distrust and criticism. Secondly, you are mentally and spiritually ambitious and yet you do not have the personal magnetism or the executive ability which would enable you to form your own group. It is easier to undermine another group.

Can you train yourself to overcome a critical spirit? I would remind you that habit is potent and that you are facing your life task and your major problem. You are adequate to the task, but only if you become truly convinced of the need.

Can you begin to concern yourself with constructive work which will meet the present need around you? You have talked much. Can you now begin to work? Discipleship in the New Age, Vol 1, Pages 588-590

To read part 1 go HERE , Part 2, HERE , Part 3 HERE, Part 4 HERE, Part 5 HERE, Part 6 HERE, Part 8 HERE, Part 9 HERE, Part 10 HERE, Part 11 HERE, Part 12 HERE, Part 13 HERE

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The Magi and Good from Evil

December 8, 2020 Joseph Dewey

The Magi and Good from Evil

Question: The Bible doesn’t give the actual number for the men who traveled from the East but many assume there were three because there were three gifts. Does DK give any additional details on this?

DK does not comment on this but the Aquarian Gospel identifies them as three and gives them the names of Hor, and Lun, and Mer. (See AG 38:6)

The Gospel of the Nazarenes, which is claimed to be translated from the oldest known manuscripts dating from the first century, also says there were three but gives them different names which are Melchus, Caspar and Phadizarda. The name in common between the two is Caspar who the Aquarian Gospel says was a fellow magi with Hor, and Lun, and Mer. Many esoterists believe that DK was Caspar and was one of the three wise men who came to visit the baby Jesus.

Question: Why do you say these wise men understood the mission of Christ better than the twelve apostles?

The twelve apostles were not picked because they were the most enlightened on the earth but because they were good messengers who were able to communicate with the common man. They were mostly of second degree initiate status. The third degree candidates were Peter, James, John and Paul.

The Magi in the east were very familiar with the prophesies of Christ because of Teachings that were passed down from the Prophet Daniel. There were a number of the Magi who were third degree initiates and had knowledge that exceeded that of the apostles. They were not only familiar with the Hebrew teachings but also familiar with many esoteric, magical and astrological teachings not available to the Apostles.

The Apostles did indeed experience much growth through their association with Christ.

If you read the Aquarian Gospel you will discover that there were a number of Master Teachers on the earth who were more consciously prepared for Christ than was the average apostle, but they had different missions.

Even when Jesus comes again many will sit at the feet of the Master who are not high initiates.

Overall, the Apostles were the most enlightened group in Israel, but not necessarily the earth.

Question: What about the scripture that says the Twelve Apostles are the foundation upon which the City of the New Jerusalem is to be built and they will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel?

First it is important to realize that all scripture will not have a black and white literal fulfillment. The twelve tribes, for instance will not be literal twelve tribes as represented by the old Testament, but twelve different types of consciousness in various groups and countries.

The Twelve Apostles who will judge the tribes will be spiritual teachers who will rise up from the twelve states of consciousness and lead those of similar vibration to the kingdom of God. The Twelve Apostles of old may or may not be gathered together again depending on the need and where than can best serve.

This reader, who is LDS, wants to know how my teachings harmonize with LDS accounts.

If you try and figure out how things are going to unwind (as the new age comes in) with the teachings of standard Mormonism, Christian or any other religious doctrine you will miss the mark by some distance. The religious teachings of the Piscean Age have seeds of truth in them but will always lead to wrong conclusions if taken literally.

For instance, Joseph Smith did not usher in the “last dispensation.” Any real last dispensation will not occur for millions of years. He did usher in the last effort at bringing together all things in union during the Piscean Age. He gathered the lights of the last part of that passing age. Now the Piscean Mormon (and other efforts) belongs to the past and must give way to new. The new will keep the best of the past, but be nothing like the past, for the vision of the fundamentalists of the various religions is not in alignment with what must be.

You ask why DK is not teaching us now or why he could have more knowledge of Christ than an apostle.

Who has knowledge of what is not as important as to the teachings that are given to us during our lifetime. It is our duty to examine them, run them by our souls and discover the truth behind them. A number of Masters could teach us, if such was in the plan, but each one of the Hierarchy has a particular job to do. It matters not if we have the highest initiate as our teacher. What matters is that we take advantage of the light which is available to us. If a student proves himself ready for something higher then it will not be withheld. The trouble is that many seek for something higher when they have overlooked the light in what they already have.

Knowing Good from Evil

Comment: You talk about Gen 3:22 as if it is differentiating good FROM evil when the scripture says good AND evil. “Good from evil” implies a duality, “Good and evil” implies a unity.

Even though the Hebrew VARA implies a conjunction such as “and” rather than a preposition such as “from,” the verse as a whole implies “from” as much as “and.”

The New Jerusalem Bible which translates very closely to the Hebrew acknowledges this.

Here is the rendering of this version.

“Then Yahweh God said, Now that the man has become like one of us in knowing good FROM evil, he must not be allowed to reach out his hand and pick from the tree of life too, and eat and live for ever!”

One reason this and several other versions use “from” instead of “and” is largely because of the meaning implied by YADA, the Hebrew word from which “to know” is translated.

YADA implies a knowledge gained through discerning or coming to a recognition or understanding.

Therefore, “to know good and evil” implies much more than just leaving paradise and being subject to pleasant and unpleasant sensations. The animals do this much. YADA implies that he who becomes as the Gods will raise above the animals and acquire the ability to discern the good and the evil. Such discernment would result in knowing good FROM evil as well as good and evil.

Think on this. We are told that he who acquires the knowledge (YADA) of good and evil will be as the Elohiym, or Gods.

The enlightening question is this. How many in the human kingdom are as the gods now?

Probably no one you have met lately.

What does this tell us?

It tells us that the true knowledge of good and evil is much more than the generic realization that there is good and bad out there in the world.

The key lies in scriptures such as “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

Then concerning the general population Jeremiah said, “to do good they have no knowledge.” Jer 4:22

Now if a person is subject to good and evil, but calls the evil, good and good, evil, does this not tell us that he is not as the gods? Does it not indicate that he has no power to discern and judge good and evil?

To discern and then judge correctly what is the true good and the true evil awakens the power of godliness more than even the highest of humanity realize.

Comment: “Good from evil” implies a duality, “Good and evil” implies a unity.

Actually, they both imply a duality. The fact that “good” and “evil” are both named with differing meanings implies a duality, even if nothing else was said. “And” is a conjunction which links two items, again implying a duality. The fact that YADA implies the discernment of the good from the evil also implies duality.

Here is another scripture that affirms this general principle: “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses (faculties) exercised to discern both good and evil.” Heb 5:13-14

“Discern” here comes from the Greek DIAKRISIS which Strong’s says literally means a “judicial estimation.” It’s root word implies a judgment which separates. In other words this scripture tells us to use our faculties to judge good, as separated from evil.

March 20, 2003

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