| 5. The Centers and Initiation We have dealt
briefly with the evolution of the centers, with their function, their organization and
their gradually increasing activity from a point of comparative inertia until they are
consummated motion. Then they become living wheels of flame, distinguished by a dual
motion of the periphery and the inner revolving wheels, and by a fourth-dimensional
effect, due primarily to the alignment of the inner subtler vortices with the
comparatively exoteric etheric centers. This alignment is brought about eventually at
initiation.
At the time that initiation is taken, the centers are all active and the lower four
(which correspond to the Personality) are beginning the process of translating the fire
into the three higher. The dual revolution in the lower centers is clearly to be seen and
the three higher are commencing to be similarly active. By the application of the Rod of
Initiation at the time of the initiation ceremony, certain results are achieved in
connection with the centers which might be enumerated as follows:
- The fire at the base of the spine is definitely [208] directed to whichever center is
the object of special attention. This varies according to the Ray, or the specialized work
of the initiate.
- The center has its activity intensified, its rate of evolution increased, and certain of
the central spokes of the wheel brought into more active radiance. These spokes which are
also called by some students lotus-petals, have a close connection with the different
spirillae in the permanent atoms. Through their stimulation there comes into play one or
more of the corresponding spirillae in the permanent atoms on the three lower planes.
After the third Initiation, a corresponding stimulation takes place in the permanent atoms
of the Triad, leading to the coordination of the buddhic vehicle, and the transference of
the lower polarization into the higher.
By the application of the Rod of Initiation the downflow of force from the Ego to the
personality is tripled, the direction of that force being dependent upon whether the
centers receiving attention are the etheric, or the astral at the first and second Initiations,
or whether the initiate is standing before the LORD OF THE WORLD. In the latter case, his
mental centers or their corresponding force vortices on higher levels, will receive
stimulation. When the World Teacher initiates at the first and second Initiations, the
direction of the Triadal force is turned to the vivification of the heart, and throat
centers, and the ability to synthesize the force of the lower centers is greatly
increased. When the One Initiator applies the Rod of His Power, the downflow is from the
Monad, and though the throat and heart intensify vibration as a response, the main
direction of the force is to the seven head centers, and finally (at liberation) to the
radiant head center above, and synthesizing the lesser seven head centers.
The centers
at initiation receive a fresh access of [209] vibratory capacity and of power, and this
results, in the exoteric life, as:
- First.
A sensitiveness and refinement of the vehicles which may result, at first, in much
suffering to the initiate, but which produces a capacity to respond to contacts that far
outweighs the incidental pain.
- Second.
A development of psychic faculty that again may lead to temporary distress, but which
eventually causes a recognition of the one Self in all selves, which is the goal of
endeavor.
- Third.
A burning away, through a gradual arousing of kundalini, and its correct geometrical
progression through the etheric web. This produces a resultant continuity of consciousness
which enables the initiate consciously to utilize time as a factor in the plans
of evolution.
- Fourth.
A gradual grasp of the Law of Vibration as an aspect of the basic law of building; the
initiate learns consciously to build, to manipulate thought matter for the perfecting of
the plans of the Logos, to work in mental essence, and to apply the law on mental levels
and thereby affect the physical plane. Motion originates cosmically on cosmic mental
levels, and in the microcosm the same order will be seen. There is an occult hint here
that will reveal much if pondered upon. At initiation, at the moment of the application of
the Rod, the initiate consciously realizes the meaning of the Law of Attraction
in form building, and in the synthesis of the three fires. Upon his ability to retain that
realization and himself to apply the law, will depend his power and progress.
By the
application of the Rod, the fire of kundalini is aroused, and its upward progress
directed. The fire at the base of the spine, and the fire of mind are [210] directed along
certain routes, or triangles, by the action of the Rod as it moves in a specified manner.
There is a definite occult reason, under the Laws of Electricity, behind the known fact
that every initiate, presented to the Initiator, is accompanied by two of the Masters, who
stand one on either side of him. The three of them together form a triangle which makes
the work possible.
The force
of the Rod is twofold, and its power terrific. Apart and alone the initiate could not
receive the voltage from the Rod without serious hurt, but in triangular formation
transmission comes safely. The two Masters Who thus sponsor the initiate, represent two
polarities of the electric All; part of Their work is therefore to stand with all
applicants for initiation when they come before the Great Lord. |
