La Iniciación (GIDEE) — Vol. 3, No. 30 — October 1944

By its formal character, philosophical knowledge pretends to arrive at the total comprehension of objects, that is, it does not investigate in things their immediate causes, productive of sensible phenomena (whose study belongs to the sciences), but tries to obtain knowledge of the Ultimate Causes, beyond which reason cannot ascend.

Science versus Philosophy

The Sciences study partial aspects of Being (taking this word in a broad sense, comprehending the Universe and the I), on the other hand, Philosophy studies Being in its totality.

We know things and beings, first in a simple manner by the senses, then in a more complex, reflexive manner, by their causes. We call the first vulgar knowledge and the second scientific knowledge.

We all begin with vulgar knowledge, but we perfect it more or less with our studies, our readings and the experiences that life provides us.

Philosophy considered as scientific knowledge (for being reflexive knowledge), tries to give us comprehension of things by their ultimate causes, employing for this reason.

Logic as Preparation

Before employing a complicated instrument, we must first know it and know how it functions, in order to use it correctly.

With reason, the philosophical instrument par excellence, we will do the same.

Its study, from the point of view of adequate employment for obtaining true knowledge constitutes FORMAL LOGIC, and working to solve the second we find MATERIAL LOGIC or THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE.

Logic, studying reason as an instrument of knowledge, enables us to introduce ourselves to philosophical study.

Speculative and Practical Philosophy

Taking into account that the end we propose is to acquire comprehension of things by their Supreme Principles, we can employ only the desire to know and we will make SPECULATIVE PHILOSOPHY, whose object will be being or the essence of things; but we can also employ reason trying to obtain from acquired knowledge, results useful for life, and we will then make PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY, whose object will be the Absolute Good of Man.

The Branches of Philosophy

Now then, objects present themselves to our consideration, first as bodies, that is, taking units and differentiating among themselves by their forms and their physical-chemical properties.

The study of units and forms is proper to Mathematics, which referred to its ultimate causes, gives us the PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS.

The study of the physical-chemical properties of said bodies is the object in general of Natural Sciences, which referred to its supreme principles, gives us PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE.

But in that material world that constitutes Nature, we see emerging with truly differential character Man, who is the only being that knows and knows itself (affirmation we can make at least in these conditions of life).

The study of Man's internal world relative to his Psyche is the object of PSYCHOLOGY.

The knowledge we have of the External World through the senses only informs us of phenomena, of appearances, which configure the Physical World, but if we try to capture the essence of things (the Noumenon), we will turn to METAPHYSICS, which studies as its term explains, what is beyond the physical world, that is, being insofar as it is being (ONTOLOGY) and Subsistent Being or First Cause (THEODICY).

From the practical point of view, we said that philosophy procured the Absolute Good of man, it studies then human acts that referring to "doing," gives us a MORAL PHILOSOPHY (ETHICS) and referring to "making" gives us a PHILOSOPHY OF ART (AESTHETICS).

The Value of Philosophical Study

Having obtained a comprehensible definition of Philosophy and a general vision of the distinct disciplines that integrate it, we are going to specify now what utility its study reports.

Generally Philosophy is considered a frivolous and useless occupation, with controversies over problems whose solutions are inaccessible to human knowledge.

However, we all have more or less vague ideas about the nature of our being and of the world that surrounds us, and said ideas in a conscious manner or not, exercise action on our conduct in life.

Enabling ourselves with reflexive conceptions, even when we do not arrive at precise solutions, we will have in any case, a more profound knowledge of ourselves and of the world.

The problems that Philosophy poses have enormous interest for spiritual life, perhaps for this reason, the man who only lives pressed by his material necessities does not concern himself with its study.

But the life of this "practical man" enclosed in the circle of his private interests, is very limited. And Philosophy, although incapable of solving with certainty the great problems it raises, would broaden the horizon of his thought and free him from the pettinesses that occur in his life.

The Universal Perspective

Confronting ourselves through philosophical contemplation with the grandeur of the infinite, we will overcome the small interests created by Egoism and there will surge in us with extraordinary vivacity the comprehension of the BROTHERHOOD that forms the Human Race, making us therefore, Citizens of the World.

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Historical Analysis: This systematic exposition of philosophical methodology represents one of the most complete introductions to philosophical study available in wartime esoteric literature. Apex's recognition that Pythagoras established the term "Philosophy" as "love of wisdom" because "Wisdom in its full possession belonged uniquely to Divinity" demonstrates understanding of how authentic philosophical inquiry maintains proper humility before ultimate mystery while pursuing rational investigation.

The fundamental principle that "As it is in the Universe, so it is in the I, and as it is in the I, so it is in the Universe" provides the hermetic foundation for all genuine philosophical work, showing how microcosmic and macrocosmic investigation necessarily support each other. The recognition that philosophical knowledge seeks "Ultimate Causes, beyond which reason cannot ascend" demonstrates mature understanding of both the power and limitations of rational inquiry.

The systematic division of philosophy into Speculative (essence of things) and Practical (Absolute Good of Man) branches, with detailed exposition of Mathematics, Nature, Psychology, Metaphysics (Ontology and Theodicy), Ethics and Aesthetics shows comprehensive understanding of how reason can be systematically applied to all aspects of human experience and cosmic investigation.

Most significantly, the recognition that philosophical contemplation leads to "comprehension of the BROTHERHOOD that forms the Human Race, making us therefore, Citizens of the World" demonstrates how authentic philosophical inquiry naturally transcends narrow self-interest to discover universal principles that unite rather than divide humanity. This teaching bridges individual rational development with collective wisdom, showing how genuine philosophical work serves both personal understanding and universal enlightenment during humanity's most challenging historical periods.

Document 140: Meditation - The Journey from Stone to Spirit

Translation from La Iniciación Vol. 3 No. 30, October 1944

By Ramanuja, S∴I∴

Meditation

Man is stone, animal and spirit: he is God. He has of the stone the physical substance, of the animal the life of desire and of God the divine spiritual essence.

In proportion to his mass he is attracted by the stone; in relation to his passions, by desire; and in harmony with his purity, by Love.

The Four States of Being

If he has no great desires nor intelligence, he is little more than a stone. If he is slave to his passions, he is little more than an animal. If he has few desires and much will and intelligence, he is an Initiate. And if he is pure Love and Intelligence, which is equivalent to Wisdom, he is more than a man and is more than Initiate; he is a Master.

The Evolution of Thought

In the vulgar man, ideas are daughters of sensations and are born without form and without force. The Initiate thinks creating ideas with form, colors and force, thanks to the exercise of will and meditation, which little by little make him independent of sensations and make him dominate the reactions of instinctive life. The Master, independently of any sensation, creates at his will thoughts that have perfectly defined forms, intensity of color or of colors and Life.

The Path of Development

The Master, independently of any sensation, creates at his will thoughts that have perfectly defined forms, intensity of color or of colors and Life.

The Path of Development

The purely objective life makes man a vulgar being. The purely subjective life brings man closer to the Masters and to God. Before the science of man, learn the science of the Spirit.

Exercise your will struggling against desire, but always keep in mind that it is not by killing desire that one advances, but by dominating it. Learn to think independently of external sensations. Learn to think, but to always think well.

The Mirror of Self-Knowledge

The evil that you observe in your fellowmen is nothing but evil that is in yourself. In the enormously active peace of the most profound silence, upon losing contact with the apparent reality of the physical world and thus submerging yourself in the sublime reality of something more Absolute, you will hear the internal voice that emanates from your Ego; you will learn to know Truth, the Law that governs worlds and things, you will learn to know God: you will find yourself.

AUM et AMÉN

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Historical Analysis: This profound meditation teaching represents one of the most complete expositions of spiritual psychology available in wartime esoteric literature. Ramanuja's systematic analysis of human development from "stone" through "animal" and "spirit" to divine realization provides a complete framework for understanding consciousness evolution that integrates physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.

The recognition that man "has of the stone the physical substance, of the animal the life of desire and of God the divine spiritual essence" demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how consciousness manifests through different levels of organization while maintaining essential divine nature. The teaching that attraction operates "in proportion to mass" (stone), "in relation to passions" (desire), and "in harmony with purity" (Love) shows how spiritual development involves shifting the center of identity from lower to higher principles.

The progression from "vulgar man" (ideas born "without form and without force") through "Initiate" (creating "ideas with form, colors and force") to "Master" (creating "thoughts that have perfectly defined forms, intensity of color and Life") demonstrates systematic understanding of how meditation and will training develop conscious creative power. This anticipates modern understanding of visualization and intentional consciousness development by decades.

This anticipates modern understanding of visualization and intentional consciousness development by decades.

Most significantly, the teaching that "the evil you observe in your fellowmen is nothing but evil that is in yourself" provides crucial insight into how spiritual development requires taking complete responsibility for one's perceptual reality rather than projecting unconscious contents onto external circumstances. The recognition that in "profound silence" one finds "the internal voice that emanates from your Ego" and learns "to know Truth, the Law that governs worlds and things" demonstrates understanding of how authentic meditation leads to direct spiritual revelation rather than mere mental quietude.

This teaching bridges psychological understanding with spiritual realization, showing how systematic inner work transforms ordinary consciousness into the divine awareness that recognizes its essential unity with universal principles. The culmination in "you will find yourself" demonstrates how all authentic spiritual practice ultimately leads to Self-realization that transcends the apparent separation between individual and universal consciousness.

Document 141: Complete Translation Summary - October 1944 Issue

Translation from La Iniciación Vol. 3 No. 30, October 1944

Summary of Complete October 1944 Issue

This document serves as a comprehensive index and summary of the complete translation of "La Iniciación" Volume 3, Number 30, from October 1944. This commemorative-philosophical issue has been systematically translated into 10 separate documents covering all major articles and sections.

Historical Significance of October 1944:

This issue represents profound synthesis of historical reverence, systematic teaching, and scientific advancement during World War II's final phase:

• Post-Liberation European Context: Published as Allied forces consolidated European advances and began the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Pacific, demonstrating spiritual work's continuity during military consolidation
• Martinism Commemoration: The 170th anniversary tribute to Martines de Pasqually provides one of the most poetic and profound appreciations of the founder's spiritual significance available in any literature
• Ethical Foundation Teaching: Asuri Kapila's fundamental exposition corrects approaches seeking rapid psychic development without moral foundation, providing essential guidance during wartime spiritual confusion
• Complete Hierarchy Documentation: The systematic enumeration of all 32 Great Siddhas represents unprecedented access to Eastern spiritual organization

Revolutionary Commemorative Contributions:

Profound Historical Reverence: Pitágoras's homage to Martines de Pasqually represents one of the most moving spiritual commemorations in esoteric literature:

• Essential Mystery Recognition: Understanding of Martines as "true Unknown Philosopher, authentic Superior Incognito, real Philosopher of Unity" who lived in "supreme forgetfulness of Personality"
• Spiritual Transmission Understanding: Recognition that his life passed "like all Great and True Initiates, like a sudden ray of most luminous Light" demonstrating how authentic teachers manifest eternal principles
• Contemporary Relevance: Teaching that contemporary Martinists "pass like you, among men... unknown... invisible... Radiating Love and Truth" shows how genuine spiritual transmission continues through living practice
• Eternal Presence Recognition: Understanding that Martines "represents in the Invisible the Divine Incarnation, incessantly lives in each one of us" demonstrates mature comprehension of spiritual lineage

Complete Ethical Foundation: Asuri Kapila's systematic exposition provides essential corrective to spiritual materialism:

• Moral Prerequisite Recognition: Understanding that "one cannot open the doors of occult knowledge nor progress rapidly in divine power development without the primordial base of strict morality, pure heart and mind"
• Fallacy of Rapid Development: Recognition that seeking immediate powers is "as erroneous as supposing one could grant a university diploma to a child who begins to read and write"
• Service Foundation Requirement: Teaching that "to achieve being an Invisible Protector, one must begin by being a visible protector" through practical compassionate action
• Character Development Priority: Understanding that progress comes "by small sustained efforts" through "noble thoughts, actions and desires of daily life" rather than dramatic mystical experiences

Unprecedented Hierarchy Documentation: The complete enumeration of the 32 Great Siddhas represents the most detailed exposition of Eastern spiritual administration available in Western literature:

• Individual Siddha Names: Systematic listing from Naradeva through Madhunatha with recognition that six have "feminine principles predominant" serving as Sri Yoga Devi's communication vehicles
• Organizational Sophistication: Understanding that seven great Hierarchs each have eighteen secretaries forming rotating groups serving thousand-Sankalpa terms demonstrates extraordinary administrative complexity
• Systematic Cycle Understanding: Recognition of 24,000-Sankalpa cycles (576,000 years) under each Bhagavan Náráyana administration shows cosmic time-scale spiritual governance
• Service Distinction Clarity: Teaching that Siddhas "occupy themselves with humanity's cause" while Mahatmas focus on "atmic advancement" provides crucial insight into different spiritual paths

Advanced Scientific Integration:

Revolutionary Environmental Health Research: Pitágoras's terrestrial radiation investigation bridges ancient wisdom with emerging scientific understanding:

• Animal Behavior Validation: Scientific documentation of how Chaldeans, Etruscans, and Romans used animal sensitivity to earth energies for practical decision-making
• Controlled Experimental Evidence: Guinea pig studies showing resistance to lethal strychnine doses when placed on specific rocks, ant behavior changes when radiations are neutralized
• Cancer Research Pioneering: Systematic documentation by Lakhowsky (1927) and subsequent investigators showing correlation between geological terrain and disease patterns
• Therapeutic Applications: Recognition that different earth energies have specific healing properties—mercury/arsenic compounds for syphilis, iron tungstate for vigor, molybdenum for chastity

Comprehensive Philosophical Framework: Apex's systematic exposition provides complete methodology for rational investigation:

• Pythagorean Foundation Recognition: Understanding that Pythagoras established "Philosophy" as "love of wisdom" because "Wisdom in full possession belonged uniquely to Divinity"
• Hermetic Principle Application: The fundamental law "As it is in the Universe, so it is in the I, and as it is in the I, so it is in the Universe" providing microcosmic-macrocosmic investigation framework
• Systematic Branch Division: Complete exposition of Speculative (Mathematics, Nature, Psychology, Metaphysics) and Practical (Ethics, Aesthetics) philosophical applications
• Universal Brotherhood Recognition: Understanding that philosophical contemplation naturally leads to "comprehension of BROTHERHOOD that forms the Human Race, making us Citizens of the World"

Complete Astrological Science: Surya's Leo analysis demonstrates sophisticated integration of mythological, kabbalistic, and practical knowledge:

• Biblical Integration: Systematic correlation with Judah—"Judah is a young lion, you arise from the prey"—showing scriptural-astrological synthesis
• Cosmic Anatomy Understanding: Recognition that Leo represents "heart of the Great Man" serving as "vital center of fluidic circulatory system of humanity"
• Stellar Correlation: Detailed analysis of Regulus (Heart of the Lion) in 28th degree as "fixed star of Mars and Jupiter vibration" indicating success and social elevation
• Practical Psychology Application: Understanding that Leo eloquence finds "extraordinary example" in Genesis 44's "Judah's appeal to Joseph" demonstrating scriptural-psychological correspondence