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La Iniciación (GIDEE) — Vol. 6, No. 63 — July 1947

English·1942–1947·trans. The Collective Press (machine-assisted)·29 passages

The text

La Iniciación – Volume 6, No.63 (July 1947)

Chapter 1: Title Page, Editorial Information and Contents

THE INITIATIONMONTHLY OF THE INDEPENDENT GROUP OF ESOTERIC STUDIES (GIDEE)Director: Dr. Jehel.Secretary: Maya.Administrator: Juan Cantalupo.Responsible Editor: Juan Cantalupo.Uruguay Street 1787Montevideo.

COLLABORATORSInstructors and Brothers of Orders, such as: Suddha Dharma Mandalam,Asian Brothers of the Brilliant Mystery, Maha Bodhi Sangha, RamanaAshrama, Ramakrishna Ashrama. Kabbalistic Order of the Rose Cross, MartinistOrder, Gidee, etc.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS:Year: Uruguay and countries that send in Uruguayan currency $ 2.00Other countries: American dollar " 1.80Monthly issue: Uruguayan gold 0.20Back issues 0.30

Subscriptions are exclusively annual and begin in any month.Renewals must be made, at the latest, in the month of expiration.Address changes must be communicated to avoid losses.Money orders or registered letters should be sent to Mr. JUAN CANTALUPO. P.O. Box 317. Montevideo. Foreign money orders: through National City Bank.The Magazine is not responsible for signed published works.Received originals, published or not, will not be returned.It is permitted to reproduce from this Magazine, provided that the sourceand author are cited.

THE INITIATIONMonthly of theINDEPENDENT GROUP OF ESOTERIC STUDIESYear VI July 1947 No. 63

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIATIC PART: PageSummary 1Where to subscribe or acquire "La Iniciación" 2

Living Reality of the Symbols: XII: Meditations onthe Triangle (continuation)Jehel, S. I., Dr. Kab. 3

Practical Course of Judicial Astrology: The influences ofthe mutual aspects of the Planets (Surya, S. I.) 10

Practical Teachings of Martinism: "Surface" workand "in-depth" work (Jehel, P. G. C.) 13

Suddha Dharma Mandalam: Comments on spiritualpractices (Guru Subrahmanyananda Ashrama) 22

European spiritual revival: Echoes of the WorldSpiritualist Congress of Brussels. The Editorial Board 29

LITERARY PART:Spring of love (Sócrates) 33

NEWS BULLETIN 34

Where to subscribe or acquire "La Iniciación"

ARGENTINAKier Bookstore. Talcahuano 1075 Buenos Aires.Saborido Bookstore. Rivadavia 1649 Buenos Aires.

The Editorial Board 29

LITERARY PART:Spring of love (Sócrates) 33

NEWS BULLETIN 34

Where to subscribe or acquire "La Iniciación"

ARGENTINAKier Bookstore. Talcahuano 1075 Buenos Aires.Saborido Bookstore. Rivadavia 1649 Buenos Aires.

BRAZILState of Rio Grande del SurAgent: Mrs. Cecy M. Viamonte. Rua Américo Vespucio 1255 Porto Alegre.Vera Cruz Bookstore. Vera Cruz Building P.O. Box 936 Porto Alegre.Olimpia Bookstore. Avenida João Pessoa No. 115 Porto Alegre.

State of São PauloGaspar Junior Culture Bookstore. P.O. Box 222-A São Paulo.

State of Minas GeraesAgent: Mr. José Toniolo. Itajubá 448 Bello Horizonte.

Federal DistrictAgent: Dr. José Gaspar Gouveia. Rua Nascimento Silva 100 - Apt. 1 Rio de Janeiro.Freitas Bastos Bookstore. Rua 13 de maio 74 Rio de Janeiro.

CHILEOrientalist Bookstore. P.O. Box 1398 Santiago.

COLOMBIAAgent: Roberto Nel Barona Calle 15 No. 1149 - Cali.Pythagorean Bookstore. P.O. Box 119 Bucaramanga.Irradiación Bookstore, by Hernando García. P.O. Box 704 -Aéreo 720 - Barranquilla.

COSTA RICABookstore of Gerardo Vega B. P.O. Box 884 - San José.

MEXICOAgent: Mr. Julián Garma Alvarado. Plaza Carlos Pacheco No. 21-5; P.O. Box 9967 - México D. F."El Volador" Bookstore, by J. Medina. Seminario No. 14. D. F.Bookstore of Evaristo Vivanco. Av. Guatemala No. 47, A. D. F.Ibero-American Bookstore.

PANAMAP.O. Box 256 - Panama.

URUGUAYGidee. Av. 18 de Julio 1018, 2nd floor - Montevideo.

VENEZUELAAgent: Pedro José Romberg Sur 13. No. 55 (Petión á Callao) San Agustín del Norte - Caracas.

Chapter 2: Living Reality of the Symbols

XII: Meditations on the Triangle (Continuation)

By Jehel, S.I., Dr. Kab.

LIVING REALITY OF THE SYMBOLSXII: MEDITATIONS ON THE TRIANGLE(Continuation)

Let us descend a little from the plane of Divine Life, to which, through a temporary effort of transporting consciousness to the abstract mind, we had connected ourselves intuitionally.

Let us now follow a little the triangular manifestation in the planes closer to us in vibration, since in absolute reality all of them interpenetrate in such a way that none is geometrically "distant" from the others.

Since the real initiatic MYSTERY is in the middle plane, that is, in that plane that connects the forms living in the physical with their essence and spiritual origin, it is evident that, regarding said intermediate plane, we must be less explicit, but, through the symbols themselves, those who, meditating, know how to find the true analogy, which is nothing other than the RELATIONSHIP AND PROPORTIONALITY between "things" (forms, forces, principles) will find, outside themselves by observation and comparison, and within themselves by observation and application, all the points of contact, that is to say, the tip of Ariadne's thread, for each matter.

CENTRAL CONSCIOUSNESS: THE MISSION OF THE INTERMEDIATE PLANESides:

Reflection of the Father:The Creative Intelligences, from the ELOHIM to the Human Spirits and those of Nature.

CENTRAL CONSCIOUSNESS: THE MISSION OF THE INTERMEDIATE PLANESides:

Reflection of the Father:The Creative Intelligences, from the ELOHIM to the Human Spirits and those of Nature.

Reflection of the Mother-Son:The Creative Forces, from the fundamental sound, the astral lights and subtle ethers, to their correspondences in vital forces within the physical. Souls in general.

Reflection of the Holy Spirit:The bearer forms, recipients and applicators of forces, from the Angels, considered as forms, to the archetypal forms molds of every dense form, of any kingdom.

UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND SUBCONSCIOUSNESS

The poverty and relativity of the expressions of our concrete and conventional languages, hinders the handling of the representative idea of reality, since our language is the fruit of a three-dimensional conception, while total reality is, not only four-dimensional, but MULTI-DIMENSIONAL, since, in truth, as we saw in initial articles of this series, every three dimensions are synthesized in a following one, which is THE FOURTH for the world of the first three and the first of the following world or plane... and so on until our mind still ignores everything about the particularities of existential modes and, therefore, about the modes of relationship of such existences.

However, even within the plane that we obstinately call physical (and which would be DEAD, that is, without movement or directing thought, if it were really and only physical), we can discover a series of "triangular hierarchies" that will show us that everything obeys that same law and, even more, that when the forms of existences seem to no longer have a central consciousness, they have - ANALOGICALLY, that is, in relationship and proportionality or an UNCONSCIOUSNESS (which is nothing but a CONSCIOUSNESS VEILED TO ITSELF WHICH STRUGGLES TO REVEAL ITSELF) fully comparable to "trying to remember something without having notion of the effort of memory, or an Idea of finality, of utility, which is like an underlying Consciousness in the form and which I call Subconsciousness, for not having another more appropriate word.

CENTRAL UNCONSCIOUSNESS: A human spirit trying to "know itself," that is, to have consciousness of itself.

Sides:

Reflection of the Father:Abstract-concrete Mind, which, partly by intuition, partly by knowledge, tries to create itself in consciousness, creating successive adaptations (acts of each existence as well as of successive existences).

Reflection of the Mother-Son:Accumulation and conservation of creative FORCE (SOUL) through process of substitution in the qualitative, to serve as matrix to the successive potential creations of the SPIRIT, manifested as Idea or Thought in the MIND and lived as EMOTION in the SOUL.

Reflection of the Holy Spirit:Complete dense body, adapted in each existence and in successive ones, to the impulses received from the superior planes and to the necessities of the mission that, even unconsciously for now, the incarnated consciousness must fulfill.

CENTRAL SUBCONSCIOUSNESS: A consciousness that has intuitive glimpses of what it is, what it should do, and where it should go, but cannot yet coordinate such glimpses or intuitions with its normal mental activity nor with its emotional and volitional activity.

Sides:

Reflection of the Father:Concrete mind in process of becoming abstract: It shows alternations between lucid moments and moments of normal mentality; alternations between inspirations (which are exact) and reasonings (which are generally inexact, because the being reasons on incomplete data, lacking the higher knowledge).

Reflection of the Mother-Son:Soul-force oscillating between the calls of the lower nature (desires, emotions, passions, interests) and the calls of the higher nature (aspirations, devotions, sacrifices, services). This oscillation produces internal conflicts that are very painful but very necessary for development.

Reflection of the Holy Spirit:The body, and the external circumstances of life, become the field where the internal conflict is reflected and resolved. Sometimes the body suffers from the intensity of the internal struggle; sometimes external circumstances become very difficult, as if life itself were testing the sincerity and strength of the higher aspirations.

Now, let us continue with our examination of triangular symbolism, which, as we have said, can become a practical key for those who know how to meditate on it with method and constancy.

TRIANGULAR KEYS CONSTITUTED BY A SINGLE TRIANGLE

An equilateral triangle only: the ternary LAW with all the corollaries we have exposed and all the others —in unlimited number— that can be drawn, for analogical application particularized to any form, fact, being, or set of beings, facts or forms.

An equilateral triangle with SOMETHING in its center. If that "something" is only a point:"Every triangle is nothing more than the expression of the three constitutive and manifestational modes of a central consciousness that determines it."

If that "something" is a sacred letter (Iod, I, A, etc.):"Everything that is, exists only as manifestation of all or part of the Creative Thought, Father, or God — It is a word of the Divine Creation Decree, in its three creative and manifested aspects."

If that "something" is a complete Divine name (IHVH, DIOS, BRAHMA, etc.):"Everything that lives in "this universe" is the formal expression created by the GOD whose life we must reverence in all created forms, which are part of HIM, for having, in miniature, his three same Divine Persons or Faculties within themselves."

AN equilateral triangle (with something or not in the center) and surrounded by little rays that come out of its three sides:"Although the triangle expresses the three constitutional and manifestational aspects of all things, it must not be forgotten that THE THING in itself is worth only FOR WHAT EMANATES FROM IT, that is, by how it manages, in quantity and quality, to express or realize in its environment the MESSAGE constituted by the MISSION of the CENTRAL CONSCIOUSNESS (or Idea)."

An equilateral triangle, inscribed in a Circle, WITHOUT the little rays between the triangle and the Circle:

1st) "Every "thing" is a fragmentary consciousness, with three modes of expression or synchronous realization which, by balancing and progressively fusing in harmonic living, make possible the dilation of consciousness, previously tripartite in its own concept, to universality or divinization."

2nd) "The Eternal, absolute, perfect and harmonic in its whole, is not conceivable to the relative mind except by perceiving in ANY POINT of the universe, the three simultaneous manifestations of the Eternal in the transitory."

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

These symbolic keys can be applied by the serious student to understand any phenomenon, being, or situation:

1. PERSONAL APPLICATION: Consider yourself as the central consciousness of a triangle. The three sides represent your physical nature, your emotional nature, and your mental nature. Observe how these three aspects must be balanced for your consciousness to expand.

2. SOCIAL APPLICATION: Consider any social group (family, organization, nation) as a triangle. The three sides represent the material needs, the emotional bonds, and the guiding ideas of the group. Study how the balance or imbalance of these three affects the harmony and evolution of the group.

3. COSMIC APPLICATION: Consider the universe as a triangle whose central consciousness is the Divine. The three sides represent the Creative Will, the Conservative Love, and the Transformative Wisdom that govern all manifestation.

THE MYSTERY OF TRIANGULAR INTERPENETRATION

Advanced students should meditate on this profound truth: every triangle contains within itself infinite other triangles, and is itself contained within infinite larger triangles.

This means that every consciousness, however small, reflects in its own constitution the same ternary law that governs the greatest cosmic processes. And every consciousness, however great, is itself but a fragment of an even greater consciousness.

This is the basis of the Hermetic axiom "As above, so below" - not as mere similarity, but as actual structural identity at all levels of manifestation.

THE DYNAMIC ASPECT

It is important to understand that these triangular relationships are not static but dynamic. They are in constant movement, constant readjustment, constant evolution.

The central consciousness grows through the experience gained by its three modes of expression. As it grows, the triangle expands, and what was once external becomes internal. What was once unconscious becomes conscious. What was once multiple becomes unified.

This is the process of spiritual evolution: the gradual expansion of consciousness until it becomes universal, until the individual triangle merges with the cosmic triangle.

THE PRACTICAL PATH

For those who wish to use this knowledge practically:

1. Begin each day by mentally constructing your personal triangle. Place your highest aspiration at the center, and let your thoughts, feelings, and actions form the three sides.

2. Throughout the day, observe how these three aspects of your nature interact. Notice when they are in harmony and when they are in conflict.

3. Before sleep, review the day and see how your triangle has evolved. What lessons has your central consciousness learned? How has it grown?

4. Gradually extend this practice to understand your relationships, your work, your participation in the world. See everything in terms of triangular consciousness seeking to know itself and express itself.

5. Study the great triangular symbols of all traditions: the Trinity, the three Gunas, the three Pillars of the Tree of Life, the three Jewels of Buddhism. See how they all point to the same fundamental law.

CONCLUSION

The triangle is not merely a geometric figure but the basic pattern of all consciousness, all manifestation, all evolution. To understand the triangle is to possess the key to understanding existence itself.

But this understanding cannot be merely intellectual. It must be lived, experienced, realized through practice and meditation. Only thus does symbolic knowledge become wisdom, and wisdom become realization.

In the words of the ancient sages: "The wise man sees himself in all beings, and all beings in himself." This is the fruit of triangular meditation - the recognition that the same Divine Consciousness that lives in the cosmic triangle lives also in the triangle of one's own heart.

AMEN.

(To be continued)

Chapter 3: Practical Course of Judicial Astrology

The Influences of the Mutual Aspects of the Planets (Continuation)

Teachings of Surya, S.I.

AMEN.

(To be continued)

Chapter 3: Practical Course of Judicial Astrology

The Influences of the Mutual Aspects of the Planets (Continuation)

Teachings of Surya, S.I.

PRACTICAL COURSE OF JUDICIAL ASTROLOGY(Continuation)THE INFLUENCES OF THE MUTUAL ASPECTS OF THE PLANETSTHE ASPECTS OF VENUS WITH THE OTHER PLANETS

VENUS IN CONJUNCTION, PARALLEL OR SEXTILE WITH MERCURY (These two planets can never be more than 76 degrees apart, therefore they can never form square, trine or opposition with each other) These aspects give great imagination, taste for the fine arts and good, kind and sociable disposition. If either of these planets is found in the 1st, 3rd, 4th or 10th house, these happy configurations can make a poet, musician, art teacher or actor, being favorable in any house of the horoscope.

VENUS IN CONJUNCTION, PARALLEL, SEXTILE OR TRINE WITH THE MOON gives attraction to pleasures and art, kind, affectionate and sympathetic disposition and sensual and inconstant nature unless Venus receives a good aspect from Jupiter. In masculine horoscope they are favorable for marriage, and in feminine theme they are good for the monthly functions of the person.

VENUS IN SQUARE OR OPPOSITION WITH THE MOON indicates displeasures in marriage for a man and in woman's horoscope signals disorders in feminine functions causing very abundant menstruations, tendency to digestive disorders and poor circulation in horoscope of any sex, also giving great propensity to displeasures from slanders and scandals.

VENUS IN CONJUNCTION, PARALLEL, SEXTILE OR TRINE WITH URANUS produces clandestine love relationships before marriage and illegal ones after it. In masculine horoscope they produce strong amorous ties. The sextile and trine presage success in love and marriage; notoriety in music, theater or fine arts, especially if either of these planets is found in the 1st, 3rd, 5th or 9th house.

VENUS IN SQUARE OR OPPOSITION WITH URANUS occasions displeasures in sexual relations: an inadequate or precipitated union, divorces, scandals due to clandestine and irregular relations, with loss of friends and prestige; abandonment of home and family and unexpected economic losses.

VENUS IN CONJUNCTION OR PARALLEL WITH NEPTUNE. If these planets are well situated receiving good aspects from others, the conjunction and parallel should be considered the same as the sextile and trine, but if they are debilitated and especially badly aspected by other planets they should be classified the same as the square and opposition.

VENUS IN SEXTILE OR TRINE WITH NEPTUNE means: taste for the arts, toilette, luxury, rich decorations of his house, sumptuous clothing and loving spirit, leading to very balanced platonic unions.

VENUS IN SQUARE OR OPPOSITION WITH NEPTUNE makes the person capricious and produces scandals, depravations and displeasures in loves, with the spouse or with persons of his confidence. He should avoid speculations and everything that has in it an element of chance because he will surely lose, especially if it relates to companies or large corporations.

THE ASPECTS OF MERCURY WITH THE OTHER PLANETS

MERCURY IN CONJUNCTION, PARALLEL, SEXTILE OR TRINE WITH THE MOON gives lively, acute and sagacious spirit, especially in an air sign, receptive mind and great memory. These aspects, especially the sextile and trine, are favorable for obtaining success, particularly in mercurial occupations, whether literary, technical or travel. They give fluent and verbose language, especially if the conjunction or trine occurs in an air sign. It does not give firmness to ideas, inclines to pleasures, travels and to observe the bright side of life.

MERCURY IN SQUARE OR OPPOSITION WITH THE MOON gives poor memory, changeable, fantastic, turbulent mind and with tendency to sadness. Pretentious and unsuccessful persons.

MERCURY IN CONJUNCTION OR PARALLEL WITH URANUS. If Mercury is debilitated and especially badly aspected by other planets, the conjunction and parallel should be considered as the bad aspects, but if Mercury is well situated and aspected the indications given for the sextile and trine should be applied.

MERCURY IN SEXTILE OR TRINE WITH URANUS gives attraction for scientific study and inventions, didactic spirit, profound judgment, original tastes and ideas and success in said studies and investigations. These aspects from the 1st, 3rd or 9th house are very powerful and produce good astrologers and great occultists, engineers and electricians. Their ideas and ideals are excessively elevated, progressive and inspired, incomprehensible to ordinary and vulgar people, who qualify their actions as eccentricities and believe they are the product of an unbalanced mind. Nevertheless, they have many friends, due to their kind and sympathetic natures.

MERCURY IN SQUARE OR OPPOSITION WITH URANUS gives malicious, sarcastic spirit inclined to evil; of extremist ideas in social questions.

MERCURY IN CONJUNCTION, PARALLEL, SEXTILE OR TRINE WITH NEPTUNE gives attraction for study and for reading works of imagination and feeling, psychism and occult sciences; aptitudes for psychometry and double vision, especially if the conjunction occurs in the 3rd or 9th house. If the trine is formed from the watery signs Cancer or Pisces it gives success in occult sciences.

If the trine is formed from the watery signs Cancer or Pisces it gives success in occult sciences.

MERCURY IN SQUARE OR OPPOSITION WITH NEPTUNE gives impractical spirit, inclined to deceit and lies; chaotic mind, prone to lack of memory, indolent and with disposition to waste time in dreams and delusions. These persons are prone to fraud, deceit and slander and also to suicide.

NOTE: The aspects of Venus and Mercury with the other planets are indicated in the chapters corresponding to these latter.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR THE STUDENT

Understanding planetary aspects is not merely an intellectual exercise but a practical tool for self-knowledge and guidance. Here are ways to apply this knowledge:

1. NATAL CHART ANALYSIS: When you find Venus or Mercury aspects in a natal chart, consider not just the immediate interpretation but also the spiritual lessons they represent. For example, Venus-Neptune squares often indicate the need to learn discrimination in love and to distinguish between genuine spiritual attraction and mere illusion.

2. TIMING AND TRANSITS: These same aspects, when formed by transiting planets, will activate the natal potentials. A person with natal Venus square Uranus may experience relationship disruptions when transiting Uranus aspects their Venus, but this also offers opportunities to break free from restricting patterns.

3. PSYCHOLOGICAL INTEGRATION: Each difficult aspect represents a part of the psyche that needs integration. Mercury square Neptune, for instance, points to the need to balance rational thinking with intuitive perception, neither dismissing dreams and visions nor becoming lost in them.

4. SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT: The higher octave of each aspect reveals spiritual possibilities. Venus trine Neptune can develop from mere aesthetic appreciation to genuine spiritual love and artistic inspiration that uplifts humanity.

5. RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS: In synastry (comparing two charts), these aspects show how individuals interact. Venus-Mercury contacts between charts indicate intellectual and aesthetic harmony, while Venus-Uranus contacts suggest exciting but potentially unstable attractions.

THE DEEPER MEANING OF PLANETARY COMBINATIONS

Each planetary combination represents the marriage of two different types of consciousness:

VENUS-MERCURY aspects unite the heart and mind, showing how love and wisdom can either support each other (harmonious aspects) or conflict (challenging aspects). The spiritual task is to develop both emotional intelligence and loving wisdom.

VENUS-URANUS aspects combine personal love with universal love, tradition with innovation, stability with freedom. The challenge is to love without possessing, to be loyal without being confined.

VENUS-NEPTUNE aspects blend human love with divine love, the personal with the transpersonal. The danger lies in escapism or self-deception; the opportunity lies in developing unconditional love and artistic inspiration.

MERCURY-URANUS aspects unite conventional thinking with intuitive flashes, methodical study with sudden insights. The native must learn to ground their innovations and communicate their insights clearly.

MERCURY-NEPTUNE aspects combine rational thought with psychic perception, analysis with synthesis. The task is to develop discriminating wisdom that can distinguish between true inspiration and mere fantasy.

ADVICE FOR PRACTITIONERS

When interpreting these aspects, remember:

1. Consider the signs involved, as they color the expression significantly.

2. Note the houses where the planets are located, as these show the life areas most affected.

3. Look at the overall pattern of the chart - isolated aspects work differently than those that are part of larger configurations.

4. Remember that difficult aspects are not curses but spiritual assignments, opportunities for growth and mastery.

5. The ultimate goal is not to overcome the aspects but to fulfill their higher potential, transforming challenges into strengths.

MEDITATION ON PLANETARY CONSCIOUSNESS

Advanced students may benefit from this meditation:

Visualize each planet as a living consciousness, a divine intelligence expressing specific qualities. When two planets form an aspect, see them as two gods or goddesses entering into relationship.

Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, meeting Mercury, the god of communication and wisdom - what would their conversation be? What would they create together? What lessons would each teach the other?

This approach transforms astrology from a predictive system into a living mythology of consciousness, a map of the divine drama being enacted within each human soul.

CONCLUSION

The study of planetary aspects reveals the intricate web of consciousness that connects all things. Each aspect is simultaneously a psychological pattern, a karmic lesson, and a spiritual opportunity.

By understanding these combinations, we gain insight not only into human nature but into the very structure of consciousness itself, for the planets are symbols of the divine intelligences that guide the evolution of all life.

The wise astrologer uses this knowledge not to predict fate but to understand the soul's journey, helping others recognize their spiritual assignments and discover their highest potential.

Chapter 4: Practical Teachings of Martinism

"Surface" Work and "In-Depth" Work

By Jehel, President of the Great Council of the Martinist Order.

PRACTICAL TEACHINGS OF MARTINISM"SURFACE" WORK AND "IN-DEPTH" WORK(Continuation)

In the previous article, we saw that Martinism desires to lead its members toward a real Christianity, through three simultaneous processes insofar as each individual makes it possible:

PRACTICAL TEACHINGS OF MARTINISM"SURFACE" WORK AND "IN-DEPTH" WORK(Continuation)

In the previous article, we saw that Martinism desires to lead its members toward a real Christianity, through three simultaneous processes insofar as each individual makes it possible:

1st) Intellectual comprehension that Christianity is the synthetic living of everything taught by preceding revelations and religions, plus its own or principal characteristic: TOLERANCE-KINDNESS-CHARITY-FORGIVENESS.

2nd) Practical living of the above progressively of course plus: collective life in the intellectual, then in the ceremonial and devotional (that is, in SOUL).

3rd) Ultimate finality: UNION in Spirit, only possible when Individuals progressively realize real union with others in the three modalities: material-soul and "MENTAL-PSYCHIC" and, at the same time, with the SAME SPIRITUAL SOURCES.

We also saw the means or norms that Martinism indicated as paths toward all this, step by step or stage by stage, with the interdependence of said stages.

We have left to deal, in this and successive articles, with the question of "surface" or "in-depth" work. And, furthermore, we have to answer a series of questions, doubts, objections and eventual criticisms that persons, some martinists and others profane, have directed to us, and which we prefer to answer officially and globally through this magazine, rather than maintain correspondence or eventually polemicize in order to clarify, expose, attract by affinity, but never to impose anything on anyone, nor to modify anything to please "A or B," but only to adapt for a collectively considered collectivity.

In the heart of the Martinist Order, for many years in Europe, as more recently in this Continent, two tendencies among the members have manifested which can be summarized thus:

1st Tendency: An Order should try to make its doctrine or its teachings reach the greatest possible number of Individuals. With this, it will contribute to the divulgation of spiritual truths and, as logical consequence, will see its numerical and material possibilities increase, growing, then, constantly, its means of action for the benefit of all. To achieve this, it should make, to individuals and to the environment and epoch, the sacrifice of changing everything that might seem antiquated or superfluous, modernizing organization and instruction.

2nd Tendency: An Order is a visible organization constituted as reflection of eternal laws. Therefore, its organizational, didactic and realizing methods are unalterable. The individuals who are apt to follow such preparation are the only ones it can directly admit to its heart, in view of intensive preparation, without worrying about the number. For the others, it should do divulgation work, through exoteric organizations of adaptation, adequate.

This question is much more complex than it might appear at first glance.

For the others, it should do divulgation work, through exoteric organizations of adaptation, adequate.

This question is much more complex than it might appear at first glance.

Before, then, examining how Martinism properly considers the matter, let us see a little what happens in the world and the types of organization that exist, with their respective results, without citing names so as not to bother anyone in particular, nor to exalt any person or society above others either:

For this, let us proceed by questions and answers:

1st) Is there a lack, in the world, of intellectual information, occultist or otherwise?

It seems to me that one can answer categorically in the negative. Bookstores have never been so full of books that expose: Astrology, Palmistry, Numerology, Occultism in general, Kabbalah, Comparative and non-comparative Religions, Philosophies of every existing tendency, white, gray and... dark gray Spiritism, Magic of all colors and shades, etc. Regarding the Orient, everything that is publishable and even what should not be is in the shop window: corporal Yoga, Hatha Yoga, good and bad breathing treatises, dangerous parts of tantric or sexual Yoga, devotional and mystical Yoga, Fire Yoga, Buddhism, Vedism, Vedanta, etc., all this is profusely exposed, translated, commented.

Societies and schools of the most diverse denominations publish, rent or sell courses of everything, from healthy or fanatical nutrition, to broad or sectarian metaphysics. Radio, newspapers, reading selections for streetcar, etc., etc., have allowed beings to make the most beautiful mental salad desirable... or at least conceivable.

In the commercial cafe as in the salons, the corner storekeeper or the frivolous coquette argue about political economy as about palmistry or about the human soul and in every ten blocks there is a house where someone has revelations from a rare book or from a genial spirit.

If I am asked if I believe that publications of any Order are necessary, I would say no. If they ask me if they can be useful, I would say yes, to the extent that every book is: it always falls, from time to time, into the hands of someone who reads it slowly, meditates on it and really applies something of its essence and intention. But I know no book to publish that contains something not yet published, as far as the content is concerned, of course.

2nd) Is there any doctrine, revelation, teaching, that can be made known and makes possible a favorable and more rapid change of humanity?

If what was said and lived by Ram, Krishna, Zoroaster, Orpheus, Buddha, Jesus and the thousands of saints and sages who lived partially or commented and divulged their respective revelations, have not produced more than what is evident to sight, who can pretend to publish something that is really an active ferment for the masses?

3rd) Then is it useless to publish any work, however good it may be?

Neither so much to the water, nor so much to the earth. Nothing is useless, but little is necessary and almost nothing is indispensable, as far as publications are concerned. In general and synthetic mode, I believe that everything that is published has a small general utility and another more ample utility for the specialized or mature, who always, in some mode, would have obtained the information they really seek, need and deserve.

CONCLUSION: I believe that an Order should publish that which it feels as a convenient thing (nothing more than that) to facilitate locally and momentarily determined information, already given in another mode and time, or existing in less easy conditions (price, language, etc.). But this cannot constitute the ESSENTIAL FINALITY OF AN ORDER, since a good editorial or divulgation society amply suffices for such mission.

4th) What role can an Order then play, in relation to reading?

In my judgment, only one: To prevent its members from reading too much that is to say:

a) Try that they do not believe that intellectual erudition is going to overcome them nor allow them something more than understanding a little better and explaining a little more clearly.

b) Try to indicate to them what can be read, in each moment of their preparation or realization, to avoid repetitions, confusions, mental accumulations, etc., which have indigested a good number of studious people, transforming them into disoriented or "sport" polemicists.

5th) How does Martinism in particular approach the problem of intellectual instruction and reading?

Since the time in which the Great reorganizing Master of the Order, PAPUS, and the pleiad of values that surrounded him, concerned themselves with selecting that which really could be considered as necessary for the basic culture of a martinist up to the third degree inclusive, they reached the conclusion that it was material assimilable in a period of 6 to 18 months, provided it was studied and meditated with desire, attention, method and practicing little by little what was read.

Said material consisted of:

General study of human constitution: physical astral and psychic.General study of terrestrial constitution and of our Universe.General and applied study of judicial astrology: erection of a theme and its interpretation.Global study of correspondence sciences: Palmistry, Graphology, Physiognomy, stopping at the four temperaments.Elementary study of Sanskrit and Hebrew.Notions of Kabbalah and theoretical Mysticism.Synthetic history of civilizations, races, continents and of the evolutionary law of human collectivities and corresponding revelations.The Synarchic law, in particular and general hierarchical, functionally considered.

All this fit in few books and was found summarized in the Notebooks of the Order, which each Initiator dictated or had copied and commented to his Disciples, which was also practiced initially in this Continent.

Subsequently, we have wanted to be more modern and more cultured. The result has been to amplify the texts theoretically and the martinists have begun to read a little of everything, too much in the whole and too little in what initiatic synthesis is concerned. The evil will be corrected in great part by the edition of "METHODICAL TREATISE OF OCCULT SCIENCE" by PAPUS (translated by V. H. Pitágoras) which constitutes something like the notebooks of the first three degrees with the sole exception of certain indications of practical order, which will be given by direct route.

It should not be believed, however, that Martinism prohibits or discourages reading to its members.

What Martinism asks is the following:

1st) Begin at the beginning. Follow the indicated order. Each one make the exact synthesis of what is read, to be able to apply it, either in comprehension of facts and beings, or to be able to attempt, at least, to apply it. Pass to the practice of what is essentially practical: astrology, etc.

2nd) If some martinists do not wish to follow that special training, no one obliges them to it, but they also should not complain if they do not obtain the results foreseen as normal minimum average.

As can be seen from what is exposed, beginning with the simplest, which is reading or intellectual information, MARTINISM already defines its position: LITTLE THING FOR FEW PERSONS APT OR AT LEAST DISPOSED TO FOLLOW A PRETRACED NORM.

I do not believe one needs to be a great sorcerer to discover in this, from now, that Martinism never pretended to become a numerically extensive Order nor of direct ample divulgation finality.

Very much to the contrary, following the occult law that says:a) Prepare oneself; b) train oneself; c) apply by radiating, Martinism expected that some of its members would be prepared and trained for the double mission of GIVING in these two modalities:

ESOTERICALLY, THAT IS, INTERNALLY: As martinist INITIATORS, destined to give teaching and direct the physical, moral and psychic training of the new martinists.

EXOTERICALLY, THAT IS, EXTERNALLY: As INITIATES who do not say they are so:

a) Functioning as Professors of GIDEE courses or analogous societies.

b) Functioning as Social Assistants: physical and moral cures, etc.

c) Functioning as Social Ferments: living as beings EMANCIPATED from prejudices, from conventions, from dogmatic or sectarian political or religious creeds and ready to sacrifice themselves ALWAYS for the superior ideals of humanity.

WE WILL RETURN TO THIS POINT WHEN WE DEAL WITH MARTINIST DEGREES.

If an Order does not have as essential finality that of giving intellectual teaching to its members -or to the public- one can pose the following question:

What is the ESSENTIAL finality of an Order?

WE WILL RETURN TO THIS POINT WHEN WE DEAL WITH MARTINIST DEGREES.

If an Order does not have as essential finality that of giving intellectual teaching to its members -or to the public- one can pose the following question:

What is the ESSENTIAL finality of an Order?

From the real point of view, that is, profound, in the spiritual sense, the question is answered with few words:TO CREATE A GENIUS.

And, as I would like to be understood, I have no other remedy than to leave initiatic language and speak in profane terms: An Order is a human organ that is constructed reuniting individuals to whom it is first explained why, how and for what it can come to constitute a Genius, that is, a psychic spiritual organism in both planes —visible and invisible— in which they will work day and night, in vigil and in dream, for others, and a social organism, which will work in the visible world by word, by example and by direct help.

When they have understood and accepted it (this usually takes some time...) the second stage begins: to prepare for that. Then come all the struggles of souls and minds, that is, the inevitable clash of instincts, temperaments and opinions of the initiands of the collectivity, among themselves and between them and the world that surrounds them (family, associates, friends, external world in general, etc.), plus the struggle against astral agents of nature OPPOSITE to the type of ideal that the collectivity represents.

This second stage is much longer, regarding the preparation of the central nucleus of the collectivity, which, however, grows little by little, and is practically unlimited, since not only do new elements (cells) continuously enter the collectivity, but also it never reaches a degree of full spiritual unity, but progresses slowly while it is conserved in relative growing harmony.

As will be understood by what is exposed, wanting to extend the scope of an Order to very many people or to humanity is absurd from the announced standpoint, since the very finality involves as basic condition the reunion of related elements, that is, at least, animated by the desire of that life of profound friendship, soul, mental, moral and psychic union.

Therefore, any Order that puts its sights on numerical progress is automatically placed in one of the two following conditions:

a) Either it ignores what a Genius, an Egregore and an Order really is and confuses that with a Club, a Society or a University.

b) Or it knew it and tends to forget it, letting itself be carried away by the mirage of numerical growth, of economic prosperity or of the vanity or convenience of social power, etc.

Let us now see how MARTINISM properly posed the question:

b) Or it knew it and tends to forget it, letting itself be carried away by the mirage of numerical growth, of economic prosperity or of the vanity or convenience of social power, etc.

Let us now see how MARTINISM properly posed the question:

1st) The selection and acceptance of Candidates was something that depended exclusively on the INITIATORS, who knew they should try to accept every "Man of Desire" and that they became intellectual, moral and psychic TUTORS of the same, both in the case that the new martinist remained as Free Member (that is, working alone in relation with his Initiator) as in the case in which they remained members of Corporation.

2nd) The selection of those who would enter Corporations was made:

a) By presentation of the Initiator.b) With the conformity of the President of the Corporation.c) With the consent or vote of the components of the Corporation who thus accepted a new Cell in the SOUL and BODY of the Corporation.

As can be appreciated, the system was based on profound knowledge of human psychology and of the laws that govern spiritual development.

The Initiator, having given initiation to a candidate, became responsible for his development. This created a personal bond that ensured serious commitment on both sides.

The Corporation, before accepting a new member, had to feel spiritual affinity with him. This ensured that the group would maintain its harmonic vibration.

The whole system was designed not for quantity but for quality - not for spreading information but for creating real spiritual transformation.

PRACTICAL RESULTS OF THE TWO SYSTEMS

History shows us the results of both approaches:

SURFACE ORGANIZATIONS typically:- Grow rapidly in numbers- Attract many curious but few committed souls - Dissipate their energy in external activities- Gradually lose their spiritual focus- Eventually become social clubs or commercial enterprises

IN-DEPTH ORGANIZATIONS typically:- Remain small in numbers but strong in quality- Attract souls ready for real work on themselves- Concentrate their energy on inner development- Maintain their spiritual focus across generations- Produce individuals capable of real service to humanity

The choice between these approaches is not merely practical but philosophical. It reflects one's understanding of how spiritual development actually occurs and what role organizations should play in that development.

MARTINISM'S CHOICE

Martinism has consistently chosen the in-depth approach, believing that:

1. Spiritual development cannot be mass-produced2. Real initiation requires personal relationship between teacher and student3. Quality of consciousness is more important than quantity of members4. Small groups of dedicated individuals can have more positive influence than large groups of casual participants5. The world is better served by a few real initiates than by many superficial students

Quality of consciousness is more important than quantity of members4. Small groups of dedicated individuals can have more positive influence than large groups of casual participants5. The world is better served by a few real initiates than by many superficial students

This does not mean Martinism is elitist or exclusive. On the contrary, its doors are open to all sincere seekers. But it maintains high standards because it respects the sacred nature of the work and the dignity of those who undertake it.

THE MIDDLE PATH

In practice, Martinism seeks to combine both approaches harmoniously:

- Through organizations like GIDEE, it provides surface education to prepare potential candidates- Through the Order itself, it provides in-depth training to those ready for it- Through the service of its members in the world, it radiates spiritual influence without propaganda

This allows it to serve humanity at multiple levels while maintaining the integrity of its essential mission.

CONCLUSION FOR CANDIDATES

Those considering the Martinist path should understand clearly what they are entering:

This is not a study group or social organization. It is a school for the development of spiritual consciousness through Christian love and service.

The work is demanding, requiring dedication, self-discipline, and genuine commitment to one's own transformation and to service of others.

The rewards are not external recognition or social status, but the gradual awakening of one's divine nature and the capacity to serve as a conscious agent of spiritual evolution.

Those who seek easy teachings, rapid results, or external advantages will find other paths more suitable.

Those who genuinely thirst for truth, who are willing to work patiently on themselves, and who feel called to serve the highest in humanity will find in Martinism a true spiritual home.

The choice is always free. But it should be made with full understanding of what it entails.

(To be continued)

Chapter 5: Suddha Dharma Mandalam

Comments on Spiritual Practices

Guru Subrahmanyananda Ashrama - (Central for the Ashramas of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay)

SUDDHA DHARMA MANDALAMGURU SUBRAHMANYANANDA ASHRAMA(CENTRAL FOR THE ASHRAMAS OF ARGENTINA, BRAZIL AND URUGUAY)(Letters to: Jehel, S.D.M. P.O. Box 317 Montevideo)

Comments on Spiritual Practices

With the finality of lightening the work of the Secretariats of the various Ashramas, it has seemed opportune to me to make some comments on the mode in which Disciples, especially the most recent ones, execute their practices and draft the "Diaries" that they are asked to make about said practices.

It is evident that, not being permitted to reveal in publications like this, the exact content of the practices, I will not always be able to refer directly to certain parts of the recommended exercises, but I will take such examples that, as far as possible, not only will be useful for all readers in general, but Disciples will easily realize which parts of their practices are being considered. In this form, we will try to reconcile discretion with clear exposition.

1st) ATTENTION

When a car tire explodes in the street, more than 60% of the nearby people suddenly turn head and body, or head at least, to "see what happens." Almost all could know it without turning around. But involuntary attention is very great in humanity.

When a certain number of people attend a movie or any fact, it is noticed, when they comment on it, that their attention has been irregular as far as continuity is concerned, partial also in the sense that only emotion or the sense of the action presented has predominated, but very few reveal a general and particular attention, that is, capable of having captured simultaneously: action of the film, performance of characters, means of expression of the same, scenery, illumination, technical failures or anachronism, suggestive intentions resident in details of the film direction, etc., etc. Conscious attention and faculty of observation is still poor in humanity in general.

Of course, if some practice contains, implicitly or explicitly, an exercise of attention, this aspect should not escape the Disciple and, if he wishes to do things well, with a little method, he should try to summarize in his diary:

a) Observations resulting from what was observed about the targeted fact.b) Interferences that occurred in the process of attention.c) Habitual and occasional causes of interference or discontinuity in attention.d) Power of analysis, later, when reconsidering the practice itself.

Let us put an example to facilitate. Let us suppose that a person is told: Seated in such and such mode, quiet, tranquil, joyful, you will breathe in such mode and observe the respiratory phenomenon in itself and the effects that may result from the same. Do that, daily, during 20 minutes. Bring a copy of your daily results, after so many days...

A great quantity of people will bring us notes like these:First day: With all good disposition, I set myself to practice what was indicated, observing nothing special. From 8 to 8:20.2nd day: The same, from 8:05 to 8:25.Etc.: The same, the same... nothing extraordinary happens to me.

Well: what did they want to happen that was extraordinary? If since they were born they breathe day and night and sit quite a few hours per day also, do they believe that for sitting now sometimes doing nothing more than observing that they breathe, something very notable is going to happen to them?

What could happen that is VERY NOTABLE... and happens very little, would be this:

First: that they seated themselves daily with good spirit, joyful, trying first to become tranquil, to move away the various thoughts of current life, making a while of internal silence, without worrying if they breathe or not.

Second: that, before starting to breathe in the indicated mode, they remembered the general finality of the matter, that is, that it is one of the many practices that has the intention of realizing to prepare themselves spiritually little by little. If this were done, not only would it be a reaffirmation before themselves, which would act on all the mental and etheric vibration of the individual, but it could happen that some Invisible Agent would realize that such person is preparing to do the practice as such and not as a mechanical thing.

Third: If the person pays attention to breathing as they were told and achieves it easily, after a while they continue breathing like that almost automatically and the mind begins to "butterfly" in twenty different matters. But, if attention has been oriented not only in breathing as indicated but in the very phenomenon of respiration, many things could happen, among which those who have practiced will know how to see what interests:

1st) One could perceive that the air seems to have a variable temperature according to the days, but that at the moment of breathing it seems to stabilize around a more or less fixed average.

2nd) One could perceive, sometimes, that said air seems to have, or provoke in certain people, an aroma or a taste or some sensation in certain parts of nose, mouth, lips, etc., and this would be curious since they had breathed a whole lifetime without that happening or without noticing it.

3rd) One could perceive sometimes that one does not always breathe through both nostrils or nasal openings, but that, many times, after a while of practicing, breathing is balanced in both nasal fossae. It might not be useless to relate this with certain teachings of theory.

4th) It could happen that, continuing with observation of breathing, one observed without wanting to and at the same time that temperature differences are perceived in certain parts of the body or members; that certain ideas or thoughts pass through the mind, impeding observation of breathing or without impeding it. This is already another interesting phenomenon: the fact that observation or attention can be dedicated to two, three or more facts at the same time.

5th) It could happen that results always or almost always varied, in function of frequent states in that person: nervousness or no nervousness when beginning; little or much time before or after having eaten; mode of dressing, tight or not; etc., etc., plus the states of mind: sad, worried, tired, joyful, etc.

6th) It could happen that if one continued observing with attention, one would begin to see the relationship between all these factors, apparently disparate or that we believed independent.

7th) It could happen that we would realize that our initial preoccupation of practicing 15 or 20 minutes resulted bothersome since, when thinking of the clock, we diverted attention from the fact of the practice. It could also happen that we would be surprised that, when not paying attention to the clock, two different things occur: either sometimes a desire —realized— to continue the practice each day until a moment in which, without knowing why, it is finished or one feels it is concluded; or well, with certain astonishment, it would be seen that sometimes a new phenomenon is installed: daily we finish without wanting to after an exact number of minutes. Who or what determines it?

8th) It could also happen that, when having during the practice, whether lack of attention, sadness, sleep, or on the contrary excitement or whatever it may be, we observed that without knowing why or how, the respiratory rhythm is altered and the bothersome factor dissipates. Who or what has provoked that?

In short, whether these things happen or not, or others such as physical sensations of any kind (cold, heat, tickling, etc., in regions of the body) what is certain is that if the phenomenon we have taken as example were well observed, that is, respiration, not only would one get to know it better each day, but one would observe other functions of the mind, of attention, of memory, of the influence of acts of daily life, etc., which would enrich our store of "KNOW THYSELF" and we would thus avoid that practices were insipid; diaries or annotations would no longer look like railroad timetables and everything would begin to take on the meaning it really has.

Let us now suppose a different case, in the apparently opposite sense: that of a person with "excess of results."

Let us take the case of someone who "seated themselves to breathe observing breathing" and who, after a few days of doing it, had in addition to these or those physical sensations (or without them) a state of sleep or reverence, or great serenity and even, if desired, saw (being with eyes closed for example) luminous points or even any figure.

Soon! The interest in breathing is finished! "I have visions," they say to themselves... if they can stand it and don't begin to tell it to all their friends.

They are taking the wrong path. If they have really seen something, which is possible, they should be glad, without doubt, since it is a sign that they have internal vision "less covered" than might be supposed by never having worried about using it!

But a fact remains standing and it is that they had been asked to observe the respiratory phenomenon.

Let us suppose they were reasonable enough to do it. It could then happen that they would discover that, just as it had been happening to them since they were born, they can continue breathing and also observe breathing with attention, without therefore ceasing to see, without the intention of looking attentively, what, eventually, passes before their incipient internal vision.

What is more: if the faculty of observation were a little stronger, they would almost always perceive that when they "see" something with internal sight, as soon as they fix attention on it, the vision ends.

Why? There can be a quantity of reasons. I will cite some, by analogies.

If I start to paint in the street, observing the landscape and my painting, it is probable that someone will stop to look at me or will look when passing. But if I look at them, they leave, since they had no intention of disturbing my work.

If I insist on looking at the passersby, I will stop painting.

In sum, one who observed their breathing with closed eyes, according to the example taken, has attention gently fixed on a space that, practically, covers from the base of the throat to the brain, including nose and nape, but everything else of themselves and around them is reflected without them knowing it, in their global perception, like the landscape in a camera focused at infinity.

Upon finishing that practice that we have taken as example, it would not be inopportune to do what, unconsciously, we do when finishing profane work: see if they have left us tired, satisfied, joyful, etc., etc., and review what happened.

Not realizing practices in the conditions thus commented upon very superficially certainly, one cannot expect full results, nor annotations that serve as guide, either to the one who practices, or to those who should advise according to the annotations they read and meditate with all affection and good will...

If these light annotations have been able to serve as guide to those who effect practices analogous or similar to the examples cited, this article will not have been useless, which I do not wish to terminate without recalling the following:

Although it is not perceived, not being habitual to perceive it nor should we worry about the fact that we do not perceive it, nor be frightened by such presence that we do not feel nor see,

NO ONE IS EVER ALONE WHILE REALIZING A PRACTICE INITIATED WITH AN ELEVATION OF THOUGHT OR A PRAYER, AND THE ATTENTION AND METHOD WITH WHICH WE REALIZE IT IS THE LEAST WE CAN OFFER TO THE ELEVATED BEINGS WHO ACCOMPANY US IN THOSE FIRST STEPS LIKE A MOTHER FOLLOWS THE CHILD WHO TRIES TO WALK.

Subbhamastu SarvajagatamPeace to all the Universe

THE DEEPER MEANING OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

The comments above on attention and observation in spiritual practice reveal profound truths about the nature of consciousness and its development.

Subbhamastu SarvajagatamPeace to all the Universe

THE DEEPER MEANING OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

The comments above on attention and observation in spiritual practice reveal profound truths about the nature of consciousness and its development.

When we begin any spiritual exercise, we are not merely performing a technique. We are entering into relationship with the vast intelligence that governs the universe. Every breath, every moment of attention, every act of will is a form of prayer, a way of aligning ourselves with the divine current that seeks to express itself through us.

The apparently simple act of observing one's breath becomes a doorway into the mystery of consciousness itself. Through patient attention to this most fundamental life function, we discover layers of awareness we never knew existed.

THE ROLE OF THE SPIRITUAL DIARY

The keeping of a spiritual diary is not merely record-keeping but a form of meditation in itself. When we write down our observations, we are forced to become conscious of what we have experienced. This process of conscious reflection deepens the value of the practice and accelerates development.

The diary also serves another purpose: it creates a record of our journey that can guide us and others. The patterns we observe, the obstacles we encounter, the breakthroughs we experience - all these become part of the collective wisdom of the spiritual path.

THE PRESENCE OF INVISIBLE HELPERS

The reminder that no sincere practitioner is ever alone touches upon one of the most important truths of spiritual development. The universe is not a mechanical system but a living intelligence, and this intelligence responds to our sincere efforts toward growth and service.

When we approach spiritual practice with reverence and dedication, we invite the attention and assistance of those beings whose evolution has carried them beyond the limitations of physical existence. Their help comes not through miraculous intervention but through the subtle influence they can exert on our consciousness when we make ourselves receptive through practice.

THE BALANCE BETWEEN EFFORT AND RECEPTIVITY

True spiritual practice requires a delicate balance between personal effort and receptive surrender. We must apply ourselves with discipline and consistency, yet we must also remain open to experiences and insights that come from beyond our personal will.

The examples given show how this balance works in practice. We make the effort to sit regularly, to maintain attention, to observe carefully. But the deeper experiences - the spontaneous regulation of breath, the natural timing of practice sessions, the arising of inner vision - these come as gifts when we have prepared ourselves through faithful effort.

THE INTEGRATION OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICE WITH DAILY LIFE

But the deeper experiences - the spontaneous regulation of breath, the natural timing of practice sessions, the arising of inner vision - these come as gifts when we have prepared ourselves through faithful effort.

THE INTEGRATION OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICE WITH DAILY LIFE

One of the most important points made in this teaching is how spiritual practice illuminates our understanding of daily life. As we develop the capacity for sustained attention and careful observation, we begin to see the subtle connections between all aspects of our experience.

The state of mind we bring to practice reflects the state of mind we maintain throughout the day. The quality of attention we develop in meditation becomes available for all our activities. The inner peace we cultivate in silence begins to permeate our interactions with others.

This is why spiritual practice is not an escape from life but a preparation for more conscious and effective living. Through it we develop the qualities of awareness, compassion, and wisdom that enable us to serve others more skillfully.

CONCLUSION

The path of spiritual development is simultaneously the simplest and most complex undertaking possible for a human being. It requires nothing more than sincere attention to the present moment, yet it can transform every aspect of our existence.

Those who undertake this path with patience, dedication, and humility will discover that they are not alone in their efforts. The entire universe conspires to assist the soul that genuinely seeks to know and serve the highest truth.

The practices given by authentic spiritual traditions are time-tested methods for awakening consciousness and developing our divine potential. But they work only through our consistent and intelligent application, guided by wisdom and motivated by love.

May all sincere seekers find in these reflections encouragement for their own journey toward the light that shines within every heart.

Chapter 6: European Spiritual Revival and News Bulletin

EUROPEAN SPIRITUAL REVIVALEchoes of the "World Spiritualist Congress"

The Circle of Studies "PROGRESO ESPIRITA," of Buenos Aires, has published a Spanish version of the conclusions of a World Spiritualist Congress, held in the middle of last year in Brussels (Belgium) and which, gladly, we reproduce below:

SPIRITUALIST CHARTER OF HUMANITYApproved by the "World Spiritualist Congress" celebrated in Brussels

"The World Spiritualist Congress" that took place on days 10 to 13 of August 1946, taking into consideration the gravity of the times and the dominant consequences in the current world, declares:

a) That the epoch of total war that has just ended, without precedent in history as to its extension and the destructions provoked by it, has demonstrated that vilely utilitarian considerations, as well as principles of separation, narrow nationalism and totalitarian domination must be extirpated and it is necessary to replace them with new motives and new directives of the life of peoples;

b) That the Society called Christian, has been conducted to the edge of the abyss for having systematically abandoned the rules of human solidarity and pursued only material interests, completely neglecting the superior claims of the spirit;

c) That the inviolable laws of the Spirit must finally be recognized as constituting the only bases of the durable happiness of citizens and nations;

Consequently, the Congress proclaims the declaration of the following Principles and Rules, constituting the "Spiritualist Charter of Humanity."

PRINCIPLES. Religion:

1st) There exists, above and outside of the different churches, spiritual movements, a Universal ideal Religion, formed by the union of all those who believe in the reality of a Supreme Power (called God, Heavenly Father, Universal Life, Providence, Cosmic Energy, or otherwise), in the reality of an interior direction of Humanity, and in immortality of the Soul.

2nd) This Supreme Power, eternal, immutable and permanent is the Creator, the Director, the Conserver of everything that exists. Everything returns to its own Essence, and the finality of all Life is the manifestation of the highest perfection to be reached in time and space.

3rd) There is a similarity of doctrine between the fundamental principles of all religions and those of the highest moral. The Kingdom of the Spirit proclaimed by them is none other than that of the Mystery of Life, sacred by itself, and which ceaselessly opens deeper perspectives.

4th) Believers belonging to constituted Churches, have as duty to consider their common doctrine of faith and deepen the veiled side of their Scriptures, this in order to better practice the law of universal love within mutual esteem and comprehension.

PHILOSOPHY:

5th) There exists a Unity of Life, interdependent between all beings. Each being is a microcosm, image of the macrocosm, endowed with all the divine qualities of Universal Life, manifested or in way of development.

6th) There exists a law of spiritual evolution, to which all beings are subjected. This law governs all creation, through the different kingdoms of Nature, toward final perfection.

7th) Man, given his divine origin, is a triune being, composed of body, soul and spirit; he carries within himself the source of his conscience and the foundation of human dignity.

8th) Real greatness can only be reached through comprehension of the Mysteries of Life and the practice of the superior Laws that govern all existence.

SCIENCE:

8th) Real greatness can only be reached through comprehension of the Mysteries of Life and the practice of the superior Laws that govern all existence.

SCIENCE:

9th) Positive Science in consideration of its exclusively mental nature, cannot direct its investigations and experimentations toward any other domain than that of the world of space and time, leaving entire the domain of Faith.

10th) The latest discoveries of physical-biological science have proved the existence behind the apparent manifestations of matter, of an energy which is, in reality a spontaneous and internal manifestation, that is, spiritual, of the Mystery of Life.

11th) Science has as supreme finality that of reuniting and applying its knowledge of the world of phenomena to the material and moral benefit of all beings.

12th) In view of the full development of Civilization, Science must be coordinated with Philosophy and Religion.

RULES.Religion:

1st) Reaching the highest perfection in all branches of Life should be the finality of the diverse Religions and Schools of Teaching.

2nd) An entire spiritual freedom should be guaranteed to men, without considering their religion or their creed. Wherever and whenever this freedom were refused, the evolution of the individual, in the same proportion as that of the collective body of Humanity, would thereby be hindered.

3rd) The contempt of principles of interdependence and human dignity, seen from the angle of the Spirit, can only lead the world to decadence and destruction.

Science:

4th) The discoveries of Science should be put at the disposition of Humanity, with the end of elevating Peoples and Nations toward a superior level, from material and moral points of view.

5th) True Religion is the divine language by means of which the Soul of the Universe speaks to the Soul of Man, true Philosophy is its grammar, true science is its technique and true Art its demonstration. Science should thus cooperate with Religion and Philosophy to demonstrate the necessity of obeying the laws that govern Life.

6th) Society has as duty that of protecting all Nature and creatures against destruction. One should, then, condemn the death penalty, vivisection experiments, as well as all practice of cruelty toward men and animals.

Education:

7th) The progress of Society demands that the creation of great Universal Centers of Spiritual Science be encouraged, based especially on the study of experimental parapsychology, in view of a better comprehension of the Mystery of Life and of the laws that govern all existence as well as Liberation from amoral materialism.

8th) The education of youth should be based on the physical, mental and spiritual constitution of man. It should tend to his interior culture, developing the sentiment of the beauty of life, enthusiasm for existence and the highest ideals for respect of order and protection of the weak.

9th) The means of development and application of internal latent qualities should be provided to each child, without taking into account the social and financial condition of his parents. All education systems should tend to awaken in pupils a greater conscience of their duties and responsibility in order to be elevated to the rank of citizens of the World in the noblest sense, and to have admiration for great men, benefactors and benefactresses through all history.

10th) A personal discipline, a free judgment and respect of others' opinions, on condition that they are not harmful to the collectivity, constitute the foundation of individual culture.

Art:

11th) Being Art a manifestation of inspiration and creative power, servant of ideal beauty, and conceived as the splendor of the true and the pursuit of perfection, it should be an elevating, social force, tending toward a more complete expression of the divine Spirit, sublime source of all creation. To this title, Art will occupy a more extensive place in teaching programs.

12th) Music, reflection of celestial harmonies, is the language of the Spirit. It makes man penetrate into the deepest Mysteries of Life, and should be cultivated with this end.

SPRING OF LOVE

With primordial budsThe white lilies love God.You were, oh you, Goddess spring,Who offered them love.

The meadow drunk with perfumesDressed with fineryAnd an enamored magnoliaSang ballads to father sun.

Sweet and harmonious was the voice:Its language, so enchanting,That its song intoxicated the forestAnd ecstatic, spoke to the buds:

Illusion is the sap of being,The branches are the ideas,And the fruits that give eternal lifeAre given by the triumphal tree of love.

Sócrates

NEWS BULLETIN(from 25/5 to 25/6/1947)

G.I.D.E.E.

I - Conferences: The conferences at GIDEE in Montevideo continue with the usual interest: Dr. Jehel each first Tuesday and Dr. Asuri Kapila each third Thursday.

II - Gidee of Buenos Aires: We are informed that some professors of Gidee of Buenos Aires, whether in the character of collective team, or in that of individual collaboration, will shortly begin courses of various subjects at the Ateneo of Buenos Aires, Lavalle street 885 (1st floor) local in which other professors who also kindly lend their collaboration to the work of the Ateneo will also give courses of Chirology and Stenography.

MARTINIST ORDER

I - Protocol of the Great Council: Documents from No. 8,530 to 8,618.

MARTINIST ORDER

I - Protocol of the Great Council: Documents from No. 8,530 to 8,618.

II - Martinist Corporations of Buenos Aires and Province: Presidents and Secretaries of said Corporations are reminded that, in view of the extinction of the Buenos Aires Delegation, according to publication in the preceding News Bulletin, said Presidents and Secretaries should communicate and understand directly with the Great Council, directing all correspondence to "P.O. Box 317 Montevideo."

III - Marriage: Our dear friend Dr. Orestes Bernardi contracted marriage on May 26th current, in the city of Salto, with the gentle Miss Velia Alario Laschiavo. All the ideal friends of both shores of the Plata and "La Iniciación" which, so many times, counted on his brilliant collaborations, present to the newlywed couple their best wishes of happiness and prosperity.

IV - Delegation of Minas Gerais (Brazil): In the same way as in Buenos Aires, the Martinist Delegation of Minas Gerais has been cancelled, Presidents of Corporations and martinists in general having to deal directly with the Great Council, for all general matters, except those of Treasury, which, during the absence of dear H. Zanone, will be in charge of H. J. Bonifacio. "La Iniciación" wishes happy and profitable trip to V.H. Zanone.

V - Travelers: We have recently had the pleasure of the visit of several Bros. from Buenos Aires: Zanti, Pasqually, Jemard, Wronski. Bros. Vayuánanda and Isis passed through Montevideo, traveling toward the United States, to whom all the martinists of Uruguay presented their best wishes, through a group that went to the airport to embrace them. At the moment of this news bulletin entering print we are confirmed of the arrival from Rio de Janeiro of H. Lháu, who for the second time comes to bring us the affection of the Carioca martinists and his personal sympathy.

VI - Library Movement: We have received and thank the following publications: Resplandor, Renovigo, Spiritualist, La Fraternidad, Argentine Theosophical Magazine, Astrological Bio-Theosophical, La Idea, World Order, Hygiene and Health, Spiritualist Sower, Brazilian Theosophical Society, Spiral, Editorial Board, The Voice of the Master, Rev. Spirit of Brazil.

SUDDHA DHARMA MANDALAM

I - Spiritual practices: For the exercise of spiritual practices of the Suddha Dharma Mandalam, address: Dr. Jehel, P.O. Box 317 Montevideo.

II - Full Moon of Vaisakh: As published in the corresponding article, of this same number, the commemorations have taken place in the various Ashramas linked to the Guru Subrahmanyananda Ashrama, of Montevideo. The celebration of said full moon seems to have marked a new impulse in the realization by many members of the various Ashramas, about which an internal Circular will be drafted soon that will be sent to those interested.

The celebration of said full moon seems to have marked a new impulse in the realization by many members of the various Ashramas, about which an internal Circular will be drafted soon that will be sent to those interested.

III - Ashrama of Buenos Aires: Having been absent for several years V. H. Isis, Secretary and Officiant of said Ashrama, she has been substituted in her functions by VV. HH. Jemard and Zanti, who will organize the work of the Ashrama in common agreement, as well as the celebration of collective ceremonies.

IV - Designation in the United States: V. H. Isis has been designated with powers to found in the United States of North America one or more Ashramas of the Suddha Dharma Mandalam, under her direct orientation and linked to the Guru Subrahmanyananda Ashrama.

SRI RAMANA ASHRAMA - MAHA BODHI SANGHA

I - Sri Ramana Ashrama Correspondence: All correspondence related to the Ramana Ashrama should be directed to: A. Kapila, P.O. Box 317 Montevideo.

II - Maha Bodhi Sangha Correspondence: Correspondence related to this Fraternity should be directed to: Sister Upasika, P.O. Box 317 - Montevideo.

III - Trip: The venerable Sister Upasika, President of the Maha Bodhi Sangha, has gone on a trip to the Argentine Republic, visiting there various groups of Bros. interested in said teachings, as well as performing acts of service and visiting the Gidee of La Plata, where she put the attendees in contact with her mystical feeling.

KABBALISTIC ORDER OF THE ROSE CROSS

The O.K.R.C. asks all spiritualists in general and especially martinists and members of the O.K.R.C. to endeavor to advise every spiritualist and especially also EVERY PROFANE OF CLEAR MIND AND ACADEMIC CULTURE to reserve his copy of:

METHODICAL TREATISE OF OCCULT SCIENCE. (by PAPUS, doctor and Initiate, who was the Grand Master of the Martinist Order in France), since it is a work in which the scientific foundation of Occultism is PROVEN, in rational, clear form and appropriate to reaffirm or build a spiritual conviction WITH SCIENTIFIC CRITERIA AND REAL APPLICATIVE POSSIBILITIES.

PERMANENT COMMITTEE OF SPIRITUALIST RELATIONS

Day of Reincarnation (June 24th of each year):Celebrating the first celebration of the "Day of Reincarnation," instituted by the Congress of Buenos Aires last year, the Committee held on said date of the current month an interesting evening whose program is the following:

First PartARGENTINE NATIONAL HYMN (Recording)CONFERENCE: REINCARNATION AND THE DESTINY OF MAN

Second PartDurand - Chacona — Massenet - AragonesaPiano: Nélida ZipmanALLUSIVE POETRY by Dhyana

Third PartRimsky Korsakow Hymn to the SunSarasate - ZapateandoViolin: Haydée Zipman Piano: Elena Zipman

Said act was carried out in the Lasalle Theater Hall, kindly ceded for such purpose. (Cangallo 2274 Buenos Aires at 21 hours)

GIDEEINDEPENDENT GROUP OF ESOTERIC STUDIES(Founded in January 1942) MONTEVIDEO

METHODICAL COURSES OF WESTERN AND ORIENTAL ESOTERIC SCIENCES

(Cangallo 2274 Buenos Aires at 21 hours)

GIDEEINDEPENDENT GROUP OF ESOTERIC STUDIES(Founded in January 1942) MONTEVIDEO

METHODICAL COURSES OF WESTERN AND ORIENTAL ESOTERIC SCIENCES

Dr. JEHEL: Cosmogony, Kabbalah, Alchemy and Magnetism: Tuesday - 20 hoursDr. ASURI KAPILA: Yogas, Dietetics and Palmistry: Thursday 19 "Br. SURYA: Astrology 2nd year: Saturday - 17.45 "Sister MARTHA: History of Hermetic Traditions: Tuesday 19 "Sister UPASIKA: The doctrine of Buddha: Thursday 20 "Sister S. DEVI: Astrology 1st year: Wednesday 20 "Brother SURYA: Astrology, 3rd year: Wednesday 20 "

These diverse subjects are taught in series that constitute "degrees" of knowledge in each one of them, to lead students to realize practically.

COURSES AND INFORMATION: At the Headquarters, Avda. 18 de Julio 1018, 2nd floor. daily from 18 to 21 hours, except Fridays and Sundays.

CONFERENCES: 1st Tuesday (Dr. Jehel) and 3rd Thursday (Dr. Asuri Kapila) of each month, at 19. Free entrance.

"GIDEE" of La Plata (R.A.)(Founded August 22, 1943)Information: Mr. B. Rodríguez Meitín, Calle 4, No. 639

MARTINIST LIBRARY(Works published by Publicity "Ateneo," 15 de Noviembre 1149 - Buenos Aires)

PUBLISHED:1. ELIPHAS LEVI "The Book of the Wise" $ (arg.) 4.-2.-PAPUS "The Tarot of the Bohemians" 10.-

IN PREPARATION:3.-PAPUS "The Divinatory Tarot"4.-E. SCHURE "The Divine Evolution"5.-J. CASTELLOT "Treatise on Alchemy"

Write reserving your copy to P.O. Box 317 Montevideo

LIBRARY OF THE KABBALISTIC ROSE + CROSS ORDER(Works published by "Editorial Kier," Talcahuano 1075. Buenos Aires)

PUBLISHED:1.-SEVAKA - "The Son of Zanoni" $ (arg.) 4.502.-JAMES M. PRYSE "The Apocalypse Unveiled" 3.50

IN PREPARATION:3. PAPUS - "Methodical Treatise of Occult Science"4.-P. SEDIR - "Hindu Fakir-ism and the Yogas"5. FRANZ HARTMANN - "At the Threshold of the Temple of Wisdom"

Write reserving your copy to P.O. Box 317 Montevideo

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