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Note: a pdf version of the Kybalion is also available from our e-books section
We take great pleasure in presenting to the attention of students and
investigator of the Secret Doctrines this little work based upon the world-old
Hermetic Teachings. There has been so little written upon this subject, not
withstanding the countless references to the Teachings in the many works upon
occultism, that the many earnest searchers after the Arcane Truths will
doubtless welcome the appearance of this present volume. The purpose of this
work is not the enunciation of any special philosophy or doctrine, but rather is
to give to the students a statement of the Truth that will serve to reconcile
the many bits of occult knowledge that they may have acquired, but which are
apparently opposed to each other and which often serve to discourage and disgust
the beginner in the study. Our intent is not to erect a new Temple of Knowledge,
but rather to place in the hands of the student a Master-Key with which he may
open the many inner doors in the Temple of Mystery through the main portals he
has already entered.
There is no portion of the occult teachings possessed by the world which have been so closely guarded as the fragments of the Hermetic Teachings which have come down to us over the tens of centuries which have elapsed since the lifetime of its great founder, Hermes Trismegistus, the "scribe of the gods," who dwelt in old Egypt in the days when the present race of men was in its infancy. Contemporary with Abraham, and, if the legends be true, an instructor of that venerable sage, Hermes was, and is, the Great Central Sun of Occultism, whose rays have served to illumine the countless teachings which have been promulgated since his time. All the fundamental and basic teachings embedded in the esoteric teachings of every race may be traced back to Hermes. Even the most ancient teachings of India undoubtedly have their roots in the original Hermetic Teachings.
From the land of the Ganges many advanced occultists wandered to the land of Egypt, and sat at the feet of the Master. From him they obtained the Master-Key which explained and reconciled their divergent views, and thus the Secret Doctrine was firmly established. From other lands also came the learned ones, all of whom regarded Hermes as the Master of Masters, and his influence was so great that in spite of the many wanderings from the path on the part of the centuries of teachers in these different lands, there may still be found a certain basic resemblance and correspondence which underlies the many and often quite divergent theories entertained and taught by the occultists of these different lands today. The student of Comparative Religions will be able to perceive the influence of the Hermetic Teachings in every religion worthy of the name, now known to man, whether it be a dead religion or one in full vigor in our own times. There is always certain correspondence in spite of the contradictory features, and the Hermetic Teachings act as the Great Reconciler.
The lifework of Hermes seems to have been in the direction of planting the great Seed-Truth which has grown and blossomed in so many strange forms, rather than to establish a school of philosophy which would dominate, the world's thought. But, nevertheless, the original truths taught by him have been kept intact in their original purity by a few men each age, who, refusing great numbers of half-developed students and followers, followed the Hermetic custom and reserved their truth for the few who were ready to comprehend and master it. From lip to ear the truth has been handed down among the few. There have always been a few Initiates in each generation, in the various lands of the earth, who kept alive the sacred flame of the Hermetic Teachings, and such have always been willing to use their lamps to re-light the lesser lamps of the outside world, when the light of truth grew dim, and clouded by reason of neglect, and when the wicks became clogged with foreign matter. There were always a few to tend faithfully the altar of the Truth, upon which was kept alight the Perpetual Lamp of Wisdom. These men devoted their lives to the labor of love which the poet has so well stated in his lines:
'O, let not the flame die out! Cherished age after age in its dark cavern--in its holy temples cherished. Fed by pure ministers of love--let not the flame die out!"
These men have never sought popular approval, nor numbers of followers. They are indifferent to these things, for they know how few there are in each generation who are ready for the truth, or who would recognize it if it were presented to them. They reserve the "strong meat for men," while others furnish the "milk for babes." They reserve their pearls of wisdom for the few elect, who recognize their value and who wear them in their crowns, instead of casting them before the materialistic vulgar swine, who would trample them in the mud and mix them with their disgusting mental food. But still these men have never forgotten or overlooked the original teachings of Hermes, regarding the passing on of the words of truth to those ready to receive it, which teaching is stated in The Kybalion as follows: "Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his Teaching open wide." And again: "When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with wisdom." But their customary attitude has always been strictly in accordance with the other Hermetic aphorism, also in The Kybalion: "The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding."
There are those who have criticized this attitude of the Hermetists, and who
have claimed that they did not manifest the proper spirit in their policy of
seclusion and reticence. But a moment's glance back: over the pages of history
will show the wisdom of the Masters, who knew the folly of attempting to teach
to the world that which it was neither ready or willing to receive. The
Hermetists have never sought to be martyrs, and have, instead, sat silently
aside with a pitying smile on their closed lips, while the "heathen raged
noisily about them" in their customary amusement of putting to death and
torture the honest but misguided enthusiasts who imagined that they could force
upon a race of barbarians the truth capable of being understood only by the
elect who had advanced along The Path. And the spirit of persecution has not as
yet died out in the land. There are certain Hermetic Teachings, which, if
publicly promulgated, would bring down upon the teachers a great cry of scorn
and revilement from the multitude, who would again raise the cry of
"Crucify! Crucify." In this little work we have endeavored to give you
an idea of the fundamental teachings of The Kybalion, striving to give you the
working Principles, leaving you to apply them yourselves, rather than
attempting to work out the teaching in detail. If you are a true student, you
will be able to work out and apply these Principles--if not, then you must
develop yourself into one, for otherwise the Hermetic Teachings will be as
"words, words, words" to you.
THE THREE INITIATES.
In ancient Egypt dwelt the great Adepts and Masters who have never been surpassed, and who seldom have been equaled, during the centuries that have taken their processional flight since the days of the Great Hermes. In Egypt was located the Great Lodge of Lodges of the Mystics. At the doors of her Temples entered the Neophytes who afterward, as Hierophants, Adepts, and Masters, traveled to the four corners of the earth, carrying with them the precious knowledge which they were ready, anxious, and willing to pass on to those who were ready to receive the same. All students of the Occult recognize the debt that they owe to these venerable Masters of that ancient land.
But among these great Masters of Ancient Egypt there once dwelt one of whom Masters hailed as "The Master of Masters." This man, if "man" indeed he was, dwelt in Egypt in the earliest days. He was known as Hermes Trismegistus. He was the father of the Occult Wisdom; the founder of Astrology; the discoverer of Alchemy. The details of his life story are lost to history, owing to the lapse of the years, though several of the ancient countries disputed with each other in their claims to the honor of having furnished his birthplace-- and this thousands of years ago. The date of his sojourn in Egypt, in that his last incarnation on this planet, is not now known, but it has been fixed at the early days of the oldest dynasties of Egypt--long before the days of Moses. The best authorities regard him as a contemporary of Abraham, and some of the Jewish traditions go so far as to claim that Abraham acquired a portion of his mystic knowledge from Hermes himself.
As the years rolled by after his passing from this plane of life (tradition recording that he lived three hundred years in the flesh), the Egyptians deified Hermes, and made him one of their gods, under the name of Thoth. Years after, the people of Ancient Greece also made him one of their many gods--calling him "Hermes, the god of Wisdom." The Egyptians revered his memory for many centuries-yes, tens of centuries--calling him "the Scribe of the Gods,' and bestowing upon him, distinctively, his ancient title, "Trismegistus," which means "the thrice-great"; "the great-great"; "the greatest-great"; etc. In all the ancient lands, the name of Hermes Trismegistus was revered, the name being synonymous with the "Fount of Wisdom.
Even to this day, we use the term "hermetic" in the sense of "secret"; "sealed so that nothing can escape"; etc., and this by reason of the fact that the followers of Hermes always observed the principle of secrecy in their teachings. They did not believe in "casting pearls before swine," but rather held to the teaching "milk for babes"; "meat for strong men," both of which maxims are familiar to readers of the Christian scriptures, but both of which had been used by the Egyptians for centuries before the Christian era.
And this policy of careful dissemination of the truth has always characterized the Hermetics, even unto the present day. The Hermetic Teachings are to be found in all lands, among all religions, but never identified with any particular country, nor with any particular religious sect. This because of the warning of the ancient teachers against allowing the Secret Doctrine to become crystallized into a creed. The wisdom of this caution is apparent to all students of history. The ancient occultism of India and Persia degenerated, and was largely lost, owing to the fact that the teachers became priests, and so mixed theology with the philosophy, the result being that the occultism of India and Persia has been gradually lost amidst the mass of religious superstition, cults, creeds and "gods." So it was with Ancient Greece and Rome. So it was with the Hermetic Teachings of the Gnostics and Early Christians, which were lost at the time of Constantine, whose iron hand smothered philosophy with the blanket of theology, losing to the Christian Church that which was its very essence and spirit, and causing it to grope throughout several centuries before it found the way back to its ancient faith, the indications apparent to all careful observers in this Twentieth Century being that the Church is now struggling to get back to its ancient mystic teachings. But there were always a few faithful souls who kept alive the Flame, tending it carefully, and not allowing its light to become extinguished. And thanks to these staunch hearts, and fearless minds, we have the truth still with us.
But it is not found in books, to any great extent. It has been passed along from Master to Student; from Initiate to Hierophant; from lip to ear. When it was written down at all, its meaning was veiled in terms of alchemy and astrology so that only those possessing the key could read it aright. This was made necessary in order to avoid the persecutions of the theologians of the Middle Ages, who fought the Secret Doctrine with fire and sword; stake, gibbet and cross. Even to this day there will be found but few reliable books on the Hermetic Philosophy, although there are countless references to it in many books written on various phases of Occultism. And yet, the Hermetic Philosophy is the only Master Key which will open all the doors of the Occult Teachings!
In the early days, there was a compilation of certain Basic Hermetic Doctrines, passed on from teacher to student, which was known as "THE KYBALION," the exact significance and meaning of the term having been lost for several centuries. This teaching, however, is known to many to whom it has descended, from mouth to ear, on and on throughout the centuries. Its precepts have never been written down, or printed, so far as we know. It was merely a collection of maxims, axioms, and precepts, which were non-understandable to outsiders, but which were readily understood by students, after the axioms, maxims, and precepts had been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates to their Neophytes. These teachings really constituted the basic principles of "The Art of Hermetic Alchemy," which, contrary to the general belief, dealt in the mastery of Mental Forces, rather than Material Elements-the Transmutation of one kind of Mental Vibrations into others, instead of the changing of one kind of metal into another. The legends of the "Philosopher's Stone" which would turn base metal into Gold, was an allegory relating to Hermetic Philosophy, readily understood by all students of true Hermeticism.
In this little book, of which this is the First Lesson, we invite our students to examine into the Hermetic Teachings, as set forth in THE KYBALION, and as explained by ourselves, humble students of the Teachings, who, while bearing the title of Initiates, are still students at the feet of HERMES, the Master. We herein give you many of the maxims, axioms and precepts of THE KYBALION. accompanied by explanations and illustrations which we deem likely to render the teachings more easily comprehended by the modern student, particularly as the original text. is purposely veiled in obscure terms.
The original maxims, axioms, and precepts of THE KYBALION are printed herein,
in italics, the proper credit being given. Our own work is printed in the
regular way, in the body of the work. We trust that the many students to whom we
now offer this little work will derive as much benefit from the study of its
pages as have the many who have gone on before, treading the same Path to
Mastery throughout the centuries that have passed since the times of HERMES
TRISMEGISTUS-the Master of Masters-the Great-Great. In the words of "THE
KYBALION" :
"Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his
Teaching open wide." --THE KYBALION
"When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to
fill them with Wisdom." --THE KYBALION
So that according to the Teachings, the passage of this book to those ready for
the instruction will attract the attention of such as are prepared to receive
the Teaching. And, likewise, when the pupil is ready to receive the truth, then
will this little book come to him, or her. Such is The Law. The Hermetic
Principle of Cause and Effect, in its aspect of The Law of Attraction, will
bring lips and ear together-pupil and book in company. So mote it be !
VI. THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT
"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything
happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are
many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law."--The Kybalion
This Principle embodies the fact that there is a Cause for every Effect; an
Effect from every Cause. It explains that: "Everything Happens according to
Law"; that nothing ever "merely happens"; that there is no such
thing as Chance; that while there are various planes of Cause and Effect, the
higher dominating- the lower planes, still nothing ever entirely escapes the
Law. The Hermetists understand the art and methods of rising above the ordinary
plane of Cause and Effect, to a certain degree, and by mentally rising to a
higher plane they become Causers instead of Effects. The masses of people are
carried along, obedient to environment; the wills and desires of others stronger
than themselves; heredity; suggestion; and other outward causes moving them
about like pawns on the Chessboard of Life. But the Masters, rising to the plane
above, dominate their moods, characters, qualities, and powers, as well as the
environment surrounding them, and become Movers instead of pawns. They help to
PLAY THE GAME OF LIFE, instead of being played and moved about by other wills
and environment. They USE the Principle instead of being its tools. The Masters
obey the Causation of the higher planes, but they help to RULE on their own
plane. In this statement there is condensed a wealth of Hermetic knowledge-let
him read who can.
The truth is, that beneath the material chemistry, astronomy and psychology (that is, the psychology in its phase of "brain action") the ancients possessed a knowledge of transcendental astronomy, called astrology; of transcendental chemistry, called alchemy; of transcendental psychology, called mystic psychology. They possessed the Inner Knowledge as well as the Outer Knowledge, the latter alone being possessed by modern scientists. Among the many secret branches of knowledge possessed by the Hermetists, was that Transmutation, which known as Mental forms the subject matter of this lesson.
"Transmutation" is a term usually employed to designate the ancient art of the transmutation of metals--particularly of the base metals into gold. The word "Transmute" means "to change from one nature, form, or substance, into another to transform" (Webster). And accordingly, "Mental Transmutation" means the art of changing and transforming mental states, forms, and conditions, into others. So you may see that Mental Transmutation is the "Art of Mental Chemistry," if you like the term--a form of practical Mystic Psychology.
But this means far more than appears on the surface. Transmutation, Alchemy, or Chemistry on the Mental Plane is important enough in its effects, to be sure, and if the art stopped there it would still be one of the most important branches of study known to man. But this is only the beginning. Let us see why!
The first of the Seven Hermetic Principles is the Principle of Mentalism, the axiom of which is "THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental," which means that the Underlying Reality of the Universe is Mind; and the Universe itself is Mental--that is, "existing in the Mind of THE ALL." We shall consider this Principle in succeeding lessons, but let us see the effect of the principle if it be assumed to be true.
If the Universal is Mental in its nature, then Mental Transmutation must be the art of CHANGING THE CONDITIONS OF THE UNIVERSE, along the lines of Matter, Force and mind. So you see,therefore, that Mental Transmutation is really the "Magic" of which the ancient; writers had so much to say in their mystical works, and about which they gave so few practical instructions. If All be Mental, then the art which enables one to transmute mental conditions must render the Master the controller of material conditions as well as those ordinally called "mental."
As a matter of fact, none but advanced Mental Alchemists have been able to attain the degree of power necessary to control the grosser physical conditions, such as the control of the elements of Nature; the production or cessation of tempests; the production and cessation of earthquakes and other great physical phenomena. But that such men have existed, and do exist today, is a matter of earnest belief to all advanced occultists of all schools. That the Masters exist, and have these powers, the best teachers assure their students, having had experiences which justify them in such belief and statements. These Masters do not make public exhibitions of their powers, but seek seclusion from the crowds of men, in order to better work their may along the Path of Attainment. We mention their existence, at this point, merely to call your attention to the fact that their power is entirely Mental, and operates along the lines of the higher Mental Transmutation, under the Hermetic Principle of Mentalism. "The Universe is Mental"--The Kybalion.
But students and Hermetists of lesser degree than Masters--the Initiates and Teachers--are able to freely work along the Mental Plane, in Mental Transmutation. In fact all that we call "psychic phenomena,"; "mental influence"; "mental science"; "new-thought phenomena," etc., operates along the same general lines, for there is but one principle involved, no matter by what name the phenomena be called.
The student and practitioner of Mental Transmutation works among the Mental Plane, transmuting mental conditions, states, etc., into others, according to various formulas, more or less efficacious. The various "treatments," "affirmations," "denials" etc., of the schools of mental science are but formulas, often quite imperfect and unscientific, of The Hermetic Art. The majority of modern practitioners are quite ignorant compared to the ancient masters, for they lack the fundamental knowledge upon which the work is based.
Not only may the mental states, etc., of one's self be changed or transmuted by Hermetic Methods; but also the states of others may be, and are, constantly transmuted in the same way, usually unconsciously, but often consciously by some understanding the laws and principles, in cases where the people affected are not informed of the principles of self-protection. And more than this, as many students and practitioners of modern mental science know, every material condition depending upon the minds of other people may be changed or transmuted in accordance with the earnest desire, will, and "treatments" of person desiring changed conditions of life. The public are so generally informed regarding these things at present, that we do not deem it necessary to mention the same at length, our purpose at this point being merely to show the Hermetic Principle and Art underlying all of these various forms of practice, good and evil, for the force can be used in opposite directions according to the Hermetic Principles of Polarity.
In this little book we shall state the basic principles of Mental Transmutation, that all who read may grasp the Underlying Principles, and thus possess the Master-Key that will unlock the many doors of the Principle of Polarity
We shall now proceed to a consideration of the first of the Hermetic Seven
Principles--the Principle of Mentalism,in which is explained the truth that
"THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental," in the words of The
Kybalion. We ask the close attention, and careful study of this great Principle,
on the part of our students, for it is really the Basic Principle of the whole
Hermetic Philosophy, and of the Hermetic Art of Mental Transmutation.
Under and behind all outward appearances or manifestations, there must always be a Substantial Reality. This is the Law. Man considering the Universe, of which he is a unit, sees nothing but change in matter, forces, and mental states. He sees that nothing really IS, but that everything is BECOMING and CHANGING. Nothing stands still-everything is being born, growing, dying-the very instant a thing reaches its height, it begins to decline-the law of rhythm is in constant operation -there is no reality, enduring quality, fixity, or substantiality in anything- nothing is permanent but Change. He sees all things evolving from other things, and resolving into other things-a constant action and reaction; inflow and outflow; building up and tearing down; creation and destruction; birth, growth and death. Nothing endures but Change. And if he be a thinking man, he realizes that all of these changing things must be but outward appearances or manifestations of some Underlying Power-some Substantial Reality.
All thinkers, in all lands and in all times, have assumed the necessity for postulating the existence of this Substantial Reality. All philosophies worthy of the name have been based upon this thought. Men have given to this Substantial Reality many names-some have called it by the term of Deity (under many titles). others have called it "The Infinite and Eternal Energy" others have tried to call it "Matter"-but all have acknowledged its existence. It is self-evident it needs no argument.
In these lessons we have followed the example of some of the world's greatest thinkers, both ancient and modern--the Hermetic. Masters--and have called this Underlying Power--this Substantial Reality- .by the Hermetic name of "THE ALL," which term we consider the most comprehensive of the many terms applied by Man to THAT which transcends names and terms.
We accept and teach the view of the great Hermetic thinkers of all times, as well as of those illumined souls who have reached higher planes of being, both of whom assert that the inner nature of THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE. This must be so, for naught by THE ALL itself can comprehend its own nature and being.
The Hermetists believe and teach that THE ALL, "in itself," is and must ever be UNKNOWABLE. They regard all the theories, guesses and speculations of the theologians and metaphysicians regarding the inner nature of THE ALL, as but the childish efforts of mortal minds to grasp the secret of the Infinite. Such efforts have always failed and will always fail, from the very nature of the task. One pursuing such inquiries travels around and around in the labyrinth of thought, until he is lost to all sane reasoning, action or conduct, and is utterly unfitted for the work of life. He is like the squirrel which frantically runs around and around the circling treadmill wheel of his cage, traveling ever and yet reaching nowhere--at the end a prisoner still, and standing just where he started.
And still more presumptuous are those who attempt to ascribe to THE ALL the personality, qualities, properties, characteristics and attributes of themselves, ascribing to THE ALL the human emotions, feelings, and characteristics, even down to the pettiest qualities of mankind, such as jealousy, susceptibility to flattery and praise, desire for offerings and worship, and all the other survivals from the days of the childhood of the race. Such ideas are not worthy of grown men and women, and are rapidly being discarded.
(At this point, it may be proper for me to state that we make a distinction between Religion and Theology--between Philosophy and Metaphysics. Religion, to us, means that intuitional realization of the existence of THE ALL, and one's relationship to it; while Theology means the attempts of men to ascribe personality, qualities, and characteristics to it; their theories regarding its affairs, will, desires, plans, and designs, and their assumption of the office of ''middle-men'' between THE ALL and the people. Philosophy, to us, means the inquiry after knowledge of things knowable and thinkable;while Metaphysical means the attempt to carry the inquiry over and beyond the boundaries and into regions unknowable and unthinkable, and with the same tendency as that of Theology. And consequently, both Religion and Philosophy mean to us things having roots in Reality, while Theology and Metaphysics seem like broken reeds, rooted in the quicksands of ignorance, and affording naught but the most insecure support for the mind or soul of Man. we do not insist upon our students accepting these definitions--we mention them merely to show our position. At any rate, you shall hear very little about Theology and Metaphysics in these lessons.)
But while the essential nature of THE ALL is Unknowable, there are certain
truths connected with its existence which the human mind finds itself compelled
to accept. And an examination of these reports form a proper subject of inquiry,
particularly as they agree with the reports of the Illumined on higher planes.
And to this inquiry we now invite you. "THAT which is the Fundamental
Truth-the Substantial Reality--is beyond true naming, but the Wise Men call it
THE ALL."--The Kybalion. "In its Essence, THE ALL is
UNKNOWABLE."-- The Kybalion. "But, the report of Reason must be
hospitably received, and treated with respect."--The Kybalion.
The human reason, whose reports we must accept so long as we think at all,
informs us as follows regarding THE ALL, and that without attempting to remove
the veil of the Unknowable:
(1) THE ALL must be ALL that REALLY IS. There can be nothing existing outside of
THE ALL, else THE ALL would not be THE ALL.
2) THE ALL must be INFINITE, for there is nothing else to define, confine,
bound, limit; or restrict THE ALL. It must be Infinite in Time, or ETERNAL,--it
must have always continuously existed, for there is nothing else to have ever
created it, and something can never evolve from nothing, and if it had ever
"not been," even for a moment, it would not "be" now,--it
must continuously exist forever, for there is nothing to destroy it, and it
can.never "not-be," even for a moment, because something can never
become nothing. It must be Infinite in Space--it must be Everywhere, for there
is no place outside of THE ALL--it cannot be otherwise than continuous in Space,
without break, cessation, separation, or interruption, for there is nothing to
break, separate, or interrupt its continuity, and nothing with which to
"fill in the gaps." It must be Infinite in Power, or Absolute, for
there is nothing to limit, restrict, restrain, confine, disturb or condition
it--it is subject to no other Power, for there is no other Power.
(3) THE ALL must be IMMUTABLE, or not subject to change in its real nature, for there is nothing to work changes upon it nothing into which it could change, nor from which it could have changed. It cannot be added to nor subtracted from; increased nor diminished ; nor become greater or lesser in any respect whatsoever. It must have always been, and must always remain, just what it is now--THE ALL--there has never been, is not now, and never will be, anything else into which it can change.
THE ALL being Infinite, Absolute, Eternal and Unchangeable it must follow that anything finite, changeable, fleeting, and conditioned cannot be THE ALL. And as there is Nothing outside of THE ALL, in Reality, then any and all such finite things must be as Nothing in Reality. Now do not become befogged, nor frightened--we are not trying to lead you into the Christian Science field under cover of Hermetic Philosophy. There is a Reconciliation of this apparently contradictory state of affairs. Be patient, we will reach it in time.
**** We see around us that which is called " Matter," which forms the physical foundation for all forms. Is THE ALL merely Matter? Not at all! Matter cannot manifest Life or Mind, and as Life and Mind are manifested in the Universe, THE ALL cannot be Matter, for nothing rises higher than its own source--nothing is ever manifested in an effect that is not in the cause--nothing is evolved as a consequent that is not involved as an antecedent. And then Modern Science informs us that there is really no such thing as Matter-that what we call Matter is merely "interrupted energy or force," that is, energy or force at a low rate of vibration. As a recent writer has said "Matter has melted into Mystery." Even Material Science has abandoned the theory of Matter, and now rests on the basis of "Energy."
Then is THE ALL mere Energy or Force? Not Energy or Force as the materialists use the terms, for their energy and force are blind, mechanical things, devoid of Life or Mind. Life and Mind can never evolve from blind Energy or Force, for the reason given a moment ago: 'Nothing can rise higher than its source--nothing is evolved unless it is involved--nothing manifests in the effect, unless it is in the cause." And so THE ALL cannot be mere Energy or Force, for, if it were, then there would be no such things as Life and Mind in existence, and we know better than that, for we are Alive and using Mind to consider this very question, and so are those who claim that Energy or Force is Everything.
What is there then higher than Matter or Energy that we know to be existent
in the Universe? LIFE AND MIND! Life and Mind in all their varying degrees of
unfoldment! "Then," you ask, "do you mean to tell us that THE ALL
is LIFE and MIND?" Yes! and No! is our answer. If you mean Life and Mind as
we poor petty mortals know them, we say No! THE ALL is not that! "But what
kind of Life and Mind do you mean?" you ask. The answer is "LIVING
MIND," as far above that which mortals know by those words, as Life and
Mind are higher than mechanical forces, or matter--INFINITE LIVING MIND as
compared to finite Life and Mind." We mean that which the illumined souls
mean when they reverently pronounce the word: "SPIRIT!" "THE
ALL" is Infinite Living Mind the Illumined call it SPIRIT!
Let us now proceed to a consideration of the nature of the Universe, as a whole and in its parts. What is the Universe? We have seen that there can be nothing outside of THE ALL. Then is the Universe THE ALL ? No, this cannot be, because the Universe seems to be made up of MANY and is constantly changing, and in other ways it does not measure up to the ideas that we are compelled to accept regarding THE ALL, as stated in our last lesson. Then if the Universe be not THE ALL, then it must be Nothing-- such is the inevitable conclusion of the mind at first thought. But this will not satisfy the question, for we are sensible of the existence of the Universe. Then if the Universe is neither THE ALL, nor Nothing, what Can it be? Let us examine this question.
If the Universe exists at all, or seems to exist, it must proceed in some way from THE ALL--it must be a creation of THE ALL. But as something can never come from nothing, from what could THE ALL have created it Some philosophers have answered this question by saying that THE ALL created the Universe from ITSELF --that is, from the being and substance of THE ALL. But this will not do, for THE ALL cannot be subtracted from, nor divided, as we have seen, and then again if this be so, would not each particle in the Universe be aware of its being THE ALL --THE ALL could not lose its knowledge of itself, nor actually BECOME an atom, or blind force, or lowly living thing. Some men, indeed, realizing that THE ALL is indeed ALL, and also recognizing that they, the men, existed, have jumped to the conclusion that they and THE ALL were identical, and they have filled the air with shouts of "I AM GOD,' to the amusement of the multitude and the sorrow of sages. The claim of the corpuscle that: "I am Man!" would be modest in comparison. But, what indeed is the Universe, if it be not THE ALL, not yet created by THE ALL having separated itself into fragments? What else can it be of what else can it be made ? This is the great question. Let us examine it carefully. We find here that the "Principle of Correspondence" (see Lesson I.) comes to our aid here. The old Hermetic axiom,"As above so below," may be pressed into service at this point. Let us endeavor to get a glimpse of the workings on higher planes by examining those on our own. The Principle of Correspondence must apply to this as well as to other problems.
Let us see! On his own plane of being, how does Man create? Well, first, he
may create by making something out of outside materials. But this will not do,
for there are no materials outside of THE ALL with which it may create. Well,
then, secondly, Man pro-creates or reproduces his kind by the process of
begetting, which is self-multiplication accomplished by transferring a portion
of his substance to his offspring. But this will not do, because THE ALL cannot
transfer or subtract a portion of itself, nor can it reproduce or multiply
itself--in the first place there would be a taking away, and in the second case
a multiplication or addition to THE ALL, both thoughts being an absurdity. Is
there no third way in which MAN creates? Yes, there is--he CREATES MENTALLY! And
in so doing he uses no outside materials, nor does he reproduce himself, and yet
his Spirit pervades the Mental Creation. Following the Principle of
Correspondence, we are justified in considering that THE ALL creates the
Universe MENTALLY, in a manner akin to the process whereby Man creates Mental
Images. And, here is where the report of Reason tallies precisely with the
report of the Illumined, as shown by their teachings and writings. Such are the
teachings of the Wise Men. Such was the Teaching of Hermes. THE ALL can create
in no other way except mentally, without either using material (and there is
none to use), or else reproducing itself (which is also impossible). There is no
escape from this conclusion of the Reason, which, as we have said, agrees with
the highest teachings of the Illumined. Just as you, student, may create a
Universe of your own in your mentality, so does THE ALL create Universes in its
own Mentality. But your Universe is the mental creation of a Finite Mind,
whereas that of THE ALL is the creation of an Infinite. The two are similar in
kind, but infinitely different in degree. We shall examine more closely into the
process of creation and manifestation as we proceed. But this is the point to
fix in your minds at this stage: THE UNIVERSE, AND ALL IT CONTAINS, IS A MENTAL
CREATION OF THE ALL. Verily indeed, ALL IS MIND!
"THE ALL creates in its Infinite Mind countless Universes, which exist
for aeons of Time--and yet, to THE ALL, the creation, development, decline and
death of a million Universes is as the time of the twinkling of an eye."--The
Kybalion.
"The Infinite Mind of THE ALL is the womb of Universes."--The
Kybalion.
The Principle of Gender (see Lesson I. and other lessons to follow) is
manifested on all planes of life, material mental and spiritual. But, as we have
said before, "Gender" does not mean "Sex" sex is merely a
material manifestation of gender. "Gender" means "relating to
generation or creation." And whenever anything is generated or created, on
any plane, the Principle of Gender must be manifested. And this is true even in
the creation of Universes.
Now do not jump to the conclusion that we are teaching that there is a male and female God, or Creator. That idea is merely a distortion of the ancient teachings on the subject. The true teaching is that THE ALL, in itself, is above Gender, as it is above every other Law, including those of Time and Space. It is the Law, from which the Laws proceed, and it is not subject to them. But when THE ALL manifests on the plane of generation or creation, then it acts according to Law and Principle, for it is moving on a lower plane of Being. And consequently it manifests the Principle of Gender, in its Masculine and Feminine aspects, on the Mental Plane, of course.
This idea may seem startling to some of you who hear it for the first time, but you have all really passively accepted it in your everyday conceptions. You speak of the Fatherhood of God, and the Motherhood of Nature--of God, the Divine Father, and Nature the Universal Mother --and have thus instinctively acknowledged the Principle of Gender in the Universe. Is this not so ?
But, the Hermetic teaching does not imply a real duality- .THE ALL is ONE the Two Aspects are merely aspects of manifestation. The teaching is that The Masculine Principle manifested by THE ALL stands, in a way, apart from the actual mental creation of the Universe. It projects its Will toward the Feminine Principle (which may be called "Nature") whereupon the latter begins the actual work of the evolution of the Universe, from simple "centers of activity" on to man, and then on and on still higher, all according to well-established and firmly enforced Laws of Nature. If you prefer the old figures of thought, you may think of the Masculine Principle as GOD, the Father, and of the Feminine Principle as NATURE, the Universal Mother, from whose womb all things have been born. This is more than a mere poetic figure of speech --it is an idea of the actual process of the creation of the Universe. But always remember, that THE ALL is but One, and that in its Infinite Mind the Universe is generated, created and exists.
It may help you to get the proper idea, if you will apply the Law of Correspondence to yourself, and your own mind. You know that the part of You which you call "I," in a sense, stands apart and witnesses the creation of mental Images in your own mind. The part of your mind in which the mental generation is accomplished may be called the "Me" in distinction from the "I" which stands apart and witnesses and examines the thoughts, ideas and images of the 'Me."
"As above, so below," remember, and the phenomena of one plane may be employed to solve the riddles of higher or lower planes.
Is it any wonder that You, the child, feel that instinctive reverence for THE ALL, which feeling we call "religion"--that respect, and reverence for THE FATHER MIND? Is it any wonder that, when you consider the works and wonders of Nature, you are overcome with a mighty feeling which has its roots away down in your inmost being ? It is the MOTHER MIND that you are pressing close up to, like a babe to the breast.
Do not make the mistake of supposing that the little world you see around you-the Earth, which is a mere grain of dust in the Universe--is the Universe itself. There are millions upon millions of such worlds, and greater. And there are millions of millions of such Universes in existence within the Infinite Mind of THE ALL. And even in our own little solar system there are regions and planes of life far higher than ours, and beings compared to which we earth-bound mortals are as the slimy life-forms that dwell on the ocean's bed when compared to Man. There are beings with powers and attributes higher than Man has ever dreamed of the gods' possessing. And yet these beings were once as you, and still lower--and you will be even as they, and still higher, in time, for such is the Destiny of Man as reported by the Illumined.
And Death is not real, even in the Relative sense--it is but Birth to a new life-and You shall go on, and on, and on, to higher and still higher planes of life, for aeons upon aeons of time. The Universe is your home, and you shall explore its farthest recesses before the end of Time. You are dwelling in the Infinite Mind of THE ALL, and your possibilities and opportunities are infinite, both in time and space. And at the end of the Grand Cycle of Aeons, when THE ALL shall draw back into itself all of its creations--you will go gladly for you will then be able to know the Whole Truth of being At One with THE ALL. Such is the report of the Illumined--those who have advanced well along The Path.
And, in the meantime, rest calm and serene--you are safe and protected by the Infinite Power of the FATHER-MOTHER MIND.
"Within the Father-Mother Mind, mortal children are at home."--The
Kybalion.
"There is not one who is Fatherless, nor Motherless in the
Universe."--The Kybalion.
What Hermetists know as "the Law of Paradox" is an aspect of the Principle of Polarity. The Hermetic writings are filled with references to the appearance of the Paradox in the consideration of the problems of Life and Being. The Teachers are constantly warning their students against the error of omitting the "other side" of any question. And their warnings are particularly directed to the problems of the Absolute and the Relative, which perplex all students of philosophy, and which cause so many to think and act contrary to what is generally known as "common sense." And we caution all students to be sure to grasp the Divine Paradox of the Absolute and Relative, lest they become entangled in the mire of the Half-Truth. With this in view this particular lesson has been written. Read it carefully!
The first thought that comes to the thinking man after he realizes the truth that the Universe is a Mental Creation of THE ALL, is that the Universe and all that it contains is a mere illusion; an unreality; against which idea his instincts revolt. But this, like all other great truths, must be considered both from the Absolute and the Relative points of view. from the Absolute viewpoint, of course, the Universe is in the nature of an illusion, a dream, a phantasmagoria, as compared to THE ALL in itself. We recognize this even in our ordinary view, for we speak of the world as "a fleeting show" that comes and goes, is born and dies--for the element of impermanence and change, finiteness and unsubstantiality, must ever be connected with the idea of a created Universe when it is contrasted with the idea of THE ALL, no matter what may be our beliefs concerning the nature of both. Philosopher, metaphysician, scientist and theologian all agree upon this idea, and the thought is found in all forms of philosophical thought and religious conceptions, as well as in the theories of the respective schools of metaphysics and theology. So, the Hermetic Teachings do not preach the unsubstantiality of the Universe in any stronger terms than those more familiar to you, although their presentation of the subject may seem somewhat more startling. Anything that has a beginning and an ending must be, in a sense, unreal and untrue, and the Universe comes under the rule, in all schools of thought. From the Absolute point of view, there is nothing Real except THE ALL, no matter what terms we may use in thinking of, or discussing the subject. Whether the Universe be created of Matter, or whether it be a Mental Creation in the Mind of THE ALL--it is unsubstantial, non-enduring, a thing of time, space and change. We want you to realize this fact thoroughly, before you pass judgment on the Hermetic conception of the Mental nature of the Universe. Think over any and all of the other conceptions, and see whether this be not true of them.
But the Absolute point of view shows merely one side of the picture--the other side is the Relative one. Absolute Truth has been defined as "Things as the mind of God knows them," while Relative Truth is "Things as the highest reason of Man understands them." And so while to THE ALL the Universe must be unreal and illusionary, a mere dream or result of meditation,--nevertheless, to the finite minds forming a part of that Universe, and viewing it through mortal faculties, the Universe is very real indeed, and must be so considered. In recognizing the Absolute view, we must not make the mistake of ignoring or denying the facts and phenomena of the Universe as they present themselves to our mortal faculties--we are not THE ALL, remember.
To take familiar illustrations, we all recognize the fact that matter "exists" to our senses--we will fare badly if we do not. And yet, even our finite minds understand the scientific dictum that there is no such thing as Matter from a scientific point of view--that which we call Matter is held to be merely an aggregation of atoms, which atoms themselves are merely a grouping of units of force, called electrons or "ions," vibrating and in constant circular motion. We kick a stone and we feel the impact--it seems to be real, notwithstanding that we know it to be merely what we have stated above. But remember that our foot, which feels the impact by means of our brains, is likewise Matter, so constituted of electrons, and for that matter so are our brains. And, at the best, if it were not by reason of our Mind, we would not know the foot or stone at all.
Then again, the ideal of the artist or sculptor, which he is endeavoring to reproduce in stone or on canvas, seems very real to him. So do the characters in the mind of the author; or dramatist, which he seeks to express so that others may recognize them. And if this be true in the case of our finite minds, what must be the degree of Reality in the Mental Images created in the Mind of the Infinite? Oh, friends, to mortals this Universe of Mentality is very real indeed--it is the only one we can ever know, though we rise from plane to plane, higher and higher in it. To know it otherwise, but actual experience, we must be THE ALL itself. It is true that the higher we rise in the the nearer to "the mind of the Father" we reach--the more apparent becomes the illusory nature of finite things, but not until THE ALL finally withdraws us into itself does the vision actually vanish.
So, we need not dwell upon the feature of illusion. Rather let us, recognizing the real nature of the Universe, seek to understand its mental laws, and endeavor to use them to the best effect in our upward progress through life, as we travel from plane to plane of being. The Laws of the Universe are none the less "Iron Laws" because of the mental nature. All, except THE ALL, are bound by them. What is IN THE INFINITE MIND OF THE all; is REAL in a degree second only to that Reality itself which is vested in the nature of THE ALL.
So, do not feel insecure or afraid --we are all HELD FIRMLY IN THE INFINITE MIND OF THE ALL, and there is naught to hurt us or for us to fear. There is no Power outside of THE ALL to affect us. So we may rest calm and secure. There is a world of comfort and security in this realization when once attained. Then "calm and peaceful do we sleep, rocked in the Cradle of the Deep"--resting safely on the bosom of the Ocean of Infinite Mind, which is THE ALL. In THE ALL, indeed, do "we live and move and have our being."
Matter is none the less Matter to us, while we dwell on the plane of Matter, although we know it to be merely an aggregation of "electrons," or particles of Force, vibrating rapidly and gyrating around each other in the formations of atoms; the atoms in turn vibrating and gyrating, forming molecules, which latter in turn form larger masses of Matter. Nor does Matter become less Matter, when we follow the inquiry still further, and learn from the Hermetic Teachings, that the "Force" of which the electrons are but units is merely a manifestation of the Mind of THE ALL, and like all else in the Universe is purely Mental in its nature. While on the Plane of matter, we must recognize its phenomena--we may control Matter (as all Masters of higher or lesser degree do), but we do so by applying the higher forces. We commit a folly when we attempt to deny the existence of Matter in the relative aspect. We may deny its mastery over us--and rightly so--but we should not attempt to ignore it in its relative aspect, at least so long as we dwell upon its plane.
Nor do the Laws of Nature become less constant or effective, when we know them, likewise, to be merely mental creations. They are in full effect on the various planes. We overcome the lower laws, by applying still higher ones--and in this way only. But we cannot escape Law or rise above it entirely. Nothing but THE ALL can escape Law--and that because THE ALL is LAW itself, from which all Laws emerge. The most advanced Masters may acquire the powers usually attributed to the gods of men; and there are countless ranks of being, in the great hierarchy of life, whose being and power transcends even that of the highest Masters among men to a degree unthinkable by mortals, but even the highest Master, and the highest Being, must bow to the Law, and be as Nothing in the eye of THE ALL. So that if even these highest Beings, whose powers exceed even those attributed by men to their gods --if even these are bound by and are subservient to Law, then imagine the presumption of mortal man, of our race and grade, when he dares to consider the Laws of Nature as "unreal!" visionary and illusory, because he happens to be able to grasp the truth that the Laws are Mental in nature, and simply Mental Creations of THE ALL. Those Laws which THE ALL intends to be governing Laws are not to be defied or argued away. So long as the Universe endures, will they endure--for the Universe exists by virtue of these Laws which form its framework and which hold it together.
The Hermetic Principle of Mentalism, while explaining the true nature of the Universe upon the principle that all is Mental, does not change the scientific conceptions of the Universe, Life, or Evolution. In fact, science merely corroborates the Hermetic Teachings. The latter merely teaches that the nature of the Universe is "Mental,"while modern science has taught that it is "Material'; or (of late) that it is "Energy" at the last analysis. The Hermetic Teachings have no fault to find with Herbert Spencer's basic principle which postulates the existence of an "Infinite and Eternal Energy, from which all things proceed." In fact, the Hermetics recognize in Spencer's philosophy the highest outside statement of the workings of the Natural Laws that have ever been promulgated, and they believe Spencer to have been a reincarnation of an ancient philosopher who dwelt in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago, and who later incarnated as Heraclitus, the Grecian philosopher who lived B. C. 500. And they regard his statement of the "Infinite and Eternal Energy" as directly in the line of the Hermetic Teachings, always with the addition of their own doctrine that his "Energy" is the Energy of the Mind of THE ALL. With the Master-Key of the Hermetic Philosophy, the student of Spencer will be able to unlock many doors of the inner philosophical conceptions of the great English philosopher, whose work shows the results of the preparation of his previous incarnations.his teachings regarding Evolution and Rhythm are in almost perfect agreement with the Hermetic Teachings regarding the Principle of Rhythm.
So, the student of Hermetics need not lay aside any of his cherished scientific views regarding the Universe. All he is asked to do is to grasp the underlying principle of "THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental--held in the mind of THE ALL." He will find that the other six of the Seven Principles will "fit into" his scientific knowledge, and will serve to bring out obscure points and to throw light in dark corners. This is not to be wondered at, when we realize the influence of the Hermetic thought of the early philosophers of Greece, upon whose foundations of thought the theories of modern science largely rest. The acceptance of the First Hermetic Principle (Mentalism is the only great point of difference between Modern Science and Hermetic students, and Science is gradually moving toward the Hermetic position in its groping in the dark for a way out of the Labyrinth into which it has wandered in its search for Reality.
The purpose of this lesson is to impress upon the minds of our students the fact that, to all intents and purposes, the Universe and its laws, and its phenomena, are just as REAL, so far as Man is concerned as they would be under the hypotheses of Materialism or Energism. Under any hypothesis the Universe in its outer aspect is changing, ever-flowing, and transitory--and therefore devoid of substantiality and reality. But (note the other pole of the truth) under the same hypotheses, we are compelled to ACT AND LIVE as if the fleeting things were real and substantial. With this difference, always, between the various hypotheses--that under the old views Mental Power was ignored as a Natural Force, while under Mentalism it becomes the Greatest Natural Force. and this one difference revolutionizes Life, to those who understand the Principle and its resulting laws and practice.
So, finally, students all, grasp the advantage of Mentalism, and learn to know, use and apply the laws resulting therefrom. But do not yield to the temptation which, as The Kybalion states, overcomes the half-wise and which causes them to be hypnotized by the apparent unreality of things, the consequence being that they wander about like dream-people dwelling in a world of dreams, ignoring the practical work and life of man, the end being that "they are broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements,by reason of their folly." Rather follow the example of the wise, which the same authority states, "use Law against Laws; the higher against the lower; and by the Art of Alchemy transmute that which is undesirable into that which is worthy, and thus triumph." Following the authority, let us avoid the half-wisdom (which is folly) which ignores the truth that: "Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams, visions, and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher forces against the lower-escaping the pains of the lower planes by vibrating on the higher." Remember always, student, that "Transmutation, not presumptuous denial, is the weapon of the Master." The above quotations are from The Kybalion, and are worthy of being committed to memory by the student.
We do not live in a world of dreams, but in an Universe which while relative, is real so far as our lives and actions are concerned. Our business in the Universe is not to deny its existence, but to LIVE, using the Laws to rise from lower to higher -living on, doing the best that we can under the circumstances arising each day, and living, so far as is possible, to our biggest ideas and ideals. The true Meaning of Life is not known to men on this plane .if, indeed, to any--but the highest authorities, and our own intuitions, teach us that we will make no mistake in living up to the best that is in us, so far as is possible, and realising the Universal tendency in the same direction in spite of apparent evidence to the contrary. We are all on The Path--and the road leads upward ever, with frequent resting places.
Read the message of The Kybalion- -and follow the example of "the
wise"--avoiding the mistake of "the half-wise" who perish by
reason of their folly.
We have given you the Hermetic Teaching regarding the Mental Nature of the Universe--the truth that "the Universe is Mental--held in the Mind of THE ALL" As the Kybalion says, in the passage quoted above: "All is in THE ALL." But note also the co-related statement, that: "It is equally true that THE ALL is in ALL." This apparently contradictory statement is reconcilable under the Law of Paradox. It is, moreover, an exact Hermetic statement of the relations existing between THE ALL and its mental Universe. We have seen how "All is in THE ALL"--now let us examine the other aspect of the subject.
The Hermetic Teachings are to the effect that THE ALL is Imminent in ("remaining within; inherent; abiding within") its Universe, and in every part, particle, unit, or combination, within the Universe. This statement is usually illustrated by the Teachers by a reference to the Principle of Correspondence. The Teacher instructs the student to form a Mental Image of something, a person, an idea, something having a mental form, the favorite example being that of the author or dramatist forming an idea of his characters; or a painter or sculptor forming an image of an ideal that he wishes to express by his art. In each case, the student will find that while the image has its existence, and being, solely within his own mind, yet he, the student, author, dramatist, painter, or sculptor, is, in a sense, immanent in; remaining within; or abiding within, the mental image also. In other words, the entire virtue, life, spirit, of reality in the mental image is derived from the 'immanent mind" of the thinker. Consider this for a moment, until the idea is grasped.
To take a modern example, let us say that Othello, Iago, Hamlet, Lear, Richard III, existed merely in the mind of Shakespeare, at the time of their conception or creation. And yet, Shakespeare also existed within each of these characters, giving them their vitality, spirit, and action. Whose is the "spirit" of the characters that we know as Micawber, Oliver Twist, Uriah Heep-- is it Dickens. or have each of these characters a personal spirit, independent of their creator? Have the Venus of Medici, the Sistine Madonna, the Appollo Belvidere, spirits and reality of their own, or do they represent the spiritual and mental power of their creators? The Law of Paradox explains that both propositions are true, viewed from the proper viewpoints. Micawber is both Micawber, and yet Dickens. And, again, while Micawber may be said to be Dickens, yet Dickens is not identical with Micawber. Man, like Micawber, may exclaim: 'The Spirit of my Creator is inherent within me --and yet I: am not HE!" How different this from the shocking half-truth so vociferously announced by certain of the half wise, who fill the air with their raucous cries of: "I am God!" Imagine poor Micawber, or the sneaky Uriah Heep, crying: "I Am Dickens"; or some of the lowly clods in one of Shakespeare's plays, eloquently announcing that: I Am Shakespeare !" THE ALL is in the earthworm, and yet the earthworm is far from being THE ALL. And still the wonder remains, that though the earthworm exists merely as a lowly thing, created and having its being solely within the Mind of THE ALL--yet THE ALL is immanent in the earthworm, and in the particles that go to make up the earthworm. Can there be any greater mystery than this of "All in THE ALL; and THE ALL in All?"
The student will, of course, realize that the illustrations given above are necessarily imperfect and inadequate, for they represent the creation of mental images in finite minds, while the Universe is a creation of Infinite Mind--and the difference between the two poles separates them. And yet it is merely a matter of degree--the same Principle is in operation--the Principle of Correspondence manifests in each-- "As above, so Below; as Below, so above."
And, in the degree that Man realizes the existence of the Indwelling Spirit immanent within his being, so will he rise in the spiritual scale of life. This is what spiritual development means--the recognition, realization, and manifestation of the Spirit within us. Try to remember this last definition--that of spiritual development. It contains the Truth of True Religion.
There are many planes of Being--many sub-planes of Life--many degrees of existence in the Universe. And all depend upon the advancement of beings in the scale, of which scale the lowest point is the grossest matter, the highest being separated only by the thinnest division from the SPIRIT of THE ALL. And, upward and onward along this Scale of Life, everything is moving. All are on the Path, whose end is THE ALL. All progress is a Returning Home. All is Upward and Onward, in spite of all seemingly contradictory appearances. Such is the message of the llumined.
The Hermetic Teachings concerning the process of the Mental Creation of the Universe, are that at the beginning of the Creative Cycle, THE ALL, in its aspect of Being, projects its Will toward its aspect of "Becoming" and the process of creation begins. It is taught that the process consists of the lowering of Vibration until a very low degree of vibratory energy is reached, at which point the grossest possible form of Matter is manifested. This process is called the stage of Involution, in which THE ALL becomes "involved," or "wrapped up," in its creation. This process is believed by the Hermetists to have a Correspondence to the mental process of an artist, writer, or inventor, who becomes so wrapped up in his mental creation as to almost forget his own existence and who, for the time being, almost "lives in his creation ," If instead of "wrapped" we use the word "rapt," perhaps we will give a better idea of what is meant.
This Involuntary stage of Creation is sometimes called the "Outpouring" of the Divine Energy, just as the Evolutionary state is called the "Indrawing." The extreme pole of the Creative process is considered to be the furthest removed from THE ALL, while the beginning of the Evolutionary stage is regarded as the beginning of the return swing of the pendulum of Rhythm-- a "coming home" idea being held in all of the Hermetic Teachings.
The Teachings are that during the "Outpouring," the vibrations become lower and lower until finally the urge ceases, and the return swing begins. But there is this difference, that while in the "Outpouring" the creative forces manifest compactly and as a whole, yet from the beginning of the Evolutionary or "Indrawing" stage, there is manifested the Law of Individualization --that is, the tendency to separate into Units of Force, so that finally that which left THE ALL as unindividualized energy returns to its source as countless highly developed Units of Life, having risen higher and higher in the scale by means of Physical, Mental and Spiritual Evolution.
The ancient Hermetists use the word "Meditation" in describing the process of the mental creation of the Universe in the Mind of THE ALL, the word "Contemplation" also being frequently employed. But the idea intended seems to be that of the employment of the Divine Attention. "Attention" is a word derived from the Latin root, meaning "to reach out; to stretch out," and so the act of Attention is really a mental "reaching out; extension" of mental energy, so that the underlying idea is readily understood when we examine into the real meaning of "Attention."
The Hermetic Teachings regarding the process of Evolution are that, THE ALL, having meditated upon the beginning of the Creation--having thus established the material foundations of the Universe having thought it into existence--then gradually awakens or rouses from its Meditation and in so doing starts into manifestation the process of Evolution, on the material mental and spiritual planes, successively and in order. Thus the upward movement begins--and all begins to move Spiritward. Matter becomes less gross; the Units spring into being; the combinations begin to form; Life appears and manifests in higher and higher forms. and Mind becomes more and more in evidence--the vibrations constantly becoming higher. In short, the entire process of Evolution, in all of its phases, begins, and proceeds according to the established Laws of the Indrawing" process. All of this occupies aeons upon aeons of Man's time, each aeon containing countless millions of years, but yet the Illumined inform us that the entire creation, including Involution and Evolution, of an Universe, is but "as the twinkle of the eye" to THE ALL At the end of countless cycles of aeons of time, THE ALL withdraws its Attention--its Contemplation and Meditation--of the Universe, for the Great Work is finished-and All is withdrawn into THE ALL from which it emerged. But Mystery of Mysteries--the Spirit of each soul is not annihilated, but is infinitely expanded--the Created and the Creator are merged. Such is the report of the Illumined
The above illustration of the "meditation," and subsequent "awakening from meditation," of THE ALL, is of course but an attempt of the teachers to describe the Infinite process by a finite example. And, yet: "As Below, so Above." The difference is merely in degree. And just. as THE ALL arouses itself from the meditation upon the Universe, so does Man (in time) cease from manifesting upon the Material Plane, and withdraws himself more and more into the Indwelling Spirit, which is indeed "The Divine Ego."
There is one more matter of which we desire to speak in this lesson, and that comes very near to an invasion of the Metaphysical field of speculation, although our purpose is merely to show the futility of such speculation. We allude to the question which inevitably comes to the mind of all thinkers who have ventured to seek the Truth. The question is: "WHY does THE ALL create Universes" The question may be asked in different forms, but the above is the gist of the inquiry.
Men have striven hard to answer this question, but still there is no answer worthy of the name. Some have imagined that THE ALL had something to gain by it, but this is absurd, for what could THE ALL gain that it did not already possess? Others have sought the answer in the idea that THE ALL "wished something to love " and others that it created for pleasure, or amusement; or because it "was lonely" or to manifest its power;--all puerile explanations and ideas, belonging to the childish period of thought.
Others have sought to explain the mystery by assuming that THE ALL found itself "compelled" to create, by reason of its own "internal nature" its "creative instinct." This idea is in advance of the others, but its weak point lies in the idea of THE ALL being "compelled" by anything, internal or external. If its "internal nature," or "creative instinct," compelled it to do anything, then the "internal nature" or "creative instinct" would be the Absolute, instead of THE ALL, and so accordingly that part of the proposition falls. And, yet, THE ALL does create and manifest, and seems to find some kind of satisfaction in so doing. And it is difficult to escape the conclusion that in some infinite degree it must have what would correspond to an "inner nature," or "creative instinct," in man, with correspondingly infinite Desire and Will. It could not act unless it Willed to Act; and it would not Will to Act, unless it Desired to Act and it would not Desire to Act unless it obtained some Satisfaction thereby. And all of these things would belong to an "Inner Nature," and might be postulated as existing according to the Law of Correspondence. But, still, we prefer to think of THE ALL as acting entirely FREE from any influence, internal as well as external. That is the problem which lies at the root of difficulty --and the difficulty that lies at the root of the problem.
Strictly speaking, there cannot be said to be any "Reason" whatsoever for THE ALL to act, for a "reason" implies a "cause," and THE ALL is above Cause and Effect, except when it Wills to become a Cause, at which time the Principle is set into motion. So, you see, the matter is Unthinkable, just as THE ALL is Unknowable. Just as we say THE ALL merely "IS"--so we are compelled to say that "THE ALL ACTS BECAUSE IT ACTS." At the last, THE ALL is All Reason in Itself; All Law in Itself; All Action in Itself--and it may be said, truthfully, that THE ALL is Its Own Reason; its own Law; its own Act--or still further, that THE ALL; Its Reason; Its Act; is Law; are ONE, all being names for the same thing. In the opinion of those who are giving you these present lessons, the answer is locked up in INNER SELF of THE ALL, along with its Secret of Being. The Law of Correspondence, in our opinion, reaches only to that aspect of THE ALL, which may be spoken of as "The Aspect of BECOMING." Back of that Aspect is "The Aspect of BEING " in which all Laws are lost in LAW; all Principles merge into PRINCIPLE--and THE ALL ; PRINCIPLE ; and BEING ; are IDENTICAL, ONE AND THE SAME. Therefore, Metaphysical speculation on this point is futile. We go into the matter here, merely to show that we recognize the question, and also the absurdity of the ordinary answers of metaphysics and theology.
In conclusion, it may be of interest to our students to learn that while some of the ancient, and modern, Hermetic Teachers have rather inclined in the direction of applying the Principle of Correspondence to the question, with the result of the "Inner Nature" conclusion,--still the legends have it that HERMES, the Great, when asked this question by his advanced students, answered them by PRESSING HIS LIPS TIGHTLY TOGETHER and saying not a word, indicating that there WAS NO ANSWER. But, then, he may have intended to apply the axiom of his philosophy, that: "The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding," believing that even his advanced students did not possess the Understanding which entitled them to the Teaching. At any rate, if Hermes possessed the Secret, he failed to impart it, and so far as the world is concerned THE LIPS OF HERMES ARE CLOSED regarding it. And where the Great Hermes hesitated to speak, what mortal may dare to teach?
But, remember, that whatever be the answer to this problem, if indeed there
be an answer the truth remains that "While All is in THE ALL, it is equally
true that THE ALL is in All." The Teaching on this point is emphatic. And,
we may add the concluding words of the quotation: "To him who truly
understands this truth, hath come great knowledge."
For the purpose of convenience of thought and study, the Hermetic Philosophy
considers that the Universe may be divided into three great classes of
phenomena, known as the Three Great Planes, namely :
I. The Great Physical Plane.
II. The Great Mental Plane.
III. The Great Spiritual Plane.
These divisions are more or less artificial and arbitrary, for the truth is that all of the three divisions are but ascending degrees of the great scale of Life, the lowest point of which is undifferentiated Matter, and the highest point that of Spirit. And, moreover, the different Planes shade into each other, so that no hard and fast division may be made between the higher phenomena of the Physical and the lower of the Mental; or between the higher of the Mental and the lower of the Physical.
In short, the Three Great Planes may be regarded as three great groups of degrees of Life Manifestation. While the purposes of this little book do not allow us to enter into an extended discussion of, or explanation of, the subject of these different planes, still we think it well to give a general description of the same at this point.
At the beginning we may as well consider the question so often asked by the neophyte, who desires to be informed regarding the meaning of the word Plane, which term has been very freely used, and very poorly explained, in many recent works upon the subject of occultism. The question is generally about as follows: Is a Plane a place having dimensions, or is it merely a condition or state?" We answer: "No, not a place, nor ordinary dimension of space; and yet more than a state or condition. It may be considered as a state or condition, and yet the state or condition is a degree of dimension, in a scale subject to measurement. "Somewhat paradoxical, is it not? But let us examine the matter. A "dimension," you know, is "a measure in a straight line, relating to measure," etc. The ordinary dimensions of space are length, breadth, and height, or perhaps length, breadth, height, thickness or circumference. But there is another dimension of "created things" or "measure," known to occultists, and to scientists as well, although the latter have not as yet applied the term "dimension" to it and this new dimension, which, by the way, is the much speculated-about "Fourth Dimension," is the standard used in determining the degrees or "planes."
This Fourth Dimension may be called "The Dimension of Vibration" It is a fact well known to modern science, as well as to the Hermetists who have embodied the truth in their "Third Hermetic Principle," that everything is in motion; everything vibrates; nothing is at rest. From the highest manifestation, to the lowest, everything and all things Vibrate. Not only do they vibrate at different rates of motion, but as in different directions and in a different manner. The degrees of the rate of vibrations constitute the degrees of measurement on the Scale of Vibrations--in other words the degrees of the Fourth Dimension. And these degrees form what occultists call "Planes" The higher the degree of rate of vibration, the higher the plane, and the higher the manifestation of Life occupying that plane. So that while a plane is not "a place," nor yet "a state or condition," yet it possesses qualities common to both. We shall have more to say regarding the subject of the scale of Vibrations in our next lessons, in which we shall consider the Hermetic Principle of Vibration.
You will kindly remember, however, that the Three Great Planes are not actual divisions of the phenomena of the Universe, but merely arbitrary terms used by the Hermetists in order to aid in the thought and study of the various degrees and Forms of universal activity and life. The atom of matter, the unit of force, the mind of man, and the being of the arch-angel are all but degrees in one scale, and all fundamentally the same, the difference between solely a matter of degree, and rate of vibration--all are creations of THE ALL, and have their existence solely within the Infinite Mind of THE ALL.
The Hermetists sub-divide each of the Three Great Planes into Seven Minor
Planes, and each of these latter are also sub-divided into seven sub-planes, all
divisions being more or less arbitrary, shading into each other, and adopted
merely for convenience of scientific study and thought.
The Great Physical Plane, and its Seven Minor Planes, is that division of the
phenomena of the Universe which includes all that relates to physics, or
material things, forces, and manifestations. It includes all forms of that which
we call Matter, and all forms of that which we call Energy or Force. But you
must remember that the Hermetic Philosophy does not recognize Matter as a thing
in itself, or as having a separate existence even in the Mind of THE ALL. The
Teachings are that Matter is but a form of Energy--.that is, Energy at a low
rate of vibrations of a certain kind. And accordingly the Hermetists classify
Matter under the head of Energy, and give to it three of the Seven Minor Planes
of the Great Physical Plane.
These Seven Minor Physical Planes are as follows:
I. The Plane of Matter (A).
II. The Plane of Matter (B).
III. The Plane of Matter (C).
IV. The Plane of Ethereal Substance.
V. The Plane of Energy (A).
VI. The Plane of Energy (B)
VII. The Plane of Energy (C).
The Plane of Matter (A) comprises forms of Matter in its form of solids,
liquids,, and gases, as generally recognized by the text-books on physics. The
Plane of Matter (B) comprises certain higher and more subtle forms of Matter of
the existence of which modern science is but now recognizing, the phenomena of
Radiant Matter, in its phases of radium, etc., belonging to the lower
sub-division of this Minor Plane. The Plane of Matter (C) , known as the Three
Great Planes, namely :
I. The Great Physical Plane.
II. The Great Mental Plane.
III. The Great Spiritual Plane.
These divisions are more or less artificial and arbitrary, for the truth is that all of the three divisions are but ascending degrees of the great scale of Life, the lowest point of which is undifferentiated Matter, and the highest point that of Spirit. And, moreover, the different Planes shade into each other, so that no hard and fast division may be made between the higher phenomena of the Physical and the lower of the Mental; or between the higher of the Mental and the lower of the Physical.
In short, the Three Great Planes may be regarded as three great groups of degrees of Life Manifestation. While the purposes of this little book do not allow us to enter into an extended discussion of, or explanation of, the subject of these different planes, still we think it well to give a general description of the same at this point.
At the beginning we may as well consider the question so often asked by the neophyte, who desires to be informed regarding the meaning of the word "Plane", which term has been very freely used, and very poorly explained, in many recent works upon the subject of occultism. The question is generally about as follows: "Is a Plane a place having dimensions, or is it merely a condition or state?" We answer: "No, not a place, nor ordinary dimension of space; and yet more than a state or condition. It may be considered as a state or condition, and yet the state or condition is a degree of dimension, in a scale subject to measurement." Somewhat paradoxical, is it not? But let us examine the matter. A "dimension," you know, is "a measure in a straight line, relating to measure," etc. The ordinary dimensions of space are length, breadth, and height, or perhaps length, breadth, height, thickness or circumference. But there is another dimension of "created things" or "measure in a straight line," known to occultists, and to scientists as well, although the latter have not as yet applied the term "dimension" to it and this new dimension, which, by the way, is the much speculated-about "Fourth Dimension," is the standard used in determining the degrees or 'planes.
This Fourth Dimension may be called "the Dimension of Vibration" It is a fact well known to modern science, as well as to the Hermetists who have embodied the truth in their "Third Hermetic Principle," that "everything is in motion; everything vibrates; nothing is at rest." From the highest manifestation, to the lowest, everything and all things Vibrate. Not only do they vibrate at different rates of motion, but as in different directions and in a different manner. The degrees of the "rate" of vibrations constitute the degrees of measurement on the Scale of Vibrations--in other words the degrees of the Fourth Dimension. And these degrees form what occultists call "Planes." The higher the degree of rate of vibration, the higher the plane, and the higher the manifestation of Life occupying that plane. So that while a plane is not "a place," nor yet "a state or condition," yet it possesses qualities common to both. We shall have more to say regarding the subject of the scale of Vibrations in our next lessons, in which we shall consider the Hermetic Principle of Vibration.
You will kindly remember, however, that the Three Great Planes are not actual divisions of the phenomena of the Universe, but merely arbitrary terms used by the Hermetists in order to aid in the thought and study of the various degrees and Forms of universal activity and life. The atom of matter, the unit of force, the mind of man, and the being of the arch-angel are all but degrees in one scale,.and all fundamentally the same, the difference between solely a matter of degree, and rate of vibration--all are creations of THE ALL, and have their existence solely within the Infnite Mind of THE ALL.
The Hermetists sub-divide each of the Three Great Planes into Seven Minor Planes, and each of these latter are also sub-divided into seven sub-planes, all divisions being more or less arbitrary, shading into each other, and adopted merely for convenience of scientific study and thought.
The Great Physical Plane, and its Seven Minor Planes, is that division of the phenomena of the Universe which includes all that relates to physics, or material things, forces, and manifestations. It includes all forms of that which we call Matter, and all forms of that which we call Energy or Force. But you must remember that the Hermetic Philosophy does not recognize Matter as a "thing in itself," or as having a separate existence even in the Mind of THE ALL. The Teachings are that Matter is but a form of Energy--.that is, Energy at a low rate of vibrations of a certain kind. And accordingly the Hermetists classify Matter under the head of Energy, and give to it three of the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Physical Plane.
These Seven Minor Physical Planes are as follows:
I. The Plane of Matter (A).
II. The Plane of Matter (B).
III. The Plane of Matter (C).
IV. The Plane of Ethereal Substance.
V. The Plane of Energy (A).
VI. The Plane of Energy (B)
VII. The Plane of Energy (C).
The Plane of Matter (A) comprises forms of Matter in its form of solids, liquids,, and gases, as generally recognized by the text-books on physics. The Plane of Matter (B) comprises certain higher and more subtle forms of Matter of the existence of which modern science is but now recognizing, the phenomena of Radiant Matter, in its phases of radium, etc., belonging to the lower sub-division of this Minor Plane. The Plane of Matter (C) and have their existence solely within the Infnite Mind of THE ALL.
The Hermetists sub-divide each of the Three Great Planes into Seven Minor Planes, and each of these latter are also sub-divided into seven sub-planes, all divisions being more or less arbitrary, shading into each other, and adopted merely for convenience of scientific study and thought.
The Great Physical Plane, and its Seven Minor Planes, is that division of the phenomena of the Universe which includes all that relates to physics, or material things, forces, and manifestations. It includes all forms of that which we call Matter, and all forms of that which we call Energy or Force. But you must remember that the Hermetic Philosophy does not recognize Matter as a "thing in itself," or as having a separate existence even in the Mind of THE ALL. The Teachings are that Matter is but a form of Energy--.that is, Energy at a low rate of vibrations of a certain kind. And accordingly the Hermetists classify Matter under the head of Energy, and give to it three of the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Physical Plane.
These Seven Minor Physical Planes are as follows:
I. The Plane of Matter (A).
II. The Plane of Matter (B).
III. The Plane of Matter (C).
IV. The Plane of Ethereal Substance.
V. The Plane of Energy (A).
VI. The Plane of Energy (B)
VII. The Plane of Energy (C).
The Plane of Matter (A) comprises forms of Matter in its form of solids,
liquids,, and gases, as generally recognized by the text-books on physics. The
Plane of Matter (B) comprises certain higher and more subtle forms of Matter of
the existence of which modern science is but now recognizing, the phenomena of
Radiant Matter, in its phases of radium, etc., belonging to the lower
sub-division of this Minor Plane. The Plane of Matter (C) comprises forms of the
most subtle and tenuous Matter, the existence of which is not suspected by
ordinary scientists. The Plane of Ethereal Substance comprises that which
science speaks of as The Ether, a substance of extreme tenuity and elasticity,
pervading all Universal Space, and acting as a medium for the transmission of
waves of energy, such as light, heat, electricity, etc. This Ethereal Substance
forms a connecting link between Matter (so-called) and Energy, and partakes of
the nature of each. The Hermetic Teachings, however. instruct that this plane
has seven sub-divisions (as have all of the Minor Planes), and that in fact
there are seven ethers, instead of but one.
Next above the Plane of Ethereal Substance comes the Plane of Energy (A), which
comprises the ordinary forms of Energy known to science, its seven sub planes
being, respectively, Heat; Light; Magnetism ; Electricity, and Attraction
(including Gravitation, Cohesion, Chemical Affinity, etc.) and several other
forms of energy indicated by scientific experiments but not as yet named or
classified. The Plane of Energy (B) comprises seven sub-planes of higher forms
of energy not as yet discovered by science, but which have been called
"Nature's Finer Forces" and which are called into operation in
manifestations of certain forms of mental phenomena, and by which such phenomena
becomes possible. The Plane of Energy (C) comprises seven sub-planes of energy
so highly organized that it bears many of the characteristics of
"life," but which is not recognized by the minds of men on the
ordinary plane of development, being available for the use on beings of the
Spiritual Plane alone--such energy is unthinkable to ordinary man, and may be
considered almost as "the divine power." The beings employing the same
are as "gods" compared even to the highest human types known to us.
The Great Mental Plane comprises those forms of "living things"
known to us in ordinary life, as well as certain other forms not so well known
except to the occultist. The classification of the Seven Minor Mental Planes is
more or less satisfactory and arbitrary (unless accompanied by elaborate
explanations which are foreign to the purpose of this particular work), but we
may as well mention them. They are as follows :
I. The Plane of Mineral Mind.
II. The Plane of Elemental Mind (A).
III. The Plane of Plant Mind.
IV. The Plane of Elemental Mind (B)
V. The Plane of Animal Mind.
VI. The Plane of Elemental Mind (C).
VII. The Plane of Human Mind.
The Plane of Mineral Mind comprises the "states or conditions" of the units or entities, or groups and combinations of the same, which animate the forms known to us as "minerals, chemicals, etc." These entities must not be confounded with the molecules, atoms and corpuscles themselves, the latter being merely the material bodies or forms of these entities, just as a man's body is but his material form and not "himself." These entities may be called "souls" in one sense, and are living beings of a low degree of development, life, and mind--just a little more than the units of "living energy" which comprise the higher sub-divisions of the highest Physical Plane. The average mind does not generally attribute the possession of mind, soul, or life, to the mineral kingdom, but all occultists recognize the existence of the same, and modern science is rapidly moving forward to the point-of-view of the Hermetic, in this respect. The molecules, atoms and corpuscles have their "loves and hates"; "likes and dislikes"; "attractions and repulsions". "affinities and non-affinities," etc., and some of the more daring of modern scientific minds have expressed the opinion that the desire and will, emotions and feelings, of the atoms differ only in degree from those of men. We have no time or space to argue this matter here. All occultists know it to be a fact, and others are referred to some of the more recent scientific works for outside corroboration. There are the usual seven sub-divisions to this plane.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (A) comprises the state or condition, and degree of mental and vital development of a class of entities unknown to the average man, but recognized to occultists. They are invisible to the ordinary senses of man, but, nevertheless, exist and play their part of the Drama of the Universe. Their degree of intelligence is between that of the mineral and chemical entities on the one hand, and of the entities of the plant kingdom on the other. There are seven sub-divisions to this plane, also.
The Plane of Plant Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states or conditions of the entities comprising the kingdoms of the Plant World, the vital and mental phenomena of which is fairly well understood by the average intelligent person, many new and interesting scientific works regarding "Mind and Life in Plants" having been published during the last decade. Plants have life, mind and "souls," as well as have the animals, man, and super-man.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (B), in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states and conditions of a higher form of "elemental" or unseen entities, playing their part in the general work of the Universe, the mind and life of which form a part of the scale between the Plane of Plant Mind and the Plane of Animal Mind, the entities partaking of the nature of both.
The Plane of Animal Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states and conditions of the entities, beings, or souls, animating the animal forms of life, familiar to us all. It is not necessary to go into details regarding this kingdom or plane of life, for the animal world is as familiar to us as is our own.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (C), in its seven sub-divisions, comprises those entities or beings, invisible as are all such elemental forms, which partake of the nature of both animal and human life in a degree and in certain combinations. The highest forms are semi-human in intelligence.
The Plane of Human Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises those manifestations of life and mentality which are common to Man, in his various grades, degrees, and divisions. In this connection, we wish to point out the fact that the average man of to-day occupies but the fourth sub-division of the Plane of Human Mind, and only the most intelligent have crossed the borders of the Fifth Sub-Division. It has taken the race millions of years to reach this stage, and it will take many more years for the race to move on to the sixth and seventh sub-divisions, and beyond. But, remember, that there have been races before us which have passed through these degrees, and then on to higher planes. Our own race is the fifth (with stragglers from the fourth) which has set foot upon The Path. And, then there are a few advanced souls of our own race who have outstripped the masses, and who have passed on to the sixth and seventh sub-division, and some few being still further on. The man of the Sixth Sub-Division will be "The Super Man"; he of the Seventh will be "The Over-Man."
In our consideration of the Seven Minor Mental Planes, we have merely referred to the Three Elementary Planes in a general way. We do not wish to go into this subject in detail in this work, for it does not belong to this part of the general philosophy and teachings. But we may say this much, in order to give you a little clearer idea. of the relations of these planes to the more familiar ones -- the Elementary Planes bear the same relation to the Planes of Mineral, Plant, Animal and Human Mentality and Life, that the black keys on the piano do to the white keys. The white keys are sufficient to produce music, but there are certain scales, melodies, and harmonies, in which the black keys play their part, and in which their presence is necessary. They are also necessary as "connecting links" of soul-condition; entity states, etc., between the several other and in certain combinations. The highest forms are semi-human in intelligence.
The Plane of Human Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises those manifestations of life and mentality which are common to Man, in his various grades, degrees, and divisions. In this connection, we wish to point out the fact that the average man of to-day occupies but the fourth sub-division of the Plane of Human Mind, and only the most intelligent have crossed the borders of the Fifth Sub-Division. It has taken the race millions of years to reach this stage, and it will take many more years for the race to move on to the sixth and seventh sub-divisions, and beyond. But, remember, that there have been races before us which have passed through these degrees, and then on to higher planes. Our own race is the fifth (with stragglers from the fourth) which has set foot upon The Path. And, then there are a few advanced souls of our own race who have outstripped the masses, and who have passed on to the sixth and seventh sub-division, and some few being still further on. The man of the Sixth Sub-Division will be "The Super Man"; he of the Seventh will be "The Over-Man."
In our consideration of the Seven Minor Mental Planes, we have merely referred to the Three Elementary Planes in a general way. We do not wish to go into this subject in detail in this work, for it does not belong to this part of the general philosophy and teachings. But we may say this much, in order to give you a little clearer idea. of the relations of these planes to the more familiar ones -- the Elementary Planes bear the same relation to the Planes of Mineral, Plant, Animal and Human Mentality and Life, that the black keys on the piano do to the white keys. The white keys are sufficient to produce music, but there are certain scales, melodies, and harmonies, in which the black keys play their part, and in which their presence is necessary. They are also necessary as "connecting links" of soul-condition; entity states, etc. between the several other planes, certain forms of development being attained therein--this last fact giving to the reader who can "read between the lines" a new light upon the processes of Evolution, and a new key to the secret door of the "leaps of life" between kingdom and kingdom. The great kingdoms of Elementals are fully recognized by all occultists, and the esoteric writings are full of mention of them. The readers of Bulwer's "Zanoni" and similar tales will recognize the entities inhabiting these planes of life.
Passing on from the Great Mental Plane to the Great Spiritual Plane, what shall we say? How can we explain these higher states of Being, Life and Mind, to minds as yet unable to grasp and understand the higher sub-divisions of the Plane of Human Mind? The task is impossible. We can speak only in the most general terms. How may Light be described to a man born blind--how sugar, to a man who has never tasted anything sweet--how harmony, to one born deaf?
All that we can say is that the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Spiritual Plane (each Minor Plane having its seven subdivisions) comprise Beings possessing Life, Mind and Form as far above that of man of to-day as the latter is above the earthworm, mineral or even certain forms of Energy or Matter. The Life of these Beings so far transcends ours, that we cannot even think of the details of the same; their minds so far transcend ours, that to them we scarcely seem to "think," and our mental processes seem almost akin to material processes; the Matter of which their forms are composed is of the highest Planes of Matter, nay, some are even said to be "clothed in Pure Energy." What may be said of such Beings?
On the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Spiritual Plane exist Beings of whom we may speak as Angels; Archangels; Demi Gods. On the lower Minor Planes dwell those great souls whom we call Masters and Adepts. Above them come the Great Hierarchies of the Angelic Hosts, unthinkable to man; and above those come those who may without irreverence be called "The Gods," so high in the scale of Being are they, their being, intelligence and power being akin to those attributed by the races of men to their conceptions of Deity. These Beings are beyond even the highest flights of the human imagination, the word "Divine" being the only one applicable to them. Many of these Beings, as well as the Angelic Host, take the greatest interest in the affairs of the Universe and play an important part in its affairs. These Unseen Divinities and Angelic Helpers extend their influence freely and powerfully, in the process of Evolution, and Cosmic Progress. Their occasional intervention and assistance in human affairs have led to the many legends, beliefs, religions and traditions of the race, past and present. They have super-imposed their knowledge and power upon the world, again and again, all under the Law of THE ALL, of course.
But, yet, even the highest of these advanced Beings exist merely as creations of, and in, the Mind of THE ALL, and are subject to the Cosmic Processes and Universal Laws. They are still Mortal. We may call them "gods" if we like, but still. they are but the Elder Brethren of the Race,--the advanced souls who have outstripped their brethren, and who have foregone the ecstasy of Absorption by THE ALL, in order to help the race on its upward journey along The Path. But, they belong to the Universe, and are subject to its conditions--they are mortal--and their plane is below that of Absolute Spirit.
Only the most advanced Hermetists are able to grasp the Inner Teachings regarding the state of existence, and the powers manifested on the Spiritual Planes. The phenomena is so much higher than that of the Mental Planes that a confusion of ideas would surely result from an attempt to describe the same. Only those whose minds have been carefully trained along the lines of the Hermetic Philosophy for years--yes, those who have brought with them from other incarnations the knowledge acquired previously--can comprehend just what is meant by the Teaching regarding these Spiritual Planes. And much of these Inner Teachings is held by the Hermetists as being too sacred, important and even dangerous for general public dissemination. The intelligent student may recognize what we mean by this when we state that the meaning of "Spirit" as used by the Hermetists is akin to "Living Power"; "Animated Force;" "Inner Essence;" "Essence of Life," etc., which meaning must not be confounded with that usually and commonly employed in connection with the term, i. e., "religious; ecclesiastical; spiritual; ethereal; holy," etc., etc. To occultists the word "Spirit" is used in the sense of "The Animating Principle," carrying with it the idea of Power, Living Energy, Mystic Force, etc. And occultists know that that which is known to them as "Spiritual Power" may be employed for evil as well as good ends (in accordance with the Principle of Polarity), a fact which has been recognized by the majority of religions in their conceptions of Satan, Beelzebub, the Devil, Lucifer, Fallen Angels, etc. And so the knowledge regarding these Planes has been kept in the Holy of Holies in all Esoteric Fraternities and Occult Orders,--in the Secret Chamber of the Temple. But this may be said here, that those who have attained high spiritual powers and have misused them, have a terrible fate in store for them, and the swing of the pendulum of Rhythm will inevitably swing them back to the furthest extreme of Material existence, from which point they must retrace their steps Spiritward, along the weary rounds of The Path, but always with the added torture of having always with them a lingering memory of the heights from which they fell owing to their evil actions. The legends of the Fallen Angels have a basis in actual facts, as all advanced occultists know. The striving for selfish power on the Spiritual Planes inevitably results in the selfish soul losing its spiritual balance and falling back as far as it had previously risen. But to even such a soul, the opportunity of a return is given --and such souls make the return journey, paying the terrible penalty according to the invariable Law.
In conclusion we would again remind you that according to the Principle of Correspondence, which embodies the truth: "As Above so Below; as Below, so Above," all of the Seven Hermetic Principles are in full operation on all of the many planes, Physical Mental and Spiritual. The Principle of Mental Substance of course applies to all the planes, for all are held in the Mind of THE ALL. The Principle of Correspondence manifests in all, for there is a correspondence, harmony and agreement between the several planes. The Principle of Vibration manifests on all planes, in fact the very differences that go to make the "planes" arise from Vibration, as we have explained. The Principle of Polarity manifests on each plane, the extremes of the Poles being apparently opposite and contradictory. The Principle of Rhythm manifests on each Plane, the movement of the phenomena having its ebb and flow, rise and flow, incoming and outgoing. The Principle of Cause and Effect manifests on each Plane, every Effect having its Cause and every Cause having its effect. The Principle of Gender manifests on each Plane, the Creative Energy being always manifest, and operating along the lines of its Masculine and Feminine Aspects.
"As Above so Below; as Below, so Above." This centuries old
Hermetic axiom embodies one of the great Principles of Universal Phenomena. As
we proceed with our consideration of the remaining Principles, we will see even
more clearly the truth of the universal nature of third great Principle of
Correspondence.
Modern Science has proven that all that we call Matter and Energy are but "modes of vibratory motion," and some of the more advanced scientists are rapidly moving toward the positions of the occultists who hold that the phenomena of Mind are likewise modes of vibration or motion. Let us see what science has to say regarding the question of vibrations in matter and energy.
In the first place, science teaches that all matter manifests, in some degree, the vibrations arising from temperature or heat. Be an object cold or hot--both being but.degrees of the same things--it manifests certain heat vibrations, and in that sense is. in motion and vibration. Then all particles of Matter are in circular movement, from corpuscle to suns. The planets revolve around suns, and many of them turn on their axes. The suns move around greater central points, and these are believed to move around still greater, and so on, ad infinitum. The molecules of which the particular kinds of Matter are composed are in a state of constant vibration and movement around each other and against each other. The molecules are composed of Atoms, which, likewise, are in a state of constant movement and vibration. The atoms are composed of Corpuscles, sometimes called "electrons," "ions," etc., which also are in a state of rapid motion, revolving around each other, and which manifest a very rapid state and mode of vibration. And, so we see that all forms of Matter manifest Vibration, in accordance with the Hermetic Principle of Vibration.
And so it is with the various forms of Energy. Science teaches that Light, Heat, Magnetism and Electricity are but forms of vibratory motion connected in some way with, and probably emanating from the Ether. Science does not as yet attempt to explain the nature of the phenomena known as Cohesion, which is the principle of Molecular Attraction; nor Chemical Affinity, which is the principle of Atomic Attraction; nor Gravitation (the greatest mystery of the three), which is the principle of attraction by which every particle or mass of Matter is bound to every other particle or mass. These three forms of Energy are not as yet understood by science, yet the writers incline to the opinion that these too are manifestations of some form of vibratory energy, a fact which the Hermetists have held and taught for ages past.
The Universal Ether, which is postulated by science without its nature being understood clearly, is held by the Hermetists to be but a higher manifestation of that which is erroneously called matter--that is to say, Matter at a higher degree of vibration-and is called by them "The Ethereal Substance." The Hermetists teach that this Ethereal Substance is of extreme tenuity and elasticity, and pervades universal space, serving as a medium of transmission of waves of vibratory energy, such as heat, light, electricity, magnetism, etc. The Teachings are that The Ethereal Substance is a connecting link between the forms of vibratory energy known as "Matter" on the one hand, and "Energy or Force" on the other; and also that it manifests a degree of vibration, in rate and mode, entirely its own.
Scientists have offered the illustration of a rapidly moving wheel, top, or cylinder, to show the effects of increasing rates of vibration. The illustration supposes a wheel, top, or revolving cylinder, running at a low rate of speed--we will call this revolving thing "the object" in following out the illustration. Let us suppose the object moving slowly. It may be seen readily, but no sound of its movement reaches the ear. The speed is gradually increased. In a few moments its movement becomes so rapid that a deep growl or low note may be heard. Then as the rate is increased the note rises one in the musical scale. Then, the motion being still further increased, the next highest note is distinguished. Then, one after another, all the notes of the musical .scale appear, rising higher and higher as the motion is increased. Finally when the motions have reached a certain rate the final note perceptible to human ears is reached and the shrill, piercing shriek dies away, and silence follows. No sound is heard from the revolving object, the rate of motion being so high that the human. ear cannot register the vibrations. Then comes the perception of rising degrees of Heat. Then after quite a time the eye catches a glimpse of the object becoming a dull dark reddish color. As the rate increases, the red becomes brighter. Then as the speed is increased, the red melts into an orange. Then the orange melts into a yellow. Then follow, successively, the shades of green, blue, indigo, and finally violet, as the rate of sped increases. Then the violet shades away, and all color disappears, the human eye not being able to register them. But there are invisible rays emanating from the revolving object, the rays that are used in photographing, and other subtle rays of light. Then begin to manifest the peculiar rays known as the "X Rays," etc., as the constitution of the object changes. Electricity and Magnetism are emitted when the appropriate rate of vibration is attained.
When the object reaches a certain rate of vibration its molecules disintegrate, and resolve themselves into the original elements or atoms. Then the atoms, following the Principle of Vibration, are separated into the countless corpuscles of which they are composed. And finally, even the corpuscles disappear and the object may be said to Be composed of The Ethereal Substance. Science does not dare to follow the illustration further, but the Hermetists teach that if the vibrations be continually increased the object would mount up the successive states of manifestation and would in turn manifest the various mental stages, and then on Spiritward, until it would finally re-enter THE ALL, which is Absolute Spirit. The "object," however, would have ceased to be an "object" long before the stage of Ethereal Substance was reached, but otherwise the illustration is correct inasmuch as it shows the effect of constantly increased rates and modes of vibration. It must be remembered, in the above illustration, that at the stages at which the "object" throws off vibrations of light, heat, etc., it is not actually "resolved" into those forms of energy (which are much higher in the scale), but simply that it reaches a degree of vibration in which those forms of energy are liberated, in a degree, from the confining influences of its molecules, atoms and corpuscles, as the case may be. These forms of energy, although much higher in the scale than matter, are imprisoned and confined in the material combinations, by reason of the energies manifesting through, and using material forms, but thus becoming entangled and confined in their creations of material forms, which, to an extent, is true of all creations, the creating force becoming involved in its creation.
But the Hermetic Teachings go much further than do those of modern science. They teach that all manifestation of thought, emotion, reason, will or desire, or any mental state or condition, are accompanied by vibrations, a portion of which are thrown off and which tend to affect the minds of other persons by "induction." This is the principle which produces the phenomena of "telepathy"; mental influence, and other forms of the action and power of mind over mind, with which the general public is rapidly becoming acquainted, owing to the wide dissemination of occult knowledge by the various schools, cults and teachers along these lines at this time.
Every thought, emotion or mental state has its corresponding rate and mode of vibration. And by an effort of the will of the person, or of other persons, these mental states may be reproduced, just as a musical tone may be reproduced by causing an instrument to vibrate at a certain rate -just as color may be reproduced in the same may. By a knowledge of the Principle of Vibration, as applied to Mental Phenomena, one may polarize his mind at any degree he wishes, thus gaining a perfect control over his mental states, moods, etc. In the same way he may affect the minds of others, producing the desired mental states in them. In short, he may be able to produce on the Mental Plane that which science produces on the Physical Plane-namely, "Vibrations at Will." This power of course may be acquired only by the proper instruction, exercises, practice, etc., the science being that of Mental Transmutation, one of the branches of the Hermetic Art.
A little reflection on what we have said will show the student that the
Principle of Vibration underlies the wonderful phenomena of the power manifested
by the Masters and Adepts, who are able to apparently set aside the Laws of
Nature, but who, in reality, are simply using one law against another; one
principle against others; and who accomplish their results by changing the
vibrations of material objects, or forms of energy, and thus perform what are
commonly called "miracles."
As one of the old Hermetic writers has truly said: "He who understands the
Principle of Vibration, has grasped the sceptre of Power."
The great Fourth Hermetic Principle--the Principle of Polarity embodies the truth that all manifested things have "two sides"; "two aspects"; "two poles"; a "pair of opposites," with manifold degrees between the two extremes. The old paradoxes, which have ever perplexed the mind of men, are explained by an understanding of this Principle. Man has always recognized something akin to this Principle, and has endeavored to express it by such sayings, maxims and aphorisms as the following: "Everything is and isn't, at the same time"; "all truths are but half-truths"; "every truth is half-false"; "there are two sides to everything"- "there is a reverse side to every shield," etc., etc. The Hermetic Teachings are to the effect that the difference between things seemingly diametrically opposed to each other is merely a matter of degree. It teaches that "the pairs of opposites may be reconciled,"and that "thesis and anti-thesis are identical in nature, but different in degree"; and that the "universal reconciliation of opposites" is effected by a recognition of this Principle of Polarity. The teachers claim that illustrations of this Principle may be had on every hand, and from an examination into the real nature of anything. They begin by showing that Spirit and Matter are but the two poles of the same thing, the intermediate planes being merely degrees of vibration. They they show that THE ALL and The Many are the same, the difference being merely a matter of degree of Mental Manifestation. Thus the LAW and Laws are the two opposite poles of one thing. Likewise, PRINCIPLE and Principles. Infinite Mind and finite minds.
Then passing on to the Physical Plane, they illustrate the Principle by showing that Heat and Cold are identical in nature, the differences being merely a matter of degrees. The thermometer shows many degrees of temperature, the lowest pole being called "cold," and the highest "heat." Between these two poles are many degrees of "heat" or "cold," call them either and you are equally correct. The higher of two degrees is always "warmer," while the lower is always "colder." There is no absolute standard-all is a matter of degree. There is no place on the thermometer where heat ceases and cold begins. It is all a matter of higher or lower vibrations. The very terms "high" and "low," which we are compelled to use, are but poles of the same thing-the terms are relative. So with "East and West"- travel around the world in an eastward direction, and you reach a point which is called west at your starting point, and you return from that westward point. Travel far enough North, and you will find yourself traveling South, or vice versa.
Light and Darkness are poles of the same thing, with many degrees between them. The musical scale is the same-starting with "C" you move upward until you reach another "C" and so on, the differences between the two ends of the board being the same, with many degrees between the two extremes. The scale of color is the same-higher and lower vibrations being the only difference between high violet and low red. Large and Small are relative. So are Noise and Quiet; Hard and Soft follow the rule. Likewise Sharp and Dull. Positive and Negative are two poles of the same thing, with countless degrees between them.
Good and Bad are not absolute we call one end of the scale Good and the other Bad, or one end Good and the other Evil, according to the use of the terms. A thing is "less good" than the thing higher in the scale; but that "less good" thing, in turn, is "more good" than the thing next below it-and so on, the "more or less" being regulated by the position on the scale.
And so it is on the Mental Plane. "Love and. Hate" are generally regarded as being things diametrically opposed to each other; entirely different; unreconcilable. But we apply the Principle of Polarity; we find that there is no such thing as Absolute Love or Absolute Hate, as distinguished from each other. The two are merely terms applied to the two poles of the same thing. Beginning at any point of the scale we find "more love," or "less hate," as we ascend the scale; and "more hate" or "less love" as we descend this being true no matter from what point, high or low, we may start. There are degrees of Love and Hate, and there is a middle point where "Like and Dislike" become so faint that it is difficult to distinguish between them. Courage and Fear come under the same rule. The Pairs of Opposites exist everywhere. Where you find one thing you find its opposite-the two poles.
And it is this fact that enables the Hermetist to transmute one mental state into another, along the lines of Polarization. Things belonging to different classes cannot be transmuted into each other, but things of the same class may be changed, that is, may have their polarity changed. Thus Love never becomes East or West, or Red or Violet-but it may and often does turn into Hate and likewise Hate may be transformed into Love, by changing its polarity. Courage may be transmuted into Fear, and the reverse. Hard things may be rendered Soft. Dull things become Sharp. Hot things become Cold. And so on, the transmutation always being between things of the same kind of different degrees. Take the case of a Fearful man. By raising his mental vibrations along the line of Fear-Courage, he can be filled with the highest degree of Courage and Fearlessness. And, likewise, the Slothful man may change himself into an Active, Energetic individual simply by polarizing along the lines of the desired quality.
The student who is familiar with the processes by which the various schools of Mental Science, etc., produce changes in the mental states of those following their teachings, may not readily understand the principle underlying- many of these changes. When, however, the Principle of Polarity is once grasped, and it is seen that the mental changes are occasioned by a change of polarity-a sliding along the same scale-the hatter is readily understood. The change is not in the nature of a transmutation of one thing into another thing entirely different-but is merely a change of degree in the same things, a vastly important difference. For instance, borrowing an analogy from the Physical Plane, it is impossible to change Heat into Sharpness, Loudness, Highness, etc., but Heat may readily be transmuted into Cold, simply by lowering the vibrations. In the same way Hate and Love are mutually transmutable; so are Fear and Courage. But Fear cannot be transformed into Love, nor can Courage be transmuted into Hate. The mental states belong to innumerable classes, each class of which has its opposite poles, along which transmutation is possible.
The student will readily recognize that in the mental states, as well as in the phenomena of the Physical Plane, the two poles may be classified as Positive and Negative, respectively. Thus Love is Positive to Hate; Courage to Fear; Activity to Non-Activity, etc., etc. And it will also be noticed that even to those unfamiliar with the Principle of Vibration, the Positive pole seems to be of a higher degree than the Negative, and readily dominates it. The tendency of Nature is in the direction of the dominant activity of the Positive pole.
In addition to the changing of the poles of one's own mental states by the operation of the art of Polarization, the phenomena of Mental Influence, in its manifold phases, shows us that the principle may be extended so as to embrace the phenomena of the influence of one mind over that of another, of which so much has been written and taught of late years. When it is understood that Mental Induction is possible, that is that mental states may be produced by "induction" from others, then we can readily see how a certain rate of vibration, or polarization of a certain mental state, may be communicated to another person, and his polarity in that class of mental states thus changed. It is along this principle that the results of many of the "mental treatments" are obtained. For instance, a person is "blue," melancholy and full of fear. A mental scientist bringing his own mind up to the desired vibration by his trained will, and thus obtaining the desired polarization in his own case, then produces a similar mental state in the other by induction, the result being that the vibrations are raised and the person polarizes toward the Positive end of the scale instead toward the Negative, and his Fear and other negative emotions are transmuted to Courage and similar positive mental states. A little study will show you that these mental changes are nearly all along the line of Polarization, the change being one of degree rather than of kind.
A knowledge of the existence of this great Hermetic Principle will enable the
student to better understand his own mental states, and those of other people.
He will see that these states are all matters of degree, and seeing thus, he
will be able to raise or lower the vibration at will-to change his mental poles,
and thus be Master of his mental states, instead of being their servant and
slave. And by his knowledge he will be able to aid his fellows intelligently and
by the appropriate methods change the polarity when the same is desirable. We
advise all students to familiarize themselves with this Principle of Polarity,
for a correct understanding of the same will throw light on many difficult
subjects.
The great Fifth Hermetic Principle-the Principle of Rhythm-embodies the truth that in everything there is manifested a measured motion; a to-and-from movement; a flow and inflow; a swing forward and backward; a pendulum-like movement; a tide-like ebb and flow; a high-tide and a low-tide; between the two-poles manifest on the physical, mental or spiritual planes. The Principle of rhythm is closely connected with the Principle of Polarity described in the preceding chapter. Rhythm manifests between the two poles established by the Principle of Polarity. This does not mean, however, that the pendulum of Rhythm swings to the extreme poles, for this rarely happens; in fact, it is difficult to establish the extreme polar opposites in the majority of cases. But the swing is ever "toward" first one pole and then the other.
There is always an action and reaction; an advance and a retreat; a rising and sinking; manifested in all of the airs and phenomena of the Universe. Suns, worlds, men, animals, plants, minerals, forces, energy, mind and matter, yes, even Spirit, manifests this Principle. The Principle manifests in the creation and destruction of worlds; in the rise and fall of nations in the life history of all things; and finally in the mental states of Man.
Beginning with the manifestations of Spirit-of THE ALL-it will be noticed that there is ever the Outpouring and the Indrawing; the "Outbreathing and Inbreathing of Brahm," as the Brahmans word it. Universes are created; reach their extreme low point of materiality; and then begin in their upward swing. Suns spring into being, and then their height of power being reached, the process of retrogression begins, and after aeons they become dead masses of matter, awaiting another impulse which starts again their inner energies into activity and a new solar life cycle is begun. And thus it is with all the worlds; they are born, grow and die; only to be reborn. And thus it is with all the things of shape and form; they swing from action to reaction; from birth to death; from activity to inactivity- .and then back again. Thus it is with all living things they are born, grow, and die-and then are reborn. So it is with all great movements, philosophies, creeds, fashions, governments, nations, and all else-birth, growth, maturity, decadence, death-and then new birth. The swing of the pendulum is ever in evidence.
Night follows day; and day night. The pendulum swings from Summer to Winter, and then back again. The corpuscles, atoms, molecules, and all masses of matter, swing around the circle of their nature. There is no such thing as absolute rest, or cessation from movement, and all movement partakes of rhythm. The Principle is of universal application. It may be applied to any question, or phenomena of any of the many planes of life. It may be applied to all phases of human activity.
There is always the Rhythmic swing from one pole to the other. The Universal Pendulum is ever in motion. The Tides of Life flow in and out, according to Law.
The Principle of rhythm is well understood by modern science, and is considered a universal law as applied to material things. But the Hermetists carry the principle much further, and know that its manifestations and influence extend to the mental activities of Man, and that it accounts for the bewildering succession of moods, feelings and other annoying and perplexing changes that we notice in ourselves. But the Hermetists by studying the operations of this Principle have learned to escape some of its activities by Transmutation.
The Hermetic Masters long since discovered that while the Principle of Rhythm was invariable, and ever in evidence in mental phenomena, still there were two planes of its manifestation so far as mental phenomena are concerned. They discovered that there were two general planes of Consciousness, the Lower and the Higher, the understanding of which fact enabled them to rise to the higher plane and thus escape the swing of the Rhythmic pendulum which manifested on the lower plane. In other words, the swing of the pendulum occurred on the Unconscious Plane, and the Consciousness was not affected. This they call the Law of Neutralization. Its operations consist in the raising of the Ego above the vibrations of the Unconscious Plane of mental activity, so that the negative-swing of the pendulum is not manifested in consciousness, and therefore they are not affected. It is akin to rising above a thing and letting it pass beneath you. The Hermetic Master, or advanced student, polarizes himself at the desired pole, and by a process akin to "refusing" to participate in the backward swing or, if you prefer, a "denial" of its influence over him, he stands firm in his polarized position, and allows the mental pendulum to swing back along the unconscious plane. All individuals who have attained any degree of self-mastery, accomplish this, more or less unknowingly, and by refusing to allow their moods and negative mental states to affect them, they apply the Law of Neutralization. The Master, however, carries this to a much higher degree of proficiency, and by the use of his Will he attains a degree of Poise and Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on the part of those who allow themselves to be swung backward and forward by the mental pendulum of moods and feelings.
The importance of this will be appreciated by any thinking person who realizes what creatures of moods, feelings and emotion the majority of people are, and how little mastery of themselves they manifest. If you will stop and consider a moment, you will realize how much these swings of Rhythm have affected you in your life-how a period of Enthusiasm has been invariably followed by an opposite feeling and mood of Depression. Likewise, your moods and periods of Courage have been succeeded by equal moods of Fear. And so it has ever been with the majority of persons-tides of feeling have ever risen and fallen with them, but they have never suspected the cause or reason of the mental phenomena. An understanding of the workings of this Principle will give one the key to the Mastery of these rhythmic swings of feeling, and will enable him to know himself better and to avoid being carried away by these inflows and outflows. The Will is superior to the conscious manifestation of this Principle, although the Principle itself can never be destroyed. We may escape its effects, but the Principle operates, nevertheless. The pendulum ever swings, although we may escape being carried along with it.
There are other features of the operation of this Principle of Rhythm of which we wish to speak at this point. There comes into its operations that which is known as the Law of Compensation. One of the definitions or meanings of the word "Compensate" is ,"to counterbalance" which is the sense in which the Hermetists use the term. It is this Law of Compensation to which the Kybalion refers when it says: " The measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm, compensates."
The Law of Compensation is that the swing in one direction determines the swing in the opposite direction, or to the opposite pole-the one balances, or counterbalances, the other. On the Physical Plane we see many examples of this Law. The pendulum of the clock swings a certain distance to the right, and then an equal distance to the left. The seasons balance each other in the same way. The tides follow the same Law. And the same Law is manifested in all the phenomena of Rhythm. The pendulum, with a short swing in one direction, has but a short swing- in the other; while the long swing to the right invariably means the long swing to the left.
An object hurled upward to a certain height has an equal distance to traverse on its return. The force with which a projectile is sent upward a mile is reproduced when the projectile returns to the earth on its return journey. This Law is constant on the Physical Plane, as reference to the standard authorities will show you.
But the Hermetists carry it still further. They teach that a man's mental
states are subject to the same Law. The man who enjoys keenly, is subject to
keen suffering; while he who feels but little pain is capable of feeling but
little joy. The pig suffers but little mentally, and enjoys but little-he is
compensated. And on the other hand, there are other animals who enjoy keenly,
but whose nervous organism and temperament cause them to suffer exquisite
degrees of pain.and so it is with Man. There are temperaments which permit of
but low degrees of enjoyment, and equally low degrees of suffering; while there
are others which permit the most intense enjoyment, but also the most intense
suffering. The rule is that the capacity for pain and pleasure, in each
individual, are balanced. The Law of Compensation is in full operation here. The Hermetists regard the chain of lives as continuous, and as forming a part
of one life of the individual, so that in consequence the rhythmic swing is
understood in this way, while it would be without meaning unless the truth of
reincarnation is admitted.
But the Hermetists claim that the Master or advanced student is able, to a
great degree, to escape the swing toward Pain, by the process of Neutralization
before mentioned. By rising on to the higher plane of the Ego, much of the
experience that comes to those dwelling on the lower plane is avoided and
escaped.
The Law of Compensation plays an important part in the lives of men and
women. It will be noticed that one generally "pays the price" of
anything he possesses or lacks. If he has one thing, he lacks another-the
balance is struck. No one can "keep his penny and have the bit of
cake" at the same time Everything has its pleasant and unpleasant sides.
The things that one gains are always paid for by the things that one loses.. The
rich possess much that the poor lack, while the poor often possess things that
are beyond the reach of the rich. The millionaire may have the inclination
toward feasting, and the wealth wherewith to secure all the dainties and
luxuries of the table, while he lacks the appetite to enjoy the same; he envies
the appetite and digestion of the laborer who lacks the wealth and inclinations
of the millionaire, and who gets more pleasure from his plain food than the
millionaire could obtain even if his appetite were not jaded, nor his digestion
ruined, for the wants, habits and inclinations differ. And so it is through
life. The Law of Compensation is ever in operation, striving to balance and
counter-balance, and always succeeding in time, even though several lives may be
required for the return swing of the Pendulum of Rhythm.
The Principle of Cause and Effect underlies all scientific thought, ancient
and modern, and was enunciated by. the Hermetic Teachers in the earliest days.
While many and varied disputes between the many schools of thought have since
arisen, these disputes have been principally upon the details of the operations
of the Principle, and still more often upon the meaning of certain words. The
underlying Principle of Cause and Effect has been accepted as correct by
practically all the thinkers of the world worthy of the name. To think otherwise
would be to take the phenomena of the universe from the domain of Law and Order,
and to relegate it; to the control of the imaginary something which men have
called "Chance."
A little consideration will show anyone that there is in reality no such
thing as pure chance. Webster defines the word "Chance" as follows:
"A supposed agent or mode of activity other than a force, law or purpose;
the operation or activity of such agent; the supposed effect of such an agent; a
happening; fortuity; casualty, etc." But a little consideration will show
you that there can be no such agent as "Chance," in the sense of
something outside of Law-something outside of Cause and Effect. How could there
be a something acting in the phenomenal universe, independent of the laws,
order, and continuity of the latter? Such a something would be entirely
independent of the orderly trend of the universe, and therefore superior to it.
We can imagine nothing outside of THE ALL being outside of the Law, and that
only because THE ALL is the LAW in itself. There is no room in the universe for
a something outside of and independent of Law. The existence of such a Something
would render all Natural Laws ineffective, and would plunge the universe into
chaotic disorder and lawlessness. A careful examination will show that what we
call "Chance" is merely an expression relating to obscure causes;
causes that we cannot perceive; causes that we cannot understand. The word
Chance is derived from a word Meaning "to fall" (as the falling of
dice), the idea being that the fall of the dice (and many other happenings) are
merely a "happening" unrelated to any cause. And this is the sense in
which the term is generally employed. But when the matter is closely examined,
it is seen that there is no chance whatsoever about the fall of the dice. Each
time a die falls, and displays a certain number, it obeys a law as infallible as
that which governs the revolution of the planets around the sun. Back of the
fall of the die are causes, or chains of causes, running back further than the
mind can follow. The position of the die in the box; the amount of muscular
energy expended in the throw; the condition of the table, etc., etc., all are
causes, the effect of which may be seen. But back of these seen causes there are
chains of unseen preceding causes, all of which had a bearing upon the number of
the die which fell uppermost.
If a die be cast a great number of times, it will be found that the numbers
shown will be about equal, that is, there will be an equal number of one-spot,
two-spot, etc., coming uppermost. Toss a penny in the air, and it may come down
either "heads" or "tails"; but make a sufficient number of
tosses, and the heads and tails will about even up. This is the operation of the
law of average. But both the average and the single toss come under the Law of
Cause and Effect, and if we were able to examine into the preceding causes, it
would be clearly seen that it was simply impossible for the die to fall other
than it did, under the same circumstances and at the same time. Given the same
causes, the same results will follow. There is always a "cause" and a
"because" to every event. Nothing ever "happens" without a
cause, or rather a chain of causes.
Some confusion has arisen in the minds of persons considering this Principle,
from the fact that they were unable to explain how one thing could cause another
thing-that is, be the "creator" of the second thing. As a matter of
fact, no "thing" ever causes or "creates" another
"thing." Cause and Effect deals merely with "events." An
"event" is that which comes, arrives or happens, as a result or
consequent of some preceding event. No event "creates" another event,
but is merely a preceding link in the great orderly chain of events flowing from
the creative energy of THE ALL. There is a continuity between all events
precedent, consequent and subsequent. There is a relation existing between
everything that has gone before, and everything that follows. A stone is
dislodged from a mountain side and crashes through a roof of a cottage in the
valley below. At first sight we regard this as a chance effect, but when we
examine the matter we find a great chain of causes behind it. In the first place
there was the rain which softened the earth supporting the stone and which
allowed it to fall; then back of that was the influence of the sun, other rains,
etc., which gradually disintegrated the piece of rock from a larger piece; then
there were the causes which led to the formation of the mountain, and its
upheaval by convulsions of nature, and so on ad infinitum. Then we might follow
up the causes behind the rain, etc. Then we might consider the existence of the
roof In short, we would soon find ourselves involved in a mesh of cause and
effect, from which we would soon strive to extricate ourselves.
Just as a man has two parents, and four grandparents, and eight
great-grandparents, and sixteen great-great-grandparents, and so on until when,
say, forty generations are calculated the numbers of ancestors run into many
millions--so it is with the number of causes behind even the most trifling event
or phenomena, such as the passage of a tiny speck of soot before your eye. It is
not an easy matter to trace the bit of soot hack to the early period of the
world's history when it formed a part of a massive tree-trunk, which was
afterward converted into coal, and so on, until as the speck of soot it now
passes before your vision on its way to other adventures. And a mighty chain of
events, causes and effects, brought it to its present condition, and the later
is but one of the chain of events which will go to produce other events hundreds
of years from now. One of the series of events arising from the tiny bit of soot
was the writing of these lines, which caused the typesetter to perform certain
work; the proofreader to do likewise ; and which will arouse certain thoughts in
your mind, and that of others, which in turn will affect others, and so on, and
on, and on, beyond the ability of man to think further-and all from the passage
of a tiny bit of soot, all of which shows the relativity and association of
things, and the further fact that "there is no great; there is no small, in
the mind that causeth all."
Stop to think a moment. If a certain man had not met a certain maid, away
back in the dim period of the Stone Age you who are now reading these lines
would not now be here. And if, perhaps, the same couple had failed to meet, we
who now write these lines would not now be here. And the very act of writing, on
our part, and the act of reading, on yours, will affect not only the respective
lives of yourself and ourselves, but will also have a direct, or indirect,
affect upon many other people now living and who will live in the ages to come.
Every thought we think, every act we perform, has its direct and indirect
results which fit into the great chain of Cause and Effect.
We do not wish to enter into a consideration of Free Will, or Determinism, in
this work, for various reasons.Among the many reasons, is the principal one that
neither side of the controversy is entirely right-in fact, both sides are
partially right, according to the Hermetic Teachings. The Principle of Polarity
shows that both are but Half-Truths the opposing poles of Truth. The Teachings
are that a man may be both Free and yet bound by Necessity, depending upon the
meaning of the terms, and the height of Truth from which the matter is examined.
The ancient writers express.the matter thus: "The further the creation is
from the Centre, the more it is bound; the nearer the Centre it reaches, the
nearer Free is it"
The majority of people are more or less the slaves of heredity, environment,
etc., and manifest very little Freedom. They are swayed by the opinions, customs
and thoughts of the outside world, and also by their emotions, feelings, moods,
etc. They manifest no Mastery, worthy of the name. They indignantly repudiate
this assertion, saying, "Why, I certainly am free to act and do as I
please--I do just what I want to do," but they fail to explain whence arise
the "want to" and "as I please." What makes them "want
to" do one thing in preference to another; what makes them
"please" to do this, and not do that? Is there no "because"
to their "pleasing" and "Wanting"? The Master can change
these "pleases" and "wants" into others at the opposite end
of the mental pole. He is able to "Will to will," instead of to will
because some feeling, mood, emotion,.or environmental suggestion arouses a
tendency or desire within him so to do.
The majority of people are carried along like the falling stone, obedient to
environment, outside influences and internal moods, desires, etc., not to speak
of the desires and wills of others stronger than themselves, heredity,
environment, and suggestion, carrying them along without resistance on their
part, or the exercise of the Will. Moved like the pawns on the checkerboard of
life, they play their parts and are laid aside after the game is over. But the
Masters, knowing the rules of the game, rise above the plane of material life,
and placing themselves in touch with the higher powers of their nature, dominate
their own moods, characters, qualities, and polarity, as well as the environment
surrounding them and thus become Movers in the game, instead of Pawns-Causes
instead of Effects. The Masters do not escape the Causation of the higher
planes, but fall in with the higher laws, and thus master circumstances on the
lower plane. They thus form a conscious part of the Law, instead of being mere
blind instruments. While they Serve on the Higher Planes, they Rule on the
Material Plane.
But, on higher and on lower, the Law is always in operation. There is no such
things as Chance. The blind goddess has been abolished by Reason. We are able to
see now, with eyes made clear by knowledge, that everything is governed by
Universal Law-that the infinite number of laws are but manifestations of the One
Great Law-the LAW which is THE ALL. It is true indeed that not a sparrow drops
unnoticed by the Mind of THE ALL that even the hairs on our head are numbered-as
the scriptures have said There is nothing outside of Law; nothing that happens
contrary to it. And yet, do not make the mistake of supposing that Man is but a
blind automaton-far from that. The Hermetic Teachings are that Man may use Law
to overcome laws, and that the higher will always prevail against the lower,
until at last he has reached t.he stage in which he seeks refuge in the LAW
itself, and laughs the phenomenal laws to scorn. Are you able to grasp the inner
meaning of this?
The word "Gender" is derived from the Latin root meaning "to
beget; to procreate; to generate; to create; to produce." A moment's
consideration will show you that the word has a much broader and more general
meaning than the term "Sex," the latter referring to the physical
distinctions between male and female living things. Sex is merely a
manifestation of.Gender on a certain plane of the Great Physical Plane-the plane
of organic life. We wish to impress this distinction upon your minds, for the
reason that certain writers, who have acquired a smattering of the Hermetic
Philosophy, have sought to identify this Seventh Hermetic Principle with wild
and fanciful, and often reprehensible, theories and teachings regarding Sex.
The office of Gender is solely that of creating, producing, generating, etc.,
and its manifestations are visible on every plane of phenomena. It is somewhat
difficult to produce proofs of this along scientific lines, for the reason that
science has not as yet recognized this Principle as of universal application.
But still some proofs are forthcoming from scientific sources. In the first
place, we find a distinct manifestation of the Principle of Gender among the
corpuscles, ions, or electrons, which constitute the basis of Matter as science
now knows the latter, and which by forming certain combinations form the Atom,
which until lately was regarded as final and indivisible.
The latest word of science is that the atom is composed of a multitude of
corpuscles, electrons, or ions (the various names being applied by different
authorities) revolving around each other and vibrating at a high degree and
intensity. But the accompanying statement is made that the formation of the atom
is really due to the clustering of negative corpuscles around a positive
one---the positive corpuscles seeming to exert a certain influence upon the
negative corpuscles, causing the latter to assume certain combinations and thus
"create" or "generate" an atom. This is in line with the
most ancient Hermetic Teachings, which have always identified the Masculine
principle of Gender with the "Positive," and the Feminine with the
"Negative'" Poles of Electricity (so called). The latest scientific teachings are that the creative corpuscles or electrons
are Feminine (science says "they are composed of negative
electricity"-we say they are composed of Feminine energy). A Feminine
corpuscle becomes detached from, or rather leaves, a Masculine corpuscle, and
starts on a new career. It actively seeks a union with a Masculine corpuscle,
being urged thereto by the natural impulse to create new forms of Matter or
Energy. One writer goes so far as to use the term "it at once seeks, of its
own volition, a union, " etc. This detachment and uniting form the basis of
the greater part of the activities of the chemical world. When the Feminine
corpuscle unites with a Masculine corpuscle, a certain process is begun. The
Feminine particles vibrate rapidly under the influence of the Masculine energy,
and circle rapidly around the latter. The result is the birth of a new atom.
This new atom is really composed of a union of the Masculine and Feminine
electrons, or corpuscles, but when the union is formed the atom is a separate
thing, having certain properties, but no longer manifesting the property of free
electricity. The process of detachment or separation of the Feminine electrons
is called "ionization." These electrons, or corpuscles, are the most
active workers in Nature's field. Arising from their unions, or combinations,
manifest the varied phenomena of light, heat, electricity, magnetism,
attraction, repulsion, chemical affinity and the reverse, and similar phenomena.
And all this arises from the operation of the Principle of Gender on the plane
of Energy.
The part of the Masculine principle seems to be that of directing a certain
inherent energy toward the Feminine principle, and thus starting into activity
the creative processes. But the Feminine principle is the one always doing the
active creative work-and this is so on all planes. And yet, each principle is
incapable of operative energy without the assistance of the other. In some of
the forms of life, the two principles are combined in one organism. For that
matter, everything in the organic world manifests both genders-there is always
the Masculine present in the Feminine form, and the Feminine present in the
Masculine form. The Hermetic Teachings include much regarding the operation of
the two principles of Gender in the production and manifestation of various
forms of energy, etc., but we do not deem it expedient to go into detail
regarding the same at this point, because we are unable to back up the same with
scientific proof, for the reason that science has not as yet progressed thus
far. But the example we have given you of the phenomena of the electrons or
corpuscles will show you that science is on the right path, and will also give
you a general idea of the underlying principles.
Some leading scientific investigators have announced their belief that in the
formation of crystals there was to be found something that corresponded to
" sex activity" which is another straw showing the direction the
scientific winds are blowing. And each year will bring other facts to
corroborate the correctness of the Hermetic Principle of Gender. It will be
found that Gender is in constant operation and manifestation in the field of
inorganic matter, and in the field of Energy or Force. Electricity is now
generally regarded as the "Something" into which all other forms of
energy seem to melt or dissolve. The "Electrical Theory of the
Universe" is the latest scientific doctrine, and is growing rapidly in
popularity and general acceptance. And it thus follows that if we are able to
discover in the phenomena of electricity-even at the very root and source of its
manifestations a clear and unmistakable evidence of the presence of Gender and
its activities, we are justified in asking you to believe that science at last
has offered proofs of the existence in all universal phenomena of that great
Hermetic Principle-the Principle of Gender.
It is not necessary to take up your time with the well known phenomena of the
" "attraction and repulsion" of the atoms; chemical affinity; the
"loves and hates" of the atomic particles; the attraction or cohesion
between the molecules of matter. These facts are too well known to need extended
comment from us. But, have you ever considered that all of these things are
manifestations of the Gender Principle? Can you not see that the phenomena is
"on all fours" with that of the corpuscles or electrons? And more than
this, can you not see the reasonableness of the Hermetic Teachings which assert
that the very Law of Gravitation-that strange attraction by reason of which all
particles and bodies of matter in the universe tend toward each other is but
another manifestation of the Principle of Gender, which operates in the
direction of attracting the Masculine to the Feminine energies, and vice versa?
We cannot offer you scientific proof of this at this time-but examine the
phenomena in the light of the Hermetic Teachings on the subject, and see if you
have not a better working hypothesis than any offered by physical science.
Submit all physical phenomena to the test, and you will discern the Principle of
Gender ever in evidence.
Let us now pass on to a consideration of the operation of the Principle on
the Mental Plane. Many interesting features are there awaiting examination.
The student of the Hermetic Philosophy is tempted to smile when he reads and
hears of these many "new theories" regarding the duality of mind, each
school adhering tenaciously to its own pet theories, and each claiming to have
"discovered the truth." The student turns back the pages of occult
history, and away back in the dim beginnings of occult teachings he finds
references to the ancient Hermetic doctrine of the Principle of Gender on the
Mental Plane-the manifestation of Mental Gender. And examining further he finds
that the ancient philosophy took cognizance of the phenomenon of the "dual
mind," and accounted for it by the theory of Mental Gender. This idea of
Mental Gender may be explained in a few words to students who are familiar with
the modern theories just alluded to. The Masculine Principle of Mind corresponds
to the so-called Objective Mind; Conscious Mind; Voluntary Mind; Active Mind,
etc. And the Feminine Principle of Mind corresponds to the so-called Subjective
Mind; Sub-conscious Mind; Involuntary Mind; Passive Mind, etc. Of course the
Hermetic Teachings do not agree with the many modern theories regarding the
nature of the two phases of mind, nor does it admit many of the facts claimed
for the two respective aspects-some of the said theories and claims being very
far-fetched and incapable of standing the test of experiment and demonstration.
We point to the phases of agreement merely for the purpose of helping the
student to assimilate his previously acquired knowledge with the teachings of
the Hermetic Philosophy. Students of Hudson will notice the statement at the
beginning of his second chapter of :The Law of Psychic Phenomena," that:
"The mystic jargon of the Hermetic philosophers discloses the same general
idea"-i. e., the duality of mind. If Dr. Hudson had taken the time and
trouble to decipher a little of 'the mystic jargon of the Hermetic
Philosophy," he might have received much light upon the subject of
"the dual mind"-but then, perhaps, his most interesting work might not
have been written. Let us now consider the Hermetic Teachings regarding Mental
Gender.
The Hermetic Teachers impart their instruction regarding this subject by
bidding their students examine the report of their consciousness regarding their
Self. The students are bidden to turn their attention inward upon the Self
dwelling within each. Each student is led to see that his consciousness gives
him first a report of the existence of his Self-the report is "I Am."
This at first seems to be the final words from the consciousness, but a little
further examination discloses the fact that this "I Am" may be
separated or split into two distinct parts, or aspects, which while working in
unison and in conjunction, yet, nevertheless, may be separated in consciousness.
While at first there seems to be only an "I" existing, a more
careful and closer examination reveals the fact that there exists an
"I" and a "Me." These mental twins differ in their
characteristics and nature, and an examination of their nature and the phenomena
arising from the same will throw much light upon many of the problems of mental
influence.
Let us begin with a consideration of the Me, which is usually mistaken for
the I by the student, until he presses the inquiry a little further back into
the recesses of consciousness. A man thinks of his Self (in its aspect of Me) as
being composed of certain feelings, tastes likes, dislikes, habits, peculiar
ties, characteristics, etc., all of which go to make up his personality, or the
"Self" known to himself and others. He knows that these emotions and
feelings change; are born and die away; are subject to the Principle of Rhythm,
and the Principle of Polarity, which take him from one extreme of feeling to
another. He also thinks of the "Me" as being certain knowledge
gathered together in his mind, and thus forming a part of himself. This is the
"Me" of a man.
But we have proceeded too hastily. The "Me" of many men may be said
to consist largely of their consciousness of the body and their physical
appetites, etc. Their consciousness being largely bound up with their bodily
nature, they practically "live there." Some men even go so far as to
regard their personal apparel as a part of their "Me" and actually
seem to consider it a part of themselves. A writer has humorously said that
"men consist of three parts-soul, body and clothes." These
"clothes conscious" people would lose their personality if divested of
their clothing by savages upon the occasion of a shipwreck. But even many who
are not so closely bound up with the idea of personal raiment stick closely to
the consciousness of their bodies being their "Me" They cannot
conceive of a Self independent of the body. Their mind seems to them to be
practically "a something belonging to" their body-which in many cases
it is indeed.
But as man rises in the scale of consciousness he is able to disentangle his
"Me" from his idea of body, and is able to think of his body as
"belonging to" the mental part of him. But even then he is very apt to
identify the "Me" entirely with the mental states, feelings, etc.,
Which he feels to exist within him. He is very apt to consider these internal
states as identical with himself, instead of their being simply
"things" produced by some part of his mentality, and existing within
him-of him, and in him, but still not "himself." He sees that he may
change these internal states of feelings by aIl effort of will, and that he may
produce a feeling or state of an exactly opposite nature, in the same way, and
yet the same "Me" exists. And so after a while he is able to set aside
these various mental states, emotions, feelings, habits, qualities,
characteristics, and other personal mental belongings-he is able to set them
aside in the "not-me" collection of curiosities and encumbrances, as
well as valuable possessions. This requires much mental concentration and power
of mental analysis on the part of the student. But still the task is possible
for the advanced student, and even those not so far advanced are able to see, in
the imagination, how the process may be performed.
After this laying-aside process has been performed, the student will find
himself in conscious possession of a "Self" which may be considered in
its "I" and "Me" dual aspects. The "Me" will be
felt to be a Something mental in which thoughts, ideas, emotions, feelings, and
other mental states may be produced. It may be considered as the "mental
womb," as the ancients styled it-capable of generating mental offspring. It
reports to the consciousness as a "Me" with latent powers of creation
and generation of mental progeny of all sorts and kinds. Its powers of creative
energy are felt to be enormous. But still it seems to be conscious that it must
receive some form of energy from either its "I" companion, or else
from some other "I" ere it is able to bring into being its mental
creations. This consciousness brings with it a realization of an enormous
capacity for mental work and creative ability.
But the student soon finds that this is not all that he finds within his
inner consciousness. He finds that there exists a mental Something which is able
to Will that the "Me" act along certain creative lines, and which is
also able to stand aside and witness the mental creation. This part of himself
he is taught to call his "I." He is able to rest in its consciousness
at will. He finds there not a consciousness of an ability to generate and
actively create, in the sense of the gradual process attendant upon mental
operations, but rather a sense and consciousness of an ability to project an
energy from the "I" to the "Me"-a process of
"willing" that the mental creation begin and proceed. He also finds
that the "I" is able to stand aside and witness the operations of the
"Me's" mental creation and generation. There is this dual aspect in
the mind of every person. The "I" represents the Masculine Principle
of Mental Gender-the "Me" represents the Female Principle. The
"I" represents the Aspect of Being; the "Me" the Aspect of
Becoming. You will notice that the Principle of Correspondence operates on this
plane just as it does upon the great plane upon which the creation of Universes
is performed. The two are similar in kind, although vastly different in degree.
"As above, so below; as below, so above."
These aspects of mind-the Masculine and Feminine Principles-the "I"
and the "Me"-considered in connection with the well-known mental and
psychic phenomena, give the master-key to these dimly known regions of mental
operation and manifestation. The principle of Mental Gender gives the truth
underlying the whole field of the phenomena of mental influence, etc.
The tendency of the Feminine Principle is always in the direction of
receiving impressions, while the tendency of the Masculine Principle is always
in the direction of giving, out or expressing . The Feminine Principle has much
more varied field of operation than has the Masculine Principle. The Feminine
Principle conducts the work of generating new thoughts, concepts, ideas,
including the work of the imagination. The Masculine Principle contents itself
with the work of the "Will" in its varied phases. And yet. without the
active aid of the Will of the Masculine Principle, the Feminine Principle is
,apt to rest content with generating mental images which are the result of
impressions received from outside, Instead of producing original mental
creations.
Persons who can give continued attention and thought to a subject actively
employ both of the Mental Principles-the Feminine in the work of the mental
generation, and the Masculine Will in stimulating and energizing the creative
portion of the mind. The majority of persons really employ the Masculine
Principle but little, and are content to live according to the thoughts and
ideas instilled into the"Me" from the "I" of other minds.
But it is not our purpose to dwell upon this phase of the subject, which may be
studied from any good text-book upon psychology, with the key that we have given
you regarding Mental Gender.
The student of Psychic Phenomena is aware of the wonderful phenomena
classified under the head of Telepathy; Thought Transference; Mental Influence;
Suggestion; Hypnotism, etc. Many have sought for an explanation of these varied
phases of phenomena under the theories of the various "dual mind"
teachers. And in a measure they are right, for there is clearly a manifestation
of two distinct phases of mental activity. But if such students will consider
these "dual minds" in the light of the Hermetic Teachings regarding
Vibrations and Mental Gender, they will see that the long sought for key is at
hand. In the phenomena of Telepathy it is seen how the Vibratory Energy of the
Masculine Principle is projected toward the Feminine Principle of another
person, and the latter takes the seed-thought and allows it to develop into
maturity. In the same way Suggestion and Hypnotism operates. The Masculine
Principle of the person giving the suggestions directs a stream of Vibratory
Energy or Will-Power toward the Feminine Principle of the other person, and the
latter accepting it makes it its own and acts and thinks accordingly. An idea
thus lodged in the mind of another person grows and develops, and in time is
regarded as the rightful mental offspring of the individual, whereas it is in
reality like the cuckoo egg placed in the .sparrows nest, where it destroys the
rightful offspring and makes itself at home. The normal method is for the
Masculine and Feminine Principles in a person's mind to co-ordinate and act
harmoniously in conjunction with each other, but, unfortunately, the Masculine
Principle in the average person is too lazy to act-the display of Will-Power is
too slight-and the consequence is that such persons are ruled almost entirely by
the minds and wills of other persons, whom they allow to do their thinking and
willing for them. How few original thoughts or original actions are performed by
the average person? Are not the majority of persons mere shadows and echoes of
others having stronger wills or minds than themselves? The trouble is that the
average person dwells almost altogether in his "Me" consciousness and
does not realize that he has such a thing as an "I" He is polarized in
his Feminine Principle of Mind, and the Masculine Principle, in which is lodged
the Will, is allowed to remain inactive and not employed.
The strong men and women of the world invariably manifest the Masculine
Principle of Will, and their strength depends materially upon this fact. Instead
of living upon the impressions made upon their minds by others, they dominate
their own minds by.their Will, obtaining the kind of mental images desired, and
moreover dominate the minds of others likewise, in the same manner. Look at the
strong people, how they manage to implant their seed-thoughts in the minds of
the masses of the people, thus causing the latter to think thoughts in
accordance with the desires and wills of the strong individuals. This is why the
masses of people are such sheeplike creatures, never originating an idea of
their own, nor using their own powers of mental activity.
The manifestation of Mental Gender may be noticed all around us in everyday
life. The magnetic persons are those who are able to use the Masculine Principle
in the way of impressing their ideas upon others. The actor who makes people
weep or cry as he wills, is employing this principle. and so is the successful
orator, statesman, preacher, writer or other people who are before the public
attention. The peculiar influence exerted by some people over others is due to
the manifestation of Mental Gender. along the Vibrational lines above indicated.
In this principle lies the secret of personal magnetism, personal influence,
fascination, etc., as well as the phenomena generally grouped under the name of
Hypnotism.
The student who has familiarized himself with the phenomena generally spoken
of as "psychic" will have discovered the important part played in the
said phenomena.by that force which science has styled "Suggestion," by
which term is meant the process or method whereby an idea is transferred to, or
"impressed upon" the mind of another, causing the second mind to act
in accordance therewith. A correct understanding of Suggestion is necessary in
order to intelligently comprehend the varied psychical phenomena which
Suggestion underlies. But, still more is a knowledge of Vibration and Mental
Gender necessary for the student of Suggestion. For the whole principle of
Suggestion depends upon the principle of Mental Gender and Vibration.
It is customary for the writers and teachers of Suggestion to explain that it
is the "objective or voluntary" mind which make the mental impression,
or suggestion, upon the "subjective or involuntary" mind. But they do
not describe the process or give us any analogy in nature whereby we may more
readily comprehend the idea. But if you will think of the matter in the light of
the Hermetic Teachings you will be able to see that the energizing of the
Feminine Principle by the Vibratory Energy of the Masculine Principle Is in
accordance to the universal laws of nature, and that the natural world affords
countless analogies whereby the principle may be understood. In fact, the
Hermetic Teachings show that the very creation of the Universe follows the same
law, and that in all creative manifestations, upon the planes of the spiritual,
the mental, and the physical, there 's always in operation this principle of
Gender-this manifestation of the Masculine and the Feminine Principles. "As
above, so below; as below, so above."And more than this, when the principle
of Mental Gender is once grasped and understood, the varied phenomena of
psychology at once becomes capable of intelligent classification and study,
instead of being very much in the dark. The principle "works out" in
practice, because it is based upon the immutable universal laws of life.
We shall not enter into an extended discussion of, or description of, the
varied phenomena of mental influence or psychic activity. There are many books,
many of them quite good, which have been written and published on this subject
of late years. The main facts stated in these various books are correct,
although the several writers have attempted to explain the phenomena by various
pet theories of their own. The student may acquaint himself with these matters,
and by using the theory of Mental Gender he will be able to bring order out of
the chaos of conflicting theory and teachings, and may, moreover, readily make
himself a master of the subject if he be so inclined. The purpose of this work
is not to give an extended account of psychic phenomena but rather to give to
the student a master-key whereby He may unlock the many doors leading into the
parts of the Temple of Knowledge which he may wish to explore. We feel that in
this consideration of the teachings of The Kybalion, one may find an explanation
which will serve to clear away many perplexing difficulties-a key that will
unlock many doors. What is the use of going into detail regarding all of the
many features of psychic phenomena and mental science, provided we place in the
hands of the student the means whereby he may acquaint himself fully regarding
any phase of the subject which may interest him. With the aid of The Kybalion
one may go through any occult library anew, the old Light from Egypt
illuminating many dark pages, and obscure subjects. That is the purpose of this
book. We do not come expounding a new philosophy, but rather furnishing the
outlines of a great world-old teaching which will make clear the teachings of
others-which will serve as a Great Reconciler of differing: theories, and
opposing doctrines.
We give below some of the more important Hermetic Axioms, from The Kybalion,
with a few comments added to each. Make these your own, and practice and use
them, for they are not really your own until you have Used them.
"To change your mood or mental state-change your vibration."--The
Kybalion.
One may change his mental vibrations by an effort of Will, in the direction
of deliberately fixing the Attention upon a more desirable state. Will directs
the Attention, and Attention changes the Vibration. Cultivate the Art of
Attention, means of the Will, and you have solved the secret of the Mastery of
Moods and Mental States.
"To destroy an undesirable rate of mental vibration, put into
operation the principle of Polarity and concentrate upon the opposite pole to
that which you desire to suppress. Kill out the undesirable by changing its
polarity."--The Kybalion
This is one of the most important of the Hermetic Formulas. It is based upon
true scientific principles. We have shown you that a mental state and its
opposite were merely the two poles of one thing, and that by Mental
Transmutation the polarity might be reversed. This Principle is known to modern
psychologists, who apply it to the breaking up of undesirable habits by bidding
their students concentrate upon the opposite quality. If you are possessed of
Fear, do not waste time trying to "kill out" Fear, but instead
cultivate the quality of Courage, and the Fear will disappear. Some writers have
expressed this idea most forcibly by using the illustration of the dark room.
You do not have to shovel out or sweep out the Darkness, but by merely opening
the shutters and letting in the Light the Darkness has disappeared. To kill out
a Negative quality, concentrate upon the Positive Pole of that same quality, and
the vibrations will gradually change from Negative to Positive, until finally
you will become polarized on the Positive pole instead of the Negative. The
reverse is also true, as many have found out to their sorrow, when they have
allowed themselves to vibrate too constantly on the Negative pole of things. By
changing your polarity you may master your moods, change your mental states,
remake your disposition, and build up character. Much of the Mental Mastery of
the advanced Hermetics is due to this application of Polarity, which is one of
the important aspects of Mental Transmutation. Remember the Hermetic Axiom
(quoted previously), which says:
"Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted from state
to state degree to degree. condition to condition pole to pole; vibration to
vibration." --The Kybalion
The mastery of Polarization is the mastery of the fundamental principles of
Mental Transmutation or Mental Alchemy, for unless one acquires the art of
changing his own polarity, he will be unable to affect his environment. An
understanding of this principle will enable one to change his own Polarity, as
well as that of others, if he will but devote the time, care, study and practice
necessary to master the art. The principle is true, but the results obtained
depend upon the persistent patience and practice of the student.
"Rhythm may be neutralized by an application of the Art of
Polarization."--The Kybalion.
As we have explained in previous chapters, the Hermetists hold that the
Principle of Rhythm manifests on the Mental Plane as well as on the Physical
Plane, and that the bewildering succession of moods, feelings, emotions, and
other mental states, are due to the backward and forward swing of the mental
pendulum, which carries us from one extreme of feeling to the other. The
Hermetists also teach that the Law of Neutralization enables one, to a great
extent, to overcome the operation of Rhythm in consciousness. As we have
explained, there is a Higher Plane of Consciousness, as well as the ordinary
Lower Plane, and the Master by rising mentally to the Higher Plane causes the
swing of the mental pendulum to manifest on the Lower Plane, and he, dwelling on
his Higher Plane, escapes the consciousness of the swing backward. This is
effected by polarizing on the Higher Self, and thus raising the mental
vibrations of the Ego above those of the ordinary plane of consciousness. It is
akin to rising above a thing and allowing it to pass beneath you. The advanced
Hermetist polarizes himself at the Positive Pole of his Being-the "I
Am" pole rather than the pole of personality and by "refusing"
and "denying" the operation of Rhythm, raises himself above its plane
of consciousness, and standing firm in his Statement of Being he allows the
pendulum to swing back on the Lower .Plane without changing his Polarity. This
is accomplished by all individuals who have attained any degree of self-mastery,
whether they understand the law or not. Such persons simply "refuse"
to allow themselves to be swung back by the pendulum of mood and emotion, and by
steadfastly affirming the superiority they remain polarized on the Positive
pole. The Master, of course, attains a far greater degree of proficiency,
because he understands the law which he is overcoming by a higher law, and by
the use of his Will he attains a degree of Poise and Mental Steadfastness almost
impossible of belief on the part of those who allow themselves to be swung
backward and forward by the mental pendulum of moods and feelings.
Remember always, however, that you do not really destroy the Principle of
Rhythm, for that is indestructible. You simply overcome one law by
counter-balancing it with another and thus maintain an equilibrium. The laws of
balance and counter-balance are in operation on the mental as well as on the
physical planes, and an understanding of these laws enables one to seem to
overthrow laws, whereas he is merely exerting a counterbalance.
"Nothing escapes the Principle of Cause and Effect, but there are
many Planes of Causation, and one may use the laws of the higher to overcome the
laws of the lower."--The Kybalion
By an understanding of the practice of Polarization, the Hermetists rise to a
higher plane of Causation and thus counter-balance the laws of the lower planes
of Causation. By rising above the plane of ordinary Causes they become
themselves, in a degree, Causes instead of being merely Caused. By being able to
master their own moods and feelings, and by being able to neutralize Rhythm, as
we have already explained, they are able to escape a great part of the
operations of Cause and Effect on the ordinary plane. The masses of people are
carried along, obedient to their environment; the wills and desires of others
stronger than themselves; the effects of inherited tendencies; the suggestions
of those about them; and other outward causes; which tend to move them about on
the chess-board of life like mere pawns. By rising above these influencing
causes, the advanced Hermetists seek a higher plane of mental action, and by
dominating their moods, emotions, impulses and feelings, they create for
themselves new characters, qualities and powers, by which they overcome their
ordinary environment, and thus become practically players instead of mere Pawns.
Such people help to play the game of life understandingly, instead of being
moved about this way and that way by stronger influences and powers and wills.
They use the Principle of Cause and Effect, instead of being used by it. Of
course, even the highest are subject to the Principle as it manifests on the
higher planes, but on the lower planes of activity, they are Masters instead of
Slaves. As The Kybalion says:
"The wise ones serve on the higher, but rule on the lower. They obey
the laws coming from above them, But on their own plane, and those below them
they rule and give orders. And, yet, in so doing, they form a part of the
Principle, instead of opposing it. The wise man falls in with the Law, and by
understanding its movements he operates it instead of being its blind slave.
Just as does the skilled swimmer turn this way and that way, going and coming as
he will, instead of being as the log which is carried here and there-so is the
wise man as compared to the ordinary man-and yet both swimmer and log; wise man
and fool, are subject to Law. He who understands this is well on the road to
Mastery"--The Kybalion.
In conclusion let us again call your attention to the Hermetic Axiom:
"True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art."--The Kybalion.
In the above axiom, the Hermetists teach that the great work of influencing
one's environment is accomplished by Mental Power. The Universe being wholly
mental, it follows that it may be ruled only by Mentality. And in this truth is
to be found an explanation of all the phenomena and manifestations of the
various mental powers which are attracting so much attention and study in these
earlier years of the Twentieth Century. Back of and under the teachings of the
various cults and schools, remains ever constant the Principle of the Mental
Substance of the Universe. If the Universe be Mental in its substantial nature,
then it follows that Mental Transmutation must change the conditions and
phenomena of the Universe. If the Universe is Mental, then Mind must be the
highest power affecting its phenomena. If this be understood then all the
so-called "miracles" and "wonder-workings" are seen plainly
for what they are.
"THE ALL is MIND; The Universe is Mental."--The Kybalion.
CHAPTER XII
"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything
happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are
many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law."--The Kybalion.
The great Sixth Hermetic Principle- -the Principle of Cause and Effect-embodies
the truth that Law pervades the Universe; that nothing happens by Chance that
Chance is merely a term indicating cause existing but not recognized or
perceived that phenomena is continuous, without break or exception.
CHAPTER XIII
"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine
Principles; Gender manifests on all planes."--The Kybalion.
The great Seventh Hermetic Principle-the Principle of Gender-embodies the truth
that there is Gender manifested in everything-that the Masculine and Feminine
principles are ever present and active in all phases of phenomena, on each and
every plane of life. At this point we think it well to call your attention to
the fact that Gender, in its Hermetic sense, and Sex in the ordinarily accepted
use of the term, are not the same.
Now a word at this point regarding this identification. The public mind has
formed an entirely erroneous impression regarding the qualities of the so-called
"Negative" pole of electrified or magnetized Matter. The terms
Positive and Negative are very wrongly applied to this phenomenon by science.
The word Positive means something real and strong, as compared with a Negative
unreality or weakness. Nothing is further from the real facts of electrical
phenomenon. The so-called Negative pole of the battery is really the pole in and
by which the generation or production of new forms and energies is manifested.
There is nothing "negative" about it. The best scientific authorities
now use the word "Cathode" in place of "Negative," the word
Cathode coming from the Greek root meaning "descent; the path of
generation, etc," From the Cathode pole emerge the swarm of electrons or
corpuscles; from the same pole emerge those wonderful "rays" which
have revolutionized scientific conceptions during the past decade. The Cathode
pole is the Mother of all of the strange phenomena which have rendered useless
the old text-books, and which have caused many long accepted theories to be
relegated to the scrap-pile of scientific speculation. The Cathode, or Negative
Pole, is the Mother Principle of Electrical Phenomena, and of the finest forms
of matter as yet known to science. So you see we are justified in refusing to
use the term "Negative" in our consideration of the subject, and in
insisting upon substituting the word "Feminine" for the old term. The
facts of the case bear us out in this, without taking the Hermetic Teachings
into consideration. And so we shall use the word "Feminine" in the
place of "Negative" in speaking of that pole of activity.
CHAPTER XIV
Students of psychology who have followed the modern trend of thought along the
lines of mental phenomena are struck by the persistence of the dual-mind idea
which has manifested itself so strongly during the past ten or fifteen years,
and which has given rise to a number of plausible theories regarding the nature
and constitution of these "two minds." The late Thomson J. Hudson
attained great popularity in 1893 by advancing his well-known theory of the
"objective and subjective minds" which he held existed in every
individual. Other writers have attracted almost equal attention by the theories
regarding the "conscious and sub-conscious minds"; the "voluntary
and involuntary minds"; "the active and passive minds," etc.,
etc. The theories of the various writers differ from each other, but there
remains the underlying principle of "the duality of mind."
CHAPTER XV
"The possession of Knowledge, unless accompanied by a manifestation and
expression in Action, is like the hoarding of precious metals-a vain and foolish
thing. Knowledge, like wealth, is intended for Use. The Law of Use is Universal,
and he who violates it suffers by reason of his conflict with natural
forces."--The Kybalion
The Hermetic Teachings, while always having been kept securely locked up in the
minds of the fortunate possessors thereof, for reasons which we have already
stated, were never intended to be merely stored away and secreted. The Law of
Use is dwelt upon in the Teachings, as you may see by reference to the above
quotation from The Kybalion, which states it forcibly. Knowledge without Use and
Expression is a vain thing, bringing no good to its possessor, or to the race.
Beware of Mental Miserliness, and express into Action that which you have
learned. Study the Axioms and Aphorisms, but practice them also.
