The Need for a Guru
In the spiritual, metaphysical path, various disciplines and exercises are conducted to aid the awakening and the unfoldment of the faculties and virtues of the divinity within. To attune with the Higher Self, one is required to undergo the process of purification and to carry-out meditative exercises. Meditation, concentration, visualizations, chanting, esoteric rituals, and other spiritual disciplines are utilized as aids on the path of spiritual and metaphysical development. In order to tread the metaphysical path a spiritual teacher or Guru is indispensable as a way-shower. The Guru or Adept having been on the spiritual path for many years, or for the greater part of his/her life, or even for several lifetimes is qualified to guide the enthusiastic aspirant. Treading the spiritual path alone without outside assistance and guidance is a difficult task. Only a few great souls are able to do this. However, it should be noted that according to tradition and occult revelation, even great souls like Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad had Guru-Chela relationships with Spiritual Masters, both physical and non-physical. External spiritual preceptors are here to “push” or motivate the aspirant, just as the inner divine Master is present within our beings to “pull” us inwards, to help us gravitate towards the Inner Light.
Learning from books has its disadvantages; firstly, one is unable to bask in the presence of a Guru. A genuine Guru radiates powerful energies that stimulate slumbering souls in his immediate vicinity. The Master’s aura prompts the energy-level of those around him to step-up in frequency. By constantly being in the presence of a Guru one gradually transforms one’s microcosmic vehicles to a higher expression. One accelerates spiritually by being in the proximity of a Spiritual Preceptor. It is like a magnet that induces iron bits to become magnetized just as it is simply by the association.
Secondly, books do not provide all of the keys or knowledge necessary that would open metaphysical doorways to higher worlds or to higher states of awareness. Many keys are omitted in books. Thirdly, books hardly present a two-way interaction that a Guru-Chela relationship offers. From these three points (and there are more) it can be seen how necessary it is to have a Way-Shower. Genuine spiritual/metaphysical teachers are not easily found or met. One meets a real Spiritual Guide partially because of spiritual merit. There is an occult saying, “When the student is ready the Master appears.” The student has to prepare himself for the Master’s advent by attaining a certain soul-level, by spiritual works and study. It should be realized, however, that those individuals passing themselves off as Spiritual Gurus and Metaphysical Masters are hardly what they claim themselves to be. Here lies the problem for the occult tyro–how to discern the true Master from the “false prophet,” or the wolf in sheep clothing and the true Shepherd of the Spirit.
In the traditional teachings of Christianity we are told that St.Peter, one of the Apostles of Christ, guards the portals to the Kingdom of Heaven. He holds within his hands various keys that would unlock the gate and allow the soul to pass the threshold and enter into a world of heavenly delight, to a land where one could pluck and eat the fruits of the Tree of Life. The average Christian interprets this teaching literally. In truth, this is merely an allegory, an esoteric precept referring to the principle that a Spiritual Guru or Murshid, (St.Peter) is necessary to guide one’s spiritual development. The Spiritual Guru holds and preserves the keys of metaphysical (mystical/magickal) development. By applying the keys (the cosmic laws and spiritual principles) that the Guru transmits to his disciples, it would be possible to acquire a spiritual consciousness (the Kingdom of Heaven) and consume the fruits of the Tree of Life (a constant awareness of one’s immortality).
In the early days of Christianity, “priests” functioned as Gurus and not merely as preachers. In the centuries that followed, the priesthood lost the keys to Heaven because of their corruption and degeneration. They subsequently grew envious of those that did possess the keys, the gnosis or spiritual, esoteric knowledge. This was one of the factors that instigated the attack of the orthodoxy upon the Christian sects called Gnostics. These Gnostics were the custodians of the secret, esoteric, spiritual teachings of the Essenes, the Master Jesus and the other divine avatars.
Now it should be realized that not all Spiritual Gurus are of the same evolutionary level. They are of various initiatory grades. Some Gurus offer their services specifically to the masses, to the average person on the street; others are here on the physical plane to help higher-evolved persons, or those of disciple status to attain the first and second planetary initiation. Rarely do we find Gurus who are real Adepts and Masters guiding those who have heard the call of the soul to attain liberation, enlightenment, and the ascension. Each person who is interested in metaphysical and spiritual culture will find himself at the doorstep of the Guru most appropriate to his present state of soul development. When he grows spiritually to a certain point with the guidance of his Preceptor, he may eventually find himself being led to other Gurus of a higher grade or different ray-ashram for further esoteric instructions or for developing a different soul-quality..
Metaphysical Development
In the Path of metaphysical development it would be advantageous and worthwhile for the spiritual aspirant to study the spiritual teachings of various religions and philosophies. Anything that would help refine one’s soul-character and expand one’s metaphysical knowledge is beneficial. The student should be equally comfortable studying the teachings of Alchemy or Zen. By the exploring of various teachings we do not imply that one should build one’s spiritual philosophy upon the foundation of syncretism. This would hardly work if we strive to integrate the superficial, dogmatic aspects of religion. What we would like students of metaphysics to probe is the essence or core of religions, back to the source of all religions, or to the Gupta Vidya–the Ageless Teachings. In the Old Testament, for instance, we were admonished by God to walk the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16). This “ancient path” is an esoteric term for the Ageless teachings, or the Ancient Wisdom. Followers of the “New Age” movement may consider the revelations received through the phenomenon of “channeling” as something novel; however, the essence of what is revealed is nothing new and is to be found in the spiritual teachings of all ancient cultures. We admonish the novice not to focus on or speculate too much upon what lies above in the cosmos. It really does not matter what or who lies “up there,” whether it is “Ashtar,” “Kryon,” or the “Pleaidians,” or any other beings flitting around in their merkabah vehicles; what really matters is what lies within you. Pay attention to that, to the task at hand. Improve your character, your spirituality, your evolutionary status, and your awareness. Unfold unconditional love and compassion. Beware of self-complacency and arrogance, thinking that you know everything, or more than others.
The first step of spiritual unfoldment is the purification of the lower aspects of the microcosm of all psychical and physical toxins, negative energies, psychological complexes and fixations, karmic effects, record, and memory; and the transcendence of the false ego. Not only should these unwanted energies be discarded or transmuted, the spiritual aspirant should also be vigilant that they no longer be generated by the mind and emotions or attracted into the microcosmic force-field by establishing a point of attraction through negative thinking and feeling. Conversely, the aspirant should strive to express the divine qualities of the Spirit, such as compassion, tolerance, affection, beauty, order, generosity, selflessness, etc. In Patanjali’s Yogic philosophy these two steps are called Yama and Niyama. They comprise the dos and the don’ts in religious moral teachings.
According to Patanjali’s metaphysical system of development, breathing and physical exercises should next be conducted to maintain healthy and vital bodies. These are called Pranayama and Asana, respectively. Pranayama actually means the control of the life-force within the physical/etheric body, and not to the control of the breath as some occultists would have us believe. Asana means “body-position.” In Hatha yoga we are taught various asanas to help maintain a supple, healthy, vital body. Although beneficial to a certain degree, in our metaphysical system of development we do not stress Hatha yoga too much for this form of yoga actually belongs to the Lemurian Age (the Third Race) where physical cultivation was the basis of spiritual unfoldment. In the days of Atlantis (the Fourth Race), it was Bhakti yoga that was of certain importance, for it helped cultivated the emotional nature. In our present Aryan Age (the Fifth Race), Raja yoga is indispensable for it aids in the development of our mental nature. Metaphysical development should therefore, be concentrated more upon the mental/spiritual plane for it is the most appropriate for our present Soul-Race. Below is a tabulation and clarification of the above information:
1) The First Race — Polarian – No yogas, involutionary race.
2) The Second Race – Hyperborean – No yogas, involutionary race.
3) The Third Race – Lemurian – Hatha yoga, related to the physical/etheric principle.
4) The Fourth Race – Atlantean – Bhakti yoga, related to the emotional/astral principle.
5) The Fifth Race – Aryan – Raja yoga, related to the mental principle.
6) The Sixth Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Buddhic principle.
7) The Seventh Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Atmic principle.
But to return from our digression:
Following Pranayama and Asana is Pratyahara, or the withdrawing of the senses from external stimuli. This act of withdrawing the senses results in Dharana, a deep concentration upon some inner point within the consciousness. Deep and intense concentration of a lengthy period establishes the state of Dhyana, or meditation. The culmination of the Dhyana-state is Samadhi, or a higher form of consciousness where one experiences the state of bliss and peace. There are various consciousness levels in Samadhi; for simplicity sake we may designate them as “Christ Consciousness” and “Cosmic Consciousness.” The former is related to the Soul-Consciousness of the Higher Self, or the threefold aspects of the Soul–the Higher Mental, Buddhi, and Atma. The latter on the other hand, is related to the Spirit-Consciousness of the Monad, the Divine Spark within the microcosm. The eight steps of the above are often called the “Eight-limbs of Patanjali.”
In metaphysical development we strive to attain ever higher states of consciousness or awareness. In mystical teachings this is often illustrated as a climb towards a mountain peak and we are often advised by mystics to climb the highest mountain. In Holy Scriptures, when the tale is told of mystics “going up” to the mountains to pray and meditate actually refers to an inner ascent in the consciousness and not to an actual physical journey.
In the early stages of metaphysical development it is advisable for the neophyte to introspect and reflect upon the various elements forming his present desires, motivations, ideals, attitudes, beliefs, and feelings–all of the psychological stuff forming his world-view, his belief-framework, his religious-view, and his understanding of life as a whole, as well as its purport. There is much that we take for granted, much that we assume to be true because humanity as a whole or certain groups of humanity have believed in them for centuries. We have been taught many things as “truths” by our elders, our religious leaders, and pedagogues and we accept them at face value without any meaningful effort in reflecting whether they are of any real substance whatsoever. This the neophyte has to rectify first and foremost in his consciousness. The beginner in metaphysical development has to know why he is on the physical plane and for what Cosmic purpose. He has to discover the meta-philosophical truths concerning life and death, and the real reason why he embarks upon metaphysical study. In short, the neophyte has to awaken himself from his ignorance at the first Cosmic level. Until he realizes that in his present condition he knows nothing, the neophyte has not yet arrived at the state where he may acquire true knowledge.
Metaphysical development entails getting rid of the demons of the mind, the idols that drains one’s energies. Idols are not simply statues made of wood and stone; they may be anything at all. Idols at our present stage of soul-unfoldment are glamours and illusions of the psyche. We may define idols do be anything that distracts the soul from carrying-out its evolutionary obligations. Thus, television or the obsession of psychic powers may be considered as idols, and irresponsible Gurus teaching psychicism sans spiritual unfoldment as fabricators of idols. This in fact is one of the avenues of dis-service (dark services) offered by the Fallen Angels. In Islamic tradition Harut and Marut were the two Fallen Angels that taught humanity psychicism/occultism irresponsibly. Low-calibre paranormals and metaphysicians perpetrate this shameful tradition.
Nowadays, people who are interested in psychicism are so eager to unfold paranormal powers. It should be realized that this is not a spiritual goal, because sometime and somewhere along the spiritual path psychic powers would have to be renounced as they simply blind our inner eyes to the spiritual state of Light-Consciousness, symbolized by the saviour-gods in the world mythologies. Psychicism prolongs our needless stay in the lower dimensions. Psychic powers may corrupt the human soul.
Getting rid of or destroying idols is not an easy task. In order to do this we need the help of the Christ-Krishna force, or the light of Muhammad. Invoke their power into your lives; pay more attention to their presence until the intrusion of the demonic idols lose their power and hold over you. In the end you will truly become a holy one, unattached and untainted by anything of this world–”to be in this world but not of it.”
[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]
Copyright © 2006 Luxamore
The Need for a Guru
In the spiritual, metaphysical path, various disciplines and exercises are conducted to aid the awakening and the unfoldment of the faculties and virtues of the divinity within. To attune with the Higher Self, one is required to undergo the process of purification and to carry-out meditative exercises. Meditation, concentration, visualizations, chanting, esoteric rituals, and other spiritual disciplines are utilized as aids on the path of spiritual and metaphysical development. In order to tread the metaphysical path a spiritual teacher or Guru is indispensable as a way-shower. The Guru or Adept having been on the spiritual path for many years, or for the greater part of his/her life, or even for several lifetimes is qualified to guide the enthusiastic aspirant. Treading the spiritual path alone without outside assistance and guidance is a difficult task. Only a few great souls are able to do this. However, it should be noted that according to tradition and occult revelation, even great souls like Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad had Guru-Chela relationships with Spiritual Masters, both physical and non-physical. External spiritual preceptors are here to “push” or motivate the aspirant, just as the inner divine Master is present within our beings to “pull” us inwards, to help us gravitate towards the Inner Light.
Learning from books has its disadvantages; firstly, one is unable to bask in the presence of a Guru. A genuine Guru radiates powerful energies that stimulate slumbering souls in his immediate vicinity. The Master’s aura prompts the energy-level of those around him to step-up in frequency. By constantly being in the presence of a Guru one gradually transforms one’s microcosmic vehicles to a higher expression. One accelerates spiritually by being in the proximity of a Spiritual Preceptor. It is like a magnet that induces iron bits to become magnetized just as it is simply by the association.
Secondly, books do not provide all of the keys or knowledge necessary that would open metaphysical doorways to higher worlds or to higher states of awareness. Many keys are omitted in books. Thirdly, books hardly present a two-way interaction that a Guru-Chela relationship offers. From these three points (and there are more) it can be seen how necessary it is to have a Way-Shower. Genuine spiritual/metaphysical teachers are not easily found or met. One meets a real Spiritual Guide partially because of spiritual merit. There is an occult saying, “When the student is ready the Master appears.” The student has to prepare himself for the Master’s advent by attaining a certain soul-level, by spiritual works and study. It should be realized, however, that those individuals passing themselves off as Spiritual Gurus and Metaphysical Masters are hardly what they claim themselves to be. Here lies the problem for the occult tyro–how to discern the true Master from the “false prophet,” or the wolf in sheep clothing and the true Shepherd of the Spirit.
In the traditional teachings of Christianity we are told that St.Peter, one of the Apostles of Christ, guards the portals to the Kingdom of Heaven. He holds within his hands various keys that would unlock the gate and allow the soul to pass the threshold and enter into a world of heavenly delight, to a land where one could pluck and eat the fruits of the Tree of Life. The average Christian interprets this teaching literally. In truth, this is merely an allegory, an esoteric precept referring to the principle that a Spiritual Guru or Murshid, (St.Peter) is necessary to guide one’s spiritual development. The Spiritual Guru holds and preserves the keys of metaphysical (mystical/magickal) development. By applying the keys (the cosmic laws and spiritual principles) that the Guru transmits to his disciples, it would be possible to acquire a spiritual consciousness (the Kingdom of Heaven) and consume the fruits of the Tree of Life (a constant awareness of one’s immortality).
In the early days of Christianity, “priests” functioned as Gurus and not merely as preachers. In the centuries that followed, the priesthood lost the keys to Heaven because of their corruption and degeneration. They subsequently grew envious of those that did possess the keys, the gnosis or spiritual, esoteric knowledge. This was one of the factors that instigated the attack of the orthodoxy upon the Christian sects called Gnostics. These Gnostics were the custodians of the secret, esoteric, spiritual teachings of the Essenes, the Master Jesus and the other divine avatars.
Now it should be realized that not all Spiritual Gurus are of the same evolutionary level. They are of various initiatory grades. Some Gurus offer their services specifically to the masses, to the average person on the street; others are here on the physical plane to help higher-evolved persons, or those of disciple status to attain the first and second planetary initiation. Rarely do we find Gurus who are real Adepts and Masters guiding those who have heard the call of the soul to attain liberation, enlightenment, and the ascension. Each person who is interested in metaphysical and spiritual culture will find himself at the doorstep of the Guru most appropriate to his present state of soul development. When he grows spiritually to a certain point with the guidance of his Preceptor, he may eventually find himself being led to other Gurus of a higher grade or different ray-ashram for further esoteric instructions or for developing a different soul-quality..
Metaphysical Development
In the Path of metaphysical development it would be advantageous and worthwhile for the spiritual aspirant to study the spiritual teachings of various religions and philosophies. Anything that would help refine one’s soul-character and expand one’s metaphysical knowledge is beneficial. The student should be equally comfortable studying the teachings of Alchemy or Zen. By the exploring of various teachings we do not imply that one should build one’s spiritual philosophy upon the foundation of syncretism. This would hardly work if we strive to integrate the superficial, dogmatic aspects of religion. What we would like students of metaphysics to probe is the essence or core of religions, back to the source of all religions, or to the Gupta Vidya–the Ageless Teachings. In the Old Testament, for instance, we were admonished by God to walk the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16). This “ancient path” is an esoteric term for the Ageless teachings, or the Ancient Wisdom. Followers of the “New Age” movement may consider the revelations received through the phenomenon of “channeling” as something novel; however, the essence of what is revealed is nothing new and is to be found in the spiritual teachings of all ancient cultures. We admonish the novice not to focus on or speculate too much upon what lies above in the cosmos. It really does not matter what or who lies “up there,” whether it is “Ashtar,” “Kryon,” or the “Pleaidians,” or any other beings flitting around in their merkabah vehicles; what really matters is what lies within you. Pay attention to that, to the task at hand. Improve your character, your spirituality, your evolutionary status, and your awareness. Unfold unconditional love and compassion. Beware of self-complacency and arrogance, thinking that you know everything, or more than others.
The first step of spiritual unfoldment is the purification of the lower aspects of the microcosm of all psychical and physical toxins, negative energies, psychological complexes and fixations, karmic effects, record, and memory; and the transcendence of the false ego. Not only should these unwanted energies be discarded or transmuted, the spiritual aspirant should also be vigilant that they no longer be generated by the mind and emotions or attracted into the microcosmic force-field by establishing a point of attraction through negative thinking and feeling. Conversely, the aspirant should strive to express the divine qualities of the Spirit, such as compassion, tolerance, affection, beauty, order, generosity, selflessness, etc. In Patanjali’s Yogic philosophy these two steps are called Yama and Niyama. They comprise the dos and the don’ts in religious moral teachings.
According to Patanjali’s metaphysical system of development, breathing and physical exercises should next be conducted to maintain healthy and vital bodies. These are called Pranayama and Asana, respectively. Pranayama actually means the control of the life-force within the physical/etheric body, and not to the control of the breath as some occultists would have us believe. Asana means “body-position.” In Hatha yoga we are taught various asanas to help maintain a supple, healthy, vital body. Although beneficial to a certain degree, in our metaphysical system of development we do not stress Hatha yoga too much for this form of yoga actually belongs to the Lemurian Age (the Third Race) where physical cultivation was the basis of spiritual unfoldment. In the days of Atlantis (the Fourth Race), it was Bhakti yoga that was of certain importance, for it helped cultivated the emotional nature. In our present Aryan Age (the Fifth Race), Raja yoga is indispensable for it aids in the development of our mental nature. Metaphysical development should therefore, be concentrated more upon the mental/spiritual plane for it is the most appropriate for our present Soul-Race. Below is a tabulation and clarification of the above information:
1) The First Race — Polarian – No yogas, involutionary race.
2) The Second Race – Hyperborean – No yogas, involutionary race.
3) The Third Race – Lemurian – Hatha yoga, related to the physical/etheric principle.
4) The Fourth Race – Atlantean – Bhakti yoga, related to the emotional/astral principle.
5) The Fifth Race – Aryan – Raja yoga, related to the mental principle.
6) The Sixth Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Buddhic principle.
7) The Seventh Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Atmic principle.
But to return from our digression:
Following Pranayama and Asana is Pratyahara, or the withdrawing of the senses from external stimuli. This act of withdrawing the senses results in Dharana, a deep concentration upon some inner point within the consciousness. Deep and intense concentration of a lengthy period establishes the state of Dhyana, or meditation. The culmination of the Dhyana-state is Samadhi, or a higher form of consciousness where one experiences the state of bliss and peace. There are various consciousness levels in Samadhi; for simplicity sake we may designate them as “Christ Consciousness” and “Cosmic Consciousness.” The former is related to the Soul-Consciousness of the Higher Self, or the threefold aspects of the Soul–the Higher Mental, Buddhi, and Atma. The latter on the other hand, is related to the Spirit-Consciousness of the Monad, the Divine Spark within the microcosm. The eight steps of the above are often called the “Eight-limbs of Patanjali.”
In metaphysical development we strive to attain ever higher states of consciousness or awareness. In mystical teachings this is often illustrated as a climb towards a mountain peak and we are often advised by mystics to climb the highest mountain. In Holy Scriptures, when the tale is told of mystics “going up” to the mountains to pray and meditate actually refers to an inner ascent in the consciousness and not to an actual physical journey.
In the early stages of metaphysical development it is advisable for the neophyte to introspect and reflect upon the various elements forming his present desires, motivations, ideals, attitudes, beliefs, and feelings–all of the psychological stuff forming his world-view, his belief-framework, his religious-view, and his understanding of life as a whole, as well as its purport. There is much that we take for granted, much that we assume to be true because humanity as a whole or certain groups of humanity have believed in them for centuries. We have been taught many things as “truths” by our elders, our religious leaders, and pedagogues and we accept them at face value without any meaningful effort in reflecting whether they are of any real substance whatsoever. This the neophyte has to rectify first and foremost in his consciousness. The beginner in metaphysical development has to know why he is on the physical plane and for what Cosmic purpose. He has to discover the meta-philosophical truths concerning life and death, and the real reason why he embarks upon metaphysical study. In short, the neophyte has to awaken himself from his ignorance at the first Cosmic level. Until he realizes that in his present condition he knows nothing, the neophyte has not yet arrived at the state where he may acquire true knowledge.
Metaphysical development entails getting rid of the demons of the mind, the idols that drains one’s energies. Idols are not simply statues made of wood and stone; they may be anything at all. Idols at our present stage of soul-unfoldment are glamours and illusions of the psyche. We may define idols do be anything that distracts the soul from carrying-out its evolutionary obligations. Thus, television or the obsession of psychic powers may be considered as idols, and irresponsible Gurus teaching psychicism sans spiritual unfoldment as fabricators of idols. This in fact is one of the avenues of dis-service (dark services) offered by the Fallen Angels. In Islamic tradition Harut and Marut were the two Fallen Angels that taught humanity psychicism/occultism irresponsibly. Low-calibre paranormals and metaphysicians perpetrate this shameful tradition.
Nowadays, people who are interested in psychicism are so eager to unfold paranormal powers. It should be realized that this is not a spiritual goal, because sometime and somewhere along the spiritual path psychic powers would have to be renounced as they simply blind our inner eyes to the spiritual state of Light-Consciousness, symbolized by the saviour-gods in the world mythologies. Psychicism prolongs our needless stay in the lower dimensions. Psychic powers may corrupt the human soul.
Getting rid of or destroying idols is not an easy task. In order to do this we need the help of the Christ-Krishna force, or the light of Muhammad. Invoke their power into your lives; pay more attention to their presence until the intrusion of the demonic idols lose their power and hold over you. In the end you will truly become a holy one, unattached and untainted by anything of this world–”to be in this world but not of it.”
[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]
Copyright © 2006 Luxamore
The Need for a Guru
In the spiritual, metaphysical path, various disciplines and exercises are conducted to aid the awakening and the unfoldment of the faculties and virtues of the divinity within. To attune with the Higher Self, one is required to undergo the process of purification and to carry-out meditative exercises. Meditation, concentration, visualizations, chanting, esoteric rituals, and other spiritual disciplines are utilized as aids on the path of spiritual and metaphysical development. In order to tread the metaphysical path a spiritual teacher or Guru is indispensable as a way-shower. The Guru or Adept having been on the spiritual path for many years, or for the greater part of his/her life, or even for several lifetimes is qualified to guide the enthusiastic aspirant. Treading the spiritual path alone without outside assistance and guidance is a difficult task. Only a few great souls are able to do this. However, it should be noted that according to tradition and occult revelation, even great souls like Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad had Guru-Chela relationships with Spiritual Masters, both physical and non-physical. External spiritual preceptors are here to “push” or motivate the aspirant, just as the inner divine Master is present within our beings to “pull” us inwards, to help us gravitate towards the Inner Light.
Learning from books has its disadvantages; firstly, one is unable to bask in the presence of a Guru. A genuine Guru radiates powerful energies that stimulate slumbering souls in his immediate vicinity. The Master’s aura prompts the energy-level of those around him to step-up in frequency. By constantly being in the presence of a Guru one gradually transforms one’s microcosmic vehicles to a higher expression. One accelerates spiritually by being in the proximity of a Spiritual Preceptor. It is like a magnet that induces iron bits to become magnetized just as it is simply by the association.
Secondly, books do not provide all of the keys or knowledge necessary that would open metaphysical doorways to higher worlds or to higher states of awareness. Many keys are omitted in books. Thirdly, books hardly present a two-way interaction that a Guru-Chela relationship offers. From these three points (and there are more) it can be seen how necessary it is to have a Way-Shower. Genuine spiritual/metaphysical teachers are not easily found or met. One meets a real Spiritual Guide partially because of spiritual merit. There is an occult saying, “When the student is ready the Master appears.” The student has to prepare himself for the Master’s advent by attaining a certain soul-level, by spiritual works and study. It should be realized, however, that those individuals passing themselves off as Spiritual Gurus and Metaphysical Masters are hardly what they claim themselves to be. Here lies the problem for the occult tyro–how to discern the true Master from the “false prophet,” or the wolf in sheep clothing and the true Shepherd of the Spirit.
In the traditional teachings of Christianity we are told that St.Peter, one of the Apostles of Christ, guards the portals to the Kingdom of Heaven. He holds within his hands various keys that would unlock the gate and allow the soul to pass the threshold and enter into a world of heavenly delight, to a land where one could pluck and eat the fruits of the Tree of Life. The average Christian interprets this teaching literally. In truth, this is merely an allegory, an esoteric precept referring to the principle that a Spiritual Guru or Murshid, (St.Peter) is necessary to guide one’s spiritual development. The Spiritual Guru holds and preserves the keys of metaphysical (mystical/magickal) development. By applying the keys (the cosmic laws and spiritual principles) that the Guru transmits to his disciples, it would be possible to acquire a spiritual consciousness (the Kingdom of Heaven) and consume the fruits of the Tree of Life (a constant awareness of one’s immortality).
In the early days of Christianity, “priests” functioned as Gurus and not merely as preachers. In the centuries that followed, the priesthood lost the keys to Heaven because of their corruption and degeneration. They subsequently grew envious of those that did possess the keys, the gnosis or spiritual, esoteric knowledge. This was one of the factors that instigated the attack of the orthodoxy upon the Christian sects called Gnostics. These Gnostics were the custodians of the secret, esoteric, spiritual teachings of the Essenes, the Master Jesus and the other divine avatars.
Now it should be realized that not all Spiritual Gurus are of the same evolutionary level. They are of various initiatory grades. Some Gurus offer their services specifically to the masses, to the average person on the street; others are here on the physical plane to help higher-evolved persons, or those of disciple status to attain the first and second planetary initiation. Rarely do we find Gurus who are real Adepts and Masters guiding those who have heard the call of the soul to attain liberation, enlightenment, and the ascension. Each person who is interested in metaphysical and spiritual culture will find himself at the doorstep of the Guru most appropriate to his present state of soul development. When he grows spiritually to a certain point with the guidance of his Preceptor, he may eventually find himself being led to other Gurus of a higher grade or different ray-ashram for further esoteric instructions or for developing a different soul-quality..
Metaphysical Development
In the Path of metaphysical development it would be advantageous and worthwhile for the spiritual aspirant to study the spiritual teachings of various religions and philosophies. Anything that would help refine one’s soul-character and expand one’s metaphysical knowledge is beneficial. The student should be equally comfortable studying the teachings of Alchemy or Zen. By the exploring of various teachings we do not imply that one should build one’s spiritual philosophy upon the foundation of syncretism. This would hardly work if we strive to integrate the superficial, dogmatic aspects of religion. What we would like students of metaphysics to probe is the essence or core of religions, back to the source of all religions, or to the Gupta Vidya–the Ageless Teachings. In the Old Testament, for instance, we were admonished by God to walk the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16). This “ancient path” is an esoteric term for the Ageless teachings, or the Ancient Wisdom. Followers of the “New Age” movement may consider the revelations received through the phenomenon of “channeling” as something novel; however, the essence of what is revealed is nothing new and is to be found in the spiritual teachings of all ancient cultures. We admonish the novice not to focus on or speculate too much upon what lies above in the cosmos. It really does not matter what or who lies “up there,” whether it is “Ashtar,” “Kryon,” or the “Pleaidians,” or any other beings flitting around in their merkabah vehicles; what really matters is what lies within you. Pay attention to that, to the task at hand. Improve your character, your spirituality, your evolutionary status, and your awareness. Unfold unconditional love and compassion. Beware of self-complacency and arrogance, thinking that you know everything, or more than others.
The first step of spiritual unfoldment is the purification of the lower aspects of the microcosm of all psychical and physical toxins, negative energies, psychological complexes and fixations, karmic effects, record, and memory; and the transcendence of the false ego. Not only should these unwanted energies be discarded or transmuted, the spiritual aspirant should also be vigilant that they no longer be generated by the mind and emotions or attracted into the microcosmic force-field by establishing a point of attraction through negative thinking and feeling. Conversely, the aspirant should strive to express the divine qualities of the Spirit, such as compassion, tolerance, affection, beauty, order, generosity, selflessness, etc. In Patanjali’s Yogic philosophy these two steps are called Yama and Niyama. They comprise the dos and the don’ts in religious moral teachings.
According to Patanjali’s metaphysical system of development, breathing and physical exercises should next be conducted to maintain healthy and vital bodies. These are called Pranayama and Asana, respectively. Pranayama actually means the control of the life-force within the physical/etheric body, and not to the control of the breath as some occultists would have us believe. Asana means “body-position.” In Hatha yoga we are taught various asanas to help maintain a supple, healthy, vital body. Although beneficial to a certain degree, in our metaphysical system of development we do not stress Hatha yoga too much for this form of yoga actually belongs to the Lemurian Age (the Third Race) where physical cultivation was the basis of spiritual unfoldment. In the days of Atlantis (the Fourth Race), it was Bhakti yoga that was of certain importance, for it helped cultivated the emotional nature. In our present Aryan Age (the Fifth Race), Raja yoga is indispensable for it aids in the development of our mental nature. Metaphysical development should therefore, be concentrated more upon the mental/spiritual plane for it is the most appropriate for our present Soul-Race. Below is a tabulation and clarification of the above information:
1) The First Race — Polarian – No yogas, involutionary race.
2) The Second Race – Hyperborean – No yogas, involutionary race.
3) The Third Race – Lemurian – Hatha yoga, related to the physical/etheric principle.
4) The Fourth Race – Atlantean – Bhakti yoga, related to the emotional/astral principle.
5) The Fifth Race – Aryan – Raja yoga, related to the mental principle.
6) The Sixth Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Buddhic principle.
7) The Seventh Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Atmic principle.
But to return from our digression:
Following Pranayama and Asana is Pratyahara, or the withdrawing of the senses from external stimuli. This act of withdrawing the senses results in Dharana, a deep concentration upon some inner point within the consciousness. Deep and intense concentration of a lengthy period establishes the state of Dhyana, or meditation. The culmination of the Dhyana-state is Samadhi, or a higher form of consciousness where one experiences the state of bliss and peace. There are various consciousness levels in Samadhi; for simplicity sake we may designate them as “Christ Consciousness” and “Cosmic Consciousness.” The former is related to the Soul-Consciousness of the Higher Self, or the threefold aspects of the Soul–the Higher Mental, Buddhi, and Atma. The latter on the other hand, is related to the Spirit-Consciousness of the Monad, the Divine Spark within the microcosm. The eight steps of the above are often called the “Eight-limbs of Patanjali.”
In metaphysical development we strive to attain ever higher states of consciousness or awareness. In mystical teachings this is often illustrated as a climb towards a mountain peak and we are often advised by mystics to climb the highest mountain. In Holy Scriptures, when the tale is told of mystics “going up” to the mountains to pray and meditate actually refers to an inner ascent in the consciousness and not to an actual physical journey.
In the early stages of metaphysical development it is advisable for the neophyte to introspect and reflect upon the various elements forming his present desires, motivations, ideals, attitudes, beliefs, and feelings–all of the psychological stuff forming his world-view, his belief-framework, his religious-view, and his understanding of life as a whole, as well as its purport. There is much that we take for granted, much that we assume to be true because humanity as a whole or certain groups of humanity have believed in them for centuries. We have been taught many things as “truths” by our elders, our religious leaders, and pedagogues and we accept them at face value without any meaningful effort in reflecting whether they are of any real substance whatsoever. This the neophyte has to rectify first and foremost in his consciousness. The beginner in metaphysical development has to know why he is on the physical plane and for what Cosmic purpose. He has to discover the meta-philosophical truths concerning life and death, and the real reason why he embarks upon metaphysical study. In short, the neophyte has to awaken himself from his ignorance at the first Cosmic level. Until he realizes that in his present condition he knows nothing, the neophyte has not yet arrived at the state where he may acquire true knowledge.
Metaphysical development entails getting rid of the demons of the mind, the idols that drains one’s energies. Idols are not simply statues made of wood and stone; they may be anything at all. Idols at our present stage of soul-unfoldment are glamours and illusions of the psyche. We may define idols do be anything that distracts the soul from carrying-out its evolutionary obligations. Thus, television or the obsession of psychic powers may be considered as idols, and irresponsible Gurus teaching psychicism sans spiritual unfoldment as fabricators of idols. This in fact is one of the avenues of dis-service (dark services) offered by the Fallen Angels. In Islamic tradition Harut and Marut were the two Fallen Angels that taught humanity psychicism/occultism irresponsibly. Low-calibre paranormals and metaphysicians perpetrate this shameful tradition.
Nowadays, people who are interested in psychicism are so eager to unfold paranormal powers. It should be realized that this is not a spiritual goal, because sometime and somewhere along the spiritual path psychic powers would have to be renounced as they simply blind our inner eyes to the spiritual state of Light-Consciousness, symbolized by the saviour-gods in the world mythologies. Psychicism prolongs our needless stay in the lower dimensions. Psychic powers may corrupt the human soul.
Getting rid of or destroying idols is not an easy task. In order to do this we need the help of the Christ-Krishna force, or the light of Muhammad. Invoke their power into your lives; pay more attention to their presence until the intrusion of the demonic idols lose their power and hold over you. In the end you will truly become a holy one, unattached and untainted by anything of this world–”to be in this world but not of it.”
[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]
Copyright © 2006 Luxamore
Climbers trying to scale a mountain need to know what its characteristics are and the level of difficulty involved for a successful climb. This is why mountains have a rating system for climbing. For beginner climbers and climb leaders, this is one of the most important technical information about mountain climbing that they should learn. The rating system is a widely accepted grading method that tells a climber the level of skill and stamina required to scale a particular mountain for free climbing. The system rating also varies from one country to another. There are several types of mountain climbing rating systems, including the Ewbank, UIAA, French and British and Irish. Ewbank Developed by John Ewbank, the Ewbank system was originally intended to provide a rating for the difficulty level of individual moves required for a climb. These days, other considerations are included, such as technical difficulty, strenuousness, exposure and protection levels. This is a system that is used in countries like South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. UIAA The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) is a rating system used for Austria and Western Germany. The French rating system is used in France, Italy and Spain. You probably might encounter this system for especially difficult climbs. British and Irish The British rating system uses the technical grading and the adjectival grading. The technical grading establishes the level of movement difficulties required for the climb and the adjectival grading rates the general difficulty level. It uses the same system as the French rating and grades are often prefixed with ‘F’. An adjectival rating system indicates the general difficulty assessment of a climb. Essentially, it consists of: M – Moderate D/Diff – Difficult VD/VDiff – Very Difficult HVD – Hard Very Difficult S – Severe HS – Hard Severe VS – Very Severe HVS – Hard Very Severe E1, E2, E3, E4, etc. – Extremely Very Severe. This is also an open-ended rating, although the latest climb with the hardest grade is at E11. A confirmed climb graded with the highest difficulty so far is E9. In case you’re wondering, ‘E’ for Easy is hardly used as an adjectival rating for mountain climbing. Also, if you looked in some guidebooks, you might find more detailed descriptions to rate a climb, such as ‘Mild Severe’ or ‘Mild Difficult’. These are used to include several factors that could vary such as conditions from the ground and on different elevations. The YDS The YDS or the Yosemite Decimal System was developed particularly for mountain climbing in the Sierra Nevada. It consists of the climbing grade, class and protection, although usage for the latter two varies. This is the rating system that is used in North America and often consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the class while the second indicates the level of difficulty. The grade indicates the approximate number of hours that a normal climb requires and is often used for mountaineering. This isn’t used for shorter rock climbs. Grade I – requires 1-2 hours Grade II – less than 1/2 day Grade III – one-half day Grade IV – one day climb Grade V – two days Grade VI – more than two days Grade VII – one week or more The YDS Class indicates the technical difficulty of a climb. Class 1 – indicates a mountain climb that is good for trail walking, with a small chance of sustaining a fall or injury that is fatal. Class 2 – indicates a mountain that is possibly steep and requires some scrambling, especially off-trail. A Class 2 climb can mean that a climber will need to use his hands or a tool like an ice axe for balance or to pull himself up. This class also indicates a greater chance of sustaining a severe injury, although it’s still not considered fatal. Class 3 – means that the mountain climb will require hand and foot holds and tools such as crampons and ice axes. The use of ropes may also be indicated. Class 4 – requires ropes and anchored belays. Otherwise, falls could prove fatal to the climber. Class 5 – not only requires ropes and anchored belays but also protection points, spread intermittently throughout the climb. This can also indicate increasing difficulty as the climb progresses. Class 5 also indicates rock climbing on a nearly vertical or vertical rock. The protection rating used by the YDS is often optional, but it is quite useful when trying to determine the requirement for protection quality and spacing during a climb. G – stands for Good, indicating solid protection. PG – is Pretty Good, with a few sections where placements are either non-existent or poor at best. R – is Runout, meaning some placements are spaced far apart X -means no protection and that the climb is very dangerous Some guidebooks list a rating system for a climb in extremely detailed figures, such as 4.5, 5.2 or 5.6 that’s why climbers need to study the rating systems used in a particular area to familiarize themselves. It is also important to note that improvements in climbing gear and equipment and increase in climbing standards also meant that a climb rated with a high level of difficulty may currently be recognized as a moderate climb. These are some slight changes that mountain climbers should be aware of. For successful and safe mountain climbing, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself with the rating system used. Wherever you are in the world, you will know what to expect and be prepared for your climb.