KYBALION
A STUDY OF THE HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY OF ANCIENT
BY
THREE INITIATES
"THE LIPS OF WISDOM ARE CLOSED, EXCEPT TO THE EARS OF
UNDERSTANDING"--THE KYBALION
THE
CHICAGO, ILL.
COPYRIGHT
1912
YOGI PUBLICATION SOCIETY
COPYRIGHT, 194O
TO HERMES TRIMESGISTUS
KNOWN BY THE ANCIENT
EGYPTIANS AS
"THE GREAT GREAT"
AND
"MASTER OF MASTERS"
THIS LITTLE VOLUME OF HERMETIC TEACHINGS IS
REVERENTLY DEDICATED
Introduction
I.
Hermetic Philosophy
II.
Seven Hermetic Principles
III
Mental Transmutation
IV. The
All
V The Mental
Universe
VI. The
Divine Paradox
VII.
''The All'' in All
VIII.
Planes of Correspondence
IX
Vibration
X
Polarity
XI
Rhythm
XII
Causation
XIII
Gender
XIV
Mental Gender
XV.
Hermetic Axioms
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
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
From the land of the
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 pllilosophy 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
therm 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.
CPAPTER I
THE HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY
"The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of
Understanding".....The Kybalion.
From old
In ancient
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
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 resuit 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
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 KYBALOIN
"When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips
to fill them with Wisdom." --THE KYBALOIN
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 !
THE SEVEN HERMETIC PRINCIPLES
"The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these,
understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose touch all the Doors of
the Temple fly open".--THE KYBALION"
The Seven Hermetic Principles, upon which the entire Hermetic Philosophy is
based, are as follows:
I THE PRINCIPLE OF MENTALISM.
II THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDENCE
III THE PRINCIPLE OF VIBRATION.
IV THE PRINCIPLE OF POLARITY.
V THE PRINCIPLE OF RHYTHM.
VI THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT.
VII THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER.
These Seven Principles will be discussed and explained as we proceed with these
lessons. A short explanation of each, however, may as well be given at this
point
I. THE PRINCIPLE OF MENTALISM
"THE ALL IS MIND; The Universe is Mental."--The Kybalion.
This Principle embodies the truth that "All is Mind." It explains
that THE ALL (which is the Substantial Reality underlying all the outward
manifestations and appearances which we know under the terms of "The
Material Universe"; the "Phenomena of Life"; "Matter";
"Energy"; and, in short, all that is apparent to our material senses)
is SPIRIT which in itself is UNKNOWABLE and UNDEFINABLE, but which may be
considered and thought of as AN UNIVERSAL, INFINITE, LIVING MIND. It also
explains that all the phenomenal world or universe is simply a Mental Creation
of THE ALL, subject to the Laws of Created Things, and that the universe, as a
whole, and in its parts or units, has its existence in the Mind of THE ALL, in
which Mind we "live and move and have our being." This Principle, by
establishing the Mental Nature of the Universe, easly explains all of the
varied mental and psychic phenomena that occupy such a large portion of the
public attention, and which, without such explanation, are non-understandable
and defy scientific treatment. An understanding of this great Hermetic
Principle of Mentalism enables the individual to readily grasp the laws of the
Mental Universe, and to apply the same to his well-being and advancement. The
Hermetic Student is enabled to apply intelligently the great Mental Laws,
instead of using them in a haphazard manner. With the Master-Key in his
possession, the student. may unlock the many doors of the mental and psychic
temple of knowledge, and enter the same freely and intelligently. This
Principle explains the true nature of "Energy," "Power,"
and "Matter," and why and how all these are subordinate to the
Mastery of Mind. One of the old Hermetic Masters wrote, long ages ago: "He
who grasps the truth of the Mental Nature of the Universe is well advanced on
The Path to Mastery." And these words are as true to-day as at the time
they were first written. Without this Master-Key, Mastery is impossible, and
the student knocks in vain at the many doors of The Temple.
II. THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDENCE
"As above, so below; as below, so above."--The Kybalion.
This Principle embodies the truth that there is always a Correspondence between
the laws and phenomena of the various planes of Being and Life. The old
Hermetic axiom ran in these words: "As above, so below; as below, so
above." and the grasping of this Principle gives one the means of solving
many a dark paradox, and hidden secret of Nature. There are planes beyond our
knowing, but when we apply the Principle of Correspondence to them we are able
to understand much that would otherwise be unknowable to us. This Principle is
of universal application and manifestation, on the various planes of the
material, mental, and spiritual universe--it is an Universal Law. The ancient
Hermetists considered this Principle as one of the most important mental
instruments by which man was able to pry aside the obstacles which hid from
view the Unknown. Its use even tore aside the Veil of Isis to the extent that a
glimpse of the face of the goddess might be caught. Just as a knowledge of the
Principles of Geometry enables man to measure distant suns and their movements,
while seated in his observatory, so a knowledge of the Principle of
Correspondence enables Man to reason intelligently from the Known to the
Unknown. Studying the monad, he understands the archangel.
III. THE PRINCIPLE OF VIBRATION
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." --The
Kybalion.
This Principle embodies the truth that "everything is in motion";
"everything vibrates"; "nothing is at rest"; facts which
Modern Science endorses, and which each new scientific discovery tends to
verify. And yet this Hermetic Principle was enunciated thousands of years ago,
by the Masters of Ancient Egypt. This Principle explains that the differences
between different manifestations of Matter, Energy, Mind, and even Spirit,
result largely from varying rates of Vibration. From THE ALL, which is Pure
Spirit, down to the grossest form of Matter, all is in vibration--the higher
the vibration, the higher the position in the scale. The vibration of Spirit is
at such an infinite rate of intensity and rapidity that it is practically at
rest-just as a rapidly moving wheel seems to be motionless. And at the other
end of the scale, there are gross forms of matter whose vibrations are so low
as to seem at rest. Between these poles, there are millions upon millions of
varying degrees of vibration. From corpuscle and electron, atom and molecule,
to worlds and universes, everything is in vibratory motion. This is also true
on the planes of energy and force (which are but varying degrees of vibration);
and also on the mental planes (whose states depend upon vibrations); and even
on to the spiritual planes. An understanding of this Principle, with the
appropriate formulas, enables Hermetic students to control their own mental
vibrations as well as those of others. The Masters also apply this Principle to
the conquering of Natural phenomena, in various ways. "He who understands
the Principle of Vibration, has grasped the sceptre of power," says one of
the old writers.
ID. THE PRINCIPLE OF POLARITY
"Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of
opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but
different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all
paradoxes may be reconciled."--The Kybalion.
This Principle embodies the truth that "everything is dual";
"everything has two poles"; "everything has its pair of
opposites," all of which were old Hermetic axioms. It explains the old
paradoxes, that have perplexed so many, which have been stated as follows:
"Thesis and antithesis are identical in nature, but different in
degree"; "opposites are the same, differing only in degree";
"the pairs of opposites may be reconciled"; "extremes
meet"; "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," etc., etc., etc. It explains
that in everything there are two poles, or opposite aspects, and that
"opposites" are really only the two extremes of the same thing, with
many varying degrees between them. To illustrate: Heat and Cold, although
"opposites," are really the same thing, the differences consisting
merely of degrees of the same thing. Look at your thermometer and see if you
can discover where "heat" terminates and "cold" beginsl
There is no such thing as "absolute heat" or "absolute
cold"--the two terms "heat" and "cold" simply indicate
varying degrees of the same thing, and that 'same thing" which manifests
as "heat' and 'cold" is merely a form, variety, and rate of
Vibration. So "heat" and "cold" are simply the "two
poles' of that which we call "Heat"--and the phenomena attendant
thereupon are manifestations of the Principle of Polarity. The same Principle
manifests in the case of "Light and Darkness," which are the same
thing, the difference consisting of varying degrees between the two poles of
the phenomena. Where does "darkness" leave off, and "light"
begin? What is the difference between "Large and Small"? Between
"Hard and Soft"? Between "Black and White"? Between
"Sharp and Dull"? Between "Noise and Quiet"? Between
"High and Low"? Between "Positive and Negative"? The
Principle of Polarity explains these paradoxes, and no other Principle can
supersede it. The same Principle operates on the Mental Plane. Let us take a
radical and extreme example-that of "Love and Hate," two mental
states apparently totally different. And yet there are degrees of Hate and
degrees of Love, and a middle point in which we use the terms "Like or
Dislike," which shade into each other so gradually that sometimes we are
at a loss to know whether we "like" or "dislike" or
"neither." And all are simply degrees of the same thing, as you will
see if you will but think a moment. And, more than this (and considered of more
importance by the Hermetists), it is possible to change the vibrations of Hate
to the vibrations of Love, in one's own mind, and in the minds of others. Many
of you, who read these lines, have had personal experiences of the involuntary
rapid transition from Love to Hate, and the reverse, in your own case and that
of others. And you will therefore realize the possibility of this being
accomplished by the use of the Will, by means of the Hermetic formulas.
"Good and Evil" are but the poles of the same thing, and the
Hermetist understands the art of transmuting Evil into Good, by means of an
application of the Principle of Polarity. In short, the "Art of Polarization
becomes a phase of "Mental Alchemy" known and practiced by the
ancient and modern Hermetic Masters. An understanding of the Principle will
enable one to change his own Polarity, as well as that of others, if he will
devote the time and study necessary to master the art.
V. THE PRINCIPLE OF RHYTHM
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things
rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the
swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm
compensates."--The Kybalion
This Principle embodies the truth that in everything there is manifested a
measured motion, to and fro; a flow and inflow; a swing backward and forward; a
pendulum-like movement; a tide-like ebb and flow; a high-tide and low-tide;
between the two poles which exist in accordance with the Principle of Polarity
described a moment ago. There is always an action and a reaction; an advance
and a retreat; a rising and a sinking. This is in the affairs of the Universe, suns,
worlds, men, animals, mind, energy, and matter. This law is manifest in the
creation and destruction of worlds; in the rise and fall of nations; in the
life of all things; and finally in the mental states of Man (and it is with
this latter that the Hermetists find the understanding of the Principle most
important). The Hermetists have grasped this Principle, finding its universal
application, and have also discovered certain means to overcome its effects in
themselves by the use of the appropriate formulas and methods. They apply the
Mental Law of Neutralization. They cannot annul the Principle, or cause it to
cease its operation, but they have learned how to escape its effects upon
themselves to a certain degree depending upon the Mastery of the Principle.
They have learned how to USE it, instead of being USED BY it. In this and
similar methods, consist the Art of the Hermetists. The Master of Hermetics
polarizes himself at the point at which he desires to rest, and then
neutralizes the Rhythmic swing of the pendulum which would tend to carry him to
the other pole. All individuals who have attained any degree of Self-Mastery do
this to a certain degree, more or less unconsciously, but the Master does this
consciously, and by the use of his Will, and attains a degree of Poise and
Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on the part of the masses who are
swung backward and forward like a pendulum. This Principle and that of Polarity
have been closely studied by the Hermetists, and the methods of counteracting,
neutralizing, and USING them form an important part of the Hermetic Mental
Alchemy
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.
VII. THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER
"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine
Principles; Gender manifests on all planes."--The Kybalion.
This Principle embodies the truth that there is GENDER manifested in
everything--the Masculine and Feminine Principles ever at work. This is true
not only of the Physical Plane, but of the Mental and even the Spiritual
Planes. On the Physical Plane, the Principle manifests as SEX, on the higher
planes it takes higher forms, but the Principle is ever the same. No creation,
physical, mental or spiritual, is possible without this Principle. An understanding
of its laws will throw light on many a subject that has perplexed the minds of
men. The Principle of Gender works ever in the direction of generation,
regeneration, and creation. Everything, and every person, contains the two
Elements or Principles, or this great Principle, within it, him or her. Every
Male thing has the Female Element also; every Female contains also the Male
Principle. If you would understand the philosophy of Mental and Spiritual
Creation, Generation, and Re-generation, you must understand and study this
Hermetic Principle. It contains the solution of many mysteries of Life. We
caution you that this Principle has no reference to the many base, pernicious
and degrading lustful theories, teachings and practices, which are taught under
fanciful titles, and which are a prostitution of the great natural principle of
Gender. Such base revivals of the ancient infamous forms of Phallicism tend to
ruin mind, body and soul, and the Hermetic Philosophy has ever sounded the
warning note against these degraded teachings which tend toward lust,
licentiousness, and perversion of Nature's principles. If you seek such
teachings, you must go elsewhere for them--Hermeticism contains nothing for you
along these lines. To the pure, all things are pure; to the base, all things
are base.
MENTAL TRANSMUTATION
"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. True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art."--The
Kybalion.
As we have stated, the Hermetists were the original alchemists, astrologers,and
psychologists, Hermes having been the founder of these schools of thought. From
astrology has grown modern astronomy; from alchemy has grown modern chemistry;
from the mystic psychology has grown the modern psychology of the schools. But
it must not be supposed that the ancients were ignorant of that which the
modern schools suppose to be their exclusive and special property. The records
engraved on the stones of Ancient Egypt show conclusively that the ancients had
a full comprehensive knowledge of astronomy, the very building of the Pyramids
showing the connection between their design and the study of astronomical
science. Nor were they ignorant of Chemistry, for t.he fragments of the ancient
writings show that they were acquainted with the chemical properties of things;
in fact, the ancient theories regarding physics are being slowly verified by the
latest discoveries of modern science, notably those relating to the
constitution of matter. Nor must it be supposed that they were ignorant of the
so-called modern discoveries in psychology--on the contrary, the Egyptians were
especially skilled in the science of Psychology, particularly in the branches
that the modern schools ignore, but which, nevertheless, are being uncovered
under the name of "psychic science" which is perplexing the
psychologists of to-day, and making them reluctantly admit that "there may
be something in it after all."
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.
THE ALL
"Under, and back of, the Universe of Time, Space and Change, is ever to
be found The Substantial Reality --the Fundamental Truth."--The
Kybalion.
"Substance" means: "that which underlies all outward
manifestations; the essence; the essential reality; the thing in itself,"
etc. "Substantial" means : "actually existing; being the
essential element; being real," etc. "Reality" means:" the
state of being real; true, enduring; valid; fixed; permanent; actual,"
etc.
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!
THE MENTAL UNIVERSE
"The Universe is Mental--held in the Mind of THE ALL."--The
Kybalion.
THE ALL is SPIRIT! But what is Spirit? This question cannot be answered, for
the reason that its definition is practically that of THE ALL, which cannot be
explained or defined. Spirit is simply a name that men give to the highest
conception of Infinite Living Mind--it means "the Real Essence"--it
means Living Mind, as much superior to Life and Mind as we know them, as the
latter are superior to mechanical Energy and Matter. Spirit transcends our
understanding, and we use the term merely that we may think or speak of THE
ALL. For the purposes of thought and understanding, we are justified in
thinking of Spirit as Infinite Living Mind, at the same time acknowledging that
we cannot fully understand it. We must either do this or stop thinking of the
matter at all.
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
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
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 '
"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.
THE DIVINE PARADOX
"The half-wise, recognizing the comparative unreality of the Universe,
imagine that they may defy its Laws--such are vain and presumptuous fools, and
they are broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements by reason of
their folly. The truly wise, knowing the nature of the Universe, 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. 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. Transmutation, not presumptuous
denial, is the weapon of the Master."--The Kybalion.
This is the Paradox of the Universe, resulting from the Principle of Polarity
which manifests when THE ALL begins to Create--hearken to it for it points the
difference between half-wisdom and wisdom. While to THE INFINITE ALL, the
Universe, its Laws, its Powers, its life, its Phenomena, are as things
witnessed in the state of Meditation or Dream; yet to all that is Finite, the
Universe must be treated as Real, and life, and action, and thought, must be
based thereupon, accordingly, although with an ever understanding of the Higher
Truth. Each according to its own Plane and Laws. Were THE ALL to imagine that
the Universe were indeed Reality, then woe to the Universe, for there would be
then no escape from lower to higher, divineward--then would the Universe become
a fixity and progress would become impossible. And if Man, owing to
half-wisdom, acts and lives and thinks of the Universe as merely a dream (akin
to his own finite dreams) then indeed does it so become for him, and like a
sleep-walker he stumbles ever around and around in a circle, making no
progress, and being forced into an awakening at last by his falling bruised and
bleeding over the Natural Laws which he ignored. keep your mind ever on the
Star, but let your eyes watch over your footsteps, lest you fall into the mire
by reason of your upward gaze. Remember the Divine Paradox, that while the
Universe IS NOT, still IT IS. Remember ever the Two Poles of Truth the Absolute
and the Relative. Beware of Half-Truths.
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
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
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
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.
"THE ALL" IN ALL
"While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in ALL. To
him who truly understands this truth hath come great knowledge." --The
Kybalion
How often have the majority of people heard repeated the statement that their
Deity (called by many names) was "All in All" and how little have
they suspected the inner occult truth concealed by these carelessly uttered words?
The commonly used expression is a survival of the ancient. Hermetic Maxim
quoted above. as the Kybalion says: "To him who truly understands this
truth, hath come great knowledge." And, this being so, let us seek this
truth, the understanding of which means so much. In this statement of
truth--this Hermetic Maxim--is concealed one of the greatest philosophical,
scientific and religious truths.
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."
THE PLANES OF CORRESPONDENCE
"As above, so below; as below, so above."--The Kybalion.
The great Second Hermetic Principle embodies the truth that there is a harmony,
agreement, and correspondence between the several planes of Manifestation, Life
and Being. This truth is a truth because all that is included in the Universe
emanates from the same source, and the same laws, principles, and
characteristics apply to each unit, or combination of unit, of activity, as
each manifests its own phenomena upon its own plane.
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) 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
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.
VIBRATION
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."--The
Kybalion.
The great Third Hermetic Principle--the Principle of Vibration--embodies the
truth that Motion is manifest in everything in the Universe--that nothing is at
rest--that everything moves, vibrates, and circles. This Hermetic Principle was
recognized by some of the early Greek philosophers who embodied it in their
systems. But, then, for centuries it was lost sight of by the thinkers outside
of the Hermetic ranks. But in the Nineteenth Century physical science
re-discovered the truth and the Twentieth Century scientific discoveries have
added additional proof of the correctness and truth of this centuries-old
Hermetic doctrine. The Hermetic Teachings are that not only is everything in
constant movement and vibration, but that the "differences" between
the various manifestations of the universal power are due entirely to the
varying rate and mode of vibrations. Not only this, but that even THE ALL, in
itself, manifests a constant vibration of such an infinite degree of intensity
and rapid motion that it may be practically considered as at rest, the teachers
directing the attention of the students to the fact that even on the physical
plane a rapidly moving object (such as a revolving wheel) seems to be at rest.
The Teachings are to the effect that Spirit is at one end of the Pole of
Vibration, the other Pole being certain extremely gross forms of Matter.
Between these two poles are millions upon millions of different rates and modes
of vibration.
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."
POLARITY
"Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of
opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but
different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all
paradoxes may be reconciled."--The Kybalion.
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.
RHYTHM
"Everything flows out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise
and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing
to the right, is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates"--The
Kybalion.
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
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
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.
CAUSATION
"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.
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?
GENDER
"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.
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).
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.
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.
MENTAL GENDER
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."
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
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 "
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
HERMETIC AXIOMS
"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.
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
"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.
FINIS