Rosicrucian Digest, July 1943

8/12/2019 Rosicrucian Digest, July 1943

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Sanctum Incense

Especially compounded

for meditation purposes.

Consists of twelve slow-

burning cubes.

PERFUME OF THE SO

JP H E ancients attributed directly to divine source everything

L the human senses seem ed perfectthe fragrance of flowers, th

smelling early morning air, the tang of the sea, the mysterious

strange herbs. The se p leasing odors were associated with th

bein g of the gods. Even the soul was though t to have a fragran

own lar superior to any thin g else which man could ever smell

sacred temples herbalists would mix secret potions and compou

incenses which were thought to approach the divine fragrance

soul. Th e one compoundin g the most exquisite scent became a

person with pharao h and high priest alike. I hey paid hom

sought his services.

It was believed that an inhalation of the scented fumes would

soul to greater heights. It is known th at rare incen ses will aid

ducing harmony of the senses, and for this reason the Rosicrucia

had, especially prepared, an incense that is quiet and soothing a

helpful for meditati on purposes, hor a limited time an interes

course entitled Incens eIts Me an in g and U se will be sent f

an order for two boxes of incense at sixty cents each.

Only 60^ per box

Postpaid R O S I C R U C I A N S U P P L Y B U R E A U

SAN JOSE , CAL IFORN IA, U. S . A .

T HE I N S T I T U T I O N B E H I N D TH IS A N N O U N C E M


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M E D I T A T I V E M O O D

When the emotional and reasoning selves are simultaneously gratified, man is in his most sublimestate. It was while painting a portrait in his studio, or playing upon his cello, as above, that thelate Imperator of AMORC, Dr. H. Spencer Lew'is. would receive his greatest inspirations. Hewould deliberately wait until such a time to entertain perplexing problems, realizing that their solu-tion would be more facile. The above photograph is a tribute to his memory, upon the anniversaryof his transition. (See Page 207.)

(Courtesy of the Rosicrucian Digest.)


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The Spark of Qenius. . . H O W T O K I N D L E IT

Flowing hair and flowing ties do not makea geni us, hut tfie flow ol ideas does . I fieworld may never beat a path to your door orbestow honors upon you, but it you receiveone original idea about your work, trade, orprofession, you will rise head a ml shoulders

above all others about you. Th e world isteeming with those who say ab out tli e su ccesses o f life. W h y didn t / think o f tha t? 1 he reason is that they were wa iti ng to bestruck with an i dea. D o not let the yearsslip by, hoping for an idea with great possibilities to descend upon you. Ideas arethoughts and they can be generated, broughtinto realization, made into everyday realities but y ou must know how.

I hat Mysteriou s Som ethin g

Have you ever had that tightening sensa

tion in your solar plexus, that slight Hush olexcitement from a sudden impression thatyou could improve on the work of another?Have you leit the irresistible urge to create,to build, to originate, to do differently thanyou have ever done, and vet, do not knowwhere to be gi n ? It is the myst eriou s creativ epower, tlie spark of genius within you. Do

T he Rosicrucian OrderS a n J os e A M O R C C al if o rnia

not let it die within your bosom lor wantdirection and expressio n. I he Rosi cruci(not a religious organization) have lor cturies shown men and women like yourshow to marshal their fleeting thoughts, mout ol them important factors for achie

ment and acco mplish ment in life. Tlsimple and rational method for the direct

ol mind and the awakening ol the dormpowers of sell is founded upon an age-system of person al deve lopm ent, used by

sages since antiquity.

7his Start l ing Booh hree

I lie Mastery of Life is a book wliirli rontainbombastic promises, no vain assurances, but a trank tation to avail yourself of tfie know ledge it offers, fsands have been led by it from mediocrity to the higpinnacle of their hopes, lor it tells just how you avail yourself of this helpful information the Rosicru

gladly give. U se the coupon below and write todayyour free copy, if you are sincere in your wish to advin life.

Scribe S. P. C.. Rosicrucian Order. A M O RC

San Jose. California

Gentlemen: I am sincerely interested in thunusual knowledge possessed by the Rosicrucianstherefore, kindly send me a FRF .E copy ol I hMaste ry of Lif e at once, explaining how I maobtain the information they offer.

Name..................................................................................

Address.............................................................................


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S:\-Z 'iSS JZK XY YiV 5 X S

ROSICRUCIAN DIGESTCOVERS THE WORLD

T H E O F F I C I A L I N T E R N A T I O N A L R O S I C R U C I A N M A G A -

Z I N E O F T H E W O R L D W I D E R O S I C R U C I A N O R D E R

JU LY , 1943

Meditative Mood (Frontispiece)

Thought of the Month: The Technique of the Mystic.

Build Your Mental Muscles Too

Am I Making Progress?

Creative Imagination .....................

Cathedral Contacts: Mystery and Mysticism

How Science Is Broadening Our Consciousness

Humility at the Threshold

W ar and Rosicrucianism

Sanctum Musings: The Rosicrucian Viewpoint

Unto Earth Shall Earth Return (Illustration)

Subscription to the Rosicrucian Digest, Three Dollars per year. Single

copies twentyfive cents.

Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Office at San Jose, Cali-

fornia. un der Sec tion 1103 of the U. S. Postal A ct o f Oc t. 3, 1917.

Changes of address must reach us by the tenth of the month preceding

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Statements made in this publication are not the official expressions of

the organization or its officers unless stated to be official communications.

Published Monthly by the Supreme Council of

THE ROS ICRUCIAN ORDER AM ORC

S A N JO S E , C A L I F O R N I Ar o s ic r u c i a n p a r k


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THE

THOUGHT OF THE MONTHTHE TECHNIQUE OF THE MYSTIC

By THE IMPERATOR

........

TheRosicrucianDigestJuly

1943

S H A S been presented in a previous article, thefirst step in acquir-ing the mysticalattitude of mind isthe acceptance ofcertain fundamental ideas. Suchideas establ ishobjectives, finalends, for whichthe m ys tical a spirant strives. One

cannot know that he is successful unlesshe knows that he has accomplished whathe has set out to do. There are today

many who profess to be students ofmysticism, who are neither certain ofthe nature of mysticism nor what concepts or personal developments actuallyrepresent it. The result is that theyhave no confidence in their inner experiences. They are not certain whethersuch experiences are mere tricks of themind, psychological phenomena, orwhether they should be attributed tomystical enlightenment. W e will presume that the intellectual aspects of mysticism are now thoroughly understoodby the aspirant. In fact, we will con

clude that he has summed them up asan intimate relationship with God orthe Cosmic, this relationship providinggreater wisdom with its resultant mastery of life and happiness.

To the mystic, consciousness, thestate of awareness, is existence. Thatwhich man is conscious of is, to him.All the powers which the human is capable of exerting, whether physical, men

tal, or psychical, can be related onlythat of which he has knowledge, twhich is real to him. If. for analoone is target shooting and there is mthan one target, he may make a choas to which he will shoot at. If therbut one which he can perceive, ththen, is the object of his whole attentand efforts. The mystic knows that realities of his consciousness are duThere are those things, particulawhich have an objective existencematerial substance, as his body and external world. There are also threalities of his consciousness that inner perceptions. They arise deewithin himself as emotions, moods,

spirations. They may become an petus which will cause him to have jective experiences. But their oriseems confined to the ethereal naturehis being.

To the mystic, the only separatthat exists is this duality of his csciousness, the inclination to makedistinction between the realities of and those of the objective world. Acally. the mystic understands these reties are part of one great hierarcorder, a graduated scale. Their gration is according to the simplicity

complexity of their nature. The mcomplex, the greater they are in mfestation of the one universal intgence; in other words, the more trepresent the entire Cosmic order.

The experiences of self, the realiof our inner being, are more complexthis sense than those particulars of material or every-day world which experience. If God or the Cosmic Mi

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I

whichever you please, is the synthesisof everything, then that God obviouslyis complex, infinite in substance, and inits varities. If we become conscious ofthe more complex, the greater evolve-

ments or manifestations of this complexmind, the more our intimacy with it, themore of it we experience, or, in otherwords, the more Cosmic conscious webecome. This must be apparent to anythinking person. Th e technique of mysticism, contrary to general opinion, doesrequire reason. Those who have discarded reason, in prepacing /or mystic-hood. will need to recant if they are tomake the progress they expect.

A Must for the Mystic

Since self, the personal existence, the

you." is the most complex nature ofmans being, our whole consciousnessshould not be taken up with simpler andrelatively less important realities if weare to aspire to that intimate relationship with the Cosmic which is the goalof mysticism. The technique of themystic, then, must include periods ofmeditation. This is an absolute requirement. Such periods, the mystic thoroughly comprehends, are for the purpose of giving reality to the elements ofself. When we train our eyes and ourhearing upon material objects, we give

them reality, namely, meaning and identity in our consciousness. When we invert our consciousness and direct it intothe mind itself, then the expressions ofself are likewise exposed to our awareness. With our understanding of them,we are given a deeper insight into thenature of the Cosmic.

The ramifications of self are far moreintimately related to the whole, theCosmic order, than are the particularsof the objective world, insofar as we areconcerned. Things of the world, by thebasic laws of nature by which they are

formed, are also of the Cosmic; but ourunderstanding of them depends uponintermediate factors, namely, our translation of our sense impressions of them.When, however, we are conscious ofself, we are directly aware of the Cosmic Mind. The consciousness of self isbut the extension of the Cosmic Consciousness within us.

When we enter these periods of meditation it must be with no preconceived

ideas. If we have already experiencedCosmic Consciousness and have enjoyed enlightenment by virtue of it, thenthe purpose of further meditation is foradditional conceptions, for added ex

periences of like nature. Consequently,we should not hold in our objectiveminds that which has already come topass. W e do not enter such a state ofintrospection to review past experiences,but rather to gain new ones. Further,if when we enter such meditation we doso while considering the nature of aprevious afflatus, that is, a Cosmic experience, we are really fastening ourconsciousness to such past realities. Ourconsciousness is not free to attune withthe future moment. Approach the Cosmic experiences of meditation as you

would a closed door, behind which youexpect only enjoyable surprises, the nature of which are unknown to you.Throw open such a door. Let what maybe there be disclosed to you. Do not tryto anticipate, to put into the chamber aconcept of your own.

One prepares for the experiences ofthis meditation by simple but significantrites. The first is the ancient rite oflustration or purification. Your consciousness must not be dominated atsuch a time by the recollections ofmemory. Furthermore, your emotions

and appetites must not be permitted toengender mental forms, irrelevant ideas,which will arrest your consciousnessand interfere with its transcending intothe realm of self. Symbolic of this mental purity, it is best that you first washyour hands and face in plain, coldwater, then begin the actual mentalpurge. Deliberately call to the fore ofyour mind, personalities, incidents, andevents which may have caused you tohave sentiments which might be interpreted as envy, jealousy, and such emotions as anger and hatred. Then wil

fully mitigate them. Substitute for thema feeling of understanding; that is, endeavor to realize the weaknesses of human nature which may have causedthemyours as well as others. Letcompassion and forgiveness replaceanimosity.

I cannot say, nor do I agree with thelyrical and classical writings, that youmust have a love for those who mayhave deeply injured you. Such is next

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TheRosicrucianDigestJuly1943

to impossible for the Neophyte mystic.Any insistence that one should holdsuch a thought would be to attempt thepsychologically impossible, and mighteven create an attitude of self-deception,or rather, a contemptuous hypocrisy. Itis easier, in connection with such past

experiences of which you are trying torid yourself, to substitute a feeling oftolerancetolerance toward those whomyou imagine to have done you an injury, or who actually may have. Oncethis feeling has been engendered, thatis, the tolerance, then dismiss from yourmind all such thoughtsand you havepurged yourself mentallyand spiritually.In other words, you have inwardly per-formed the rite of lustration.

Next, conceive yourself as a point oflight. For example, the flame of acandle. Think of all else that surrounds

you as being like unto an infinite sea ofdarkness, formless, in which there isnothing that exists that could be thecase of any ideas in your consciousness.Then conceive this flame, this light, extending its aura, its area of illuminationuntil more and more of the darknesssurrounding it is converted into an infinite, golden radiance. In doing this,you will find that you, as a personality,as an entity, have disappeared, that is,the point of flame that has symbolizedyou has gone. The flame has becomeubiquitous and you, too, have becomedisperced in the golden light.

You will find that you seem to bewithout sense of direction and thatthere are no limitations such as dimension or time. This begins that absorption with the infinite, that at-one-mentwith the Cosmic, which you will needfor your mystical experience. Suddenly,from this sea of golden light, impressions will come to you. Ideas havinggreat efficacy, as for example an understanding of confounding problems, willseem to ripple in this sea and then rushtoward the center, toward your consciousness. With the force of a tidalwave crashing on the shore, they willbreak in upon you. You should try tohold these experiences, rather, to sustain them, to be aware of them as longas possible. Actually, their duration willbe for, perhaps, the fraction of a second. Your desire to retain them, however, will cause them to be more defi

nitely established in your consciousneand to be retained in your objecticonsciousnesswhere you will be able recall them later.

Such periods of meditation may brinfruitful results in a matter of secondthen, again, after fifteen minutes y

may not even have lost consciousness your immediate objective surroundingIf the latter is the case, do not continlonger with the period of meditation. is suggested that you make another atempt on another day.

W e must not lose sight of the revancy of such Cosmic experiences things of our every-day world. SuCosmic experiences are not merely emtional stimuli, pleasurable sensations other words, nor do they consist just the losing of ones self in a fantasy mind. The purpose of Cosmic illumin

tion is to become, as has been said, rapport with the universe, or the CosmMind, if you will, and by such meato stimulate our own thought processeto gain an extended vision; that mental vision, inspiration, to perceinew horizons of possibilities; things wmay be able to accomplish in this lhere on earth. If you do not come forfrom such periods of meditation rejuenated, enthused, with lofty purposuseful conceptions for the betterment your world and of humanity as a whono matter what else you may have e

perienced, you have not experienctrue mystical illumination.

Cosmic meditation is not an escapbut a recourse to a fountain of wisdoa spiritual influx, the results of whithe objective mind can translate inprocedures, into useful ways of livinWhat the msytic receives through sumeditation, he must return to humaniThis is accomplished by making of thematerial realities, objective knowledgin which others may indulge. Such revlations are not the mystics sole possesion, not to be filed away as a mere pa

of a collection of his ecstatic expeences. He must use them to help othein their business, professional, or socworlds. In this way he does return whhe has received to the Cosmic. Suinspiration received in this manner mmanifest, for example, in the concepti

(Concluded on Page 231)

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3fn Jflemortamr I 'H E R E are two general kinds of noble needs. First, those that

serve an immediate need of humanity; that is, where time is ofthe essence of importance. Second, those that constitute a lastingsource of succor or benefit to which mankind can always turn. Bothhave equal merit, and it would be an injustice to the value of eachto attempt to compare them. Rarely, however have there been humans who have so lived that their lives and deeds were a source ofbeneficence and happiness to posterity as well as to the contemporaries. One of such men was the late Imperator, Dr. H. SpencerLewis. His seeming Cosmic ordination for his office was manifestin the love and admiration extended him by the world-wide mem

bership of the Rosicrucian Order during his lifetime. Th is affectionwas engendered by the deep appreciation for his personal achievements which were poured in AMORC, and in which thousands ofmembers participated with joy.

Four years will have elapsed this August 2nd since his transitionand Higher Initiation in the year 1939. Time, instead of diminishing the irradiance of Dr. Lewis labors, has rather intensified them,for what he wrote, built, conceived and organized has shown itselfable to withstand the test of changing conditions. Moreover, theundependability of the times has made many of his creations moreuseful than ever. They have become a sanctuary in which the distressed and troubled may find refuge while girding themselvesmentally and spiritually for further conflict with the vicissitudesof life.

The annals of Rosicrucianism are replete with great personalitiesof every centuryphilosophers, mystics, scientists, humanitarians.They have become ideals to which the Neophyte may look withhope and pride. It is no vanity, however, to say that Dr. Lewis,though humble, even self-effacing in manner, has become for mostRosicrucians today an embodiment of the precepts of the Ordersteachings.

In accordance with established custom, on the anniversary ofhis transition a memorial period of meditationwill be held. On thedate of Monday, August 2nd, and on the exact hour of his transition, 3:15 P. M., Pacific Coast Standard Time (Pacific W ar Time,4:15 P. M.) officers of the Rosicrucian Order will sit in meditationfor a period of three minutes in the Egyptian Shrine in Rosicrucian

Park, where the ashes of his earthly remains are interred. It iskindly requested that all Rosicrucians everywhere, if possible,attune with those assembled in the Shrine during this period, inmemory of Dr. H. Spencer Lewis.

The offices and buildings at Rosicrucian Park will be closedthroughout the day of August 2nd in respect for the occasion.

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Build Your Mental Muscles TooByB o b H o f f m a n

(From Strength and Health Magazine)


OUR success de-

pends upon yourmemory. If yourmind is a sieve,unable to retainfacts, figures, re-call names, occur-rences, to remem-ber bow to per-form the work athand, success isnot for you. Youcan easily deter-mine when your

muscles are flabby, your wind poor,

when your muscles are weak. Whenyou run for a street car or a bus, whenyou carry an empty trunk up to the attic,when you carry out the ashes, if youare one who has of necessity changedfrom oil to coal, you easily find yourphysical limitations. When you findyourself shaken after a short period ofexertion, when you puff and pant aftera short run, when your heart pounds,when your muscles become sore thenext day after the least physical exer-tion, you know that you are in poorphysical condition. If you are smart

you plan to do something about it. Toadhere a bit closer to the rules of health,to get your rest and sleep, to eat goodfood at meal times only, and to take upthe practice of progressive exercises. Ifyou put your plans into effect, in a shorttime, depending upon the physical con-dition to which you have retrogressed,you will obtain physical improvement.

W e should strive to build the b

anced personality, be strong physicacapable and strong mentally. It isnteasy for you to subject your mind ayour memory to tests to determine flabbiness as it is to find the state of muscles. You can see the muscles, ycan see if they are covered with fat, thin and scrawny, undersized and dnitely weak. Too bad that you can see your mental muscles for most ofwould do something about them if could. But you will know if you hfailed to remember a great deal lateIf your memory has always been po

you should endeavor to do somethabout it, if it is not as good as it formly was, you should sharpen it, exercit, strengthen it. For more than mostus realize success in life depends upmemory.

Can You Remember?

You might test your memory now asee how much you can remember. Cdren are expected to learn the namand capitals of the 48 states. Takepencil and paper and see how many ycan remember. First list the states, t

try to put their capitals beside theHow many of the presidents of United Sta tes can you remember? Thwere 32 of them. Do you know capital of India, of Argentina, of Bmuda, of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, FinlaFrance, Greece, Java, Latvia, MexiDo you remember what world stirrevents occurred in the years 29 A.

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64 A. D., 476 A. D., 1066 A. D., 1431A. D.( 1588, 1605, 1607, 1619, 1620,1775, 1865, 1870, 1898? If you dontknow at least 50 per cent of the correctanswers, your memory and your mind

have become flabby. You should deter-mine to do something about it.

Many of the greatest physical speci-mens in the world of strength were inthe beginning frail and puny. Throughproper living and exercise they becameextraordinary physical specimens. Menwho are famous for having had the fin-est memories in most cases had poormemories in the beginning. Throughmemory training, they built the powersof memory which made their lives suc-cessful. Steve Pasternacki, in the em-ploy of Paramount, is able to remember

50,000 musical co m po siti on s. A. A.Johnson, of Los Angeles, California,can name the birthdays of 20,000 per-sons. Marie Barry, a telephone opera-tor. can immediately tell the telephonenumber of 7600 of 8000 subscribers, theremaining 400 are new subscribers andwill be remembered in time. John L.Hogan is credited with having one ofthe best memories in history. He cangreet at least one million former guestsof his hotel by name and rememberwhen they were at the hotel. Sir WalterScott could repeat long poems by mem-

ory after he had heard them once.Lord Macaulay, English author andstatesman, could repeat word for worda long poem after hearing it once.Thomas Fuller, seventeenth century his-torian, could repeat 500 words in orderafter hearing them once. Bernard Zufallhad a poor memory until he was 13years of age, at which time he becameinterested in memory training. Sincethen he learned to recall historical datesfrom 4004 B. C. to the present.

Make Remembering a Game

No doubt you realize what a handi-cap, what a preventative of success apoor memory is. Probably you are in-terested sufficiently to wonder what youcan do about it. Your memory needstraining, just as your muscles needtraining. A good memory is not inheri-ted, it must be developed. Although myown father had the best memory of anyman I ever encountered personally,could write on most any scientific sub-

ject and knew medicine, chemistry andengineering, to an extent that he madea success in those diversified lines, itwas necessary for me to practice tobuild my memory. When we were chil-

dren we played memory games, remem-bering names, dates, capitals, the riversand mountains of the world. It servedme well; invariably I made at least 99per cent in general average in school,attending many schools in the last war,officers training school in this country,British schools, French schools, Ameri-can schools overseas. I made the high-est average in every one of theseschools. Although I havent performedthese mental gymnastics for some years,I have often served as a master of cere-monies at a weight lifting contest and

reported the show, nine different lifts,with thirty or forty lifters without error,entirely from memory.

How was this memory developed andhow are other good memories develop-ed? Through mental gymnastics just asmuscles are developed through progres-sive repetitions. For years I have madeit a rule to learn something new eachday, to do something to improve myhealth and strength each day, to savesomething each day. I would writedown and memorize words I encounter-ed which I did not know, until I reached

the point where I could recognize overa hundred thousand words, and wasrarely wrong in the definition of a word.I would memorize each night someslogan, verse or fact of importance andrepeat it the next morning. I constantlyput my memory through all sorts ofexercises.

The subject of memory is too long tomore than hint at in this editorial, butI hope that I have interested you to anextent that you will not neglect tostrengthen your own memory, developyour mind as well as your muscles, con-

tinue to strive to build both your mentaland physical powers, through regularexercise. To improve your memory, youshould do the following: 1. Pay partic-ular attention to what you want to re-member. 2. Show unusual interest,understand every detail clearly. 3. A s-similate what you have seen so that youwill remember, imagine, visualize whatyou want to remember. 4. Associatewhat you wish to remember with some

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facts or information you already have.5. Spend considerable time reviewingwhat you have learned. This is repetition, just as you perform repeition exercises to strengthen the muscles. 6. Analyze what you have learned and 7. Develop the power of concentration so thatyou will remember what you wish toremember.

The Importance o[ Health in Mind

and Body

As previously mentioned there is asurprising similarilty in developing yourbody muscles and your mental muscles.It's much easier to have a good memorywhen you are healthy, when you arealive and alert. When you are tired,fatigue is often mental as well as physical, you have found that you can overcome this tired feeling by exercising

with weights or similar apparatus. Thiscomes about because the speeding up,the amplifying of the internal processesclears the brain, as well as the muscles,of fatigue poisons. Many persons havefound that they can not concentrate,can not remember, can not study andlearn when they are too tired. Freshblood in the brain is necessary to develop the memory, even less oxygen will

weaken the processes of the brain. Swhen you exercise the muscles, whicprimarily increases the circulation anthe respiration, fresh blood transportinoxygen comes to the brain and promoteasy remembering. Loss of sleep, metal and physical exhaustion, a body pemeated with alcohol and nicotine prvents memory from functioning. Alchol is particularly detrimental, it found that thought and memory prcesses will not operate properly immedately after an alcoholic drink evethough it is not sufficient enough or ptent enough to definitely affect onphysically.

Super, vibrant health is the best posible basis on which to build a goomemory. This does not imply that healthy persons have good memorieeven the brain of a super healthy perso

must be trained, but it is much easier train the brain when its owner is vbrantly healthy. M em or y frequentfails when great bodily fatigue is preent. Many great orators have faileunder those conditions. So perfehealth, which permits sound sleep, anefficient internal processes, which abetter able to overcome fatigue, hebuild the mind and the memory.


OUR CONVENTION AND UNIVERSITY

An Announcement of Interest to Every MemberWe have the pleasure again this year of announcing that the Rose-Croix University

began its 1943 session on Monday, June 21, with the largest number of students in attendance in the history of the Rose-Croix University. The officers and staff of the University are very pleased to make this announcement for the second consecutive yearwhich indicates that the Rosicrucians are extremely anxious to avail themselves of theUniversity facilities not only for their own enjoyment and instruction, but for the purposeof making themselves better citizens in this changing world. In addition to the instructiondirectly related to the subject under his or her supervision, it will be the purpose of everyfaculty member to instill new ideals of good citizenship and to inspire the students throughthe course of instruction to return to their own work and homes better equipped to fit intotheir respective types of work, and better equipped to help others live in this complexworld. Surely the continued growth of the Rose-Croix University is one of many examples of Cosmic guidance which is directing the affairs of the individual members of thisorganization who strive to make its high ideals and principles not only aims of their lives,but practical, usable principles in their occupational and professional fields. W e are surethat those students who were not able to complete their arrangements to attend the Uni-

verstiy this year because of conditions beyond their control will be more enthusiastic thanever in making plans soon for attendance next year so that we can continue these annualannouncements of extended growth and activities of the Rose-Croix University. T o thosemembers who have insufficient time to leave their work for the entire University term, weextend a most cordial invitation to join us in the annual Rosicrucian Convention whichbegins on July 11 and continues for the full week. Attend as many sess ions as you caneven if it is not possible to be here for the full week. You still have time to make arrangements for attendance at the Convention, and we look forward to the opportunity ofwelcoming you here at Rosicrucian Park.

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Am I Making Progress?A LITTLE CHAT ABOUT PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

A N D A D V A N C E M E N T

ByD r . H. S p e n c e r L e w is , F. R. C.(From the Rosicrucian Digest,'11November, 1932)

HIS is to be a personal l i t t le ta lkwith those members of our organization or otherswho are studyingany system of personal developmentand progress a-long the paths

that lead to ahigher and betterlife. I would liketo have you feel

that this is a little roundtable talk righthere in my sanctum, and that I have invited you who are of this type of mindto come and join the circle for a littlewhile.

I am addressing myself particularlyto the man or woman who has devoteda year or more or perhaps five or ten toa system of cultural development that

includes the development of psychicfaculties of the inner self. I am especially speaking to those who after sincerestudy and practice of such teachings,whatever they may be, and, after givingfull devotion and interest to the work,wonder whether they are making theprogress that they should make.

The question arises as to how tojudge the progress of the student whois earnestly struggling along the pathand hoping to achieve the great goal.Such students believe that the masters

or teachers may have psychic methodsby which such progress may be judged,but they wonder if there is not someother way that does not include any intangible element, and which is morepositive to them.

In the first place, all cultural andmental development is essentially of theinner self, and we can find it in theouter self only when it manifests from

the within to the without. I might sayit is like the power that is resident within a stick of dynamite. You can notordinarily determine what that powermay be, especially not by any examination of the material, outer self of thestick, nor can you determine it by thetests that are in no way a challenge tothe power within. Dropping the dynamite on the floor is not a challenge toits locked up energy. It is not one of thekeys that unlocks that energy. Hittingthe dynamite with a stick or stone is not

a way to unlock the power within.Chemically testing it or watching to seewhether it changes its color or size willgive no information regarding the realsecret that is so intangibly hidden in itschemical elements. It is only when aproper test, a proper key, or a properchallenge is applied to dynamite that itsreal nature is revealed.

The same is very true regarding psychic, mental, cultural, or mystical development. It makes little difference bywhat name you call it, or what system

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or course of study is followed. All goodsystems tend to build up that mightyreserve of power and intellectual comprehension and direction that is possibleto put within the human consciousness.There is no way to test the mental capacity of a man in regard to his ability toweigh great matters and balance them,analyze them, and reduce them to abasis of comparison, and then render ajudgment except by a test of realitywhere he is put face to face with suchmatters. There is no way to tell whether an eminent chemist is capable ofsolving a chemical problem unless anactual problem is put before him in allsincerity. W e cannot tell what a greatmusician will do under inspiration unless he is actually inspired with some

thing from within, or from above, that iscompatible with the highest development of music within him. To ask himto play at a dance party and play somelively music would be no test of his development as a great musician and student under a great master.

Cosmic Purposes

Many of the psychic abilities andpowers resident within man are conservative in nature and intended to beconserved for certain specific purposes.The creative power that can be built up

in a man or woman is not intended bynature to be carelessly spent and exhausted in mere pleasures of the fleshand indulgences that are insincere andof no real value to either the man or theCosmic source of all power. Many ofthe psychic abilities within man arelimited in form of manifestation to certain channels of expression, and untilthese channels are opened and an impelling force attracts them and pushesthem into motion they do not manifest.

In these, for instance, is an invaluable

power of mental or psychic development, and when properly used it is ofthe utmost value. It would be of littlevalue to man, and certainly a great detriment if that faculty were to attemptto manifest itself constantly. If, for in-

The stance, all day long this faculty wouldn tend to impress upon the outer con-

. sciousness of each human being a senseDigest or premonition of that which is about toJuly occur, every moment of such a person's1943 life would be filled with the vague im

pressions of portending events, and persons would anticipate the ringinevery bell, the coming and goinevery person, and all such incidentsunimportant matters, hourly and mentarily. Our mental poise and abto relax and rest and our time for thing and judgment would be upset. mind would become an unbalanced of involved mental impressions, soon the value of the intuition wbecome negative and we would pits total absence.

The creative, healing forces wthe psychic self that are constantlying built through the proper coursstudy and exercises do not constpowers that can be played with momtarily and with indifference as

would play with a watch chain finger ring in periods of nervous retion. It is only when there is a reafrom the constructive processes ofhuman body that the creative powithin man release themselves anabout their business in a serious knowing that the task before them important one, a real challenge to tnot a mere test of skeptical inquirto their possibilities.

While the health of the human bremains good and the constructive cesses are drawing in a conserv

way upon the creative powers and mtaining an upbuilding of the hubody, there is no real and surprmanifestation of the forces that aring created within the body and weeven doubt that such forces have augmented by our studies. Whenness, or an emergency such as an dent or sudden operation comes upoand there is a real call and need fopowers we have been building updiscover then, to our satisfaction, we have a reserve power and increability to meet the condition that wnot have to call upon before.

The same is true in regard topsychic attunement with the CoHere is something that is extremeltangible and indefinite in a well, nohealthy, busy person. The man wa banker, and goes about his banbusiness either as a clerk or directthe bank from hour to hour, givinof his thought as he should to the ness at hand, then goes to his meals

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eats normally and properly, and in theevening or morning takes the properamount of exercise and indulges inwholesome pleasures and happiness, isvery likely to be almost totally uncon

scious of the degree of developmentthat has taken place within him. W hyshould he feel his Cosmic attunementlike something hanging on his arm, or aweight on his back, or a cross that hehas to carry? Why should it be of sucha nature that he should always be conscious of it, and know it is something hehas with him always?

The Heart

Years ago it was generally said bythe medical professions that a good

constitution, or a good heart, was themainstay of life, and it would tend tosave the life in any extreme emergency.Men who are fearful of operations, orstrains of any kind, were told that theyhad a good heart; therefore, they neednot worry that when the time came theheart would do its duty and maintainlife for them. Now should such a person who has a good heart be consciousof it all the time? Or should he feelthat, because his heart does not jumpout before him and beat so strongly thathe feels its beating in every part of hisbody, he hasnt a strong heart, or islacking in heart strength? Would yousay that such a person is arguing rationally when he says that because hisheart has not manifested itself to himin any particular way that he doubts itsexistence, or that it is any more than anormal heart and is of doubtful emergency power?

If we were always as aware of ourperfect normal health as we are of theslightest illness or abnormal conditionin the body, we might be better able to

judge when we are enjoying the benefitsand blessings of health. If we were askeenly alive and appreciative of ourgood fortune and beneficent situationsas we are of the unfortunate ones, wemight be better judges of the changesthat take place in our lives. When thestudent on the path is building up anincreased degree of attunement withthe Cosmic, and is bringing an influx ofvital and re-creative energy into hisbody that is keeping him well and preventing breakdowns and illnesses, he is

hardly aware of the magnificent blessing that is being poured upon him andtakes his good health for granted; infact, may not be conscious of the excellent condition and increased vitality

that has come to him.This is due to the fact that we meas

ure our situation in life not by the fortunate and normal things that make upthe incident of the day, week, month,and year, but the unfortunate and unpleasant ones. We look upon the peaceful, tranquil, healthy life as a positivestandard of conditions more or less tobe expected and it is only when certainthings to which we have become accustomed, or certain things which weanticipate are lacking or absent that we

become aware of any change that istaking place in our lives. In otherwords, we have adopted negative conditions as a standard or a gauge bywhich to estimate what is going on inour lives. W e know when we are fortunate; we know that an unfortunatechange is taking place when things thatwe have wanted or things which wepossess are lacking. W e know that ourhealth is not proper when we find weare ill; we find that we are going backward in our place in life when the lackor absence of things increases. When

desirable conditions are on the increasewe take these more or less complacently,and assume that they are merely normal,and not extraordinary and above andbeyond the normal.

Cosmic Proof

Many students on the path who havenot been keenly alive to the changesthat have taken place within the bodythrough their psychic development andCosmic attunement have been forced torealize the situation through emergen

cies that have been rather serious. Onestudent interested in aviation had a veryserious catastrophe in which many boneswere broken, and many muscles and tissues were cut, tom, and injured. Thephysician in the hospital concluded atonce that both of his legs would haveto be amputated just above the knee.He was in too weak a condition to protest, but one of our representatives didprotest, asking that the Cosmic be givena chance to help him. The physician in-

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THE OCCULT EXPLANATION OF HOW AMERICAGOT ITS NAME

Academically speaking, there seems to be two explanations for the derivatof the name America. One has been worked out etymologically by a ProfesMiskovsky whose explanation was that America was simply another form of Gothic word AM EL -R IC meaning Kingdom of Heaven. The other line of deavor has been to trace the origin of the name of the Italian geologist who dcovered this continent, Americus Vespucius. The only conjecture that cantraced through is that it was the name of an ancient Ameria in Umbrio of Greece.

The true occult and Rosicrucian explanation is that America received its nafrom a still older languagethe Zend languagethrough the influence of a grCosmic Master, Moria. Th e continent of Americathe true home of Rosaeccianism and the future seat of the world government of all of the Orders of Eas t, was named after the Illustrious M aster. This is why the Great Pyramid wused on the Great Seal of this Government as explained in the history of Order previously published in the past. The correct spelling in the Zend langu(which was the language of the Atlanteans and is the official language of Rosaecrucians) was A-M arya-K ai. In the Zen d it means that it is the placebe visited by him who will direct the savior nation. For verification of this posee the origin of the word AM E R IC A N (which had naught to do with the covery of the continent or the personality of any of the early voyagers. Amara-A-Marya-Hu-Kaie, in the old Zend, called Zend-zar and by some Sen-Zar.

Scr

V V V

HAS SIR OLIVER LODGE ACCOMPLISHED COMMUNICATIO

WITH SOULS BEYOND?


Sir Oliver Lodge, physicist, author, and authority on psychic research (181940) believed that communication with loved ones after death was a fact, andintended to prove it by giving conclusive evidence of his own survival. Co

munication with the Cosmic plane or spirit world is in its pioneer stage. The bcalled, The Case For and Against Psychical Belief, by fourteen scientists psychical research workers, including Sir Oliver Lodge, gives the best idea of many problems facing such workers.

Sir Oliver Lodge was a scientist to the very end. He was never a spirituasuch as one sees advertised in the daily newspaper. Occultism has maintained cturies before spiritualism was heard of that communication under certain contions with loved ones a fter death is possible. Th e so-called spirit which manifthrough a psychopathic unwilled medium is nothing more or less than a maslow, destructive vibrations to a genuine occultist.

Lodges best book, The Survival of Man, deals mostly with telepathy, thoutransference, and clairvoyance. The fourth section deals with a series of repoof automatism and mediumship. He reaches the conclusion that such reports of interest to students of psychical matters. He wrote forty-some-odd boo

mostly on science, not to mention the many articles in magazines. Of his boonly about five deal with psychical research and not spiritualism, yet spiritualclaim he was primarily interested in spiritualism. He was attempting to justscientifically, or by the precision method, what the occultist knew for ages.

Scr

V V V

When, having torn the souls from one another, we stand before our gods, cfident in our reasons, do you suppose the gods will smile?

Sgt. Earle C. Lewis, U. S. Arm

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By A l v i n S. a n d E. R. C o p e l a n d , J r .P A R T I

To see how abnormal responses tothe drive may be redirected successfullylet us retrace some of the steps in thehasty but telling ascent from childhood.First, let us recall the age of agesthepreschool agewherein the frail barkof youth is buffeted about by the firststorms of reality. Let us follow thechild on his perilous journey from birthto six or seven years of age.

What bright ecstacy must fill thenewborn babe during his first timelessmoments of peace when the Cosmicstream, undivided, centers exclusively

in himself! But, alas, all too soon do theneeds of his newly acquired physicalbody begin to intrude upon his solitude.He becomes poignantly aware of periods of unrest and want.

New Worlds

The little newcomer cries. He learnsthat his vocal apparatus wields uniquepower. Its use, he discovers, possessesthe magic of supplying his needs. Th egratification of these needs is all important, he is interested solely in himself; the primitive drive is directed only

into the work of self-preservation.Then, lo, comes the day when Baby

discovers other beings exist. Yes, andit is these creatures who serve him. Anew interest dawns, an interest which isunselfish in that it involves someone besides himself. Gradually, as opportunities multiply for investing interest andthen love in mother and father, a split-off from the main stream of energy isestablished and the social principlethe race-preservation drive, becomes

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OD l i fts a neww i nd o w to le tthe Light shinethrough , whenLife begins . Amighty burst ofCosmic Energysurges into a newborn child, escorting him into theplane of self-consciousness . This

great Current ofeing is destined

to flow through the child during his sojourn on Earth, ceaselessly impellinghimdriving him!

Back of all living things is this greatdrive toward the attainment of predestined ends. Constantly initiating statesof tension which seek release throughaction and achievement, it nourishes orconsumes the glorious human instrument through which it flows. It is theGod-push in man, ever bringing his soulinto deeper realization. For, thus wehave broadly interpreted the psychological term instinct or drive to be themanifestation of a Universal or Cosmicforce in man.

Wise direction of this great drive determines our successes in life. Intelligent redirection of our abnormal responses to this drive by the use of simple Rosicrucian principles may recreateour livesturn failures into successes,miseries into joys, slavery into mastery.In this article we endeavor to show howrecreation by redirection may be accomplished.


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manifest. Some modern psychologistschoose to call this the response drive,but we have used the older terminology.

Thus, we conceive that the primitiveenergic drive is early divided into thetwo basic expressions: self-preservation

and race-preservation.Here begins inner conflict. Never

again can the infant live in blissful isolation. At first these rival expressionsof the primitive drive manifest only asa sort of dual or expanded awarenessbut as experience grows so grows theconflict. The baby is bundled from hereto there, bathed, dressed, fed, scolded,cajoled, spanked and tossed aboutsometimes with his consent but oftenwithout it.

By laborious degrees he learns thathe has not only a family but also aneighborhood to reckon with. Little bylittle his horizon expands and the neighborhood becomes community, state, nation, and then his mind struggles tograsp the whole big round world. Oh,yes, and he may be asked to believe theheavens above the world are filled withinvisible and sometimes not very friendly creatures.

While the race-preservation drivethus makes itself felt, the self-preservation drive continues to assert itself, butthe latter drive appears to gradually as

sume a dual aspect which is well characterized by the two modern termsthesecurity drive and the recognition drive.The security drive, then, we interpretas the phase of self-preservation whichseeks peace, harmony, well-being andeconomic security, and the recognitiondrive, the desire of the ego to be appreciated.

Whatever nucleus of inheritance thechild possesses is rapidly altered by theinfluence of his inner drives and his environment. He follows his parents' example. He responds to brothers and

sisters. Climate and weather, food andfashions, and the state of the nationleave an impress. Economic and sociallaws and customs, poverty and riches

rj,, bring themselves to bear upon him ande. . his well-being, as do the inevitable acci-

Rostcructan dents, both physical and mental, illness-Digest es, wounds, disappointments and griefs.

July Every new experience calls for an1943 adjustment. The problem is continuous.

To gratify one desire it becomes necesary to thwart another, or reach a compromise. A constant collision of idea mortal combat in which one desiseeks ascendency over another, goes oin the mind every wakeful momen

Some conflicts are conscious and ovious, some are unconscious and subtSome are outgrown, outmoded or oulawed, cast into discard, conscioussuppressed. Some are repressed in sscret recesses of the subconscious.

Nature of Repression

Repression is a heritage of the humspecies, and mental conflict in man inevitable. Th e young childmay paents never forgetis subjected to poerful conflicts even before it can talbefore it can reason, and long before

has enough experience to rationaconsider the various forces and issuin conflict. Repression is thus an adatation to conflict, especially to earconflict, and it forms the basis for actiand adjustment in later years.

Repression means the banishmefrom objective consciousness of whaever desires, ideas, emotions and puposes produce otherwise intolerable coflict; the desires and ideas pass inthe unconscious. So intolerable are trepressed desires and ideas that the ojective consciousness will not even re

ognize their existence or examine therationally. Yet, in the unconscious thcontinue operating just as if they weordinary mental processes, and they aso very powerful that they may somtimes slip past the barriers and influenthe conscious life. Th ey slip past tgates in response to the sort of percetions that gave them birth, in many dguises. Some of these disguises will discussed hereinafter.

Repressions often develop when tchilds mind begins to explore the myteries of his existence. How often

children ask questions, only to learn their astonishment that life is too delicate to discuss even with their pents? How often are they made to fthat they live in an unclean worThoughtless treatment of the chilnatural curiosity may unconsciously dcolor his thinking for the rest of his li

The childs deportment is frequencensored. He has learned from the e

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ample of his parents that he must fightif he wishes to do as he pleasesthenhe learns to his sorrow that fighting isfutile. How can he ever hope to winwhen his parents are bigger and wiserthan he? How often must he enduretheir cross looks, shouts and flailingarmswhen he has no idea on whatconvention he is trespassing! Many ofhis natural expressions and abilitiesmay thus become short-circuited ratherthan becoming educated and used.Worse than this, feelings of inferioritymay develop into a repression.

These are just a few of the thingsthat may go into a childs initial fund ofexperience in his preschool years. Outof this crucible of Innocents emergessome normal, well adjusted children.

Many more at the age of six or sevenyears, however, already manifest undesirable trends, the most common ofwhich are products of repression knownas neuroticism and isolat ionism, ofwhich more will be said later. Withwhat costly irony do some parents provide elaborately for the higher education of their children, while neglectingtheir own responsibilities during preschool age!

The Adolescent Age

Adolescence, the growing up age,brings its own peculiar clashes withreality. The race-preservation drive ispoignant in the blossoming child, butfor the good of society and in order tofit him by a gradual and sane processinto the complex eventualities of life,the boy or girl at this age must beguided. Some parents and teachers dealwisely in guiding adolescent minds, andadminister a personalized sort of restraint to fit the emotional make-up ofthe child. Children under their care areindeed fortunate. Other parents use

hit-or-miss training methods. Indeed,some may themselves be warped andperverted, and communicate abnormalities to their children. During this needyage when boys and girls should havetheir mighty energies patiently and un-derstandingly guided into healthful andconstructive channels of expression,they too often are neglected.

So, what do we find in later years, inthe grown-up boy and girl? What dowe find in ourselves? In adulthood what

has become of the simple but powerfuldrives of childhood? Oh, yes, all thedrives are still present. They were established in us according to the Law ofPerpetual Unfoldment, and they canneither be denied nor refused. Thoughgreatly altered in expression thesedrives are still seeking, still finding anoutlet. Some of them we have masteredby successful direction. Others are outof hand, leaving us defenseless prey toerrant emotional effects which we mustnow examine. If we are to know ouradult selves and understand our adultbehavior we must study the effectswhich our childhood selves have keptalive down through the yearsthroughour emotions.

As an approach to our emotoinal lives

let us return for a moment to basic principles. As Rosicrucians we know thatthe impulses which react upon the brainare vibratory, and their effect is vibratory in turn. We receive stimuli throughthe five special senses which carry thevibrations in the form of nerve impulsesto the brain. Perceptionbegins with thereception of these stimuli on the nerveendings, and ends with their recognitionin the brain. Recognition takes place inthe brain when a vibratory impulse orimpression reaches an association areaand is found to be so nearly alike as to

be the duplicate ofor perhaps so unlike as to be the opposite offormer impulses or impressions in the storehouseof memory. . . . This is significant. It isthe key to the technique propounded bythis article for the redirection of unde-sirable behavior patterns. When memories are dragged out by association atperception and touch off emotions leading to abnormal responses, these asso-ciations and their accompanying emotions must be interfered with!

With the association which takes

place in perception reasoning begins,and the emotions accompanying theseassociations color all our reasoning.With reasoning comes the creation ofnew ideas. New ideas call for selection.Selection of one of several conflictingideas is commonly called a judgment,and this whole process is generallyknown as intellection.

At the conclusion of intellection wemay will to put our newly selected

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The "Cathedral of the Soul" la a Cosmic meeting place for all minds of themost highly developed and spiritually advanced members and workers of theRosicrucian Fraternity. It is a focal point of Cosmic radiations and thoughtwaves from which radiate vibrations of health, peace, happiness, and innerawakening. Var ious periods of the day are set aside when many thousandsof minds are attuned with the Cathedral of the Soul, and others attuning withthe Cathedral at the time will receive the benefit of the vibrations. Th ose whoare not members of the organization may share in the unusual benefits as wellas those who are members. The book called "Lib er 777 describes the periodsfor various contacts with the Cathedral. Copies will be sent to persons whoare not members if they address their requests for this book to Friar S. P. C.,care of AMORC Temple. San Jose, California, enclosing three cents in postagestamps. (Please state whether member or notthis is important.)

MYSTERY AND MYSTICISM

HE popular conception of mysticism is usuallyone very differentfrom the conception conveyed byits real meaning.Due to the similarity of the words m y s te r y an dmysticism therehas been sometendency to believe that mysti

cism is closely related to the unusual orthe mysterious, and those who acceptthis conception believe that there is littlepractical value in a mystical philosophy.

n Th ey would believe that if mysticismKosicructan 0ffereci any value whatsoever, it wouldDigest only be very transit; that is, somethingJuly having a limited appeal or interest mere-194 3 ly as a passing fancy.

The true meaning of mystery hafered various interpretations whipartly responsible for bringing this conception. Actually a thimysterious if it is not understooother words, mystery is a state of rather than a condition existing oourselves. W e, today, do not coa radio as mysterious, but to onehad never heard of such an instruand saw a radio demonstrated wappeared to be music or a voice cofrom a box with no immediate extion of the phenomena, it would trua mystery. Here we have a concrlustration of a particular thing both a mystery and an explainabunderstandable phenomena. The is the exact same instrument to thdividual who understands it and tone who had never heard of orsuch an instrument before. Therthe question of its mystery lies i

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mind of the individual perceiving theobject. Mystery is a term which mustalways be considered in relation to theunderstanding of the individual whoperceives anything outside himself.

Nothing is a mystery that is com-pletely understood. The progress ofscience has been toward the purpose ofclearing away mystery. Science attemptsto arrive at the fundamental meaningand purpose of all things and as it doesthis many things which were previouslyconsidered as mysterious become thingswhich are explainable phenomena in theminds of those who have investigatedand understood. Th e tendency of sci-ence, however, has been to confine itselfto objective proof. Science is not neces-sarily to be criticized for this; in fact,it was the only procedure possible inmany cases. In order to prove a demon-strable fact or principle it was necessaryto establish a criterion upon which tobase the understanding. This basis hadto be in a form which could be verifiedby more than one individual. Conse-quently, objective facts were the onlyclass considered. Here is where mysti-cism and physical science have failed towork together.

Mysticism may be a mystery to thosewho do not understand it, but it be-

comes, like any physical fact, an ex-plainable condition or system of knowl-edge when it is understood. Mysticismmight be defined as the doctrine thatdirect knowledge of God, truth andpurpose is attainable through a form ofintuition or insight in a manner differingfrom ordinary objective perception. Themost common application of mysticismis seen in what we popularly call ahunch or premonition. Many casesare recorded of individuals receiving apremonition, either of a fortunate or un-

fortunate event, which later occurred intheir environment. From whence camethis knowledge? It came from the innerself of the individual. It was a part ofthe knowledge which is the entire andcomplete universal knowledge of Godor of the Cosmic scheme. Unfortunate-ly, Man has placed less and less cred-ence in knowledge obtained in this man-ner. Therefore, we do not find him act-ing upon intuitional information in thesame way as information which comesthrough objective channels.

Since Man has not relied upon thereliability of intuition there is neverproof of its truth, and, consequently,since the individual having a premoni-tion is usually not sure himself whether

it is valid or not, he is in a position tomistrust such information and not beguided by it. Due to this lack of truston the part of the individual and furtherlack of confirmation of such facts byother individuals due to their placinglittle reliability upon insight, science hasbeen unable to recognize such informa-tion as facts with which it can work.This is spoken from the position of or-thodox science, speaking of science as awhole. The actual facts are that manyscientific accomplishments have takenplace due to the fact that the individualhas worked upon a hunch rather thanupon completely understood and veri-fiable facts.

All this may be of interest from astandpoint of speculation, but the ques-tion most logically asked is, How canthe doctrine of mysticism help the in-dividual? The answer is found in thisindividuals willingness to try to useand cultivate those abilities which causehim to be able to receive those premoni-tions and hunches which are most use-ful in helping him to live more fully. Atrue mystical philosophy, then, shoulddevelop those potential abilities on thepart of the individual that will teachhim that knowledge is obtainable out-side of his objective senses. There is nomystery concerning this and neither isthere any magic key that unlocks thedoor to full and complete mystical com-prehension. It is a progess which welearn just as through childhood we learnto use and correlate the various thingsreceived through our sense faculties.The beginning of mystical comprehen-

sion in the life of an individual will bewhen that individual turns for assist-ance and guidance to himself and learnsto rely upon these premonitions or thevoice of conscience.

To assist those truly sincere in takingthe first steps toward the developmentof this process the Cathedral of the Soulwas formed. Learn of its complete scopeof activities by reading the descriptivebooklet, Liber 777 which will be sentto anyone upon request.

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How Science Is Broadening Our

ConsciousnessBy R o b e r t S p e n c e r , M . S., F. R . C.

COMMENT f requently heard a-mong students ofthe mystical isthat science istoo dogmatic andmaterialistic, toomuch concernedwith increas ingphysical com for t

and making money. Such remarksare perhaps justified in many cases,

but do not show the whole picture.There are as many approaches to science as there are different types of people, and the body of facts comprisingscientific knowledge should not be blamed for the opinions of its devotees northe applications made of it. Nature, asa manifestation of God, is essentiallygood, true, and beautiful, it is only manwho makes it otherwise. In the words

of Dr. Edwin G. Conklin, president ofthe American Philosophical Society,The purpose of science is to under-

j . , stand and control, as far as that is pos-. . sible, the phenomena of nature. The

Kostcrucian kjncj 0f scjence that aims to understandDigest is ca llecl pure science that which aimsJwfy to control, applied science. . . . W e have1943 all heard the maxim, science is power.

and many think that it is fame awealth. These may result from its aplications, but pure science has a largusefulness; it not only makes possibthe applications, but pure science satfies the human craving to know, andbroadens the minds and ennobles tcharacters of the searchers for truth.

There is that in the advancing frotier of science which arouses the ima

ination and curiosity of man and acvates that acute desire for knowledwhich lies so close to his heart. Theare immensities to awe him, minute itricacies to incite wonder, and despeculations on the ultimate root anature of things to give him a sense godlike understanding.

Worlds without end stretch forth bfore his extended vision; ten quadrlions of stars within the range of opresent telescopes. This figure, the esmate of Professor Harlow Shapely, drector of the Harvard College Observ

tory, is based on the number of stars our own galaxy, the Milky Wa y sytem. There are at least ten million molike it within photographic range of olargest telescopes. A galax y is a moor less lens-shaped body of stars, pehaps 100,000 light-years across, frquently of a spiral pattern. Almost of the galaxies we know appear to be r

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ceding from our part of space at terrificspeeds, from 150 miles a second fornearby ones to nearly 25,000 miles asecond for those near the limit of telescopic range. The theory that the uni

verse is expanding rapidly seems to bethe only acceptable explanation, othershave been put forth but have failed.Either the universe is an expanding one,or there is some new principle in natureof which we are ignorant behind thefacts we observe.

Our own system of sun and planetsis one of the unexplained mysteries ofscience; many explanations of its originhave been put forth, but all have failed.Most theories assert that the formationof planets must be an extremely rare occurrence, happening only once in millions of years. In contrast to this viewwe find a recent announcement by K. A.Strand that he has figures indicating theexistence of a planet outside our solarsystem, a satellite of an obscure doublestar in Cygnus, with a mass about 16times that of Jupiter, our largest planet.

The planetary bodies seem remoteand yet it appears, time and again, as ifthey were more intimately connectedwith earthly affairs than we usuallyrealize. Th is is not so obvious in thecase of man, who is attempting to con

trol his environment, but is plainlyshown in some instances of plant andanimal life. Professor Knight Dunlap,a psychologist at the University of California, stated in the January NationalHorticultural Magazine that the SouthAfrican flower Morea Iridoides bloomsaccording to the phases of the moon.Says Professor Dunlap, The Moreasbloom normally within two periods ineach lunar month. One period commences on the date of the first quarterand ends the day before the full moon.The other period runs from the date of

the last quarter up to the new moon.In the other phases there are normallyno blossoms. . . . I am satisfied to present evidence confirming the principlefamiliar to students of mythology,namely: Ancient su p e rs ti ti o n s oftenhave foundation in fact.

In the realm of the minute, man's vision has recently been greatly extendedby the invention of the electron microscope. As the name implies, this instrument uses electrons to form a visible

image, rather than light rays, and thisenables us to penetrate much fartherinto the mysteries of the very small.Many outstanding discoveries have already been made, notably in bridging

the gulf between the living and so-called lifeless worlds through the examination of viruses, bacteriophage,and things so small that they go throughthe finest porcelain filters. One of thesmallest disease-causing substances yetisolated has been photgoraphed, the influenza A virus, a spherical particle only4 ten-millionths of an inch in diameter.The urgent need for more work onviruses by means of the electron microscope is realized when we consider therecent discovery of Dr. Alfred Taylorthat even cancer may be caused by a

virus. The ability of this new tool ofscience to penetrate previously hiddenrealms of nature is brought out strikingly by the asserted possibility that largeorganic molecules have actually beenphotographed, thus bringing man to thevery threshold of the ultimate buildingblocks of matter as we know it.

Recent discoveries in psychology confirm the belief of many that the mind ofman is the least known and most misunderstood of any of his several parts.It was long thought that the physicalbrain was essential for the manifestation of mind and consciousness, yet thepast few years have shown, with everincreasing force, that only a short readjustment period is necessary to regainany faculties lost through injury or removal of any but the most vital parts ofthe brain. By leaving intact a tiny isolated blob of pituitary and hypothalamusto maintain the water and sugar balanceof the body, it was possible to discoverthat animals lacking 95% of the braincan walk, jamp, claw, and right themselves.

Abstract thinking has long been denoted one of the marks of intelligenceand an attribute possessed by man aloneof all the animal creation. Yet it wasreported recently that a monkey wastaught to distinguish objects and sortthem on the basis of such qualities asmobility and color, demonstrating a capability for abstract thinking. This a-bility is believed to be a function of theimportant frontal lobes of the brain,

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Humility at the Threshold(A Rosicrucian Exhortation of the Middle Ages, translated

by Profundis III)

Reprint from The American Rosae Crucis

T T H E thresholdI stand beforemy God as butdust and ashes.If I count myself more, beholdT h o u s t a n d e s tagainst me, andmy iniquities beartrue test imony,and I cannot gain

say it. But if Ihumble myselfand bring myself

to naught, and shrink from all selfesteem, and grind myself to dust, whichI am, thy Spirit will be favourable untome, and Thy Light will cast its raysupon me; and all my self-esteem, howlittle soever it be, shall be swallowedup in the depths of my nothingness, andshall perish forever.

At the Threshold Thou showest tome myself, W H A T I AM , what I was,and whither I have come: SO FO O L

ISH W AS I AND IGN ORA NT. IfI am left to myself, behold I am nothing, I am all weakness; but if suddenlyI face the Spirit, immediately I am made

The string, and filled with joy. And it is an great marvel that I am so suddenlyostcructan rajsecj Up ancj so graciously illumined

Dlgest by Th y Light.M y All this is the work of Th y Love1943 which freely goeth before me and suc-

coureth me in so many necessities, whguardeth me also in great dangers snatcheth me, as I may truly say, frinnumerable evils.

Therefore will I approach the Thhold with humility, and without hopedesire for material reward will I spermission to come into Gods Tem

For a little reward men make a ljourney; for eternal life many scarce lift a foot once from the grou

Mean reward is often sought after; a single piece of money sometimes this shameful striving; for a thing whis vain and for a trifling promise, mshrink not from toiling day and nigh

I, saith my God, taught the mters and the Great Prophets, from beginning, and even now cease I nospeak unto them; but many others deaf and hardened against my vomany love to listen to the world ratthan to God, they follow after the sires of the flesh more readily than a

the good pleasure of God. The wpromiseth things that are temporal small. I promise things that are gand eternal, and the hearts of morare slow to stir. W hat I have promI will give; what I have said I will fuif only Man remain humble and faful in my Love unto the end. Therefam I the rewarder of all good menthe Crossing of the Threshold.

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War and RosicrucianismBy G i l b e r t N . H o l l o w a y , J r ., M. A., F. R. C.

Professor of Philosophy, Rose'Croix University

NE cannot denythe fact that thepresent global waris the consumingsocial reality ofour tim es . Everybusiness, every organization, everysignificant individual plan or contemplated activity

must consider thewar and its countless ramifications

before important steps are taken. And,as the tempo and fury of the struggle mount, this powerful tendency towards increasing engrossment with thewar and its problems is sure to gainmomentum.

Wartime living and thinking posesome peculiar and difficult problems forRosicrucians and others who seek, asour Grand Master says, to live the lifeof love and service. These problems

stem from the inherent nature of warand the essential character of genuinemysticism. Really, we seem to be caughtupon the sharp horns of a puzzlingdilemma, pulled one way by the ethicand idealism of mystical thought, androughly thrust in a seemingly oppositedirection by the hard realities and burning hatreds of a world at war. Let usconsider the natures of these apparentcontrarities at work in our sufferingworld.

For one thing, we know that warfaremeans hatred, killing, death. That bitter, cruel and ghastly side of war isamply portrayed to us today in manyways. Probably no war in history hasbeen described, photographed and depicted so graphically for those on thehome front' seeking to understandit. The maimed and wounded are beginning to return, and casualty listslengthen.

W e note from close observation thatmilitary training, culminating in battleexperience, has both a negative andpositive influence upon the consciousness of the fighting man. In the longrun this effect upon individual con-sciousness is the most important thingto be considered. To kill most effectively, to destroy the enemy and his equipment most readily (the aim of warfare),a man should learn to hate. Analysis ofvarious reports from the U. S. ArmysNorth Africa and Southwest Pacificcampaigns shows that green troops

reach a peak of fighting efficiency following overt acts of the enemy whichgoad them into cold frenzies of rage.Our boys on Guadalcanal Island becamemerciless killers after many of our soldiers had been destroyed by enemybooby traps, diabolically clever explosive devices attached to the bodiesof fallen comrades and various objectsof seeming inocuousness. While thesesurges of hatred and lustful urges to killand destroy, even mutilate, are under-

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standable, nonetheless we cannot overlook the fact that such emotional seizures have an unwholesome, negativeand ultimately destructive influence uponan evolving soul personality. These andother shattering experiences of battle

have had a profoundly disorganizingeffectupon hundreds of otherwise strongand healthy men. Th e reports of armypsychiatrists confirm the lam en ta b lestory. M ass slaughter, terrible injuriesto mind and body, brutality and hatredthese make war the enemy of humanadvancement, a scourge of mankind, ademonic instrument of evil and degenerative influences. The fact that thebloody wars of history have not utterlydestroyed or degraded our species is,in itself, a high tribute to mans perseverance in evolution and cultural

development.It is only fair to observe that war

seems to have some constructive or positive effects upon consciousness and personality. Limited as these effects maybe, doubtless far overshadowed by thehorror and evils of armed conflict, theyshould be included in the total picture.The challenges and perils of militarycampaigning lift many men far abovetheir normal levels of performance andcompetency. Heroes are made nearlyevery day of men (and women) whosemettle had never been put to a supreme

test before. In many personalities thestimulus of war releases the impulse tosacrifice self, to lose the personal self ina cause or imperative situation transcending, in its importance and immediacy, the particular concerns of any oneindividual. Certain values stem from thephysical fitness and rugged vitality engendered by military training, also fromthe discipline of large groups coordinated in action. Many men are learning the importance of practical cooperation, of group planning and effort to

wards a shared objective. From a higher point of view this is good. It bringshome to the hearts of men the truth inherent in the seeming paradox that weattain our fullest personal expression,indeed, freedom itself, through givingourselvesto far-reaching purposes whichinclude the welfare and advancement ofmany.

Nature of Mysticism

A love of humanity embracing goowill to all men, an intuitive Cosmsense, and unceasing spiritual aspiratidefine important characteristics of trmysticism. The modern mystic is dee

ly conscious in his inward being of texistence and eternal activity of Cmic, universal power and intelligenHe knows that the Divine soul cosciousness is, and that he and all hmanity participate intimately, throuthe inner Self, in the universal soul sence. The assertion by some that oenemies are without soul," hence, kill them means little more than stping upon loathsome insects, is to has ridiculous and abhorrent as it is utruthful. The mystic is satisfied wthe distinction recently outlined by o

Rosicrucian Imperator, that we shouconfine our opposition and antipathto false principles and ideals, to ignopurposes which actuate the rulers of oenemies. It is wrong to hold evJapanese, German and Italian personly responsible for the atrocities and bbarism of the foe. Individual charactmust be weighed and judged in andthemselves when the time is opportuThose responsible for grevious wronagainst innocent people will be brougto trial in due coarse. Granting the perfections of man-made law and j

tice, who can doubt that Karma, tCosmic law of compensation will exits proper adjustment? In the long revil destroys itself. Absolute univerjustice will prevail. God will not mocked by outrageous crimes agaithe race of man.

I am well aware of the fact that remarks thus far have left unanswermany perplexing questions, and that texigencies of wartime and military ncessity often compel decisions whrest uneasily upon the consciences men. All earthly existence involves c

tain compromises between the absoluperfections and standards intuited the soul, and the conditions imposed the flesh and the unregenerate naturemen. Let us face the issues even mdirectly. Hundreds of Rosicrucians, adoubtless many others of comparadevelopment, are now serving in tarmed forces of the Allied nations. Tcoming months of European invasi

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and heightened conflict in all theatresof war may well take many more of us,including women, into some branch ofthe services. W hat shall be our attitude, sensing as we do the nature ofwar, yet holding fast to our Rosicrucianloyalty and convictions?

Remember at the outset that the policy of the Order, suggested for the guidance of members, is simply that everyRosicrucian will do his duty just likeany other citizen. W e claim no specialprivileges or immunities because of ourAM ORC affiliation. During the firstWorld W ar Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, ourlate Imperator, found that a few menwere seeking contact with the Order,thinking that thereby they would be ex

cused automatically from all military orgovernmental service. These personswere disabused quickly of their mistaken ideas, and the Organizationspolicy towards military service againwas stated plainly. Accepting, then,this clear line of duty, we still have toconsider the problem of the individualconsciencethe great gulf between theimpulse and desire to love ones fellowman, and the implied necessity to kill ordestroy him. If you and I are in uniform, fully trained and ready for combat at the front, in the air or on the high

seas, what thoughts shall dominate usthen?

1. W e must realize that in additionto our individual Karma (that is, thosecumulative relationships of cause andeffect which are produced by ourthoughts and actions in this life as wellas in our more remote past) we eachparticipate in the Karma of our country,our national unit. For many peacefulyears we have enjoyed the privilegesand blessings of citizenship in one ofthe United Nations. Now, in time ofgravest emergency, when the life and

future of our country and its world influence are at stake, we are called uponto fulfill our obligations in one way oranother. For this reason the argumentfor complete, intransigeant non-participation in the war is finally untenable:if we do not intend to support our country in time of need, what right have weto accept its bounties in times of peaceand plenty?

2. We attract to ourselves, by subtleinfluences of mind and heart, those ex-

periences and circumstances necessaryfor our continuing personal evolution.Therefore, if you and I find ourselves ina combat situation, it is because there issomething for us to learn through suchan experience. It is interesting to notethat many Rosicrucian members in thearmed forces fit into or are assigned towhat one might call the ameliorativeand non-combat services: medical, hospital, supply, communication and transportation, intelligence, etc. However, Irepeat: wherever assigned a Rosicrucian will do his duty.

If We Must Kill

3. If our experience does carry usinto battle, where we are called upon to

use weapons and explosives for the destruction of the enemy, then let us doso, as our late Imperator suggested,with a petition to the Cosmic in ourhearts that we be forgiven for thewrongs which we do and the injurieswe inflict'likewise, that our enemy receive the same Divine forgiveness, realizing that he, too, may be caught up ina situation that requires him to act contrary to his higher instincts. If humanlypossible, let us resist being overwhelmedby the blinding hatred and blood lustswhich inevitably accompany warfare.

4. Whenever possible we should seekto soften and to ameliorate the harsheffects of the armed conflict. For example, as Rosicrucians we could neverindulge in cruelties, mutilations, brutality or torture. W e will go out of ourway to succor the wounded, to relievedistress and suffering at every reasonable opportunity, for friend and foe a-like. Th e treatment of prisoners is anunfailing index to the character and innate morality of a people, just as is theirestimate of the worth of individual human personalities in all walks and con

ditions of life. W e will continue to holdhigh the good record of our country inthis respect. In short, we will seek tomitigate the severities of warfare atevery opportunitq.

5. W e shall hold before us alwaysour aspiration to live as true men andwomen, not as near-beasts degeneratingin the face of prolonged adversities andugly realities. W e will hold tenaciouslyto our idealism, even in the face ofdeath. It is better to die than to live

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TheRosicrucianDigest

July1943

falsely, in a way harmful to the soulspurposes. Reincarnation is a fact. Tr an sition holds no terrors for the mystic,although naturally he will not welcomeit until he knows that his work is doneand it is time for the soul to be released

from its earthly vehicle. If it be Cosmic Will that his life end suddenly, orat a time not regarded objectively byhim as convenient and desirable, thenso be it. Once our lives are dedicatedto the service of God and man, we thenaccept with equanimity and understanding the major changes in our affairs,determining to transmute whenever wecan the lower into the higher, the hateful into the loving, and the grossly material into the increasingly spiritual.

There is a higher interpretation of thewar and its destructiveness that brings

some comfort to the mystics heart andfortifies his mind for the rigors of theday. It is to look upon today s momentous events as constituting a severe initiatory experience for humanity. Nothaving chosen the way of consciousaspiration to higher aw ar en es s andlarger living, mankind invites the experience of the intense crucible fires ofwar, that the dross impeding the furtherevolution and spiritual liberation of humanity may be burned and purgedaway. While one must admit realistically that the end of this war will not

usher in the perfection of mankind,there is no doubting the possibility ofgreat advances in many ways. The vision of these immense opportunitieskeeps the fires of hope burning in manywar-weary souls.

Socially, economically, culturally andpoliticallyin all these aspects of national and international society we notethe weakening of many old folkwaysand the inadequacy of numerous heretofore sacrosanct institutions and customs. The strains and crises of wartime enonomic life are forging many

new methods and outlooks that cannotand will not be discarded with the coming of peace. At long last somethingapproaching the less soaring dreams ofthe true internationalists is coming intoview. While retaining their love ofcountry, Rosicrucians are internationalists at heart, and look to the day whenenlightened men and women of good

will may be known truly as citizens othe world.

In the realm of thought, of philosophand religion, there is great promisThousands of persons once complacenare now restless, dissatisfied, searchin

anxious to obtain a new view of themselves and the higher purposes of lifI have noted this fact most definitely ithree years of travelling about thUnited States, lecturing and talkinwith representative types of Americaand Canadian citizens. W ar bringdeath very close to an increasing number, as sons and other dear ones pathrough transition as a result of militaroperations. Naturally, people hungfor affirmative knowledge as to the suvival of personality, reincarnation, thsouls immortality, inspirational attune

ment with the Cosmic plane, and manother mystical subjects.

M ans common sense, one might cait his group intuition, tells him that New Day is approaching, for which ththoughtful should prepare. It is to benew cycle, a new world scene upowhich the absorbing human drama wcontinue to unfold. This new globstage is bewildering in its size and complexity. Most of the actors require

Documents

Rosicrucian Digest, July 1943