Crossing The ThresholdAn OPERATING DIRECTOR Yfor Rosicrucian MembersPubíished under the Authorítyof the Supreme GrandLodge of AMORC, Inc.Copyright 1978Rosicrucian Park, San José, California9 5 1 9 1 , U. S. A.N o part o{ íhis puhlication may be reproduced, stored ¡n a retrieval aystetn, ortransinitted, in any form or by any means, e lectronic, mechanical, photocopying,recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission o f the publisher.

Tabíe of Contents1. What AMORC is— Meaning of ñame.— A brief history.2. How governed— The Constitution—the Supreme Grand Lodge— Grand Lodges (locations)3. Legal Status— Corporations—Recognition4. Your Membership— Sanctum membership.— Privileges -Correspondence.— Obligations ~ privacy.— Companion membership.5. Lodges, Chapters, Pronaoi— What They Are (Digestlisting).— How to affiiiate (benefits,ceremonies, etc.)6. Teachings— Degrees— Experiments,and so on.— The Rosicrucian Digest,the Forum.— How to Study.— What to Expect in theStudies.7. Initiations— The valué of same.— AIso obtained in lodges.

8. Rose-Croix University9. Child Culture Institute10. Júnior Order11. Conclaves - Conventions— Advantages of same.12. The Council of Solace13. Seminars— What They Are.14. Rosicrucian Park— Facilities.— Visiting.15. To Whom To Write— Adjustment andOther Departments.— Instruction Dept.— Key Number.16. Supply Bureau17. Questions and Answers

INTRODUCTIONRosicrucían inernbershfp íias a greater valué to the member when he or she is aware of the extent of the organization with which he or she is affiliated. It is of particular advantage to you to be able to turn to a ready source o f Information regarding the various services of the Order.To meet these needs is the purpose of this operational directory. We have entitled this directory, “Crossing the Threshold.” One who becomes a Rosicrucian is figuratively and literally Crossing the threshold to a new life of understanding and personal mastery. There are tools the member must use to create and attain this new fuller life. These tools are the laws and principles contained in the Rosicrucian teachings.They are the things you will work with.However, there are other member tools: The various departments of the Order established to render you particular services. Please refer to the T a b le o f Contents in this operational directory. There you will find listed the various categories and functions of the Order to which you may refer for information and to fully utilize your membership privileges.Please look through the directory carefully now. Each time you are not certain with regard to any aspect of your Rosicrucian membership or how AMORC may be of assistance to you, refer again to this directory.Opposite each division or part listed in the .T a b le o f Contents you will find the page number given for your quick reference. When you study the monographs or do exercises or the traditional rituals suggested, k e ep this directory handy. Do not deprive yourself of the many features of membership by laying the directory aside and not remembering how useful it can be to you.With all good wishes for Peace Profound, I am, in the Bonds of the Order,Sincerely and fraternally,

Ralph M. LewisIMPERATOR

WHAT AMORC ISMeaning of the ÑameThe initials A.M.O.R.C. are an abbreviation of the full title of the Rosicrucian Order. The complete and authentic ñame is, “The Ancient Mystical Ordo Rosae Crucis.” Note the Latín term Rosae Crucis in the title. Throughout Europe in past centuries the Order was known as “Antiquns Arcanus Ordo Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis.” Translated literally this is, “The Ancient, Arcane Order of the Red Rose and of the Golden Cross.”Popularly, the Order is known throughout the world as the Rosicrucian Order, and its equivalent in the various languages. However, the initials A.M.O.R.C. must always follow the words Rosicrucian Order (Rosicrucian Order, A.M.O.R.C.) to signify its authentic title.The authentic Order never uses such titles as Rosicrucian Fellowship or Rosicrucian Society.

HistoryThe Rosicrucian Order, AMORC has an extensive history dating back many centuries. The history may be divided into two parts, namely, the traditional and chronological. Traditionally, the Rosicrucian Order gains its inspiration and its basic organic structure from the ancient Egyptian mystery schools organized by Pharaoh Thutmose III (XVIII Dynasty c1503 B.C.). This was the systematic attempt to study the nature of man and his relationship to the Cosmic. It was more than a school which Thutmose III established. It was an initiatory Order.Chronologically, the first public pronouncement of the Order was in Germany about the year 1610. It spread throughout Europe, enduring many turbulent times of prejudice and persecution. However, the Order even at that time included many scientists, philosophers, and eminent persons of the period.The Rosicrucians first carne to America in 1693, locating in the vicinity of what is now the city of Philadelphia. They were active in the affairs of the birth of America.There was a period after this of relative dormancy of the Order in America. In 1909 Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, after due initiation into the traditional Rose-Croix of France, was given authority to reactivate the Order in America. With such authority Dr. H. Spencer Lewis formed the first Supreme Council of the Order in New York City in 1915 and was elevated to the title of Imperator, which is the executive officer of the Supreme Lodge of AMORC.For an interesting account of the history of the Rosicrucians in past centuries and the part that great historical personages played in serving it, you may obtain a copy of the book, Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete

History o f the Order. (In Part I I I of this Manual you will find references to the A.M.O.R.C. that appear in leading encyclopedias and dictionaries from throughout the world, which further confirms the perpetuity and authenticity of AMORC.)

HOW GOVERNEDThe ConstitutionThe rules governing the A.M.O.R.C. are set forth in the Constitution and Statutes of the Supreme Grand Lodge. The manifesto decreeing the purpose and founding of AMORC for its second cycle of active existence in America was issued in June of 1915 at a meeting of the First American Supreme Council held in the city of New York.It was later ratified and placed in the proper legal form at a national convention of AMORC held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1917.All Rosicrucian members are affiliated with the Grand Lodge of AMORC, which is subordinate to the Supreme Grand Lodge. The rights and obligations of the member are set forth in this Constitution, which was duly approved by members assembled at a national convention of the Order in 1934, and thus subsequently amended. A copy of this Grand Lodge Constitution should be in the possession of every member. It may be purchased from the Rosicrucian Supply Bureau, San José, California 95191.The Great Manifestó upon which the Constitution of the Supreme Grand Lodge was founded, reads in part: “The purpose shall be the same as those of the ‘Ordo Rosae Crucis’ throughout the world, and its Constitution shall be identical in spirit to that which guides and directs the Order in other lands.”The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is a fraternal, cultural, and mystical Order. It is neither a political ñor a religious sect. It is legally recognized by the governments of all the lands in which it operates as a non-profit organization.

Grand LodgesSubsequently, at World Councils of the Order held in Brussels, Belgium, authority was given to the then incumbent Imperator, Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, and later to his successor, Imperator Ralph M. Lewis, to extend the jurisdiction of AMORC in its modern form throughout the world. Grand Lodges were thus established in various nations throughout the world. The teachings and initiatory work of the A.M.O.R.C. are disseminated in the languages of the respective countries in which it functions.Each Grand Lodge has chartered authority as an affiliated body of the world “Ancient Mystical Ordo Rosae Crucis,” this authority being issued by the Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC. Each Grand Lodge in turn may charter subordínate bodies known as Lodges, Chapters, or Pronaoi in cities of its jurisdiction.

The Grand Lodges of AMORC exist in the following countries—France, Brazil, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Japan, Italy. The English and Spanish memberships are of the Grand Lodge located in Rosicrucian Park, San José, California. In certain other countries there are organized administrative offices established under the direction of the Supreme Grand Lodge to serve the respective members in those countries.

PART 3

LEGAL STATUSIncorporation

YOUR MEMBERSHIPSanctum MembershipYou are, as is every Rosicrucian, a member of the Grand Lodge of AMORC. You are termed a Sanctum Member. This means that your studies are issued to you by the Grand Lodge for study in your Home Sanctum. Arrangements for the traditional Sanctum are explained in the preliminary instructions the member receives entitled, “Neophyte Guide.”There are numerous benefits and privileges to which you are entitled as a Sanctum Member, such as the monographs, which contain the official teachings of the Order. These monographs include exercises, demonstrations, illustrations, and summaries. You also receive for use in your Sanctum, Degree Initiations to perform as you become eligible to advance from one Degree of the teachings to another.You receive as a Sanctum Member the additional benefits of the monthly periodical, the Rosicrucian Digest, with its articles on mysticism, metaphysics, the sciences and arts, and containing photographs of particular interest to every Rosicrucian.

CorrespondenceAs a Sanctum Member you are given the privilege of correspondence with your Class Master and other instructors and officers of the Order.When and to whom to write is more fully explained in Part X V of this booklet. Please read it carefully.

ObligationsAs in any fraternal organization and as a member, certain obligations are expected from you. These are set forth in detail both in the monographs and in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of AMORC.

Each member is required to pay the nominal monthly dues of which he has been informed and which entitles him to membership privileges. There are no further initiatory fees or assessments.Each Rosicrucian member legally and morally assumes the obligation of keeping confidential and private the property of the Order loaned to him, such as the monographs and rituals, which are an incident of his membership.On each monograph and each ritual cover, the legal statement appears stating that such material is the property of the Order and the title of same rests in the Order itself. Thus the Rosicrucian member must not loan such material to others or permit others to read the contents of his private monographs. This is not only illegal but violates the moral obligation which the student assumes.

Companion MembershipThe companion member may be a member’s husband or wife, father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister. Both individuals must submit sepárate applications. They shall each, between them, as Grand Lodge members at large, receive but one series of instructions and one copy of all printed material to which a student member is entitled. They shall separately be entitled to all other privileges of Grand Lodge membership.Grand Lodge Sanctum Members contributing dues as specified, are entitled to the privileges of companion membership. The dues for Companion Members (not more than two persons) is less than trvose par ate membership dues.

PART 5

LODGES, CHAPTERS, PRONAOIWhat Are They?There are subordinate branches of the Order, chartered by the Grand Lodges of AMORC. These are Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi.A Lodge is the largest of such subordinate bodies. It can be formed in a city where there is a minimum of fifty members. A Lodge may confer upon Sanctum Members the impressive full Degree rituals, which are conducted in attractive traditional Rosicrucian temples of the Order. A member must have attained the Degree (or beyond) in his studies into which he wishes to be personally initiated. The member can obtain from the Rosicrucian AMORC Lodge in his area the place, date, and time that the initiations will be conferred.An active Sanctum Member can affiliate with the Lodge in his area as an additional membership privilege. When so affiliated he can participate in their convocations where rituals are conducted, experiments performed, forums held, and enjoy the fraternal benefit of contact with other members and those of like mind. The Sanctum Member, however, continues to receive

his official teachings in monograph form from the Grand Lodge for his Home Sanctum study.A Chapter is a smaller body of Rosicrucian members existing in various areas. Sanctum Members are eligible to affiliate and are invited to attend such Chapter convocations. All the functions of a Lodge are included in a Chapter except the Degree Initiations. Chapters exist where there are not enough members for the formation of a Lodge.A Pronaos is the lesser of the three subordinate bodies. It has a smaller number of members but may grow into a Chapter as membership in the area increases, and subsequently into a Lodge. A Pronaos provides interesting discourses and also has an impressive and inspiring ritual. Every active Sanctum Member is entitled to affiliate with a Pronaos in his area.

How To AffiliateIn the back section of the February and August issues of the Rosicrucian Digest (which each member receives), is a Directory of all subordinate bodies, that is: Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi. The complete addresses of these bodies are not given in the Directory in the Digest. However, if you see any such subordinate body listed in your area which you can attend, write at once to the Grand Master, AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, for the complete address. Upon receiving this Information, then write to that subordinate body which you have chosen and ask for the date and time of their meetings.It is absolutely necessary that each Sanctum Member present his membership credentials, establishing his active membership, to the officers of the subordinate body so as to be admitted. If you wish to participate in an initiation they are going to confer, your membership credential (with receipt of dues), showing what Degree you have attained in your membership, is necessary for eligibility to receive the Degree Initiation.

PART 6

THE TEACHINGSDegreesThe subjects of the Rosicrucian teachings are so integrated as to form a flowing continuity, that is, one subject relating or contributing to what follows. The teachings follow a centuries-old traditional order termed Degrees. The Degrees are divided into, for example, Neophyte, Postulant, Temple, and so on. The Degrees vary in length depending upon the subjects which they embrace. Therefore, some Degrees are necessarily longer than others.The monographs of each Degree contain a “Weekly Application.”This is an exercise or example further illustrating or demonstrating the principles contained in the monograph. Thus the Rosicrucian member can use the principles, that is, demonstrate them personally.

Often at the end of each monograph there are certain questions by which the member can test himself as to what he has learned.Further, each monograph contains a summary of the contents for quick reference and review. The monograph also contains a “Concurrence”, that is, a quotation from famous Rosicrucians, philosophers, scientists, and others stating views that concur with the contents of the monographs.The Rosicrucian teachings are a presentation of the traditional knowledge and wisdom of the Order as advanced through past centuries.They also contain the results of modern contributions by, for example, the Rosicrucian International Research Council. This is composed of Rosicrucian scientists, philosophers, educators, and specialists in various branches of knowledge who add to the teachings of the Order. Therefore, and this is important, you are not just studying the single ideas of some self-appointed teacher which can be, and often are, limited in scope and dogmatic.

How To StudyWhat is now being said is merely a reminder of the best way to take advantage of the laws and principles of the Rosicrucian teachings being presented to you. There is a great difference between just reading and studying. For example, we read a newspaper. But in doing so we are not particularly concerned as to whether we remember what we read in a daily press. Some things, of course, will register with us quite definitely depending upon the extent of the impression they make upon us. Yet other matter read in the newspaper will not.When we study, we want to remember as much as we can, at least about the essentials. Therefore, it is suggested that after each page or half-page, the student put down the monograph, relax and see how many of the ideas read can be recalled. The monograph then should be re-read until the member can recall, not word-for-word of course, but the principle ideas. This practice also sharpens the memory regardless of one’s age.Another way is to read carefully the whole of each monograph and then test yourself as to how many of the ideas, not words you can recall.

The Rosicrucian Digest and ForumThe attractive Rosicrucian Digest is sent to each Sanctum Member monthly as part of his membership privilege. Its articles are informative and interesting. You will also find its photographs of ancient cities, archaeological sites, civilizations and places of the great philosophers, scientists, and mystics of the past—a pictorial treat. There is also contained much news about Rosicrucian activities throughout the world and notes of importance to you as a member. The Rosicrucian Digest is not private. You may show it to any nonmember.In fact, encourage them to read it as well.The Rosicrucian Forum is a periodical of a high informative nature.

It is limited to members only. It consists of questions and answers on mystical, philosophical, and metaphysical subjects that are asked by Rosicrucians throughout the world. These questions are personally answered by the Imperator, Supreme and Grand Lodge officers, and by your Class Master. The Rosicrucian Forum may be subscribed to for a very small amount per year. Take advantage of this special feature of membership.

What To Expect In T h e StudiesThe following are a very small portion of the great number of studies that are included in the Rosicrucian monographs. It would be impossible to list all the subjects here.Furthermore, the subjects listed here do not appear in the exact same order in your monographs. You must realize that the Rosicrucian teachings are no separate isolated subjects—rather, they are like links in a chain. One contributes to or leads to another. The desultory study of separate subjects has little value; that is why the studies in AMORC are progressive. Remember again, you are in an organization that has a centuries-old existence. It is not the product of one mind wanting to start a school or church, or a correspondence course.AMORC has Lodges, Chapters, and administrative centers throughout the world.MeditationMental AssociationLaws of HealthThe Human AuraMental CreatingConcentration diMemorizingThe Cosmic Oí RealityStructure of MatterEarth RadiationsVisualizationSensations, Consciousness8¿ KnowledgeNature ItselfMystical PrincipiesLight Q¿ ColorIntuí tionPrincipie Teachings of theGreat Teachers of the PastPsychic EnergyThe Emotions, Their Valué 8¿ControlThe Soul 8¿ Self OíTheir Nature

Character 8¿ PersonalityCosmic Consciousness

PART 7

INITIATIONSThe Value of SameThe importance of initiations, mystically, psychologically, and historically are explained thoroughly when you receive the first initiation.However, we will touch upon the subject here. First, remember that you are a member of a fraternal Order—the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, (AMORC). Therefore, you are not just taking a course of study. You are passing through degrees of study, rituals, ceremonies, exercises, and demonstrations that have a long historical background with new information constantly being added. As a further, indication of your fraternal relationship, there are Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi which you can attend and participate in their activities.This has been explained in Part V.Consequently, initiations are especially prepared to introduce to you in an impressive, symbolic and dramatic way the importance of each new degree of membership in the Order into which you are entering.Actually, all true esoteric initiations are mystery-dramas. This means in a dramatic way the initiations sheds illumination upon certain subjects which otherwise may not be thoroughly understood and appreciated.Further, initiations by their mystical aspect arouse the psychic and emotional response of the individual with regard to subjects to be studied and produce that awareness, that State of consciousness which otherwise could not be achieved.Each of the many Degrees are preceded by an initiation that in an impressive and brief form can be performed by the Rosicrucian member in his Home Sanctum. The full initiations with many officers participating are conferred in a Rosicrucian Temple (a Lodge).(Again refer to Section V ).Let us repeat what is succinctly said about initiations on the cover of each initiation manuscript.“Initiation brings into the realm of reason the purpose and into the realm of emotion the spirit of one’s introduction into the mysteries.”

PART 8

ROSE-CROIX UNIVERSITY

PART 10

THE JUNIOR ORDERPART 11

CONCLAVES - CONVENTIONSAdvantagesA Conclave is an assembly of AMORC members usually held either in their city or in a nearby one. A Conclave is a special event for the Rosicrucian member. There are guest speakers from the Supreme and Grand Lodges of AMORC, as well as Officers from nearby Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi. The discourses given are on mystical, metaphysical, and scientific subjects. They are not only enlightening, but practical. There are also mystical demonstrations of Rosicrucian principies and parapsychological subjects. There are conducted as well Degree Initiations and allegories, that is, mystical and historical dramas.A fraternal spirit is had in meeting many other Rosicrucians. Social activity, entertainment, and a banquet make a Conclave an event one will enjoy and remember. A nominal fee is requested for admission.Conclaves are of varying length, either one day or a máximum of a weekend.

How You Can Enjoy A ConclaveConclaves are announced several rveeks in advance in the Rosicrucian Digest which each member receives. Also, if the Rosicrucian is a member of a subordínate body such as a Lodge, Chapter, or Pronaos, the Secretary of his respective subordínate body will send him directly an announcement in the bulletin of that Lodge, Chapter, or Pronaos.Details will be given in the bulletin as to when and where the Conclave is to be held and how you may enter into the event.

ConventionsThe Rosicrucian Order is a world wide organization. It does not have just scattered members throughout the world but has as well Grand Lodges and subordinate Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi in many countries. (See Part V .) Every year, there is a World Convention of the A.M.O.R.C. All of the numerous events that occur at such a Convention are available in several languages. Rosicrucians attend from every continent. Recent Conventions have had members registered from 66 different nations!A Convention is usually held in a different country each time.Aside from your country in which one may be held, if you attend one in another country you have the opportunity of seeing and visiting that country.

What Conventions Include

World Conventions are virtually crammed with a variety of events, thus permitting every member to be able to participate and to enjoy things of interest to him or her. It is, of course, not possible to list here the variety of activities included in a Convention. This information is provided for you in a special announcement.However, in general, Rosicrucian Conventions include personal instruction in classes of the various Degrees, Rosicrucian Initiations, mystical demonstrations, and scientific lectures on cultural subjects of interest to all Rosicrucians. There are as well special motion pictures, parapsychological demonstrations concerned with such topics as theHuman Aura, Telepathy, Projection of Consciousness and Telekinesis.From the social point of view, in addition to meeting with members from all over the world, there is entertainment, music, dances, and films. The Convention concludes with a banquet.A World Convention usually extends over a period of five days.The Convention Registration Fee includes all events. The banquet, an event of fraternal spirit, is sometimes included in this fee or may be acquired separately if desired.

Convention AnnouncementsSeveral months in advance, the Rosicrucian Digest publishes a large announcement telling when and where the next World Convention is to be held. It tells where you should write to get free details of how you can be one of often thousands of members who attend. For information about the next World Convention, write to the ConventionSecretary, AMORC, San José, California 95191, U.S.A.

PART 13

SEMINARSA seminar is a group o f persons gathered together for discussion of a special subject. Rosicrucian Semitiars are exactly that. The Supreme Grand Lodge periodically conducts a Seminar in the United States and various parts of the world for the purpose of lecturing upon and demonstrating certain phenomena of nature in which Rosicrucian members and their friends are interested.For example, Seminars have dealt with such subjects as the Human Aura, Projection of Consciousness, Intuition, Psychic Forces of the Mind, Telepathy, Telekinesis, and many other intriguing so-called mysteries. Rosicrucian scientists do research in these subjects in the parapsychology laboratories in Rosicrucian Park. Then, they and especially prepared speakers of AMORC, bring these topics and demonstrations to Rosicrucians and their friends. They are simply and fascinatingly presented.

How You Can AttendThe Seminars are announced in advance in the Rosicrucian Digest. Announcements are also issued to all Rosicrucians in the city and the surrounding area where the Seminar is to be held. Information is given as to when and where you can register in advance. A Seminar is an all-day event, with time provided for a luncheon period. A Seminar is not just a public lecture but a fascinating class of instruction.Every Rosicrucian is eligible to attend as well as the non-Rosicrucian members of his or her family and friends.A nominal fee is charged to cover the hall rental, travel expenses of the lecturers, and the cost of announcements. Usually the representatives of the Rosicrucian Order are also interviewed on the local radio and television stations during the time of the Seminar. Watch for an announcement o f a Seminar.

PART 14

ROSICRUCIAN PARKFacilitiesThe little booklet, “Who and What Are the Rosicrucians,” which will be sent to you free and which you also may give to nonmembers, includes photographs of the various buildings in Rosicrucian Park and the facilities and services which they provide the membership.The Rosicrucian Park includes the beautiful Supreme Temple, where Initiations and Convocations are held. It is for fraternal lodge activities and not for religious ceremonies. The renowned Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum contains the largest collection of Egyptian, Babylonian, and Assyrian antiquities 011 the Pacific Coast. Admission is free and it is visited by over 500,000 persons annually.The Rosicrucian Planetarium, which is for astronomy lectures and demonstrations by means of modern technology, shows the heavens as you would see them through any giant telescope. Further, the instrument projects on a domed ceiling the stars, the planets, and the constellations as they were thousands of years ago. The Rosicrucian Planetarium was the third one constructed in the United States. The first Rosicrucian Planetarium was designed and built by Dr. H. Spencer Lewis. The Planetarium Building includes as well many scientific Instruments and exhibits concerning astronomy and terrestrial phenomena.The Rose-Croix Science Building contains chemistry, physics, and parapsychology laboratories and classrooms. Adjoining it is the Rosicrucian Research Library which contains several thousand volumes on the subjects of mysticism, metaphysics, philosophy, the arts and sciences, plus rare volumes on and by famous Rosicrucians of the past.In this building is also a Biology Laboratory.

Rosicrucian Park also contains the Francis Bacon Auditorium where Rosicrucian Conventions have been held and where special lectures and entertainment features are held periodically.There is also the Recording and Motion Picture Studio Building.In this studio, cinema films are produced as well as the many recordings of lectures given by the Imperator and other officers and staff members. These are available in tape and cassette form.The Administration buildings of AMORC include the Computer Department, the Latin-American Instruction Department, the Council of Solace, the Imperator’s and Supreme Secretary’s offices, and facilities for the Grand Lodge officers, the general Instruction Department, the Adjustment Department, and a large staff of assistants.The Studio Building mentioned above also includes the Organizational Development Department. Other facilities at Rosicrucian Park are a large Mailing Department, where several million pieces of mail are sent out annually, warehouses, and a large Maintenance Building.Rosicrucian Park is landscaped beautifully with flowers, trees, shrubs, fountains, artistic statuary, and shady nooks where members and others may sit in quiet and meditate.

AppointmentsIf you wish an appointment with a particular officer or staff member, please write in advance to determine if such an appointment will be possible at that time. However, during the visiting hours shown above there are always some officers and staff members to greet you and to be of every possible service.

PART 15

TO WHOM TO WRITEA monograph may not arrive or in error it may be the wrong one; a membership card may be lost; a receipt may be wrongly credited; the Rosicrucian Digest may not arrive. Such errors are kept to a minimum with our Computer facilities, but such things can occasionally happen.

Adjustment DepartmentWhen something does not appear right in connection with your membership Service, such as the conditions mentioned above, write at once to the Adjustment Department, c/o AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U.S.A. Explain briefly your problem and print carefully your name, address, and Key Number. It is requested not to write about different matters in the same letter which is addressed to the Adjustment Department. If you do, it only slows up attention to your adjustment problem. I f living outside of the United States, please write airmail.Please realize that even by airmail it takes a few days for your letter to reach Rosicrucian Park, and then it takes the Adjustment Department two or three

days to investigate your problem and to reply. The answer takes the same time to reach you as the inquiry you sent.

Instruction DepartmentThis department is only concerned with correspondence in respect to the Rosicrucian studies and your initiations and experiments. When writing to them, please do not include comments about dues in the same letter. Make them on a separate sheet, one which you may put in the same envelope. Kindly be brief in your reports on the experiments, comments on the studies, and questions. Address your letter to the Department of Instruction, AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U.S.A. If you live in a foreign country, please obtain from your post office postal coupons equivalent to the amount of postage for a reply. Do not send foreign stamps.You will be acquainted with other departments to whom you may write as they advise. But we repeat, do not include in one letter matters intended for several departments. Make each a separate enclosure, but you may put them in the same envelope.Again, we kindly remind you to always put your Key Number with your name and address. This helps us to locate your membership records more readily and quickly.Change of AddressWhen changing your address, please do the following:1. At once notify your post office of your address change.2. Kindly notify AMORC at once of your new address by writing to the Data Processing Department, c/o AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U.S.A.In doing these things you will prevent loss and delay of mail sent to you not only by AMORC but also by friends.

PART 16

SUPPLY BUREAUThe Rosicrucian Supply Bureau contains many accessories that are helpful for the full advantage and benefit of your membership. The Supply Bureau stocks the Rosicrucian books on various subjects related to the Rosicrucian teachings. These books are written by the Imperator and other officers of the Order in America and Europe. A complete catalog and descriptive folder of these books and their valuable subject matter will be sent you. The catalog tells you how you may order these books directly from the Rosicrucian Supply Bureau, AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U.S.A. The prices of the books and the other supply articles are listed in the currency of the various countries. The Rosicrucian books are available in English and Spanish from AMORC, San José. They may be purchased from theGrand Lodges of other countries in other languages.

Further, your local subordinate body, if there is one listed in the Rosicrucian Digest Directory, may have these Rosicrucian books available for you to purchase.The Rosicrucian Supply Bureau also has AMORC membership emblems, rings, stationery, monograph and Digest binders, incense, aprons, sanctum supplies, and numerous other useful commodities.All supplies are shipped to the member by surface mail, unless extra postage is provided by the member for them to be sent airmail. Please realize that a package costs much more when sent by air than does a letter, and airmail packages to countries outside of the United States may be prohibitively expensive.Since most supply bureau articles are sent by surface mail to save you extra cost, kindly allow the necessary time for the shipment to arrive before writing and asking if it has been sent you.Upon request, we will gladly send you a complimentary time schedule for surface mail showing the time required to reach the various areas throughout the world from San José.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSAMORC states that it is a nonprofit organization. Who decides that it is, and what does this nonprofit status include?The nonprofit status of AMORC is stipulated in the Constitution of the Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, Article VI, Section 2: “This Corporation shall have no capital stock nor is it organized or shall it be operated for pecuniary gain or profit, nor will it distribute any gains, profits or dividends to the members or officers of the Corporation or to any other individual.The property, assets and net income of this Corporation are irrevocably dedicated to the purposes for which the Corporation is formed and no part of any property, assets or income of this Corporation shall at any time ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer or member thereof or for the benefit of any private individual.”The Supreme Grand Lodge is legally incorporated in California as a nonprofit cultural, educational organization, and is so registered with the United States Government and other governments throughout the world. AMORC’s books are periodically audited by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States. It is accordingly exempt from Income Tax.However, since AMORC is not a church or religion, it must pay property taxes amounting to a large sum annually. AMORC is obliged to submit an annual financial report to the United States Government.

Why does an organization like AMORC advertise in newspapers and general periodicals? Does that not detract from its purpose?Advertising in any form is an announcement. In fact, the word advertising means announcement. If you had something worthy and you knew it could and would help the sincere inquiring individual, would you suppress it? Every philosophical and mystical Order in every age has proselyted in the manner available to it at the time.Although AMORC is not a religious organization, we will use the analogy of the Christian Apostles: They spoke as did Jesus to the multitudes expounding the virtues of Christianity. Christ did not speak only to the elite; he spoke to the masses as well. That is what AMORC does in using radio, TV , newspapers, magazines, leaflets, motion pictures, and so on.As to whether advertising detracts from the dignity of AMORC, look at the church pages of your newspaper. Note the extensive advertising in the name of religion, the publicity campaigns conducted by evangelists—Are these considered undignified? Our advertisements merely offer a free copy of The Mastery of Life and do not reveal any details regarding membership in the Order. Such information can only be obtained by personally reading The Mastery of Life itself.

If the Rosicrucians are disseminating truth and knowledge for the enlightenment and advancement of man, why do they charge dues? Why isn’t such instruction freely disseminated to mankind?It is quite agreed that there should not be dues or fees for any knowledge that is for the advancement and betterment of mankind.However, how is such “free” knowledge to reach individuals living perhaps thousands of miles from the source of that knowledge? The Rosicrucian teachings are free, but the paper, the printing, clerical help, postage, and buildings to house the staff are not.We all believe that the teachings of the Bible or the Koran, for example—or any sacred work—should be free. Nevertheless, the individual has to buy a copy of such a work. He is not purchasing the contents but is paying for the material form in which it is presented.Ethically speaking, however, why should the recipient be free of the expense of disseminating such knowledge to him? In antiquity students traveled hundreds of miles at their own expense to hear a distant teacher. It was the only way such knowledge could be obtained. Today’s student wants that knowledge brought to him—and that is what his dues provide for.

If the Rosicrucian teachings have long had a value, why doesAMORC continually add to the existing ones?

Succinctly, the answer is to avoid becoming dogmatic and static. Change is one of the greatest laws of reality. The Rosicrucian International Research Council continually adds new scientific knowledge to the Rosicrucian teachings, while new mystical and philosophical concepts with a broader and more useful basis are also being added.This does not cause the Order to deviate from its traditional goal of the enlightenment of man, however. It adds to and substantiates it, in fact.