The Imitation of Christ

Christ never asked us to worship Him. He lived a simple and humble life which, by His example, invites us to imitate Him. 

How would Christ address some major problems of humanity today? Let’s attempt to imitate Him as we shed light on three major problems:

  • Zionism: the Jewish problem
  • Totalitarianism: the Russian problem
  • MAGA: the American problem  

Each of these problems is centered around the ideas and emotions claiming allegiance to the separative glamor of exceptionalism, the glamor of the “chosen people” leading others to a “promised land.”

Good and evil exist in time: a past good may become a present evil. It’s normal (good) for a developing child consciousness to experience a stage of selfishness. It’s abnormal (evil) for a mature adult to refuse to develop — in freedom — a wider group consciousness by not outgrowing the childish selfishness of “I am exceptional.”

The Jewish Passover is a time for Jews to remember their history, reflect on the enduring values of freedom and justice, and celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history. However, the Jewish Passover not only celebrates the historical liberation of the Israelites from Egypt but also embodies the theological concepts of the Chosen People and the Promised Land, reflecting a separative bond between God, the Jewish people, and the land promised to them as an eternal inheritance.

Totalitarianism is not an exclusively Russian problem. Fascism exhibits a similar proclivity. However, it was the Russian experiment on forced group consciousness, imposing a false notion of equality, that brought this evil to our modern world, regrettably replicated by other countries.

American exceptionalism, an exceptional experiment in racial integration, assimilation and self-government, has now taken a regressive turn to “make America great again” maligning those who “poison our blood.”

Each of these instances naturally devolve into acts of aggression against “the other:” Zionists occupying Palestine, Putin (representing Russian Imperialism) occupying Ukraine, and Trumpism attempting to occupy the American mind, with the assistance of the Zionist movement in the United States.

The Occupation of the American Mind documentary

Over the past few years, Israel’s ongoing military occupation of Palestinian territory and repeated invasions of the Gaza strip have triggered a fierce backlash against Israeli policies virtually everywhere in the world — except the United States. The Occupation of the American Mind takes an eye-opening look at this critical exception, zeroing in on pro-Israel public relations efforts within the U.S.

In addressing these current problems of humanity, I believe that Christ, as well as His Brother, the Buddha — Whose birth, illumination and transition to the higher realms is commemorated this year on the same day as the Jewish Passover — would abide by the following principles:

  • Hate never is the answer, love is. Not undiscerning love, but wise love.
  • Truth is not an average or a compromise between truth and error. Factual truth is.
  • There can be no lasting peace without justice. Establishing right human relations, enabled by goodwill, is the way to solve these problems.

As I have clearly stated and continue to affirm:

Anti Zionism is NOT Anti Semitism.

The Christ, the planetary spiritual Hierarchy, and the Tibetan Master to which He belongs as a Master of Wisdom and Compassion, love both Jews and Gentiles. In loving them, They also assist in dispelling emotional fogs around these problems. “The determined facing of the factual life and the stern recognition of truth—coldly, calmly and dispassionately—will greatly facilitate the calling in of the flood of illumination which will suffice to dispel glamour.”

May the Buddha’s blessings at this Wesak Observance clarify the “fogs of misunderstanding” (aka “glamor”) as we: 1) heed the advice of the Tibetan Master on Zionism: the Jewish problem, and 2) apply the same principles to address the other major problems of humanity. -JB


[The glamor addressed in this quote would equally apply to any racial supremacist point of view present in the world today. Also, substituting “Gentiles” for “Germans” in this quote would generalize its meaning. -JB]

The Glamor of SEPARATENESS

In defining illumination as the antithesis of glamour it is obvious that my remarks must necessarily be limited to certain aspects of illumination and will only concern those directed forms of work and those presentations of the problem which will concern the use of light upon the astral plane and particularly in connection with the work that you have pledged yourselves to do. There are many other definitions possible, for the light of the soul is like an immense searchlight, the beams of which can be turned in many directions and focused on many levels. We are however only concerned here with its specialized use.

Illumination and the light of knowledge can be regarded as synonymous terms and many glamours can be dissipated and dispersed when subjected to the potency of the informative mind, for the mind is essentially the subduer of emotion through the presentation of fact. The problem is to [Page 145] induce the individual or the race or nation which is acting under the influence of glamour to call in the mental power of assessing the situation and subject it to a calm, cold scrutiny. Glamour and emotion play into each other’s hands and feeling runs so strong usually in relation to glamour that it is impossible to bring in the light of knowledge with ease and effectiveness.

Illumination and perception of truth are also synonymous terms, but it should be remembered that the truth in this case is not truth on the abstract planes but concrete and knowable truth—truth which can be formulated and expressed in concrete form and terms. Where the light of truth is called in, glamour automatically disappears, even if only for a temporary period. But, again, difficulty arises because few people care to face the actual truth, for it involves eventually the abandonment of the beloved glamour and the ability to recognize error and to admit mistakes, and this the false pride of the mind will not permit. Again, I would assure you that humility is one of the most potent factors in releasing the illuminating power of the mind, as it reflects and transmits the light of the soul. The determined facing of the factual life and the stern recognition of truth—coldly, calmly and dispassionately—will greatly facilitate the calling in of the flood of illumination which will suffice to dispel glamour.

As we are dealing with the problem of glamour and illumination, it might be of value here if I dealt with the particular glamour which I would ask your group to aid in dispelling. I refer here to the glamour of separateness. Work along this line will have most practical and salutary implications, for none of you (as you will discover) will be able to work effectively on this matter if you feel any sense of separativeness; this separative reaction may express itself as hatred, as an active dislike or as a voiced criticism—[Page 146] perhaps, in some cases, all three. There are forces which you may personally regard as separativeness or as the cause of separation. I would remind you that the favorite views and cherished beliefs of those to whom you are mentally opposed (often under the guise of a strenuous adherence to what you regard as right principles) are to those who hold them equally right; they feel that your views are erroneous and they regard them as separative in their effect and as the basis of trouble. They are, in their place, as sincere as you are and as eager for the achievement of the right attitude as you feel yourself to be. This is something often forgotten and I would remind you of it. I might also illustrate this point by pointing out to you that the hatred or the dislike (if hatred is too strong a word) that any of you may feel for the activities of the German Government, and for the line that they have taken against the Jewish people, might be turned with almost equal justification against the Jews themselves. The latter have always been separative and have regarded themselves as “the chosen of the Lord” and have never proved assimilable in any nation. The same can be said of the Germans, and from many they evoke the same reaction as they mete out to the Jew, though not the physical persecution. Neither attitude, as you well know, is justifiable from the angle of the soul; they are both equally wrong, and this is a point of view which the Jew and the anti-Jew must eventually understand and, through understanding, bring to an end.

I mention this because I am going to ask you to deal with that ancient and world-wide glamour—the glamour of the hatred of the Jew. In this group there are those who are, in their thought at least, violently anti-German; there are others who are definitely, though intelligently, anti-Jew. I would ask those in both these groups to recognize the problem with which they are faced. It is a problem which [Page 147] is so very ancient and deeply rooted in the consciousness of the race that it is far bigger than the individual can possibly vision; the individual point of view is consequently so limited that constructive usefulness is noticeably impaired. After all, my brothers, the point of view of the “under dog” is not necessarily the only one or necessarily always the correct one. Both the Germans and the Jews merit our impersonal love, particularly as they are both guilty (if I may use such a term) of the same basic errors and faults. The German is powerfully race conscious; so is the Jew. The German is separative in his attitude to the world; so is the Jew. The German insists today on racial purity, a thing upon which the Jew has insisted for centuries. A small group of Germans are anti-Christian; so are an equally small number of Jews. I could continue piling up these resemblances but the above will suffice. Therefore, your dislike of one group is not more warranted than your refusal to recognize any justification for the activities and attitudes of the other. Like frequently repudiates and swings away from like, and the Germans and the Jews are curiously alike. Just as many British people and the preponderance of the British race are reincarnated Romans, so many Germans are reincarnated Jews. Hence the similarity of their points of view. It is a family quarrel and there is nothing more terrible than this.

I am going to ask you to take the Germans and the Jews into your group meditation and pour out your group love upon both these divisions of your brothers in the human family. See to it that before you begin your meditation you have freed yourselves—emotions and mind—from any latent antagonisms, from any hatreds, from any preconceived ideas of right or wrong but that you simply fall back upon the love of your souls, remembering that both [Page 148] Jews and Germans are souls as you are and identical in their origin, their goal and their life experience with yours.

As you pour out the stream of pure white light, see to it that it pours through you with purity and clarity as one stream. Then see it bisect into equal quantities or proportions—one stream of living light and love going to the Jews and the other to the German peoples. The quality of your love will count and not so much the accuracy of your analysis or the perfection of your technique.

-From the book Glamour, a World Problem, by the Tibetan Master, written by Alice A. Bailey in the 1940s.



Light in Physics and Spirituality

Light in Physics and Spirituality:
A Reflection on the Principle of Right Relations

Introduction

The concept of ‘relation’ serves as a foundational element in both mathematical and semantic contexts. Mathematically, a relation, particularly in the form of a ratio, denotes a quantitative comparison between two or more entities, establishing a precise connection based on proportionality. For instance, four right triangles within a square provide the geometrical proof of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Semantically, a relationship refers to the qualitative connections, interactions, or associations that exist between entities, encompassing a broad spectrum of linkages from personal bonds to abstract affiliations.

This dual understanding of relation provides a unique vantage point from which to explore the multifaceted phenomenon of light. In physics, light is understood as electromagnetic radiation, characterized by a perpendicular (90-degree, right) relationship between electric and magnetic fields. Contrastingly, in spirituality, light often symbolizes enlightenment, epitomized by the Buddha’s teachings on the Eightfold Noble Path. This essay proposes that both scientific and spiritual interpretations of light can be unified under a broader “principle of right relations,” offering profound insights into the nature of reality and our place within it.

Light in Physics: Electromagnetic Radiation and the Right Angle Relationship

In the realm of physics, light is a type of electromagnetic radiation, visible to the human eye within a specific wavelength range. A defining characteristic of electromagnetic waves is the perpendicular relationship between their electric and magnetic fields, which oscillate at right angles to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

This 90-degree relation is not arbitrary but is a fundamental aspect of how light behaves and interacts with the physical world. It ensures the stability and transverse nature of electromagnetic waves in ethereal space. The right angle relationship between these fields is a prime example of the principle of right relations in physics, embodying harmony, balance, and efficiency in the natural world.

Light in Spirituality: Enlightenment and the Principle of Right Relations

In spiritual traditions, particularly within Buddhism, light is metaphorically associated with enlightenment, a state of profound understanding and awakening to the true nature of reality. The Buddha’s teaching on the Eightfold Noble Path articulates a comprehensive guide to achieving this enlightened state, emphasizing the importance of ‘right’ or correct practices: right view, right aspiration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Each component represents a facet of living in harmony with ethical and moral principles, leading to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.

The spiritual journey towards enlightenment can be seen as an alignment with the principle of right relations, where ‘right’ signifies alignment with truth, harmony, and ethical conduct. This principle underscores the importance of balanced and harmonious relationships—within oneself, with others, and with the world at large.

The Unifying Principle of Right Relations

Bridging the domains of physics and spirituality, the principle of right relations offers a compelling framework for understanding light in its various manifestations. In physics, the right angle relationship between electric and magnetic fields exemplifies a fundamental natural order, a harmonious arrangement that enables the existence and propagation of light. In spirituality, the emphasis on rightness in the Eightfold Noble Path highlights the pursuit of harmony within the self and the universe as a pathway to enlightenment.

This convergence suggests that the principle of right relations may underlie both the physical and spiritual realms, pointing to a deeper unity within the cosmos. It implies that harmony, balance, and ethical alignment are not only moral ideals but also integral to the fabric of reality. Whether through the precise angles of electromagnetic waves or the ethical guidelines for spiritual growth, the principle of right relations emerges as a fundamental truth, guiding both the laws of physics and the path to spiritual awakening.

Conclusion

The exploration of light, from the scientific perspective of electromagnetic radiation to the spiritual symbolism of enlightenment, reveals a profound connection underpinned by the principle of right relations. This principle, manifesting as the right angle in physics and the right path in spirituality, serves as a bridge between these seemingly disparate domains. It invites us to consider the ways in which harmony, balance, and ethical alignment are woven into the very structure of the universe and the human quest for understanding and meaning. By recognizing and aligning with this principle, we not only deepen our comprehension of light in all its forms but also embrace a unifying perspective that transcends the boundaries between science and spirituality.


2024.04.20: This essay is prepared in anticipation of the 2024 Wesak Full Moon, observed worldwide on Tuesday, April 23, to commemorate Lord (Gautama) Buddha’s annual blessing to humanity. Although the physical ceremony at the Himalayas (Mount Kailash) may no longer take place as it did for many centuries, His living Presence is radiated throughout the world at the Taurus Full Moon each year. In doing so, He strengthens His commitment to the externalization of the planetary spiritual Hierarchy of Masters of Wisdom and Compassion currently underway, as well as His support for the imminent physical reappearance of His Brother, Lord Maitreya, who currently holds the Office of the Christ, the World Teacher, an Office held by Gautama Buddha many thousands of years ago. Lord Buddha’s Three Vestures are being donned by Lord Maitreya, the Christ, as He reenacts the Gethsemane experience of 2,000 years ago, now with an enhanced Chalice (Vestures).

No longer need Christ, in agony say “Father, not my will but Thine be done”; He has today no personal will but only the will of His Father animates Him and the ability to make decisions which are a full expression of that divine Will. It is difficult to express His achievement in other words. Commentators have sought to explain away and gloss over the Gethsemane experience of the Christ, and to attribute what appears as weakness to an upsurging of Christ’s humanity and, consequently, to a temporary submergence of His divine nature. They have been forced into this position because of the prevalent theological dictum as to Christ’s divine perfection—an absolute, sovereign and ultimate perfection to which He Himself never made the slightest claim. He is today nearer that perfection than He ever was when before on Earth. It was this divine unfoldment which made it possible for Him to make right choice [to physically reappear], not only for Himself but also for the spiritual Hierarchy, during the years of decision [1936-1945], prior to [His formal announcement to the planetary spiritual Hierarchy, approved by Sanat Kumara in Shamballa, the Father’s House in] June, 1945 .

Under the divine will, He had to reappear on Earth in visible Presence. He had to preside over the materialization of the Kingdom of God on Earth, and He had to re-institute the Mysteries of Initiation in such a form that they would prove the basis of the new world religion. Above all, He had to reveal the nature of the will of God. That will is often regarded as a power by means of which things are done, situations are brought about, activities are instituted and plans are worked out, and often ruthlessly worked out. This general definition is the easiest for men to formulate, because it is understood by them in terms of their own self-will, the will to individual self-betterment. This type of will is selfish and misunderstood at first, but tends eventually to selflessness, as evolution carries out its beneficent task. Then the will is interpreted in terms of the hierarchical plan and the effort of the individual man becomes that of negating his original self-will, and seeking then to merge his will with that of the group—the group being itself an aspect of hierarchical effort. This is a great step onward in orientation and will lead eventually to a change in consciousness.

From the book The Reappearance of the Christ by Alice. A. Bailey, pp. 70-71.



Reincarnation and the Criminalization of Abortion

Reincarnation and the Criminalization of Abortion: A Comparative Analysis of India and the United States

Introduction:

The criminalization of abortion has been a contentious issue in many societies, with legal, moral, and religious perspectives shaping the discourse. This essay explores a hypothetical scenario: If the existence of a soul and its reincarnation cycles before conception were scientifically proven, how would this impact the current understanding and criminalization of abortion in the United States? As a point of comparison, we also examine the legal status of abortion in India.

Abortion and Reincarnation in the United States:

In the United States, the criminalization of abortion varies from state to state, with some states severely limiting or outright banning the procedure. The debate often centers around when life begins, with opponents of abortion viewing it as the taking of a human life. If reincarnation and the pre-existence of the soul were scientifically proven, it could potentially shift this discourse. The premise that consciousness exists before conception might challenge the argument that abortion is akin to murder. Instead, terminating a pregnancy could be seen as altering the path of a soul’s journey rather than ending a life. This could lead to a reevaluation of laws that criminalize abortion on the grounds of taking a life.

Abortion in India:

In India, abortion is regulated under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, which permits abortions under certain circumstances. However, obtaining an abortion after the legally permitted gestational period without a valid reason is considered illegal. The Supreme Court of India ruled in 2022 that all women, regardless of marital status, can obtain abortions up to 24 weeks into pregnancy (PBS). This legally permitted gestational period is based on medical and ethical considerations, including the viability of the fetus outside the womb and the health risks to the woman. Violations of the MTP Act are criminalized, not on the basis of taking a life, but on the grounds of violating legal regulations. The widespread belief in reincarnation in India may contribute to this different perspective.

Conclusion:

The hypothetical scenario of the existence of the soul and its reincarnation cycles before conception being scientifically proven could introduce a new dimension to the debate on the criminalization of abortion in the United States. It could potentially challenge the current arguments that associate abortion with murder, leading to a reconsideration of laws that criminalize abortion. This comparative analysis highlights how cultural and religious beliefs can significantly shape legal perspectives on contentious issues such as abortion.

Sources:

  1. Guttmacher Institute
  2. PBS
  3. ScienceDirect

Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in India, the legality of abortion is determined by gestational age and specific conditions, not explicitly on the basis of whether the fetus is viable or not. The MTP Act allows for abortion up to 20 weeks of gestation. However, in certain circumstances, such as when the pregnancy poses a risk to the life of the mother or of grave physical or mental injury, or if there is substantial risk that the child would suffer from physical or mental abnormalities, an abortion can be performed beyond the 20-week gestational limit (Indian Journal of Psychiatry).

The determination of the “legally permitted gestational period” under the MTP Act is based on medical considerations, including the health risks associated with later-term abortions. It does not explicitly consider the concept of the soul or its reincarnation. The Act does not mention the concept of viability (the point at which the fetus could potentially survive outside the womb), nor does it make reference to any religious or philosophical beliefs about when the soul enters the body.

The belief in reincarnation is prevalent in Indian society due to its roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. However, this belief does not directly shape the country’s abortion laws. While it may influence societal attitudes towards abortion, the law itself is framed around medical and ethical considerations rather than religious doctrine.

Therefore, abortions that violate the stipulations of the MTP Act are considered illegal and are thus criminalized. The basis for this criminalization is the violation of the legal regulations set out in the Act, not the notion of ending a life or disrupting the journey of a soul.

Sources:

  1. Indian Journal of Psychiatry
  2. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in India primarily focuses on the health and well-being of the woman. Under this law, abortion is permissible under certain circumstances, including when it poses a risk to the life or substantial risk to the physical or mental health of the woman, or if there is a substantial risk that the child, if born, would suffer from physical or mental abnormalities.

The MTP Act also sets a gestational limit for abortions. The Supreme Court of India extended this limit from 20 to 24 weeks in 2022 for all women, regardless of marital status. This gestational limit is in place due to medical considerations, including the increased health risks associated with later-term abortions.

However, the Act does not explicitly state that the criminalization of abortion is intended to protect the health of the woman. Rather, it provides conditions under which an abortion can be legally performed. If these conditions are not met, then the abortion is considered illegal, and thus, is criminalized.

It’s also important to note that the Act does not consider the viability of the fetus, nor does it reference the concept of a soul or its reincarnation. While the belief in reincarnation is prevalent in Indian society due to its roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, it does not directly influence the country’s abortion laws.

Sources:

  1. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act
  2. Indian Journal of Psychiatry
  3. PBS
  4. Open Global Rights

Inaugural 2017 Book Edition

May the Truth, the Beauty and the Goodness
of the Intuitive HEART

convince without binding
and attract even without convincing.

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The Esoteric Quarterly book review

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The Pledge of the Solar Angel

(Appendix D)

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A Fifth Addendum:
Contrasts with Roerich’s Agni Yoga
(now included in the 2019 revised edition)

Roerich’s Agni Yoga
(Full curated compilation)

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