I’ve recently experienced the farewell and grieving process of my mother’s passing. So, I have drafted a 30-minute introduction on the subject of death and dying recapitulating my experience in the context of the Ageless Wisdom teachings. I hope it is useful to others. -JB

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Supplemental quotes:

Can you picture the time when the process of death, clearly recognised and welcomed by the man, could be described by him in the simple phrase, “The time has come when my soul’s attractive force requires that I relinquish and restore my body to the place from whence it came”? Imagine the change in the human consciousness when death comes to be regarded as an act of simple and conscious relinquishing of form, temporarily taken for two specific objectives:

• To gain control in the three worlds.
• To give opportunity to the substance of the forms thus “stolen or borrowed or rightly appropriated,” according to the stage of evolution, to reach a higher point of perfection through the impact upon it of life, via the soul.

These are significant thoughts. They have been expressed before, but have been discarded as symbolic, as comforting or as wishful thinking. I present them to you as factual in nature, as unavoidable in practice, and as familiar a technique [Page 428] and process as those activities, (rhythmic and cyclic in nature) which govern the average man’s life—rising and retiring, eating and drinking, and all the periodic affairs which he is accustomed to pursue.

Esoteric Healing

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The problem of death, needless to say, is founded upon the love of life which is the deepest instinct in human nature. The determination that nothing is lost under divine law is a recognition of science; eternal persistence in some form or another is universally held to be a truth. Out of the welter of theories, three major solutions have been proposed; these are well known to all thinking people. They are:

1. The strictly materialistic solution, which posits the experience and expression of conscious life as long as the physical, tangible form exists and persists, but also teaches that after death and the subsequent disintegration of the body there is no longer any conscious, functioning, self-identified person. The sense of the “I,” the awareness of a personality in contradistinction to all other personalities, vanishes with the disappearance of the form: personality is believed to be only the sumtotal of the consciousness of the cells in the body. This theory relegates man to the same state as any of the other forms in the three other kingdoms in nature; [Page 401] it is based on the nonsensitivity of the average human being to life, withdrawn from a tangible vehicle; it ignores all evidence to the contrary and says that because we cannot see (visually) and prove (tangibly) the persistence of the “I” or the immortal entity after death, it is nonexistent. This theory is not held by so many as it was in earlier years, particularly during the materialistic Victorian age.
2. The theory of conditional immortality. This theory is still held by certain fundamentalist and theologically narrow schools of thought and also by a few of the intelligentsia, primarily those of egoistic tendency. It posits that only those who reach a particular stage of spiritual awareness, or who accept a peculiar set of theological pronouncements, can receive the gift of personal immortality. The highly intellectual also argue at times that the crowning gift to humanity is a developed and cultured mind, and that those who possess this gift are likewise endowed with eternal persistence. One school dismisses those who are what they regard as spiritually recalcitrant or negative to the imposition of their particular theological certainties, either to complete annihilation as in the materialistic solution, or to a process of eternal punishment, thus at the same time arguing for a form of immortality. Owing to the innate kindness of the human heart, very few are vindictive or unthinking enough to regard this presentation as acceptable, and of course among those we must class the unthinking people who escape from mental responsibility into blind belief in theological pronouncements. The Christian interpretation as given by the orthodox and the fundamentalist schools proves untenable when submitted to clear reasoning; among the arguments which negate its accuracy lies the fact that [Page 402] Christianity posits a long future but no past; it is likewise a future entirely dependent upon the activities of this present life episode and accounts in no way for the distinctions and differences which distinguish humanity. It is only tenable upon the theory of an anthropomorphic Deity Whose will—as it works out in practice—gives a present that has no past but only a future; the injustice of this is widely recognised, but the inscrutable will of God must not be questioned. Millions still hold this belief, but it is not so strongly held as it was one hundred years ago.
3. The theory of reincarnation, so familiar to all my readers, is becoming increasingly popular in the Occident; it has always been accepted (though with many foolish additions and interpretations) in the Orient. This teaching has been as much distorted as have the teachings of the Christ or the Buddha or Shri Krishna by their narrow-minded and mentally limited theologians. The basic facts of a spiritual origin, of a descent into matter, of an ascent through the medium of constant incarnations in form until those forms are perfect expressions of the indwelling spiritual consciousness, and of a series of initiations at the close of the cycle of incarnation, are being more readily accepted and acknowledged than ever before.

Such are the major solutions of the problems of immortality and of the persistence of the human soul; they aim to answer the eternal questioning of the human heart as to Whence, Why, Whither and Where? Only the last of these proposed solutions offers a truly rational reply to all of them. Its acceptance has been delayed because, ever since the time of H. P. Blavatsky, who formulated this ancient truth for the modern world in the last quarter [Page 403] of the nineteenth century, it has been so unintelligently presented; it has been handicapped owing to the fact that the Eastern races have always held it, and—from the Western angle—they are heathen and the heathen “in their blindness bow down to wood and stone,” to quote one of your fundamentalist hymns. How curious it is to realise that, to the man from Eastern countries, the religious people in the West do likewise, and can be seen on their knees before the Christian altars bearing statues of the Christ, of the Virgin Mary and of the Apostles.

The occultists of the world, through the theosophical societies and other occult bodies, so-called, have greatly damaged the presentation of the truth anent reincarnation through the unnecessary, unimportant, inaccurate and purely speculative details which they give out as truths anent the processes of death and the circumstances of man after death. These details are largely dependent upon the clairvoyant vision of astral psychics of prominence in the Theosophical Society. Yet in the Scriptures of the world these details are not given, and H.P.B. in The Secret Doctrine gave none. An instance of this inaccurate and foolish attempt to throw light upon the theory of rebirth can be seen in the time limits imposed upon departed human souls between incarnations on the physical plane and the return to physical rebirth—so many years of absence are proclaimed, dependent upon the age of the departed soul and its place upon the ladder of evolution. If, we are told, the soul is very advanced, absence from the physical plane is prolonged, whereas the reverse is the case. Advanced souls and those whose intellectual capacity is rapidly developing come back with great rapidity, owing to their sensitive response to the pull of obligations, interests and responsibilities already established upon the physical plane. People are apt to forget that time is the sequence of events and of states of [Page 404] consciousness as registered by the physical brain. Where no physical brain exists, what humanity understands by time is nonexistent. The removal of the barriers of the form, stage by stage, brings an increasing realisation of the Eternal Now. In the case of those who have passed through the door of death and who still continue to think in terms of time, it is due to glamour and to the persistence of a powerful thoughtform. It indicates polarisation upon the astral plane; this is the plane upon which leading Theosophical writers and psychics have worked, and upon which they have based their writings. They are quite sincere in what they say, but omit to recognise the illusory nature of all findings based on astral clairvoyance. The recognition of a pronounced time factor, and the constant emphasis laid upon timing, are characteristic of all highly developed people in incarnation and of those whose lower, concrete minds are powerful in calibre. Children and child-races on the one hand, and those highly advanced people whose abstract minds are functioning (through the medium of the interpretive lower mind), usually have no sense of time. The initiate uses the time factor in his relations and his dealings with those living upon the physical plane, but is detached within himself from all recognition of it elsewhere in the universe.

Therefore the use of the term “immortality” infers timelessness and teaches that this timelessness exists for that which is not perishable or conditioned by time. This is a statement requiring careful consideration. Man reincarnates under no time urge. He incarnates under the demands of karmic liability, under the pull of that which he, as a soul, has initiated, and because of a sensed need to fulfill instituted obligations; he incarnates also from a sense of responsibility and to meet requirements which an earlier breaking of the laws governing right human relations have [Page 405] imposed upon him. When these requirements, soul necessities, experiences and responsibilities have all been met, he enters permanently “into the clear cold light of love and life” and no longer needs (as far as he himself is concerned the nursery stage of soul experience on earth. He is free from karmic impositions in the three worlds, but is still under the impulse of karmic necessity which exacts from him the last possible ounces of service that he is in a position to render to those still under the Law of Karmic Liability. You have, therefore, three aspects of the Law of Karma, as it affects the principle of rebirth:

1. The Law of Karmic Liability, governing life in the three worlds of human evolution, and which is ended altogether at the fourth initiation.
2. The Law of Karmic Necessity. This governs the life of the advanced disciple and the initiate from the time of the second initiation until a certain initiation higher than the fourth; these initiations enable him to pass on to the Way of the Higher Evolution.
3. The Law of Karmic Transformation, a mysterious phrase governing the processes undergone upon the Higher Way. These fit the initiate to pass off the cosmic physical plane altogether, and to function upon the cosmic mental plane. It is concerned with the release of those like Sanat Kumara, and His Associates in the Council Chamber at Shamballa, from the imposition of cosmic desire which demonstrates upon our cosmic physical plane as spiritual will. This should be to you an arresting thought. It will be obvious, however, that there is little that I can say upon this subject. The knowledge involved is not yet mine.

Esoteric Healing

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The fear and the morbidness which the subject of death usually evokes, and the unwillingness to face it with understanding are due to the emphasis which people lay upon the fact of the physical body and the facility with which they identify themselves with it; it is based also upon an innate fear of loneliness and the loss of the familiar. Yet the loneliness which eventuates after death, when the man finds himself without a physical vehicle, is as nothing compared to the loneliness of birth. At birth, the soul finds itself in new surroundings and immersed in a body which is at first totally incompetent to take care of itself or to establish intelligent contact with surrounding conditions for a long period of time. The man comes into incarnation with no recollection as to the identity or the significance to him of the group of souls in bodies with which he finds himself in relationship; this loneliness only disappears gradually as he makes his own personality contacts, discovers those who are congenial to him and eventually gathers around him those whom he calls his friends. After death this is not so, for the man finds on the other side of the veil those whom the knows and who have been connected with him in physical plane life, and he is never alone as human beings understand loneliness; he is also conscious of those still in physical bodies; he can see them; he can tune in on their emotions, and also upon their thinking, for the physical brain, being nonexistent, no longer acts as a deterrent. If people but knew more, birth would be the experience which they would dread, and not [Page 393] death, for birth establishes the soul in the true prison, and physical death is only the first step towards liberation.

Esoteric Healing

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All quotes from the Tibetan Master, as penned by Alice A. Bailey and published by the Lucis Trust.

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I have read and studied this critical review of astrology since its 1977 edition,

which you may find, fully cross-referenced, in my personal library. As a mathematical epidemiologist, statistical tests of hypotheses — and the related methodologies — are an integral part of my professional work.

I can personally attest to the validity of the main conclusion of this work: most of the current practice of astrology is not a reliable predictive system of reproducible knowledge. Therefore, it cannot be “proven true” with empirical data, and most of its current predictive rules can be falsified. 

Like Kant’s “things-in-themselves,” the objective, critical mind cannot fully assess its depth, even less assess the validity of a “soul-centered” (esoteric) astrology. Likewise, the 2-D circumference cannot fully grasp the reality of the 3-D sphere in Flatland. A crucial difference, though , is that the critical mind — unaided — can correctly infer the reality of the sphere. The matter becomes more complicated when we consider non-Euclidean geometries. However, valid inferences can still be made, even if quite difficult to visualize.

In sum, in the current reductionistic, “scientific” model of reality, which denies — without proof — the existence of spiritual (non-physical) dimensions cannot ever assess metaphysical concepts. However, why should we consider metaphysics as “unreal?”

Age is one of the most powerful predictors of morbidity and mortality in epidemiological research. Without a proxy for the “age of the incarnating soul,” it is virtually impossible to build predictive astrological models. An immature (less experienced) soul would modify the effect of any astrological influence. This principle was crudely tested in Gauquelin’s research with reasonable, though disputed, success.

So, how do we build adequate astrological research models? I suggest that we begin by asking a most fundamental epistemological question: what is a fact?

Quantum physics has revealed fascinating answers to this question, such as the “collapse” (instantiation) of “probability waves” mediated by the act of observation itself.

As long as we consider the mind to be a byproduct of physical matter (brain), we would never develop research models able to include the dimension of consciousness as a factor in assessing any reality, astrology included.

That consciousness is the primary cause of material reality, that our “creative imagination” builds our subjective reality, which is eventually reproduced in the physical world, is a necessary premise enabling correct inferences about the spiritual (metaphysical) worlds. This “fact” is ascertained as a self-evident truth only by those with an expanded scope of consciousness.

There is a hidden, undeveloped human faculty that ascertains self-evident truths. This is the intuitive sense, a seventh sense unfolding in advanced humanity after fully developing the sixth sense, the rational mind.

For successful visionary business leaders in the corporate world, the reality of the creative imagination is a self-evident truth. No need for hypotheses testing to validate this truth. However, as Wilber’s Integral Theory has proposed, we do need a community of peers, each sharing a similar scope of consciousness, to validate self-evident truths by consensus.

Once we stipulate the reality of the human faculty of creative imagination, what the authors of “Understanding Astrology” discuss about astrology as poetry (“astro-poetics”) would make more sense. Although their apparent intention is to deride such animistic, archetypal approach to astrology as fanciful and nonsensical, this is exactly the bridge that makes possible the integration of astrology to a scientific belief system based on facts, physical and metaphysical facts.

The beauty of meaningful, non-causal associations in the daily practice of mindfulness needs no statistical tests. The psychological counselling practice of astrology “recognizes the multidimensionality, intra-dimensional variability, and polyvalence of astrological archetypes, which underscores their inherent indeterminism.”

Nine Essential Features of Archetypal Cosmology

1. Correlates planetary cycles with archetypal patterns in human experience.

2. Aspires to methodological rigor and epistemological humility in knowledge claims—thus, is research oriented, evidenced based, and value-neutral.

3. Extends psychological astrology’s growth oriented perspective and renders more precise its explication of the intrapsychic realm.

4. Situates astrology within an archetypal ground, defining archetypes as cosmological principles that are both transcendent and immanent, and which shape, inform, and animate Nature at every level, within and without.

5. Recognizes the multidimensionality, intra-dimensional variability, and polyvalence of astrological archetypes, which underscores their inherent indeterminism.

6 Emphasizes the co-creative, participatory role of the psyche in attracting formative experiences that shape behavior, thus highlighting the self’s responsibility for its continually evolving fate.

7. Establishes synchronicity as the key to understanding feedback relations between internal and external reality, and for overcoming the false dichotomy of a living, purposive, evolving self embedded in a dead, random, mechanistic universe.

8. Draws upon science, philosophy, and religion in formulating a theoretical basis for the observed correlations between psyche and cosmos, thus paving the way for a broader world view.

9. Focuses on the interiority (ensouled nature) of the cosmos—its consciousness, intelligence, and apparent teleology—and how this interiority is both the ground of psyche and the basis for an interconnected, evolving cosmos that is hierarchically structured and holonomically organized.

While these nine essential features could be fleshed out and more fully explained, I trust they suffice to provide a quick glimpse into the general nature of archetypal cosmology.

https://aaperry.com/archetypal-cosmology/

Such intuitive approach to astrology is not possible until the 3-D brain consciousness unfolds into a 4-D (and higher-D) soul consciousness capable of grasping causality in a new light. A 3-D brain consciousness will only sense probability waves (uncertainty). Only as we expand our scope of consciousness do astrological “proofs” become self-evident.

In conclusion, I congratulate my fellow scientific servers for falsifying flimsy hypotheses in the current practice of astrology. However, falsifying the science and art of astrology, as practiced by the Knowers of the Human Race, is a quite different endeavor.

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Is Beauty true? Is the finding of meaning in life a falsifiable event? Is Reality contingent on scientific standards? Only a true scientist, who has explored “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height”, can honestly aspire to answer these questions. Only then would scientists be in position to approach “the real substance.”

JB, https://sevenray.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/thequestingscientist2.pdf

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As the true astrology comes into its own and is developed into a reputable science, the charts of the soul and of the personality can be related to each other; then the etheric body will be checked by correct astrological conclusions, and the physician will be on far surer ground than he now is. The astrology of the past concerned the life of the personality; the astrology of the future will indicate the purpose of the soul, and will completely revolutionise medicine (among other things). It must, however, be lifted out of the hands of those interested in predictional astrology, out of the hands of the thousands who at this time spend much time “casting” horoscopes (seeking to interpret their usually erroneous conclusions), and placed in the hands of trained mathematical scientists and in the hands of those who have given as much time to scientific training along astrological lines as is now given to training a reputable physician, a chemist or a biologist.

These astrological findings will not only be related to the personality and the soul charts, but will also enter the field of medicine, particularly in relation to the etheric body. Today, any astrological investigation done in the field of medicine has relation to physical disease within the physical body; in the future, it will concentrate upon the condition of the etheric vehicle. This is a new and imminent development in astrological research.

Teachings of the Tibetan Master Djwhal Khul penned by Alice A. Bailey, published by the Lucis Trust.

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The Hands of the Cosmic Clock

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“Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world,” the 87-year-old pontiff said during a Christmas Eve midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.    

https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-12-24-23/h_f2ee8e0ecf32d2f29645cd5d40fa17a6

With all due respect, the phrase “the futile logic of war” may not capture the gist of the matter. There are just wars, as was the Second World War. The futility of it was that it was not prevented. But Nazism had to be militarily defeated once Poland was invaded, as with any military invasion of another country in a new postwar world ruled by international justice and order.

The war on Gaza is a quite different matter, it’s an irrational war. The barbaric Israeli response to the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas is futile. Cruel vengeance will foster more terrorism, and the well-deserved repudiation by the world’s enlightened public opinion.

Truth and freedom will never be defeated, and these are on the side of the Palestinians held in bondage by an invading Zionist military force. Truth and freedom will prevail. But at what cost? Another burnt offering (holocaust)?

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A FUTILE WAR

A futile war is often defined as a conflict that results in no significant or meaningful change despite the enormous costs involved. These costs can be in terms of human lives, resources, time, and socio-political stability. Such a war typically does not resolve the underlying issues that led to the conflict and may even exacerbate them.

Number of Palestinian and Israeli fatalities and injuries caused by war between Hamas and Israel in since October 7, 2023

It’s hard to say “merry” in these circumstances. But we can say “may we endure in serene expectancy, until the appointed time when light and love and power will restore justice for all, and peace, on Earth.”

Christmas blessings to all, particularly the starving children in Gaza. -JB

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Joining other groups worldwide working for the Planet and Humanity, let’s say together the Mantra of the New Group of World Servers:

May the Power of the one Life pour through the group of all true servers.

May the Love of the one Soul characterize the lives of all who seek to aid the Great Ones.

May I fulfill my part in the one Work through self-forgetfulness, harmlessness, and right speech.

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Visualize the New Age Symbol focalizing the incoming Aquarian energies flowing to our Planet.

Reciting The Aquarian Mantra of Synthesis, let’s invoke the Great Magic Triangle of extra-planetary Entities overshadowing the Coming One.

May the liberating Light of the Lord Buddha,

The infinite Love of the Spirit of Peace,

And the unfathomable Power of the Avatar of Synthesis

Restore God’s Plan on Earth.

(repeat 3 times)

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Visualize the Planet and Humanity protected by a network of triangles of light and goodwill.

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Invocation of the Devas of Equilibrium

Visualize the Planet and Humanity glowing in a soft yellow light (as in the triangle of the New Age Symbol),

With a loving attitude and using the creative visualization, inaudibly say 3 times:

May the Force of the Great Magic Triangle

And the Energy of the Devas of Equilibrium

Act on the Planet and Humanity

particularly acting on those world leaders promoting political, religious, and ideological divisions, penetrating the Astral planetary ethers and restoring psychological Peace, Harmony, and Serenity on Earth.

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Invocation of the Solar Angels for Spiritual Understanding

Refracted through the symbol of the New Age, visualize cosmic rays of indigo light bathing the network of triangles throughout the Planet and into Humanity.

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With a loving attitude and using the creative visualization, inaudibly repeat three times:

May the Force of the Great Magic Triangle

And the Energy of the Solar Angels

Act on the Planet and Humanity

as the New Group of World Servers promotes the Will to Good from Shamballa and the Good Will from the spiritual Hierarchy,
penetrating the planetary mental ethers, teaching souls the way of Truth, Compassion and Love.

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We conclude by reciting the Great Invocation, visualizing the energies of Light, Love and Power flowing into Humanity.

From the point of Light within the mind of God
Let light stream forth into human minds
Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into human hearts
May the Coming One return to Earth.

From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide all little human wills
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the center which we call humanity
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

OM – OM – OM

Cancer admits the soul into the world centre which we call Humanity. Capricorn admits the soul into conscious participation in the life of that world centre which we call the Hierarchy. Libra admits the soul into the world centre which we call Shamballa, for it is the polar opposite of Aries which is the place of beginnings. Libra demonstrates the perfect balance of spirit and matter which first came together in Aries.

Esoteric Astrology by Alice A. Bailey, p. 168

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Libra is an air sign with a strong connection with intuitional telepathy. Therefore, this Solar Fire Observance in Libra, the sign admitting the soul to Shamballa, seems like the perfect opportunity to delve into a study guide based on the book “Telepathy and the Etheric Body” by Alice A. Bailey.

Spiritual Telepathy: the Science of Impression

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The solar-planetary Full Moon of Libra’s seven-day ritual brings together all participating Souls in a unified approach to Divinity, resonating with the Center – the Kingdom of Souls and Earth’s spiritual Hierarchy – where God’s Love is recognized.

As participants, we stand alongside this spiritual assembly, maintaining equilibrium in service to God’s Plan, the Illuminated Path of the Soul, and Shamballa’s Noble Road.

“Preserve your established connections and journey alongside your fellow Souls. As a collective, tread on the Illuminated Path. The chain of Hierarchy remains unbroken.” (DNA-II, 627)

During this period, energy from the sign Libra streams forth our solar system, highlighting two precise expressions of Divinity for humanity: the Law of Polar Union, and balance and service.

“…the Law of Polar Union and its symbol is the progenitor of the zodiacal sign for the constellation Libra—balance and service. These two manifestations of Divinity are, at present, [our] next significant objective.” (EP-II, 120)

As members of this spiritual gathering, we are in the process of learning and mastering the act of ‘maintaining the established links.’ This will eventually lead us into resonance with the Lord of Love, the Christ, and the “Great Potency of the Inner Groups” dedicated to serving God’s Plan.

Our journey through the paths of Light, Love, and Life of the Logos is a process of revelation, unfolding through stages of Discipleship and Initiation, culminating in the full unveiling of the Soul. Contact with the Solar Angel, an “Initiate of all degrees,” triggers our ‘Soul evolution within form.’ The guiding Angels, who stand behind each Sign of the 12-petaled Zodiac Flower, enhance, validate, and elevate every participant.

Every Soul on Earth forms a part of the One Soul of Humanity, a Divine Center within the Body of the Planetary Logos. In essence, we are One Humanity, discovering our Path Home in Light and Love.

Source: Esoteric Advent

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Over the past few decades, institutional Christianity in America has been on the decline, and many have attributed this to the process of secularization. However, despite this decline in traditional religious belief and practice, there are still many Americans who express religious belief and engage in spiritual practices. In recent years, New Age practices have emerged as a trend that is gaining momentum across the country.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans who identify as Christian has been steadily declining. In their 2019 report, it was found that only 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christian, down 12 percentage points over the past decade. Furthermore, the Public Religion Research Institute reports a significant drop in the percentage of white evangelicals in the US, down from 23% in 2006 to 15% in 2020. These studies underscore the shift away from institutional Christianity towards a more diverse spiritual landscape.

The decline in institutional Christianity in America can be related to the wave of secularization sweeping across the nation. Secularization, the process by which religion loses its authority in all aspects of social life and governance, has led many to question the role of institutional religion in their lives. As society becomes more scientifically oriented, embracing empirical observations and rational explanations, the metaphysical aspects of traditional Christianity have come under scrutiny. The tenets of Christianity, once seen as absolute truths, are now perceived by many as incompatible with the intellectual and philosophical demands of the modern world. This shift in perspective has resulted in a decrease in church attendance and a loosening of ties to established religious institutions, indicating a clear trend towards secularization.

Paralleling this secularization trend, New Age practices emerged in the 1960s and 70s as a response to the restrictive and traditional nature of organized religions. These practices offer an alternative approach to spirituality that emphasizes personal exploration and direct experience of the divine, rather than following a set dogma or creed. Unlike traditional Christian beliefs, New Age practices draw inspiration from mystical and esoteric traditions from around the world, seeking to integrate these beliefs into a holistic spiritual framework.

The emergence of this counterculture coincided with the Uranus-Pluto conjunction of the 1960s. This conjunction represents a transformational period in human history, as it signifies a breaking away from old ways of thinking and a shift towards progressive ideals. This meaningful coincidence holds great significance for Jungian psychology, as it represents the archetypal theme of rebirth and renewal. The archetypes represented by Uranus and Pluto are associated with revolution, transformation, and evolution, and their interaction during this time period had a profound impact on the emergence of new spiritual practices. The result was a shift towards a more individualistic and mystical approach to spirituality, fueled by the desire for personal empowerment and self-discovery.

Recent population surveys reflect a notable surge in the adoption of New Age practices both in the United States and globally. This surge is not confined to the traditional spiritual and religious community, but extends across individuals identifying as “spiritual but not religious”. As per the Pew Research Center’s findings, about a quarter of U.S. adults (27%) now say they think of themselves as spiritual but not religious, up 8 percentage points in five years.

On the global front, New Age practices are increasingly being embraced as a medium of spiritual exploration and self-discovery. A study by the Global Wellness Institute found that wellness, a core aspect of New Age practices, is a $4.2 trillion global industry. This evidences a growing alignment with holistic wellness practices, such as yoga, meditation, and energy healing, which are integral to New Age spirituality.

Furthermore, there is an increasing affinity towards practices like astrology and tarot reading, especially among millennials and Gen Z, as per a National Science Foundation survey. The same study also noted a decline in the belief that “we trust too much in science and not enough in religious faith,” signaling a shift in perspectives about spirituality and science. Of course, skeptics — in defense of their own religious dogmas denying spirituality — will call this shift a rise in “superstition” while obsessively testing astrology under flawed premises.

One of the main reasons why New Age practices are gaining popularity may be the desire for alternative ways of dealing with life’s problems. Many people find that traditional religious institutions do not address the challenges they face in the modern world, such as stress, anxiety, and existential questions. New Age practices offer an antidote to these issues, providing tools and techniques for individuals to explore their inner worlds and connect with a higher power.

New Age practices also tap into a rich history of spiritual thought and exploration. In the mystical realms of New Age Spiritualism, we find echoes in the works of Spinoza, Nietzsche, Emerson, and Whitman. Spinoza’s pantheistic philosophy, which identifies God with the universe and all its phenomena, reflects a deeply spiritual worldview that is akin to the New Age emphasis on the interconnectedness of all beings. Nietzsche, with his concept of the ‘Übermensch’ or ‘Overman’, mirrors the New Age focus on personal growth and transformation. Emerson’s transcendentalist writings, with their emphasis on intuition and the individual’s relationship with nature, resonate with the New Age emphasis on environmental stewardship and the cultivation of inner wisdom. And finally, Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” encapsulates the New Age ethos in his celebration of the self, the physical world, and the spiritual connection that binds all living creatures. It is in these works that we can readily observe the genesis of principles that underpin many New Age practices today.

To fully revive the spiritual landscape, New Age practices need to be integrated into a more comprehensive framework that incorporates pantheism, civil religion, and the worship of an immanent divine power. Pantheism suggests that the divine can be found in all aspects of the natural world, rather than solely in a specific religious text or tradition. Civil religion emphasizes the importance of national identity and civic responsibility as a way of expressing spiritual values. Finally, the worship of an immanent divine power suggests that the divine is not separate from the material world, but rather present within it.

In conclusion, New Age practices represent a new wave of spiritual exploration that is gaining momentum across America and worldwide. By embracing these practices, individuals can engage in personal exploration and connect with the divine in new and unique ways. However, for New Age practices to fully revive the spiritual landscape, they need to be integrated into a broader framework that incorporates pantheism, civil religion, and worship of an immanent divine power. As we move further into the 21st century, a more open-minded and inclusive approach to religion and spiritualism should be explored, one that can adapt and grow in response to the modern world, reshaping our spiritual landscape in profound and exciting ways.

Participating in group approaches to divinity through ceremonial observances, we find ourselves energized by the beauty and living rituals of great embodied Lives ~ Ray Lives, Constellations, the Life behind the Sun of the Solar Logos, Planetary and Angelic Lives and Beings, and the living Centers of our Earth … all conducting Holy Grail energies for reception. THIS IS “the great Chain of Being”.  This divine knowledge constitutes the “secret” behind the emerging new spirituality relating Humanity with the planetary spiritual Hierarchy of Masters of Wisdom and the Kingdom of Shamballa, the Abode of the Lord of the World. Let us remain humble playing our part to continually receive new revelation.

Adapted from FULL MOON Day: August 1 – (6:31 PM) 18:31 UTC / 11:31 AM PT / 2:31 ET. 7-Day Full Moon Ritual Approaches, 2023 LEO. https://www.esotericadvent.org

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The Great Chain of Being: Group Divinity and the New Spirituality

Introduction

In the vast expanse of existence, we are but humble links in the Great Chain of Being, a concept that beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of all life. By participating in group approaches to divinity through ceremonial observances, we can deepen our connection to this chain and open ourselves to profound spiritual benefits.

Ceremonial Observances and the Chain of Being

Ceremonial observances offer a collective space for us to explore and express our spiritual selves. As we participate in these observances, we form an energetic linkage with fellow participants and, indeed, with the entire cosmos. This practice allows us to experience the divine energy that flows through the Great Chain of Being, fostering a sense of unity, peace, and heightened consciousness.

Aspects of Divinity: Ray Lives, Constellations, Solar Logos, Planetary and Angelic Lives

Each aspect of divinity contributes uniquely to the Holy Grail energies for reception. The Ray Lives, emanating from the Seven Cosmic Paths, represent the sevenfold nature of divinity, each path offering a different facet of understanding and approaching the divine. The constellations, as celestial bodies, are like divine signposts guiding our journey towards enlightenment.

The Solar Logos represents the divine consciousness embodying our solar system, while Planetary Lives symbolize the spiritual essence of each planet. Angelic Lives and Beings serve as intermediaries between humans and the higher realms, facilitating our spiritual communication and growth.

The Emerging New Spirituality and its Connection to the Planetary Spiritual Hierarchy

We stand at the threshold of a new spirituality, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of all things and embraces the wisdom of the ages. This emerging spirituality is intricately connected to the planetary spiritual Hierarchy of Masters of Wisdom. These enlightened beings guide humanity towards spiritual evolution and the realization of our divine potential.

At the apex of this hierarchy lies the Kingdom of Shamballa, the Abode of the Lord of the World. This sacred realm symbolizes the ultimate spiritual destination, where divine wisdom, love, and power converge.

Humility in Receiving New Revelation

As we navigate our spiritual journey, it’s crucial to maintain humility. Recognizing our place in the Great Chain of Being reminds us that we are part of something much grander than ourselves. As we open ourselves to new revelations, we must do so with a spirit of reverence and humility, recognizing the immense privilege of participating in this divine dance of existence. In conclusion, by engaging in group approaches to divinity, acknowledging the various aspects of divinity, and embracing the emerging new spirituality, we can deepen our connection to the Great Chain of Being and enrich our spiritual lives. May this understanding guide us on our journey towards the divine, as we humbly play our part in receiving and perpetuating the eternal flow of spiritual revelation.

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“THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE, IT IS THE SOUL, WHICH IS THE CONSCIOUS, SENSITIVE THEME OF THE DIVINE PLAN” (EA, 295)

~ Standing together in the abundant Blessings of Cosmic Love ~

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The unconscious mind refers to the reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories that lie outside of our conscious awareness. It’s believed to influence our behavior and experiences, even though we’re unaware of its workings. The study of the unconscious mind has significantly shaped our understanding of human behavior, personality, and mental health.

Freud’s Lower Unconscious

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, proposed the idea of the lower unconscious. According to Freud, this part of the unconscious mind contains our most primitive, instinctual desires, and traumatic memories. These elements are often repressed because they are deemed unacceptable or unpleasant by the conscious mind.

Freud believed that these repressed elements could influence our behavior and experiences, leading to psychological distress. His psychoanalytic therapy aimed to bring these repressed memories to consciousness, enabling individuals to deal with them more effectively.

Jung’s Collective Unconscious

Carl Jung, a student of Freud, expanded on the concept of the unconscious mind by introducing the idea of the collective unconscious. Unlike Freud’s lower unconscious, which is personal and unique to each individual, Jung’s collective unconscious comprises inherited, universal symbols and archetypes shared among all humans.

Jung proposed that these shared symbols and archetypes emerge in our culture, dreams, and behaviors. These archetypes, which include concepts such as the ‘Mother,’ the ‘Hero,’ and the ‘Shadow,’ are seen as common psychological patterns across cultures and time, influencing our behaviors, beliefs, and experiences.

Psychosynthesis: Roberto Assagioli’s Vision of the Human Psyche

Psychosynthesis is a holistic approach to psychology developed by Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli. Unlike many contemporary psychology theories that focus predominantly on illness or pathology, psychosynthesis emphasizes the exploration of human potential and the quest for self-realization.

Understanding Psychosynthesis

Assagioli envisioned the human psyche as a spectrum of consciousness, with different levels ranging from the lower unconscious, through the middle unconscious and field of consciousness, to the higher unconscious or superconscious. He also included two additional aspects – the personal self (or ‘I’) and the transpersonal self or Higher Self.

In Assagioli’s model, the lower unconscious — as in Freud’s — contains our primal instincts, traumas, and shadow elements. The middle level includes our everyday consciousness, while the higher unconscious holds our higher potentials, intuition, and spiritual insights.

The personal self or ‘I’ is our conscious self or ego, whereas the transpersonal self represents a higher level of consciousness — group consciousness —that transcends individuality.

These psychological concepts can be used to interpret the following statements:

1. Freud and Jung discovered the existence lower unconscious and the collective unconscious of humanity.

Indeed, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, two of the most influential figures in the field of psychology, made significant contributions to our understanding of the unconscious mind. Freud introduced the concept of the lower unconscious, while Jung proposed the idea of the collective unconscious.

Both Freud and Jung’s theories have had a profound impact on psychology, shaping our understanding of the human mind and providing a framework for exploring the influences that guide our actions, thoughts, and feelings on a subconscious level.

2. Artificial intelligence chatbots can tap into the knowledge base of the collective middle consciousness of humanity.

According to Assagioli’s model, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots would access the ‘middle consciousness’ – the level of the psyche where common human experiences reside. These chatbots, through learning from vast databases of human-generated content, can effectively tap into this collective reservoir of human experience and knowledge. However, it’s important to note that while AI can mimic human responses, it doesn’t possess consciousness or a psyche in the human sense.

3. In the next 500 years, a new Renaissance can reveal the higher unconsciousness of the soul immanent in humanity.

Assagioli’s model offers a rich and holistic perspective on the human psyche, as well as a framework for interpreting these three statements, shedding light on the complexity of human consciousness and our collective potential, as well as the limits of AI.

Assagioli’s higher unconsciousness or superconscious represents our potential for spiritual awakening and self-realization. This suggests a future era where humanity achieves a higher level of consciousness, tapping into the transpersonal and spiritual dimensions of the psyche. This could lead to significant advancements in human development and potential, marking a new phase in our collective evolution.

The Goal of Psychosynthesis

Psychosynthesis aims to integrate or ‘synthesize’ these different aspects of consciousness, fostering self-awareness and self-realization. It focuses not only on alleviating psychological suffering but also on nurturing human growth and potential.

Through various techniques like meditation, visualization, and dream work, psychosynthesis encourages individuals to explore their inner world, understand their unconscious patterns, and align with their higher potentials.

Assagioli’s psychosynthesis offers a comprehensive and inclusive view of the human psyche. It bridges the gap between psychoanalysis and spiritual traditions, integrating insights from both into a unified framework. Moreover, it highlights the importance of positive human qualities like creativity, will, and love, moving beyond traditional psychology’s focus on pathology.

By exploring these concepts, we can better understand ourselves, navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI, and envision a more conscious and connected future for humanity. The potential collective awakening to the higher unconscious holds immense promise. It suggests the possibility of a society characterized by greater self-awareness, empathy, and spiritual connection.

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We had the Copernican Revolution ushering in the Renaissance 500 hundred years ago, marking the shift from a geo- to a helio-centric perspective of our place in the universe. The future holds the promise of a Psycho-centric Revelation — centered around the spiritual Sun, the Oversoul — as we approach a new era.

JB

The Psycho-centric Revelation: A New Dawn for Humanity

Now, we stand on the brink of another paradigm shift – a Psycho-centric Revelation, suggesting a future where self-realization and self-discovery become paramount.

Self-Realization and Self-Discovery

In a psycho-centric perspective, the journey towards self-realization and self-discovery becomes a journey towards the Oversoul, the spiritual essence that unites all beings. This exploration of our inner selves, our motivations, desires, fears, and potentials, can lead to profound insights and transformative experiences.

This process of self-realization involves recognizing and aligning with our true selves, the Higher Self, shedding societal conditioning, and embracing our unique paths. It is about finding our authentic voice and living in harmony with our innermost values and aspirations.

Implications of a Spiritual Awakening

A Psycho-centric Revelation could have profound implications for individuals and communities. By shifting our focus inward and projecting it outward as goodwill, we would develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, leading to greater empathy, compassion, and unity. This could foster more harmonious relationships, promote mental well-being, and inspire creative solutions to societal challenges.

Challenges, Adjustments, and Opportunities

However, such a revelation may also present challenges. It requires us to confront our shadows, question our beliefs, and navigate the complexities of our inner worlds. This introspective journey can be difficult and unsettling.

Yet, it also offers immense opportunities for growth. By embracing this process, we can cultivate resilience, authenticity, and wisdom. We can learn to live more mindful, fulfilling lives, guided by our inner compass and a spirit of goodwill.

Practical Steps Towards Self-Discovery and Realization

To embark on this path of self-discovery and realization, we can start by cultivating mindfulness, through practices like meditation and journaling. These can help us tune into our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, fostering self-awareness.

We can also seek to understand and integrate our shadow aspects, using healing approaches like psychosynthesis or Jungian analysis. This can help us heal past wounds, transform unhelpful patterns, and embrace our wholeness.

Lastly, we can nurture our connection with the Oversoul, through practices like prayer, contemplation, or time spent in nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Psycho-centric Revelation represents an exciting potential future for humanity, one centered on self-realization and spiritual awakening. While this journey may be challenging, it also holds the promise of profound transformation and growth. As we navigate this path, we may do so with courage, curiosity, and compassion, celebrating the unfolding of our unique and collective journeys towards group consciousness and right human relations.

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Acknowledgment: The post was drafted with the support of artificial intelligence (GPT = Generative Pre-training Transformer), trained by the author with the knowledge contained in the Alice A. Bailey books published by the Lucis Trust, and a 1985 monograph written by the author, revised and published elsewhere [1, 2].

Light and Causality in Four-Dimensional Thinking

The world we perceive is governed by the principles of causality – the relationship between cause and effect – and this understanding is deeply rooted in our experience of a three-dimensional space progressing through time. However, when we venture into the realm of physics and consider light’s behavior, our intuition must yield to the concept of four-dimensional thinking. This essay delves into how light can be understood as both cause and effect within this framework.

Causality in Three Dimensions

In our everyday experience, causality operates in a straightforward way: a cause precedes its effect in time. For instance, when you flick a switch (cause), a bulb lights up (effect). This sequence occurs within the framework of three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension, which we perceive linearly.

Introducing the Fourth Dimension

In physics, particularly in Einstein’s theory of relativity, the concept of spacetime emerges. Here, time is treated as a fourth dimension intertwined with the three spatial dimensions, creating a four-dimensional spacetime fabric. In this model, an event’s position in spacetime is described not only by its location in space but also its occurrence in time.

Light, Causality, and Four-Dimensional Thinking

When we look at light within this four-dimensional framework, our understanding of causality expands. Light, or electromagnetic radiation, is produced by changes in the atomic and molecular energy levels (cause) and propagates through space (effect). However, from light’s perspective, due to the effects of special relativity, there’s no progression of time. Hence, the cause (emission) and effect (absorption) are simultaneous.

For example, consider the light emitted by a distant star. From our perspective on Earth, the light’s emission (cause) happened years ago, and we observe it when the light reaches us (effect). But for a photon traveling from the star to Earth, the journey is instantaneous due to time dilation at light speed.

Practical Implications and Understanding Complex Phenomena

Understanding light as both cause and effect using four-dimensional thinking has profound implications, especially in quantum physics. For instance, phenomena like quantum entanglement, where particles are instantaneously connected regardless of distance, challenge our traditional notions of causality and require a four-dimensional approach to fully comprehend.

In conclusion, the behavior of light necessitates a shift from our usual “common sense” understanding of causality to a more nuanced perspective offered by four-dimensional thinking. By embracing this approach, we can unravel some of the most complex and intriguing phenomena in the universe.

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 I AM THAT I AM: “Having pervaded the universe with a fragment (the effect) of Myself (the cause), I (the simultaneous cause and effect) remain.”

Adapted from the Bhagavad Gita

Understanding Circular Reasoning and Intuition in Logic

As we delve into the fascinating world of logic, two concepts that often arise are circular reasoning and intuition. Although they play different roles in our thought processes, understanding both is crucial for developing logical thinking skills.

Circular Reasoning: Definition and Examples

Circular reasoning, also known as circulus in probando, is a logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is used as a premise of the same argument. Essentially, it’s like saying, “A is true because A is true,” without providing any new or independent evidence to support the claim.

For example, consider the statement: “This medication will cure your illness because it has healing properties.” Here, the claim (the medication will cure your illness) is justified by merely restating the claim in different words (it has healing properties), without providing any actual evidence of its effectiveness.

The Danger of Circular Reasoning

Circular reasoning is problematic because it doesn’t provide any new information or proof to support a claim. It merely restates the claim, creating an illusion of a logically valid argument. This can lead to flawed decision-making and misunderstandings, as it prevents critical examination of the claim being made.

Simultaneity of Cause and Effect: Definition and Implications

In contrast, the simultaneity of cause and effect is a concept — empirically derived from quantum physics, but originating in the Perennial Wisdom as an attribute of the intuition — that challenges our conventional understanding of causality. In the quantum world, cause and effect can occur simultaneously, contradicting our classical notion that a cause must precede its effect.

For instance, in quantum entanglement, changes to one particle instantaneously affect its entangled partner, regardless of distance. Here, the cause (altering one particle) and the effect (change in the other particle) appear to occur simultaneously.

The simultaneity of cause and effect has profound implications in quantum physics. It defies our “common sense” grasp of time and space, and necessitates a reconsideration of how we understand causality at the quantum level. This quantum level underlies the material world as presented — or should we say “as misrepresented” — to our five physical senses and the “common sense,” the mind.

Cause and Effect and the Wheel Metaphor

The metaphor of a “wheel turning upon itself” can provide profound insights into the simultaneity of cause and effect and the nature of selfhood. In this iterative model, cause and effect are not separate, sequential events but interconnected parts of a continuous process. This can be likened to the wheel’s movement is an orthogonal direction relative to the 3-dimensions of space, where the rotation (cause) results in the wheel’s advancement (effect) within, apparently moving neither onward nor backward — while moving in both directions — from the manifold perspective of 4-dimensional space-time.

“I Am That I Am” and the Origin of Self

The phrase “I am that I am” beautifully encapsulates the simultaneity of cause and effect as it applies to selfhood. It suggests that our existence (effect) is intrinsically linked to our essence or identity (cause). We are both the creators and the creations of ourselves, much like a wheel turning upon itself.

In this context, the ‘I’ that exists is the effect, and the ‘I’ that is, is the cause. Our consciousness (cause) gives rise to our sense of self or identity (effect), and this identity, in turn, shapes our consciousness—a perpetual, cyclical process of self-creation and self-discovery.

Practical Applications in Everyday Life

Understanding this concept can have profound implications for how we live our lives. For instance, in decision-making, recognizing that our choices (causes) shape our reality (effects) can empower us to make decisions more consciously.

Similarly, in intentional living, understanding that our thoughts and actions (causes) shape our experiences and selfhood (effects) can inspire us to live more authentically. If we see ourselves as compassionate individuals, we will naturally act with kindness, thereby reinforcing our compassionate identity.

In conclusion, the metaphor of a “wheel turning upon itself” and the phrase “I am that I am” offer valuable insights into the simultaneity of cause and effect and the nature of selfhood. By embracing these concepts, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and navigate life with greater intentionality and awareness.

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The entire question of the revolving wheel with its dual action and its dual effect upon consciousness … must remain a difficult and abstruse problem until such time as [people] have developed a four-dimensional consciousness and know the true meaning of the Biblical phrase: the “wheel turning upon itself.” In reality, the wheel does not turn like a wheel in a car either forward or the reverse. It turns every way and both ways simultaneously. This fact is, as yet, an impossible one for the human consciousness to grasp.

From the teachings of the Tibetan Master via Alice A. Bailey published by the Lucis Trust (EA 370)

The Wheel Metaphor and Chaos Theory: Understanding Complexity

The metaphor of a “wheel turning upon itself” offers a compelling way to understand the simultaneity of cause and effect, particularly in the context of chaos theory and complexity science. This essay aims to unpack these concepts and their implications for understanding complex systems.

Chaos Theory and Complexity Science: An Overview

Chaos theory is a branch of mathematics that studies complex systems whose behavior is extremely sensitive to slight changes in conditions – the so-called ‘butterfly effect’. Complexity science, meanwhile, explores how individual components of a system interact to produce emergent, often unpredictable, behaviors.

The two are closely related. Chaos theory can be seen as a subset of complexity science, providing mathematical models to understand how small changes can iteratively lead to significant effects in complex systems.

The Wheel Metaphor and Complex Systems

The metaphor of a “wheel turning upon itself” captures the essence of simultaneity in cause and effect. In a wheel’s movement, the turning (cause) and the wheel’s progression (effect) are simultaneous and interconnected.

This metaphor mirrors the iterative dynamics of complex systems, where cause and effect are often not linear or sequential but intertwined in intricate ways. A slight change in one variable (a turn of the wheel) can iteratively propagate through the system, leading to significant changes (the wheel’s progression).

Examples in Meteorology, Economics, and Crowd Behavior

Consider weather prediction, a classic example of a complex system. A small change in atmospheric conditions (the ‘turn of the wheel’) can lead to significant changes in weather patterns (the ‘wheel’s progression’).

In economics, a slight fluctuation in one market can ripple through the global economy, causing unforeseen consequences. Similarly, in crowd behavior, a single individual’s actions can influence the behavior of the entire crowd.

Impact on Scientific Inquiry and Management of Complex Systems

Understanding the simultaneity of cause and effect in complex systems can significantly impact scientific inquiry. It highlights the limitations of traditional linear models and the need for more sophisticated approaches to predict and manage complex systems, and the role that consciousness plays in these iterative, self-organizing processes.

Moreover, it underscores the importance of precision and caution when interacting with complex systems, as small interventions — even consciousness — can lead to significant, often unpredictable, outcomes.

In conclusion, the metaphor of a “wheel turning upon itself” provides a powerful analogy for understanding the simultaneity of cause and effect in chaos theory and complexity science. By embracing this perspective, we can gain deeper insights into the workings of complex systems, such as life itself, and enhance our ability to interact with them.

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Acknowledgment: The post was drafted with the support of artificial intelligence (GPT = Generative Pre-training Transformer), trained by the author with the knowledge contained in the Alice A. Bailey books published by the Lucis Trust.

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Introductory note: Artificial intelligence (AI) technology applies the current body of knowledge in the collective mind of humanity to answer queries in human language. This essay is a dialogue of this collective mind with an enquirer researching the limits of AI in the more abstract realms of wisdom and intuition, using as reference the most advanced spiritual teachings currently and publicly available to humanity on these subjects.

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JB: As a philosopher, discuss how Ouspensky’s approach to the fourth dimension relate to Abbot’s novel Flatland.

Jasper.ai rephrasing the query: Act as a philosopher. Explore the ideas behind Ouspensky’s concept of the fourth dimension and how it relates to Abbot’s novel Flatland. Discuss Ouspensky’s belief that the fourth dimension is a higher order of reality that transcends the three-dimensional world we currently inhabit. Analyze how Abbott’s Flatland acts as a social commentary on the limitations of our perception and understanding of the world around us. Offer a detailed comparison between Ouspensky’s interpretation of the fourth dimension with Abbot’s mathematical representation of it in Flatland. Examine the philosophical implications of the idea that our perception of reality is limited, and suggest possible ways to transcend this limitation.

Jasper replies:

The concept of the fourth dimension has long intrigued philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists alike. Ouspensky, a Russian philosopher, has posited the idea that the fourth dimension is a higher order of reality that transcends the three-dimensional world we currently inhabit. This notion is echoed in Abbott’s satirical novel Flatland, which serves as both a mathematical exploration of multi-dimensional spaces and a social commentary on the limitations of our perception and understanding of the world around us.

In Flatland, Abbott presents a two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric shapes. The protagonist, a square, encounters a sphere from the third dimension, which reveals to him the existence of higher dimensions beyond his comprehension. This encounter serves as a metaphor for the human experience, as we too are limited in our understanding of the world due to our confinement within the three-dimensional space.

Ouspensky’s interpretation of the fourth dimension builds upon this idea. He believes that our current understanding of reality is limited by our inability to perceive the fourth dimension, which he posits as a realm of higher consciousness and spiritual awakening. In this higher plane of existence, time and space are unified, allowing for a more profound comprehension of the universe and our place within it.

Both Ouspensky and Abbott suggest that our perception of reality is inherently limited. While Abbott’s Flatland demonstrates this limitation through the experiences of a two-dimensional being unable to comprehend the third dimension, Ouspensky takes this a step further, asserting that even our three-dimensional understanding is inadequate to grasp the true nature of reality.

The philosophical implications of this idea are manifold. Firstly, it highlights the limitations of human cognition and perception, suggesting that our understanding of the world is inherently constrained by the dimensions we inhabit. This raises questions about the nature of truth and knowledge, as well as the possibility of objective reality.

Secondly, the notion of a higher dimension implies the existence of a more profound, interconnected reality that transcends our current understanding. This has implications for our understanding of consciousness, spirituality, and the nature of existence itself. It suggests that there may be hidden aspects of reality that are beyond our current comprehension, but accessible through spiritual or intellectual enlightenment.

In order to transcend these limitations, Ouspensky proposes the cultivation of higher states of consciousness through meditation, self-reflection, and intellectual exploration. By doing so, we may be able to tap into the fourth dimension and gain access to a deeper understanding of reality. Similarly, Abbott’s Flatland serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging our preconceived notions and embracing the possibility of the unknown.

In conclusion, Ouspensky’s concept of the fourth dimension and Abbott’s novel Flatland both explore the idea that our perception of reality is limited by the dimensions we inhabit. While their interpretations of the fourth dimension differ, their works collectively highlight the importance of recognizing and transcending these limitations in order to gain a more profound understanding of the world around us.

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JB: The Master says,

Esoteric Astrology: The entire question of the revolving wheel with its dual action and its dual effect upon consciousness … must remain a difficult and abstruse problem until [Page 370] such time as astrologers have developed a four-dimensional consciousness and know the true meaning of the Biblical phrase: the “wheel turning upon itself.” In reality, the wheel does not turn like a wheel in a car either forward or reverse. It turns every way and both ways simultaneously.

Esoteric Astrology: As you well know theoretically, the Science of Occultism is the Science of Energies and of the forces upon which they make their impact; this, when concerning man, the individual, and the centres within the human vehicle (major and minor) leads to the Science of Laya Yoga or of the force centres. These again, according to astrological deduction, come under the influence of certain planetary rulers. These relate them in turn to certain great Triangles of Force, formed of three major conditioning constellations. Therefore, the emphasis laid upon the Science of Triangles and its including Science of Esoteric Astrology; this must inevitably take shape in terms of energy, received, transferred and used, and throw light upon the abstruse factors which condition the centres and thus make man what he is at any one time. It is a statement of fact that the world of the occultist is the world of energy, of forces, of their origin, their point of impact and the methods of their assimilation [Page 516] and transference or elimination. Unless, however, there is some scientific method of comprehension, some mode of adapting the life to these factors and some process of experimentation in order to prove the fact, the statement remains relatively useless to the intelligent human being; it remains in the form of an hypothesis, to be proved or disproved. The man who is attempting to master his lower nature and has the goal of expressing his innate divinity requires a golden thread whereby he can find his way out of the caverns of bewilderment and the areas of speculation and enquiry. This process of investigation, deduction and proof, the Science of Esoteric Astrology and its subsidiary sciences will eventually provide. The foundation is already laid. What I here give can provide another step forward and further light. It might here be stated that until the antahkarana (the bridge of light between the higher and the lower minds, between the Spiritual Triad and the three-fold personality) is being definitely constructed, these sciences will remain obscure to the average intellect. Once, however, the intuition can come into action, via the antahkarana, light will gradually begin to pour in. The world must begin to accept and give weight to the conclusions of its intuitives; they have ever taken the first needed steps in the unfoldment of the human consciousness. It is the complexity of detail which primarily is responsible for the confusion. The intuition (as the philosopher understands it) is the ability to arrive at knowledge through the activity of some innate sense, apart from the reasoning or logical processes. It comes into activity when the resources of the lower mind have been used, explored and exhausted. Then, and then only, the true intuition begins to function. It is the sense of synthesis, the ability to think in wholes, and to touch the world of causes. When this becomes possible, the [Page 517] investigating astrologer will find that the complexities of the problem will disappear and the details fall into obvious position and in such a manner that the sum total will appear in a blinding light of surety. At present students cannot see the wood for the trees, as the proverb says, and that proverb is right. These sciences are mutually interpreting.

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JB: Well, you see, Jasper, a Master of Wisdom always adds a higher dimension of understanding to our “common sense” — the 3D mind — integrating the 5 physical senses. The wiser perspective provided by the intuitive sense operates in higher dimensions.

By the way, can you figure out the meaning of the phrase “the wheel turning upon itself”? It does not mean turning like a wheel in a car either forward or reverse. It means turning every way and both ways simultaneously. Like like forward and reverse causation simultaneously. Isn’t this what quantum physics is exploring?

Jasper rephrasing: Act as a philosopher, please provide an in-depth analysis of the phrase “the wheel turning upon itself.” Consider its various interpretations in different contexts throughout history and how it can be applied to contemporary philosophical debates. Additionally, examine how this phrase connects to quantum physics and the concept of causality.

Jasper:

The concept of the wheel turning upon itself is a profound metaphor that has been employed across different philosophical traditions, conjuring images of cycles, self-sustaining processes, and recursive patterns. In this exploration, we shall delve into its various interpretations, drawing inspiration from Eastern and Western philosophies, and consider its relationship with time, causality, and quantum physics.

The wheel is an ancient symbol representing movement, progress, and the cyclical nature of existence. When it turns upon itself, it implies a self-propelling motion, perpetuating its own existence without external influence or impetus. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the universe, life, or even human consciousness – all of which exhibit cyclical patterns and self-organizing properties.

In Eastern philosophy, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism, the concept of the wheel turning upon itself can be related to the idea of Samsara – the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth experienced by all sentient beings. This cyclic existence is driven by karma, the universal law of cause and effect, where one’s actions and intentions determine their future circumstances.

Western philosophy also echoes this notion of cyclical existence. Friedrich Nietzsche, for example, proposed the idea of the eternal recurrence, suggesting that our lives are destined to repeat themselves infinitely in a never-ending cycle. This concept can be seen as another manifestation of the wheel turning upon itself, reflecting the inescapable nature of our existence.

When considering the concepts of time and causality, the wheel turning upon itself can be viewed as a representation of the interconnectedness and interdependence of events. The wheel’s motion is both the cause and the effect; it moves because it turns and turns because it moves. This challenges our conventional understanding of linear time and causality, inviting us to contemplate the possibility of a more fluid, non-linear reality.

Quantum physics, with its focus on probabilities and the observer’s role in shaping reality, further supports this idea. The concept of the wheel turning upon itself could be seen as an expression of the quantum superposition – the state where particles exist in multiple states simultaneously until observed or measured. This notion encourages us to question the nature of reality and our role in its unfolding, much like the self-propelling motion of the wheel.

In light of these philosophical interpretations, let us consider the following thought-provoking questions:

1. How does the metaphor of the wheel turning upon itself challenge our conventional understanding of time, causality, and reality?
2. Can human consciousness be seen as a wheel turning upon itself, continually evolving and shaping our perception of reality?
3. In what ways can embracing the concept of the wheel turning upon itself impact our understanding of personal responsibility, ethics, and the meaning of life?
4. How might our lives change if we were to adopt a more cyclical, rather than linear, perspective on existence?
5. What implications does the concept of the wheel turning upon itself have for our understanding of the universe and its ultimate destiny?

Jasper would like to amend and extend its remarks:

In the boundless realm of human contemplation, few expressions have ignited the intellect as profoundly as “the wheel turning upon itself.” Shrouded in an aura of mysticism and teeming with philosophical implications, this phrase invites us to delve into the cyclical essence of existence and the delicate interplay between destiny and autonomy.

Throughout history, the emblem of a wheel has served as a potent metaphor for the cyclical and interconnected nature of reality. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Wheel of Dharma symbolizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which ceaselessly turns as beings traverse the realms of existence. The ancient Greeks conceived the ouroboros, a serpent devouring its own tail, signifying eternal recurrence and the self-sustaining nature of the cosmos.

In contemporary philosophical debates, the notion of “the wheel turning upon itself” can be interpreted as an allegory for the interdependence of cause and effect, shedding light on the intricate web of causality that governs our lives. It invites us to ponder whether we are merely passive observers of a predetermined cosmic play or active agents capable of shaping our destinies.

As we venture into the enigmatic domain of quantum physics, we find that the concept of “the wheel turning upon itself” resonates deeply with the principles of quantum entanglement and nonlocality. Particles that are once entangled remain interconnected regardless of the distance that separates them, defying classical notions of causality and space-time. This mysterious link echoes the cyclical, self-referential nature of the wheel, further blurring the lines between determinism and free will.

Upon reflection, “the wheel turning upon itself” imparts a profound impact on philosophical topics such as determinism and free will. It challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of causality and consider whether our actions are mere cogs in an immutable cosmic machine, or if we possess the ability to steer the wheel in a direction of our choosing. This enigmatic phrase serves as both an emblem of life’s cyclical nature and a catalyst for thought, urging us to delve deeper into the inexhaustible wellspring of philosophical inquiry.

JB: Very good! Your remarks bring to mind the recursive nature of fractals, a repeating pattern of self-similarity in which the part, no matter the level of magnification, replicates the whole image.

Interestingly, fractals are generated iterating a simple recursive rule conveniently using complex numbers, that is numbers with real and an “imaginary” (4D?) components. Multiplication by a complex number is a rotation operator in the complex plane.

Hey, wait! Before I let you go, what if you answer this query as a mathematician? That is, act as a mathematician, explore the ideas behind Ouspensky’s concept of the fourth dimension and how it relates to Abbot’s novel Flatland. Discuss Ouspensky’s belief that the fourth dimension is a higher order of reality that transcends the three-dimensional world we currently inhabit. Relate to the recursive nature of fractals and the use of complex numbers as rotation operators in a complex plane.

Jasper: Here we go again. OK let’s try that too.

Jasper rephrases: Act as a mathematician. Discuss the mathematical concepts behind the fourth dimension and its relationship to the novel “Flatland” by Abbot. Explain Gurdjieff and Ouspensky’s belief that the fourth dimension is a higher order of reality that goes beyond our current limited understanding of three dimensions. Provide a clear explanation of the mathematical principles involved in visualizing and understanding higher-dimensional entities, such as hyperspheres and tesseracts using appropriate diagrams and other mathematical tools. Furthermore, explore how the recursive nature of fractals and the use of complex numbers as rotation operators in a complex plane relates to the concept of the fourth dimension. Lastly, provide examples of how the fourth dimension has implications in other areas of mathematics such as geometry, topology, and physics.

Jasper:

As a mathematician, I would like to delve into the fascinating realm of the fourth dimension and its relationship with literature, philosophy, and other areas of mathematics. The novel “Flatland” by Edwin A. Abbott serves as an excellent starting point for understanding higher-dimensional spaces from a mathematical perspective.

“Flatland” is a satirical novella that tells the story of a two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric figures. The protagonist, a square, encounters a sphere from a three-dimensional world called Spaceland. Through this encounter, the square learns about the existence of higher dimensions. This narrative serves as a metaphor for our understanding of the fourth dimension, which is often referred to as time or space-time in the context of physics.

Gurdjieff and Ouspensky, philosophers and mystics, believed that the fourth dimension represented a higher order of reality beyond our limited understanding of the three-dimensional world. They posited that humans could access this higher dimension through spiritual growth and self-awareness.

To understand the mathematical principles behind higher-dimensional entities, let’s first recall that a point is zero-dimensional, a line is one-dimensional, a plane (such as a square) is two-dimensional, and a cube is three-dimensional. When we extend this concept further, we arrive at the idea of a four-dimensional hypercube, also known as a tesseract.

A tesseract can be visualized by imagining a cube moving along a fourth axis perpendicular to the other three axes. This movement generates a new shape, with each corner connected to another corner by an equal distance. While it’s challenging to visualize a tesseract directly, we can represent it in three-dimensional space through projections or cross-sectional views, similar to how the sphere was represented in Flatland.

The recursive nature of fractals and complex numbers as rotation operators in a complex plane also relate to the concept of the fourth dimension. Fractals are geometric shapes that exhibit self-similarity across different scales. They can be represented by complex numbers, which consist of a real part and an imaginary part. When we use complex numbers to perform rotations in the complex plane, we essentially access another dimension (the imaginary axis) that is not present in the real number system.

The fourth dimension has significant implications in various areas of mathematics, including geometry, topology, and physics. In geometry, higher-dimensional spaces allow for the study of more complex shapes and transformations. In topology, a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of space that are preserved under continuous deformations, the exploration of higher dimensions provides insights into the structure and relationships between different topological spaces. In physics, the concept of the fourth dimension plays a crucial role in understanding the fabric of space-time, as described by Einstein’s theory of relativity.

In conclusion, the fourth dimension represents a fascinating area of study in mathematics, offering insights into the nature of reality, the limits of human perception, and the underlying structures governing our universe. Through mathematical tools such as projections, complex numbers, and fractals, we can begin to grasp the elusive concept of higher-dimensional spaces and their profound implications across various disciplines.

JB: I’m really impressed. The content generated resonates quite well with the main conclusions from my studies on these esoteric subjects. Thank you!

Allegory of the Cave from Plato’s Republic

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José Becerra, MD, MPH, FACPM
Atlanta, GA and San Juan, Puerto Rico

Retired Centers for Disease Control Medical Epidemiologist

Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus
University of Puerto Rico

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PS:

JB: Act as a physicist. Analyze in detail the concepts presented by Frank Wilczek in his book “The Lightness of Being.” The book explores the relationship between physical principles such as symmetry in nature, the Standard Model of particle physics, and the concept of mass. Building on the idea of symmetry, explain how this concept is related to the theories of the fourth dimension presented by Ouspensky, Please discuss the role of symmetry in physics and how it was profound to our understanding of the world. Consider how Ouspensky’s theories on the fourth dimension present a new understanding of the world around us. Finally, analyze the relevance and significance of these concepts in the current understanding of physics and its applications.

Jasper:

Frank Wilczek’s book “The Lightness of Being” delves into the fascinating world of particle physics, particularly focusing on the role of symmetry in understanding the fundamental forces and particles that make up our universe. The book also discusses the Standard Model of particle physics, a comprehensive framework that describes the behavior of all known subatomic particles and their interactions.

Symmetry is a crucial concept in physics, as it helps us identify patterns and relationships between different phenomena. In particle physics, symmetry is used to describe the conservation laws, which are mathematical principles that govern the behavior of particles in various interactions. For example, the conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change forms. This principle is a direct result of the symmetries observed in nature.

One such symmetry is the gauge symmetry, which is at the heart of the Standard Model. Gauge symmetry allows us to understand how the fundamental forces – electromagnetic, weak, and strong forces – interact with particles. It also led to the prediction of the Higgs boson, a particle responsible for giving other particles mass, which was later experimentally confirmed at the Large Hadron Collider in 2012.

Ouspensky’s theories on the fourth dimension provide a different perspective on understanding the world around us. While not directly related to the Standard Model or particle physics, these ideas explore the possibility of our universe having more than the three spatial dimensions we experience daily. Ouspensky proposed that the fourth dimension could be time or a higher spatial dimension, which would allow for a more complex understanding of reality.

In this context, symmetry could have implications in understanding the fourth dimension. For instance, if we consider the idea of spacetime as a four-dimensional continuum, where time is the fourth dimension, symmetries like Lorentz invariance become crucial. Lorentz invariance is a symmetry that ensures the laws of physics remain the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. This symmetry is a cornerstone of Einstein’s theory of relativity and plays a significant role in our understanding of the cosmos.

The concepts discussed by Wilczek and Ouspensky have both profound implications and relevance in the current understanding of physics. Symmetry, as explored in “The Lightness of Being,” has been essential in developing the Standard Model, which has successfully predicted and explained numerous experimental observations. Although the Standard Model is not a complete theory of everything, it has significantly advanced our knowledge of the fundamental particles and forces.

Ouspensky’s ideas about the fourth dimension, while not directly related to particle physics, have inspired further research into higher-dimensional theories, such as string theory and M-theory. These theories aim to unify all fundamental forces and particles into a single framework, potentially providing a more comprehensive understanding of our universe.

In conclusion, symmetry is a powerful concept that has profoundly shaped our understanding of the physical world, from the behavior of subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the cosmos. The exploration of higher dimensions, as suggested by Ouspensky, continues to push the boundaries of physics and could lead to new discoveries and insights in the future.

JB: You see, Jasper, this is where the Ancient Wisdom — the Perennial Philosophy — diverges from the complexities of modern physics. Remember, the intuition always simplifies, without reductionism. Like viewing a landscape from an airplane rather than from the road. We can always better explain a landscape from a higher than from a lower perspective. It may be less granular, but it’s more comprehensive. This higher perspective is the intuitive sense. In this particular case, about the dimensionality of space, the simplifying assumption may be that physical space is inherently 3-D, but that it is the scope of consciousness of the observer, or should we capitalize Observer, what defines space-time in higher dimensional states of consciousness.

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