The Elder Brothers of Humanity

[taijasi]

My interest in starting this thread is to provide some background, history, and an overview of what esotericists call `The Masters,’ or The Elder Brothers of Humanity. My hope is that I might elicit interest and discussion on the Masters, since it is one of the most important subjects in human conversation of the past 150 years … or ever, imo.

First off, a simple definition, which I think most esotericists, including Theosophists (a small subset of esoteric students) would agree with:

A Master is a being who is ahead of the rest of Humanity in his or her spiritual standing, representing and embodying for us the highest ideals of Human Perfection. The purposes of the Masters include the constant aiding in the regeneration of Humanity, its spiritual and intellectual as well as psychic guidance, and in general the ceaseless labor for the greatest Good for the greatest number. Technically, not all Masters are directly involved with Humanity, since their Highest Purpose is always to serve God, where `God’ is conceived of in the broadest possible terms, while accepting that this also means a definite spiritual Purpose. Some Masters take students, and such Teachers can be found in a physical body, if required. Other are not incarnate within the physical world. Regardless, it can be shown that from time to time members from their ranks, or their disciples, enter the outside world publicly in order to inspire mankind with their teachings.

The idea of the Masters goes hand in hand with other familiar esoteric teachings, including those on karma and rebirth, life after death, the spiritual constitution of man (etheric, astral, mental, & spiritual bodies), the seven energy centers/chakras, the Seven Rays, and the central importance of a life of purity & self-discipline, including study, meditation & service as being the most effective & efficient path of spiritual progress. It is taught that if the spiritual path is faithfully & arduously trodden to its natural conclusion, the attainment of Mastership is a guaranteed result, and also the end of the Journey – relative to our Purpose for incarnation on this planet.

Mastership, is said to begin the Way of Higher Evolution, being the closing of the door to earth, yet the opening of a door to worlds which as of now, remain for us – inaccessible. It is also clear that one does not necessarily need to attempt to hasten one’s spiritual evolution in order to attain to Mastership. The Goal is in fact, our Destiny, but esoteric teachings specify that at the present time (as I think we call all plainly attest!), our planet is in dire need of spiritual servers (from within the ranks of Humanity itself!), and could benefit immensely from those who might be willing to make the personal sacrifice necessary, and undertake the hastening of their own spiritual development … for the sake of Humanity at large. And this is precisely what a Master has done, giving his pledge of discipleship many lifetimes ago, presumably thousands of years.

The Masters can be assumed to be out of the reach of the merely inquisitive, and quite safe from those solely out to debunk, but they are also historical figures … some having a physical body, and can be found, from time to time, traveling among us through normal means. For example, it is known that there are two Masters incarnate in northern America, one incarnate in England, one in central Europe, one in India, and one in Russia. These Masters are completely unknown to the average esoteric student, while a dozen or so more may be quite familiar.

The technical term, of which Master is really a sub-set, is Adept. This refers to those who have attained to a certain degree along the spiritual path, and only those adepts who accept pupils are technically Masters. The reason for the choice of the word Adept, is simple enough:

Adept - a highly skilled or well-trained individual : EXPERT (from the Latin adeptus – attained)

And this definition means, esoterically, that such an individual has thrice mastered the art and processes of living in the outward world … in their entirety. He has mastered them physically, he has mastered them astrally (emotionally), and he has mastered them mentally (intellectually). Further, he has completely freed himself from any and all limitations that most of us know of under the heading of selfishness, greed, desire, or materialism. To these accomplishments, the adept has added, for his normal operating modes of awareness, the Higher qualities of Spiritual Intellect, Unconditional Love, Spiritual Oneness, and Divine Empowerment. In short, he has attained to the pinnacle of Spiritual Evolution, and has at his disposal all of the Divine attributes which we normally ascribe to `Deity.’ Literally, he is a God on Earth, but certainly this does not suggest that he is the incarnation of Highest Deity!

Yet ... in outward appearance, a Master will differ in no wise from the ordinary individual, except that his spiritual “charge” is tremendous. To come into contact with him unbidden, could easily result in death or psychic disaster, such is the spiritual voltage which he normally carries. Only those accustomed to his vibrations, or carefully prepared for an encounter, could safely contact him. Do not look for him in Wal-Mart!

Everything an Adept does is an example of Divine efficiency, and his very existence upon our planet – his continuing reincarnation or presence here, is itself the embodiment of Divine Love & Compassion, whilst also an expression of Divine Purpose. If he has gathered students around him, the Master will quite possibly live in a country setting, or on the outskirts of a city, in a community with his pupils. They will very likely be unknown in their relationship with him, to the outside world, and any intrusion upon the Master’s privacy would be extremely inconvenient. The Masters do not go about shouting their messages, for this would attract only the most undesirable of results. The Masters do not seek devotees, nor do they need a following. They appeal to our intellect, and it is their present goal to help stimulate the Spiritual Intuition, or the Inner faculty of Divine Knowing, present within us all, yet undeveloped. Only thus will Humanity learn to Love and live together harmoniously, as mature stewards of this planet.

Not all adepts are originally from our planet, nor have all that have attained, remained. A handful of souls have already reached liberation and moved on, there is a small & set number of Adepts that compose the Spiritual Hierarchy, or Inner Brotherhood, of our world. The number provided in recent teachings – is 63, including the Christ, who is said to stand at the Headof the Adept Hierarchy. Being the Eldest Brother among the Hierarchy - the Master of Masters, the Christ is known by many other names, in both East and West, according to the various religions.

For millions of years, since the founding of the Spiritual Hierarchy on this planet, there have always been Adept Teachers to guide our evolution. Never forcing Humanity’s hand, but always honoring our Free Will, the Masters seek students who have already committed to a life of spiritual service through many incarnations of persistent effort. As the mind of the aspirant begins to awaken to the world of spiritual realities, it is seen by the Masters in the Inner Worlds as a point of light that begins to increase in its luminosity, and in quality of vibration. The Master is capable of knowing one’s thoughts and one’s heart at a moment’s notice. We may safely rest assured, that if we are nearing readiness to travel the path of discipleship, the Master will know. No one who might be able to serve the Great Cause … will go unnoticed. The disciple does not need to seek the Master. As the old adage goes, When the student is ready, the Master will appear.

Prior to the founding of our Earth’s Hierarchy, it was the case that Humanity did not need the type of guidance provided by the Elder Brothers. The Devic (Angelic) agents of Spiritual Purpose for our planet safely and successfully guided all of the necessary developments, both inward and outward. The primitive humanity of the time did not even display the spark of mind, which remained inward, latent, and relatively speaking, completely inactive. We were cavepeople! Not even as bright as in the Geico commercials!

But as the spark of mind began to gradually awaken … the Hierarchy was increasingly needed. Originally, it was peopled by advanced beings from other planets, who had already attained. The work was relatively simple, and done by disciples. But Humanity evolved, and as we did, a more advanced type of instruction was necessary. This proceeded for long years, many millions, with only the very, precious few among us being capable of direct instruction. The number has steadily increased since then. Today, anyone who is drawn to a life of spiritual service, and who is committed to helping his fellow man, may safely be considered to be a pupil of the Masters, of some degree or another – even if totally unsuspected to him. And this may be a religious man, a humanitarian, an artist, politician, or banker. Outer trappings matter not, so long as the life is pure, the motive selfless, and the methods of the person skillful & scrupulous.

Thus, we have always received Divine guidance. During the later days of Atlantis, a million years ago and since, Humanity strayed from the beaten path, and did not heed the Voice of Hierarchy. In those days the Masters walked openly among us, yet ironically, Humanity chose the path of selfishness – and sorcery … and eventually planetary karma was swept into action, as memorialized for us in the Flood Myth. The Hierarchy was forced to the Inner Worlds, where Humanity’s Destiny could be safely – though more slowly, guided.

The Mystery Schools of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia and India nevertheless taught the Path of Approach to the Spirit within, via Initiation. The teachings were already ancient even 10s of thousands of years ago. Yet they received fresh vitalization from the Christ, and were symbolized by the 5 Great Episodes in His life: the Birth, Baptism, Transfiguration, Renunciation, Resurrection/Ascension. Only recently has a 6th Initiation been added as the final stage of our Spiritual Evolution on this planet.

Much confusion has come about surrounding the teachings regarding Initiation. Yet the surest way to reach Initiation, according to the Masters, is to forget oneself entirely in selfless, loving service to Humanity. This embodies our Highest Purpose upon the planet, both individually & collectively, as this is an expression of the Divine Brotherhood which also governs the lives of the Masters. We may trust, that once we become accustomed to a widened life of service, we will gradually reach a point where an inner ceremony, out of the body (and only sometimes remembered in our waking awareness, often years later), can take place. This can be seen as the culmination of the stage of the path we have just been treading, but more importantly, it is the beginning of a new potency as a disciple, and this is what really matters! J

The Initiations correspond to Mastership of the various levels of our being, or worlds of consciousness and activity, in which we live. These are as follows, with Western names, Buddhist (Pali) terms, Hindu (Sanskrit) terms, and additional info. provided:

1st Initiation .... physical mastery ..... Birth (of the Christ w/in the heart) .......... srotapatti (Stream-entrant) ..... parivrajaka (the Wanderer)
2nd Initiation ... emotional mastery .... Baptism (walking on water) .................... sakridagamin (one-more birth) .. kutichaka ("he who builds a hut")
3rd Initiation .. lower mental mastery .. Transfiguration (of entire personality) ......... anagamin (`never-returner') ..... hamsa (Swan)
4th Initiation .. mastery of personality .. Renunciation (or crucifixion, of personality) .. Arhat (`worthy, deserving') .... Paramahamsa (Great Swan)
5th Initiation ..... spiritual mastery ...... Resurrection/Ascension (of Spirit within) ..... Asekha Adept (non-trainee)

Clearly, the stages of the path ... leading to Adeptship, did not originate with Theosophists, nor with other Western Esoteric schools. One can easily trace the existence of the arhat ideal, and the Bodhisattva Ideal, to Buddhist times and far earlier, to the teachings of the Indian Rishis, the saints & adepts of old! The Path, and the Spritual Brotherhood, is as old as Humanity itself!

More recently, starting in 1875, a renewed effort has been made by the Elder Brothers to bring to Humanity some of the ancient Wisdom Teachings which are so vital to our correct spiritual progress. This revitalization has shown up in many, many ways, but direct Teachings from various Masters is certainly one of the expressions of the Wisdom. A second disciple, in the first half of the 20th Century, gave out a second set of very developed Teachings, which are readily available to spiritual aspirants and disciples. And a third set of Advanced teachings is expected now, perhaps already available, to those who are ready. My own quest has led me to the writings of about a dozen students who have had the unique honor of serving as secretary - for the Masters of the Wisdom ... and a future post might include a list of some of these titles, as well as a list of several of the Masters, including their previous lives, if of interest.

Well, that's a heckuva start!

Namaskar,

andrew

[pohaikawahine]

andrew -= you have certainly started some interesting threads .... personally I look at it in a very simply way .... and I refer to the "circle of elders" whose number is usually twelve .... the "elders" or "circle of elders" or "circle of twelve" are symbols of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves that operated the whole internal system of seven energy centers in the human body .... they are within each of us and we need not look outside of ourselves for the answers .... the Hopi say that the coming time or change will be the time in which we meet ourselves (how's that for a simple straightforward prophecy) .... how do we meet ourselves .... by going within .... to reach that place of all knowing ....

the circle of twelve or the elders are symbolized in so many wonderful ways .... one of my favorites is the knights of the round table and king arthur .... the round table being the symbol of the skull, the twelve knights being the symbol of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves, and king arthur is the 13th aspect of the circle .... to reach this place one must cross the lake and enter the land of avalon which is hidden beneath a veil (or mist) .... the veil is also a part of our own brains .... it is called the arachnoid and is a net of fibers that connect the nerves and messages from the twelve elders (those cranial nerves) are sent via the vibrations on this net .... well this is a simply description for something much more profound .... but I hope you get the picture ....

it is also my belief that the lost tribes (twelve) represent the twelve pairs of cranial nerves and when we return to the source and remember how to connect everything within the regathering of the tribes will begin and we can all return to the promised land or the land of milk and honey .... all in the symbols ..... everything is connected on the ancient path of knowledge .... he hawai'i au, pohaikawahine

[taijasi]

Poh,

I've grown somewhat familiar with the recurrence of 12 and 13, these both being sacred numbers for the reasons you mention ... and of course, also the prominent figuring in terms of astrology. I know nothing about astrology, but I am led to understand that once upon a time, our zodiac had only 11 (perhaps fewer) constellations ... just as at some point in the future, the number may increase - then later, decrease again. A friend of mine is finishing a book that examines the ancient Greek and Egyptian zodiacs, and I hope he'll get it published soon so I can dive into it!

Thanks to your post, I am reminded of just how squarely the Hermetic Axiom comes home sometimes: "As it is above, so it is below; as it is below, so it is above."

andrew

[moseslmpg]

Excuse me for bringing this back from the dead, but would the Masters be seen as bodhisattvas then? That is, they continually reincarnate to help further humanity on its way, or are they still immaterial, residing on higher planes and gently pointing us in the right direction? I suppose both would not be beyond them. Also, where does this notion of the 12 cranial nerves and the connections with the King Arthur tale come from and where can I read more about it? I assume that the information that you presented in the first post, Taijasi, comes from a Theosophical source which I cannot hope to fully grasp at this time.

[taijasi]

Originally Posted by moseslmpg

Excuse me for bringing this back from the dead, but would the Masters be seen as bodhisattvas then? That is, they continually reincarnate to help further humanity on its way, or are they still immaterial, residing on higher planes and gently pointing us in the right direction? I suppose both would not be beyond them. Also, where does this notion of the 12 cranial nerves and the connections with the King Arthur tale come from and where can I read more about it? I assume that the information that you presented in the first post, Taijasi, comes from a Theosophical source which I cannot hope to fully grasp at this time.

Moseslmpg,

Yes, in Asian countries where Buddhism is popular - especially India, Tibet, and China - there is a general belief in the existence of the Masters (Mahatmas, Rishis, etc.) as a type of bodhisattva. Theravadin Buddhist teachings focus on the arhat as a spiritual ideal, whereas Mahayanists emphasize the bodhisattva. In correlation with esoteric teachings, an arhat is a 4th degree Initiate, and such individuals - though technically one stage below full Mastery (Asekha Adept) - are rare.

Bodhisattvahood is the 7th Initiation, and Humanity does not normally take this Initiation on planet Earth. Spiritual Liberation has, for millions of years, been attained with the 5th Initiation. In our distant past, when evolution occurred on the moon, it was the 4th Initiation. And in the mid 20th Century, as our spiritual evolution began to vastly accelerate, another change occurred ... such that our final spiritual attainment here now includes the 6th Initiation. But again, technically, although a 6th degree Initiate is VERY advanced spiritually (probably only a few dozen such individuals exist on the planet) ... these are not bodhisattvas, esoterically considered.

So to be precise, only one Bodhisattva exists at a given time, inasmuch as this is an office, like President, or King. Maitreya Bodhisattva, the same individual (and spiritual Presence) known to Christians as `the Christ,' is Earth's World Teacher in this cycle. Even as Sri Krishna, in India, He was preparing for this responsibility. And the former Bodhisattva, known to the world as Siddharta Gautama, passed the baton, so to speak, when he attained Buddhahood (8th Initiation).

Earlier Buddhas were also Boddhisattvas, prior to Buddahood, and these include Kashyapa & Dipankara. But these were individuals from the Venusian evolution ... who were sent to Earth to serve here until we had Masters advanced enough to take charge. It is interesting to note, that even in exoteric Buddhist teachings, there are a handful of individuals recognized as former, current or future Buddhas ... while Bodhisattva is a more inclusive, or generic designation - and does not indicate quite the same degree of spiritual attainment as Buddha. This is because exoteric religious teachings always reflect the esoteric, and in the East, there is often not as much distortion, or distillation. In India, however, yogis & gurus may be a dime a dozen, and they are certainly not all attained Masters in the esoteric sense of the word, many being uninitiated disciples, or disciples of disciples.

Here is a correlation between exoteric and esoteric Tibetan Buddhism which shows that in many cases, the teachings are almost identical ... and very closely express the Ageless Wisdom: Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes three vestitures, or vehicles, of an attained Buddha or Bodhisattva. These are the trikaya, including the Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya and Dharmakaya. `Kaya' means vehicle, or body, so these refer to the created or illusionary body, the bliss body, and the truth body, respectively.

Masters and Bodhisattvas, Theosophically, all manifest via the Nirmanakaya or created (illusionary) body. They are therefore, technically, Nirmanakayas ... although they remain physically incarnate for the benefit of their disciples - and to be a positive magnetic influence on the entire planet. By no means are they required to exist in the physical body, except to fulfil responsibilities which they voluntarily accept. By and large, it is probably safe to say that as these Masters begin to attain the Higher Initiations, they make every effort to SLOW their spiritual evolution - which is itself a sacrifice upon a sacrifice. They do this, so that they will be able to remain upon the planet a bit longer to see us through this difficult time. And this is exactly what the Bodhisattva Teaching is all about.

Shakyamuni Buddha is the example par excellence of the Supreme Sacrifice, and thus He remains the titular Head of the Hierarchy, whereas Christ (the Bodhisattva) may be seen as the Heart ... though also the Head, practically speaking. Buddha Shakyamuni has almost completely transcended our earth's evolution, and does not retain either the Nirmana, Sambhog, or Dharmakaya body ... but He does return to us once each year, at the Full Moon of Taurus, to give His Blessing on behalf of the Christ, for all of Humanity. This is possible, only because Christ retains the three higher vehicles of the former Buddha, and uses them in an esoteric function - of especial connection with the East (and Eastern traditions), but also for the entire planet.


Here are a few words of the Master DK, in Alice Bailey's teachings, about the Masters' use of physical bodies:

All the Masters, for instance, do not work through a physical vehicle. They nevertheless have an etheric body composed of the substance of the cosmic etheric levels - buddhic, atmic, monadic and logoic levels - and these levels are the four cosmic ethers, the higher correspondence of our etheric planes; these higher levels are the four levels of the cosmic physical plane. Until They choose, at the sixth Initiation of Decision, one of the seven Paths of Ultimate Destiny, the Masters function in Their cosmic etheric bodies. (from Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, emphasis added)

And another excerpt, from Rays and Initiations:

I would here remind you that there are many groups and types of Masters, and most of Them are quite unknown to occult students either from Their work or from rumor or from knowledge of the many evolutionary processes of which the human is only one. Not all the Masters work in the three worlds; not all the Masters need or possess physical bodies; not all the Masters "have Their faces turned towards the realm of dark light, but many face for aeons towards the clear cold light of spiritual existence"; not all the Masters make or are required to make the sacrifices which work for the fourth kingdom [Humanity] in nature entails.

I hope this clarifies things a bit. I would add that many Theosophical teachings are not difficult, but some of them, unfortunately, have been watered down a good bit, and distorted. Any time the Masters and the Hierarchy are presented as glamorous, egostistical human beings, who play favorites and allow such things as excessive devotion, it is safe to say that a travesty has occurred. Examples include all of the "I AM" teachings, such as those which originate in the imagination of Elizabeth Clare Prophet ... and some of the notions perpetuated by C.W. Leadbeater (a Theosophist from the early 20th Century).

The first book of the Tibetan Master (DK) through Alice Bailey, entitled Initiation, Human and Solar, is a good introduction to Esoteric ideas ... with a focus on the existence of the Masters, and what we can do to help cooperate with Them. This book was written in 1919, and although it contains timeless truth, there were also some signficant changes, during the years of WWII. By the time Master DK finished His writing through Alice Bailey, in 1949, there was additional information that could be conveyed about the Plans and methodology of the Masters.

A good example is the shift in teachings from an emphasis on individual discipleship, to the Path of Group Initiation. As early as the 1920s, Master DK was asked by the Hieararchy to assemble GROUPS for Initiation, working along several different lines (such as Healing, Telepathy, trained Observation, etc.). Additionally, it is probably safe to say that Master DK's own Ashram of students operates according to the 5th sub-ray of the 2nd Ray of Love-Wisdom. This means that, although his disciples are ultimately under the jurisdiction and supervision of the Christ (or Bodhisattva), there is also a strong conditioning from the Ray of Science (Ray 5). This is energy which emanates from a different "Deparment" of the Hierarchy, falling under the 3rd Ray line of energy ("Holy Spirit" vs. "The Son"). Thus, anyone who studies Master DK's writings will benefit immensely if they have a scientific background & interest, or a scientific type of mind.

Compare all this with the teachings of Master R (Rakoczy), through Lucille Cedercrans, which were given out in the 1960s and afterward. You can see some of these online at www.wisdomimpressions.com, including the book Nature of the Soul, which is available for download. I recommend giving it a try, as the material is much easier to study and absorb, for some students, than the writings of Master DK. But for comparison, the Tibetan's Teachings are online at www.netnews.org. If you were to order a book, from the Teachings of Master R through Lucille Cedercrans (Wisdom Impressions), I would strongly suggest Creative Thinking. This is an IDEAL starting point, even more basic than Nature of the Soul.

Namaskar,

andrew

[moseslmpg]

Whoa! That's a lot of information! How do you guys make such informative and structured posts with quotations all the time? It's lucky for me that you guys do. Anyway, thanks for all that info and the links, I'll do my best to absorb the teachings available to me.

[Bruce Michael]

Who are "The Brothers"?....
The earliest reference I can find describing these adepts is in Paracelsus
"There are persons who have been exalted (verzueckt) to God, and who have
remained in that state of exaltation, and have not died..."
In the writing of the German mystic C.von Eckharthausen in his "Disclosures
of Magic" (1790) -" These sages, whose number is small, are children of
light, and are opposed to darkness. They dislike mystification and secrecy;
they are open and frank, have nothing to do with secret societies and with
external ceremonies. They possess a spiritual temple, in which God is
presiding.
"They live in various parts of the earth, and do not meddle with politics;
their business is to do as much good to humanity as in their power, and to
drink wisdom from the eternal fountain of truth. They never quarrel about
opinions, because they know the truth. Their number is small. Some live in
Europe, others in Africa, but they are bound together by the harmony of
their souls, and they are therefore as one. They are joined together,
although they may be thousands of miles apart from each other. They
understand each other, although they speak in different tongues, because the
language of the sages is spiritual perception." Pretty good for 1790!

One could also quote some theosophical writings or maybe Dion Fortune, but
you get the idea.

The recently published by the Anthroposophic Press: "From the History and
Contents of the Esoteric Section" also has some information.

Yes they remained alive a lot longer. An historical example is Saint
Germain. He was never seen to eat either. They do take liquids however.

We see also at the end of the gospel of St.John that John "tarried".

The bodies of the Elder Brothers, though appearing normal, are differently
constructed to that of the bulk of humanity. There has to be a pattern set
in place for the future and it is this they bear.

Some quotes from the Brothers:
"Such men do not cease to be human. There are glamorous misconceptions which
pronounce a Master to be so divine he is as separate to you or I; or so far
removed that he is above the comprehension of the daily contests. However
this is not the case, they have not the angelic withdrawal, and are
sensitive to the individual stirrings and affectations of any man.

"Secrecy is a great protector. It has been in the past, that the respect is
issued as is warranted, and details of movements and even heritage are
uncalled-for.

"Just as the royal family goes about with consorts to guard, it is the
veiling attendants which move about the Masters, shielding them from undue
arrest. Even we have regarded much of their business to be their business.

"It is as this also: The work of one Master is uniquely different in his
approach and conduct to that of another - and this is of necessity we might
add. But the two specific tasks are dependent upon the success of the other,
and are in no way confused by the extreme distinctions."

"Sometimes there is no time afforded to one's personal doubting - we are
called onwards regardless, and only by the work involved, with such doubts
put to one side, shall more become apparent, and by which made more real. "

"If our objection to the work, is only that it is new and unknown, then we
must not be ashamed to be beginning somewhere; or put off, by our
immaturity. Of course, as with any work, if the objection is because one
finds contradictions inwardly, and is led to suspicions that it is
ill-founded: if we are alerted to the prospect of there being a
questionable motive, or that it is not in accordance with the heart or mind
of Truth; but rather deceptive and to poor consequence - then, of course,
one must walk away. For one must never deny their personal discernment. We
are called upon constantly, for valued judgments - without which, the work
itself, would be to no value.

"'Self' is never to be denied, but shall be consumed and made part of a much
greater 'self'. And so incorporated within. And to do this, we must be
prepared to listen not only to our needs of self, but our greater self. Our
self, calls for explanations, and direct certainty - but cannot be
fulfilled, until it, of its own, will quieten enough to receive those
greater realities. We cannot therefore demand, that certainties are given
us, and supplied in palatable condition, for these would become as banal as
our self, and so diluted, that the interpretations of the greater self are
made un-extractable.

"Example: Red requires proof of the existence of orange. But red requires
mingling with yellow, before such transformation. If red is separate to
yellow, red will only perceive the yellow. Red must give over to the power
of yellow and be so touched, as to find the contrast of orange. We walk the
world as red, and we are separate to the untouchable yellow and unattainable
orange, until we can absorb and take into ourselves that yellow.

"The true test of the teaching is of the teaching itself. No Master may
claim infallibility. For this would negate all possibility of change.
'Master' is a relative term - and implies also, one who has trod the boards at an
earlier period - and therefore is relative only to time, and not to quality
of super-character, or pompous title. Duty performed is different to duty
inherited.


"For if we were to be seen - seen as we are - we would appear as unpresuming
as the pile of paper. And if we made of ourselves, something more attractive
or spectacular, that would be - ever so slightly - misrepresentation; and
therefore deceitful. We apologise if it is expected, that we should appear
with trumpets, wings and rainbow lights. This might be more pertinent to a
party. But not in daily attire or normal presentation. In point of fact,
all of the other tricks which would be called for, are not of daily
consideration either.

"One does not greet a man by firstly asking of him to show you what he can
do. Imagine that, even with an old friend, you simply don't go up to him and
say, "O.K., now show me all the wonderful things, or at least some of them,
that you can do. Now! I want to see it now." - and expect them to make a
display of themselves. You might wander into their place of work, and watch
them skillfully labour, but you do not require as prerequisite to
friendship, or relationship, an immediate example of their skills or
talents, to satisfy your opinion of them.

"Frankly speaking, there might be amusement, but anything which stretches
far beyond one's own experience is rarely assimilated immediately into the
consciousness, without some dreadful consequence after the fact. It is too
difficult for men to concentrate on that which is before them, let alone try
to digest that which is outside of their levels of experience. It may well
be a good recipe for madness, but it is not something we wish to portend.

"One cannot force the faculties exteriorally, without some devastating
consequence. Similarly one can never dress to satisfy all - better then not
to make public appearances!

"It is funny how much disagreement can arise from this point. Second
guessing and second looks. Without the charadery, one thing is for sure: that the
response would be great disbelief. Disbelief, as to how can that figure
presume so much, or know at all? Perhaps an appearance of some Aphrodite,
which one instantly falls under the spell of adulation, might suffice. But
were one, (us, we, I) to make an honest appearance, it would be, at best,
laughable."
***********
Methuselah's Dad, Enoch did not die: "Enoch was translated that he
should not see death, and was not found because God translated him, for
before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God." Heb.
11:5-6

According to the New Testament Apocrypha, there is one Teckla, a convert of
Paul's who was translated because of the righteousness and devotion of her
life.

What about John's "persistence" : John 21:22-23.

Note the following, from the Greek: "And he (Christ) said to them, Indeed I
say to you, that there are SOME of those standing here, who will not taste
death till THEY see God's Royal Majesty having come with power." Compare
Mark 9:1, Matt. 16:28 and Luke 9:27. We can assume that these individuals
are still around i.e. escaped the power of death.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man keep my sayings, he shall never
see death."
John 8:51 also
"And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou
this?" John11:25
Christ was not talking of life beyond the grave. He was not talking of the
resurrection. He was talking to Martha concerning Lazarus, who was already
buried.

The sixth chapter of John contains more on this subject than any other
chapter of scripture: " Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on
me hath life age-lasting." from the original Greek. -*A.Skarin, "Ye are
Gods"

We also have the legend of the Wandering Jew.

For those that don't know, Rudolf Steiner stated that in Lazarus, Christian
Rosencreutz and Saint Germain we are dealing with the same individuality.

The Brothers of the Rosy Cross were said to possess the Elixir Vitae.
We read in the Fama that 120 years after his death, the body of C.R. was
found "fair and worthy.... whole and unconsumed".
Steiner tells us at one time C.R.'s body was "absolutely transparent".
In the TempleLegend (pge 106) we can read some comments on the
youthful-looking Saint Germain and how he appeared to people long after his
reported death. For a more detailed description of Saint Germain see
Cooper-Oakley's Compte Saint Germain, which BTW gives a description of his
eating habits.

"When in the world outside the modern leaders of men go about in human garb,
they are unrecognised in the world. When from the standpoint of Spiritual
Science we talk about 'The Masters of Wisdom and Harmony of Feelings' people
would often be surprised to in what simple, unassuming human form these
Masters are to be found in all countries. They are present on the physical
plane."
pge 128, Wonders of the World, Ordeals of the Soul, Revelations of the
Spirit R.Steiner.
"The Philosopher's Stone has a specific purpose, which was stated by
Cagliostro; it is meant to prolong human life to a span of 5,527 years....In
fact, however, it is possible, by means of special training, to prolong life
indefinitely by learning to live outside the physical body."
"Physical death is only an apparent occurrence for him who has understood
the Philosopher's Stone for himself, and has learnt to separate it."
"He lays aside the physical body in the same way that one takes of a
raincoat, and he puts on a new body just as one puts a new raincoat on."
103-104 TempleLegend, Rudolf S.
Rudolf Steiner teaches that as we refine the astral body (establish peace)
it "gradually approaches immortality", "an astral form arises which
survives, remains living."

"When someone has become a Chela he begins to establish peace in the etheric
body. Then the etheric body too survives. The Masters establish peace in the
physical body; thus in their case the physical body also survives."
Foundations of Esotericism, pge 171.

"....In fact, however, it is possible, by means of special training, to prolong life
indefinitely by learning to live outside the physical body."

The following hint at a secret:
"Physical death is only an apparent occurrence for him who has understood
the Philosopher's Stone for himself, and has learnt to separate it."
"He lays aside the physical body in the same way that one takes of a
raincoat, and he puts on a new body just as one puts a new raincoat on."

I found a clearer quote in "Theosophy of the Rosicrucian", page 54:
"Of a Master it is said: He is born in the same body; he uses it for
hundreds, even thousands of years. This is the case with the vast majority
of leading Individualities. An exception is formed by certain Masters who
have their own special mission; with them the physical body remains, so that
death does not occur for them at all. These are the Masters whose task it is
to watch over and bring about the transition from one race to another."
There is more on page 53 which is interesting too, but that will do.

Cordially Yours,
Bruce