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MEDITATION
Because man is incomplete within himself, only forming a small
fragment of a greater whole, there is always a conscious or
unconscious urge within him to seek closer co-ordination and union
with that which is greater, but which as yet only assumes a vague
and undefined form. This attraction is the driving force inciting him
to seek the centre of his being, and which leads him on to the Path
of Return to the All-Self. It is merely the Prodigal Son being inspired
with that irresistible urge to return to the Father’s home; but this
Path is long and arduous, and the many obstacles will only be
surmounted with the expending of great effort and after brave and
persistent struggling for every step that is advanced.

The surest way of overcoming these subjective obstacles is by

means of meditation. This practice is also known as the Science of
Bridging — the bridging between various states of consciousness. It
aims at producing sensitivity to impression from higher Sources,
and for this purpose it must primarily ensure the construction of the
Bridge of Light (‘antahkarana’) between the personality and the
Soul, followed subsequently by that which also links up with the
Higher Mind and Intuition of the Triad.

Actually, meditation forms the foundation for all spiritual growth. By

dint of certain techniques and strenuous and persistent invocative
efforts of concentration, the aspirant learns to become aware of his
real inner Self; he learns consciously to interpret the wishes evoked
by the Soul, and to carry out its plans as far as these are
comprehended at various stages of realization. Technically this
means bringing the lower instrument into a state of receptivity and
vibratory response that will correspond with that of the Soul. A
vibration must therefore go out from the mind and brain of man to
meet a reciprocal vibration emanating from the Soul. When these
vibrations have been successfully aligned and synchronized, a
rhythmic interplay and flow of energy will be effected, and a clear
impression of ideas from egoic levels can then take place.
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This contact of mind and brain with the soul may be achieved by
suitable techniques of meditation, but may also be brought about by
living a life of inner mental reflection, by disciplining the lower
nature, by expressing goodwill and self-forgetfulness, and by
rendering dedicated service to fellow human beings. Where
permanent alignment between the soul and its instrument has been
established, meditation may be shifted to a higher level and then
serve to construct the ‘bridge of light’ connecting the personality
with the Spiritual Triad, and thus allowing the intuition to come into
play.

So often the one aim of the aspirant is only to effect contact with
his Master, little realizing that his first and most important guide is
his own soul, and that the Master can only be contacted through the
mediation of the soul.

The steps to be followed by the aspiring meditator are firstly to

practise certain physical disciplines and to purify his system. The
second step will be to obtain reasonable control over the emotions,
and thirdly he should aim at some measure of control over the wild
horses of the mind.

For present purposes only the general principles affecting

meditation will be considered, giving no attention to various
systems and techniques which might be followed. Meditation is
something personal, and the method and detail will vary from
individual to individual, depending on the student’s soul and
personality rays, his stage of spiritual evolution, his karmic
condition and demands, as well as the needs of his environment, of
the group with which he is associated, and the contribution he can
make towards improving human relationships and world conditions
in general. In other words it will depend on the service that the soul
has planned for that particular incarnation.

How fortunate the man who has a knowledgeable and experienced

teacher to guide him, and who will be able to prescribe and adapt
differentiated techniques for the aspirant’s particular requirements.
As a rule, however, aspirants have to make a beginning without any
reliable guidance, and for them it is advisable to adhere to standard
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practices which carry in them the elements of safety and

universality. Students who have incorporated meditation as a
regular part of their daily routine should learn to avail themselves
fully of the increased opportunities for contact which become
available during the time of the full Moon. During these monthly
recurring periods it is as if a door is being opened which normally
stands closed. This door may then be entered, providing access to
energies otherwise not available, and thereby improving the
possibility of approaches to the Masters. This period of stimulated
activity stretches over about five days — two days prior to the full
Moon, the peak of the forces on the day of the full Moon, and the
two subsequent days of shrinking activity.

When after due consideration of all the facts at his disposal, man
decides to tread the Path of Light, trying to release the indwelling
soul life from its fetters, and to disperse the mists and veils which
have kept it hidden, he should apply his efforts mainly in three
directions:

(a) By means of study he should acquire as much knowledge and

understanding about man’s constitution, and of the Ageless Wisdom
in general, as his circumstances will allow.

(b) His subjective life should be expanded as far as possible by

esoteric meditation, applied to the best of his ability. This should,
however, always be undertaken with the full realization that he is
‘playing with fire’ — the fire of mind and spirit, which may literally
burn and badly damage the mental body if unduly stimulated, and
allowed to develop beyond control. The secret is to see to it that
balance is retained by undertaking all steps with discrimination.

(c) Should any subjective development occur, this must be allowed

to find objective expression in some field of service to the fellow
man. Without such an outlet the unfoldment achieved will be
obscured by the generated energies. Providing he is serving to the
best of his ability, and is inspired by altruistic motives, then the
nature of expression of such service is immaterial, and will vary with
the individual, the rays under which he is functioning and which
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determine his character, as well as the

environmental circumstances.