Arvindus

Ageless Wisdom

The Egoic Lotus

  • Title: Ageless Wisdom, The Egoic Lotus.
  • Author: Arvindus.
  • Publisher: Arvindus.
  • Copyright: Arvindus, 2013, all rights reserved.
  • Index: 201305241.
  • Edition: html, first edition.

Introduction

Seen from the human perspective the egoic lotus is one of the key concepts presented in the ageless wisdom. In the present contemplation this concept shall be given an overview.

Consideration of Terms

In the ageless wisdom the term 'egoic lotus' is used synonymously with terms such as 'egoic vehicle', 'egoic body', 'soul vehicle', 'soul body', 'causal vehicle', 'causal body', 'twelve-petalled lotus' and 'karana sarira'.1, 2, 3 All these terms are indicative of the nature and of the characteristics of this referred to given (although the Sanskrit term 'karana sarira' is indicated to be inaccurate)4. Here also the metaphorical term of 'temple of Solomon' must be mentioned,5 however due to this term being used highly metaphorical it shall not be included in the consideration of terms under this paragraph. Now what the aforementioned in the present consideration included terms have in common is that they are composed of a noun and an adjective. Let us try to get a first glimpse of the nature of the egoic lotus by considering these nouns and adjectives.

The first that can be deduced from the referential nouns is that the egoic lotus is a lotus, is a vehicle, is a body. With a body being consistent of matter6 or substance the egoic lotus is a body because it consists of matter or substance of a certain (mental) kind.7 This body is also a vehicle because it is being used by a higher type of energy,8 because it is being used by a consciousness.9 And this body and vehicle is also (symbolically) a lotus because it is by clairvoyants seen as a lotus with flaming petals.10

The adjectives of the terms tell us that this lotus, vehicle and body is egoic, soulish, causal and twelve-petalled. The egoic vehicle is egoic and soulish because it is used as a vehicle by an ego or soul (both being exchangeable terms),11 which regards the in the above section mentioned consciousness12. This same causal body is also causal because it is the cause of individuality.13 And further is this same twelve-petalled lotus twelve-petalled because twelve whorls are located within this wheel of fire (of which the inner three are initially hidden).14

So basically the egoic lotus is a vehicle or body of the soul causing individuality and which is symbolized and seen by clairvoyants as a lotus with twelve (or nine) flaming petals.

The Egoic Lotus as Vehicle of the Soul

'The egoic lotus is a vehicle or body of the soul causing individuality and which is symbolized and seen by clairvoyants as a lotus with twelve (or nine) flaming petals.' This definition can be divided into three sub-definitions. Of these the first says that the egoic lotus is a vehicle. The second says that it is the cause of individuality. And the third says that it is symbolized and seen by clairvoyants as a lotus with twelve (or nine) flaming petals. Each of these three sub-definitions shall be generally elucidated, starting with the first under this paragraph.

'The egoic lotus is a vehicle or body of the soul.' Basically it can be said that a given relates to another given as a vehicle when it is negatively charged towards it. Thus the egoic lotus can be seen as being negatively charged towards the soul (with the soul being positively charged towards the egoic lotus). In this do the soul and the egoic lotus relate to each other in analogy with life to form and consciousness in general to its vehicles.15

The egoic lotus however stands not only in direct relation with the soul but also with the threefold personality (consisting of a mental, an emotional and a physical body).16 And in this relation the egoic lotus is, being the cause and root of the personality,17 positively and the personality negatively charged. This becomes clear when it is taken in account that the buildup of the egoic lotus is the result of the soul acting on it and the personality reacting on it.18

The question may rise how it is possible that the egoic lotus can be the cause of the personality and being build up by the latter's reaction to it at the same time. As a very short answer to that question it can be said that the personality is caused by the egoic lotus already when it is still a lotus bud and that by the reaction of the personality the egoic lotus is being build up to a full bloom lotus. The next two paragraphs should give more clarity.

The Egoic Lotus as Cause of Individuality

When the sub-definition of the egoic lotus is postulated as the latter being the cause of individuality, and later the egoic lotus is asserted to be the cause of the personality, then one may get tempted to think of individuality and personality as being one and the same. This however cannot be logically deduced from the two assertions, and also it is not the case. Individuality and personality are not the same. For individuality belongs to the soul or ego, which, being the higher self, reflects itself in the personality, being the lower self.19 But although both are different the egoic lotus is nevertheless the cause of both.

The egoic lotus itself comes into being through the contact of the polar opposites of life and form.20 Having come into being as a sheath of mental substance it separates one unit of egoic consciousness from another such a unit.21 This separation of souls is what basically defines individualisation . And thus the egoic lotus is the cause of individuality.

Now within this egoic lotus are contained the two permanent atoms of the physical and astral body and the mental unit of the mental body.22, 23 These permanent atoms and mental unit are basically small centres of force around which the physical, astral and mental bodies of the threefold personality are built.24 Where these personality bodies disappear after each incarnation do the permanent atoms and the mental unit however remain. This they do to later on gather around them new building atoms for new personality bodies when a new incarnation is due.25 Considering these permanent atoms and mental unit as being part of the egoic lotus it can be understood how the egoic lotus through the aforementioned permanent atoms and mental unit is the cause of the personality.

The Egoic Lotus as Being Twelve-Petalled

As declared earlier does the egoic lotus have twelve petals. Of these the inner three petals are hidden. 'Hidden' means here that these three petals are closely folded into a bud. And within this bud of three folded petals then is found what is called 'the jewel in the lotus'.26 (In the lower part of the bud, though not in the centre, are also found the permanent atoms and the mental unit).27 Because of the inner three petals being hidden is the egoic lotus also referred to as 'the nine-petalled lotus'. These unhidden nine petals are arranged in three circles of three petals. Of these are the three outer petals called 'knowledge petals', the middle three 'love petals' and the inner three 'sacrificial petals'.28 Let us have a closer look at all the aforementioned aspects of the twelve-petalled lotus.

We shall start with the earlier mentioned permanent atoms and the mental unit. These are found in the lower part of the bud centre and are seen (by the clairvoyant) as three points of light29 with a dull red glow.30

In the outer circle of the nine-petalled lotus we find three petals of knowledge. Petal one represents knowledge on the physical plane, petal two love and petal three sacrifice. In the middle we find three petals of love. Petal one represents higher knowledge applied through love on the physical and astral planes, petal two higher intelligent love and petal three loving intelligent sacrifice. In the inner circle of the nine-petalled lotus then we find three petals of sacrifice. Petal one represents the will to sacrifice through knowledge on the mental plane, petal two the will to sacrifice through love and petal three the utter sacrifice of all forever.31 Every single of the aforementioned petals is of a different color combination, although all nine have a predominant orange hue.32

The hidden petals of the twelve-petalled lotus are of a lemon-yellow hue.33 Where the permanent atoms and the mental unit concern the substance aspect of existence or becoming and the nine outer petals concern the psychical aspect or the development of consciousness there do the three inner petals embody the aspect of pure spirit.34

Hidden within the three enclosed inner petals then is found the jewel in the lotus, which can be seen as a brilliant point of electric fire of a blue-white hue.35 This jewel regards the spirit or life.36 It is the director of energy and window of the monad (as the spirit principle in man is called)37, and as such it is situated between manas and buddhi, linking these two planes.38 Eight streams of fire ray forth from this jewel to the tops of the four love and four sacrifice petals (the hidden knowledge, love and sacrifice petal included).39

Taking the above descriptions of the aspects of the egoic lotus in account, along with the mentioned colors in the corresponding notes, can an interpretative symbol as in figure 1 be visualized. Note that the visualized egoic lotus is interpretive, not visionary, and thus definitely not conclusive.

The Egoic Lotus and the Heart Centre

When describing and visualizing the egoic lotus here the latter must not be confused with the heart centre which is twelve-petalled too.40 The heart centre exists in etheric substance41 while the egoic lotus exists in mental substance42. In this etheric substance is the heart centre also differently visualized. For the heart centre has twelve golden petals43 while the egoic lotus is visualized as described above.

There is however a correspondence between the egoic lotus and the heart centre. For the egoic lotus can be seen as the heart centre of the monad or spirit.44 And as such does a direct flow of energy exist between the twelve-petalled egoic lotus and the twelve-petalled heart centre.45

The heart centre however is not the only twelve-petalled centre to which the egoic lotus corresponds. For at the centre of the thousand-petalled lotus or the head centre is found also a twelve petalled-lotus. This lotus is intermediary between the egoic lotus and the head centre and also corresponds with the heart centre.46 This twelve-petalled lotus too should despite its correspondences not be confused with the egoic lotus (or the heart centre).

Having cleared possible confusions on different twelve-petalled lotuses the present contemplation may now be continued with a consideration of the evolution of the egoic lotus.

The Evolution of the Egoic Lotus

Two paragraphs back an interpretative symbol was visualized. Having done this the egoic lotus should however not be thought of as being static in its appearance. For it knows a coming to being, an unfoldment and a destruction. Under this paragraph a general overview of this evolution shall be given.

Coming to Being

The coming to being of the egoic lotus already has been touched upon. For it was mentioned that the egoic lotus comes to being at the moment of individualisation. In the process of becoming does this lotus first form nine, still tightly closed, petals under influence of an appropriation of impulsory and inherent vibrations on the third subplane of the mental plane.47 On this mental plane a triangle appears circulating between the manasic permanent atom on the first subplane, the mental unit on the fourth subplane and a point in the centre of the egoic lotus.48 Then a downflow of buddhi causes the appearance of the three inner petals, covering the central flame or 'jewel in the lotus'. Also the mental unit and astral and physical permanent atoms are enclosed, the manasic triangle is withdrawn to the centre, and the egoic lotus,49 though still in budform, is now complete.50

Unfoldment

When the egoic lotus has come to being a long period of organizing and unfolding of the nine outer petals starts. A symbolical number of 777 incarnations is mentioned for this period.51 The period is threefold whereby, again symbolically, the first period lasts for 700 incarnations,52 the second 7053 and the last 7.

In the first period the petals of knowledge are organized and unfolded in what is called 'the Hall of Ignorance'.54 This period is characterized by identification with the phenomenal world.55 It is the period of the personality.56 With the petals of knowledge being three in number can this period be divided into three sub-periods. In the first the knowledge petal for the physical plane unfolds through (hurtful) experiences on the physical plane.57 In the second the love petal for the physical plane unfolds through relationships on the physical plane.58 In the third the sacrifice petal for the physical plane unfolds through (involuntary) offering up of the physical body on the altar of desire and aspiration.59 This unfoldment cumulates in the full revelation of the knowledge petals at the first initiation,60 bringing about awareness of the third aspect of the soul; active intelligence.61 At this first initiation also the corresponding petal of the three inner petals surrounding the jewel in the lotus opens up.62 With the unfoldments in this first period does the physical permanent atom become radioactive and a radiant light.63

In the second period the petals of love are organized and unfolded in what is called 'the Hall of Learning'.64 This period is characterized by satiety, restlessness and a search for the knowledge of the soul.65 This is the period of the mystic.66 With the petals of love being too three in number can again this period be divided into three sub-periods. In the first the knowledge petal for the astral plane unfolds through the conscious balancing of the (emotional) pairs of opposites and a beginning comprehension of causes.67 In the second the love petal for the astral plane unfolds through the strive to turn attention to the love of reality within.68 In the third the sacrifice petal for the astral plane unfolds through a conscious attempt to give up own desires for group sake.69 The unfoldment of these petals cumulates in the full revelation of the love petals at the second initiation,70 bringing about awareness of the second aspect of the soul; love-wisdom.71 At this second initiation also the corresponding petal of the three inner petals surrounding the jewel in the lotus opens up.72 With the unfoldments in this second period does the astral permanent atom become as radiant as the physical.73

In the third period the petals of sacrifice are organized and unfolded in what is called 'the Hall of Wisdom'.74 This period is characterized by realization, expansion of consciousness and identification with the spiritual man.75 This is the period of the occultist.76 With also the petals of sacrifice being three in number can again this period be divided into three sub-periods. In the first the knowledge petal for the mental plane unfolds through the utilization of all that was gained for the benefit of humanity.77 In the second the love petal for the mental plane unfolds through application of the soul powers to the selfless service of humanity.78 In the third the sacrifice petal for the mental plane unfolds through lives spent with the soul as predominant bias.79 The unfoldment of these petals cumulates in the full revelation of the sacrifice petals at the third initiation,80 bringing about awareness of the first aspect of the soul; will.81 At this third initiation also the corresponding petal of the three inner petals surrounding the jewel in the lotus opens up.82 With the unfoldments in this third period does the mental unit become too a radiant point of light.83

The unfoldment of the egoic lotus is now complete. It should be noted here that the description of unfoldment given in this paragraph is a general one, and that unfoldment of individual petals may not take place as chronologically as sketched.84

Destruction

In the previous subparagraph a general description has been given of the unfoldment of the egoic lotus up to the third initiation. In this has the process towards the fourth initiation not been described. At the fourth initiation is the egoic lotus destroyed,85 and thus it seems more suitable to treat the process towards this destruction under the present subparagraph.

The previous subparagraph was left at the third initiation when the egoic lotus has completely unfolded its petals of knowledge, love and sacrifice. Also with each initiation the jewel in the lotus is increasingly displayed by the inner bud petals.86 Towards the fourth initiation the intensity of the light, heat and force ever increases,87 until at the fourth initiation they break through the bud petals and destroy the entire egoic lotus.88 With this the essence of the personality (stored up in the now disintegrating permanent atoms and mental unit) is being abstracted into the monad.89 The fire of substance of the permanent atoms is burned up by the fire of consciousness of the nine outer petals, which in turn blends with the fire of spirit of the jewel and thus disappear out of manifestation too.90, 91

Summary

We set out this contemplation to give an overview of the egoic lotus as one of the key concepts in the ageless wisdom and started with a consideration of terms. On base of this consideration the egoic lotus was defined as a vehicle or body of the soul causing individuality and which is symbolized and seen by clairvoyants as a lotus with twelve (or nine) flaming petals. The egoic lotus was found to be a vehicle of the soul due to it being negatively charged towards the soul. And being itself positively charged toward the threefold personality was the egoic lotus considered as the cause of the personality. This personality however was set apart from individuality (which too is caused by the egoic lotus). For individuality belongs to the higher self whereas personality belongs to the lower self. This individuality was seen as caused by the egoic lotus by the separation of one soul from another.

The egoic lotus was also considered in its symbolic form of a twelve-petalled lotus. This lotus was seen consisting of three knowledge petals, three love petals, three sacrifice petals, three inner bud petals, two permanent atoms and a mental unit, and a jewel. A visualization of this was given. Further was this twelve-petalled egoic lotus differentiated from the twelve-petalled heart centre and the twelve-petalled centre in the head.

Finally the evolution of the egoic lotus was sketched in three periods; a coming to being, an unfoldment and a destruction. Along with the coming to being of the egoic lotus man is individualized, at the first initiation the knowledge petals are fully unfolded, at the second the love petals and at the third the sacrifice petals. At the fourth initiation the egoic lotus was described to be destroyed, abstracting all stored up experiences and gained qualities into the spirit or monad.

May thus our egoic lotuses unfold and come to full bloom.

Notes
  1. Alice A. Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 361-362. "Hence it is the mind principle in humanity which brings into manifestation the egoic body, the causal vehicle, the karana sarira, the twelve-petalled lotus."
  2. Alice A. Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, Volume I, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 763. "2. The egoic lotus or soul body."
  3. Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Healing, A Treatise on the Seven Rays, Volume IV, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 518. "[…]in the disappearance or destruction of the soul vehicle or causal body, […]."
  4. Alice A. Bailey, A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 707. "The causal body, called sometimes (though inaccurately) the "karana sarira," […]."
  5. Alice A. Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 210. "[…] (the causal body or the Temple of Solomon) […]."
  6. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 4. "FIRE BY FRICTION, or Body, or Matter."
  7. Ibidem, p. 506-507. "The causal body is that sheath of mental substance which is formed at the moment of individualisation by the contact of the two fires."
  8. A Treatise on White Magic, p. 570. "[…] that the three lower bodies are energy bodies, each forming a vehicle for the higher type of energy and being themselves transmitters of energy."
  9. Letters on Occult Meditation, p. 186. "[…], and, acting as a stimulant to the causal body, fit it more rapidly as a vehicle of consciousness, […]."
  10. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 537-538. "These centres are recognised also as focal points of active force, manifesting to the vision of the clairvoyant as fiery wheels or the flaming petals of a lotus."
  11. Alice A. Bailey, Education in the New Age, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 5. "That Son of Mind, which we call the Ego or Soul."
  12. Alice A. Bailey, The Soul and Its Mechanism, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 109. "The main characteristic of the soul is consciousness."
  13. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 507. "It separates one unit of egoic consciousness from another unit of consciousness, […]."
  14. Ibidem, p. 538. "Of these twelve petals, the innermost three are unrevealed, or are embryonic, and hence the causal body is frequently considered as a nine-petalled Lotus, or as a wheel of fire with only nine spokes or whorls."
  15. Ibidem, p. 226-227. "Two factors are universally recognised in all systems that merit the name of philosophy; they are the two factors of spirit and matter, of purusha and prakriti. There is at times a tendency to confound such terms as "life and form, " "consciousness and the vehicle of consciousness" with the terms "Spirit and matter." They are related, but clarity of view would be facilitated if it were realised that prior to manifestation, or to the birth of a solar system, it is more correct to utilise the words, Spirit and matter. When these two are inter-related during manifestation, and after the cessation of the pralayic interval or interlude between two systems, then the terms, life and form, consciousness and its vehicles, are more correct, for during the period of abstraction consciousness is not, form is not, and life, demonstrating as an actual principle, is not."
  16. Alice A. Bailey, Initiation, Human and Solar, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. xv. "III. The Personality, or lower self, physical plane man.
    This aspect is also threefold
    1. A mental body […].
    2. An emotinal body […].
    3. A physical body […]."
  17. Alice A. Bailey, The Rays and the Initiations, A Treatise on the Seven Rays, Volume V, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 215-216. "On first reading this rule it is obvious that it concerns the fourth initiation and the consequent destruction of the causal body—the vehicle through the means of which the Monad has created first of all the personality, and then an instrument for the expression of the second divine aspect."
  18. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 816. "The building of the causal body is the result of dual energy, that of the lower self with its reflex action upon the higher unit, and that of the natural energy of the self as it makes its direct impress upon the substance of the egoic lotus."
  19. Initiation, Human and Solar, p. xv. "II. The Ego, Higher Self, or Individuality. […].
    The Ego reflects itself in
    III. The Personality, or lower self, physical plane man."
  20. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 506-507. "The causal body is that sheath of mental substance which is formed at the moment of individualisation by the contact of the two fires. The force or energy that pours through from the higher planes (the breath of the Monad, if you care so to term it) produces a vacuum, or something analogous to a bubble in koilon, and the sheath of the causal body—the ring-pass-not of the central Life is formed."
  21. Ibidem, p. 507. "Surrounding these three atoms is the causal sheath, answering the following purposes:
    It separates one unit of egoic consciousness from another unit of consciousness, […]."
  22. Ibidem, p. 317. "We must not forget that the causal body contains the three permanent atoms or the three spheres which embody the principle of intelligence, of desire, and of physical objectivity."
  23. Ibidem, p. 507. "Within this sheath are to be found three atoms, which have been termed the mental unit, the astral permanent atom and the physical permanent atom; […]."
  24. Initiation, Human and Solar, p. 222. "Around them the various sheaths or bodies are built. They are literally small force centres."
  25. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 516. "There is no permanence whatever in the sheaths; they are built into temporary forms, and dissolved when the Thinker has exhausted their possibilities, but the seventh principle of each sheath gathers to itself the achieved qualities and stores them up—under the Law of Karma—to work out again and to demonstrate as the plane impulse at each fresh cycle of manifestation."
  26. Ibidem, p. 761-762. "Concealed at the very centre or heart of the lotus is a brilliant point of electric fire of a blue-white hue (the jewel in the lotus) surrounded, and completely hidden, by three closely folded petals. Around this central nucleus, or inner flame, are arranged the nine petals in circles of three petals each, making three circles in all."
  27. Ibidem, p. 709-710. "At the same time, the three permanent atoms are enclosed within the lotus, and are seen by the clairvoyant as three points of light in the lower part of the bud, beneath the central portion."
  28. Ibidem, p. 821. "These three circles of petals are called in the esoteric terminology:
    1. The "outer knowledge" triad, or the lords of active wisdom.
    2. The middle "love" triad, or the lords of active love.
    3. The inner "sacrificial" triad, or the lords of active will."
  29. Note 27.
  30. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 762. "The light within these permanent atoms has a dull red glow […]."
  31. Ibidem, p. 822-824. "I. The outer "knowledge" triad:
    a. Petal 1...Knowledge on the physical plane.
    Colours: Orange, green and violet.
    b. Petal 2...Love on the physical plane.
    Colours: Orange, rose and blue.
    c. Petal 3...Sacrifice on the physical plane.
    Colours: Orange, yellow and indigo.
    These three petals are organised and vitalised in the Hall of Ignorance, but remain unopened and only begin to unfold as the second circle is organised.
    II. The middle "love" triad:
    a. Petal 1...Higher Knowledge applied through love on the physical and astral planes.
    Colours: Rose, and the original three.
    b. Petal 2...Higher intelligent love on the physical and astral planes.
    Colours: Rose and the corresponding three.
    c. Petal 3...Loving intelligent sacrifice on the physical and astral planes.
    Colours: Rose and the same three.
    These three petals preserve the fundamental orange but add the colour rose in every petal, so that four colours are now seen. These petals are organised and vitalised in the Hall of Learning, but remain unopened. The outer tier of petals simultaneously unfolds till it is open entirely, revealing the second circle; the third remains shielded.
    III. The inner "sacrificial" triad:
    a. Petal 1...The Will to sacrifice through knowledge on the mental plane, and thus intelligently to dominate the entire threefold lower man.
    Colours: Yellow and the four colours, orange, green, violet and rose.
    b. Petal 2...The will to sacrifice through love on the mental plane, and thus to serve.
    Colours: Yellow and the four colours, orange, violet, rose and blue.
    c. Petal 3...The utter sacrifice of all forever. Colours: Yellow, orange, rose, blue and indigo."
  32. Ibidem, p. 762. "These nine petals are of a predominant orange hue, though the six other colours are found as secondary colours in a varying degree."
  33. Ibidem. "The inner three petals are of a lovely lemon-yellow hue."
  34. Ibidem, p. 545. "Bear in mind here, that the permanent atoms are concerned with the substance aspect of Existence or Becoming, while the petals of the lotus, or the fiery spokes of the wheel, deal specifically with the psychical aspect, or the development of consciousness; the central nucleus, or the three inner petals, embodies the aspect of pure Spirit."
  35. Note 26.
  36. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 1245. "This identification does not concern the form nor the soul but only the spiritual point of positive life which in the human unit we call the "Jewel in the Lotus.""
  37. Ibidem, p. 45-46. "This fire is the basic vibration of the little system in which the monad or human spirit is the logos, and it holds the personality or lower material man in objective manifestation thus permitting the spiritual unit to contact the plane of densest matter."
  38. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 1129-1130. "The jewel in the lotus is the director of energy from the monad, […].
    The jewel in the Lotus is the centre of force which links the buddhic and mental planes. […].
    The jewel, or diamond concealed by the egoic lotus, is the window of the Monad or Spirit whereby he looks outward into the three worlds. […].
    The jewel in the lotus is situated between manas and buddhi […]."
  39. Ibidem, p. 1118. "The Jewel itself remains occultly static, and does not circulate. It is a point of peace; it pulsates rhythmically as does the heart of man, and from it ray forth eight streams of living fire which extend to the tips of the four love petals and the four sacrifice petals."
  40. Ibidem, p. 168. "3. The heart centre, twelve petals glowing golden."
  41. Alice A. Bailey, Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 146. "They exist only in etheric matter and in the etheric so-called aura, […]."
  42. Note 7.
  43. Note 40.
  44. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 538. "In studying the egoic body it should be remembered that the causal body is the correspondence in the monadic manifestation to the heart centre."
  45. Ibidem, p. 1204-1205. "We have, therefore, a direct flow of energy flowing through: […].
    d. The twelve-petalled human egoic lotus on the mental plane.
    e. The twelve-petalled heart centre in a human being."
  46. The Light of the Soul, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001, p. 293. "The twelve petalled lotus in the head (which is the higher correspondence of the heart centre, and the intermediary between the twelve petalled egoic lotus on its own plane and the head centre) awakens."
  47. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 708. "There appear upon the third subplane of the mental plane certain vibratory impulses—nine in number—corresponding to the fivefold vibration of these Manasadevas in conjunction with the fourfold vibration set up from below and inherent in the matter of this subplane, the fifth from the lower standpoint. This produces "the ninefold egoic lotus, " which is at this stage tightly closed, the nine petals folded one upon the other. They are vibrant, and scintillating "light" but not of excessive brightness."
  48. Ibidem, p. 709. "There appears a triangle on the mental plane, produced by manasic activity, and this triangle of fire begins slowly to circulate between the manasic permanent atom, and a point at the centre of the egoic lotus, and thence to the mental unit, which has appeared upon the fourth subplane through innate instinct approximating mentality."
  49. Ibidem, p. 711. "The fourth point to be noted is that when these three events have occurred, the light or fire that circulates along the manasic triangle is withdrawn to the centre of the lotus, and this "prototype" of the future antaskarana, if so it may be expressed, disappears. The threefold energy of the petals, the atoms and the "jewel" is now centralised, because impulse must now be generated which will produce a downflow of energy from the newly made causal vehicle into the three worlds of human endeavour."
  50. Ibidem, p. 709-710. "A downflow of buddhi takes place along the line of the manasic triangle until it reaches a point at the very centre of the lotus. There, by the power of its own vibration, it causes a change in the appearance of the lotus. At the very heart of the lotus, three more petals appear which close in on the central flame, covering it closely, and remaining closed until the time comes for the revelation of the "jewel in the Lotus." The egoic lotus is now composed of twelve petals, nine of these appear at this stage in bud form and three are completely hidden and mysterious.
    At the same time, the three permanent atoms are enclosed within the lotus, and are seen by the clairvoyant as three points of light in the lower part of the bud, beneath the central portion. They form at this stage a dimly burning triangle. The causal body, though only in an embryonic condition, is now ready for full activity as the eons slip away, and is complete in all its threefold nature."
  51. Ibidem, p. 825. "In these three circles of petals lies concealed another clue to the mystery of the 777 incarnations. The figures do not convey an exact number of years, but are figurative and symbolical; they are intended to convey the thought of three cycles of varying duration, based upon the septenary nature of the manifesting monad."
  52. Ibidem. "First. The 700 incarnations. These concern the unfoldment of the outer circle."
  53. Ibidem, p. 826. "Second. The 70 incarnations. These concern the unfoldment of the middle circle."
  54. Ibidem, p. 869. "I. Knowledge Petals. First circle.
    a.
    Organised in the Hall of Ignorance."
  55. Alice A. Bailey, The Light of the Soul, p. 169. "Identification with the phenomenal world and the use of the outgoing organs of perception covers the period which the real man spends in what is called the Hall of Ignorance."
  56. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 831. "First. The stage wherein the energy manifested acts outwardly. The Self becomes identified with its sheaths. This is the strictly personal stage."
  57. Ibidem, p. 539. "1. The Petal of Knowledge for the physical plane. Through the breaking of the Law and the ensuing suffering the price of ignorance is paid and knowledge is achieved. This unfoldment is brought about through physical plane experience."
  58. Ibidem. "2. The Petal of Love for the physical plane. Unfolds through physical relationships, and the gradual growth of love from love of self to love of others."
  59. Ibidem, p. 540. "3. The Petal of Sacrifice for the physical plane. This unfoldment is brought about through the driving force of circumstances, and not of free will. It is the offering up of the physical body upon the altar of desire—low desire to begin with, but aspiration towards the end, though still desire."
  60. Initiation, Human and Solar, p. 116. "These petals are arranged in three circles around a central set of three closely folded petals, which shield what is called in the eastern books "The Jewel in the Lotus." This Lotus is a thing of rare beauty, pulsating with life and radiant with all the colours of the rainbow, and at the first three initiations the three circles are revealed in order, until at the fourth initiation the initiate stands before a still greater revelation, and learns the secret of that which lies within the central bud."
  61. Ibidem, p. 114. "At the first initiation the initiate becomes aware of the third, or lowest, aspect of the Ego, that of active intelligence."
  62. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 883. "It concerns the innermost circle of petals, or that set of three petals, or those three streams of whirling energy, which immediately surround the "jewel in the lotus." […].
    At the first, the second, and the third Initiations, one of the three petals opens up, permitting an ever freer display of the central electric point."
  63. Ibidem, p. 540. "The physical permanent atom becomes radioactive or a radiant point of fire."
  64. Ibidem, p. 869. "II. Love Petals. Second circle.
    a.
    Organised in the Hall of Learning."
  65. The Light of the Soul, p. 169. "Satiety, restlessness and a search for the knowledge of the self or soul characterises the period spent in the Hall of Learning."
  66. Ibidem. "The terms human life, mystic life and occult life apply to these three stages."
  67. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 540. "1. The Petal of Knowledge, for the astral plane; unfoldment is brought about by the conscious balancing of the pairs of opposites, and the gradual utilisation of the Law of Attraction and Repulsion. The man passes out of the Hall of Ignorance where, from the egoic point of view, he works blindly and begins to appreciate the effects of his physical plane life; by a realisation of his essential duality he begins to comprehend causes."
  68. Ibidem. "2. The Petal of Love for the astral plane; unfoldment is brought about through the process of gradually transmuting the love of the subjective nature or of the Self within. This has a dual effect and works through on to the physical plane in many lives of turmoil, of endeavour and of failure as a man strives to turn his attention to the love of the Real."
  69. Ibidem, p. 540-541. "3. The Petal of Sacrifice for the astral plane; unfoldment is brought about by the attitude of man as he consciously endeavours to give up his own desires for the sake of his group. His motive is still somewhat a blind one, and still coloured by the desire for a return of that which he gives and for love from those he seeks to serve, but it is of a much higher order than the blind sacrifice to which a man is driven by circumstances as is the case in the earlier unfoldment."
  70. Note 60.
  71. Initiation, Human and Solar, p. 115. "At the second initiation this great Presence is seen as a duality, and another aspect shines forth before him. He becomes aware that this radiant Life, Who is identified with himself, is not only intelligence in action but also is love-wisdom in origin."
  72. Note 62.
  73. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 541. "The astral permanent atom comes into full activity and radiance, as regards five of its spirillae, and the two atoms of the physical and the astral planes are equally vibrant."
  74. Ibidem, p. 869. "III. Will or Sacrifice Petals. Third circle.
    a.
    Organised in the Hall of Wisdom."
  75. The Light of the Soul, p. 169. "Realization, expansion of consciousness and identification with the spiritual man cover the period spent in the Hall of Wisdom."
  76. Note 66.
  77. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 541. "1. The Petal of Knowledge for the mental plane; its unfoldment marks the period wherein the man consciously utilizes all that he has gained or is gaining under the law for the definite benefit of humanity."
  78. Ibidem, p. 541-542. "2. The Petal of Love on the mental plane is unfolded through the conscious steady application of all the powers of the soul to the service of humanity with no thought of return nor any desire for reward for the immense sacrifice involved."
  79. Ibidem, p. 542. "3. The Petal of Sacrifice for the mental plane: demonstrates as the predominant bias of the soul as seen in a series of many lives spent by the initiate prior to his final emancipation. He becomes in his sphere the "Great Sacrifice.""
  80. Note 60.
  81. Initiation, Human and Solar, p. 115. "At the third initiation the Ego stands before the initiate as a perfected triplicity. Not only is the Self known to be intelligent, active love, but it is revealed also as a fundamental will or purpose, […]."
  82. Note 62.
  83. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 542. "a. The mental unit becomes a radiant point of light; its four spirillae transmit force with intense rapidity.
    b. The three higher petals unfold, and the nine-petalled lotus is seen perfected."
  84. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 546. "First, that according to the Ray of the Monad, so will the petals unfold. […].Third, that there exist many cases of uneven or unequal unfoldment."
  85. The Rays and the Initiations, p. 437. "Then follows the fourth initiation with its destruction of the egoic, causal or soul body, owing to the complete fusion of soul and personality."
  86. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 883. "At the first, the second, and the third Initiations, one of the three petals opens up, permitting an ever freer display of the central electric point."
  87. Ibidem, p. 542. "[…]; at the centre can be seen a central blaze of glory growing in intensity as the three inner petals respond to the stimulation."
  88. Ibidem, p. 883. "At the fourth Initiation, the jewel (being completely revealed) through its blazing light, its intense radiatory heat, and its terrific outflow of force, produces the disintegration of the surrounding form, the shattering of the causal body, the destruction of the Temple of Solomon, and the dissolution of the lotus flower."
  89. Letters on Occult Meditation, p. 79. "If I might so express it, the two fires meet, and eventually the egoic body disappears; the fire burns up entirely the Temple of Solomon; the permanent atoms are destroyed, and all is reabsorbed into the Triad. The essence of the Personality, the faculties developed, the knowledge gained, and the remembrance of all that has transpired becomes part of the equipment of the Spirit and eventually finds its way to the Spirit or Monad on its own plane."
  90. Note 34.
  91. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p. 506. "To state the whole in terms of fire: The causal body is produced by means of the positive life, or fire, of the Spirit (electric fire) meeting the negative fire of matter, or "fire by friction"; this causes the blazing forth of solar fire. This central blaze inevitably in due course burns up the third fire, or absorbs its essence, and is itself eventually blended with the fire of Spirit and passes out of objective display."
Bibliography
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  • Alice A. Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001.
  • Alice A. Bailey, Discipleship in the New Age, Volume I, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001.
  • Alice A. Bailey, Education in the New Age, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001.
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  • Alice A. Bailey, Initiation, Human and Solar, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001.
  • Alice A. Bailey, Letters on Occult Meditation, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001.
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  • Alice A. Bailey, The Light of the Soul, in: Twenty-Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, (CD-ROM, Release 3), Lucis Trust, London / New York, 2001.
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