A Treatise on Cosmic Fire

by Alice A Bailey

  1. The problem of establishing a conscious relation, and response, to the animal kingdom.

  2. The problem of simultaneously receiving and holding vibrations from superhuman lives and of transmitting them consciously to the subhuman states.

  [1213] All this has to be accomplished by the units of the human kingdom in full individual consciousness, and the work of each human being might be regarded therefore as having in view the establishment of a sympathetic relation with other human units and with the pitris of the animal kingdom, and also the development of the power to act as the transmitter of energies from greater lives than his own, and to become a transmuting mediating agency.

  It might be of interest here to note that it is the problem of establishing a relation between the animal and himself which was the original basis of what is called Hatha-Yoga and tantric magic. The link was sought in this yoga with that which was known to be similar in the two kingdoms (the physical body with its activities and purposes) and that which should be negative in the human kingdom was stimulated into a positive agency through the power of the will. That followers of Hatha-Yoga are not aware of this purpose may be true, but the originating exponents of the Hatha-Yoga mysteries were well aware of this objective, and in their zeal for unity between the two kingdoms, sought unity in the lower aspects, and neglected the real method.

  III. GROUP RELATIONS

  In establishing group relation with the superhuman kingdoms, man has not so erred, though relatively little progress has as yet been made, and few are the human units who have merged their consciousness with that of the greater directing Intelligences and yet remained in the human family. This is the true Raja Yoga.

  It will be apparent, therefore, that in the fourth or human kingdom, wherein the fourth Hierarchy is seeking experience, there is an effort on foot to effect the merging or centralisation of the forces of three groups,

  a. Of the energy for which the animal kingdom stands,

  b. Of purely human energy, [1214]

  c. Of the spiritual energy of the group which is the exponent of buddhic force, thus bringing in at the third great realisation, the force of atma itself, of which buddhi is but the vehicle.

  These three streams of force should hold the following place:

  Buddhic force Positive.

  Human energy Equilibrised.

  Animal energy Negative.

  Or, to word it otherwise, the positive controlling factor in the human group should be spiritual energy, toward which the animal nature should be entirely receptive, these two holding towards each other the relative position of Father-Mother. The purely human energy serves as the balancing factor and brings about an adjustment between the Spirit aspect and the material. It is this triple group relation which makes the microcosm such a genuine reflection of the greater Man and the Fourth Kingdom a true exponent of cosmic processes.

  The same laws govern the relationship of these three factors as govern the group inter-relation of the Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva aspects; time and space or “divine opportunity” play their parts in microcosmic group work as they do in the macrocosmic, and cyclic evolution proceeds in its work of group adjustment for both units, in order to produce eventual group harmony in both cases. It is the harmony of the individual with himself and with his environing units, and his realisation of the essential oneness of all life which brings about the great expansions of consciousness and leads to individual identification with some greater whole.

  The work of a human atom, therefore, is but a replica of that which proceeds in the planetary, or solar atom, and serves as an incentive to those minute individual lives which find their place in the six subhuman kingdoms (the [1215] three elemental, and the three material). In one case we have a correspondence of so close a nature as to be almost a replica on a tiny scale; in the other we have analogies which produce what may be regarded as a reflection of the whole; in both cases we have basic group relations, fundamental group laws which produce group inter-relations, and bring about an essential union between all the forms of life. It is not my intention to say much anent group forms and work. It is for the student to study himself and that which surrounds him, and thus arrive at his own conclusions. We will, therefore, close this part of our Treatise by a brief enumeration of:

  1. The three atomic relations.

  2. The seven laws of group work.

  3. The twenty-two methods of interplay.

  These thirty-two phases and ideas must be applied in degree to all atoms, the tiny lives which are the sumtotal of all material worlds, the planetary atom, the macrocosm for all on the five planes, and the solar atom, the synthesis of all on the seven planes and of the seven evolutions.

  1. Three Atomic Relations.

  Individual. This concerns the central fire of all atoms and affects the relation of that positive centre to all within its sphere of influence.

  Systemic. This concerns the relation of all atoms to other atoms which come within their range of influence, or their scale of contacts.

  Universal. This deals with the identification of all atoms with these particular groups, and their consequent submergence in the interests of the greater whole.

  It might be noted here that the immediate objective of the human kingdom is consciously to establish systemic relations, [1216] and be actively, and consciously, part of group work. The individual consciousness of relationship is somewhat established owing to there being self-consciousness. The work for the subhuman kingdoms is the establishment of conscious self-realisation, or the bringing about of a distinct individualism in every form of atomic life, whilst the object for the superhuman lives is the establishment of a universal consciousness which will enable every planet and solar life to be consciously and intelligently part of a cosmic whole.

  2. The Seven Laws of Group Work.

  These can only be expressed largely through the medium of mystical terms, and it is left to the intuition of the student to apply them to the more material forms of life.

  Law 1. The Law of Sacrifice. This involves the immolation and sacrifice of that which has been realised. This is crucifixion, the basic law of all group work, the governing principle which results in each human unit eventually becoming a Saviour.

  Law 2. The Law of Magnetic Impulse. The law governing the primary realisations by any atom of its environing contacts, and the going out, or feeling after, by that atom so that eventually a relation between that which is realised as part of the group and the unit is established. This is not the same thing as making sense contacts, as the relation established is between the Self in all, and not between aspects of the Not-Self. This law is sometimes called “The first step towards marriage,” for it results in an eventual union between the man or atom and the group which produces harmonious group relations.

  Law 3. The Law of Service. This law, for want of a better name, concerns the identification of an atom with the group interest, and the steady negation of the atom’s own material interests; it really deals with the process or [1217] method whereby an atom (positive in its own centralised life) gradually becomes responsive and receptive to the positive life of the group.

  Law 4. The Law of Repulsion. This law concerns itself with the ability of an atom to throw off, or refuse to contact, any energy deemed inimical to group activity. It is literally a law of service, but only comes consciously into play when the atom has established certain basic discriminations, and guides its activities through a knowledge of the laws of its own being. This law is not the same as the Law of Repulsion which is used in connection with the Law of Attraction between forms which have relation to the material. The laws we are now considering have relation to the psyche, or to the Vishnu aspect. One group of laws concern energies emanating from the physical sun; the ones we are now considering emanate from the heart of the Sun. The “repulsion” here dealt with has the effect (when consciously applied through the developed heart energy of a human atom, for instance) of furthering the interests of the repulsed unit an
d of driving this unit closer to its own centre. Perhaps some idea of the great beauty of this law as it works out can be gathered from an occult phrase in a certain old book:

  “This repulsive force drives in seven directions, and forces all that it contacts back to the bosom of the seven spiritual fathers.”

  Through repulsion, the units are driven home and the straying unconscious ones are forced towards their own centre. The Law of Repulsion, or the stream of energy for which it is but a name, can work from any centre, but as dealt with here, it must emanate from the heart if it is to bring about the necessary group work.

  Law 5. The Law of Group Progress. This is sometimes called “the Law of Elevation” for it concerns the mysteries of group realisation, and expansions of consciousness [1218] and the part each unit plays in the general progress of a group. In relation to the human family, for instance, the truth must ever be borne in mind that no human atom arrives at “fullness of life” without adding much to the general nature of his own group. The elevation of a unit results in the raising of the group; the realisation of the unit brings about eventually group recognition; the initiation of the unit leads finally to planetary initiation, and the attainment of the goal by the human atom and his achievement of his objective brings about steadily and ceaselessly group achievement. No man liveth to himself, and the crucifixion of the units throughout the aeons, and their realisation of their essential nature, only in order to offer up the best they have and realise to the interests of the group, are but the methods whereby the work of liberation is carried forward.

  Sacrifice, Service, Magnetism (“I, if I be lifted up, will draw”), Group Progress, Divine Repulsion, these are but the inadequate terms whereby we seek to express the divine truth that the whole life and expression of the solar Logos will only be possible, and His purpose only be revealed, when He has brought each atomic unit to the stage of self-realisation. Then He will lead them on to the point of sacrificing that realised self so that divine purpose and will may be consummated, and the divine life and glory shine forth in perfect radiance.

  This might be expressed in more material terms by saying that through the dominance of these laws of the Soul, the logoic physical body will become an active expression of His self-realised purpose.

  The final two laws concerning group activity can only be very briefly treated as their true significance is only apparent to pledged disciples. They concern primarily the astral and the mental planes, and, therefore the corresponding vehicles of the group units. A group, it [1219] should be remembered, which is functioning on the physical plane is also found in a still larger form on the astral and the mental. Just as the astral body of a man is larger than his physical body, and, therefore, has built into its structure a larger number of atomic units, so a group contains (astrally considered) more units than on the physical plane. The laws we are touching upon concern the relation of the physical plane units to those units who form a part of the group, and yet are functioning without the physical plane sheaths or vehicles. The same idea must be applied to the units devoid of a physical vehicle who form a component part of the mental body of the group.

  These two laws are termed:

  6. The Law of Expansive Response.

  7. The Law of the Lower Four.

  These laws only become operative in units on the physical plane which are becoming responsive consciously to those group workers who are discarnate.

  All these laws, from the point of view of a disciple, need only be considered as operative in the three worlds, though it is needless to point out that parallels will be found on all planes. These seven laws are those which are ascertained and consciously studied in all groups working under the Masters.

  For each of these Laws, there is a definite formula and symbol. At this stage of teaching or through this Treatise, it is not possible to reveal or impart the formulas. The symbol may be described, and if the student will carefully ponder upon the nomenclature of the Law, its occult name and its symbol, much may be gathered anent group inter-relations. It is these laws which the coming cycle of regeneration will enunciate, and which the Great Lord will demonstrate upon His appearing, and it is these laws which will gradually be applied to the working methods [1220] of all organisations, brotherhoods, fraternities and masonic circles.

  THE LAWS AND SYMBOLS

  No. Exoteric Name Esoteric Name Symbol Ray Energy

  1. Law of Sacrifice. The Law of Those Who Choose to Die. A Rosy Cross with Golden Bird Out-pouring 4th Ray. At-one-ing factor

  2. Law of Magnetic Impulse The Law of the Polar Union. Two fiery balls and triangle. Radiatory energy 2nd Ray Manifesting factor.

  3. Law of Service. The Law of Water and of Fishes A Pitcher on the head of a man. Out-going energy 6th Ray. Vivifying factor.

  4. Law of Repulse. The Law of all Destroying Angels An Angel with a flaming sword. Rejecting energy 1st Ray. Dispersing factor.

  5. Law of Gronp Progress. The Law of Elevation. The Mountain and the Goat. Progressive energy 7th Ray. Evolving factor

  6. Law of Expansive Response. (Name not given.) Flaming Rosy Sun. Expansive energy 3rd Ray. Adapting factor.

  7. Law of the lower Four. The Law of Etheric Union. A Male and Female Form, placed back to back Fiery energy 5th Ray. Vitalizing factor.

  The symbols are as follows:

  Law 1. A rosy cross, with a bird hovering above it.

  Law 2. Two balls of fire united by a triangle of fire, thus picturing the triple interplay between all atomic structures.

  Law 3. A pitcher of water, balanced on the head of a man, standing in the form of a cross. It is this law which brings in the energy, symbolised by the sign Aquarius, and this law is the governing factor of the Aquarian age. It might here be added that the symbol for Law 2 was the [1221] origin of the balance or scales of the sign Libra, but in the course of the ages its true form was distorted. Not all the astrological signs can be traced to the symbols, for only a few can be traced back as far as the Master’s ashram.

  Law 4. Here we have the angel with the flaming sword turning in all directions. This symbolism is held true in the Bible where the Angel guards the treasure, and drives man forth in search of another way of entrance, thus forcing him through the cycle of rebirth until he finds the portal of initiation. This portal is occultly regarded as freed from the intervention of the sword as man has developed the ability to soar and mount as an eagle on wings.

  Law 5. The symbol for this is the mountain with a goat standing on the summit, and again an astrological sign, that of Capricorn, can be noted. All hard places can be surmounted, and the summit reached by the “Divine Goat,” symbol of the group, viewed as a unit.

  Law 6. The symbol contains a flaming rosy sun with a sign in the centre—a sign symbolising the union of fire and water; below this sign is found a hieroglyphic which may not be given as it gives the clue to the Earth sign, and the keynote of the physical body of the planetary Logos.

  Law 7. This symbol takes the form of a male and female figure standing back to back, the male figure holding above his head what looks like a shield or tray of silver, a great reflector, whilst the female figure holds aloft an urn full of oil. Below this sign is another hieroglyphic which [1222] contains the secret of the astral plane, which has to be dominated by the mental.

  These seven laws can be worked out along the line of correspondences. It will be found that the energy of any particular centre and that of any one law can be brought into line with each other.

  3. The Twenty-two methods of Group Interplay.

  These methods of group interplay can only be grasped through a consideration of the fact that all groups are to be found on one or other of the seven Rays, and that their interaction will, therefore, be triple. This must again be regarded as having:

  a. A triple internal interplay.

  b. A triple external interaction.

  We might, therefore, take the seven Rays and give the names for the three ways in which the groups on any pa
rticular ray interact with each other, remembering that as we consider them, we are really studying the twenty-one vibrations of the Law of Attraction or motion, with the basic vibration, which is the synthesis of the twenty-one added, thus making the twenty-two:

  RAY METHODS OF ACTIVITY

  I. Ray of Power.

  1. Destruction of forms through group interplay.

  2. Stimulation of the Self, or egoic principle.

  3. Spiritual impulse, or energy.

  II. Ray of Love Wisdom.

  4. Construction of forms through group intercourse.

  5. Stimulation of desire, the love principle.

  6. Soul impulse, or energy.

  III. Ray of Activity or Adaptability.

  7. Vitalising of forms through group work.

  8. Stimulation of forms, the etheric or pranic principle.

  9. Material impulse, or energy. [1223]

  IV. Ray of Harmony, Union.

  10. Perfecting of forms through group interplay.

  11. Stimulation of the solar Angels, or the manasic principle.

  12. Buddhic energy.

  V. Ray of Concrete Knowledge.

  13. Correspondence of forms to type, through group influence.

  14. Stimulation of logoic dense physical body, the three worlds.

  15. Manasic energy or impulse.

  VI. Ray of Abstract Idealism or Devotion.

  16. Reflection of reality through group work.