Thursday, June 12, Conclave Address

I would like to begin this morning with something that isn’t usually done in our esoteric tradition, but is certainly a part of exoteric Buddhism, and a part of many indigenous cultures as well. That is to acknowledge our lineage, to honor the forefathers and foremothers of our tradition, and to call them into our sacred circle so we may benefit from their presence and wisdom, and to remember how we arrived where we are today as a world esoteric group.

We stand here this morning on the shoulders of 5 giants of our esoteric lineage. These 5 Giants are the truly great initiates who came forth with the task of anchoring the Ageless Wisdom in the modern world. They worked and strived, suffered and gave, and through their teachings and their lives they poured forth a mighty river of esoteric purpose, teaching, art and culture that still meets the spiritual needs of millions today. These are:

1) Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, the fearless initiate who challenged the thinking of the day, and first brought the light of the East to the West with the Secret Doctrine,

2)  Annie Besant, the spiritual/political activist and President of the Theosophical Society,

3)  Nicholas Roerich, the creative genius, author and inspired visionary artist,

4)  Helena Roerich, the recorder of the Masters words in the powerful Agni Yoga books,

5)  And Alice A. Bailey, our beloved teacher and guide, who, with the Tibetan Master, gave 30 years of her life to bring forth the greatest codification of esoteric purpose, wisdom and knowledge ever presented to the world.

Each of these giants brought something new and unique into the world, and contributed to the mighty river that has nourished the esoteric work around the world for the past 125 years. And behind them, the true Source of this stream, stand the Masters, -- the Master Morya, The Master Koot Humi, the Master Rackozy, the Master Djwhal Khul and the Master of all Masters, the Christ.

And in the passage of time, a group of disciples were attracted, drank deeply from this river and became the founders, leaders and teachers of many of the groups who are represented here today. Let us remember, honor and invite all of them who have passed over to the inner side of life to be part of our conclave, and let us name them:

Mary and Foster Bailey – leaders of the Lucis Trust, 

Roberto Assagioli – founder of Psychosynthesis and co-founder of Sundial House, 

Michael Eastcott – co-founder of Sundial House, 

Frank Hilton – founder of the School for Esoteric Studies,

Florence Garrigue – founder of Meditation Mount,

Torkom Saradarian – founder of Aquarian Educational Group,

Marguerite and Fred Rompage – co-founders of Arcana Workshops, 

Peter Caddy – co-founder of Findhorn,

Jan Nation – co-founder of the Triangles Center and Intuition in Service,

Lucille Cedercrans – author and founder of the Nature of the Soul work,

Norman and Josephine Stevens –  authors of the Rainbow Bridge books;

Merle Stubbs – founder of Sydney Triangle Center,

Coquita Romero – founder of Sintesis in Acuario,
 

And many others, too numerous to name.

These disciples have been inspirations to many of us here today, and we have learned from their words, their lives and their vision. Yet, how do we measure their achievements? Is it in their books, their words, their lives? It is said in the Ashram that the legacy of each disciple is found in those he or she leaves behind to carry forward the work. The seeds of purpose, wisdom and light that are sown by disciples find their fruition in those seekers who nurture those seeds within themselves and allow them to blossom into dedicated leadership in love and service to humanity.

Therefore, beloved friends and co-workers, we (among others) are the living legacy of those 5 giants, and of all those teachers named and unnamed from whom we have learned and grown. We are their living legacy to the world, and now friends, co-workers, brothers and sisters, now is our time. Our time has come. What flowed through them must now flow through us. The light they carried must now be carried by us. It is now our time. It is now our time to carry the flame they carried into the future. This is our moment.

For we are in a new age now, a new time, with new energies available to us. Our teachers struggled mightily to overcome (both within themselves and their groups) the intense individualism generated under Pisces, and create discipleship groups focused on selfless service. Today, many of us, under the ever growing influence of Aquarius, find we have a natural affinity for groups, live in them easily, and can wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to group life and group work. This does not mean we do not have problems with our personalities in groups, but when it comes down to it, we are willing to make the needed adjustments and sacrifices for the good of the group….(Usually, or most of the time!)  The fact that we have so many functioning groups here today is proof of this.

Yet we may have learned to sacrifice as individuals for the good of the group, but have we practiced sacrificing as a group what we need to let go of to allow us to wholeheartedly work together with other groups? The ritual we just experienced allowed us to consider this question of what our groups need to sacrifice to allow each group to give freely to this intergroup work.

At the same time that we, as groups, release any separating attitudes, we need to honor each group’s unique energy, cultural background and approach. It is our “differentiated capacities,” to use the Tibetan’s term, that makes this intergroup potential so powerful.

With all our differentiated groups from all around the world, we have the possibility of being able to carry forward a project with many diverse approaches, yet guided by an underlying synthesis of purpose. Thus one of our keynotes for this conclave is “Differentiation is Divine, and Synthesis is Sacred.” (Repeat) And we should now know, as we have traced the sources of our differentiated groups, that although our groups and forms and styles are many, the source is One, and thus we are one -- in the One Work.

This is a new time, a new cycle, and it calls for new methods of working together that have not been tried before. So now is our time to weave together our groups in new ways into a living instrument for implementing the Plan in practical ways on earth.

The task of the final push to prepare and awaken humanity for the Externalization and the Reappearance has been given to us. Into our hands is entrusted this work, and it would not be so if we were not worthy. It is through the faithful carrying out of the work that we become the trusted workers. We have earned the right to carry out this work.

We are qualified for this because we have qualified ourselves -- through our struggles to live as the soul, through our meditations and our proven service. It is our love for humanity and the Plan and the Great Ones which will give us the strength and perseverance needed in these times that try and test us all. We are prepared, we are worthy, and we will succeed in our ordained task.

One of the ways we can strengthen the effectiveness and success of our group and intergroup channel is through deepening our meditation and antahkarana work. We will be devoting a significant portion of our precious time together to this work. For as we strengthen our meditative power, more energy can be poured through us in service to the world. The measure of initiation is how much energy we can occultly “take,” or “stand up under.” The initiatory test is how much spiritual energy can we use and express wisely and well, without becoming englamoured, illusioned or unbalanced. It is the intention of those who guide this conclave that all of us here will be strengthened in our meditative ability, and able to hold a higher point of spiritual tension when we leave. Thus, as we deepen our subjective capacities, we, as an intergroup, strengthen and build the planetary antahkarana, as well as build a new instrument of service in the world. We grow upwards and expand downwards and outwards.

And we will succeed because we do not carry out this task alone or unaided. We are part of a vast invocative presence on the earth through which the spiritual Hierarchy is attempting to offer light, wisdom and higher purpose through the Great Chain of Being to humanity. We are learning to work ever more closely with the Great Ones, so that our work and efforts will be as aligned as possible with their ever adapting plans. For what they can do is limited by what we are able and willing to do. It is not so much a question of invoking their help, (for the help is ready to precipitate) as it is creating usable and effective channels through which the waiting help can be applied to meeting the needs of humanity. We are inspired so that we may be inspiring.

The Ashram of Synthesis

A core purpose of those holding this conclave is that everyone here come to a deeper understanding of, and participation in the Ashram of Synthesis. This will empower and strengthen every group’s work. You were sent a paper on the formation, purpose and work of this new Ashram, so that we all might have some shared understanding of its purpose as we work together at this conclave.

One of the reasons it is important for us to understand this new Ashram and the energy of synthesis, is because we are all, at this very moment, sitting in the middle of a potent energetic field of synthesis emanating from the Ashram of Synthesis, which is the source and inspiration for this intergroup initiative through the World Service Intergroup.

We are also in the externalization of a 7th Ray, synthetic center, Findhorn, that applies spiritual principles through the practical rhythms of daily life.

We also need to understand this new Ashram if we are to assume the responsibilities that have been entrusted to us and carry them forward over the next 2,000 years. You didn’t think that you are only working on building the new civilization just for this lifetime, did you? We all should be thinking and planning the work in a multi-lifetime framework, if we are thinking as the soul thinks.

What is the Ashram of Synthesis? We know from AAB’s writings that the Tibetan announced in 1946 “the formation of a new Ashram in which the Wisdom aspect would be of particular importance and not the Love aspect.” He also stated this new Ashram, through certain endowments brought by the Buddha concerning the Will-to-Good of the Lord of the World, would enable the Christ and the Master R, the Lord of Civilization, to register divine Purpose in a new way. And other than a few comments on the combined work of the 1st, 2nd and 7th ray ashrams, he said little else about this new Ashram in formation at that time.

Information about this Ashram can also be found in The Nature of the Soul Wisdom teachings of Lucille Cedercrans, which were given out beginning in the mid 50’s. If we accept, (at least as a hypothesis), that these teachings of Cedercrans have some validity, (as many deep Bailey students who have read deeply into them do) then we have further insights into the workings of the Ashram of Synthesis. According to the Master R through Cedercrans, “the Synthetic Ashram carries the responsibility of shifting the civilization from a sixth to a seventh ray expression, shifting the organized life of the form of civilization from a third to a seventh ray expression, and for the shift of human identification from self to Soul.”

The Ashram will assume fully this responsibility at the turn of the century and carry it over a 2500 year period. Around the year 2000 this new Synthetic Ashram will include all disciples within the three major Ashrams of the Master M, the Master R, and the Master DK, who hold it in focus. The creation of this Ashram was in response to a purpose emanating from Shamballa, the Avatar of Synthesis and the Christ, and required the three Masters to bring together and formulate the necessary consciousness, energy, force and substance to create the new Ashram of Synthesis, thus taking responsibility for a major part of the Divine Plan.

Cedercrans also stated that one of the requirements of the Ashram of Synthesis is to bring together physically those souls who function within the Ashram to create a vehicle within the three worlds through which the Ashramic group consciousness, Plan, and intent can move into manifestation and service activity. This Plan calls for a step-by-step reproduction of the Ashram within the three worlds, creating an organized group life capable of serving the Divine Plan, as each soul finds its relationship with that Plan.

These statements have important implications for all of us, as we can begin to see that our work as an international intergroup is part of an intention and effort to build a unified vehicle for implementing Ashramic purpose. This purpose is reflected in the World Service Intergroup purpose statement, “to develop a worldwide, unified body of esoteric groups that function in unison, under direct Hierarchical impression to provide an instrument for implementing the Plan of the Hierarchy in the world.”  One of the things that is new here is that not only is it suggested we to work together in meditation and subjective linking, but we also are to build a vehicle that can take purposeful, united action throughout the world simultaneously. Thus we are learning to work with the incoming 7th Ray energy -- linking Spirit, through our meditative contact, and matter and the outer world through action, so that the highest and the lowest meet.

This need to create a reflection or outpost of the Ashram in the world was an impulse registered by various WSI members at the New York Conclave in 2000. This reflection can be created by clearly holding a vertical alignment in the three worlds which is a reflection of the vertical relationships existing within the Ashramic group. By aligning with the three Masters, the Christ and the Avatar of Synthesis, and becoming conscious of the note of the Ashramic life, we can begin to channel that energy into the world by sounding the note of synthesis of the first, second and seventh rays. We will be making this alignment throughout our five days of meditation work together.

True, synthetic, group consciousness is made up of individual souls who recognize that humanity is the ultimate group. Our esoteric groups are simply organized inlets for invoking and evoking spiritual energies that are then released to humanity.

The more deeply we align with the Ashram, the greater is the spiritual, transformative power of the energies released through a group. Yet the energy that can be put through a group by the waiting Hierarchy is only proportional to that group’s power in service. Thus, without a clear focus on the needs of humanity and the Plan, a group will not gain the energetic attention or support of the Ashram.

Thus, if our group or intergroup work is to function as an outpost of the Ashram and serve in implementing the Plan, we have to be both deeply aligned with the Plan of the Ashram and engaged with the current needs of humanity, and be able to transmit the lighted, loving and purposeful energies which will allow humanity to free itself from bondage into the light of spiritual living.

The Ashram of Synthesis and Its Objectives

What are the immediate objectives of the Ashram of Synthesis?  All of the Ashram’s multiple objectives are oriented towards the single goal of creating the conditions within which the Christ can reappear. These include:

1) The formation and development of a unity of religions in preparation for the New World Religion;

2) The spiritualization of business to make it an instrument of the Plan functioning as a planetary resource distribution system to subsidize the growth of human consciousness;

3) The freeing of human consciousness from its entrapment and enslavement in matter through all true spiritual teaching now available to humanity;

4) The radiation of the substance of the lower planes by increasing subjective work around the world;

5) The destruction and clearing away of old forms to create space for new forms to manifest;

6) The funding of the work so it may go forward rapidly and potently;

7) Changing the focus and priority of nations from national self-interest to the good of all peoples and nations.

When we look out at the world today, although we are seeing some progress in the areas of religious unity, an international movement for non-violent conflict resolution, a gradual introduction of spiritual principles into business, we have yet to learn see widespread sharing and circulation, as the world’s resources are still controlled by the selfish money powers, which is the biggest blockage in the current world situation.

We may wonder if the Christ may be drawn forth into the world primarily to offset evil. However, it is highly preferable that He comes as an affirmation of what Humanity has achieved, so there is a foundation for Him to build upon, rather than coming to prevent great evil in the world. It is clear that there is much to be done to prepare for His coming.

And the greater the realized synthesis, unity and functioning cooperation between our serving groups, the sooner His return. The synthetic functioning of the world esoteric groups can provide an instrument of the Plan that will hasten and facilitate the Christ’s Reappearance. Thus, the determination of the date of His coming is in the minds, hearts and hands of all of us who serve the work. This is the true significance of our gathering, and what is at stake here. May we all awaken to this realization, and work together as we never have worked before.

The Energy of Synthesis

What is the energy of synthesis, and how does it function?  Synthesis is an aspect of the Will that holds all of manifestation in right relationship through all time and all space. Synthesis is a state of being to be recognized and identified with, not a condition to be created.

Identification with that which holds all in right relationship is the task of all within the Ashram of Synthesis, including the creation of the conditions of right relationship in the three lower worlds. The ability to hold the energy which creates such conditions is the task and gift of the disciple of this Ashram.

Synthesis IS, and through the influence of the Avatar of Synthesis, humanity is developing the capacity to stand in synthesis on the mental plane, and create a civilization that reflects that synthesis. This synthesis takes the best from the past, and what is relevant and useful from the future, and applies it in the present. It is a synthesis which moves beyond linear time to transcend it and move into circular or spherical time -- the Eternal Now. Synthesis is also gradually building a synthesis in space, through our modern, interconnected civilization. Ultimately it is moving into a synthesis of and through dimensions, as more individuals experience a synthetic awareness of multiple dimensions.

Synthesis is not, however, just a knowing, but a state of being where the capacities of heart, mind and will naturally bring synthesis out of disorder. This state can be accessed by disciples and initiates who have balanced the heart and mind. Synthesis in the heart eliminates all barriers to the free flow and circulation of the uniting energy of universal love. Synthesis in the mind preserves essential knowledge of fundamental principles and laws, and liberates from non-essentials. It focuses the mind on what is essential to the outworking of the Plan, so that lesser concerns fade from view. All concerns are placed in their proper priority, and mental law and order result. That which is inappropriate or intrusive to a given focus is rebuffed by the energy of synthesis. It enables the power to focus, but not just on the part, but on its relation and place within the whole. Synthesis holds the part within the dynamics of the whole, which are seen as causal to the part. The disciple who is working with synthesis looks for the right relationship of all apparently separated parts, and gathers all into its right relationship with the living whole.

 The Plan for the New, Synthetic 7th Ray Civilization

   The work of the Ashram of Synthesis is to implement a plan for building a new civilization based on a recognition of the Christ presence within every human being, as well as the essential divinity of all kingdoms of life, and even of matter itself. This requires the shifting of the present civilization, without its utter destruction, from the expression of the Sixth Ray of Devotion to the Seventh Ray expression of Divine Law and Order, or the Divine Order of Humanity. One of the ways this is being done is through the emphasis and articulation of the Six Laws and Principles of the New Age through every means possible.

The influence of Shamballa and the Avatar of Synthesis, flowing through the Christ and the Masters of the Ashram of Synthesis, has established a new line of vertical relationships that empowers all disciples and groups who strive to work with the energy of synthesis.

This allows discipleship groups to reach the New Group of World Servers more potently with a synthetic energy and vision of how the work of these active, serving groups fits into the Plan. This bridging function between the Ashram of Synthesis and the NGWS is an essential work that esoteric groups must fulfill to help complete the building of the planetary antahkarana.

This bridging allows esoteric groups to function as the heart center of the NGWS, at the center of the even armed cross linking the vertical and horizontal, the Ashram and the active servers. This is a function that we, as the World Service Intergroup, can help fulfill within the Ashram.

So, dear brothers and sisters, co-workers from around the world, can we stand in spiritual being, in such a point of fiery purpose, intention, love and light as an intergroup that we work as Hierarchy does – and create a reflection of the Ashram in the three worlds? 

Can we recognize that we ourselves are a key to the Externalization, that we are disciples upon whom the Christ depends?

Can we stand in full awareness that it is now our time, our moment to carry forward the work because we have earned the right to serve the work that has been entrusted to us?

Can we stand in the center where Synthesis IS and hold that point at the center of the cross balancing Spirit and matter, reflection and action, Past and Future in the Eternal Now?

Standing thus is our task and our goal as disciples living within the aura of the Ashram of Synthesis. Let us make our alignment as a dedicated World Group, with hearts aflame with love for a world in need, minds focused and open to inspiration, and our will aligned to all that is being offered to us by the Great Ones.