The Individual Transition
The transition of souls into a more subtle form of existence for a first, permanent sojourn has always been an individual, solitary journey.
For centuries, it remained hidden from the masses. This was not due to any arrogance on the part of the advanced sisters and brothers, but stemmed from a concern that knowledge acquired without proper preparation might cause confusion. In both the West and the East, many truths about life and existence beyond the threshold had remained hidden. It may come as a surprise that this is also said to apply to the East, yet the pantheon depicted there was likewise merely a false image of real existence in the subtle realm.
The individual path, even when followed in small groups, has remained unchanged for a long time. However, the demands placed upon the individual have shifted. The end of the guru principle is the answer to the futility of the ‘one God’ theory, that is, monotheism. Those who keep the ‘bridge’ in their sights are inwardly accompanied and supported by a member of the ashram on the corresponding level, in accordance with their energetic orientation, across several lifetimes. Free will is not compromised in the process. A broad education and a living knowledge are absolutely essential; this knowledge places spiritual science on an equal footing with the recognised sciences [not only the natural sciences, but also the humanities, mathematics, psychology, economics, etc.].
Only when this development is fully complete and the path extends all the way to the abyss will the Master of the receiving ashram extend his hand. The final leap must then come from the self-aware individual; exactly how this happens remains a mystery. If it is successful, the Master will find before him someone who does not require blind obedience, for an understanding of the hierarchical necessities has been fully developed along the path. Work will begin immediately—work that is active, exploratory and dedicated to the great evolution of the planet. The Master, endowed with greater experience and knowledge, naturally commands respect and acceptance for his authority in setting the direction. Should the leadership of the ashram change in the interests of progress and the journey forward, the fundamental attitude described for the office remains unchanged. It arises from a recognised necessity; both obstinacy and an excess of devotion would be detrimental.
If one considers these principles, which have emerged from the process described in the foundational text, one can see how far the widespread illusions about the spiritual hierarchy are removed from the actual necessities. This applies to the West as well as the East, and currently, in particular, to the so-called North.
Advanced souls who lead a genuine higher existence are able, from their position and taking their capabilities into account, to recognise individual people who have reached a sufficient level to receive inspiration, guidance and contact. They look into the astral and mental configurations and derive from them a status that enables a cautious introduction to the bridge of transition.
Nothing said so far relates to the usual post-mortem experience that awaits every mortal. The post-mortem processes are not an automatic path to the subtle bridge leading to the real, alternative existence.
In the teachings of the East and the West, which share a common core, a few seekers and those who were prepared have been able to follow this path in every century. They thus became part of the centres of various energetic focal points, which have already been discussed at length in the texts. We have described the various existences on the higher planes figuratively as islands in oceans and provided pointers that facilitate an initial understanding. Ever since H. P. Blavatsky, R. Steiner and the Master D. K. enlightened the West, the necessary guidance has been provided to humanity and is therefore available to anyone who seeks it. However, it is a mistake to believe that the notion has taken hold that the path can be found and followed in a short, rapid manner. This is not the case. The demands have increased in every century, yet the time required for the accumulation of knowledge and ethical training has remained comparable. A shortcut in terms of time is an illusion.
Humanity as a Whole – Stagnation and a Forced Return
The endeavour of the spiritual hierarchies on behalf of humanity as a whole consists in raising the ethical standard. In the past, these were often regional impulses; today, it is the whole of humanity. However, this does not refer to the transition of the masses to higher planes of existence.
The path of the masses, as embodied in nations and cultures, is the general path. In contrast to the cultural and ethical progress already achieved over the last 60 years, this development is currently undergoing a retarding regression towards chaotic conditions. Those actively striving for a reversal of this trend towards goodwill are thereby qualifying themselves for individual steps on the path to the Bridge. If, within this process, individuals or small groups set out on the path and work on fulfilling the prerequisites, this is welcome. The progress of the individual remains an individual path, which can be fostered by working intensively to raise the ethical standard of the masses.
The process described in the foundational text is currently in the stage of accelerated return. The Hierarchies have long been situated – since the time after Atlantis – on various levels of the cosmic-physical plane: the Atmic level with Shamballa and the ashrams of the First Ray, the Buddhic level with the ashrams of the Second Ray, and the higher mental plane with the ashrams of the Aspect Rays 3 to 7.
During the Second World War, due to attacks by the opposing forces, even on the lower levels of the subtle worlds, the ashrams had to be relocated from the higher mental plane to the Buddhic plane. This led to complications arising from the separation, which persist to this day. The anthroposophical impulses for the present day announced by R. Steiner are therefore only very faintly discernible, as the associated ashrams were situated on the higher mental plane.
The possible tripartite division of humanity in the event of major natural disasters, as described by Helena Roerich in her letters, is an expression of the existing plan of the spiritual hierarchies. The process of bringing back the ‘It’, which takes place in stages and involves failed attempts, occurs in this way either through the raising of the ethical standard of the masses or through complete individual transition, which takes place either alongside the individual through drastic interventions or in modest, complete individual transitions.
The three paths can be described as follows:
The middle group continues its journey in the less chaotic environment of a more subtle-material planet and develops cultures that correspond to the ethical standards of the Most High. All extremist ideologies and religions, regardless of their nature, are unsuitable for this middle path. A physical body in its current form no longer exists there. Habits that overemphasise the physical must be identified as an obstacle to the transition, alongside the middle group, into a more subtle existence.
The opposing forces, in the form of their henchmen in business, religion and politics, are extremely active in seeking to maximise the size of the masses under their control, for they regard them as their slaves. Together with them, these persistent forces, eternally attached to form, will be catapulted to that planet (Path 3) which (in its sub-sensory, invisible, Saturnian form of expression) seems to promise them continued existence. However, the purification process there will continue with increased intensity, and a peaceful phase is not to be expected. When Mahatma Morya spoke of cosmic refuse, he was referring to that part which, following the purification process there, is excreted as unusable residue – not the entire mass that is cast there. The evolutionary process taking place there is long and painful.
For a manageable number of individuals, another path leads to other planetary existences. This choice is linked to the energetic principles of harmony. They have earned this path by never losing sight of the greater good.
