COMPENDIUM OF METAPHYSICS III

On the road of transformation, as lessons are learned and challenges faced and overcome, spiritual growth takes place and the human being becomes progressively ready to open up to receive and brace within its bodies or vehicles the higher vibratory energies of higher consciousness that would allow him/her access to new, more expanded realities. So it becomes the most important task for human beings taking care of the purification of their material constitution (lower bodies) in order to be able to offer Spirit the most favorable conditions and the outmost refined vehicles for its full manifestation on the physical plane. At each ascending station, the individual counts with renewed energy and enlarged states of consciousness to continue growing through new and different challenges and learning experiences in life. It is important at this point to make a parallel between the individual human being and humanity as a whole, since in the same manner as individuals progressively develop and grow, so does humanity at large by going through different periods of development as well. In summary: Human development and evolution takes place externally in the bodies of manifestation, as much as internally as a gradual awakening of consciousness. It is an automatic, unavoidable process that is accomplished through the journeys of the individual soul extension. Conscious, aware cooperation with this process accelerates it, thus bringing us closer to the ultimate spiritual goal. In addition, our thoughts, mental attitude and actions have the power of either support or hinder this natural process. This evolutionary process takes the human being from a state of fragmentation and separation toward a state of wholeness. From the termination of the "small self" to the rebirth of the "bigger Self" and furthermore, as a microcosm the human being echoes, in a smaller scale, the entire evolution of the cosmos. In human beings, "pure consciousness" or "pure awareness" (infinite spirit) functions at different levels and with different degrees of awareness throughout their vehicles of manifestation that allow them to go through planetary human evolution which takes place at the lower worlds of existence, namely the physical, emotional (astral) and lower mental planes of manifestation. Individuals constantly move among three different states of consciousness while incarnated in a physical body: Deep sleep, sleep with dreaming and awake state. As the human being progresses on the spiritual road of evolution, it becomes progressively ready to uncover or awaken to the existence of higher and broader states of consciousness with increasing degrees of awareness as well. Thus, the individual discovers the following levels: Soul consciousness, cosmic consciousness, divine or God consciousness and total oneness consciousness. All these states of consciousness formerly described exist within us and within the whole creation now. Our conscious spiritual work upshots into awakening of consciousness, as the product of a process of harmonious amalgamation or connection among the energies of the different human bodies or vehicles for spirit manifestation. Furthermore, we must accomplish integration of the unified bodies with the Monad (spirit spark) and render them functioning under direct monadic influence. As the forms or bodies grow, cleanse and develop, their energies blend and harmonize allowing the awareness of higher forms of consciousness to be expressed. Thus, our spiritual work must be focused at first on the lower bodies, with the general objective of increasing their overall vibratory frequency through purification and refinement. In this manner their energy can be translated to their elevated counterparts (spiritual triad) through the soul energy and by developing the bridge of mental substance known as "Antahkarana." Generally speaking, this work is done through purification, discipline and meditation. As the process of integration/unification of the different human principles or bodies unfold, the energies represented by the chakras ascend and consciousness awakens further. The transformational work on ourselves consists of: 1 -Acquiring understanding and knowledge of our true constitution and our position within the grand design of the cosmos. 2 -Self observation and analysis. 3 -Attaining accurate and honest conclusions about ourselves. 4 -Maintaining unwavering determination to work on ourselves. 5 -The actual work of self correction. 6 -Developing the practice of spiritual disciplines. 7 -Engaging in the practice of assistance to others (service). Along the process of conscious spiritual work, we awaken our consciousness to progressively expanded levels. Each time we reach a crucial point where we have completed a certain round of experiences and related learning; by having absorbed that learning, having passed different pertinent tests, and becoming capable of practically demonstrating all our knowledge as well as prepared and ready for further advancement and greater spiritual growth, we take an "initiation." Initiations mark increasing degrees of purification, unification and integration of light within our being. Prayer has the purpose of attaining contact with a higher spiritual being, or with our own superior being and God. Prayer, as a verbal outpouring movement of the individual personality, is ultimately a call to God and a conversation with God. True prayer should not be directed to asking for escape, absolution or an easy alleviation. Instead it should ask for help with the necessary strength and clarity of mind to go through a given situation that has been already accepted by us as part of our learning experience, or to find remedy to a problem, or to request aid for others. Meditation implies elevating our awareness toward realms of a higher vibratory frequency where we establish contact with our soul extension and spiritual bodies. Hence, we can experience the spiritual worlds where we exist as such. Thus, meditation is the means by which we can move beyond the limitations of the intellectual mind and enter a state of super-consciousness where the continuous internal dialogue of the lower mind is discontinued. In the silence of meditation, we communicate with our higher-self and God, listening to the "divine language." Meditation is to enter within a quiet space of absolute silence, without any kind of expectation. Meditation brings about: Refreshment and order to the mind, purpose to living, inner freedom, transformation, transcendence and increased receptivity. Meditation can be aided by the use of: Yantras, mandalas, mudras and mantras.