Using Meditation to Support the Work of the United Nations

Seminar; Saturday, February 7, 2004; 2-4:30 P.M.¹

Thoughts to Ponder²

    "We need to do everything we can to improve the United Nations—that is, to make it more useful to the world's peoples, in whose name it was founded, and more exemplary in applying the universal values that all its members claim to accept.
    That means that we need to be more effective in many aspects of our work, and especially in what we do to promote and protect human rights." United Nations' Secretary-General Kofi Annan, 12 December 2003

For the first time in human history, the lines of demarcation between that which is right from the angle of the spiritual values (the essential freedom of the human spirit) and that which is wrong (the imprisonment of the human spirit by materialistic conditions) are clearly perceived by the majority of the nations of the planet. Within the United Nations is the germ and the seed of a great international and meditating, reflective group—a group of thinking and informed men and women in whose hands lies the destiny of humanity. Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, Alice A. Bailey, p. 220

It would be of value here to remember that the condition of humanity at this time is not the result of simply one factor, but of several—all of them being active simultaneously, because this period marks the close of one age and the inauguration of the new.
    ...This is a transition period between the passing out of the Piscean Age, with its emphasis upon authority and belief, and the coming in of the Aquarian Age, with its emphasis upon individual understanding and direct knowledge. The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, Alice A. Bailey, pp. 3-5

It was the realisation of the present world need for illumined thinkers and subjective workers which prompted Those Who guide so to direct the incoming spiritual energies that the formation of the esoteric groups everywhere came about; it led also to the publication of the mass of mystical and Oriental literature on meditation and allied topics which has flooded the world today. Hence also the effort that I, a worker on the inner side of life, am making to teach the newer psychology in this treatise, and so show to man what is his equipment and how well suited he is to the work for which he has been created, and which he has as yet failed to comprehend. ...The world has been changed beyond belief during the past five hundred years, and during the next two hundred years the changes will be still more rapid and deep-seated, for the growth of the intellectual powers of man is gathering momentum, and Man, the Creator, is coming into possession of His powers. Esoteric Psychology, Vol. I, Alice A. Bailey, pp. 82-83

The whole trend of evolution is to bring about ability to build in mental matter, and two things lie ahead of the race:
    First. The gradual dissipation of the indefinite masses of kama-manasic matter which surround practically every unit of the human family, producing a condition of murkiness and fog within, and around, each aura. Gradually this will clear away, and men will be seen surrounded by clear-cut thought forms, characterised by a distinctive vibration and distinguished by a particular quality incident to a man's ray and therefore to his type of mind.
    Second. The aggregate of human thought forms which now are of a personal character, vibrating around each human being as the planets vibrate around the sun, will tend to approximate a group centre. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey, pp. 953-954

At present, meditation is associated in the minds of men with religious matters. But that relates only to theme. The science can be applied to every possible life process. ….it relates the individual mind eventually to the higher mind and later to the Universal Mind. It is one of the major building techniques and will eventually dominate the new educational methods in schools and colleges. It is intended primarily to: a. Produce sensitivity to the higher impressions…." Education in the New Age, Alice A. Bailey, p. 96

The meditation process brings about the capacity to be "impressed from on high" (technically understood) and to be illumined by the light of the soul. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey, p. 149

No worker for humanity becomes of real assistance until he (consciously and with full knowledge of his work) definitely directs his thought energy towards some particular channel of service to the race.
    ...In all thought building, therefore, of a high order, men have several things to do, which might be enumerated as follows:
    First, to purify their lower desires so that they are enabled to see clearly in the occult sense. No man has clear vision who is obsessed with his own needs, actions, and interests, and unconscious of that which is higher and of group activity. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey, p. 955

Meditation is the result of an inward-turning tendency, of the capacity to abstract the consciousness from form and substance and to centre it within itself.
    Form is an effect produced by the love or desire nature of the conscious one; meditation is a producer of effects and relates to the will or life aspect of the spiritual man. The Light of the Soul, Alice A. Bailey p. 388

The meditation...of every grade of disciple and initiate has its use, for by their meditation (carried forward on their own level) they can adapt the Plan to the widely differing masses and thus the hierarchical Plan can reach from the Masters of the Hierarchy, through the Ashrams to the New Group of World Servers, and thus to the whole of the human family. I would like you to grasp the true simplicity of this picture, if you can, for you can have a share also in this great meditative task.
    One of the things which I set myself to achieve when I undertook this work of making the Plan clearer to the minds of men, and thus preparing the way for the Master of all the Masters, was to prove not only that the Plan was based upon planetary meditation but that, in its progress towards expression, it met the need of all possible groups and grades of human beings; and that—more important still—it could be proved that the word "spiritual" covered every phase of living experience. Ponder on this statement. That is spiritual which lies beyond the point of present achievement; it is that which embodies the vision and which urges the man on towards a goal higher than the one attained. The ecclesiastics of the world have made a great line of demarcation between what is human and what is spiritual, between what is material and what is not; in so doing they have created sin and greatly complicated human living and understanding. They have given a selfish import to human aspiration; they have not taught mankind that meditation and prayer were simply phases of cooperation with the divine Plan. Individualism was fostered and group understanding was lost. Maybe...there was no way to avoid this dangerous sidetracking of human intent and truth. But the time has now come when the great rhythm of meditation, ranging from desire through prayer to worship, and from thence to meditation and invocation, can be imposed by men upon their own thinking.
    This is the immediate task of the New Group of World Servers, cooperating everywhere with the men of goodwill; each member of the New Group has to ascertain for himself where he stands, where his meditative responsibility lies and in what field destiny indicates his service to the race of men must be found. This is no easy task, brother of mine. Men are frequently so spiritually ambitious and waste their time in doing that which is not their destined task because in so doing they satisfy their spiritual pride.
    You must learn to give a wider connotation to the word "meditation" than you have hitherto given. Concentrated thought is part of the planetary meditation; planning with care for the helping of the needy and pursuing all avenues of thinking to make that plan useful and effective is meditation; laying oneself open to spiritual impression and thus to cooperation with the Hierarchy is meditation; in this enumeration of meditative possibilities I have not touched upon the major creative meditation which is responsible for the evolutionary process and the controlled moving forward of all the world of forms into greater glory and light. Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, Alice A. Bailey, pp. 234-235

The essential nature of man can be transmuted by the invocation of better vibrations. Only such a reminder will give man access to a higher status. At the present time humanity is found to be continually in the vibrations of the lower spheres; therefore the lower Manas motivates life. The contact of the Ray of the higher spheres will truly give that vibration which will rouse the consciousness. Perception of the spark of Divine Fire in the seed of the spirit will lay the foundation for a new humanity. Precisely it is necessary to establish in the spiritual structure that in which religion has not succeeded, and to apply to each affirmed manifestation the law of attraction. For realization of the Light in the heart will propel toward the Light, but darkness will dwell in darkness. Thus let us remember on the path to the Fiery World. Fiery World, Vol. III, (253), Agni Yoga Society

In what, then, does happiness consist? Is it in being able to sit still without daring to arouse the Primary Substance with thought? Or is it in directing the thought to a new construction of life? I first spoke to you of action, but now we shall affirm thought. Action, even the most exalted, touches comparatively low strata; only thought, in its nature, can act upon the Primary Substance. First I spoke of action as the attainable evidence, but with a sufficiently broadened consciousness it is time to affirm the significance of thought. Multitudes of thoughtless actions remain at the surface of existence, undifferentiable from the actions of the animal world. But if we speak of straight-knowledge and the heart, it is necessary to affirm thought as the power and co-creator of Existence. Notice that I do not speak of discussions, nor of pondering, but of thought, which sweeps through the surface of Substance with its individual rhythm, and thus creates infinitely! Heart (47), Agni Yoga Society

If thought in itself contains creative energy, then how useful it is to direct good thought into space. When mankind shall agree to send forth good thought simultaneously, then the infected atmosphere of the lower spheres will at once clear. Hence, it is necessary to take care, even a few times daily, to send out thought not about oneself, but about the world. Thus the thinking will accustom itself to disinterested strivings. As the Savior of mankind thinks only of the entire world, so in emulation of him we can apply our thoughts for the manifestation of creative energy. It is not necessary to look upon the transmission of thought as a supernatural act. Let it provide nurture for the spirit, just as does fuel for the bonfire during the night. Thus, also, it is necessary simply to follow the highest example. The heart will be like a trusty chronometer when it calls to thought about all. It is not necessary to have tiring meditations; thought about the world is short and reflects so simply the renunciation of self. Let good befall the world! Heart (300), Agni Yoga Society

It is particularly important to understand how human thought can cooperate with the Highest Spheres. One should not forget the old saying that a man's nature is created by his thought. We preserve many tablets on which it can be seen how people have created their own evolution. Urusvati frequently saw how the future history of various nations was recorded. We do not advocate the artificial unification of countries, but look into their future, where We can see the consequences of past mistakes. When people begin to project the idea of peace in their thought, it is possible that an entirely different formula will be recorded on these Subtle Tablets. Supermundane II, (392), Agni Yoga Society

It is difficult to remain without water even for a day. It is likewise difficult for our consciousness to remain without illumination from far-off worlds. Signs of Agni Yoga (407), Agni Yoga Society

It is most difficult for man to gain control of his thoughts. By an effort of the will man can eject a thought, but this does not mean that he can free his consciousness from the roots of that thought; a deep psychological process is taking place. One may assume that his thinking has changed, but the smallest reminder will prove that the viper continues to live in the depths, ready to reawaken.
    The ocean currents are a good example of this. What has the wave on the surface in common with the depths, where a monster stirs, but never rises to the surface? The same happens with human thinking. One speaks about the power of the will that can rule thought. But the question is, what kind of thought is meant? Man can know that he is free from a certain thought only when he is sure that it has been torn out, roots and all. But it is not easy to be certain of anything when we speak about depths of consciousness.
    One can observe the fleeting circumstances that may evoke a thought. Sound, color, or chance surroundings can in a flash revive a thought that was assumed to have been driven away long ago. Man knows that it is unhealthy to wallow in past errors, but he nevertheless returns again and again to wander around in the useless ashes.
    Man must learn to distinguish the many levels of thinking. He must not lightmindedly judge according to the superficial layer of thought, which is so vulnerable to strong disturbances. Let man test himself upon many of life's events. Frequently, it may seem that one has stopped thinking about something, when in fact, on another level, he is quite immersed in thought about it. When teaching about thinking, its many-layered diversity must be pointed out.
T    he Thinker insisted that the disciples should test themselves upon all the different strata of thinking. "Or else," He said, "an invisible dragon can take possession of a man." Supermundane III (579), Agni Yoga Society

And how shall the "still small voice" make itself heard in a soul entirely occupied with its own privileged tenants? ...he who would profit by the wisdom of the universal mind, has to reach it through the whole of Humanity without distinction of race, complexion, religion or social status. It is altruism, not ego-ism even in its most legal and noble conception, that can lead the unit to merge its little Self in the Universal Selves. It is to these needs and to this work that the true disciple of Occultism has to devote himself, if he would obtain theo-sophy, divine Wisdom and Knowledge. Practical Occultism, H.P. Blavatsky, The Theosophical Publishing House, pp. 53-54

Kriyasakti—the mysterious power of thought which enables it to produce external, perceptible, phenomenal results by its own inherent energy. The ancients held that any idea will manifest itself externally, if one's attention (and Will) is deeply concentrated upon it; similarly, an intense volition will be followed by the desired result. The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 2, p.173 (on-line)

Kriyasakti, one of the innate human powers, is the power which thought has of expressing itself analogically in action. Thoughts are embodied elemental energies. The human brain does not create them, it only transmits them, because the human brain is but the vehicle transmitting intellectual, mental, and emotional energy from the monadic center within, and this monadic center itself originates thought. Encyclopedic Theosophical Glossary, Theosophical University Press (on-line edition)

Ideation ...Cosmic ideation is sometimes called mahabuddhi or mahat, the universal world-soul, the cosmic or spiritual noumenon of matter. As mahat is the primordial essence or principle of cosmic consciousness and intelligence, it is the fountain of the seven prakritis—the seven planes or elements of the universe—and the guiding intelligence of manifested nature on all planes...
    Idea, as Plato pointed out, means primarily a prototype existing in the cosmic mind and manifested in forms by the action of cosmic energy, guided by ideation, working in matter. Therefore it must be regarded as innate, and our thoughts are mental manifestations of ideas. With Plato and Aristotle...ideas were the fundamental roots of manifested things, as viewed under the aspect of consciousness rather than under that of matter. Encyclopedic Theosophical Glossary, Theosophical University Press (on-line edition)

It should be noted here, however, that the religious implications of meditation are needless. Meditation is the process whereby the objective tendencies and outgoing impulses of the mind are thwarted, and it begins to be subjective, to focus and to intuit. This can be taught through the medium of deep thinking on any subject—mathematics, biology, and so forth. Education in the New Age, Alice A. Bailey, p. 9

The whole human family is transiting out of a pronounced cycle of karma yoga into the required cycle of raja yoga, from unthinking activity into a period of illumined mind control. Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, Alice A. Bailey, p. 219

Invocation, prayer or aspiration, meditation—it matters not what word you use—by means of these three methods spiritual energies are tapped and brought into activity. By clear thinking, directed thought and mental perception, they can be made objects of human desire. Ideas are simply channels for new and desired divine energies; ideals are these ideas changed or reduced into thought forms, and thus presented to the public. Ideas telepathically become ideals, which is another phrasing of the old law, "energy follows thought." Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, Alice A. Bailey, p. 170

As man leaves the animal, the strictly physical and the highly emotional and inflammable stages behind him and learns to think, then (and only then) will war cease. Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, Alice A. Bailey, p. 220

Transcendence and divine Immanence underlies all the mass recognition of spiritual potency. Thus the meditation of the planet penetrates into that which lies beyond the planet and is fused and blended in a solar sense with the Voice of Him Who has brought all into being, and with the Will of Him Who is carrying all forms of His livingness towards the perfection which He purposes; in so doing, the great processes of Redemption are furthered, to which all World Saviours (in relation to humanity) are the symbol, the guarantee and the eternal testimony. Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, Alice A. Bailey, p. 224

Humanity's destiny is, as you know, to be the exponent of the mind of God, thus expressing active intelligence, motivated by love and implemented by will. That time has not yet come, but if human timing is correct and right desire is potent enough, for the first time in human history this destiny can be publicly recognised and people can be swept increasingly and voluntarily into an activity which is particularly their own destiny. That again is one of the primary objectives of the [Great} Invocation [see, below]; its steady use will bring about an inclusive view of spiritual development and impart a synthesis to human thinking which has hitherto been lacking. As "light streams forth into the minds of men" the divine plan will be more widely sensed and the will-to-good will be more widely desired and invoked. Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, Alice A. Bailey, p. 169

The Great Invocation³

From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men**.
Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ* return to Earth.

From the centre where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men—
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the centre which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

¹ This Seminar is sponsored by the Aquarian Age Community—a 501 (c) (3) not for-profit educational organization registered in the state of New Jersey and an accredited nongovernmental organization (NGO) in association with the United Nations' Department of Public Information. It will be held in the Meditation Room of the Quest Book Shop at 24-242 E. 53rd Street, New York City. For further information please write to UN@aquaac.org
² The excerpts from the books of Alice A. Bailey are here reprinted with the kind permission of the Lucis Trust, which holds copyright for these books published by the Lucis Publishing Company at 120 Wall Street, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10005; Phone: (212) 292-0707; website, http://www.lucistrust.org The books published by the Agni Yoga Society can be found on-line at http://www.agniyoga.org/index.html. For purchase information, inquire of the Agni Yoga Society at 319 West 107th Street, New York, NY 10025-2799; Phone (212) 864-7752. The Theosophical materials and books authored by H.B. Blavatsky are published by the Theosophical Publishing Company and can be found on-line at http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/tup-onl.htm and For purchase information, inquire of the Theosophical University Press at PO Box C, Pasadena, CA 91109-7107; Phone (626) 798-3378.
³ The Great Invocation is distinctive to our unfolding Aquarian Age. Its appeal is neither personal nor temporal and unlike past invocations, it is a world prayer, belonging to no one group, but to all of humanity.
^** The word "man" is a derivative of the Sanskrit term Manas which refers to the mental principle—the positive element that characterizes humanity, the fourth, masculine kingdom relative to the fifth, feminine and therefore receptive, spiritual kingdom of the Soul.
^* According to the Ageless Wisdom, the Christ, "The Anointed One," is the office or title of The World Teacher—the Teacher alike of angels and of humanity. Many religions believe in a World Teacher, knowing this great Being under such names as the Lord Maitreya, the Imam Mahdi and the Bodhisattva.