Degrees of Initiation
Each person's spiritual path is different. Yet, behind each path, there is a natural sequence of development that is the same for everyone. The only thing that differs, is the forms in which this development manifests in your life. This process is called Initiation.
In our school we comprehensively study this subject. And to some extend, we base what teachings we offer to a member on the point of initiation. This leads to a natural hierarchy of members, that we like to keep simple and have divided into three degrees: we have learning members, initiate members and masters.
One's degree of membership is determined by two things: the amount of familiarity with our teachings and the member's natural point on the 'initiatic ladder'.
Learning Members study the basic parts of our curriculum. Once they have familiarity with all its parts, they can move on into more advanced theories, methods & techniques. Yet, only they are able to add to this a particular initiatic experience, they are able to understand the full range of our teachings and can be trusted to handle spiritual research wisely. From this point they are called Initiate Member.
When they are familiarised fully with our full basic and advanced curriculum, have become at ease with wisely doing spiritual research for some time, and are able to add another natural initiatic experience to their consciousness, then they become a Master. To such masters that have passed through our curriculum, we offer a platform to get together for intervision and exchange of experiences, for collaborative initiatives or research projects, may take up teaching roles. Others among them may prefer to move away from our organisation altogether.
The natural degrees of Initiation
The naturally existing process of initiation has been described by the Theosophical work of Alice A. Bailey & Djwal Khul. Very concisely summarised, its steps are as follows:
First Initiation
Bringing about the irradiation of the physical dimension of oneself and one's outer life by the Soul.
Second Initiation
Bringing about the irradiation of the emotional-astral dimension (lower mind) by the Soul.
Third Initiation
Bringing about the irradiation of the mental dimension (higher mind) by the Soul. Culminating in the first direct experience of the Monad (Divine Spark).
Fourth Initiation
Start of Initiate life. Bringing about the full irradiation of one's Soul life by the Monad.
Fifth Initiation
Entry into life as a Master. Moving from human methods — working through the three worlds of Earthly existence — into the spiritual methods of workings, that use the higher senses.
Sixth Initiation
Exploring the main possible lines of emphasis within the work of a Master and the Master's natural tendency towards one or other of these lines (Cosmic Paths)
Seventh Initiation
Registering the choice to step onto one of the Cosmic Paths. Perfecting the human experience's search of Divine Love by stepping fully into one's own Divine role (Dharma).
Eighth Initiation
Start of the Second Octave of Initiation. Transition into embodying the ways of the chosen Cosmic Path. Renunciation of the connection to sensory awareness.
Ninth Initiation
Renunciation of the connection to human existence, culminating in the taking on of a fixed, cosmic function within our solar system, relating to one's Cosmic Path.
Tenth Initiation
Divine Marriage: completing of all polarities within one's consciousness. Full light of consciousness now brightly shines.
Eleventh Initiation
Transcending Causality: being able to fully oversee the realm of causality. Giving a full awareness of one's individual being on the cosmic level.
Twelfth Initiation
Full overview of the essential union between purusha and prakriti. Definite settlement of one's consciousness on the level of the Absolute.
Thirteenth Initiation
Transition into the Third Octave of Initiation. Full perception that, even after complete embodiment of the potential of one's consciousness, ascension into further levels of being will continue and will do so infinitely.