I came not to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto
you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle
shall in no wise pass away from the law till all things be
accomplished." (_Matt. 5:17-18._)
In this passage Jesus asserted positively the fact that He was not
teaching a new doctrine, but had come simply to carry on the work of
those who had preceded Him. He asserted the validity of the Ancient
Wisdom, and told that the Law that had been in force would so continue
until heaven and earth should pass away--that is, until the end of
this great World Cycle. In these words Jesus proclaimed His allegiance
to the Occult Teachings. To those who would claim that He referred to
the current Jewish teachings we would point out the fact that these he
_did_ come to destroy, for Christianity is opposed to the Jewish
formalism and outer teachings. Jesus referred to the Inner Teachings,
not to the outer religious creeds or forms. He came not to destroy the
old Teachings, but merely to "fulfill," that is, to give a new impetus
to the Ancient Wisdom.
"Whoever therefore shall break one of these least
commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least
in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach
them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For
I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed
the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in
no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven." (_Matt.
5:19-20._)
Here Jesus cautions against violating the fundamental occult
teachings, or of teaching false doctrines. He also again bids men to
do and preach the truth. Note the reference to the "kingdom of
heaven." Again He points out that the "righteousness" required to gain
the "kingdom of heaven" is a far different thing from the formalism,
ceremonialism and "churchism" of the scribes and pharisees--people
who, in that day, stood for that which the "churchy" preachers and
their bigoted, narrow flock of sheep-like parishioners stand for
today. It requires more than "faithful performance of church duties"
to enter into the real "kingdom of heaven." Jesus was ever a foe of
the narrow formalism which clings close to the empty forms and words,
and which ignores the Spirit. Were He to return today, He would drive
from the temples the horde of money-making preachers and hypocritical
followers who make a mock of sacred things.
"Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou
shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger
of the judgment: but I say unto you that every one who is
angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment;
and whosoever shall say to his brother 'Raca,' shall be in
danger of the council; and whosoever shall say 'Thou fool'
shall be in danger of the hell of fire. If therefore thou
art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest
that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy
gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled
to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with
thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him; lest haply
thine adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge
deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out
thence till thou hast paid the last farthing." (_Matt.
5:21-26._)
These verses emphasize the teachings that sin consists not only of
deeds and actions performed, but equally of _thoughts and desires
entertained and encouraged in the mind_. The desire and thought, made
welcome in the mind of a person, is the seed and germ of the sin or
crime, even though they may never be manifested in action. To wish to
kill is a sin, just as is the deed of killing. This is an old occult
teaching, imparted to all candidates for Initiation.
"Ye have heard that it was said Thou shalt not commit
adultery, but I say unto you that every one that looketh on
a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her
already in his heart. And if thy right eye causeth thee to
stumble pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is
profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish
and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right
hand causeth thee to offend, cut it off and cast it from
thee, for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members
should perish and not thy whole body go into hell. It was
said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give
her a writing of divorcement, but I say unto you that every
one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of
fornication, maketh her an adulteress, and whosoever shall
marry her when she is put away committeth adultery."
(_Matt. 5:27-32._)
In this passage, Jesus expressed the abhorrence of all advanced
occultists for the abuse of the functions of sex. Not only the act,
but the thought behind the act was condemned by him. The advanced
occult teaching is that the function of the sex organization is
entirely that of procreation--aught else is a perversion of nature.
Jesus speaks in strong words to men and women, in this passage,
regarding this great question. The concluding portion of the passage
is a condemnation of the abuse of the marriage relation, and the
privilege of divorce, which was being strongly agitated in His time.
He aimed a blow at the careless contracting of marriages, and the
consequent careless dissolution of the tie. Jesus believed in the
sacredness of the home life, and the welfare of the family. His
utterance on this subject is unmistakably clear and forcible.
"Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time,
Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the
Lord thine oaths: but I say unto you, Swear not at all;
neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by
the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; nor by
Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King; neither
shall thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one
hair white or black. But let your speech be Yea, yea, Nay,
nay: for whatever is more than these is of the evil one."
(_Matt. 5:33-37._)
Here Jesus attacks the custom of swearing, which was so prevalent in
His time among the Jews and other Oriental peoples. He urges
simplicity and moderation of speech. In this He is true to the Occult
traditions, which teach the value of simple thought and simple speech
to all the Initiates and the Neophytes.
"Ye have heard that it was said an eye for an eye and a
tooth for a tooth, but I say unto you, Resist not him that
is evil, but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn
to him the other also, and if any man would go to law with
thee and take away thy coat, let him have. And whosoever
shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two. Give to
him that asketh thee and from him that would borrow of thee
turn not away." (_Matt. 5:38-42._)
In this passage Jesus alludes to the Law of Non-Resistance, which in
its esoteric aspect is fully understood by all Initiates. This law is
for application on the Mental Plane, and those who understand it, know
that the precepts refer to the Mental Attitude of the Initiates toward
others, which attitude is in itself a defense against imposition. Love
turneth away Hate and Anger. The high thought neutralizes the evil
designs of others.
"Ye have heard that it was said Thou shall love thy
neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your
enemies and pray for them that persecute you, that ye may be
sons of your Father who is in heaven, for he maketh his sun
to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the
just and the unjust. For if ye love them that love you, what
reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if
ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?
Do not even the Gentiles the same? Ye therefore shall be
perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." (_Matt.
5:43-48._)
Here is taught that broad tolerance, charity and love that form such
an important part of all of the mystic teachings. It is a doctrine
entirely at variance with the orthodox idea of tolerance only to those
who agree with one, or who may live in accordance with one's own views
of life and conduct. It is the great broad doctrine of Human
Brotherhood. Jesus teaches that God's love is bestowed upon all--the
just and the unjust--and that this perfect love is the aim and goal of
all who desire to attain to "the kingdom" of Spirit.
"Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to
be seen of them; else ye have no reward with your Father who
is in heaven. When, therefore, thou doest alms sound not a
trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues
and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily
I say unto you They have received their reward. But when
thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right
hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret and thy Father,
who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee." (_Matt.
6:1-4._)
This is another denunciation of ostentatious "churchiness" and
"goodness," and religious posing. It is a lesson needed as much today
as in the time of Jesus.
"And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites, for
they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the
corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily
I say unto you, They have received their reward. But thou,
when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and
having shut thy door, pray to thy Father, who is in secret,
and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.
And in praying use not vain repetitions as the Gentiles do,
for they think that they shall be heard for their much
speaking. Be not therefore like unto them, for your Father
knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him. After
this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as
in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our
debtors; And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us
from the evil one. For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses." (_Matt. 6:5-15._)
Here are the words of Jesus regarding the subject of Prayer. He
cautions against the ostentatious exhibition of "piety," so prevalent
in all churches, in all lands, in all times. He bids one approach the
Father in a reverent spirit, devoid of all public notice. Then He
gives to his disciples the famous "Lord's Prayer," in which is
condensed a wealth of true religious instruction and precept. This
glorious prayer needs no special interpretation. _Let all students
read the words themselves, filled with the realisation of the Spirit;
and each will receive a message fitted to his requirements and
development. The Lord's Prayer is a very Arcanum of the Mystic
Message_.
"Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a
sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they
may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have
received their reward. But, thou, when thou fastest, anoint
thy head and wash thy face, that thou be not seen of men to
fast, but of thy Father, who is in secret, and thy Father,
who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee." (_Matt.
6:16-18._)
This is a caution against the "sanctimonious" attitude and pose
assumed by certain "good" people of the churches, who would make a
display of their adherence to and observance of forms. Jesus, as a
true mystic, detested all religious posing and neglected no
opportunities to condemn the same.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where
moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and
steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not
break through and steal: for where thy treasure is there
will thy heart be also. The lamp of the body is the eye; if
therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full
of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be
full of darkness! No man can serve two masters; for either
he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will
hold to one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and
Mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your
life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for
your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than
the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of
the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor
gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them.
Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by
being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his
life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider
the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not,
neither do they spin, yet I say unto you that even Solomon
in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if
God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and
tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more
clothe you, ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious,
saying, What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or
wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things
do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that
ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first then his
kingdom, and his righteousness, and all these things shall
be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow;
for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto
the day is the evil thereof." (_Matt. 6:19-34._)
This is the most remarkable passage in the New Testament. It is the
most remarkable saying of Jesus of Nazareth. In it is condensed the
whole of the occult teachings regarding the Conduct of Life. It
condenses, in a few lines the entire doctrine of Karma Yoga--that
branch of the Yogi Philosophy. It forms a veritable epitome of that
which has been styled "The New Thought" as taught and expounded by its
various cults and schools. There is no need of one reading and
studying the various Metaphysical "Sciences" which have sprung into
such favor of late years, if one will but read, ponder, study and
practice the precepts of this wonderful passage of the Sermon on the
Mount. Every sentence is a gem--a crystal of the highest mystic and
occult philosophy. Book after book could be written on this one
passage, and even then the subject would be but merely approached. The
doctrine of single-mindedness toward the Spirit and the things of the
Spirit, is taught. The folly of being tied to material things is
pointed out. The lesson of non-attachment is forcibly put. But the
great Truth expounded in this passage is the Power of FAITH. Faith is
the Great Secret of all Occult Teachings and is the Key to its Inner
Mysteries. Faith is the Master-Key that unlocks the doors of the
Castle of Attainment. We trust that all students of these lessons will
take this single passage from the Sermon on the Mount and memorize it.
Make it a part of yourself--make it a part of your life--make it your
rule of action and living. The life taught by this passage is the true
life of the Spirit. Here is the true Light on the Path, for the
guidance of the feet of all Mystics and Occultists!
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment
ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete
it shall be measured unto you. And why beholdest thou the
mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the
beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy
brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye, and lo,
the beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first
the beam out of thine own eye and then shalt thou see
clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
(_Matt. 7:1-5._)
Here Jesus deals another powerful blow to the self-righteousness of
the Pharisaical "good" people of the sects, creeds and cults of all
lands, time and religions. He warns against that "Thank God! I am
holier than thou" attitude that so many vain formalists affect in
their dealings with other men. In these immortal words Jesus has sent
ringing down the aeons of time a scathing rebuke to the hypocritical
judges of other men--those men who wish to "reform" others to conform
to their own standards. Out of the mouth of their Master are many
so-called followers rebuked.
"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls
before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet and
turn and rend you." (_Matt. 7:6._)
Here is the warning to Initiates not to spread out a feast of their
highest teachings to the mob, who with swinish instincts would defile
the Divine Feast, and tear to pieces those who had spread it for them.
The truth of this warning has been attested by the fate of those
glorious souls who, disregarding it, attempted to give the Truth to
the animal minds of the mob and were done to death for their folly.
Even Jesus Himself met His fate from neglecting this very rule,--for
allowing His sympathy to overcome His judgment.
"Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find;
knock and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that
asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of
you who if his son ask him for a loaf will give him a stone,
or if he shall ask for a fish will give him a serpent? If ye
then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your
children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven
give good things to them that ask him? All things therefore
whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do
ye also unto them, for this is the law and the prophecy."
(_Matt. 7:7-12._)
Here is another burning message to men to live by the light of Faith
in the Spirit. And a warning that unless one would act toward other
men rightly, he could not expect to be dealt with rightly. It is the
lesson of sowing and reaping--the lesson of the Law of Karma. Jesus is
most emphatic in these statements. He does not alone say "Do this! Do
that!" He states emphatically: "This is _the Law_!" And so it is--men
are punished by their wrong deeds, not _for_ them.
"Enter ye in by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and
broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many are
they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate and
straitened the way that leadeth unto life, and few are they
that find it." (_Matt. 7:13-14._)
This is the highest occult teaching. How few are they who find their
way to the Realization of their own Divinity? Narrow indeed is the
gate and straitened the way that leadeth to the goal. The masses
follow the broad path, like fools--but few even see the narrow
entrance to The Path.
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits
ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs
of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A
good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a
corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the
fire. Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of the
Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name
cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from
me, ye that work iniquity." (_Matt. 7:15-23._)
Here is the notable warning against the perverted use of the occult
powers--the prostitution of the Gifts of the Spirit--Black Magic, in
short. For, as all well know, the occult forces may be applied to base
as well as worthy uses. By their fruits shall ye know the good from
the evil. He whose teachings render men weak, sheeplike and cringing,
credulous leaners upon leaders, is a tree that bringeth forth evil
fruit. Such are wolves in sheep's clothing, who fatten upon the
bodies, substance and souls of their dupes. But those who lead men to
be Men--yea, Super-Men--bring forth the good fruit of the Spirit. Be
ye not deceived by names, words, creeds nor claims--nay, not even by
miracles. Look always at the effect produced--the fruits of the
tree--and govern yourself accordingly.
"Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine and
doeth them shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his
house upon the rock, and the rain descended and the floods
came and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it
fell not, for it was founded upon the rock. And every one
that heareth these words of mine and doeth them not shall be
likened unto a foolish man who built his house upon the
sand, and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the
winds blew and smote upon that house and it fell, and great
was the fall thereof." (_Matt. 7:24-27._)
In these parting words of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gave a Message
to all who would hear, or read His words, and profess to be His
followers. He bade such build upon the eternal rock of the Truth--the
rock of ages, that had its foundations in the very basic principles of
Being. He warned them against building upon the shifting sands of
theology and dogmatism, which would be surely swept away by the storms
of Time. Upon the eternal Mystic Truths is Mystic Christianity
founded. And it is still standing untouched by the storms of
criticism, opposition and knowledge that have swept away many
theological edifices in the past, and which are now beating with
renewed vigor upon the remaining frail structures, which are even this
day quivering under the strain. Mystic Christianity invites the "New
Theology," the "Higher Criticism," the "Criticism of Science"; for
these will only tend to prove the truths of its fundamental
principles. In Mystic Christianity, Religion, Philosophy and Science
are known to be one and the same thing. There is no conflict between
Science and Religion; Philosophy and Religion; or Philosophy and
Science. They are all but names for the One Truth. There be but one
Truth--there cannot be more than one. And so call it by the name of
Religion--the name of Science, the name of Philosophy--it matters not,
for the same thing is meant. There is naught but Truth--nothing else
really exists. All that is not Truth is Illusion, _Maya_, Nothing. And
Mystic Christianity is based upon the Rock of Truth, fearing not the
winds nor the storms that try out the stability of all structures of
thought. Like its founder, it has always existed--always will
exist--from the Beginningless Beginning to the Endless Ending. The
same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
A SERIES OF LESSONS IN GNANI YOGA (THE YOGA OF WISDOM)
By YOGI RAMACHARAKA
This course gives the highest Yogi teachings regarding the Absolute
and its Manifestations--the relations between the One and the
Many--the Secret of the One Life--the Mystery of the Evolution of the
Soul--the Law of Spiritual Cause and Effect--the Group-Soul--the Birth
of the Ego--the Unfoldment of the Self--the Cycles of the Race--the
Chain of Worlds--the Truth about Nirvana--the Divine Paradox--the
Problem of Consciousness--the Reality and the Illusory--the offices of
Will and Desire--the Future of the Race--the Past History of Man and
the Races--the Adepts and Masters--the Brotherhoods--the Problems of
Life--the Riddle of Existence. These and many other subjects of equal
importance are taken up, explained and the dark corners illuminated.
Some of the teachings to be given are entirely new to the general
Western public, and partake of the nature of the Inner Teachings of
the occultists.
Bound in Blue Silk Cloth, 302 Pages.
PRICE $1.10 POSTPAID.
E.B., North Side, Pittsburgh, Pa., writes she has just finished
reading your book "Science of Breath," and considers it priceless.
I have studied many Occult and Mental Science works, but none Of which
ever developed Spiritual Illumination or produced that Tranquil state
of mind that I derived by studying the Yogi Philosophy.---N.R.B. New
Zealand.
JESUS THE LAST GREAT INITIATE
By EDOUARD SCHURE