We live in perplexing times. Perhaps every generation throughout history has reached the same conclusion, but the esoteric teaching given in the books of Alice Bailey clearly designates the uniquely challenging conditions being experienced throughout the world today in preparation for transition into a new age. Living, as we do, in the midst of the present turmoil and trying to control our mental and emotional responses is difficult. A far greater challenge lies in trying to grasp the causes and dimensions of the world crisis because the energies behind it emanate from planes far beyond the reach of the human mind. Yet, if the following thoughts strike a chord of recognition in our consciousness they offer something to ponder on as we try to understand the spiritual basis of the present world conflict.
From an esoteric perspective, we’re told that a tremendous realignment is underway from the highest levels of existence on our planet, down to the human and still lower kingdoms. It concerns preparation for the emergence, on outer levels, of the planetary Hierarchy and the Christ. The inevitable impact of Their presence in active affairs will involve the release of spiritual energies which are already creating a tremendous impact on human consciousness. Every kingdom on Earth—animal, vegetable, mineral, as well as human—is in a state of shock, we’re told. “There are crashed areas of released energy”, according to esoteric teaching, which are causing forces to be freed up for the coming reconstruction. Humanity, as the middle or mediating kingdom in the chain of being, is the major recipient of the convergence of these potent energies, and the impact is affecting human beings psychically, mentally and emotionally, stimulating both the good and the bad. For aspirants and spiritual seekers the ability to take and hold the increasing spiritual tension is particularly stressful, for they are especially sensitive and responsive to the inpouring energies. Everything within them is being brought to the surface of consciousness for recognition ,leading to the question posed by esoteric teaching: Will the aspirants of the world—if given opportunity to move forward on the spiritual Path—be able to stand steady under the impact of previously undiscerned spiritual energy? Pondering on these insights from esoteric teaching might help to shed light on the violent reactions of some of our fellow human beings which are bringing suffering and dismay to their environments and communities. It’s said that the triangle is the most stable form in the universe, and the service of Triangles is a way to help bring stability into human thought and action. Working through groups of three, these triangles are creating an etheric web around the planet through which light and goodwill can be radiated into the dark corners of the world.
Another phenomenon generated by the dynamism of the inpouring potency is that it is kindling the urge for power, particularly in those with strong personal wills and a desire to dominate. We see this in the rise of dictatorships in many nations and groups; although diverse in many ways, these would-be and actual dictatorships seem to have in common the support of a certain portion of their populations , while at the same time others look on in horror and puzzlement at what they regard as delusional acceptance of dictatorial methods. Much is being sorted out at this time, we’re told, leading to “a deeply spiritual division” into two distinctive groups called “the sheep and the goats”, the goats being those who are developing an inner spiritual guidance system and the sheep being those who follow blindly the appeal of dictatorial leaders in all departments of living. This cleavage is causing many among the “goats” to react harshly to such domineering forces, yet we are warned by esoteric teaching to avoid the danger of “imperil”, a term whose spiritual significance is not so much emotional irritability as a reaction to world evil and annoyance at what’s being done, especially by those in positions of leadership, who are seemingly deluded and unresponsive to spiritual principles, along with a general sense of frustration and criticism at the whole direction of affairs.
Not surprisingly, none of this is constructive in effect, for we’re told that world problems would not be solved by installing spiritually awakened disciples and initiates in positions of leadership. This would not only deny human beings the opportunity to accept responsibility for their own choices, it would lead to a dangerous cleavage between humanity and the spiritual hierarchy. “It is humanity which determines its own destiny”, we’re told. Those with a more expansive spiritual understanding can point the way and hold the vision by serving as examples, but the outcome must be determined by the larger humanity. Even if we were able to put in place conditions and values that we truly believe would be in the best interests of humanity, that would be a misguided opportunity , for it would deprive human beings of the responsibility to choose, of their own volition and according to the vision to which they aspire, of a better world. Experience is a great teacher, for, as the ancient saying goes, “Men learn by means of evil that good is best.” The Plan cannot and should not be imposed; for more knowledgeable, wiser minds to impose conditions “for humanity’s own good” has never been the plan of the spiritual Hierarchy, nor should it be ours. Instead, world affairs must be determined based upon the demand generated by human beings according to their point of evolution.
This realization calls for patience with the forces of evolution, taking the long view, as well as cultivating a spiritual appreciation for the beneficent healing power of time. The new inflowing energies must traverse the emotional plane, esoteric teaching tells us, before reaching the material level. This requires time for adaptation and adjustment to the potency of the inpouring spiritual energies as well as an unfailing trust in humanity. Some words from the writings of Alice Bailey, written two years after the end of the second phase of the world war and in the midst of the bloodiest century in human history, should give us courage and right perspective as we humans and all sentient beings who share the Earth pass through this cycle of testing and renewal:
“We come now to the fifth prerequisite: a vital and sure belief in humanity as a whole. There must be no pessimism as to the future of mankind or distress over the disappearance of the old order. The good, the true and the beautiful is on its way, and for it mankind is responsible, and not some outer divine intervention. Humanity is sound and rapidly awakening. We are passing through the stage where everything is being proclaimed from the housetops—as the Christ stated would be the case—and as we listen or read of the flood of filth, crime, sensual pleasure or luxury buying, we are apt to be discouraged; it is wise to remember that it is wholesome for all this to come to the surface and for us all to know about it. It is like the psychological cleansing of the subconscious to which individuals submit themselves, and it presages the inauguration of a new and better day.” (The Externalisation of the Hierarchy)
