The Effect of the Application of the Rod - 2

Another way of wmphasising the same truth is to regard the egoic body as a centre of force, a wheel of energy, or a lotus, and to picture it as a lotus with nine petals, hiding within these petals a central unit of three petals; these in their turn secrete the central life, or the "jewel of the lotus".

As evolution proceeds, these three circles of three petals gradually unfold, having a simultaneous effect on one or other of the central three. These three circles are called respectively the petals of Sacrifice, Love, and knowledge. At initiation the Rod is applied to the petals in a scientific manner, and regulated according to ray and tendency.

This brings about the opening of the central bud, the revelation of the jewel, the withdrawal of that jewel from the casket which has so long shielded it, and its transference to "the crown", as it it is occultly called, meaning its return to the Monad whence it came.

We must clearly recognise that all the above is but an attempt, through the limiting agency of words, to describe the method and the rites whereby spiritual lineration is finally achieved in this cycle; first, through the method of evolutionary unfoldment, or gradual development, and then in the final stages through the Rod of Initiation.

Upon the Centres
At the time that initiation is taken, the centres are all active, and the lower four (which correspond to the Personality) are beginning the process of translating the fire into the three higher. The dual revolution in the lower centres is clearly to be seen, and the three higher are commencing to be similarly active. By the application of the Rod of Initiation at the time of the Initiation ceremony, definite results are achieved in connection with the centres, which might be enumerated as follows:-

The first at the base of the spine is definitely directed to whichever centre is the object of special attention. This varies according to ray, or the specialised work of the initiate.

The centre has its activity intensified, its rate of revolution increased, and certain of the central spokes of the wheel brought into more active radiance. Thjese spokes of the wheel, or these petals of the lotus, have a close connection with the different spirillae in the permanent atoms, for instance, and in their stimulation comes into play one or more of corresponding spirillae in the permanent atoms of the Triad, leading to a co-ordination of the buddhic vehicle, and the transference of the lower polarisation into the higher.

By the application of the Rod of Initiation, the downflow of force from the Ego to the personality is tripled, the direction of that force being dependent upon whether the centres receiving attention are the etheric or the astral at the first and second initiations, or whether the iniatiate is standing before the Lord of the World. in the latter case, his mental centres, or their corresponding force vortices on higher levels, will receive stimulation.

When the World Teacher initiates at the first and second initiations, the direction of the triadal force is turned to the vivification of the heart and throat centres in their position of synthesising the lower. When the one Initiator applies the Rod of His power, the downflow is from the Monad, and though the throat and heart intensify vibration as a response, the main direction of the force is to the seven head centres.

The centres, at initiation, receive a fresh access of vibratory capacity and of power, and this results in the exoteric life as:-

1. A sensitiveness and refinement of the vehicles which may result at first in much suffering to the initiate, but which produce a capacity to respond, that far outweights the incidental pain.

2. A development of psychic faculty that again may lead to temporary distress, but which eventually causes a recognition of the one self in all selves.

3. A burning away of the etheric web, through the dgadual arousing of the kundalini and its correct geometrical progression, and a resultant continuity of consciousness that enables the initiate consciously to utilise time as a factor on the planes of evolution.

4. A gradual grasp of the law of vibration as an aspect of the basic law of building, the law of attraction, is brought about, and the initiate learns consciously to build, to manipulate thaough matter for the perfecting of the plans of the Logos, to work in mental essence, and to apply the law on mental levels, and thereby affect the physical plane.

Motion originates cosmically on cosmic levels, and in the microcosm the same will be seen. There is an occult hint here that, ponderer on, will reveal much. At initiation, at the moment of the application of the Rod, the initiate consciously realises the meaning of the Law of Attraction in form building, and in the synthesis of the three fires.Upon his ability to retain that realisation, and himself to apply the law, will depend his power to progress.

5.The Hierophant transmits higher manasic energy to the initiate, so that he is enabled consciously to know and recognise the plan for his group centre, through the immensely increased stimulation. This force descends from the manasic permanent atom via the antahkarana, and is directed to which ever centre the Hierophant - under the law-sees should be stimulated.

6. The Initiator stabilises the force and regulates its flow, as it circulates through the egoic body, so that when the work of unfoldment is accompanied, the seventh principle at the Heart of the Lotus can stand revealed. After each Initiation the lotus is more unfolded, and light from the centre begins to blaze forth- a light or fire which ultimately burns through the three enshrining petals, and permits the full inner glory to be seen, and the electric fire of spirit to be manifested.

As this is brought about on the second subplane of the mental plane (whereon the egoic lotus is now situated) a corresponding stimulation takes place in the dense substance which forms the petals or wheels of the centres on the astral and etheric levels.

Reference:Initiation Human and Solar: Alice A Bailey