Seed thought for this post: "Group unity will have its roots in united group meditation or in the contemplative life." In my previous post, On the effect of Words and Ideas, I spoke of a "vortex of Spiritual Tension" being a "conduit for inspiration" which, when held renders a group a "dynamic centre." [i] But how is this vortex of Spiritual Tension generated within a group? What steps are required to hold it? And how is such a dynamic centre of use to the Hierarchy? In order to create and sustain a vortex of spiritual tension, the individuals in a group must be well on the way to embodying the principle of group unity. The Master DK speaks of achieving group unity "through thought, exoteric knowledge of each other, and a constant sending forth of love." [ii] While AAB says of group unity that it is not merely the "absence of quarrelling" but rather "unity of thinking." [iii] Thus group unity is a trans-personal aspect of mind, capable of reaching and maintaining a point of tension, fostered by a recognition of the faults and virtues of group members, a non-critical environment demonstrated by group members relating to each other as Souls, and a contemplative atmosphere nurturing periods of prolonged, purposeful, unified thought. [iv] Eventually, this point of tension must bring forth purposeful activity. The Master D.K. tells us that "group unity is the first effort of the group of every Master," [v] and that, along with group activity and contemplation, it is one of the three things required for the Ashrams of the Hierarchy to externalise. E.C. [i] On the effect of Words and Ideas, Esoterica Today
[ii] Discipleship in the New Age 1, Alice A. Bailey, Lucis Publishing Company pp. 13 [iii] AAB Talks 11/01/1946, The School for Esoteric Studies [iv] Lack of group unity would be evidenced by the bringing down of the spiritual tension of the group by one or more of its members. [v] Discipleship in the New Age 1, Alice A. Bailey, Lucis Publishing Company pp. 9
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Seed thought for this post:
"Sometimes giving forth one's ideas may unduly influence a group." When in a position of power or influence, or when one is a source of power or an 'influencer', attention must be paid to the potency of one's words, and the effect they have on others. Whether it be through force or status, love or trust, respect or erudition, or simply being a leader in one’s field (whatever area in life that field may encompass), the esteem in which one is held imparts a gravitas to one's words and ideas which can stifle free and original thought in those for whom one is a leader, educator, or motivator. It is thus essential, when one occupies a position of influence, be that spiritually or materially, to encourage freedom of thought. One must learn to guide by cultivating an atmosphere of mental exploration, allowing failure and reflection on failure, encouraging analysis and the recognition of things as they are, and prompting self-analysis and understanding to clarify ones motivations, unconscious biases, and hindrances to clear vision. The cultivation of these tools engenders a gradual mental polarisation in one’s group which, coupled with periodic exhortations to contemplative thought, bring about a vortex of spiritual tension through which true inspiration can occur. It is essential that one learns "to recognise these unusual moments of tension, and to hold them."[i] When these moments are recognised and held, a conduit for inspiration is created, and the group becomes a dynamic centre. The Master DK spoke a potent truth when he said that "light will shine into a mind that is self-controlled and free from the mental dominance of another's mind"[ii]: whether that be the mind of a Master or Adept, or simply the mind of one held in esteem by another. It is hard to resist the temptation to give answers, to interject when others pause in silence in what seems like non-comprehension, to create an atmosphere of personality worship by speaking ex-cathedra. But opportunity and growth come by allowing others to make their own path towards truth, by being a source of inspiration, and by being a beacon of light and strength. E.C. Footnotes: [i] Alice Bailey Talks; Friday, January 11th, 1946; School for Esoteric Studies; p1. [ii] Discipleship in the New Age, Volume 1; Alice Ann Bailey; Lucis Publishing Companies; p8. |
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