TheKybalion PDF
TheKybalion PDF
TheKybalion PDF
Kybalion
Hermetic Philosophy
by
THREE INITIATES
by
Three Initiates
Copyright
1912
Yogi Publication Society
Copyright, 1940
To
HERMES TRISMEGISTUS
is Reverently dedicated
CONTENTS
Chapter. Page.
Introduction ……………………………………………………………. 1
X. Polarity …………………………………………………………………... 71
INTRODUCTION.
lamps to re-light the lesser lamps of the outside world, when the light of
truth grew dim, and clouded by reason of neglect, and when the wicks
became clogged with foreign matter. There were always a few to tend
faithfully the altar of the Truth, upon which was kept a light the
Perpetual Lamp of Wisdom. These men devoted their lives to the labor of
love which the poet has so well stated in his lines:
"O, let not the flame die out! Cherished age after age in its dark
cavern — in its holy temples cherished. Fed by pure ministers of love —
let not the flame die out!"
There are those who have criticised this attitude of the Hermetists,
and who have claimed that they did not manifest the proper spirit in
their policy of seclusion and reticence. But a moment's glance back over
the pages of history will show the wisdom of the Masters, who knew the
folly of attempting to teach to the world that which it was neither ready
or willing to receive. The Hermetists have never sought to be martyrs,
and have, instead, sat silently aside with a pitying smile on their closed
lips, while the "heathen raged noisily about them" in their customary
amusement of putting to death and torture the honest but misguided
enthusiasts who imagined that they could force upon a race of
barbarians the truth capable of being understood only by the elect who
had advanced along The Path.
And the spirit of persecution has not as yet died out in the land.
There are certain Hermetic Teachings, which, if publicly promulgated,
would bring down upon the teachers a great cry of scorn and revilement
from the multitude, who would again raise the cry of "Crucify! Crucify."
Chapter I.
THE HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY.
"The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding." — The
Kybalion.
From old Egypt have come the fundamental esoteric and occult
teachings which have so strongly influenced the philosophies of all races,
nations and peoples, for several thousand years. Egypt, the home of the
Pyramids and the Sphinx, was the birthplace of the Hidden Wisdom and
Mystic Teachings. From her Secret Doctrine all nations have borrowed.
India, Persia, Chaldea, Medea, China, Japan, Assyria, ancient Greece
and Rome, and other ancient countries partook liberally at the feast of
knowledge which the Hierophants and Masters of the Land of Isis so
freely provided for those who came prepared to partake of the great store
of Mystic and Occult Lore which the masterminds of that ancient land
had gathered together.
In ancient Egypt dwelt the great Adepts and Masters who have never
been surpassed, and who seldom have been equaled, during the
centuries that have taken their processional flight since the days of the
Great Hermes. In Egypt was located the Great Lodge of Lodges of the
Mystics. At the doors of her Temples entered the Neophytes who
afterward, as Hierophants, Adepts, and Masters, traveled to the four
corners of the earth, carrying with them the precious knowledge which
they were ready, anxious, and willing to pass on to those who were ready
to receive the same. All students of the Occult recognize the debt that
they owe to these venerable Masters of that ancient land.
But among these great Masters of Ancient Egypt there once dwelt one
of whom Masters hailed as "The Master of Masters." This man, if "man"
indeed he was, dwelt in Egypt in the earliest days. He was known as
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As the years rolled by after his passing from this plane of life
(tradition recording that he lived three hundred years in the flesh), the
Egyptians deified Hermes, and made him one of their gods, under the
name of Thoth. Years after, the people of Ancient Greece also made him
one of their many gods — calling him "Hermes, the god of Wisdom." The
Egyptians revered his memory for many centuries — yes, tens of
centuries — calling him "the Scribe of the Gods," and bestowing upon
him, distinctively, his ancient title, "Trismegistus," which means "the
thrice-great"; "the great-great"; "the greatest-great"; etc. In all the ancient
lands, the name of Hermes Trismegistus was revered, the name being
synonymous with the "Fount of Wisdom."
Even to this day, we use the term "hermetic" in the sense of "secret";
"sealed so that nothing can escape"; etc., and this by reason of the fact
that the followers of Hermes always observed the principle of secrecy in
their teachings. They did not believe in "casting pearls before swine, but
rather held to the teaching "milk for babes; meat for strong men," both of
which maxims are familiar to readers of the Christian scriptures, but
both of which had been used by the Egyptians for centuries before the
Christian era.
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But there were always a few faithful souls who kept alive the Flame,
tending it carefully, and not allowing its light to become extinguished.
And thanks to these staunch hearts, and fearless minds, we have the
truth still with us. But it is not found in books, to any great extent. It has
been passed along from Master to Student; from Initiate to Hierophant;
from lip to ear. When it was written down at all, its meaning was veiled in
terms of alchemy and astrology, so that only those possessing the key
could read it aright. This was made necessary in order to avoid the
persecutions of the theologians of the Middle Ages, who fought the Secret
Doctrine with fire and sword; stake, gibbet and cross. Even to this day
there will be found but few reliable books on the Hermetic Philosophy,
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In this little book, of which this is the First Lesson, we invite our
students to examine into the Hermetic Teachings, as set forth in THE
KYBALION, and as explained by ourselves, humble students of the
Teachings, who, while bearing the title of Initiates, are still students at
the feet of HERMES, the Master. We herein give you many of the maxims,
axioms and precepts of THE KYBALION, accompanied by explanations
and illustrations which we deem likely to render the teachings more
easily comprehended by the modern student, particularly as the original
text is purposely veiled in obscure terms.
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"Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his
Teaching open Wide." — The Kybalion.
"When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh lips to fill them
with Wisdom." — The Kybalion.
Chapter II.
THE SEVEN HERMETIC PRINCIPLES.
This Principle embodies the truth that "All is Mind." It explains that
THE ALL (which is the Substantial Reality underlying all the outward
manifestations and appearances which we know under the terms of "The
Material Universe"; the "Phenomena of Life"; "Matter"; "Energy"; and, in
short, all that is apparent to our material senses) is SPIRIT, which in
itself is UNKNOWABLE and UNDEFINABLE, but which may be
considered and thought of as AN UNIVERSAL, INFINITE, LIVING MIND.
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There are planes beyond our knowing, but when we apply the Principle of
Correspondence to them we are able to understand much that would
otherwise be unknowable to us. This Principle is of universal application
and manifestation, on the various planes of the material, mental, and
spiritual universe — it is an Universal Law. The ancient Hermetists
considered this Principle as one of the most important mental
instruments by which man was able to pry aside the obstacles which hid
from view the Unknown. Its use even tore aside the Veil of Isis to the
extent that a glimpse of the face of the goddess might be caught. Just as
a knowledge of the Principles of Geometry enables man to measure
distant suns and their movements, while seated in his observatory, so a
knowledge of the Principle of Correspondence enables Man to reason
intelligently from the Known to the Unknown. Studying the monad, he
understands the archangel.
"Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites;
like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in
degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be
reconciled." — The Kybalion.
thing. Look at your thermometer and see if you can discover where "heat"
terminates and "cold" begins! There is no such thing as "absolute heat"
or "absolute cold" — the two terms "heat" and "cold" simply indicate
varying degrees of the same thing, and that "same thing" which
manifests as "heat" and "cold" is merely a form, variety, and rate of
Vibration. So "heat" and "cold" are simply the "two poles" of that which
we call "Heat" — and the phenomena attendant thereupon are
manifestations of the Principle of Polarity. The same Principle manifests
in the case of "Light and Darkness," which are the same thing, the
difference consisting of varying degrees between the two poles of the
phenomena. Where does "darkness" leave off, and "light" begin? What is
the difference between "Large and Small"? Between "Hard and Soft"?
Between "Black and White"? Between "Sharp and Dull"? Between "Noise
and Quiet"? Between "High and Low"? Between "Positive and Negative"?
The Principle of Polarity explains these paradoxes, and no other Principle
can supersede it. The same Principle operates on the Mental Plane. Let
us take a radical and extreme example — that of "Love and Hate," two
mental states apparently totally different. And yet there are degrees of
hate and degrees of Love, and a middle point in which we use the terms
"Like or Dislike," which shade into each other so gradually that
sometimes we are at a loss to know whether we "like" or "dislike" or
"neither." And all are simply degrees of the same thing, as you will see if
you will but think a moment. And, more than this (and considered of
more importance by the Hermetists), it is possible to change the
vibrations of hate to the vibrations of Love, in one's own mind, and in the
minds of others. Many of you, who read these lines, have had personal
experiences of the involuntary rapid transition from Love to Hate, and
the reverse, in your own ease and that of others. And you will therefore
realize the possibility of this being accomplished by the use of the Will,
by means of the Hermetic formulas. "Good and Evil" are but the poles of
the same thing, and the Hermetist understands the art of transmuting
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall;
the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the
right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates." — The
Kybalion.
USE it, instead of being USED BY it. In this and similar methods, consist
the Art of the Hermetists. The Master of Hermetics polarizes himself at
the point at which he desires to rest, and then neutralizes the Rhythmic
swing of the pendulum which would tend to carry him to the other pole.
All individuals who have attained any degree of Self-Mastery do this to a
certain degree, more or less unconsciously, but the Master does this
consciously, and by the use of his Will and attains a degree of Poise and
Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on the part of the masses
who are swung backward and forward like a pendulum. This Principle
and that of Polarity have been closely studied by the Hermetists, and the
methods of counteracting, neutralizing and USING them form an
important part of the Hermetic Mental Alchemy.
"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens
according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are
many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law." — The Kybalion.
This Principle embodies the fact that there is a Cause for every Effect;
an Effect from every Cause. It explains that: "Everything Happens
according to Law"; that nothing ever "merely happens"; that there is no
such thing as Chance; that while there are various planes of Cause and
Effect, the higher dominating the lower planes, still nothing ever entirely
escapes the Law. The Hermetists understand the art and methods of
rising above the ordinary plane of Cause and Effect, to a certain degree,
and by mentally rising to a higher plane they become Causers instead of
Effects. The masses of people are carried along, obedient to environment;
the wills and desires of others stronger than themselves; heredity;
suggestion; and other outward causes moving them about like pawns on
the Chessboard of Life. But the Masters, rising to the plane above,
dominate their moods, characters, qualities, and powers, as well as the
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Phallicism tend to ruin mind, body and soul, and the Hermetic
Philosophy has ever sounded the warning note against these degraded
teachings which tend toward lust, licentiousness, and perversion of
Nature's principles. If you seek such teachings, you must go elsewhere
for them — Hermeticism contains nothing for you along these lines. To
the pure, all things are pure; to the base, all things are base.
Chapter III.
MENTAL TRANSMUTATION.
"Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted, from state to
state; degree to degree; condition to condition; pole to pole; vibration to
vibration. True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art." — The Kybalion.
The truth is, that beneath the material chemistry, astronomy and
psychology (that is, the psychology in its phase of "brain-action"), the
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Not only may the mental states, etc., of one's self be changed or
transmuted by Hermetic Methods; but also the states of others may be,
and are, constantly transmuted in the same way, usually unconsciously,
but often consciously by some understanding the laws and principles, in
cases where the people affected are not informed of the principles of self-
protection. And more than this, as many students and practitioners of
modern mental science know, every material condition depending upon
the minds of other people may be changed or transmuted in accordance
with the earnest desire, will, and "treatments" of person desiring changed
conditions of life. The public are so generally informed regarding these
things at present, that we do not deem it necessary to mention the same
at length, our purpose at this point being merely to show the Hermetic
Principle and Art underlying all of these various forms of practice, good
and evil, for the force can be used in opposite directions according to the
Hermetic Principles of Polarity.
Principle, on the part of our students, for it is really the Basic Principle of
the whole Hermetic Philosophy, and of the Hermetic Art of Mental
Transmutation.
Chapter IV.
THE ALL.
"Under, and back of, the Universe of Time, Space and Change, is ever to be
found The Substantial Reality — the Fundamental Truth." — The Kybalion.
All thinkers, in all lands and in all times, have assumed the necessity
for postulating the existence of this Substantial Reality. All philosophies
worthy of the name have been based upon this thought. Men have given
to this Substantial Reality many names — some have called it by the
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term of Deity (under many titles); others have called it "The Infinite and
Eternal Energy"; others have tried to call it "Matter" — but all have
acknowledged its existence. It is self-evident — it needs no argument.
We accept and teach the view of the great Hermetic thinkers of all
times, as well as of those illumined souls who have reached higher
planes of being, both of whom assert that the inner nature of THE ALL is
UNKNOWABLE. This must be so, for naught by THE ALL itself can
comprehend its own nature and being.
The Hermetists believe and teach that THE ALL, "in itself," is and
must ever be UNKNOWABLE. They regard all the theories, guesses and
speculations of the theologians and metaphysicians regarding the inner
nature of THE ALL, as but the childish efforts of mortal minds to grasp
the secret of the Infinite. Such efforts have always failed and will always
fail, from the very nature of the task. One pursuing such inquiries travels
around and around in the labyrinth of thought, until he is lost to all sane
reasoning, action or conduct, and is utterly unfitted for the work of life.
He is like the squirrel which frantically runs around and around the
circling treadmill wheel of his cage, traveling ever and yet reaching
nowhere — at the end a prisoner still, and standing just where he
started.
"But, the report of Reason must be hospitably received, and treated with
respect." — The Kybalion.
1. THE ALL must be ALL that REALLY IS. There can be nothing
existing outside of THE ALL, else THE ALL would not be THE ALL.
2. THE ALL must be INFINITE, for there is nothing else to define,
confine, bound, limit or restrict THE ALL. It must be Infinite in
Time, or ETERNAL, — it must have always continuously existed,
for there is nothing else to have ever created it, and something can
never evolve from nothing, and if it had ever "not been," even for a
moment, it would not "be" now, — it must continuously exist
forever, for there is nothing to destroy it, and it can never "not-be,"
even for a moment, because something can never become nothing.
It must be Infinite in Space — it must be Everywhere, for there is
no place outside of THE ALL — it cannot be otherwise than
continuous in Space, without break, cessation, separation, or
interruption, for there is nothing to break, separate, or interrupt
its continuity, and nothing with which to "fill in the gaps." It must
be Infinite in Power, or Absolute, for there is nothing to limit,
restrict, restrain, confine, disturb or condition it — it is subject to
no other Power, for there is no other Power.
3. THE ALL must be IMMUTABLE, or not subject to change in its real
nature, for there is nothing to work changes upon it; nothing into
which it could change, nor from which it could have changed. It
cannot be added to nor subtracted from; increased nor diminished;
nor become greater or lesser in any respect whatsoever. It must
have always been, and must always remain, just what it is now —
THE ALL — there has never been, is not now, and never will be,
anything else into which it can change.
Then is THE ALL mere Energy or Force? Not Energy or Force as the
materialists use the terms, for their energy and force are blind,
mechanical things, devoid of Life or Mind. Life and Mind can never evolve
from blind Energy or Force, for the reason given a moment ago: "Nothing
can rise higher than its source — nothing is evolved unless it is involved
— nothing manifests in the effect, unless it is in the cause." And so THE
ALL cannot be mere Energy or Force, for, if it were, then there would be
no such things as Life and Mind in existence, and we know better than
that, for we are Alive and using Mind to consider this very question, and
so are those who claim that Energy or Force is Everything.
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The answer is "LIVING MIND, as far above that which mortals know
by those words, as Life and Mind are higher than mechanical forces, or
matter — INFINITE LIVING MIND as compared to finite Life and Mind."
We mean that which the illumined souls mean when they reverently
pronounce the word: "SPIRIT!"
Chapter V.
THE MENTAL UNIVERSE.
"The Universe is Mental — held in the Mind of THE ALL." — The Kybalion.
something can never come from nothing, from what could THE ALL have
created it? Some philosophers have answered this question by saying
that THE ALL created the Universe from ITSELF — that is, from the
being and substance of THE ALL. But this will not do, for THE ALL
cannot be subtracted from, nor divided, as we have seen, and then again
if this be so, would not each particle in the Universe be aware of its being
THE ALL — THE ALL could not lose its knowledge of itself, nor actually
BECOME an atom, or blind force, or lowly living thing. Some men,
indeed, realizing that THE ALL is indeed ALL, and also recognizing that
they, the men, existed, have jumped to the conclusion that they and THE
ALL were identical, and they have filled the air with shouts of "I AM
GOD," to the amusement of the multitude and the sorrow of sages. The
claim of the corpuscle that: "I am Man!" would be modest in comparison.
But, what indeed is the Universe, if it be not THE ALL, not yet created
by THE ALL having separated itself into fragments? What else can it be
— of what else can it be made? This is the great question. Let us examine
it carefully. We find here that the "Principle of Correspondence" (see
Lesson I.) comes to our aid here. The old Hermetic axiom, "As above so
below," may be pressed into service at this point. Let us endeavor to get a
glimpse of the workings on higher planes by examining those on our
own. The Principle of Correspondence must apply to this as well as to
other problems.
Let us see! On his own plane of being, how does Man create? Well,
first, he may create by making something out of outside materials. But
this will not do, for there are no materials outside of THE ALL with which
it may create. Well, then, secondly, Man pro-creates or reproduces his
kind by the process of begetting, which is self-multiplication
accomplished by transferring a portion of his substance to his offspring.
But this will not do, because THE ALL cannot transfer or subtract a
portion of itself, nor can it reproduce or multiply itself — in the first place
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THE ALL can create in no other way except mentally, without either
using material (and there is none to use), or else reproducing itself
(which is also impossible). There is no escape from this conclusion of the
Reason, which, as we have said, agrees with the highest teachings of the
Illumined. Just as you, student, may create a Universe of your own in
your mentality, so does THE ALL create Universes in its own Mentality.
But your Universe is the mental creation of a Finite Mind, whereas that
of THE ALL is the creation of an Infinite. The two are similar in kind, but
infinitely different in degree. We shall examine more closely into the
process of creation and manifestation, as we proceed. But this is the
point to fix in your minds at this stage: THE UNIVERSE, AND ALL IT
CONTAINS, IS A MENTAL CREATION OF THE ALL. Verily, indeed, ALL IS
MIND!
"THE ALL creates in its Infinite Mind countless Universes, which exist for
aeons of Time — and yet, to THE ALL, the creation, development, decline
and death of a million universes is as the time of the twinkling of an eye." —
The Kybalion.
"The Infinite Mind of THE ALL is the womb of Universes." — The Kybalion.
Now do not jump to the conclusion that we are teaching that there is
a male and female God, or Creator. That idea is merely a distortion of the
ancient teachings on the subject. The true teaching is that THE ALL, in
itself, is above Gender, as it is above every other Law, including those of
Time and Space. It is the Law, from which the Laws proceed, and it is not
subject to them. But when THE ALL manifests on the plane of generation
or Creation, then it acts according to Law and Principle, for it is moving
on a lower plane of Being. And consequently it manifests the Principle of
Gender, in its Masculine and Feminine aspects, on the Mental Plane, of
course.
This idea may seem startling to some of you who hear it for the first
time, but you have all really passively accepted it in your everyday
conceptions. You speak of the Fatherhood of God, and the Motherhood of
Nature — of God, the Divine Father, and Nature the Universal Mother —
and have thus instinctively acknowledged the Principle of Gender in the
Universe. Is this not so?
But, the Hermetic teaching does not imply a real duality — THE ALL
is ONE — the Two Aspects are merely aspects of manifestation. The
teaching is that The Masculine Principle manifested by THE ALL stands,
in a way, apart from the actual mental creation of the Universe. It
projects its Will toward the Feminine Principle (which may be called
"Nature") whereupon the latter begins the actual work of the evolution of
the Universe, from simple "centres of activity" on to man, and then on
and on still higher, all according to well-established and firmly enforced
Laws of Nature. If you prefer the old figures of thought, you may think of
the Masculine Principle as GOD, the Father, and of the Feminine
Principle as NATURE, the Universal Mother, from whose womb) all things
have been born. This is more than a mere poetic figure of speech — it is
an idea of the actual process of the creation of the Universe. But always
remember, that THE ALL is but One, and that in its Infinite Mind the
Universe is generated, created and exists.
It may help you to get the proper idea, if you will apply the Law of
Correspondence to yourself, and your own mind. You know that the part
of You which you call "I," in a sense, stands apart and witnesses the
creation of Mental Images in your own mind. The part of your mind in
which the mental generation is accomplished may be called the "Me" in
distinction from the "I" which stands apart and witnesses and examines
the thoughts, ideas and images of the "Me." "As above, so below,"
remember, and the phenomena of one plane may be employed to solve
the riddles of higher or lower planes.
Is it any wonder that You, the child, feel that instinctive reverence for
THE ALL, which feeling we call "religion" that respect, and reverence for
THE FATHER MIND? Is it any wonder that, when you consider the works
and wonders of Nature, you are overcome with a mighty feeling which
has its roots away down in your inmost being? It is the MOTHER MIND
that you are pressing close up to, like a babe to the breast.
Do not make the mistake of supposing that the little world you see
around you — the Earth, which is a mere grain of dust in the Universe —
is the Universe itself. There are millions upon millions of such worlds,
And Death is not real, even in the Relative sense — it is but Birth to a
new life — and You shall go on, and on, and on, to higher and still higher
planes of life, for aeons upon aeons of time. The Universe is your home,
and you shall explore its farthest recesses before the end of Time. You
are dwelling in the Infinite Mind of THE ALL, and your possibilities and
opportunities are infinite, both in time and Space. And at the end of the
Grand Cycle of Aeons, when THE ALL shall draw back into itself all of its
creations — you will go gladly, for you will then be able to know the
Whole Truth of being At One with THE ALL. Such is the report of the
Illumined — those who have advanced well along The Path.
And, in the meantime, rest calm and serene — you are safe and
protected by the Infinite Power of the FATHER-MOTHER MIND.
"There is not one who is Fatherless, nor Motherless in the Universe." — The
Kybalion.
Chapter VI.
THE DIVINE PARADOX.
awakening at last by his falling bruised and bleeding over the Natural
Laws which he ignored. Keep your mind ever on the Star, but let your
eyes watch over your footsteps, lest you fall into the mire by reason of
your upward gaze. Remember the Divine Paradox, that while the
Universe IS NOT, still IT IS. Remember ever the Two Poles of Truth — the
Absolute and the Relative. Beware of half-Truths.
The first thought that comes to the thinking man after he realizes the
truth that the Universe is a Mental Creation of THE ALL, is that the
Universe and all that it contains is a mere illusion; an unreality; against
which idea his instincts revolt. But this, like all other great truths, must
be considered both from the Absolute and the Relative points of view.
From the Absolute viewpoint, of course, the Universe is in the nature of
an illusion, a dream, a phantasmagoria, as compared to THE ALL in
itself. We recognize this even in our ordinary view, for we speak of the
world as "a fleeting show" that comes and goes, is born and dies-for the
element of impermanence and change, finiteness and unsubstantiality,
must ever be connected with the idea of a created Universe when it is
contrasted with the idea of THE ALL, no matter what may be our beliefs
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But the Absolute point of view shows merely one side of the picture —
the other side is the Relative one. Absolute Truth has been defined as
"Things as the mind of God knows them," while Relative Truth is "Things
as the highest reason of Man understands them." And so while to THE
ALL the Universe must be unreal and illusionary, a mere dream or result
of meditation — nevertheless, to the finite minds forming a part of that
Universe, and viewing it through mortal faculties, the Universe is very
real indeed, and must be so considered. In recognizing the Absolute view,
we must not make the mistake of ignoring or denying the facts and
phenomena of the Universe as they present themselves to our mortal
faculties — we are not THE ALL, remember.
So, we need not dwell upon the feature of illusion. Rather let us,
recognizing the real nature of the Universe, seek to understand its
mental laws, and endeavor to use them to the best effect in our upward
progress through life, as we travel from plane to plane of being. The Laws
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of the Universe are none the less "Iron Laws" because of the mental
nature. All, except THE ALL, are bound by them. What is IN THE
INFINITE MIND OF THE ALL is REAL in a degree second only to that
Reality itself which is vested in the nature of THE ALL.
So, do not feel insecure or afraid — we are all HELD FIRMLY IN THE
INFINITE MIND OF THE ALL, and there is naught to hurt us or for us to
fear. There is no Power outside of THE ALL to affect us. So we may rest
calm and secure. There is a world of comfort and security in this
realization when once attained. Then "calm and peaceful do we sleep,
rocked in the Cradle of the Deep" — resting safely on the bosom of the
Ocean of Infinite Mind, which is THE ALL. In THE ALL, indeed, do "we
live and move and have our being."
Matter is none the less Matter to us, while we dwell on the plane of
Matter, although we know it to be merely an aggregation of "electrons," or
particles of Force, vibrating rapidly and gyrating around each other in
the formations of atoms; the atoms in turn vibrating and gyrating,
forming molecules, which latter in turn form larger masses of Matter. Nor
does Matter become less Matter, when we follow the inquiry still further,
and learn from the Hermetic Teachings, that the "Force" of which the
electrons are but units is merely a manifestation of the Mind of THE ALL,
and like all else in the Universe is purely Mental in its nature. While on
the Plane of Matter, we must recognize its phenomena — we may control
Matter (as all Masters of higher or lesser degree do), but we do so by
applying the higher forces. We commit a folly when we attempt to deny
the existence of Matter in the relative aspect. We may deny its mastery
over us — and rightly so — but we should not attempt to ignore it in its
relative aspect, at least so long as we dwell upon its plane.
So, the student of Hermetics need not lay aside any of his cherished
scientific views regarding the Universe. All he is asked to do is to grasp
the underlying principle of "THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental held
in the Mind of THE ALL." He will find that the other six of the Seven
Principles will "fit into" his scientific knowledge, and will serve to bring
out obscure points and to throw light in dark corners. This is not to be
wondered at, when we realize the influence of the Hermetic thought on
the early philosophers of Greece, upon whose foundations of thought the
theories of modern science largely rest. The acceptance of the First
Hermetic Principle (Mentalism) is the only great point of difference
between Modern Science and Hermetic students, and Science is
gradually moving toward the Hermetic position in its groping in the dark
for a way out of the Labyrinth into which it has wandered in its search
for Reality.
Under any hypothesis the Universe in its outer aspect is changing, ever-
flowing, and transitory — and therefore devoid of substantiality and
reality. But (note the other pole of the truth) under any of the same
hypotheses, we are compelled to ACT AND LIVE as if the fleeting things
were real and substantial. With this difference, always, between the
various hypotheses — that under the old views Mental Power was
ignored as a Natural Force, while under Mentalism it becomes the
Greatest Natural Force. And this one difference revolutionizes Life, to
those who understand the Principle and its resulting laws and practice.
So, finally, students all, grasp the advantage of Mentalism, and learn
to know, use and apply the laws resulting therefrom. But do not yield to
the temptation which, as The Kybalion states, overcomes the half-wise
and which causes them to be hypnotized by the apparent unreality of
things, the consequence being that they wander about like dream-people
dwelling in a world of dreams, ignoring the practical work and life of
man, the end being that "they are broken against the rocks and torn
asunder by the elements, by reason of their folly." Rather follow the
example of the wise, which the same authority states, "use Law against
Laws; the higher against the lower; and by the Art of Alchemy transmute
that which is undesirable into that which is worthy, and thus triumph."
Following the authority, let us avoid the half-wisdom (which is folly)
which ignores the truth that: "Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams,
visions, and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher forces
against the lower — escaping the pains of the lower planes by vibrating
on the higher." Remember always, student, that "Transmutation, not
presumptuous denial, is the weapon of the Master." The above
quotations are from The Kybalion, and are worthy of being committed to
memory by the student.
business in the Universe is not to deny its existence, but to LIVE. using
the Laws to rise from lower to higher — living on, doing the best that we
can under the circumstances arising each day, and living, so far as is
possible, to our highest ideas and ideals. The true Meaning of Life is not
known to men on this plane — if, indeed, to any — but the highest
authorities, and our own intuitions, teach us that we will make no
mistake in living up to the best that is in us, so far as is possible, and
realizing the Universal tendency in the same direction in spite of
apparent evidences to the contrary. We are all on The Path — and the
road leads upward ever, with frequent resting places.
Read the Message of The Kybalion — and follow the example of "the
wise" — avoiding the mistake of "the half-wise" who perish by reason of
their folly.
Chapter VII.
"THE ALL" IN ALL.
"While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in All. To him
who truly understands this truth hath come great knowledge." — The
Kybalion.
How often have the majority of people heard repeated the statement
that their Deity (called by many names) was "All in All," and how little
have they suspected the inner occult truth concealed by these carelessly
uttered words? The commonly used expression is a survival of the
ancient Hermetic Maxim quoted above. As the Kybalion says: "To him
who truly understands this truth, hath come great knowledge." And, this
being so, let us seek this truth, the understanding of which means so
much. In this statement of truth this Hermetic Maxim — is concealed
one of the greatest philosophical, scientific and religious truths.
The Hermetic Teachings are to the effect that THE ALL is Imminent in
("remaining within; inherent; abiding within") its Universe, and in every
part, particle, unit, or combination, within the Universe. This statement
is usually illustrated by the Teachers by a reference to the Principle of
Correspondence. The Teacher instructs the student to form a Mental
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as a lowly thing, created and having its being solely within the Mind of
THE ALL — yet THE ALL is immanent in the earth-worm, and in the
particles that go to make up the earth-worm. Can there be any greater
mystery than this of "All in THE ALL; and THE ALL in All?"
The student will, of course, realize that the illustrations given above
are necessarily imperfect and inadequate, for they represent the creation
of mental images in finite minds, while the Universe is a creation of
Infinite Mind — and the difference between the two poles separates them.
And yet it is merely a matter of degree — the same Principle is in
operation — the Principle of Correspondence manifests in each — "As
above, so Below; as Below, so above."
And, in the degree that Man realizes the existence of the Indwelling
Spirit immanent within his being, so will he rise in the spiritual scale of
life. This is what spiritual development means — the recognition,
realization, and manifestation of the Spirit within us. Try to remember
this last definition — that of spiritual development. It contains the Truth
of True Religion.
Men have striven hard to answer this question, but still there is no
answer worthy of the name. Some have imagined that THE ALL had
something to gain by it, but this is absurd, for what could THE ALL gain
that it did not already possess? Others have sought the answer in the
idea that THE ALL "wished something to love;" and others that it created
for pleasure, or amusement; or because it "was lonely"; or to manifest its
power; — all puerile explanations and ideas, belonging to the childish
period of thought.
Chapter VIII.
THE PLANES OF CORRESPONDENCE.
The great Second Hermetic Principle embodies the truth that there is
a harmony agreement, and correspondence between the several planes of
Manifestation, Life and Being. This truth is a truth because all that is
included in the Universe emanates from the same source, and the same
laws, principles, and characteristics apply to each unit, or combination
of units of activity, as each manifests its own phenomena upon its own
plane.
These divisions are more or less artificial and arbitrary, for the truth
is that all of the three divisions are but ascending degrees of the great
scale of Life, the lowest point of which is undifferentiated Matter, and the
highest point that of Spirit. And, moreover, the different Planes shade
into each other, so that no hard and fast division may be made between
the higher phenomena of the Physical and the lower of the Mental; or
between the higher of the Mental and the lower of the Spiritual.
explanation of, the subject of these different planes, still we think it well
to give a general description of the same at this point.
these degrees form what occultists call "Planes." The higher the degree of
rate of vibration, the higher the plane, and the higher the manifestation
of Life occupying that plane. So that while a plane is not "a place," nor
yet "a state or condition," yet it possesses qualities common to both. We
shall have more to say regarding the subject of the scale of Vibrations in
our next lessons, in which we shall consider the Hermetic Principle of
Vibration.
You will kindly remember, however, that the Three Great Planes are
not actual divisions of the phenomena of the Universe, but merely
arbitrary terms used by the Hermetists in order to aid in the thought and
study of the various degrees and forms of universal activity and life. The
atom of matter, the unit of force, the mind of man, and the being of the
arch-angel are all but degrees in one scale, and all fundamentally the
same, the difference between solely a matter of degree, and rate of
vibration — all are creations of THE ALL, and have their existence solely
within the Infinite Mind of THE ALL.
The Hermetists sub-divide each of the Three Great Planes into Seven
Minor Planes, and each of these latter are also sub-divided into seven
sub-planes, all divisions being more or less arbitrary, shading into each
other, and adopted merely for convenience of scientific study and
thought.
The Great Physical Plane, and its Seven Minor Planes, is that division
of the phenomena of the Universe which includes all that relates to
physics, or material things, forces, and manifestations. It includes all
forms of that which we call Matter, and all forms of that which we call
Energy or Force. But you must remember that the Hermetic Philosophy
does not recognize Matter as a "thing in itself," or as having a separate
existence even in the Mind of THE ALL. The Teachings are that Matter is
but a form of Energy — that is, Energy at a low rate of vibrations of a
certain kind. And accordingly the Hermetists classify Matter under the
head of Energy, and give to it three of the Seven Minor Planes of the
Great Physical Plane.
The Plane of Matter (A) comprises the forms of Matter in its form of
solids, liquids, and gases, as generally recognized by the text-books on
physics. The Plane of Matter (B) comprises certain higher and more
subtle forms of Matter of the existence of which modern science is but
now recognizing, the phenomena of Radiant Matter, in its phases of
radium, etc., belonging to the lower sub-division of this Minor Plane. The
Plane of Matter (C) comprises forms of the most subtle and tenuous
Matter, the existence of which is not suspected by ordinary scientists.
The Plane of Ethereal Substance comprises that which science speaks of
as "The Ether," a substance of extreme tenuity and elasticity, pervading
all Universal Space, and acting as a medium for the transmission of
waves of energy, such as light, heat, electricity, etc. This Ethereal
Substance forms a connecting link between Matter (so-called) and
Energy, and partakes of the nature of each. The Hermetic Teachings,
however, instruct that this plane has seven sub-divisions (as have all of
the Minor Planes), and that in fact there are seven ethers, instead of but
one.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (A) comprises the state or condition, and
degree of mental and vital development of a class of entities unknown to
the average man, but recognized to occultists. They are invisible to the
ordinary senses of man, but, nevertheless, exist and play their part of the
Drama of the Universe. Their degree of intelligence is between that of the
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mineral and chemical entities on the one hand, and of the entities of the
plant kingdom on the other. There are seven sub-divisions to this plane,
also.
Passing on from the Great Mental Plane to the Great Spiritual Plane,
what shall we say? How can we explain these higher states of Being, Life
and Mind, to minds as yet unable to grasp and understand the higher
sub-divisions of the Plane of Human Mind? The task is impossible. We
can speak only in the most general terms. How may Light be described to
a man born blind — how sugar, to a man who has never tasted anything
sweet — how harmony, to one born deaf?
All that we can say is that the Seven Minor Planes of the Great
Spiritual Plane (each Minor Plane having its seven sub-divisions)
comprise Beings possessing Life, Mind and Form as far above that of
Man of to-day as the latter is above the earth-worm, mineral or even
certain forms of Energy or Matter. The Life of these Beings so far
transcends ours, that we cannot even think of the details of the same;
their Minds so far transcend ours, that to them we scarcely seem to
"think," and our mental processes seem almost akin to material
processes; the Matter of which their forms are composed is of the highest
Planes of Matter, nay, some are even said to be "clothed in Pure Energy."
What may be said of such Beings?
On the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Spiritual Plane exist Beings
of whom we may speak as Angels; Archangels; Demi-Gods. On the lower
Minor Planes dwell those great souls whom we call Masters and Adepts.
Above them come the Great Hierarchies of the Angelic Posts, unthinkable
to man; and above those come those who may without irreverence be
called "The Gods," so high in the scale of Being are they, their being,
intelligence and power being akin to those attributed by the races of men
to their conceptions of Deity. These Beings are beyond even the highest
flights of the human imagination, the word "Divine" being the only one
applicable to them. Many of these Beings, as well as the Angelic Host,
take the greatest interest in the affairs of the Universe and play an
important part in its affairs. These Unseen Divinities and Angelic Helpers
extend their influence freely and powerfully, in the process of Evolution,
and Cosmic Progress. Their occasional intervention and assistance in
human affairs have led to the many legends, beliefs, religions and
traditions of the race, past and present. They have super-imposed their
knowledge and power upon the world, again and again, all under the Law
of THE ALL, of course.
But, yet, even the highest of these advanced Beings exist merely as
creations of, and in, the Mind of THE ALL, and are subject to the Cosmic
Processes and Universal Laws. They are still Mortal. We may call them
"gods" if we like, but still they are but the Elder Brethren of the Race, —
the advanced souls who have outstripped their brethren, and who have
foregone the ecstacy of Absorption by THE ALL, in order to help the race
on its upward journey along The Path. But, they belong to the Universe,
and are subject to its conditions — they are mortal — and their plane is
below that of Absolute Spirit.
Only the most advanced Hermetists are able to grasp the Inner
Teachings regarding the state of existence, and the powers manifested on
the Spiritual Planes. The phenomena is so much higher than that of the
Mental Planes that a confusion of ideas would surely result from an
attempt to describe the same. Only those whose minds have been
carefully trained along the lines of the Hermetic Philosophy for years —
yes, those who have brought with them from other incarnations the
knowledge acquired previously — can comprehend just what is meant by
the Teaching regarding these Spiritual Planes. And much of these Inner
Teachings is held by the Hermetists as being too sacred, important and
even dangerous for general public dissemination. The intelligent student
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may recognize what we mean by this when we state that the meaning of
"Spirit" as used by the Hermetists is akin to "Living Power"; "Animated
Force"; "Inner Essence"; "Essence of Life," etc., which meaning must not
be confounded with that usually and commonly employed in connection
with the term, i. e., "religious; ecclesiastical; spirituelle; ethereal; holy,"
etc., etc. To occultists the word "Spirit" is used in the sense of "The
Animating Principle," carrying with it the idea of Power, Living Energy,
Mystic Force, etc. And occultists know that that which is known to them
as "Spiritual Power" may be employed for evil as well as good ends (in
accordance with the Principle of Polarity), a fact which has been
recognized by the majority of religions in their conceptions of Satan,
Beelzebub, the Devil, Lucifer, Fallen Angels, etc. And so the knowledge
regarding these Planes has been kept in the Holy of Holies in all Esoteric
Fraternities and Occult Orders, — in the Secret Chamber of the Temple.
But this may be said here, that those who have attained high spiritual
powers and have misused them, have a terrible fate in store for them,
and the swing of the pendulum of Rhythm will inevitably swing them
back to the furthest extreme of Material existence, from which point they
must retrace their steps Spiritward, along the weary rounds of The Path,
but always with the added torture of having always with them a lingering
memory of the heights from which they fell owing to their evil actions.
The legends of the Fallen Angels have a basis in actual facts, as all
advanced occultists know. The striving for selfish power on the Spiritual
Planes inevitably results in the selfish soul losing its spiritual balance
and falling back as far as it had previously risen. But to even such a
soul, the opportunity of a return is given — and such souls make the
return journey, paying the terrible penalty according to the invariable
Law.
full operation on all of the many planes, Physical, Mental and Spiritual.
The Principle of Mental Substance of course applies to all the planes, for
all are held in the Mind of THE ALL. The Principle of Correspondence
manifests in all, for there is a correspondence, harmony and agreement
between the several planes. The Principle of Vibration manifests on all
planes, in fact the very differences that go to make the "planes" arise
from Vibration, as we have explained. The Principle of Polarity manifests
on each plane, the extremes of the Poles being apparently opposite and
contradictory. The Principle of Rhythm manifests on each Plane, the
movement of the phenomena having its ebb and flow, rise and flow,
incoming and outgoing. The Principle of Cause and Effect manifests on
each Plane, every Effect having its Cause and every Cause having its
effect. The Principle of Gender manifests on each Plane, the Creative
Energy being always manifest, and operating along the lines of its
Masculine and Feminine Aspects.
Chapter IX.
VIBRATION.
Modern Science has proven that all that we call Matter and Energy
are but "modes of vibratory motion," and some of the more advanced
scientists are rapidly moving toward the positions of the occultists who
hold that the phenomena of Mind are likewise modes of vibration or
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motion. Let us see what science has to say regarding the question of
vibrations in matter and energy.
In the first place, science teaches that all matter manifests, in some
degree, the vibrations arising from temperature or heat. Be an object cold
or hot — both being but degrees of the same things — it manifests
certain heat vibrations, and in that sense is in motion and vibration.
Then all particles of Matter are in circular movement, from corpuscle to
suns. The planets revolve around suns, and many of them turn on their
axes. The suns move around greater central points, and these are
believed to move around still greater, and so on, ad infinitum. The
molecules of which the particular kinds of Matter are composed are in a
state of constant vibration and movement around each other and against
each other. The molecules are composed of Atoms, which, likewise, are in
a state of constant movement and vibration. The atoms are composed of
Corpuscles, sometimes called "electrons," "ions," etc., which also are in a
state of rapid motion, revolving around each other, and which manifest a
very rapid state and mode of vibration. And, so we see that all forms of
Matter manifest Vibration, in accordance with the Hermetic Principle of
Vibration.
too are manifestations of some form of vibratory energy, a fact which the
Hermetists have held and taught for ages past.
rising degrees of Heat. Then after quite a time the eye catches a glimpse
of the object becoming a dull dark reddish color. As the rate increases,
the red becomes brighter. Then as the speed is increased, the red melts
into an orange. Then the orange melts into a yellow. Then follow,
successively, the shades of green, blue, indigo, and finally violet, as the
rate of speed increases. Then the violet shades away, and all color
disappears, the human eye not being able to register them. But there are
invisible rays emanating from the revolving object, the rays that are used
in photographing, and other subtle rays of light. Then begin to manifest
the peculiar rays known as the "X Rays," etc., as the constitution of the
object changes. Electricity and Magnetism are emitted when the
appropriate rate of vibration is attained.
of its molecules, atoms and corpuscles, as the case may be. These forms
of energy, although much higher in the scale than matter, are
imprisoned and confined in the material combinations, by reason of the
energies manifesting through, and using material forms, but thus
becoming entangled and confined in their creations of material forms,
which, to an extent, is true of all creations, the creating force becoming
involved in its creation.
A little reflection on what we have said will show the student that the
Principle of Vibration underlies the wonderful phenomena of the power
manifested by the Masters and Adepts, who are able to apparently set
aside the Laws of Nature, but who, in reality, are simply using one law
against another; one principle against others; and who accomplish their
results by changing the vibrations of material objects, or forms of energy,
and thus perform what are commonly called "miracles."
As one of the old Hermetic writers has truly said: "He who
understands the Princible of Vibration, has grasped the sceptre of
Power."
Chapter X.
POLARITY.
"Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites;
like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in
degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be
reconciled." — The Kybalion.
The Hermetic Teachings are to the effect that the difference between
things seemingly diametrically opposed to each other is merely a matter
of degree. It teaches that "the pairs of opposites may be reconciled," and
that "thesis and anti-thesis are identical in nature, but different in
degree"; and that the "universal reconciliation of opposites" is effected by
a recognition of this Principle of Polarity. The teachers claim that
illustrations of this Principle may be had on every hand, and from an
examination into the real nature of anything. They begin by showing that
Spirit and Matter are but the two poles of the same thing, the
intermediate planes being merely degrees of vibration. They show that
THE ALL and The Many are the same, the difference being merely a
matter of degree of Mental Manifestation. Thus the LAW and Laws are
the two opposite poles of one thing. Likewise PRINCIPLE and Principles.
Infinite Mind and finite minds.
Light and Darkness are poles of the same thing, with many degrees
between them. The musical scale is the same — starting with "C" you
move upward until you reach another "C," and so on, the differences
between the two ends of the board being the same, with many degrees
between the two extremes. The scale of color is the same — higher and
lower vibrations being the only difference between high violet and low
red. Large and Small are relative. So are Noise and Quiet; Hard and Soft
follow the rule. Likewise Sharp and Dull. Positive and Negative are two
poles of the same thing, with countless degrees between them.
Good and Bad are not absolute — we call one end of the scale Good
and the other Bad, or one end Good and the other Evil, according to the
use of the terms. A thing is "less good" than the thing higher in the scale;
but that "less good" thing, in turn, is "more good" than the thing next
below it — and so on, the "more or less" being regulated by the position
on the scale.
And it is this fact that enables the Hermetist to transmute one mental
state into another, along the lines of Polarization. Things belonging to
different classes cannot be transmuted into each other, but things of the
same class may be changed, that is, may have their polarity changed.
Thus Love never becomes East or West, or Red or Violet — but it may
and often does turn into Hate and likewise Hate may be transformed into
Love, by changing its polarity. Courage may be transmuted into Fear,
and the reverse. Hard things may be rendered Soft. Dull things become
Sharp. Hot things become Cold. And so on, the transmutation always
being between things of the same kind of different degrees. Take the case
of a Fearful man. By raising his mental vibrations along the line of Fear-
Courage, he can be filled with the highest degree of Courage and
Fearlessness. And, likewise, the Slothful man may change himself into
The student who is familiar with the processes by which the various
schools of Mental Science, etc., produce changes in the mental states of
those following their teachings, may not readily understand the principle
underlying many of these changes. When, however, the Principle of
Polarity is once grasped, and it is seen that the mental changes are
occasioned by a change of polarity — a sliding along the same scale —
the matter is more readily understood. The change is not in the nature of
a transmutation of one thing into another thing entirely different — but
is merely a change of degree in the same things, a vastly important
difference. For instance, borrowing an analogy from the Physical Plane, it
is impossible to change Heat into Sharpness, Loudness, Highness, etc.,
but Heat may readily be transmuted into Cold, simply by lowering the
vibrations. In the same way Hate and Love are mutually transmutable;
so are Fear and Courage. But Fear cannot be transformed into Love, nor
can Courage be transmuted into Hate. The mental states belong to
innumerable classes, each class of which has its opposite poles, along
which transmutation is possible.
The student will readily recognize that in the mental states, as well as
in the phenomena of the Physical Plane, the two poles may be classified
as Positive and Negative, respectively. Thus Love is Positive to Hate;
Courage to Fear; Activity to Non-Activity, etc., etc. And it will also be
noticed that even to those unfamiliar with the Principle of Vibration, the
Positive pole seems to be of a higher degree than the Negative, and
readily dominates it. The tendency of Nature is in the direction of the
dominant activity of the Positive pole.
Chapter XI.
RHYTHM.
"Everything flows out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall;
the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the
right, is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates." — The
Kybalion.
Universes are created; reach their extreme low point of materiality; and
then begin their upward swing. Suns spring into being, and then their
height of power being reached, the process of retrogression begins, and
after aeons they become dead masses of matter, awaiting another
impulse which starts again their inner energies into activity and a new
solar life cycle is begun. And thus it is with all the worlds; they are born,
grow and die; only to be reborn. And thus it is with all the things of
shape and form; they swing from action to reaction; from birth to death;
from activity to inactivity and then back again. Thus it is with all living
things; they are born, grow, and die — and then are reborn. So it is with
all great movements, philosophies, creeds, fashions, governments,
nations, and all else — birth, growth, maturity, decadence, death — and
then new-birth. The swing of the pendulum is ever in evidence.
Night follows day; and day night. The pendulum swings from
Summer to Winter, and then back again. The corpuscles, atoms,
molecules, and all masses of matter, swing around the circle of their
nature. There is no such thing as absolute rest, or cessation from
movement, and all movement partakes of Rhythm. The principle is of
universal application. It may be applied to any question, or phenomena
of any of the many planes of life. It may be applied to all phases of
human activity. There is always the Rhythmic swing from one pole to the
other. The Universal Pendulum is ever in motion. The Tides of Life flow in
and out, according to Law.
The Hermetic Masters long since discovered that while the Principle
of Rhythm was invariable, and ever in evidence in mental phenomena,
still there were two planes of its manifestation so far as mental
phenomena are concerned. They discovered that there were two general
planes of Consciousness, the Lower and the Higher, the understanding of
which fact enabled them to rise to the higher plane and thus escape the
swing of the Rhythmic pendulum which manifested on the lower plane.
In other words, the swing of the pendulum occurred on the Unconscious
Plane, and the Consciousness was not affected. This they call the Law of
Neutralization. Its operations consist in the raising of the Ego above the
vibrations of the Unconscious Plane of mental activity, so that the
negative-swing of the pendulum is not manifested in consciousness, and
therefore they are not affected. It is akin to rising above a thing and
letting it pass beneath you. The Hermetic Master, or advanced student,
polarizes himself at the desired pole, and by a process akin to "refusing"
to participate in the backward swing, or, if you prefer, a "denial" of its
influence over him, he stands firm in his polarized position, and allows
the mental pendulum to swing back along the unconscious plane. All
individuals who have attained any degree of self-mastery, accomplish
this, more or less unknowingly, and by refusing to allow their moods and
negative mental states to affect them, they apply the Law of
Neutralization. The Master, however, carries this to a much higher degree
of proficiency, and by the use of his Will he attains a degree of Poise and
Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on the part of those who
allow themselves to be swung backward and forward by the mental
pendulum of moods and feelings.
of people are, and how little mastery of themselves they manifest. If you
will stop and consider a moment, you will realize how much these swings
of Rhythm have affected you in your life — how a period of Enthusiasm
has been invariably followed by an opposite feeling and mood of
Depression. Likewise, your moods and periods of Courage have been
succeeded by equal moods of Fear. And so it has ever been with the
majority of persons — tides of feeling have ever risen and fallen with
them, but they have never suspected the cause or reason of the mental
phenomena. An understanding of the workings of this Principle will give
one the key to the Mastery of these rhythmic swings of feeling, and will
enable him to know himself better and to avoid being carried away by
these inflows and outflows. The Will is superior to the conscious
manifestation of this Principle, although the Principle itself can never be
destroyed. We may escape its effects, but the Principle operates,
nevertheless. The pendulum ever swings, although we may escape being
carried along with it.
Law. And the same Law is manifested in all the phenomena of Rhythm.
The pendulum, with a short swing in one direction, has but a short
swing in the other; while the long swing to the right invariably means the
long swing to the left. An object hurled upward to a certain height has an
equal distance to traverse on its return. The force with which a projectile
is sent upward a mile is reproduced when the projectile returns to the
earth on its return journey. This Law is constant on the Physical Plane,
as reference to the standard authorities will show you.
But the Hermetists carry it still further. They teach that a man's
mental states are subject to the same Law. The man who enjoys keenly,
is subject to keen suffering; while he who feels but little pain is capable
of feeling but little joy. The pig suffers but little mentally, and enjoys but
little — he is compensated. And on the other hand, there are other
animals who enjoy keenly, but whose nervous organism and
temperament cause them to suffer exquisite degrees of pain. And so it is
with Man. There are temperaments which permit of but low degrees of
enjoyment, and equally low degrees of suffering; while there are others
which permit the most intense enjoyment, but also the most intense
suffering. The rule is that the capacity for pain and pleasure, in each
individual, are balanced. The Law of Compensation is in full operation
here.
But the Hermetists go still further in this matter. They teach that
before one is able to enjoy a certain degree of pleasure, he must have
swung as far, proportionately, toward the other pole of feeling. They hold,
however, that the Negative is precedent to the Positive in this matter,
that is to say that in experiencing a certain degree of pleasure it does not
follow that he will have to "pay up for it" with a corresponding degree of
pain; on the contrary, the pleasure is the Rhythmic swing, according to
the Law of Compensation, for a degree of pain previously experienced
Chapter XII.
CAUSATION.
"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens
according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are
many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law." — The Kybalion.
sufficient number of tosses, and the heads and tails will about even up.
This is the operation of the law of average. But both the average and the
single toss come under the Law of Cause and Effect, and if we were able
to examine into the preceding causes, it would be clearly seen that it was
simply impossible for the die to fall other than it did, under the same
circumstances and at the same time. Given the same causes, the same
results will follow. There is always a "cause" and a "because" to every
event. Nothing ever "happens" without a cause, or rather a chain of
causes.
Just as a man has two parents, and four grandparents, and eight
great-grandparents, and sixteen great-great-grandparents, and so on
until when, say, forty generations are calculated the numbers of
ancestors run into many millions — so it is with the number of causes
behind even the most trifling event or phenomena, such as the passage
of a tiny speck of soot before your eye. It is not an easy matter to trace
the bit of soot back to the early period of the world's history when it
formed a part of a massive tree-trunk, which was afterward converted
into coal, and so on, until as the speck of soot it now passes before your
vision on its way to other adventures. And a mighty chain of events,
causes and effects, brought it to its present condition, and the latter is
but one of the chain of events which will go to produce other events
hundreds of years from now. One of the series of events arising from the
tiny bit of soot was the writing of these lines, which caused the typesetter
to perform certain work; the proofreader to do likewise; and which will
arouse certain thoughts in your mind, and that of others, which in turn
will affect others, and so on, and on, and on, beyond the ability of man to
think further and all from the passage of a tiny bit of soot, all of which
shows the relativity and association of things, and the further fact that
"there is no great; there is no small; in the mind that causeth all."
Stop to think a moment. If a certain man had not met a certain maid,
away back in the dim period of the Stone Age — you who are now reading
these lines would not now be here. And if, perhaps, the same couple had
failed to meet, we who now write these lines would not now be here. And
the very act of writing, on our part, and the act of reading, on yours, will
affect not only the respective lives of yourself and ourselves, but will also
have a direct, or indirect, affect upon many other people now living and
who will live in the ages to come. Every thought we think, every act we
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perform, has its direct and indirect results which fit into the great chain
of Cause and Effect.
The majority of people are carried along like the falling stone,
obedient to environment, outside influences and internal moods, desires,
etc., not to speak of the desires and wills of others stronger than
themselves, heredity, environment, and suggestion, carrying them along
without resistence on their part, or the exercise of the Will. Moved like
the pawns on the checkerboard of life, they play their parts and are laid
aside after the game is over. But the Masters, knowing the rules of the
game, rise above the plane of material life, and placing themselves in
touch with the higher powers of their nature, dominate their own moods,
characters, qualities, and polarity, as well as the environment
surrounding them and thus become Movers in the game, instead of
Pawns — Causes instead of Effects. The Masters do not escape the
Causation of the higher planes, but fall in with the higher laws, and thus
master circumstances on the lower plane. They thus form a conscious
part of the Law, instead of being mere blind instruments. While they
Serve on the Higher Planes, they Rule on the Material Plane.
Chapter XIII.
GENDER.
The word "Gender" is derived from the Latin root meaning "to beget;
to pro-create; to generate; to create; to produce." A moment's
consideration will show you that the word has a much broader and more
general meaning than the term "Sex," the latter referring to the physical
distinctions between male and female living things. Sex is merely a
manifestation of Gender on a certain plane of the Great Physical Plane —
the plane of organic life. We wish to impress this distinction upon your
minds, for the reason that certain writers, who have acquired a
smattering of the Hermetic Philosophy, have sought to identify this
Seventh Hermetic Principle with wild and fanciful, and often
reprehensible, theories and teachings regarding Sex.
scientific conceptions during the past decade. The Cathode pole is the
Mother of all of the strange phenomena which have rendered useless the
old text-books, and which have caused many long accepted theories to be
relegated to the scrap-pile of scientific speculation. The Cathode, or
Negative Pole, is the Mother Principle of Electrical Phenomena, and of the
finest forms of matter as yet known to science. So you see we are
justified in refusing to use the term "Negative" in our consideration of the
subject, and in insisting upon substituting the word "Feminine" for the
old term. The facts of the case bear us out in this, without taking the
Hermetic Teachings into consideration. And so we shall use the word
"Feminine" in the place of "Negative" in speaking of that pole of activity.
popularity and general acceptance. And it thus follows that if we are able
to discover in the phenomena of electricity — even at the very root and
source of its manifestations — a clear and unmistakable evidence of the
presence of Gender and its activities, we are justified in asking you to
believe that science at last has offered proofs of the existence in all
universal phenomena of that great Hermetic Principle — the Principle of
Gender.
Chapter XIV.
MENTAL GENDER.
But we have proceeded too hastily. The "Me" of many men may be
said to consist largely of their consciousness of the body and their
physical appetites, etc. Their consciousness being largely bound up with
their bodily nature, they practically "live there." Some men even go so far
as to regard their personal apparel as a part of their "Me," and actually
seem to consider it a part of themselves. A writer has humorously said
that "men consist of three parts — soul, body and clothes." These
"clothes conscious" people would lose their personality if divested of their
clothing by savages upon the occasion of a shipwreck. But even many
who are not so closely bound up with the idea of personal raiment stick
closely to the consciousness of their bodies being their "Me." They cannot
conceive of a Self independent of the body. Their mind seems to them to
be practically "a something belonging to" their body — which in many
cases it is indeed.
After this laying-aside process has been performed, the student will
find himself in conscious possession of a "Self" which may be considered
in its "I" and "Me" dual aspects. The "Me" will be felt to be a Something
mental in which thoughts, ideas, emotions, feelings, and other mental
states may be produced. It may be considered as the "mental womb," as
the ancients styled it — capable of generating mental offspring. It reports
to the consciousness as a "Me" with latent powers of creation and
generation of mental progeny of all sorts and kinds. Its powers of creative
energy are felt to be enormous. But still it seems to be conscious that it
must receive some form of energy from either its "I" companion, or else
from some other "I," ere it is able to bring into being its mental creations.
But the student soon finds that this is not all that he finds within his
inner consciousness. He finds that there exists a mental Something
which is able to Will that the "Me" act along certain creative lines, and
which is also able to stand aside and witness the mental creation. This
part of himself he is taught to call his "I." He is able to rest in its
consciousness at will. He finds there not a consciousness of an ability to
generate and actively create, in the sense of the gradual process
attendant upon mental operations, but rather a sense and consciousness
of an ability to project an energy from the "I" to the "Me" — a process of
"willing" that the mental creation begin and proceed. He also finds that
the "I" is able to stand aside and witness the operations of the "Me's"
mental creation and generation. There is this dual aspect in the mind of
every person. The "I" represents the Masculine Principle of Mental
Gender — the "Me" represents the Female Principle. The "I" represents
the Aspect of Being; the "Me" the Aspect of Becoming. You will notice that
the Principle of Correspondence operates on this plane just as it does
upon the great plane upon which the creation of Universes is performed.
The two are similar in kind, although vastly different in degree. "As
above, so below; as below, so above."
another person, and the latter takes the seed-thought and allows it to
develop into maturity. In the same way Suggestion and Hypnotism
operates. The Masculine Principle of the person giving the suggestions
directs a steam of Vibratory Energy or Will-Power toward the Feminine
Principle of the other person, and the latter accepting it makes it its own
and acts and thinks accordingly. An idea thus lodged in the mind of
another person grows and develops, and in time is regarded as the
rightful mental offspring of the individual, whereas it is in reality like the
cuckoo egg placed in the sparrow's nest, where it destroys the rightful
offspring and makes itself at home. The normal method is for the
Masculine and Feminine Principles in a person's mind to co-ordinate and
act harmoniously in conjunction with each other. But, unfortunately, the
Masculine Principle in the average person is too lazy to act — the display
of Will-Power is too slight — and the consequence is that such persons
are ruled almost entirely by the minds and wills of other persons, whom
they allow to do their thinking and willing for them. How few original
thoughts or original actions are performed by the average person? Are
not the majority of persons mere shadows and echoes of others having
stronger wills or minds than themselves? The trouble is that the average
person dwells almost altogether in his "Me" consciousness, and does not
realize that he has such a thing as an "I." He is polarized in his Feminine
Principle of Mind, and the Masculine Principle, in which is lodged the
Will, is allowed to remain inactive and not employed.
The strong men and women of the world invariably manifest the
Masculine Principle of Will, and their strength depends materially upon
this fact. Instead of living upon the impressions made upon their minds
by others, they dominate their own minds by their Will, obtaining the
kind of mental images desired, and moreover dominate the minds of
others likewise, in the same manner. Look at the strong people, how they
manage to implant their seed-thoughts in the minds of the masses of the
people, thus causing the latter to think thoughts in accordance with the
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desires and wills of the strong individuals. This is why the masses of
people are such sheep-like creatures, never originating an idea of their
own, nor using their own powers of mental activity.
of the matter in the light of the Hermetic Teachings, you will be able to
see that the energizing of the Feminine Principle by the Vibratory Energy
of the Masculine Principle is in accordance to the universal laws of
nature, and that the natural world affords countless analogies whereby
the principle may be understood. In fact, the Hermetic Teachings show
that the very creation of the Universe follows the same law, and that in
all creative manifestations, upon the planes of the spiritual, the mental,
and the physical, there is always in operation this principle of Gender —
this manifestation of the Masculine and the Feminine Principles. "As
above, so below; as below, so above." And more than this, when the
principle of Mental Gender is once grasped and understood, the varied
phenomena of psychology at once becomes capable of intelligent
classification and study, instead of being very much in the dark. The
principle "works out" in practice, because it is based upon the immutable
universal laws of life.
What is the use of going into detail regarding all of the many features of
psychic phenomena and mental science, provided we place in the hands
of the student the means whereby he may acquaint himself fully
regarding any phase of the subject which may interest him. With the aid
of The Kybalion one may go through any occult library anew, the old
Light from Egypt illuminating many dark pages, and obscure subjects.
That is the purpose of this book. We do not come expounding a new
philosophy, but rather furnishing the outlines of a great world-old
teaching which will make clear the teachings of others — which will serve
as a Great Reconciler of differing theories, and opposing doctrines.
Chapter XV.
HERMETIC AXIOMS.
"To change your mood or mental state — change your vibration." — The
Kybalion.
"To destroy an undesirable rate of mental vibration, put into operation the
Principle of Polarity and concentrate upon the opposite pole to that which you
desire to suppress. Kill out the undesirable by changing its polarity." — The
Kybalion.
"Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted from state to
state; degree to degree; condition to condition; pole to pole; vibration to
vibration." — The Kybalion.
— the "I Am" pole rather than the pole of personality, and by "refusing"
and "denying" the operation of Rhythm, raises himself above its plane of
consciousness, and standing firm in his Statement of Being he allows the
pendulum to swing back on the Lower Plane without changing his
Polarity. This is accomplished by all individuals who have attained any
degree of self-mastery, whether they understand the law or not. Such
persons simply "refuse" to allow themselves to be swung back by the
pendulum of mood and emotion, and by steadfastly affirming the
superiority, they remain polarized on the Positive pole. The Master, of
course, attains a far greater degree of proficiency, because he
understands the law which he is overcoming by a higher law, and by the
use of his Will he attains a degree of Poise and Mental Steadfastness
almost impossible of belief on the part of those who allow themselves to
be swung backward and forward by the mental pendulum of moods and
feelings.
"Nothing escapes the Principle of Cause and Effect, but there are many Planes
of Causation, and one may use the laws of the higher to overcome the laws of
the lower." — The Kybalion.
merely Caused. By being able to master their own moods and feelings,
and by being able to neutralize Rhythm, as we have already explained,
they are able to escape a great part of the operations of Cause and Effect
on the ordinary plane. The masses of people are carried along, obedient
to their environment; the wills and desires of others stronger than
themselves; the effects of inherited tendencies; the suggestions of those
about them; and other outward causes; which tend to move them about
on the chess-board of life like mere pawns. By rising above these
influencing causes, the advanced Hermetists seek a higher plane of
mental action, and by dominating their moods, emotions, impulses and
feelings, they create for themselves new characters, qualities and powers,
by which they overcome their ordinary environment, and thus become
practically players instead of mere Pawns. Such people help to play the
game of life understandingly, instead of being moved about this way and
that way by stronger influences and powers and wills. They use the
Principle of Cause and Effect, instead of being used by it. Of course, even
the highest are subject to the Principle as it manifests on the higher
planes, but on the lower planes of activity, they are Masters instead of
Slaves. As The Kybalion says:
"The wise ones serve on the higher, but rule on the lower. They obey the laws
coming from above them, but on their own plane, and those below them, they
rule and give orders. And, yet, in so doing, they form a part of the Principle,
instead of opposing it. The wise man falls in with the Law, and by
understanding its movements he operates it instead of being its blind slave.
Just as does the skilled swimmer turn this way and that way, going and
coming as he will, instead of being as the log which is carried here and there —
so is the wise man as compared to the ordinary man — and yet both swimmer
and log; wise man and fool, are subject to Law. He who understands this is
well on the road to Mastery." — The Kybalion.
In the above axiom, the Hermetists teach that the great work of
influencing one's environment is accomplished by Mental Power. The
Universe being wholly mental, it follows that it may be ruled only by
Mentality. And in this truth is to be found an explanation of all the
phenomena and manifestations of the various mental powers which are
attracting so much attention and study in these earlier years of the
Twentieth Century. Back of and under the teachings of the various cults
and schools, remains ever constant the principle of the Mental
Substance of the Universe. If the Universe be Mental in its substantial
nature, then it follows that Mental Transmutation must change the
conditions and phenomena of the Universe. If the Universe is Mental,
then Mind must be the highest power affecting its phenomena. If this be
understood then all the so-called "miracles" and "wonder-workings" are
seen plainly for what they are.
Finis
"... all things [are] evolving from other things, and resolving into
other things..." — The Kybalion
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