| The
Externalisation of the Hierarchy |
The
subject of human free will has always contrived to set men's mental
teeth on edge. The fatalist automatically resigns himself to whatever
befalls him, seeing in effects no cause attributable to his own
action--or inaction; but resigned always to the working of an
inexorable fate.
The Christian counterpart tends to accept his lot as the working
of God's Will in which he has no say or part.
At the other extreme stands the rebellious independent, determined
to exercise his right to free, self-willed action.
This book, as one of its many values, shows the extent to
which Hierarchy and other centres of life on the planet are
dependent upon the unpredictable and often irresponsible factor
of human free will. During the years leading up to the outbreak
of World War II, every opportunity and every possible spiritual
stimulation was offered to humanity in an effort to avoid precipitation
of conflict on to the physical plane. Disciples and aspirants
to discipleship were asked to give special cooperation to the
Hierarchy, and to make an all-out effort to provide adequate
leadership to human thought and decision. All were left free,
however, to determine their own limits, if any, and to decide
their own actions. According to law, the Hierarchy--even at
danger point--could not infringe human free will and dictate
or impose a course of action based on their own deeper knowledge
and more profound insight.
Many of the spiritual factors surrounding the period of human
history from 1919 to 1949 are presented in this book. The energies
at work behind the world scene are shown; and the identity revealed
of certain great Beings magnetically attracted in service towards
this planet at a climaxing moment in the evolution of our planetary
life.
These factors are an aid to our understanding of the interrelated
energy patterns within the universe which operate according
to law. But essentially they provide the esotericist with knowledge
of available energy flow responding to planetary purpose and
plan which can be contacted and given conscious and intelligent
cooperation, particularly by those in whom the selfish, self-centred
will has been transcended so that the spiritual will can be
given more adequate expression. Some of these energy factors
are particularly clear in the special "Messages" given over
a period of many years at the time of the Festivals of Easter,
Wesak and the Christ.
Many aspects of Hierarchical work, thought and planning are
discussed in these Messages, with the Hierarchical effect shown
of planetary evolution and initiation and its reflection into
humanity. This achieved a climax at the time of the three Festivals
in 1945, when a momentous decision was taken involving, among
other results, the eventual externalisation of the Hierarchy
arid the reappearance of the Christ.
The final section of the book discusses the "Stages in the
Externalisation of the Hierarchy". It is often difficult for
the human mind to imagine the problems facing those liberated
from the restrictions of form. It is even more difficult to
contemplate the effects in those so liberated of a free choice
to reassume such a limitation.
So we are helped to understand what the interdependence of
life on this planet really signifies in terms of love, sacrifice
and service by the part to the needs of the whole.
