The Renaissance
experience
A spiritual
Renaissance
Opposition is a
healthy thing
Rationale behind the
New Age Movement
The progressive
teachings of the New Age Movement and their attendant phenomena
Hindu-Buddhist
influences
Other supportive
influences
New spiritual
teachings
Conclusions
In recent times, the world has witnessed the influx of seemingly new concepts
and teachings, which many regard as part of the New Age Movement. As is the
case with any new knowledge, disagreements and controversies have arisen.
The advocates of religion have branded these concerned groups demonic, if not
fanatic. Scientists are quick to denounce certain of the phenomena as
fraudulent and mere magicians’ tricks. Many in the West question
Eastern-influenced teachings because they appear to oppose their own long-held
beliefs. All are suspicious and cautious, not really knowing what to think of
all these new-fangled ideas and teachings.
The Renaissance
experience
What is happening today has happened before. Beginning some time during the
14th century, emerging from its Dark Ages, the Old World experienced a revival
of ancient culture, the brilliance of the Greek and the Roman accompanied by a
general enlightenment of all, now known as the Renaissance.
It was the time of Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy,’ Petrarch’s poetry and high ideas,
Boccaccio’s ‘Decameron,’ and the poet-scholar Erasmus’ writings; their work
inciting renewed interest in literature. Through them and other Renaissance
writers, new and revolutionary ideas enabled mankind to rise from darkness into
the Light. With the invention of printing at about 1450, the dissemination of
these intellectual riches was facilitated to a high degree.
Together with this awakening of the human intellect came a great appreciation
for the fine arts. New insights, new styles and new processes accompanied the
rise of new ideas and interpretations of grace, harmony and beauty. The arts of
painting, sculpture and architecture rivaled the grandeur of ancient times. The
full flowering of Renaissance art came with the genius of Raphael, Leonardo da
Vinci and Michelangelo.
Still later into the Renaissance period, there were the writings of Cervantes
and Shakespeare; the invention of the opera as a musical form, the invention of
the compass and gunpowder, the discoveries of Copernicus and Galileo, the
voyages of Columbus and Magellan and the beginnings of the banking system and
insurance underwriting — an explosion in light and new information.
All these did not come easily. Of course, there was opposition, even
persecution. Certainly, there were difficulties experienced by these great
innovators and discoverers. Ask any man who espouses a new or revolutionary
idea.
A spiritual Renaissance
Today, we are at the initial stages of an even greater Renaissance, a spiritual
regeneration. The main focus of the New Age Movement being an expansion in
consciousness and spiritual enlightenment, its effects are bound to be far
reaching, all-pervading and profound.
The old truths and even the Occult teachings are now being aired out in the
open allowing everyone the opportunity to study them more in depth. Where
before, we could only speculate at best, based on incomplete and false information,
now, all things are clarified and made plain for all to judge. However, as in
the first Renaissance, there will continue to be fear of the unknown, fear of
new knowledge, general distrust, unbelief, opposition and persecution.
Opposition is a healthy
thing
To oppose a new idea is healthy and even necessary. We need to ferret out
mistakes and weed out false concepts before we can arrive at the correct
conclusions. But in so doing, we need not be confrontational or antagonistic.
And we should be open even to new teachings should our studies provide adequate
confirmation of the facts. After all, we will be the ones to benefit from all
these. In fact, there is no other way to progress.
Rationale behind the
New Age Movement
According to the Occult teachings, periodically, every 2,000 years or more, a
World Leader and Teacher comes to continue our divine instruction. Every new
age then brings new learning and very great changes. It is thus prophesied that
at the beginning of this New Age of Enlightenment, the Age of Aquarius, Christ
will come again.
In teaching new things, there are certain recommended steps to be taken, rules
to be followed. We start where the student is presently situated, hence the
reintroduction of the old Eastern teachings and the Christian revival
movements.
We are then brought back to the basics from which we can continue to build. We
take on the simple things first before we can advance to the more complex. Once
our foundational knowledge is already sufficiently sound, then we can undergo a
slow methodical upgrading in the instruction. In this upgrading, new ideas and
teachings become more easily acceptable when accompanied by related
developments in science and elsewhere. In attaining to its objectives, the New
Age Movement is following this very same procedure.
The progressive
teachings of the New Age Movement and their attendant phenomena
Hindu-Buddhist influences
1. Proliferation of many gurus
Different gurus teach various aspects of the old Hindu teachings.
Krishnamurti focuses on awareness of the deeper realities of life. The
Maharishi teaches Transcendental Meditation or TM, the regular practice of
which will bring enlightenment and wellbeing. Prabhupada and Jagad Guru expound
on the intellectual teachings and espouse devotional service to the Lord as the
way to salvation. Sai Baba puts to practice the teaching on love and devotional
service, and urges his disciples to do the same.
2. Meditation
The gurus teach that through meditation, we will be able to obtain
insights relating to the true nature of reality. More, we can have the actual
experience to verify the propositions. At the same time, we will be able to
arrive at a clear course of action towards the attainment of our objectives,
spiritual and everything else.
3. Yoga
Physical yoga exercises, the proper choice of food and dieting
provide for a more efficient and responsive physical body. We can then be much
more effective in whatever work we set out to do. Other yoga practices relate
to observances and practices which if done correctly and religiously should
bring discipline and other great spiritual benefits.
4. Freemasonry, the Rosicrucian Order, the Summit Lighthouse, the
Theosophical Society and Lobsang Rampa
In line with the work of the Great White Brotherhood, the adepts and
spiritual masters overseeing divine instruction on Earth, certain individuals
or groups are periodically commissioned to provide continuing instruction to
the people in the world relating to different aspects or levels of the Occult
teachings.
Begun centuries earlier and so cannot be considered as part of the New Age
Movement, Freemasonry nonetheless is a forerunner and their members continue to
build positive thought forms and are active in community service. The Rosicrucian
Order was reactivated in 1915 under the Ancient
and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC). Once a secret society, it is
now committed to the revealing of the ancient mysteries to the general public,
while its members are encouraged to actively pursue the development of their
inner spiritual faculties. The Summit Lighthouse publishes books and conducts
teachings that present the Eastern teachings in a context that Christians
should find easier to accept.
Through Madame Blavatsky, the Great White Brotherhood, which includes advanced
beings of all races and colors, reintroduces the Ancient Wisdom and clarifies
the Divine Plan of Evolution. She details many of the technical aspects of the
teachings relating to Cosmogony, all about the cosmos, and Anthropogenesis, the
development of the human race, in the ‘Secret Doctrine,’ the guidebook of the
Theosophists. For the men of Aquarius, the Ancient Wisdom of Theosophy is
destined to become the motherload of technical knowledge and information
concerning the Spiritual and the Divine to which all later revelations and all
new upgradings must relate.
The dissertations of the Lama Lobsang Rampa are to this date the more
authoritative resources in this series. Thoroughly versed in the philosophy of
the East and with his spiritual faculties so very highly developed, he
elucidates on the practical aspects of the teachings in a way that only those
who really know can ever do.
5. Reincarnation and karma
Much deeper insights and clearer, more rational explanations are now
made available to everyone. The Hindus believe in Transmigration which teaches
that the spirit entity returns in a form, animal or human, which is determined
by the desires and attitudes of the spirit, itself, at the time of its death.
Buddhism, however, confines reincarnation to the human form. Theosophy teaches
that souls develop progressively upward. Evolved group souls of plants move on
to become the group souls of animals. After animal evolution, the group souls
become individualized as humans. For instructional purposes, Avatars on special
missions in our world may transmigrate to someone else’s human body, but always
with the permission and willing participation of the previous occupant.
Metempsychosis relates to our transferring from our old body to another body
more suited to the plane or planet that we are moving to.
Karma is the corollary law that governs the causes and effects that manifest in
every life. It is likewise God’s provisioning of the very conditions,
circumstances and situations that we will encounter in our life, the lessons
and opportunities that will enable every spirit entity to learn and develop
itself.
6. Oneness, the God within, Pantheism
There is the principle of oneness of all creation. God is within us.
God is a part of us and we, a part of God. We are One. Three stages or levels
of the same basic teaching. Awareness of these truths comes slowly. Initially,
we are self-conscious, selfish individual entities. Then we begin to regard
ourselves as only a part of a larger unit, the family. Then going farther into
this important principle by succeeding stages, we become a nation, a whole
world, a Universe, the Cosmos, the whole of creation and, finally, a god at-one
with God.
Traditional Christian influences
1. Catholic involvements
During the last few decades, certain needs of the faithful were not
satisfactorily addressed. The flock required additional and more personalized
instruction that the members of the clergy were hard pressed to provide. Many
lay people wanted to more actively involve themselves in deeper studies and
religious activities. As a consequence, some programs were initiated to meet
the need.
The Cursillo, a mini-course in Catholic doctrine, became a popular movement in
the 60s and 70s. The rollista’s style of lecturing was very entertaining and
contrasted favorably against the then morose, sedate and boring sermons
delivered by the priests. Songs were deeply moving and the lyrics were catchy.
Close camaraderie was fostered. However, after a surge of spirituality, the
emotional appeal of the movement waned and many went back to their old
error-filled ways.
Other movements took over. Charismatic groups sprouted and they provided the
needed continuing instruction. Physical ailments and other equally pressing
problems were now prayed over and the intercession and help of the Holy Spirit
were invoked. Such cures and solutions obtained added greatly to the popularity
of the movement. Later, the Life in the Spirit seminars replaced the Cursillo.
And to address the problems of married couples, the Marriage Encounter program
was initiated and now continues to attract a large following.
The Family Rosary Crusade came about as a result of Mary’s plea for the
conversion of people’s hearts. Fueled by interest in the continuing Marian
apparitions, many have directed their thoughts and prayers toward world peace
and understanding among people of all nations. At the same time, they are
reminded that a Greater World beyond Earth waits for everyone.
2. Protestant revivals
Many evangelists formed their own groups that promote their own
version of Biblical teachings and some are able to effect miraculous healings
with the help of the Holy Spirit. Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, Benny Hinn, Rex
Humbard and the fallen Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart are only a few of them.
Many are responding to the Lord’s commission to his disciples to preach his
message to all nations. Many now swear to being “Born Again” and to having a
personal relationship with the Lord.
3. Catholic and Protestant in-fighting
In the unfolding of the gospel messages to more people, to many for
the first time, the same issues and questions that actually caused the
separation of the church are again brought back to the attention of the people.
Disagreements and discussions relating to indulgences; the reverence for Mary,
the worship of representative images and figures, and salvation by faith or
through works to name a few, enable us to more intelligently evaluate these
issues.
Other supportive influences
1. In politics
Cory’s People Power toppled a world class dictator, and inspired
similar peaceful mass movements all around the globe. The cold war ended with
the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the decline of Communism in Russia and the
weakening of Communist power in China. A concerted world action was mounted
against Iraq and Yugoslavia, where Christian NATO forces found themselves
fighting against Christian Serbs, putting their lives at risk to protect ethnic
Albanian Muslims preempting the possibility of another holocaust and the spread
of an even greater conflict in all of Europe. These are some of the most
momentous events in recent years. And many equate them to the triumph of good
over evil and the victory of God over the Godless.
2. In science
We are now at the beginning of the Space Age. We have gone to the
moon, walked its surface and come back. Soon, we will be meeting our alien
brothers face to face. We are in the Age of Computers, which has revolutionized
our information processing systems. We are also in the Age of Electronics and
Satellite Communications providing for the instant exchange of information,
worldwide.
3. In the environment
Our attention is now riveted to the problems of the environment. To
preserve the ecological balance and the food chain, we can no longer continue
to dump our wastes anywhere we please. Certain committed groups now promote
wildlife conservation to save endangered species from extinction. In order to
save our lungs and our lives, we need to resolve the problem of pollution. We
need to plant more trees to prevent erosion and killer floods. The nations need
to cooperate in order to effectively address the inter-related problems of acid
rain, global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer protecting us from
the harmful rays of the sun.
We are all travelers occupying a single spaceship, the planet Earth. If we harm
any part of our world, we ultimately harm ourselves. Our awareness of this
truth will provide us the means to better understand the teaching on Oneness.
4. Popular movements
Pro-lifers battle the pro-choicers out in the streets, in front of
abortion clinics, in church pulpits, on radio, on television and in print
media; all the better for us to decide on the merits of their case. The Gay
Rights Movement is a part of the continuing fight for the rights of the
oppressed minority and the underprivileged. It follows after the war on slavery
and equal rights for blacks. The ascendance of women to positions of equal
power comes after Golda Meier, Margaret Thatcher, Cory Aquino, Hillary Clinton
and Indira Gandhi, proving that one’s sex is neither a handicap nor a
hindrance.
5. Unidentified Flying Objects and alien beings
We will continue to be bombarded with news and stories concerning
UFOs. However, our confusion will dissipate when, as prophesied, these
expectedly friendly alien beings make their formal appearance. Eventually, we
will be able to interact with these highly advanced beings to our greater
benefit. They are very much a part of the coming new age.
New spiritual teachings
1. The power of thought
Before anything else was, there was thought. And everything came
about as a consequence of thought. Thought creates. This is the principle
behind all the positive thinking that certain groups teach — those groups that
practice visualization techniques and those that decree into being by the power
of their imagination. Three of them are the A.R.E. of Edgar Cayce, the Science
of Mind and Silva Mind Control. But the faithful are also firm believers and
practitioners. When we pray, believing that we have already received what we
ask for, it is this same principle that comes into play. However, instead of
wisely utilizing their newfound ability to further the goal of spiritual
development, many stray from the Path and use it to obtain less important
material objectives and things.
2. Psychic phenomena
In recognition of these widely experienced occurrences, the science
of Parapsychology was born. And now, psychical research is well respected and
conducted with the support of governments, the scientific community and the
academe.
The assistance of psychics has been much sought after in the investigation of
gruesome crimes. The prophecies of Nostradamus have been very well scrutinized
even by governments with a view to gaining political advantage; and where there
were unfavorable overtones, the prophecies were downplayed and
discredited.
Uri Geller once was the toast of society when his telekinetic powers became
publicized. There have been countless instances of telepathic communication
even among ordinary men and women. And there are many accounts of
out-of-body-experiences and astral traveling by those who have experienced
these themselves, while some have attained to their psychic experiences through
drug-induced methods.
By whatever means attained, these experiences provide incontrovertible proofs
and are the magical windows from which we can look and know the nature of the
True Reality, the World that lies beyond Earth.
3. Healing arts
Many new alternative methods of healing are also gaining acceptance.
New health foods, fine crystals, herbs and even pyramids are being availed of.
The holistic healing method considers not just the physical condition but also
the patient’s spiritual, mental and emotional well-being. Edgar Cayce even
prescribed certain poisons to be used as medicine and he revealed the direct
relationship between our diseases and ailments and the mistakes we have
committed in our past incarnations.
4. Proofs of survival of the spirit consciousness and the existence
of the Spirit World
Researches have been done on patients who died and were declared
clinically dead, but who were later resuscitated back to life. One such
researcher was Dr. Raymond Moody. His book ‘Life after Life’ was, to many in
the West, an eye-opener. But he was not alone.
At the risk of losing her career, Shirley MacLaine boldly announced the
availability of communication with the Other-World through channeling. Spirit
guides are now being contacted every day, even with the lights turned on.
Arthur Ford sends his messages through Ruth Montgomery by automatic typing.
Seth speaks on the technical aspects of spiritual reality to the scientists.
Nature spirits, dwarves and elves continue their playful encounters with
humans.
5. Reincarnation and karma
In 325, Emperor Constantine after being converted to the Faith
called the first ecumenical council at Nicaea to settle questions of doctrine.
This resulted in the subsequent adoption of the Nicene Creed, which later
became the basis of all church doctrine from that day forward.
It was here that certain books were selected for inclusion in the “Authorized”
Bible while others were banned and discredited. It was here, also, that the
teachings on Reincarnation and Karma were disauthorized. All references to such
principles were then expunged from the sacred books and these teachings were
henceforth suppressed and regarded as heretic.
However, in the Bible itself even now, there are still veiled allusions to the
Doctrine of Reincarnation which have survived the rewriting of the Scriptures.
These can be seen in the references to Elijah returning in the flesh as John
the Baptist and to Jesus, himself, being the reincarnation of one of the old
prophets according to the people. In addition, there are the comments of Jesus’
disciples regarding the reasons why a man came to be born blind. And Karma is
only the sowing and reaping mentioned by St. Paul. There are other passages
that are just as elucidating to the earnest seeker.
What Jesus himself taught, his so-called followers just a few hundred years
after his death denied. Deciding that they know better than their Lord, the
church leaders voted to drop reincarnation and karma from the catechetical
teachings. However, the Truth will not be suppressed for long.
More recently, these teachings have been reinstituted into Scripture through
their inclusion in the ‘Aquarian Gospel’ by Levi. Moreover, the Edgar Cayce
files are replete with illustrative life readings. Arthur Ford contributes some
interesting insights relating to prominent personalities who have only recently
departed. Lobsang Rampa, the Tibetan Lama, ably provides the rationale behind
these principles.
For the scientific-minded, Dr. Ian Stevenson through his 2,000 researched
cases, Dr. Helen Wambach through her experiments in hypnotic regressions and
many others have presented their own evidences in support of reincarnation. The
books are in our stores.
6. Spiritism, guidance by the Holy Spirit
As foretold by Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit or the Spirits of Truth
are now extending their divine guidance and instruction to everyone. Their
objective is to facilitate our enlightenment and further our spiritual
development.
In this school, instruction is not only based on the second-hand information or
hearsay evidence contained in the Bible and other revered writings. Instead,
each student is afforded the special opportunity to prove the theoretical
teachings by drawing from his own personal experiences.
Those who are so inclined are aided in the development of their spiritual
faculties. Those who prefer to serve in other ways are similarly assisted.
Although Spiritism is not for everyone, those who genuinely aspire to get to
heaven should seriously consider attending this school.
Conclusions
From East to West, the unfolding continues. The whole world must be prepared
for the coming of the Age of Revelation.
Today, in place of the confusion, there is the beginning of learning. From the
various books on positive thinking to personal psychic experiences and travels
to worlds beyond: from UFO sightings to ‘Life after Life’s’ “Beings of Light;”
from the evangelists’ prayers for healing and the 700 Club’s words of knowledge
to the bare-handed operations of psychic surgeons; from the teachings of the
gurus and the Ancient Wisdom of Theosophy to the dissertations of Lobsang
Rampa; from the speaking in tongues and the Marian apparitions and messages to
communication with Spirit guides and Holy Spirits, the Truth is on the march.
We have had enough of half-truths, false allegations and blind teachings.
Today, we can begin to see the True Light. Through our own personal
experiences, we can learn and understand far more than ever before. We only
need to open up our hearts and minds. We only need to let the Light shine in.
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