by RLP
"We
are told that seven great rays exist in the cosmos.
In our solar system only one of these seven great rays is in operation. The seven sub-divisions constitute the "seven
rays" which, wielded by our solar Logos, form the basis of endless
variations in His system of worlds. These seven rays may be described as the
channels through which all being in His solar system flows, the seven
predominant characteristics or modifications of life, for it is not to
humanity only that these rays apply, but to the
seven kingdoms as well. In
fact there is nothing in the whole solar system, at whatever stage of
evolution it may stand, which does not belong and has not always belonged to
one or other of the seven rays. " (R
I 163)
The
author of this passage is the Tibetan Master, Djwhal Kuhl.
He has been our primary source of information on the seven rays for the
past 70 years. Until the end of the last century the seven ray system was
known and taught only to a limited few disciples and adepts of the Ageless
Wisdom. There have long been hints of this doctrine concealed within the
teachings of all great philosophies and religions, but it has not been
systematically presented, as have astrology or numerology.
Astrology, since ancient times, has been divided into esoteric and
esoteric branches. The ray
teaching, however, has remained esoteric and largely hidden from the world.
Only now, within the last seven decades, have we seen the beginnings of
an esoteric presentation of the seven rays.
The
reason for the new emergence of this ancient knowledge at this time seems
quite simple. "When the
student is ready, the teacher appears." Humanity, the World Disciple, is
apparently now ready, and stands on the threshold of a great awakening.
New responsibilities, new opportunities and new light are being urged
upon us by the Teachers of the race. Concurrent with this expansion is the
need for a deeper, conscious penetration by the human race into the essential
nature of reality. What was once
occult mystery is now rapidly becoming practical science.
Not only is the teaching on the rays emerging, but so are esoteric
astrology, psychology, healing and many other formerly occult sciences
receiving increased esoteric recognition.
What
is meant by the word 'ray'?
The Tibetan answers this question in the following manner:
"A ray is but a name for a particular force or type of energy,
with the emphasis upon the quality which that force exhibits and not upon the
form aspect which it creates." (R
I 316) The seven rays are seven
qualities of energy. Rays do create forms, though the emphasis is not on the
external, but rather on that which lies behind or within the form.
Modern
physics has concluded that all is energy, that within every form lies an
essential network and pattern of energy.
The seven ray teaching, in scientific terms, is an hypothesis that
asserts the following: All energy within form is fundamentally septenate in
character. The energy, as well as
the forms derived from it, can be described through seven discrete and
archetypal streams.
The
seven streams of energy, it is said, are the very vibrations within matter,
space and form which define and infuse all objects, all beings and all events
in manifestation. They combine and interweave to create all the complex systems
we know as reality, from the grandest interstellar spectacle to the smallest
mundane occurrence of daily life. As
concepts they will be found to be familiar, simple and direct of apprehension.
They strike a chord in our consciousness and are, quite literally,
closer to us
than
breath. Yet the system they
compose is as vast and elusive as the world and the cosmos itself.
To truly comprehend and usefully apply this knowledge can be equally
elusive, and is an immeasurable challenge.
The
seven primordial energies are beyond complete, exact depiction in words, or
even in thoughts on the planes of this world.
They are too essential and encompassing to be wholly contained or
isolated within our narrow band of the Greater Spectrum.
But to stimulate understanding and the flow of intuition within us,
certain descriptive phrases have been used in connection with the rays.
This is a list of some of the more common synonyms:
Ray
One - Will, purpose, power, destruction
Ray
Two - Love, wisdom, inclusiveness, coherence, magnetism
Ray
Three -
Active Intelligence, adaptability, creativity
Ray
Four - Harmony through conflict, beauty, sensitivity, unity
Ray
Five - Concrete knowledge, science, mind, analysis
Ray
Six - Devotion, idealism, adherence, force
Ray
Seven -
Order, ceremony, organisation, group, magic
The
ray teaching gives us an energy picture of creation and of life at all levels
of being. It provides a means of
explaining the intricate interrelationships of all things, spiritual and
material; and it proclaims
their
oneness and interconnectedness.
As
part of this energy picture of the cosmos, human beings are, of course,
themselves composed of ray energies. The
various bodies or vehicles of incarnation of the individual human being - the
personality, the mind, the soul, etc. - are said to issue forth on one or
other of the rays. The
particular, dominant pattern of vibration within an individual or group or
nation will establish its constitution, its environment and the keys to
determine the innate opportunities and limitations of the entity.
Practically,
it is a picture of the inherent impulse, the immediate need and prescribed
path of evolution.
The
psychological application of the ray hypothesis is of particular interest
because it provides a practical energy framework for understanding the make-up
of individuals and groups. The
rays of a person, when determined, studied and understood, will enable that
individual, or his counsellors or therapists, to 'go to the source'.
Knowledge of ones' energy-essence and underlying vital composition can
be invaluable in developing a balanced program for life, lived in accord with
nature collectively, and with what is individually appropriate and true.
The
emanation and interplay of human energy is seen as a reflection of the energy
of the universe. That which is in man is in all things. And, importantly, it is the energy within that dictates the
outer appearance and behaviour of each and all.
In
order to understand the "seven streams of force", we are constrained
to use verbal and numerical descriptions.
But bear in mind that any words we may use are mainly attempts to
translate a quality into a form. And,
in translations of any kind, something of the original is always lost.
The
correspondences between the ray doctrine and numerology will be obvious, but
the rays are not, in actuality, numbers or symbols or techniques for
divination. They are fundamental
creative energies, the vibrations of our very essence.
The following summaries of the rays, based on research in the teachings
of the Tibetan, may help to explain the range and focus of each of the seven
qualities:
Ray
One.
This
energy is the beginning and the final synthesis - the source of all other
energies. It is the essence of
power and energy itself. The first ray is the force of purpose, direction,
centralisation and oneness, of which the will is the keynote.
It is characterised by the qualities of intensity, dynamism, quickness,
and dominance. It often results
in detachment, isolation and crystallisation.
And out of its force and directness is conceived the power of creative
destruction.
Ray
Two.
Consciousness
is born of the second energy, in the union of duality, spirit and matter.
This is the source and blending of light and love, magnetism and
relationship, inclusiveness and coherence.
It is the ray of wisdom, sensitivity and intuition, as well as clarity
and attention to detail. This
energy is a qualifying, teaching and healing force.
It often results in attachment and attraction, and, curiously,
establishes our awareness of fear, the antithesis of love and relationship.
The second ray is the energy of the entire solar system and hence is
also a ray of profound synthesis.
Ray
Three.
Activity
and intelligence work out from this source, a result of purpose and wisdom.
It is the energy of full and great manipulations, creativity and
adaptability. Needs are
recognised through this force, plans are formulated, material is selected and
business is undertaken. The third
ray is clear, inherent mental and intellectual ideation in pursuit of truth,
with the objective of manifesting in matter and substance. It is the power which evokes form.
Ray
Four.
This
energy stands symbolically in the centre of the seven and is the magnetic
relation of opposites, the point of harmony, bridging and mediation amidst
conflict, pain and struggle - in a sense, the fruition the duality rooted in
the second ray. It stimulates
creativity, art and beauty and is characterised by sensitivity to colour and
sound. Discrimination, quickness
and a searching for perfection reside here.
The intuitive, relational force is strong in this ray, which evokes
life, love and understanding.
Ray
Five.
This
is the energy of concretion into substance, of knowledge and science, and of
stimulation in the three worlds. It
leads to the searching, analysis and development of ideas, which in the end
produces light and wisdom. It is the energy of differentiation and investigation which
can lead to separateness, cleavage and crystallisation. But the thoroughness and discrimination with which the fifth
force works in the mind and the intellect leads the way ultimately to
understanding and to the revelation of truth.
Ray
Six.
The
seeds of all devotion and desire pour forth through this energy.
It generates adherence, intensity and persistence.
The determination resident in this ray is a fiery essence, sometimes
full of force, fury and even fanatical display and militant violence.
Abstraction and aspiration characterise the sixth force, in the sense of an
idealistic nature, loyally oriented toward the causal levels of being.
The sixth ray is the power to recognise what is right and
righteous, the upward tendency and the capacity to see the light.
Ray
Seven.
This
last of the seven is the most tangibly expressive on the outer planes.
It is the quality of relationship between spirit and matter and is thus
magical. It is rhythm which
builds, integrates, circulates and manifests.
It is the bringer and producer of newness in form.
The relational power of this ray motivates law and order, rule and
ritual, organisation and group consciousness.
It is practical understanding and vital energy externalised, which
embodies both the centre and the periphery.
Consciousness.
It is practical understanding and vital energy externalised, which
embodies both the centre and the periphery.