C. Upon the centres.

At the time that initiation is taken, the centres are all active, and the loAver four (which correspond to the Per- sonality) are beginning the process of translating the fire into the three higher. The dual revolution in the lower centres is clearly to be seen, and the three higher are commencing to be similarly active. By the application of the Rod of Initiation at the time of the initiation cere- mony, definite results are achieved in connection with the centres, which might be enumerated as follows: —
The fire at the base of the spine is definitely directed
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to whichever centre is the object of special attention. This varies according to Ray, or the specialised work of the ini- tiate.
The centre has its activity intensified, its rate of revo- lution increased, and certain of the central spokes of the wheel brought into more active radiance. These spokes of the wheel, or these petals of the lotus, have a close con- nection with the different spirillae in the permanent atoms, for instance, and in their stimulation comes into play one or more of the corresponding spirillae in the permanent atoms on the three lower planes. After the third initia- tion a corresponding stimulation takes place in the perma- nent atoms of the Triad, leading to a co-ordination of the buddhic vehicle, and the transference of the lower polari- sation into the higher.
By the application of the Rod of Initiation, the down- flow of force from the Ego to the personality is tripled, the direction of that force being dependent upon whether the centres receiving attention are the etheric or the astral at the first and second initiations, or whether the initiate is standing before the Lord of the World. In the latter case, his mental centres, or their corresponding force vor- tices on higher levels, will receive stimulation. When the World Teacher initiates at the first and second initiations, the direction of the Triadal force is turned to the vivifica- tion of the heart and throat centres in their position of synthesising the lower. When the One Initiator applies the Rod of His power, the downflow is from the Monad, and though the throat and heart intensify vibration as a response, the main direction of the force is to the seven head centres, and finally (at liberation) to the radiant head centre above, synthesising the lesser seven head cen- tres.
The centres, at initiation, receive a fresh access of
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vibratory capacity and of power, and this results in the exoteric life as : —
1. A sensitiveness and refinement of the vehicles, which may result at first in mucji suffering to the initiate, but which produce a capacity to respond, that far out- weighs the incidental pain.
2. A development of psychic faculty that again may lead to temporary distress, but which eventually causes a recognition of the one self in all selves, which is the goal of endeavor.
3. A burning away of the etheric web, through the gradual arousing of kundalini and its correct geometrical progression, and a resultant continuity of consciousness that enables the initiate consciously to utilise time as a factor on the planes of evolution.
4. A gradual grasp of the law of vibration as an as- pect of the basic law of building, the law of attraction, is brought about, and the initiate learns consciously to build, to manipulate though matter for the perfecting of the plans of the Logos, to work in mental essence, and to apply the law on mental levels, and thereby affect the physical plane. Motion originates cosmically on cosmic levels, and in the microcosm the same will be seen. There is an oc- cult hint here that, pondered on, will reveal much. At initiation, at the moment of the application of the Rod, the initiate consciously realises the meaning of the law of attraction in form building, and in the synthesis of the i hree fires. Upon his ability to retain that realisation, and himself to apply Hie law, will depend his power to pro- gress.
5. The Hierophant transmits higher manasic energy to the initiate, so that lie is enabled eonseiously to know and recognise the plan for his group centre, through the immensely increased stimulation. This force descends
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from the manasic permanent atom via the antaskarana, and is directed to whichever centre the Hierophant — un- der the law — sees should be stimulated.
6. The Initiator stabilises the force and regulates its flow, as it circulates through the egoic body, so that when the work of unfoldment is accomplished, the seventh principle at the Heart of the Lotus can stand revealed. After each initiation the lotus is more unfolded, and light from the centre begins to blaze forth — a light or fire which ultimately burns through the three enshrining petals, and permits the full inner glory to be seen, and the electric fire of spirit to be manifested. As this is brought about on the second subplane of the mental plane (whereon the egoic lotus is now situated) a corresponding stimulation takes place in the dense substance which forms the petals or wheels of the centres on the astral and etheric levels.