Newsletter #6 Spring/Summer 2016

Summer Bluebells

Welcome to our Spring/Summer 2016 newsletter.

  1. Contents
  2. The Silence
  3. England – A Centre of Light: The Role of the Kosmon Sanctuary
  4. The Little School on the Green
  5. Reflections
  6. Silver Birches at the Kosmon Sanctuary
Early Summer in Sandhill Wood. The bluebells and wild garlic have past, to be replaced by verdant green foliage
Early Summer in Sandhill Wood. The bluebells and wild garlic have past, to be replaced by verdant green foliage

The Silence

The first aim of the revelations known as Oahspe is as follows (1.) :

“To teach mortals how to attain to hear the Creator’s voice. (2.)”

What can this possibly mean? The voice spoken of here is clearly not the familiar physical voice, but rather what has been called The Voice of the Silence. In the words of H.P. Blavatsky:

“Before the soul can comprehend and may remember, she must first unto the Silent Speaker be united, just as the form to which the clay is modeled is first united with the potter’s mind. For then the soul will hear, and will remember. And then to the inner ear will speak- THE VOICE OF SILENCE. (3.)”

We can have an inkling as to what hearing The Voice of Silence may be like: there are times of quiet reflection when it seems we are told what needs to happen in our life, and is a very different experience to ordinary thinking. We may call this insight or knowing.

To evolve in the direction of entering silence, thus becoming aware of The Voice of Silence, requires sustained inner work. This inner work frees us from bondage to our physical selves, that world with its attendant thoughts, emotions and conditioning, the noise from which prevents us from listening to the silence. Inner work establishes an ever closer connection with our spiritual selves, with its infinite capacity for love and compassion, which, ultimately is where we would all wish to be. However, this inner work requires the cultivation of deep self-honesty, which is the intent to observe and to acknowledge fully what is there. Given that, we are in a position to make a different choice as to what we wish to experience. (4.)

“That genuine silence which is, indeed, the threshold to wisdom (and wisdom is nothing more than enlightenment), requires the cultivation of deep self-honesty. Honesty is that act in which the mind is no longer committed to hiding from its own darkness. It is necessary to enter into the blackness of the ego in order to discover what you want no longer. (5.)”

Deep self-honesty lies at the heart of the many approaches available to those who wish to become clear of the issues which bind them, but all that undertake this journey of inner work attest that the way is not easy, and that, time and time again, our conditioning asserts its control. Just how much needs to be released before being able to hear The Creator’s Voice is described beautifully in the following quotation:

“How contradictory shall it sound to say that in the Silence a great storm shall rage. And yet it is so – between the higher and the lower selves, and not until the whole personality is dissolved, not until it is held by the divine fragment which created it, not until the whole nature has yielded and become subject unto its higher self, can the great peace come to the harassed soul. Then in the deep Silence the mysterious event will occur, which will prove that the way has been found. Call it by what name you will, it is a voice that speaks where there is none to speak, it is a messenger without form or substance. (6.)”

Inner work can be very demanding, but we do not have to work alone. We can be helped enormously by meeting with others of like mind in a group. Within a group it is easier to be free of our bondage to the world and to immerse ourselves in silence, especially if we are aware of the support available from higher powers.

The Kosmon Tradition developed services using ceremony, ritual and prayer to raise the vibrational level of the gathering and to facilitate a nurturing connection with the angelic realm. The Kosmon Sanctuary Group continues this work, though the approach is simpler than that of the past, We are supported by the very special supportive energy present in The Kosmon Sanctuary which enables us to connect with silence with but little effort.

Just how important coming together in a gathering was in the Kosmon Tradition can be appreciated from the following quotation:

“Here then, we come to the value of participation in a fraternity. By joining in a service, using words of indisputable spiritual truth, in a ritual motivated by and moving towards the highest levels of contact, (the angelic realm), we bring into (our awareness), even if only temporarily, the higher selves of all the participants, and something is accomplished that would not be accomplished otherwise. Light from heaven descends to mortals and illumines the dark chambers of men’s minds. (7.)”

Antony Deavin

References

  1. Newsletter #2, Spring 2015
  2. Oahspe Prologue, Oahspe Modern Language Edition.
  3. The Voice of Silence. From the Book of Golden Precepts. H.P. Blavatsky. Theosophy Trust Books.
  4. The Way of Mastery. Lesson 28: You and you alone create your tomorrows.
  5. The Way of Mastery. Lesson 22: Self-Honesty – The Greatest Act of Love.
  6. Kosmon Unity. Winter 1954. The Silence by L.M. Boulter.
  7. Kosmon Unity. Autumn 1954. The Higher Self and The Lower. By F.G.D.

England – A Centre of Light. The Role of The Kosmon Sanctuary

In the turmoil of the referendum, no one seemed to reflect on what economic and political arrangements would best enable us to fulfil our particular function in the world. Just what this function actually is was discussed in 1951 by Frank Morley, leader of the Kosmon Tradition for many years. He wrote:

“Ancient Britain was one of the world’s great centres of occult learning. Great initiates from Egypt and Persia are known to have visited this, the land shaped like a triangle. The early body of Druids were custodians of the Ancient Wisdom. All these “wise ones of eld” gradually imparted to the very life of this country a mighty power, which has not only been passed down to all the peoples who have lived on these shores, so that they possess it in a general sense as a national characteristic, but also in a more individual sense as an occult force.

It was this ancient power which as the national characteristic of a will to power made the English-speaking race the greatest empire the world has ever known. Since, however, that empire was obtained mostly by bloodshed or theft, with the coming of this New Age it has had to go; but from it a Commonwealth has arisen, which may in time, be the foundation for the Brotherhood of Nations.

We, however, are not concerned with politics, saving to watch with interest the gradual unfolding of the Plan of Light. It is the fact that an esoteric power rests in this island that closely concerns us, especially when we regard England as half-way between the Orient, region of ancient illumination, and the Occident, the land of promise for the future.

The important thing for us to remember is that as a centre of light, England still stands in forefront, and from certain areas, a power radiates which, if rightly directed, can guide Mankind towards a new kingdom, not made by weapons, but forged from stone and iron, copper silver and gold. That is to say, built in beauty and truth, by the powers of spirit, and the light of the soul.

So in this latter day, England again arises, no longer a military or political major world power, and perhaps at present secretly, a leader of those who journey to the cradle of a new Race. Among the many Brotherhoods now working in this island towards a great ideal, that of Kosmon stands out clear and shining, each member doing their utmost to consecrate unto the All Light this ancient land, that one day upon its green hills may walk the feet of the children of Shalam. (1.)”

The Role of the Kosmon Sanctuary

The children of Shalam, mentioned above, are described in Oahspe as belonging to an ideal community, dedicated to honouring The One All Light, and to providing education to children from a young age so that their natural connection with Spirit is not lost. (2.) The Kosmon Sanctuary seeks to express this vision by working to nurture the Energy, the Light, which is the gift of this place, and by opening our garden and ancient woodland for the benefit of all, especially for the education of children (3.)

References

  1. Kosmon Unity. Autumn 1951. England – A centre of Light by E.F. Morley.
  2. Oahspe. Book of Jehovih’s Kingdom on Earth.
  3. Newsletter #1. Winter 2014/2015

The Little School on the Green

The Little School on the Green is a Forest School, which means the moving of learning and development outside into a natural environment. Without the constraints and barriers of being inside four walls, children learn in a much more holistic way whilst connecting with nature (Newsletter #1. Winter 2014/2015). Angela Clift, the owner of the School writes:

“In the photo we are toasting marshmallows around the fire after a busy morning exploring the woods, climbing trees, building dens and hunting for mini beasts! Using the woodlands opens up so many more learning opportunities for the children; being out in the fresh air surrounded by nature improves children’s physical and emotional well being greatly.”

The Kosmon sanctuary is very happy to offer its unique facilities to support this education of children. The children’s experiences in the Sanctuary may well provide an invaluable resource and foundation as their life and its challenges unfolds through the years ahead.

Children from The Little School on the Green eating toasted marshmallows in the garden of The Kosmon Sanctuary. The oak tree in the background is 300 years old
Children from The Little School on the Green eating toasted marshmallows in the garden of The Kosmon Sanctuary. The oak tree in the background is 300 years old

Reflections

BEAUTIES SELF

My love in her attire, doth show her wit
It doth so well become her;
For every season she hath a dressing fit.

For Winter, Spring or Summer.
No beauty she doth miss.
When all her robes are on.

But beauties self she is.
When all her robes are gone.

Anonymous from a poetical rhapsody of 1602

However you interpret the above poem, beauty is an all encompassing thing to comprehend.

However what is beauty to one person is not always beauty to another and so we have to be very careful. In the age that this was written he or she undoubtedly was referring to the seasons of the year. Not everyone would agree with the author if they suffered from the cold or for that matter too much sun.

So it is that we have differences of opinion as to what is beautiful. The principle difference, in my opinion, appears to be in our cultures. The Japanese look at things very differently to us in the western world. The Arab world see things different again. Their idea of beauty is not the same as ours in the Western world, and so it goes on through the various and many cultures within the human race.

The common denominator in all of this diverse and complicated subject, is that when we see what to us is beauty, it affects our inner soul. It gives to us a feeling of comfort or of great pleasure, or an understanding of the skill that has created that beauty. Even a longing to be able to replicate the object of beauty before us. Those of us that have been given the skill and the understanding are sometimes overwhelmed by the things we try to create. This gives us the need to keep trying, to keep improving on what we have done previously.

The need to improve on what we have already achieved is what drives us all. It is what has taken us from the Neanderthal to the modern man. Even with the warring and unnecessary and unwanted killing of millions of human beings over the years, it is still man’s need to improve upon the past, that drives us on.

The power of thought is the one thing that drives us forward. It can see the things of beauty, it can understand the methods of creation, it can understand the words given to us from the heavenly realms through prayer and meditation. How we interpret those words into action is our contribution. What we need more than anything else is guidance. Yet it is the one thing that many of us cannot take. We feel we know it all, or we can do better than those giving us the guidance we seek. Humility is not a weakness or anything to be ashamed of, but can bring better knowledge and skill to any project simply by listening to those trying to help you. Also it is a fact that the teacher can always learn from those he/she is trying to teach.

I will finish this with another few lines, this time by an known poet called Seneca.

THE MAN WHO LISTENS

For who listens to us in all the world, whether
he be friend or teacher, brother or father or mother,
sister or neighbour, son or ruler or servant?
Does he listen, our advocate, or our husbands or wives,
those who are dearest to us?

Do the stars listen, when we turn despairingly away
from man, or the great winds, or the seas or the
mountains? To whom can any man say – Here I am!
Behold me in my nakedness, my wounds, my secret
grief, my despair, my betrayal, my pain,
my tongue which cannot express my sorrow, my terror,
my abandonment.

Listen to me for a day – an hour! – a moment!
Lest I expire in my terrible wilderness, my lonely silence!
O God, is there no one to listen?

Is there no one to listen? you ask. Ah yes, there is one who listens,
who will always listen.
Hasten to him, my friend! He waits on the hill for you.

For you alone.
Seneca

Peter Andrews


Silver Birches at The Kosmon Sanctuary

In the Kosmon Sanctuary garden there are silver birches well over 100 years old, which is a considerable age for a silver birch. Our photograph shows one of these with its deeply fissured trunk, typical of an old tree. Another characteristic of old trees grown in open ground is the development of a weeping habit. One of our old birch trees in particular has developed this weeping habit, so that if you sit against the trunk of the tree you are surrounded by a green and peaceful canopy of birch leaves on all sides.

Deeply fissured trunk of an old silver birch tree with a girth of nearly eight feet
Deeply fissured trunk of an old silver birch tree with a girth of nearly eight feet
The peaceful canopy of silver birch leaves formed by the weeping habit of an old silver birch tree
The peaceful canopy of silver birch leaves formed by the weeping habit of an old silver birch tree

“To sit under a birch is to enter an atmosphere of gentle peace, a reminder that life is not all struggle but can be harmonious and sweet. It is the place to let go of burdens and accept the gifts that life is offering.”

“Birch energies can help in the effort to tame the ego, learning how it operates so we are no longer its victim, making more room for the higher self to function.” (The Healing Energies of Trees by Patrice Bouchardon. Gaia Books.)