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From the Imperator
The Spiritualization and Humanization of the World
The publication of the Rosicrucian Manifesto is a sufficiently recent event that its content is still relevant today. I imagine that all of you have read the Positio Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis,* and I am convinced that it corresponds to your aspirations and desires. Perhaps you have appreciated certain points more than others, and it is possible that some parts don’t conform to your own vision of the present and the future. But as I have said previously, I think that on the whole you are in harmony with this document that will become a historic text in the decades and centuries to come.
At the Rosicrucian world convention in Göteborg, Sweden, in August 2001, I first read long passages from this manifesto. I am not going to repeat that today, nor will I refer to the historic manifestos of the 17th century. I simply propose to provide you with the results of some personal reflections concerning the most important points of this most recent manifesto that certain people will consider “utopian.” According to Plato, “Utopia is the form of ideal society toward which humanity must evolve. Perhaps it is impossible to realize this state on earth, but it is in this model that the wise must place all their hopes.” Since this great philosopher considered himself to be a utopian, I think that as Rosicrucians, we can do likewise.
Politics, by definition, is the activity of governing a city, a region, or a country. Nowadays the political arena is often the stage for conflicts and even extreme divisiveness, because those who govern us have different convictions in this domain, just as does each citizen. In some parts of the world, those who hold power have not achieved power in a democratic way. As for those who have been legally elected to office, they are generally prisoners of that same system which put them into office.
As an institution, AMORC is apolitical and strives to remain so. However, individual members making up our Order have a wide variety of political views, just as one would expect in any group. But what I have noted during my personal conversations with Rosicrucians is that many are disappointed with politicians and governments. Sometimes very significant events, such as those that occurred in the United States in September 2001, will bring together citizens and government, engendering feelings of national unity. This is a noble sentiment. But we must strive to experience this feeling of interconnectedness on a broader and even planetary scale. For Rosicrucians this implies certain obligations. In concrete terms, what are they?
Although we may feel like totally dismissing certain types of societies or governments and their policies, we must, as often as possible, make a heartfelt attempt to devote our meditations and contemplations to the service of world unity and the spiritual assistance of the world’s leaders. As you all know, our former Imperator, Frater Harvey Spencer Lewis, was a person of great intellect who was open-minded and truly ahead of his time. That is why he established what came to be called “Medifocus.” In Rosicrucian magazines and other documents throughout all of AMORC’s jurisdictions the names and portraits of heads of state were published. Each Rosicrucian was asked to send positive thoughts to these leaders so as to aid them in pursuing their mission as best as possible. Unfortunately, this concept had to be abandoned, because it was incorrectly perceived by the profane world, which had the wrong impression that we supported politicians who were sometimes cruel or dishonest. And, likewise, certain members of our organization also misunderstood this activity.
To avoid negative attacks on AMORC, Imperator Ralph Lewis decided to put an end to this program. For my part, I found the program completely acceptable. But unfortunately, I cannot envision reviving it, because the state of mind of most world societies—whether they are called “developed,” “civilized,” or otherwise—has not changed. In fact, I feel that it has degenerated.
However, since I am addressing spiritual people and others of good will through this article, I will ask you to strive in the next weeks and months—perhaps even every day of your life—to send positive thoughts, filled with love and compassion, to our world leaders. This request is not only addressed to Rosicrucians, but again to all people who have chosen to read this magazine.
Whether the world leaders are North or South Americans, Chinese, Russians, Arabs, Europeans, etc., the good thoughts sent out toward these men and women will not support them in their negative actions, but may on the contrary incite them to make better decisions or even—and why not?—to retire from the political scene if they are not up to what we have the right to expect from them.
Speaking from experience, I know it is difficult to forgive those we consider our enemies, and if in your heart, depending upon your experiences and the trials you have endured, it is impossible for you to forgive at this moment, then do your best to simply remain as neutral as possible. Not engendering thoughts of hate will in itself be positive.
We can also visualize an ideal form of government. Although there certainly has never been a perfect civilization directed by perfect humans on earth, nevertheless we could imagine a political system close to the one instituted in ancient Greece at the height of its civilization. Indeed, the politicians of that era were philosophers—in other words, “lovers of wisdom,” in the etymological sense. Their primary motivation was to work in serving the good and raising the consciousness of the people they governed. In this regard, they did not consider their fellow citizens as voters who had to be converted completely to their cause, but as souls who they had the obligation of guiding on the path of life. They were profoundly humanistic, in the image of Plato, or Pythagoras, who was considered to be the greatest legislator of his time. Like these individuals, we need to be convinced that human laws should be the reflection of divine laws. It is an absolute requirement if humanity is to experience happiness.
I now bring to a close this discussion about politics, because you already know my point of view and that of all the Grand Masters through the Positio Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis.*
Therefore, I ask you to visualize what the ideal society should be and send good thoughts to all our politicians. Do this in the privacy of your home, or at any time or place you deem necessary. Construct your concept of the ideal society a little at a time and refine this project over a period of days. Play with it in your mind and make it come alive. When it comes to the heads of state, ministers, deputies, governors, mayors, etc., do not content yourself with a worldwide and impersonal visualization.
On the contrary, for your mystical work, choose from among one or more personalities—whether local, national, or international. In reading newspapers and magazines, or while watching television, spot a face and retain it in your memory. You may choose to concentrate on the same person for several days, or choose to work on several personalities at the same time. It all depends on your inclination.
The Economy of the Third Millennium
The economy, technology, ecology, and science are each an integral part of our modern society, as they may be envisioned in our dreams of an ideal society. In the following passages I will expand upon the practical aspect of these four important points that are so closely associated with one another that they cannot be readily separated.
Nowadays the strength and influence of the economy are such that it is no longer the politicians who govern, but rather the financiers. Everyone knows that the world’s economic system does not meet the most elementary needs of billions of people, whereas the amount of money in circulation has never been so enormous on the international level. This means that the riches produced by humans benefit only a minority, which is regrettable. The economy has become too speculative and it sustains markets and interests that are more virtual than real. Quite obviously, the economy will fulfill its role only when it serves all humans.
This implies that we need to regard money for what it should be—a means of exchange and an energy intended for obtaining what each person needs to live happily on the material plane. People are not destined to be unhappy and even less to be impoverished. On the contrary, they should have at their disposal everything which may contribute to their physical well-being, so that they may elevate their souls with complete peace of mind toward higher planes of consciousness.
The economy of the third millennium should be based on principles of sharing and taking into consideration the common good, but in no way upon welfare, because this is illusory mutual aid and encourages those who benefit from it to claim still more assistance, rather than to fulfill their obligations.
I am fully aware that my expectations regarding the economy are very utopian, and I would not want you to misinterpret my remarks. I am not saying that we should share without limitation or never make a profit—quite the contrary. Rosicrucians do not need to take a vow of poverty, and great social success may also result from positive karma and the expression of great intelligence. It may also allow greater evolution, because it opens wide many doors, especially on the cultural level. Material wealth may also allow us to express what is best in ourselves, such as goodness and generosity. By my remarks, I simply wish to express a simple and innocent or even utopian wish—that is, that our world will be so beautiful that all persons will be able to appease their hunger and that war, whose primary cause is money, will no longer devastate our planet. But I am well aware that it will be a very long time before this ideal becomes a reality, and it may even be that we will never have the opportunity to experience this future if we do not become more enlightened regarding environmental matters.
Ecology and the Environment
This leads me to speak to you regarding the very important subject of ecology, because the earth’s resources are not inexhaustible and cannot be shared endlessly. We may speak of science, technology, the economy, politics, humanism, and of many other things, but obviously, none of these discussions can take place if our planet and its inhabitants disappear.
For several decades, ecology and the idea of protecting the planet were discussed in terms of a science fiction scenario, which brought forth smiles among listeners. Years ago the few specialists in the field of ecology were ignored. Now, what was once supposition has become reality, and although we are not yet fully suffering all the negative effects, the land, mountains, forests, oceans, and, indeed, human beings themselves are very seriously ill.
Therefore, it is imperative we become fully aware that the problems I have just touched upon do not concern any one country in particular, but rather the entire planet. You may live in the open countryside, far from all apparent pollution, and fully appreciate this privilege. But let me tell you, this tranquillity is only very temporary and it won’t take many centuries before all of us become the victims of pollution.
Apart from the obvious scientific and physical reasons, we should not forget that we are all part of the same égrégore and that what affects one nation or one person inevitably affects each of us due to the psychic bonds uniting us all. Thus, no one will be spared if we do not succeed in stopping the degradation of our environment. Of course, you will tell me that you are personally quite aware of this problem, and that you endeavor to live as naturally as possible by supporting through your actions, words, and thoughts, those who work to safeguard our world.
But think about it. In the next few days, examine your conscience and see what else you can improve around you, in your behavior and in your habits, whether at home or at work. Do not hesitate to be what is commonly called a “militant.” I am accustomed to saying that I am extremely optimistic, but when it comes to the environment, this is not the case.
Future Technology
What’s true for ecology and lifestyle is also true for technology. The latter is ever present and constitutes the core of modern societies to such a degree that it has become nearly indispensable. Unfortunately, the dark side of this picture is that machines now pose a danger to humanity itself. Machines were meant to assist humans and to save us from toil, but instead they have come to replace human beings. Of course, the advent of technology should have been a very positive development, but apparently it is not the case since we live in a fairly dehumanized world where physical and direct contacts are becoming rare.
The technology of the third millennium must become an agent of humanism. We have the obligation of centering ourselves once more and increasing our awareness of the quality of life and slowing down our frantic rush toward so-called progress. As far as that goes, we must learn once more to live in harmony not only with nature, but also with ourselves. Technology should free us from the most laborious tasks and allow our contact with others around us to blossom forth. Thus, the objective of technology’s advancement is not to robotize the world, but rather to humanize it. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City were a good example of this. Technology was omnipresent, but it served to convey a message of hope, beauty, unity, and fraternity.
Personally, I have always been interested in so-called new technologies, and I am, for the most part, a modern man. Of course, I use all the present-day means of communication in conducting the affairs of the Order and in my daily life. But I can assure you that I do not waste hours sitting in front of my computer screen or holding onto my cellular phone. Likewise, I prefer traditional cooking to that of microwaved cooking, just as I avoid eating foods that are modified genetically and prefer those that are natural and organic.
Some Important Questions
Thus, the advice that I offer about technology and the environment would be, for example, that whenever you turn on your computer, television, or your laptop, you fully consider the necessity of the action that you are about to take.
Do you still write a letter by hand or send a traditional greeting card to a friend rather than by e-mail?
When you do your grocery shopping, do you always remember to give preference to the most natural foods, those that contain no colorings or pesticides?
In your dealings with the stock market, are you careful not to support immoral activities either directly or indirectly? Have you made certain that your money is not being used to produce armaments or serve the major cartels, such as chemical or pharmaceutical laboratories?
By consuming certain products or abusing the use of medicines, do you not contribute to your own pollution and, in the long run, to that of the human race?
In summary, are you always aware of your acts, and do you foresee their consequences and results? I leave it up to you to meditate on all these matters and on all those of a similar nature that will be coming to mind in the next few days.
The Role of Science
As you can see, ecology, technology, the economy, and even science are inseparable in their evolution. Science contributes to the well-being of humans and it is an undeniable factor of progress. Without it, the world would still be in the Stone Age, but we must always keep in mind the famous adage “Science without conscience is the ruin of the soul.”
Scientists are as a whole very materialistic. Some among them are spiritually inclined, but they are prisoners of a system which does not permit them to give full expression to their beliefs. Therefore, science is focused upon the physical aspect of existence and has not taken sufficient account of its metaphysical dimension. I am thinking primarily of genetic research. Have they not reached the limits of what is reasonable? Consider too the weapons that have been created during the last few decades that threaten humanity with global destruction.
Regarding this matter, I think once again that our modern-day thinkers should draw their inspiration from ancient Greece. Thales, Democritus, Heraclitus, and many others were convinced not only that God existed as absolute intelligence, but also that God was the origin of the mysteries which confronted them. For them, science, like philosophy, had the aim of analyzing the laws through which this Intelligence manifested itself in the universe, in nature, and in humanity itself, in order to understand its function and to find useful applications for the welfare of their contemporaries. They did not play the part of “sorcerer’s apprentices,” which is unfortunately the case in our modern civilization. For science to rediscover its soul, it is necessary that scientists find theirs. You are certainly aware of the divine aspect of your nature, and I am convinced that if your profession consists of working in the scientific and medical fields, you will take into account all the viewpoints that I have just discussed.
The World of Art
Along with science and technology there is another world toward which human beings are naturally attracted—that of art. I, for one, conceive of art as being the ability to express on the human plane the beauty and harmony of the divine plane. Although I am not an expert in this field, I believe that we have departed greatly from this ideal over the last few decades.
Like you perhaps, I remain very perplexed when I look at certain paintings which are considered masterpieces, see crushed auto bodies and assorted elements that are called sculpture, or hear certain music that impinges upon us with force and violence and whose vibratory rate is very harmful to our psyche and state of health in general. These few remarks definitely do not imply that nothing beautiful has been created recently in the artistic field. I simply deplore the fact that art has become the privilege of an elite that gives art a false image, whether out of opportunism, selfishness, or demagogy.
To draw a parallel, today it is fashionable to speak crudely—even to be vulgar in one’s behavior—yet this does not mean that vulgarity is an ideal in itself and that most people appreciate it. Actually, this is a form of manipulation, notably on the part of the media. Being optimists, we can hope that the general deterioration of morals we are now witnessing is only temporary.
Morality and Religion in the Third Millennium
This brings us to the subject of morality. Morality is increasingly ridiculed, and it appears evident that humans should make considerable efforts to reestablish within themselves and around themselves the rules of behavior that have vanished. You are surely aware of those values that apply not only to one’s self but to others, and of course to our whole environment. I will not expand further on this subject, as it was covered in the Manifesto. On the other hand, I would like to speculate about the possible religion of the future.
In many countries religion is still very present. Many of our fellow citizens, or you yourself, may attend church, which is not so in my case. Not that I lack respect for religions, whatever they may be, but simply because the Rosicrucian philosophy, which I had the privilege of being exposed to at a very young age, satisfies me completely. Without wishing to speak against religions or doing them any harm, I doubt that they will satisfy the spiritual aspirations of men and women of future generations.
Indeed, I have the feeling that the creed, morality, and liturgy of religion, although completely respectable, will no longer be adaptable to the evolution of conscience and mentality. Personally, I think that this also applies to the so-called new-age religions, which are for the most part deceptions managed by entrepreneurs. The third millennium will see the coming of the Aquarian Age, which should begin around 2150 if we are to believe the most recent astronomical calculations. Tradition relates that this age will mark the end of religiosity and the beginning of authentic spirituality.
This means that religion, in the etymological sense of the word—that is, in the sense of binding oneself to God—will no longer be religious but spiritual. In other words, it will no longer be based on the sole belief in God, but on the knowledge of the laws by which God is manifested in the universe, in nature, and in human beings themselves. These teachings will have a universal character and will be a harmonious synthesis of the most mystical principles that the sages of the past have transmitted to humanity. To a certain degree, they will be similar to those that the Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis perpetuates today and will serve as the basis of a profoundly humanistic philosophy. Furthermore, the religion of the future will be devoid of all dogma, favoring instead freedom of conscience and personal reflection. In other words, it will make every human being a disciple of the Master Within.
As the previous remarks suggest, I think that the religion towards which humanity is evolving will be universal. As such, it will respond to the desire and need for knowledge of all men and women, apart from their race, nationality, and culture. Moreover, one may imagine that before then the world will form one single nation integrating all differences into a harmonious unity. No longer will there be a Yahweh, Brahma, or Allah that people venerate in a common faith. Instead, it will truly be the God of their Heart, the God of their Understanding. Likewise, people will no longer seek the word of God in the Bible, Koran, Upanishads, or some other sacred book, but rather in the Book of their Soul. This implies that present-day religions will no longer exist and that they will be perceived as the ancient religions are perceived today—that is, as definitely belonging to a distant past.
Therefore, the spirituality of the centuries to come should mark both the return and the definitive restoration of the Primordial Tradition, presented in a number of esoteric writings as the Religion of religions.
As I stated at the beginning of this article, I am completely aware that the viewpoints that I have expressed regarding the evolution of politics, the economy, technology, science, art, and spirituality are rather utopian. Nonetheless, I truly think that humanity has the power to make the Earth a place of bliss, brotherhood, and peace. To do so, humanity must absolutely transcend its materialistic ideals, turn the page of a religiosity that has become rather archaic, and open itself up to a spirituality based on knowledge and humanism. In other words, humans need to realize the famous Universal Reform already called for by the Rosicrucians of the seventeenth century.
Rosicrucians of this modern age have the privilege of belonging to an Order that works in the service of the spiritualization and humanization of the world. In this period of transition, more than ever before, we must make our Order known, so as to allow a greater number of seekers to join us and participate in the Great Work that the Rose-Croix has been accomplishing for centuries so as to give birth to a New Humanity. If you are not a member of AMORC, and if you feel an affinity with the subjects I have just discussed, I invite you to join with me, and thousands of other seekers, under the Auspices of the Rose-Croix.
Christian Bernard
Imperator
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