Each of the world's great religious founders , those who left to mankind a spiritual heritage, a system, doctrines or a code of living by which man could commune with the God within, was a beacon of Divine Light in a dark and saddened world of humanity. Their lives were shining examples of the truths they expounded. The reason bitterness oftentimes exists between the present-day exponents of these great religious movements is that they in their own lives and conduct do not, as their predecessors did, exemplify their religious principles. It is intriguing and inspiring to read The Story of Light, the beginning and evolution of the great religious movements, the construction of broad roads upon which man hopes to reach a closer understanding of his God. It is most befitting that With each initiation intended to evolve your consciousness you be given a brief biography of these religious founders, these eminent personages.
Nicon
Until comparatively recent years little was known of the life of Nicon, the great reformer, except that he was an ecclesiastical power in Russia during the 17th century. In many respects his effect upon the Greek Catholic Church was like the effect of Luther upon Roman Catholicism. During the 16th and 17th centuries the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestants were so engaged with their own controversies that they ignored the original church of the East-the Greek Catholic Church-which referred to itself as Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church. It was divided geographically into Coptic, Abyssinian, Syrian, Nestorian, Georgian, Armenian, Greek, and Russian-each claiming to be strictly orthodox.
In the 17th century the Russian branch was the strongest, and during this period a reformation a rose. In 1605, Moscow was the religious center of Russia. At that time in the suburbs of Nizhnii Novgorod, Nicon, the son of a peasant was born. His mother died when he was very young, and his father married again. His stepmother was insanely jealous of his place in his father's affections. An incident is related wherein she attempted to burn him alive when he crawled into the great stove of the home to lie upon the warm ashes to sleep. She is said to have put logs in the stove so that he was so wedged in that he could not free himself, and then to ignite them and close the door. He was freed when a neighbor heard his cries.
He learned to read and love books which were loaned him by a monk. He ran away from home to a monastery in Jettovodsky, but was prevented from taking the final vows by his father. He was brought home and forced by his father into an early marriage. Later, when his children died, he insisted that his wife enter a convent, and he entered a monastery. Finally he secluded himself in a hut in the Arctic and practiced extreme asceticism and self-immolation. The head of the monastery died, and after persuasion Nicon was ordained bishop of Novgorod.
In 1646 the Tzar of Russia, Alexis, seeking to reform the decadent Russia, heard him speak, admired his eloquence and made him archimandrite. Nicon, because of his counsel to Alexis, became his first friend. He displayed the greatest courage in controlling mobs which were angered by his rigid reforms. On the other hand, he won the people over by speaking in their native tongue in the churches, and giving them inspirational guidance. In 1652 he was appointed by Alexis as patriarch of Moscow, highest ecclesiastical position. This incurred the jealousy and hatred of other church officials and of the princes and nobles because of the power he acquired.
One example of his reform of the liturgy was the changing of the making of the sign of the cross with two fingers of the right hand to three fingers. The Russian Church had always held that the two fingers signified Christ as human and divine, whereas the use of three fingers implied the trinity recognized by the Greek Catholic Church. This incensed many, but the change remained.
It is said that he discovered a very old vestment on which was woven in pearls a Christian creed, which differed from the one the orthodox church used. This astounded him, and Alexis at his suggestion sent messengers to all parts of the world to bring back any manuscripts which would confirm or deny the accuracy of this new-found creed. This resulted in Moscow's having the greatest collection of Biblical literature of any other center in the world, with perhaps the exception of Rome.
The animosity Nicon had created by his rigid reform of the liturgy eventually brought about his downfall. A dog was secretly trained by the nobles to mimic the patriarchal sign Nicon had decreed, by sitting up on its haunches and crossing its paws in a certain manner. It was exhibited in the court and caused him much ridicule. Eventually, Nicon was tried before an ecclesiastical court, but like almost all such trials, it was intended that he be found guilty, no matter how able or convincing his defense. He was deposed. Later an attempt was made to make him pope of the Greek Church, but he died before the culmination of the plans. His reformation differs from Luther's in that he attempted to bring about a return to orthodoxy from a perverted liberalism, whereas Luther sought a renaissance from a perverted orthodoxy.
Initiation Ceremony
Fratres and Sorores, Greetings!
Again we give you an opportunity to participate in an initiation - this time the beautiful Third Degree Initiation. Of course, this initiation has been modified to meet the requirements of your Sanctum, but nothing in its meaning has been depleted. We are sure you will find it most inspiring, and therefore we ask that you do not fail to perform this ceremony as soon as possible. Of course, if you cannot perform it at this time, at least read it over and gain an understanding of it and CONTINUE WITH THE LESSONS AND MONOGRAPHS THAT WILL FOLLOW. Then when you do have the time, which we ask that you arrange to find, perform the ceremony.
Diagram: Accompanying this ritual and instruction, you will find another diagram with numbers and direction arrows indicating, as before, the places where you will be and the directions in which you will walk in assuming different positions in your Sanctum. You will note that you are again to use the Shekinah and the chair in the same relationship to the altar as before. Also note that in the center of the Shekinah this time, there must be placed a bowl or dish. Below you will find a list of names, masculine and feminine, and the meaning of each. Prepare eight slips of paper and on each write one of these names, either feminine or masculine, depending on your sex. Then fold up these slips of paper and place them in the bowl or dish on the Shekinah, so arranged that you will not recall what name appears on the slip. The reason for doing this will be explained as you proceed with the ritual.
Lights: You will again see that the candles are lighted upon your altar and that there is sufficient additional light in the room for you to read the ritual and perform the ceremony.
It is advisable also to have incense burning upon the altar if you can.
MASCULINE MEANING FEMININE
Adjutor Aid, succor Adjutrix
Affectator Earnest worker Affectatrix
Amorifer Brings love Amorifera
Benefactor Disposition to do good Benefactrix
Cognitor Defender Cognitrix
Divinator Prophetic Divinatrix
Justificus Acts justly, clemency Justifica
Pensator Who ponders, considerate Pensatrix
When your Sanctum is properly prepared, you will seat yourself at the West of the Temple (see diagram.) Remain quiet and relaxed for about three minutes. During this period, purge your mind of all thoughts other than a full appreciation of the next great step you are about to take in your advancement toward Light and Knowledge.
You will be alone once again with the Guardian of your Sanctum (your conscience.) When you feel from within the exhilaration of your spirit and a willingness to proceed evidenced by a sense of peace, you are then prepared for further initiation.
Candidate: You will now rise and face the East. (Face your altar: see diagram, Figure 1.)
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: Respected Guardian, do you assure me that the Sanctum is properly tiled?
(Secure against intrusion; proper privacy.)
You will answer as the Guardian of your Sanctum, which is your conscience, as you alone can know whether or not your Sanctum is tiled. If you feel that your Sanctum is properly consecrated for the Great Work to come, you will answer in the affirmative.
Candidate: (Read aloud in soft voice.) I do, Beloved Master.
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: Respected Guardian, do you assure me that the Candidate, having been given the title of Theoricus of the Second Degree, is sincere in his plea for advancement?
If you feel worthy of the honor to be bestowed upon you, you will answer:
Candidate: (Read aloud softly.) Yes, Beloved Master.
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: Before the ceremony of Initiation into the Third Degree shall be conducted, the proper signs of the Second Degree shall be made by the humble Candidate.
Accordingly, I direct that the Candidate step before the Shekinah and make the sign of the Second Degree with the hands and feet.
Candidate: Step forward to within 25 cm of the Shekinah, still facing directly toward the East. (See diagram, direction arrow and Figure 2.) Place your heels together so that the toes of the feet are separated by 25 cm.
Place your fingertips together in front of your chest so that the palms are separated by about 5 cm, having the hands in position as for prayer. (This is as you were instructed in the Second Degree Initiation, and the symbolism was explained at that time.)
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: While standing thus, I will direct your thoughts in prayer: Glorious God, Supreme Guide of the Universe, Infinite Master of our souls, Divine Essence, make known Thy presence here at this time, as we work in harmony with Thy laws. Manifest abundantly through all matter that it may become more spiritualized. Infuse us with Thy power; attune us with Thy wondrous NOUS in this Holy Convocation. We ask this in the name of the Rosy Cross.
Candidate: (Read aloud softly.) So Mote It Be.
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: I now open this Convocation in the sacred Third Degree of our Holy Order.
Candidate: You will right-about-face, return to the West of the Sanctum and be seated. (See diagram, direction arrow and Figure 3.)
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: My beloved Theoricus, it is now my privilege and duty to initiate you into the Third Degree. It is a grave responsibility that rests upon me, and there is likewise a serious obligation to be assumed by you. Not all who enter the Second Degree advance to the Third, but you have declared your sincerity and purpose.
There have been tests, but you will find the tests in the Third Degree more severe and more difficult. Thus, as you advance, the more trying will be the burden of the Cross.
(Read, not aloud.)
Master continues: In the days of old it was customary to have Initiation into the Third Degree occur at midnight in the large open courts of the temples in Egypt with naught but the moonlight to shine upon the Initiates, while in the dark shadows of the alcoves and behind the large columns and pillars there stood the advanced members of the Order, watching and chanting. Wondrous demonstrations took place in which the Initiates participated. In this, the Third Degree, you will have numerous demonstrations, as it is known as the Degree of Manifestation and Demonstration. Therefore, the work of this Third Degree was symbolized and initiated by having, on the first night, an example of manifestation which will, undoubtedly, be evidenced throughout the entire Degree. Therefore, this demonstration tonight will be of a psychic and divine nature.
(Read, not aloud.)
Master continues: However, before proceeding further, I now call upon you to take the solemn Oath of the Third Degree, and direct that you approach the East where it will be given to you.
Candidate: Arise and walk to the East of the Sanctum by way of the South. Turn at angles as you go. (See diagram, direction arrow, and Figure 4.) Stand erect, facing your altar and holding these ritual instructions in your left hand.
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: You will read the following Oath aloud:
Candidate: (Read aloud softly.) Before the Sign of the Cross (make Sign with the right hand while reading) I promise to devote such time as I can give to the studies of the Teachings of the Order, and to put into practice the Laws and Principles of the Rosicrucian Order, that I may be a worthy member of the THIRD DEGREE into which I now enter fully conscious of its importance, its sacredness and obligations.
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: Beloved Theoricus, it has always been customary to confer upon the candidates for the Third Degree Initiation a certain name by which they shall ever after be known in the Order. As an Initiate of the Third Degree, you naturally become a co-worker and receive the general title of this Degree, which is PRACTICUS.
In the First Degree you are Zelator; in the Second Degree you receive the title of Theoricus; in this Degree you shall be known as Practicus, for this Degree includes in its lessons much of the practical side of the laws which you have been studying.
Master: However, you shall now receive an additional and individual name in Latin, or another tongue, by which you shall be secretly known. There is an old custom in the giving of this name which still continues in our Order, for it is very interesting and illustrates the fact that there is no such thing as chance. You shall now return to the Shekinah and draw one slip of paper, and that slip shall be yours. You will find that the name thus drawn fits you well, very well indeed, and if the qualities typified by the name you receive are not apparent now, they will become so, as you advance in the Order. Never, to the knowledge of our Masters, has a name been drawn by anyone who did not deserve such a name.
Candidate: Turn, and walking at right angles by way of the North, approach the Shekinah. (See diagram, direction arrow, Figure 5.) Select from the bowl or dish on the Shekinah a slip containing a name. (You shall sign this name only when you wish to remain humble and conceal your identity in the making of any discoveries or in the writing of any articles for general publication. YOU SHALL NOT SIGN THIS NAME IN YOUR GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE, but when you prepare your report of this Initiation you may tell us which name you drew. If at any time you repeat this Initiation you shall NOT draw a new name, but shall place only one slip within the bowl, and it shall bear the name which you have drawn now.)
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: You will now return to the West of the Sanctum and be seated.
Candidate: Turn, and walking at right angles again by way of the North, approach the West; become seated, and remain relaxed. (See diagram, direction arrow, Figure 6.)
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: You have been taught that through the Cosmic Consciousness, or the Cosmic Mind, the mind of man may get in touch with many other minds and see and hear messages and thoughts from other minds. All these things have been explained to you by words and diagrams. Now in the Third Degree we begin to put into practice some of these laws, and we shall have demonstrations of what the subconscious mind can do when it is freed from the shackles of the objective condition in control of our bodies. We shall enter a new world and learn the wonders of the subconscious mind and its ramifications.
In the demonstrations which occur tonight and in all monographs of the Third Degree, we use nothing else but natural laws and do not have to resort to the assistance of any so-called 'spiritual beings.' I make this plain to you for I do not want to have anyone think that in what takes place in this Temple tonight or in the future there is any work in the nature of so-called 'spiritism.' We do not deal with spirits' in this sense, as they are forces and personalities alive in our own minds and in the minds of those assembled elsewhere. Sometime, some of the Rosicrucian Masters in this country or abroad will visit us here and manifest themselves to us through the use of wonderful natural laws which you will thoroughly understand in the near future in the higher Degrees.
Tonight's demonstration will not require the use of your candles, and I ask that you extinguish the candles upon your altar and all other lights in the room. (The Candidate will not extinguish the light until having read the instructions completely.) To assist the objective mind to become dormant and permit the subconscious mind to have full power, you know that it is necessary to concentrate the objective mind and, as nearly as possible, lose objective consciousness of your surroundings.
As soon as the lights are lowered, it will seem dark for a while; then gradually manifestations will occur. You are to remain perfectly quiet. If you see anything, or hear anything, or feel any touch, just keep in your mind what you sense. And remember this also: Just as you concentrate, so you will receive. If you allow your mind to become distracted, you will soon lose what you have been seeing, hearing, or feeling. So if you gradually see anything, then no matter where you may see it, keep your eyes on what you see, and concentrate upon that thing alone. Should your mind wander during the seeing or hearing of something, or should you stop to reason upon it or otherwise use your objective mind to analyze it, you will find it gradually disappearing. As soon as you see anything disappearing from your sight you will know that you have been losing your concentration and must quickly concentrate upon it again to make it appear stronger. You may not, upon this occasion, have any notable experience or sensations. This does not, however, denote that you are not ready, or that you will never succeed. Under such circumstances just proceed and at a later date repeat this portion of the Initiation. You must realize that often the mood we are in at the time determines the results we will have. After sitting thus for a few minutes, I will ask you to repeat five times, softly, the word KHEI-RA. It is pronounced Kay-ee-rah. This should be said very slowly and distinctly.
Candidate: (After about ten minutes of concentration, the lights can be turned on and the ceremony resumed.)
Master: Beloved Practicus, you have taken an Oath and you have heard the password which is spelled KHEI-RA. This password is used by Third Degree members in entering any Lodge, for all Third Degree Convocations, demonstrations, and lectures. Speak to no one outside this Degree of what you have seen or heard. Please rise.
Candidate: (You will rise and face the East of your Sanctum, or the Altar.)
(Read, not aloud.)
Master: Before the Sign of the Cross and in the Bonds of Peace, Love, and Secrecy, I dismiss you.
Now, please write a brief report on the enclosed report form, giving your impressions of the Initiation, and mail the form to the Department of Instruction.
NOTE: The symbol appearing in the center of the triangle, which designates this Third Temple Degree, was known to the Egyptians as ''Djed.'' It was, in fact, one of the hieroglyphic word signs of their language. To them, literally translated, it meant Firmness, Stability, and Preservation. Mystically we define it as the tree, the branches of which lead us to Cosmic Illumination. In other words, its branches depict those qualities mentioned above.
The Words of the Illumined
Many Are the Vistas That Are Revealed to Him Who Has Attained the Mountain Top
The worldly lives of those recognized as the fathers of our religions are, in most instances, merely a matter of chronological record, but their personal Cosmic Illumination is best determined from the truth which flowed from their mouths, for it is that, and that alone, which elevates them above all men. Below are brought to you some beautiful reflections of the great avatar whose biography has been given you elsewhere in part.
It is extremely difficult to obtain any original writings of Nicon. In fact, most of his literary efforts were of the nature of a revision, a return to the liturgy of Greek orthodoxy. At a great synod, which convened at his will, he forced the endorsement of the following three points which are not, however, his original words:
1. The restoration of the original Christian creed.
2. That the sign of the cross must conform to the Greek and not the Russian custom.
3. Rebaptism of former members of other Christian sects who desired admission into the Russian Church not necessary.