The Tabernacle in the Wilderness

 

 

While all the children of the proletariat on the Plains received a public school education, they rarely felt the incentive, even as adults, to extend their development into cultural fields. They were content that what they had was sufficient for a full and happy life. And for the time being it was, for the Initiated Citizenry and Aristocracy were bearing all the responsibility for the successful governing of the Empire, many of the benefits of which the proletariat were enjoying by propinquity. What they could not seem to realize, however, was that with none preparing himself to fill these executive and administrative positions, the Empire was rapidly approaching the period when there would be no one capable at carrying the responsibilities for its success.

 

The Elder Brothers, on the other hand, were fully aware that this lack of preparedness meant the ultimate collapse of the mighty Empire. They realized, too, that this danger was augmented by the fact that the proletariat were accepting, whole-heartedly, the fallacious teachings of a corrupt priesthood. Since these people had little or no conception of the meaning of Initiation, the Elder Brothers conceived a plan whereby some of the secrets leading to its attainment were to be intriguingly intimated, creating in them a desire to acquire the training and thus learn more.

 

As compared with the Citizenry, the proletariat had done nothing to advance themselves culturally or in any other way and were, therefore, still at the stage where they were lacking in appreciation of higher values and inclined to discount anything which they could not cognize with their physical senses. However, if they could see something out of the ordinary with their physical eyes, and yet more or less veiled in mystery, their interest and curiosity should be easily aroused. With these characteristics in mind, the Elder Brothers devised a Tabernacle in which the series of steps to Initiation were to be depicted and employing such occult means as to mystify and fill the proletariat with a wonder that could be satisfied only through Initiation itself!

 

This mental attitude exists even today, for many come into the study of Truth because of its intriguing nature. Not understanding the connotation of many terms used in occult parlance, they attribute to them great power and physical phenomena that they believe can be had for the mere intellectual cognizance of then. Theirs is more or less an idle curiosity that, however, can be the forerunner of advancement if the individual allows it to lead to greater understanding.

 

Each time, before the Tabernacle was erected, its site was first enclosed with a high, tight fence of heavy cloth that made it impossible for those outside to see what was being done inside the enclosure. This in itself aroused the curiosity of the common people to a high pitch. Even today, we dearly love to see anything partially hidden from us to say nothing of our inherent desire to watch anything in the process of construction. Crowds always line up to watch excavation machines at work digging foundations for big buildings or steel riggers erecting the frame work for a skyscraper.

 

 

As the framework for the Tabernacle rose above the fence, the curiosity of the proletariat redoubled, while speculation grew rife as to what was going on. To increase the mystery in the minds of the people, the opening to the enclosure was covered by three curtains that so effectively cut off the vision of the curious that they were unable to secure even a glimpse inside. Approached from the outside, the first of these curtains was purple, the second scarlet, and third blue, symbolizing man, Jehovah, and God. Man, being the creation of both the Angels and God, scarlet and blue were blended to make the color symbolizing him.

 

This was the veil of which the Bible speaks and which is of great significance in our advancement along the Path. Although here they used a physical curtain, it was but symbolic of the lack of perception that hides from us that which is spiritual. The lifting of the veil implies the clearing of our perceptions as we become initiated into the so-called mysteries beyond the physical plane. With Initiation, we come to understand ourselves, Jehovah, and God in a manner never before possible.

 

Curiosity concerning the Tabernacle and the desire to visit it grew intense when it became known that not more than a hundred were to be admitted each day. Each was previously selected and each had to bring an admission fee in the form of a bull or a ram the day before he was permitted to enter.

 

All this created an air of mystery, together with a sense of having been selected for a rare privilege, so that by the time the visitor was finally admitted, he was in a very proper frame of mind for the purpose of the Elder Brothers. Those applying for admission were interviewed by the attendant at the entrance, and each was pledged to maintain complete silence regarding all that he was to see and hear while being conducted about and taught regarding the marvels therein. (We come to understand the origin of the secrecy so inseparable today from so-called initiations and revelations of certain occult truths.)

 

Twelve visitors were admitted at one time and these found themselves in what was known as the Outer Court. This was the enclosure made by the high fence which originally aroused their curiosity. The Tabernacle proper was a tent-like affair, surrounded by this Outer Court which was twice as long as it was wide. The gate through which they had entered was at the eastern end of the enclosure and was called the East Gate, and it was to be noted that the entrance to the Tabernacle itself also faced east.

 

The entrants were greeted by the assistant of the Elder Brothers, a teacher who proceeded to explain to them that the Tabernacle was purposely pitched east and west so that the entrance to the Outer Court faced the rising sun. They were told that as they proceeded into the deeper mysteries of the Tabernacle, they would progress toward the west, the same as the sun that appears to go from east to west. The original Mukulian worship was centered about the sun, N’Kul, which to them had, from ancient times, been the symbol of God.

 

(The basic idea of going westward persists even today, for when the [Mukulian] Continent rises from the Pacific and the Initiates moves to it, humanity will have completely circled the globe in a westerly direction. In the beginning, we started on Mu, and to it, we shall return. After their arrival there, the majority of mankind will complete their advancement on this plane of existence. This completion, however, will not be coincident with our taking over the newly risen Continent, but will be completed upon it even as we began there. This will probably require several thousand years).

 

Just inside the gate stood a brazen altar upon which an animal sacrifice was burning. It was explained that the brass of which the altar was made was a composition of copper and zinc not found in nature. This was symbolical of the fact that sin, which arises only in the minds of men, is foreign to nature; and just as the altar is a symbol of suffering and death, so does man himself become a sacrifice, enduring great pain as long as he persists in doing that which is not compatible with God.

 

Attention was drawn to the fire which burned without fuel, and for which replenishment was unnecessary. They were told that although it did not instantly consume or disintegrate the animals upon the altar, for any but a qualified member of the Tabernacle staff to touch or interfere with it in any way brought instant death. This was true, since this particular fire was of the same occult origin and nature as the Maxin or Unfed Light of Atlantis and was used here in order that the emotions of the people might be stirred with the wonderful possibilities of Citizenship.

As they stood choking before the Brazen Altar contemplating the stench and the smoke, they were told that these animals were being sacrificed for their sakes, that had they started to prepare themselves for Citizenship through the Great Schools, it would not have been necessary to give up their valuable possessions. Furthermore, they were made to understand that this was only the merest suggestion of what would be the “forced sacrifice” for not acquiring the necessary training, as with the passing of time, their seed would die out and their cattle and crops would be destroyed by famine and drought; they would be forced to sacrifice their homes and all they held dear as a repercussion for their mental laziness and indifference to the admonitions of the Elder Brothers. Enveloped in the dense, billowing smoke arising from the burnt offering and nauseated by the stench of burning flesh, the neophyte began to wonder as to the personal application of this experience.

 

It must ever be remembered that the Tabernacle was merely a symbolical presentation, for none could attain even a sub-degree of Initiation by merely entering the enclosure and simply viewing their possessions being burned on the Brazen Altar. The sacrifice of the animal was purely symbolic, for as true and sincere aspirants for Citizenship, we know that man advances only by sacrifice of his own selfish desires. And yet, today, in the pain and slaughter of wars upon wars, must we sacrifice our very lives that all may ultimately advance upon the Path.

 

And now, the teacher and his charges were grouped around the Brazen Laver that stood before the door of the Tabernacle itself. It was explained to then that since merely passing through the Tabernacle would not enable them to become Citizens, they were getting only a bird’s eye view of what the actual process was. The fluid in the Lever had been blessed by the High Priest, and before entering the Tabernacle it would be necessary to wash their hands and feet. This, however, was merely illustrative of the Bath of Purification in which aspirants for Citizenship laved [washed] before entering the Great Schools to receive instructions from the Elder Brothers. What this fluid was, we of today do not know, but it not only cleaned the aspirant—internally as well as externally—but symbolically washed away his sins. Aspirants who are accepted at this time for Initiation go through this process on the Astral Plane.

 

At this point, the teacher talked to each member of the group individually, ascertaining whether he desired to proceed further. Those who did not desire to do so were immediately dismissed, while those who did were given appointments as to the time when they were to return for the next step. Thereafter, each neophyte was instructed personally, just as is true today when certain general information is released to whomsoever will take it, but who gets nothing further until he has assimilated this general information and expressed his desire and intention to proceed further, after which he is taught the personal application of all that follows.

 

When the selected neophyte returned for personal instruction, he was required to satisfy his teacher that he understood the significance of the Brazen Altar, whereupon he was again taken to the Brazen Laver.

 

This large basin rested upon the figures symbolizing the twelve signs of the Zodiac. In the same manner, the teacher explained, the Empire was supported by the twelve tribes of the Motherland, and since the neophyte was a member of one of the tribes, it was his duty to perform the greatest of all services for the Empire by learning the truths of God so that he might always abide by them. It was not enough to refrain from doing evil he must actually perform service, else the time would come when be would lose his material possessions. It was impressed upon him here that by fitting himself for Citizenship he would not only be in a position always to possess good, but could also help his fellowman to do so.

 

The contemplation of this was quite an undertaking on the part of the average neophyte, but when he had signified his understanding of it, he was given permission to bathe his hands and feet in the Brazen Laver.

Curiosity has led many into the study of Truth—the Outer Court. The mystery which seems to surround occult study, and the “show” of so many teachings which dwell upon the unusual and the seemingly miraculous, intrigue the fancy. But having entered, all too many become dismayed as they find themselves before the Brazen Altar upon which they must sacrifice their dearest possessions, their own opinions and their own wishes, which they must do if they seek to cultivate the virtues which will make them Godlike! This is the price all must pay. This is the sacrifice we must make if we would behold the beautiful Temple of God, and is the true basis for the old saying, “Man advances by sacrifice alone.”

 

Shall we be content to endure the repercussions which must be ours until we have made the principles of Christ our principles, or shall we decide to make the break with our old selves today—in this incarnation—and so pass the Brazen Layer and into the Tabernacle itself?

 

Reading these words, the majority of you stand in the Outer Court in somewhat the same position as did those Mukulians then preparing to enter into the physical Temple, or Tabernacle. You are coming to see with your physical senses what it is all about, but you will not be able to enter the spiritual Temple until your spiritual senses have been awakened. And this can be accomplished only as you demonstrate your entire willingness to sacrifice your personal opinions, your own wishes, your personal self so that you may go on to greater, finer things and know that happiness and peace which passeth all understanding which comes to all who consecrate themselves to further advancement.

 

The last Room, also known as the Holy Place, was without windows and completely enclosed so that its only light emanated from the Golden Candlestick which was on the left of the neophyte as he stood just inside the entrance and facing west. Directly ahead of him was the Altar of Incense, while to his right stood the Table of Shewbread. Thus, the Candlestick was on the south side of the room, and the Table of Shewbread on the north side.

 

The Golden Candlestick was six-branched, and with the shaft, bore seven lamps using the purest olive oil especially processed by the Elder Brother in charge. These lamps were carefully and painstakingly serviced so that they afforded an excellent light and were kept burning continuously. They were symbolic of the seven Lesser Schools through which the proletariat were started on the way toward immortality and the acquirement of the abilities such as are possessed by the Elder Brothers. It was explained to the neophyte that when he entered the sanctuary of a Sacred School, he would gain illumination from these wise and great Ones whose sole desire was to rank him with Themselves. This appealed to him because humanity inherently wants to be great and do remarkable things, but, unfortunately, as a whole, is too lethargic to do anything toward this end.

 

The Shewbread represented the final product of man’s cultivation of the wheat originally given him by the Lords of Venus. By planting and harvesting this grain, then converting the harvest into a form which can be assimilated by the human organism, man had shown that he understood the meaning of service. The practical use of what God had provided was, in reality, a dedication to Him. It will be observed that the Shewbread was not the result of daydreaming, it was NOT the product of fanciful speculation as to the origin of the Universe and the nature of atomic substance, or the post mortem existence of the atheist, it was the product of actual toil.

 

The Shewbread stood in two piles of six unleavened loaves each, upon which, in small vessels, frankincense was burning. The neophyte learned that the bread represented excess constructive service unselfishly rendered: that such service is cancelled or consumed only when something constructive has been done. In this way, the neophyte was brought to realize that whatever he could produce in excess of his consumption was forever his and could not be taken away from him except as he himself cancelled it out of existence.

 

He was told that the frankincense symbolized the quintessence derived from the service performed for the benefit of others and was being burned as a love offering to God. Unlike the burnt offering upon the Brazen Altar with its disagreeable fumes and smoke symbolic of forced sacrifice, this gave off a delightful aroma most pleasing to the senses and symbolized, he was told, voluntary service as it was woven into the soul development of the neophyte.

 

Then he and the teacher stood before the Altar of Incense. It was here, he was told, that the aspiring Initiate would stand when offering up the quintessence of his good deeds, the aroma of which would then be incorporated into his evolving soul. This quintessence would not be the result of simply refraining from wrong doing, but from actual service performed in helping others. He was instructed, even as we are today, that simple service consistently rendered though attracting little notice, frequently carries the sincere neophyte to almost unbelievable heights. He learned, too, that it is far better for one to live for a cause than to rise to a notable, spectacular occasion once in a lifetime, only to die like a martyr in the attempt.

 

Now, the neophyte stood before the veil separating the East and West Rooms. This West Room, he was informed, was the Holy of Holies where the Initiate would find God. However, none would be able to draw aside the veil until he had evolved the light of advancement within himself. If there was no inner illumination, and one depended upon physical sight alone, he would see only absolute darkness. None but a High Priest or Initiate could look upon God and live because of the terrific vibration. One must have prepared himself to withstand this through the consistent performance of selfless service and consistent striving toward greater advancement.

 

Having advanced thus far in the training, the student of Lemurian Philosophy is aware that God is all about us in every manifestation and in every force of nature, He knows that with Egoic development, acquired through constant striving and consistent performance of selfless service, he will evolve the spiritual perception which will enable him to “see” God in all things. Until there has been this preparation, however, there can be no inner illumination, but to have attempted to explain this to the neophyte would have resulted only in confusion.

 

He was told that when be had so fitted himself as a Citizen that he had this inner illumination or understanding of all that the Elder Brothers would teach him, he could enter the sacred Holy of Holies. Until that time, however, he would be permitted only to peer into the room from the doorway. If he were sincere in his desire to learn more, he might see the Sacred Shekinah Glory which was the symbol of the presence of God. If he were not sincere, he not only would see nothing, but also would risk serious physical consequence.

 

Within this room was a hollow receptacle of precipitated virgin gold and elaborately carved that later became known as the Ark of the Covenant. The cover of this receptacle was known as the Mercy Seat, upon each end of which was a golden Cherubim. This was the special dwelling place of the Sacred Shekinah Glory that hovered between the two Cherubim and directly above the Ark. This manifested as a blaze of celestial glory that would have resulted in the death at any one who had not prepared himself over a period of time for this experience.

 

By means known only to Them, the Elder Brothers placed a certain form of occult protection about the Ark and this was responsible for much of the phenomena that later were attached to it. None but an Elder Brother or High Priest might touch it without meeting instantaneous death.

 

At this point, the teacher would advise the neophyte to take a few days to think over all that he had learned and to make sure within his heart that he had a sincere desire to learn more. During this period, he could return for further explanations or to hear again all that he had been told and of which, of course, we have stated only the highlights. Thus, when the neophyte felt within his heart that he was qualified to see beyond the veil that covered the doorway, he returned to his teacher who turned him over to the Elder Brother in charge.

 

The Elder Brother would then take him to the entrance of the Holy of Holies when no others were present in the that Room. Lifting the veil, he would allow the neophyte to look into the darkened room. If the neophyte were unable to see anything, he was required to spend further time in meditation and return again. If, as often happened, there was a faint glow about the Ark so that the neophyte could see it, the Elder Brother would make the necessary arrangements for him to go to the Thirteenth School where his real training began.

 

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For all the elaborate thought and care put into the planning and construc­tion of the Tabernacle, experience soon proved conclusively that the effect upon the proletariat inhabiting the Rhu Hut Plains was negligible. There were several reasons responsible for this. In the first place, the proletariat on the Plains not only had so many advantages common to the Citizenry, such as fine and comfortable homes and life in the beau­tifully organized economy of the Empire, that they felt they had little to gain in seeking Citizenship. These things were theirs without going through any special training ordeals so, they reasoned, why should they bother? To become a Citizen meant the taking on of responsibilities.

 

True, they would, as Citizens, have a voice in the governmental affairs, but in their eyes, this was of little consequence. As they were, they could feel free to criticize things they did not like without being in any sense responsible for them. And being what they were, the Citizenry usually tried to correct any causes the proletariat felt to be responsible for dissatisfaction. Already influenced by the corrupt secret teachings of the priesthood, the proletariat were willing listeners to the smooth arguments the priests set forth. Realizing their own danger should any number of the proletariat aspire to Citizenship, the priests shrewdly appealed to their followers’ most vulnerable points—especially to the normal inertia so predominantly responsible for the proletariat’s “let George do it” attitude.

 

To the comparatively ignorant proletariat, it also seemed that the priests displayed all the powers any man could desire, and the advantages of these could be secured with little or no effort on their part by paying “a price” to the priests. Furthermore, since by no means were all the priests clever, it was but a matter of time when the proletariat began to suspect that many of their so-called powers were based upon clever tricks and legerdemain, a spirit of materialistic skepticism was engendered with the result that they felt much the same about the Tabernacle mysteries.

 

Realizing the futility of further exhibiting the Tabernacle on the Plains, the Elder Brother decided to send it into the distant reaches of the old tribal valleys. So enormous and almost unbelievably fertile were the vast Rhu Hut Plains, the Empire had never found it necessary to expand into these valleys. They were never converted into Provinces, but were left to those of the various tribes who had chosen to remain in them and were regarded much as we regard those sections we call Territories.

 

The public school system of the Empire had been expanded so as to include these valley, in each of which were many elementary schools. In return for this and the protection received from the Empire in maintaining their grazing lands unmolested, the various tribal clans or septs were required to tithe to the Empire. Since this arrangement was liberally interpreted and enforced, there was practically no opposition, and those living in the valleys were content. Of course, they had none of the outstanding advantages and privileges enjoyed by the proletariat on the Plain, and for this reason it was felt that training for Citizenship would have greater appeal.

 

Also, their operations on the Plains had proved so very profitable to the priests that very few of then were interested in undertaking the hardships inseparable from carrying on into the more or less wild and far-flung sections of the valleys. Thus, it was that the Elder Brothers felt They would experience much better results among these people, and the Tabernacle was started upon its great mission to eventually become known as the “Tabernacle in the Wilderness.”

 

While the results were much better than on the Plains, the population was relatively small with the result that the increase in the Citizenry was insufficient to offset the steady shrinkage. It was, the Elder Brothers realized, a hopeless task, and there could be only one inevitable outcome . . . the intimate failure of the Empire!

 

They felt, however, that with the passing of time, the Tabernacle would assume the proportions of a shrine in the minds of a great many and would form a sort of rallying point around which all the better element would cluster and thus help keep alive the basic ideals and principles of Their Philosophy. Therefore, since the conquest of Mexico had been completed, They sent there the Ark and the accouterments necessary to establishing a replica of the Tabernacle. In the Ark were enclosed not only the complete plans for the Tabernacle, but for the great Temple later erected on Atlantis, as well as the basic laws of the Empire. The occult protection was maintained and later took the form of the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day, as mentioned in the Bible.

 

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Today, we find the pictorial representation of the Glory Cloud, or Shekinah Glory, between the outstretched wings of the eagle upon the great seal of the United States. Within the Glory Cloud, you will find thirteen stars arranged in the form of two interlaced triangles all of which constitutes proof that the principal organizers of the United States and the framers of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution were High initiates and fully familiar with the true significance of the number thirteen which plays such an important part in Lemurian Philosophy as well as in United States history.

 

 

 

Mu