The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson Library Home ~ William Atkinson Bio - More Authors - More Texts The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy A Supplementary Volume to THE ARCANE TEACHING Copyright. 1909 by The Arcane Book Concern Lock Box 769 Chicago, Ill. Now in the Public Domain Notes from New Thought Library: We appreciate your support of our work. This library is your library and we are happy to bring these works to you. We trust these works will support you on your spiritual journey and that when you are able you can support this endeavor. All graphics within these pdf's and the library are links to additional free resources to support your journey. They are not advertisements. Some of them are New Thought News resources that will enable you to get better information about New Thought programs around the globe. They are free. Use them, share them and let us know how we can make them better. 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All for free! file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (1 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson We are a non-denominational New Thought ministry. We support all the denominations, independent New Thought centers & ministries around the globe. Our work has prompted some wonderful changes in the approach of organizations to the sharing of New Thought works. When we began the Library, one New Thought organization was upset that we were giving away these public domain works for free and asking for your assistance in this project. This might be because they were and might still be charging $2 per page for texts. Another organization was motivated by our work to create an archive of their own. In the face of the fact that NewThoughtLibrary.com and its mirrors are free, they changed their plans to charge you $200 a year and now offer their archive for free if you give them your personal information, email etc.. 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If you thinking about taking some New Thought Classes be sure and check out DivinitySchool.net to get an overview of the various New Thought educational programs and classes available. There are over ten denominations of New Thought. Some of them include: DivineUnity, Foundation for Better Living, Religious Science & Unity. There is a full list of them with contact info at FindACenter.com & its mirrors. We trust you enjoy this work produced for you by NewThoughtLibrary.com / NewThoughtArchives.com To insure your uninterrupted access to these works we are creating mirrors at: DivineLibrary.org - USA Central NewThoughtLibrary.net / NewThoughtArchives.net - USA East, NewThoughtLibrary.org / NewThoughtArchives.org - Europe NewThoughtLibrary.info / NewThoughtArchives.info - Singapore You can jump to the top of chapters by clicking below Lessons: (click on a lesson to leap to it, or scroll down the page) Contents 1. Lesson I. - Egohood - p.1 2. Lesson II. - Establishing the Ego (I) - p.9 3. Lesson III. - Establishing the Ego (II) - p.17 4. Lesson IV. - Establishing the Ego (III) - p.25 5. Lesson V. - Will Focalization - p.35 6. Lesson VI. - The Excluded Middle - p.43 7. Lesson VII. - Mastering the Opposite. - p.53 8. Lesson VIII. - Neutralizing Rhythm - p.63 9. Lesson IX. - Cyclicity and Balance - p.73 10. Lesson X. - Mentalism in a Nutshell - p.81 a. Formula for Positivity - p. 82 b. Will Atmosphere - p.85 c. Personal Positivity - p.87 d. Visualization - p. 88 e. Statements - p.89 f. Denials - p.90 file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (2 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson g. Mental Alchemy - p.90 h. Mental Vibration - p.91 i. Thought Waves and Currents - p.92 j. Thought Forms - p.93 k. Practical Methods - p.94 l. Concentration - p.95 m. Mental Imaging - p.97 n. Materialization of Thought - p.100 o. Aids to Mental Imaging - p.102 p. General Application - p.103 q. The Arcane Formula - p.104 Click on to return to the top of the Contents: Lesson I. - Egohood - p.1 In the "Arcane Lessons" you have seen that the individual is but a Centre of Consciousness and Force in the great Life Principle, Cosmic Will or SPIRIT. As Aphorism XII has informed you: "There is but One Life and not Many Lives. Sepa- is but relative and partial --- illusory --- the creative fiction of the Cosmos. . . In the Cosmic Will there is but One Life in which, and by which, is manifested the Many." You have also seen that Egohood is evolved and earned --- not given as a universal birthright, or general natural right of the race. As Aphorism XIII has informed you: "The Ego is evolved from the Personal Self. Every living thing possesses a Personal Self, but, even among men, many fail to reach Egohood. Egohood is earned, not bestowed as an universal natural gift. Many personalities are born, but few Egos are evolved." Egohood is the state of Realization of the Ego --- the Perception and Realization of the I AM. As an 1 old English writer once said: "Whether we try to avoid it or not, we must face this reality some time --- the reality of our own Egohood--that which makes at say 'I,' and in saying 'I' leads to the discovery of a new world." The average person is surprised, incredulous and even indignant when he is informed that but very few of the race really have this awareness or consciousness of the I AM within them. He will insist that he is fully aware of the existence of the "I," and cannot imagine that any one can have the audacity to dispute the proposition. But a little self examination will reveal the fact that he has but the first glimmering of Self-Consciousness, which is far from being the Consciousness of Egohood. We have no desire or intention of entering into an extended metaphysical inquiry in these pages, but we must point out to you what Egohood is not, as the first step toward showing you what it is, and how it may he acquired. The very elementary life-forms have merely the consciousness of "something outside" evidenced in sensation or feeling. The atoms manifest a faint degree of awareness (consciousness) of other atoms, 2 file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (3 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson which is evidenced in attraction and repulsion. There is in chemical affinity a higher degree of elementary consciousness. The crystals manifest a still higher degree in their activities of building-up form. The cell-forms of the lowest animal and plant life show an awareness of objects of food and of other forms which seek them for food --- and consequently they move toward the first, and away from the second. Rising in the evolutionary scale we find rampantly increasing degrees of consciousness. Among the higher animals, and the lower forms of men, we find what science has called "simple- consciousness," by which is indicated that awareness of outside objects, accompanied by a greater or lesser degree of reasoning regarding them. The dog, horse, and other higher animals give us a typical example of this form of consciousness, which degree is but little surpassed by the less developed of the human race, many of the latter not having advanced further in the scale. Simple-consciousness may be described as a state of knowing, but not knowing that one knows. it is a consciousness of outside things received through the senses, and also of the physical sensations arising in one's own body. 3 But, as man advanced in the scale there came to him the degree of consciousness which is known as "self- consciousness," in which the sense of "I" comes to him --- he differentiates between the Self and the Not-Self, as he understands it. He not only knows, but he begins to know that he knows. He begins to understand that he has a "knowing machine" by means of which he knows, thinks and is consciousness. The mental gaze, in this stage, begins to turn itself inward as well as outward. But the majority of the race possess this self-consciousness to but a limited degree. As a leading psychologist has well said: "Many persons never have more than a misty idea of such a mental attitude. They take themselves for granted, and never turn the gaze inward." Self-consciousness, like simple-consciousness, has many degrees on its scale. One has but to study his fellow men in order to perceive these varying degrees. We cannot pause here to consider this stage in detail --- our concern is with higher degrees. In a general way, and in order that you may make the clear distinction between simple-consciousness and self- consciousness, we suggest that 4 you think of the former as an awareness of the outside world, and one's own physical being, and of the latter as an awareness of one's own mind. Or, the former may be thought of as physical consciousness, and the latter as mental consciousness. But, here and there among the multitude of men are evolved a few who have attained a higher stage of consciousness --- the Ego-Consciousness, or consciousness of Egohood --- which surpassing the physical-consciousness and the mental- consciousness, just alluded to, may be styled spiritual consciousness. For the Ego-Consciousness is really the consciousness of Spirit, in an elementary degree --- there are many other and higher degrees. Ego-Consciousness, or Realization of Egohood, is more than an awareness of the outside world, or of one's own body as distinct from the bodies of others and other things. It is more than even the awareness of one's own mind, even when this awareness is carried to a high degree of development. It is difficult to describe this plane of consciousness to those who have not attained it, but it may be stated as an awareness of Individuality, rather than an awareness of Personality. 5 Personality is but the character in which the One Life is playing a certain part. As we have said in The Arcane Lessons, the very word "person" is derived from the Greek word persona, meaning "a mask used by actors." Your personality is merely the part in life you are playing --- "the John Smith part of you." And, consequently, the awareness of Personality is merely an awareness or consciousness of your own personal character, just as an actor is aware and conscious of the character of the play he is enacting. If you can imagine the actor forgetting his real Self, and becoming so earnest and wrapt in the play that he imagines that he really is Hamlet or Richard III, or Mephistopheles, file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (4 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson you may gain a clearer idea of the state of consciousness of the man on the plane of Personal Consciousness. When he shakes off the illusion, and realizes that he is something more than the assumed character --- when you awaken to the fact that you are something more than "John Smith," --- then the personality is seen to be in reality but an assumed character, or "mask used by actors." The Consciousness of Individuality is an awareness by man that he is above the limits and character 6 of Personality --- that he is a Centre of Consciousness and Force in them One Cosmic Life. This awareness must, however, be more than a mere intellectual acquiescence in the teaching to that effect, or an agreement with some teacher. Important as these steps are in approaching the realization, they are but foot-hills above which tower the mountains of the real Cosmic Knowing. The individual must know that he is an individual --- just as he knows anything that he has experienced. For indeed, he must really experience the fact that he is an EgoCentre in the Cosmic Life or Spirit He must realize that he is more than body and mind --- that he is, indeed, Spirit in SPIRIT. No mere intellectual acquiescence or understanding will supply the real experience of Egohood. It is not necessary for one to have experienced Cosmic Consciousness--or the awareness of his identity with the Cosmic Spirit as a whole --- to gain Egohood. This experience belongs to a higher stage. The Individual must, however, experience the realization that he is an Ego --- a spiritual entity, before he attains Egohood. Many grow into this stage naturally and by slow and gradual steps --- in fact all development 7 must be along natural lines. One cannot be dragged or pulled up into this stage --- one must grow into it naturally, as the plant develops and blooms into flower. But --- and here is an important point, and one upon which depends the usefulness of these lessons --- there are many who are ready and prepared to throw off the sheath of personality and to enter into the fuller life of Egohood, who are struggling with the confining bonds of Personality which they find hard to throw off. To these, and to these only, the methods and exercises, herein given, will appeal. If they appeal to you --- if they attract you and you hunger to put them into effect --- then know that you are ready for them, and ready to throw off the confining sheaths that are binding you and holding you back. As we proceed, you will see that in this Realization of Egohood lies the Secret of Attainment --- the Key of Power. Before you can exercise the Power of Spirit, you must realize that you are Spirit Spirit is the Succor of the Cosmos. The Ego is a focal point or centre in that Essence. 8 Return to the Top Return to the Top Lesson II. - Establishing the Ego (I) - p.9 file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (5 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson To "establish" is "to settle or fix firmly; to make steady, firm, or stable; to place upon a firm foundation; to ordain permanently and with authority;" etc. Therefore is this Formula --- one of the oldest known to Occultism --- called establishing the Ego. Its mastery imparts the sense and power of firm settlement and steady foundation of the consciousness of the Ego --- the identification of the self with the Self. The Arcane Teachers instruct the Neophyte that he must first of all develop this awareness of the Ego, by degree, until at last the Ego-Consciousness may become the habitual and natural consciousness, at all times and under all conditions. Once firmly fixed, the Ego-Consciousness never leaves one. Once found, it becomes a Tower of Strength in which one may ever take refuge from the trials of the personal life --- and from which one may safely defy the things of personality. 9 The first step of the Formula is that of acquiring a clear, distinct, positive and absolute realization that the Ego is not the body or physical organism, but is superior to and master of them. Even those students who have entered the plane of Mental Consciousness require additional drilling in order to escape completely and fully from the bonds of the physical body. The following exercise is recommended for this purpose: EXERCISE. Let the Neophyte place himself in a quiet place, away from the disturbances and distracting influences of the outside world. Let him assume a position of rest, relaxing the tension from muscles and nerves. Then, let him fix his attention upon his physical body; first the body as a whole, and then beginning at the feet let him move the attention upward until. the whole body has been included in attention, step by step, until the brain is reached. During this process the Neophyte will become aware, by degrees, that he is a Something inside of the body, body, viewing and considering the latter in all of its details, instead of being identical with the 10 body. There will be found a dawning realization that the body is but the physical envelope or sheath in which the Ego dwells --- or a garment which the Ego has assumed for the conveniences of physical life. This realization will not come all at once, but will gradually dawn upon and in the consciousness, increasing by practice. When a degree of proficiency and realization of this stage has been acquired, then may the Neophyte proceed to the next stage, as follows: Let the Neophyte now concentrate his attention upon his feet, until he is able to regard them as but tools or instruments whereby the Ego may walk in physical form. Then let him, using his imagination, realize that even if his feet were not there, attached to the body, the Ego would still be fully existent and in being --- that, although deprived of useful tools, the Ego would still be the Ego, unimpaired and undisturbed in its real being. Then bring the entire lower limbs into attention, and after fixing them firmly in consciousness, let the Neophyte realize that these limbs are but instruments for physical progress --- useful and important, but not indispensable to the being and reality of the 11 Ego. Let him see that if these limbs were not there that the Ego would still be, complete and fully existent. Then, let the Neophyte bring into attention the pelvic organs (the reproductive organism, etc.) and, after realizing their uses and purposes --- important to physical life --- let him realize that the integrity and being of the Ego is in no way dependent upon them. Let him, in imagination, separate himself from them in consciousness, and thus realize that even if that part of the body were removed, and missing, nevertheless the Ego would be fully existent in its entirety of being. Then let the Neophyte, in a similar manner, consider the abdominal organs --- the stomach, liver, etc. --- and while file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (6 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson realizing their value and utility in physical life, let him also realize that they, too, are but physical instruments of the Ego for certain purposes, and that the Ego would dwell unimpaired in being, existence and reality, were they absent. Then let the Neophyte likewise consider the chest organs, the lungs, etc., and while respecting and realizing their usefulness and wonderful adaptability to purpose, also realize that the Ego would 12 be full existent and real recoil these organs or parts of the body were absent. Then let the Neophyte pass on to the consideration of the head, with its various organs of sense; its brain centres and convolutions --- the machinery of thought, and then realize that although it would be impossible to live as a physical being in the body without these organs, still if they were absent the Ego would still be the Ego --- complete, existent, in reality, with integrity unimpaired. Then let the Neophyte again consider the whole body, as one organism --- the wonderful instrument of the Ego, adapted for physical life. But let him fully realize that this wonderful machinery is but a created machine in and through which the Ego manifests physical life and activity. And, that the Ego is above, independent of and apart from the physical body, in the true sense --- for it may dwell apart from, and out of the body. After performing these mental exercises, throw the mind into and over the entire body and into and through all of its parts --- the purpose of this concluding process being to re-energize the physical organism which has, in a measure, become devitalized 13 during the analytical process. You will find that you will be able to re-charge the body with vitality and make it stronger and more virile than it was before the exercise, after you once realized that it is but an instrument, or machine, which is used by and directed by the Ego. The realization of the Mastery of the Body by the Ego brings with it a new power of energizing and vitalizing the body or any part thereof. Throwing the attention to parts of the body, after this realization has been gained, tends to direct to the particular parts an increased supply of Vril or Vital Energy. After having mastered the above exercise to a satisfactory degree, let the Neophyte pass on to the following exercise: EXERCISE. Let the Neophyte, in imagination, leave the physical body and gaze upon the latter. A little mental practice will enable one to do this in imagination, thus bringing fully to the mind the realization that it is possible for the Ego to leave the body and dwell apart from it. When the mind has once grasped this possibility, the body will ever after be recognized as merely a physical machine, sheath or 14 covering, of the Ego --- and one will never again commit the folly of identifying the "I" with the physical body. To those who may object that this is merely an exercise of the imagination, proving nothing, for the reason that "one may imagine anything," we suggest the trial of the old Occult Test whereby the Neophyte was instructed to try to imagine himself as dead. A trial will show that this is impossible --- all that can be imagined in this direction is that the physical body is dead, while the soul either (!) stands apart, fully alive, viewing the body; or else (2) inhabits the dead body --- in either case it being the physical body alone which is dead, the Ego being always alive. Then let the Neophyte imagine himself as leaving behind his physical body, until, as Holmes says: ". . . Thou at length file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (7 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson are free, leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea." Let him then imagine himself as occupying other and different bodies, one at a time, in different phases of life and condition, in different ages, etc. This will bring about a realization that the Ego is something higher and independent of the particular physical shell or 15 machine that it is now using, and which it may have at one time considered identical with itself. Then will the particular body occupied seem, in reality, "my body," instead of "I," or "Me." The Neophyte is cautioned against learning to despise his body when be realizes that it is not his "self." The body is to be respected and well cared for, for it is a necessary instrument for expression at this period of the evolution of the Ego. Do not make the mistake of so many who have grasped half-truths, and who despise their bodies. This is a great mistake, and we would warn all Neophytes against it. The physical body is the bridge which is carrying you over a wild stream --- do not undervalue it --- treat it well, with loving regard and care. The physical body is the Temple of the Spirit --- make it a worthy one. Keep it clean and in good condition. Let it be a worthy dwelling place of the Most High. 16 Return to the Top Return to the Top Lesson III. - Establishing the Ego (II) - p.17 The practice of the exercises indicated by the Formulas described in the preceding lesson, if carefully and faithfully practiced, will give to the Neophyte a new sense of existence. He will realize by actual mental experience that he --- the Ego --- is an entity having its existence on a plane higher than that of the physical body, and superior to the latter. He will also experience a realization of the power of mastery over the physical body, which be may employ in the direction of mentally treating the latter for physical wrong functioning, weakness, or irregularities of any and all kinds. With a little practice he will be able to make his physical body a mast responsive instrument of his mind and will, and may build it up and strengthen it as he may desire. This power, once acquired, will also enable him to treat the physical bodies of others to excellent advantage. When the Neophyte actually realizes that he is independent of, and superior to, the physical body, he will realize that he has the 17 power to command his physical functions, and those of others who have not attained the realization. But let not the Neophyte make the natural mistake at this point, of considering that he has escaped the bonds of Personality --- for he has not. The Arcane Teachers first free their Neophytes from the trammels and retarding influences of the physical body, and in thus doing build up a still higher sense of Personality. Later, this higher sheath is, in turn, discarded, and the Ego focalizes upon its spiritual nature--its individuality. But the step of building up the incorporeal higher Personality must be attained before the next higher is possible. There 0 Neophyte, be not in too much haste to pass on to the next step. Master each step as you proceed --- thus do you rise naturally and easily on the Ladder of Attaintment. file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (8 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson Following the exercises indicated in the preceding lesson, the Neophyte may now proceed with the work of Establishing the Ego, in its first stages, as follows: EXERCISE. Placing himself in a position and condition of ease and repose, let the Neophyte meditate on the 18 incidents of In corporeality, or Life independent of the Physical Body. Thinking of oneself as a physical being, one naturally and properly takes into account the incidents of corporeality or life in the body. For instance, be realizes that he may be hurt by fire, water, earth, air or ether. He may be 'burned by fire, drowned by water, smothered or bruised by earth, swept away by air, or injured by ethereal vibrations such as electricity, etc. And, again, he may be wounded, meet with physical accidents, laid low by sickness, etc. These are the incidents of Corporeal Life. But, in meditation, by using the imagination intelligently, he is brought to a retaliation that none of these incidents are in effect upon the plane of the Incorporeal Life. Meditation and intelligent imagination will show the Neophyte that in his Astral Body he might pass through her unscathed --- through water untouched --- through earth without hurt or interference --- through air without being swept off his feet --- through the ether without regard to ethereal vibrations. None of these things of the physical plane have any effect upon the Astral Body, or disembodied Ego. In some of the ancient occult initiatory 19 rites the Neophyte was taken out of his physical body, and in his Astral form was bidden to plunge himself in the flames of the hottest fiery furnace; to throw himself from the highest precipice; to drop into a bottomless lake. Not realizing that these things could not affect him in his Astral form, and being bound up with the memory of the Corporeal Life, the Neophyte would often shrink from the tests. But after being encouraged by example and precept he would submit to the test, joyfully, with a laugh on his lips, as he realized that to him in his Astral form these corporeal things were nonexistent --- mere dreams of the physical plane. Of course the actual experience in the Astral is far more convincing than is the mere realization of the truth in meditation, but the latter rnust not be despised for it gives one an intuitive realization of the truth, which, once attained, tends to destroy fear and to impart a new sense of courage, invincibility and invulnerability and mastery, which permeates the entire being and causes one to radiate power and strength. Likewise will come the realization that the Ego, in itself, is incapable of hurt, harm, wounds, or 20 sickness. These things belong to the Corporeal Life, and have naught to do with the Higher Self. The Neophyte is enjoined to persevere and practice until he gains the actual experience and recognition that his Higher Self --- his Real Self --- is superior to all the incidents and accidents of the Corporeal Life, and that let come what will to his physical covering he, himself, is unhurt, whole, untouched, undisturbed. An old Arcane Teacher, over two thousand years ago, was once told that the world was coming to an end. "Well, what is that to me!" he replied, resuming his study. He realized fully his invincibility. A similar tale is told of Emerson, who was halted in the street by an excited Millerite, who informed him, in strained tones: "Mr. Emerson, the world will be destroyed in ten days!" "Well, what of it" replied Emerson, calmly, "I don't see but what we shall get along just as well without it." The Nineteenth Century Transcendentalist voiced the truth as clearly as did his predecessor in Ancient Greece. The sense and realization must be experienced before it can be understood. It may be realized by practicing the file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (9 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy by William Atkinson Formulas, as given herein. 21 The next step indicated by the Formulas, is that of Focalizing the Consciousness on the Ego. This is still within the realm of Personality, but on a very high plane of that realm --- a plane which gradually blends into the higher plane of Individuality. It consists of bringing about an acute realization of one's existence as a Centre of Consciousness and Force. It tends to gather up the dissipated sense of personal existence, and bringing it to a focal point, into vivid and actual conscious realization, preparatory to it being transmuted into the higher sense of individual existence. The following exercise will tend to bring about the desired realization: Exercise Let the Neophyte place himself in a position, and condition, of rest and calm. Let him then meditate upon the great Ocean of Life in which the individual entities are but focal Centres of Consciousness and Force. Let him picture himself, in imagination, as being an actual CENTRE, with all the universe revolving around him. Let him see himself as the pivot around which the universe moves --- the Central Sun around which the infinite world and planets circle in their cosmic flight. Let him feel himself 22 to be the Focal Centre of the Cosmos. And this is indeed, in accordance with the centuries old occult axiom which informs us that The Cosmos is infinite --- its circumference is nowhere --- its centre is everywhere." Let the Neophyte lose all thought of the outside world, in this meditation, --- let him regard it as totally unmanifest if he likes -- but see HIMSELF in Actual Existence and in Full Power. Let him realize "I AM" to the fullest extent of his power of imagination and conception. A student of the Arcane Lessons has written us of his experience in this stage of Realization. We quote from his letter, for it affords a typical instance of the phenomenon of the Establishing the EgoCentre. He says: "On first reading, the Arcane Lessons appeared to 'wipe out' my 'I,' and to cause it to disappear within the One Life whets it resolved itself into the Infinity of Nothingness, at the end of the Cosmic Day. Right here, I began to 'sit up and take notice,' with the result that my 'I' in a fierce effort to preserve itself from going to sleep, shone with such fierceness, clearness, and determination, that all was an Infinity of Nothingness right then. There was nothing remaining but just 'I.' 23 Then I fully understood how the One Life could go to rest at the end of the Cosmic Day, and how 'I' would be the awful lone witness of its rest. I had made the separation of the One Life and the Real Life, or distinguished the Manifested Life from the Un manifest." We quote this testimony because it brings out several steps in the evolution of the "I AM" conception. This student passed through the several stages at one leap --- attaining in rapid succession the realization of the Centre, and then, immediately following, the realization of the impersonal or Individual Ego, or Real Self, this latter stage forming the subject of our next lesson. The now familiar occult statement of "I AM!" should be used freely in practicing these exercises, for it tends to bring out the actual realization of Real Egohood which is the aim and goal of the Formulas. The statement has been used by the Arcane Teachers, and other advanced Occultists in all lands, for thousands of years. Its recent use is but a revival of the ancient initiatory exercises and rites. It is a tremendous Statement of Being --- and should be used reverently and with awe. 24 file:///E|/pdf/atkinsonWilliam/arcane/arcane-formulas.htm (10 of 37)9/2/2011 4:00:13 PM