On the Seven Rays

(Editorial in Philippine Theosophist)

One key tenet in Theosophy is that there are seven different kinds of disciples. People evolve along seven Rays as Ernest Wood wrote, using theosophical teachings of H.P. Blavatsky and Annie Besant (see The Seven Rays, Wheaton, Illinois: TPH-Quest Books).

In dealing with fellow seekers as well as in planning out our theosophical programs, it is good to keep in mind that what works for one member may not work for another, and vice versa. The members in our lodges are made up of individuals with seven types of inclinations or Rays. Consider these points:

The First Ray member will be a person of strong will power. This is the Ray of the leader and the soldier. The First Ray member might become impatient with too much lodge discussion. To the leader, the objective is always easily clarified so the First Ray person wants decisive action and disciplined work.

The Second Ray member is a person of Love. This is the Ray of the Teacher and the Healer. Loving action and Compassion are the hallmarks. A member of the Second Ray will take time to lead and teach the others along, and allow them to flourish in a conducive atmosphere.

The Third Ray is the Ray of Wisdom and of the Philosopher. Deep understanding of principles governing man, God and the Universe motivates his search. The Third Ray person may find lodge meetings on devotion as uninteresting, or the rituals of Masonry to be empty if the philosophy behind these actions is not clarified. However, this individual will spend hours if not days on pondering about the mysteries of life, and would not find long lodge discussions on philosophy as boring.

The Fourth Ray member is the artist. Beauty, creativity and music elevate the Fourth Ray member to heights unimaginable. The artist will find no need for philosophy or studies on theosophical philosophy but will be interested in programs that have art.

The Fifth Ray person is the Scientist. Precision and integrated process of knowledge is his passion. The artist and devotee may have no interest in this type of inquiry yet it is indispensable to the Fifth Ray disciple who will need to experiment with yoga, spiritual techniques, as well as verify pronouncements of authorities, before these can have relevance.

The Sixth Ray disciple is the Devotee. Adoration, devotion and love dedicated to the Supreme expands the disciple's consciousness. The devotee does not need discussions on philosophy or scientific experimentation. Love and devotion are sufficient.

The Seventh Ray disciple is the Master of Order and Ceremony. This is the Ray of the Priestcraft and the Freemason. Members of other rays may find rituals to be nonsense, but the Seventh Ray person intuitively knows that force is directed using the magic of ritual.

While there is a foundation Ray that governs each theosophical member, most individuals exhibit a combination of Rays. This is analogous to the musical chords, where there is major chord and a minor chord. Members of some Rays naturally work more sympathetically with others. The First Ray (Leader) and the Seventh Ray (Ceremonialist) disciples are natural brothers and sisters. The Second (Ray of Love) and the Sixth (Devotee) seekers are obviously resonate to the same note, which is Love. The Third (Wisdom) and Fifth (Scientist) Rays complement one another in the search for Truth and Reality. The Fourth can resonate with all as it is the Ray of Harmony and Beauty although it is more easily able to work with the Second (Love) and Sixth (Devotion). What Ray do you think you belong to? Who do you naturally resonate with? Does this not affect how you approach theosophy?

Sometimes we do not understand why our members cannot blend well with others in our group. The members who want to prioritize social action may become impatient with those who want devotional meditation to occupy most of the agenda. Those who are scientifically bent will object to herbal cures, faith healing and pranic healing. The ceremonialists will want an opening invocation while others do not. Some would want all the time spent on discussions on philosophy.

If we look at the theosophical teaching of Monads coming forth in seven rays, these things will be more understood. With such insight we can weave a plan of action that is more relevant to our members' needs. However, in the end, balance of all seven inclinations and a integrative synthesis of the tendencies of the Rays is the ideal.

This issue of the Philippine Theosophist highlights some items that are of interest to different types of members. Joselito Cendana's On Theosophy and Zen explores an approach that will resonate well with Mahayana devotees. He asks the question, "is the study of theosophical philosophy antithetical to Zen? Can we do both together?" Bimboy Penaranda writes on service in Volunteering for Service and Solidarity. This is a path easily appreciated by the Second Ray Karma Yogis, yet he reminds us that service and solidarity are global and local actions. All should be involved. Vic Hao Chin Jr writes on the alchemy of kindness. An atmosphere of kindness is one of the best conditions for the flowering of one's inner self, he states.

Taking this cue from Vic Hao Chin, Jr, we should remember that in dealing with the different Rays and inclinations of members, as long as there is love, brotherhood and kindness, everything else will follow. Let us always call to mind therefore the unity and harmony of our group. Then we can proceed from there. Let us highlight the commonality and not the differences. This way we live the idea of N. Sri Ram, a former TS International President: "What binds us in the Theosophical Society is not a common set of ideas but a common search for Truth.