Our Part in the Coming Aquarian Age

Building the Character Needed for the New Era

"Every age calls forth a new expression of the eternal Truth. The Aquarian Age calls for men and women whose lives reflect the Christ within."

Just as an architect carefully prepares a blueprint before constructing a building, every sincere spiritual aspirant must prepare the foundation of his or her own character before becoming an effective worker in the coming Aquarian Age.

The world is undergoing a profound spiritual transition. Humanity is moving from an age characterized by separation, competition, and materialism into one that calls for cooperation, universal brotherhood, spiritual science, and Christ-cantered service. The question before every Rosicrucian student is not simply "What is the Aquarian Age?" but rather, "How do I prepare myself to serve it?"

Building Upon the Rock

Our Divine Master, Christ Jesus, taught that the wise man builds his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24–25). Likewise, every Rosicrucian student is called to build the temple of character upon an unshakable spiritual foundation.

This foundation is laid through the daily practice of the Seven Spiritual Exercises, which gradually transform the lower nature into an instrument through which the Christ can work.

The greatest rock upon which we can build is selflessness.

Selfishness separates us by family, nationality, race, religion, opinion, and personality. Selflessness unites us in the realization that we are all members of one universal family under Father/Mother - God.

As this understanding grows, we begin to experience true Christ Fellowship, recognizing the Divine Life working through every human being regardless of differences.

Seeing Humanity from a Higher Perspective

Imagine, for a moment, looking upon humanity from the viewpoint of an Angel.

From such an elevated perspective, many of the differences that seem so important in daily life would almost disappear. We would see individuals at different stages of spiritual development, each learning the particular lessons necessary for his or her own evolution.

One person may be developing patience.

Another may be learning devotion.

A third may be cultivating scientific understanding in the search for Divine Truth.

Each soul is working on a different part of the great puzzle of evolution.

When viewed from this higher perspective, the faults and shortcomings of others no longer provoke irritation. If someone speaks harshly, misunderstands us, or unintentionally causes offence, we recognize that they too are learning.

Instead of reacting with resentment, we quietly think:

"This soul is also travelling the path of evolution. As I have needed patience from others, so now I shall extend patience to them."

Such understanding is one of the hallmarks of spiritual maturity.

The Great Obstacle: Personality

Throughout every age, one obstacle has hindered countless spiritual seekers more than almost any other—the domination of personality.

How often have students allowed hurt feelings, misunderstandings, criticism, or differences in temperament to weaken their enthusiasm for spiritual work?

How tragic it is that eternal Truth should be neglected because of temporary personalities.

Truth does not belong to any individual.

The Rosicrucian Teachings do not become less true because those who study them are imperfect.

Every one of us is still learning.

Every one of us is still overcoming weaknesses.

Every one of us is still climbing toward greater light.

If a brother or sister struggles because of limitations in speech, education, health, temperament, or past mistakes, should that not awaken our compassion rather than our criticism?

Indeed, some of our greatest spiritual lessons may come through those whom the world overlooks.

The Mirror of Self-Knowledge

The Rosicrucian philosophy reminds us that the faults we most readily condemn in others often reveal unfinished work within ourselves.

Our reactions become mirrors.

They show us where our own nature still requires purification.

Christ taught: "Judge not, that ye be not judged."(Matthew 7:1, KJV)

Every criticism offers an opportunity for self-examination.

Instead of asking,

"Why is this person like that?"

the aspirant asks,

"Why has this situation disturbed me? What lesson is the Divine trying to teach me?"

This change of perspective transforms daily life into a school of initiation.

Living in the Spirit of the Aquarian Age

The Aquarian Age calls for more than intellectual understanding.

It requires men and women who embody:

• Universal Brotherhood

• Loving Service

• Tolerance

• Humility

• Cooperation

• Spiritual Responsibility

• Christ-like Compassion

These qualities cannot be developed overnight.

They are cultivated through countless daily choices.

Every act of forgiveness weakens personality.

Every unselfish deed strengthens the soul.

Every kind thought helps prepare humanity for the coming civilization of peace.

Rising Above Personality

As students of the Rosicrucian Wisdom Teachings, we must resolve that personalities shall no longer become stumbling blocks on our path.

Instead, let us courageously conquer our own pride, resentment, criticism, and selfishness.

The true battle of the Aquarian Age is not against other people.

It is against the lower nature within ourselves.

Every victory over anger becomes a victory for Christ.

Every triumph over selfishness becomes a victory for humanity.

Every expression of kindness allows more of the Christ Light to shine into the world.

Our Responsibility in the New Era

The Aquarian Age will not be built by governments alone.

It will be built by transformed individuals.

Each Rosicrucian student has a sacred responsibility:

• to think more nobly,

• to love more deeply,

• to serve more selflessly,

• to forgive more readily,

• and to become a living example of the Teachings.

As we rise above criticism, division, and personality, we become channels through which the light of the Christ can illuminate the world.

Then the words of the Psalmist become a living reality:

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."(Psalm 91:1, KJV)

May we therefore dedicate ourselves anew to building lives founded upon humility, wisdom, and universal love, so that we may faithfully fulfil our part in the coming Aquarian Age.

For it is not the Age alone that transforms humanity—

it is transformed humanity that builds the Age.

"Where there is Love, there is no personality. Where there is Service, there is no selfishness. Where Christ lives within, the Aquarian Age has already begun."

Adapted and updated from an article by C.H.P., The Rays Magazine, June 1920.

(Solomon Essah-Essel)