MASTERY OF LIFE

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. Speak your latent conviction and it shall be the universal sense; for the inmost in due time becomes the outmost, and our first thought is rendered back to us by the trumpets of the Last Judgement. Familiar as the voice of the mind is to each, the highest merit we ascribe to Moses, Plato and Milton is that they set at naught books and traditions and spoke not what men but what they thought. A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. In every work of genius we recognise our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty. Great works of art have no more affecting lesson for us than this. They teach us to abide by our spontaneous impression with good-humoured inflexibility then most when the whole cry of voices is on the other side. Else, tomorrow a stranger will say with masterly good sense precisely what we have thought and felt all the time and we shall be forced to take with shame our own opinion from another.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Introduction

Thank you for turning to this page. We welcome the opportunity to tell you something about ourselves and hope it may encourage you to join us in our quest.

If you have an interest in spiritual growth, human development, or the role of philosophy, culture and education in producing a mature and integrated personality, then there is almost certainly some aspect of the Order's teachings which will be of interest to you. If you wish to contribute to the refinement of human society and the advancement of civilisation, then the Order's teachings can help clarify and achieve your goals.

Equally, however, if you are merely interested in the creation of a healthier and more successful life, then these same teachings can help. If you are still interested, then let us take a brief look at what the Rosicrucian Order is all about.

THE ROSICRUCIAN ORDER, AMORC is a world-wide mystical fraternity,. a non-sectarian body of men and women devoted to the study and practical application of natural and spiritual laws in their personal lives. Its broadest goal is to further the general evolution of humanity through a structured system of instruction leading to a progressive and steady development of the full potential of each individual in society. Done correctly, this development will inevitably enable the world as a whole to live in harmony with itself, and with the creative, constructive, universal forces of nature governing our lives. Even a partial accomplishment of this goal will lead to the attainment of health, happiness and peace for many millions of people in the world today.

To assist in this attainment, the Rosicrucian Order offers the world's foremost system of instruction and guidance for the exploration of mankind's deeper nature and the discovery of those universal laws which specifically govern all human endeavours. The wisdom it imparts is profound and has been carefully preserved by mystery schools for centuries. Today it is available to every sincere person with an open mind and a positive motive. You can discover the great power which resides within you and apply it to the personal affairs of your life with truly startling results. The Order consists of thousands of men and women from almost every race, creed, culture and profession in over 100 countries though from an organisation point of view, it is divided, by language and geographical location, into several jurisdictions known as Grand Lodges which publish the Rosicrucian teachings in thirteen languages, English being one of them.

What is Mysticism?

Mysticism can broadly be defined as a discipline which, when correctly applied to our daily lives, opens us to a full and satisfying understanding of many of those phenomena which for the present at least, remain beyond the realm of modern mathematics and physics. Requiring no arduous academic training, mysticism nevertheless requires sincere and dedicated work on the improvement of one's self. In one respect, mysticism attempts to establish a permanent, conscious link between the individual and the source of all knowledge lying beyond the limits of the material universe and the sciences presently used to describe it. That such a source of wisdom and inspiration actually exists has been attested to by many of the greatest minds the world has produced in the past, and continues to be eloquently spoken of by some of the greatest thinkers of our own era.

Through a study and dedicated application of the principles taught by AMORC, you will learn to recognise, and respond to an infallible guidance which appears to originate from the very depths of your own being. This guidance has variously been called the "still, small voice within", the "Inner Self", or the "Master Within". In every human being there resides a deeper nature or personality of almost unbelievable potential, a nature of considerable sophistication, refinement and capacity for development. In developing your awareness of this, you will soon learn of the inherent error of relying exclusively on the objective senses to guide your life. There is a different, more refined and more sophisticated and more accurate method of getting precisely the answers you want.

On a purely practical level, the study and proper application of mystical techniques also leads to the development of a more mature and integrated personality, greater success in your daily activities, and a growing feeling of peace and happiness in your personal life. Though the benefits of being a Rosicrucian are also of a deeper and far more transcendental nature than this, if you became a member of AMORC for no other reason than to bring peace and personal happiness into your life, would it not still be worth your while?

The techniques used by Rosicrucians include the use of specific and highly effective methods of concentration, contemplation, meditation and visualisation, to mention but a few, and a proper study and application of these techniques would provide you with exceedingly powerful tools to help you shape your life at all levels, whether physical, mental, psychic or spiritual.

The Benefits to You

At its highest and most universal level, one could say that the awakening of the intuitive sense to solve life's problems, the unfoldment of inner talents, achieving more meaningful relationships and the discovery of a higher and more selfless purpose in life, are some of the benefits of mysticism and inner enlightenment. As a member of the Rosicrucian Order, you would learn to direct your destiny, develop your own philosophy and master your life at all levels.

• On the physical level, you would learn to relieve various conditions you may suffer from and acquire specific techniques of speeding up the natural healing processes of your body.
  
  
• On the mental level, you would learn how to bring into physical manifestation whatever you strongly and rightfully desire, be that happiness and peace in life, or purely success in your business. On the psychic level, the strength and power of your inner being would be enhanced and brought to a higher standard of operation, opening up a whole new dimension of experience.
  
  
• On the spiritual level, an inner awakening would gradually be achieved, leading to a permanent awareness of the unity of all creation and your personal relationship with the "oneness" of the universe. At this level, the mystical experience is a direct experience of profound attunement with the Divinity to which religions and philosophies of all ages have so forcefully alluded.
  

At first glance, such an undertaking may seem thoroughly daunting and unattainable, but as a member of AMORC, you would soon realise that there is nothing more fascinating, inspiring and rewarding than embarking on a journey into Self with a centuries old organisation like the Rosicrucian Order to act as your guide. As the old saying goes, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", indeed, a step you could be taking today.

Why the Rosicrucian Order?

The Rosicrucian Order is not the only way to enlightenment, but it is quite possibly the surest and most comprehensive way available today. The Order does not dictate what its members should believe and no one need ever give up his or her religious or philosophical convictions. Though AMORC does touch upon matters which could be construed as being of a religious nature, the Order itself is not a religion and has no dogmas. Members are free to retain all they value and cherish in life and are constantly encouraged to retain and develop all those things which bring peace, happiness and fulfilment into their lives and the lives of their loved ones. The Rosicrucian teachings enhance all that is good and constructive in life, regardless of creed or culture. Above all else, members are encouraged and expected to think for themselves, to develop their own personal philosophy of life and to come to their own inner conclusions about everything. Specifically, . . .

• Members are encouraged to take a balanced approach to personal development, not concentrating on just one or two aspects of that development but endeavouring to progress and develop on a very broad front. Of necessity, this entails a long-term commitment to improvement and a healthy scepticism of all systems promising quick and easy results. Nothing that is of great value to us, comes easy and members are prepared to spend a great deal of time and effort in reaching the goals they want most.
  
  
• The Order utilises the collective wisdom and resources of past and present enlightened individuals most of whom remain impersonal. There is no "leader" or guru, self-proclaimed or otherwise, who is the sole source of enlightenment in the Rosicrucian Order's system of instruction. Many centuries of higher wisdom and experience is steadily and incrementally revealed to members in a manner that ensures that understanding can be attained by all.
  
  
• The system AMORC provides, is a planned programme of study allowing members to progress steadily and safely. Great emphasis is placed on stability and keeping members on an even keel throughout their most active periods of inner development. Whereas many organisations specialise in one or at most, a few aspects of the mystical life, AMORC deals with them all, preferring to guide its members along their personal and uniquely customised paths through life on as broad a front as possible. This leads to great stability and staying power, ensuring a high rate of success.
  
  
• Though the Order's teachings are grounded upon a centuries-old tradition, it presents its teachings in a thoroughly modern way, and in a manner which is entirely relevant to the present day. Though it emphasises aspects of a uniquely western approach to mysticism, it is sufficiently eclectic to encompass all other mystical traditions as well. Though its higher teachings have anticipated the discoveries of science for several centuries, it still regularly updates the presentation of these age-old traditions with the very latest scientific discoveries, as and when they are confirmed.
  
  
• The Order has an established and well researched history demonstrating its reliability and credibility. Unlike in previous centuries when the Order was forced to operate in secrecy due to the ecclesiastical intolerance of the day, in this century, with the greater personal freedoms now prevailing, great emphasis has been placed on making the teachings available to as many sincere seekers as possible. This it has done primarily through the written word in the form of written lessons which still form an important part of the Order's system of instruction. It is not, however, the only form of instruction and in Rosicrucian temples throughout the world, an exceedingly ancient ritualistic tradition is perpetuated. Each member becomes eligible to partake in this inspiring work but no-one is ever obliged to do so.

The Teachings

The subjects of the Order's written teachings have been deliberately integrated to form a flowing continuity, with one subject relating to and flowing into the next. The teachings follow a centuries-old traditional order of presentation divided into what are called, "Degrees". These Degrees are grouped into broad categories under titles such as the Neophyte, Postulant and Temple sections and each degree is further divided into sub-sections which vary in length depending on the subject matter. Some Degrees are therefore, necessarily longer than others.

Each Degree is composed of weekly lessons called "Monographs" which form the basis of the Rosicrucian home-study system. As a member, you will receive batches of monographs regularly in the mail on a monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly basis and you will be able to study a new monograph most weeks of the year. Whereas, as with everything else in life, results are only obtained in direct proportion to the efforts one is prepared to put in, no special degree of intellect or training is required to follow and understand the Rosicrucian teachings. Indeed, members of AMORC come from literally every profession or trade in life.

How to Apply

As a Rosicrucian member you would belong to a world-wide family of people all sharing a distinctive and ageless philosophy, one which is a constructive force for great good and truth in the world.

AMORC has Lodges and Chapters throughout the world where members meet and enjoy the company of others of like mind. Although it is not necessary to attend any of these, all members have a right to attend should they wish, in order to experience the additional benefits of being with others of like mind and to participate in the ritualistic work of the Order which takes place in these temples. In addition, from time to time, special courses, seminars and gatherings are organised which offer the opportunity of studying specific subjects in detail.

Thus, by joining the Order, you not only become a member of an ancient mystical fraternity, you also become part of a vital and dynamic movement assisting in the evolution of humanity. If you wish to discover your real mission in life and set a new course for your future, we invite you to join us on a journey into self.

Every application for membership entails a commitment from us to serve you to the best of our abilities and a commitment from you to do your best to understand and apply what you learn. Therefore, we do not process membership applications electronically over the Internet and would ask that you instead, simply to write to the following address, requesting a membership application form.

THE ROSICRUCIAN ORDER
DEPT INTU1
P.O. BOX 35
CROWBOROUGH
EAST SUSSEX TN6 LZX
ENGLAND

ALTERNATIVELY CALL OR FAX US ON . .

TEL: 01892 653197
FAX: 01892-667432

Thank you for sparing the time to read this leaflet. We hope you will join us in our exploration of life. Regardless of whether or not you intend to proceed further, we wish you a long and happy life and leave you with the words of a traditional Rosicrucian salutation: Best Wishes For Peace Profound . . .