The first step, then, in the use of this rite called the Chamber of Meditation, is to establish the attitude of centralized and focused power. You do this by placing yourself in the center of a small universe.  Here we come to a very ancient symbol: the circle with a dot in its center. It is a symbol of the Universe, with its sun, a symbol of centra­lized power, a symbol of the primitive cell in all living matter and of atomic structure in the elements. The illustration is the cartouche or seal of the pharaoh Thutmose III.

Note the circle with the dot in the center. It symbolizes the sun and Ra, or the universal crea­tive power. The circle and dot are also the symbol of the point of expression of the individual in its re­lation to the over-soul or universal soul, the dot being the individual expression of the person, the space within the circle being the universal soul; to each of us there is the one dot, our inner self, the center or focal point of the universal soul with all other persons as billions of dots within the circle.

You proceed, standing or sitting wherever you may be and drawing around you an imaginary circle approximately — or precisely, if you can make it precise — seven feet in diameter. You are to imagine that circle as drawn on the floor or ground where you stand, with yourself in the very center of it. If it is possible to draw the circle with chalk, or with a white string laid on the floor, to help you visua­lize it the first few times, it may be done. But you must become accustomed to visualizing the circle, and, as soon as it is completed, to feeling and sensing that you have enclosed yourself in the center of a small universe.

As soon as you have established this mental attitude, you should remain standing, or seated, in the center of the circle but facing toward the east, the geographical east. Then, with eyes closed for about a second or two, say mentally the word MATHRA just once. The word need not be said audibly unless you are alone, but even then it is good practice to say the word mentally so that you will become accustomed to saying this and other vowels mentally. The sound of A in the word should be broad and long, as in “ah.”

By mentally drawing the circle and standing within it while you say the word, you are taking the first steps in the rites of the Chamber of Meditation. After pronouncing the word the eyes may be opened, and at once you will sense a different condition of attunement then you have experienced before, providing you have had in mind the principle that while within the circle you were the central point or focal point of incoming power.

For a few minutes while standing or seated there, following the use of the word, the new attunement will give you clearer sight, clearer hearing, and clearer thinking. In other words, you will find that you are in a state where clairaudience and clairvoyance are possible. It will last for only a few minutes because there are other steps to be taken; these will be given in the future.

Therefore, use this work at such times as you wish to think clearly, to sense an inspiration, to see or hear that which is not perceptible to the eye or ear otherwise. Used once or twice a day, especially in the morning or evening, this week’s practice will prove to be one of the most helpful steps you have taken lately.

It must be understood that relaxation and balance are of paramount importance in the work of developing the individual as he or she reaches toward the Illumination of the Christ Light and the Realization of God-Self.

One must remember that the thyroid center is a balancing valve between the physical and spiritual bodies and that there can sometimes be subnormal, supernormal, or hyper-thyroidal conditions.  In any case, what we wish to bring is balance, both physical and spiritual, which also brings mental balance and opens a channel for the Spirit to speak to us.

This exercise should be done each night and may be done in conjunction with or after the concentration exercises before retiring. See below for concentration exercise suggestions.

STEP l:

Sit or lie down in bed. Relax. Do not go to sleep. Just relax as if you were going to sleep.

STEP 2:

With your eyes wide open, concentrate your attention upward toward the ceiling or straight ahead toward one of the walls of the room and try to see beyond the ceiling or wall as though you are looking on the other side of the ceiling or wall.

You must remember that you can see anywhere that you put your consciousness. By that, we mean that if there is a place on the other side of the ceiling or wall you wish to see, place your consciousness there, and you will see where you want to see.

STEP 3:

Continue the concentration or gazing for about one or two minutes—maybe five minutes—then close your eyes and take a deep breath, while you bring the fingertips of both hands together in front of you. Then turn your attention and consciousness toward the thyroid, which is at the throat center, and concentrate on the thyroid for the count of ten, or whatever is comfortable.

NOTE:

You must remember that our principal aim in this exercise is the peace and strength and sharpness of the senses that we are attempting to attain. This is a balancing exercise, not a case of making you psychically conscious. It is our attempt here to make your vision—your sight—aware of what it is looking at, to bring you to the place where you see everything you are looking at. And there will be a feeling of strength and vitality in your body.

WHEN TO DO THIS EXERCISE:

Do this each night before retiring for no fewer than 21 days.

Concentration Exercises:

Week 1: Developing the Aura

Week 2: Ear

Week 3: Will Power

More spiritual exercises may be found on the HolyOrderOfMANS.org in the Curriculum section.