THE MENTAL TRANSMUTATION TAUGHT BY THE KYBALION

 

The chapter 3 of the book The Kybalion talks a bit about mental transmutation and details more about the first hermetic principle, which is the principle of mentalism.

 

"Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted, from state to state; degree to degree; condition to condition; pole to pole; vibration to vibration. True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art.” — The Kybalion.

 

As we have stated, the Hermetists were the original alchemists, astrologers, and psychologists, Hermes having been the founder of these schools of thought. From astrology has grown modern astronomy; from alchemy has grown modern chemistry; from the mystic psychology has grown the modern psychology of the schools.

 

(This is incorrect because Blavatsky explained that alchemy, astrology, and psychic techniques like mesmerism and hypnosis were previously known in the Orient.)

 

But it must not be supposed that the ancients were ignorant of that which the modern schools suppose to be their exclusive and special property. The records engraved on the stones of Ancient Egypt show conclusively that the ancients had a full comprehensive knowledge of astronomy, the very building of the Pyramids showing the connection between their design and the study of astronomical science. Nor were they ignorant of Chemistry, for the fragments of the ancient writings show that they were acquainted with the chemical properties of things; in fact, the ancient theories regarding physics are being slowly verified by the latest discoveries of modern science, notably those relating to the constitution of matter.

 

(I suspect this was invented by the author of the Kybalion because I haven't heard of any ancient Egyptian texts that talk about chemistry and physics.)

 

Nor must it be supposed that they were ignorant of the so-called modern discoveries in psychology—on the contrary, the Egyptians were especially skilled in the science of Psychology, particularly in the branches that the modern schools ignore, but which, nevertheless, are being uncovered under the name of "psychic science" which is perplexing the psychologists of to-day, and making them reluctantly admit that "there may be something in it after all."

 

The truth is, that beneath the material chemistry, astronomy and psychology (that is, the psychology in its phase of "brain-action") the ancients possessed a knowledge of transcendental astronomy, called astrology; of transcendental chemistry, called alchemy; of transcendental psychology, called mystic psychology. They possessed the Inner Knowledge as well as the Outer Knowledge, the latter alone being possessed by modern scientists. Among the many secret branches of knowledge possessed by the Hermetists, was that known as Mental Transmutation, which forms the subject matter of this lesson.

 

 

"Transmutation" is a term usually employed to designate the ancient art of the transmutation of metals—particularly of the base metals into gold. The word "Transmute" means "to change from one nature, form, or substance, into another; to transform" (Webster). And accordingly, "Mental Transmutation" means the art of changing and transforming mental states, forms, and conditions, into others. So you may see that Mental Transmutation is the "Art of Mental Chemistry," if you like the term—a form of practical Mystic Psychology.

 

But this means far more than appears on the surface. Transmutation, Alchemy, or Chemistry on the Mental Plane is important enough in its effects, to be sure, and if the art stopped there it would still be one of the most important branches of study known to man. But this is only the beginning. Let us see why!

 

The first of the Seven Hermetic Principles is the Principle of Mentalism, the axiom of which is "THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental," which means that the Underlying Reality of the Universe is Mind; and the Universe itself is Mental—that is, "existing in the Mind of THE ALL." We shall consider this Principle in succeeding lessons, but let us see the effect of the principle if it be assumed to be true.

 

If the Universe is Mental in its nature, then Mental Transmutation must be the art of CHANGING THE CONDITIONS OF THE UNIVERSE, along the lines of Matter, Force and mind. So you see, therefore, that Mental Transmutation is really the "Magic" of which the ancient; writers had so much to say in their mystical works, and about which they gave so few practical instructions. If All be Mental, then the art which enables one to transmute mental conditions must render the Master the controller of material conditions as well as those ordinarily called "mental."

 

As a matter of fact, none but advanced Mental Alchemists have been able to attain the degree of power necessary to control the grosser physical conditions, such as the control of the elements of Nature; the production or cessation of tempests; the production and cessation of earthquakes and other great physical phenomena.

 

(I'm not sure earthquakes can be avoided.)

 

But that such men have existed, and do exist today, is a matter of earnest belief to all advanced occultists of all schools. That the Masters exist, and have these powers, the best teachers assure their students, having had experiences which justify them in such belief and statements. These Masters do not make public exhibitions of their powers, but seek seclusion from the crowds of men, in order to better work their may along the Path of Attainment. We mention their existence, at this point, merely to call your attention to the fact that their power is entirely Mental, and operates along the lines of the higher Mental Transmutation, under the Hermetic Principle of Mentalism.

 

(This is false because the power of the masters comes from their spiritual soul, which is superior to the mental one.)

 

"The Universe is Mental"—The Kybalion.

 

But students and Hermetists of lesser degree than Masters—the Initiates and Teachers—are able to freely work along the Mental Plane, in Mental Transmutation. In fact all that we call "psychic phenomena,"; "mental influence"; "mental science"; "new-thought phenomena," etc., operates along the same general lines, for there is but one principle involved, no matter by what name the phenomena be called.

 

The student and practitioner of Mental Transmutation works among the Mental Plane, transmuting mental conditions, states, etc., into others, according to various formulas, more or less efficacious. The various "treatments," "affirmations," "denials" etc., of the schools of mental science are but formulas, often quite imperfect and unscientific, of The Hermetic Art. The majority of modern practitioners are quite ignorant compared to the ancient masters, for they lack the fundamental knowledge upon which the work is based.

 

Not only may the mental states, etc., of one's self be changed or transmuted by Hermetic Methods; but also the states of others may be, and are, constantly transmuted in the same way, usually unconsciously, but often consciously by some understanding the laws and principles, in cases where the people affected are not informed of the principles of self-protection. And more than this, as many students and practitioners of modern mental science know, every material condition depending upon the minds of other people may be changed or transmuted in accordance with the earnest desire, will, and "treatments" of person desiring changed conditions of life.

 

The public are so generally informed regarding these things at present, that we do not deem it necessary to mention the same at length, our purpose at this point being merely to show the Hermetic Principle and Art underlying all of these various forms of practice, good and evil, for the force can be used in opposite directions according to the Hermetic Principles of Polarity.

 

In this little book we shall state the basic principles of Mental Transmutation, that all who read may grasp the Underlying Principles, and thus possess the Master-Key that will unlock the many doors of the Principle of Polarity.

 

We shall now proceed to a consideration of the first of the Hermetic Seven Principles—the Principle of Mentalism, in which is explained the truth that "THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental," in the words of The Kybalion. We ask the close attention, and careful study of this great Principle, on the part of our students, for it is really the Basic Principle of the whole Hermetic Philosophy, and of the Hermetic Art of Mental Transmutation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OBSERVATIONS

 

In this chapter, the author of the Kybalion confuses mental transmutation with magic and with the ability to change the conditions of nature. What is magic? Magic is the management of energies through rituals and invocations, and although the use of the mind is something very useful in magic, it is not the most important parameter to be successful in magic, since the main factor is the development that the magician has reached.

 

And in the same way, the control of the elements and the weather is achieved by developing the ability to direct the spirits of nature. And in this also the mental is somewhat useful, but it is above all the development of power that allows a person to achieve this feat.

 

In addition, the axiom that the author of the Kybalion repeats so much, that "the ALL is mind", is false because the mental substance (Manas in Sanskrit) is essentially located in the plane of existence that is known as "the mental plane" and that it is the fifth highest plane of the seven planes that are located at the planetary level:

 

 

 

 

But although for humans the mind is something very important, because it is the most elaborate instrument that they currently have in order to obtain the best understanding of things. It is not the only one, and the masters explained that the mental is only an instrument that is used for the five densest planes, while other instruments are used for the other higher planes.

 

And as humans continue to evolve, they will use their mind less and less, and instead they will use their spiritual consciousness more and more, that is, their spiritual soul (Buddhi in Sanskrit). And the soul does not communicate through words but through archetypes.

 

And the celestial beings are still much higher than the spiritual soul, since when Lili asked the angel:

 

What is the soul?

 

The angel answered him:

 

“That which seems so elusive to you is a thick wall to me.”

 

And we are just talking about the first element that is above the mental!

 

The angel answered that to Lili because the angelic hierarchy is much higher than the buddhic plane, since she inhabits the following three planes of the solar system:

 

 

And the theosophical instructors explained that the three highest planes of the solar system are called "The World without forms", because there no longer exist entities with forms (even if these forms are subtle as is the case of celestial beings: angels, archangels, seraphim, etc.) but on those higher planes the Cosmic Consciousnesses unfold, which no longer have a configuration that shows a form, but are like gigantic "LIGHTS" endowed with consciousness.

 

And Blavatsky explained that these seven great planes of the solar system barely constitute the densest plane of the seven immense planes that make up the Universe. And nothing can be said about those immense superior planes anymore because they go beyond our understanding.

 

 

 

 

This shows you that the mental is only a miniscule portion of THE ALL, to the degree that if we consider the 343 planes of existence that have been revealed to us to exist (and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more), then it turns out that the mental only is 0.003% of ALL.

 

So the assertion made by the author of the Kybalion is false, and the axiom he pointed out should rather have said:

 

« The mind is only a very small portion of the ALL. »

 

 

As for the Universe, it is clearly not mental but physical, and therefore the second part of the axiom should have added:

 

« The Universe is not mental, but the mind can influence our environment. »

 

And it is that our mind can influence our thoughts, our emotions and even matter, but that does not mean that everything is mental, but that the mind has authority in its plane and in the planes that are below it. But instead the mind has no domain in the planes that are above it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE ALL TAUGH BY THE KYBALION

 

 

The chapter 4 of the book The Kybalion details about Divinity.

 

"Under, and back of, the Universe of Time, Space and Change, is ever to be found The Substantial Reality—the Fundamental Truth.” — The Kybalion.

 

"Substance" means: "that which underlies all outward manifestations; the essence; the essential reality; the thing in itself," etc. "Substantial" means: "actually existing; being the essential element; being real," etc. "Reality" means: "the state of being real; true, enduring; valid; fixed; permanent; actual," etc.

 

Under and behind all outward appearances or manifestations, there must always be a Substantial Reality. This is the Law.

 

(Here the author of the Kybalion was wrong because in esotericism it is the inverse, since the substance is which allows the creation of the form, while the essence is what remains hidden behind it. And that is how the divine substance is which creates all that exists, while the divine essence permeates everything but without appearing anywhere.)

 

 

Man considering the Universe, of which he is a unit, sees nothing but change in matter, forces, and mental states. He sees that nothing really IS, but that everything is BECOMING and CHANGING. Nothing stands still-everything is being born, growing, dying-the very instant a thing reaches its height, it begins to decline—the law of rhythm is in constant operation—there is no reality, enduring quality, fixity, or substantiality in anything— nothing is permanent but Change. He sees all things evolving from other things, and resolving into other things—constant action and reaction; inflow and outflow; building up and tearing down; creation and destruction; birth, growth and death. Nothing endures but Change. And if he be a thinking man, he realizes that all of these changing things must be but outward appearances or manifestations of some Underlying Power—some Substantial Reality.

 

All thinkers, in all lands and in all times, have assumed the necessity for postulating the existence of this Substantial Reality. All philosophies worthy of the name have been based upon this thought. Men have given to this Substantial Reality many names-some have called it by the term of Deity (under many titles). Others have called it "The Infinite and Eternal Energy" others have tried to call it "Matter"—but all have acknowledged its existence. It is self-evident it needs no argument.

 

In these lessons we have followed the example of some of the world's greatest thinkers, both ancient and modern—the Hermetic. Masters—and have called this Underlying Power—this Substantial Reality—by the Hermetic name of "THE ALL," which term we consider the most comprehensive of the many terms applied by Man to THAT which transcends names and terms.

 

We accept and teach the view of the great Hermetic thinkers of all times, as well as of those illumined souls who have reached higher planes of being, both of whom assert that the inner nature of THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE. This must be so, for naught by THE ALL itself can comprehend its own nature and being.

 

The Hermetists believe and teach that THE ALL, "in itself," is and must ever be UNKNOWABLE. They regard all the theories, guesses and speculations of the theologians and metaphysicians regarding the inner nature of THE ALL, as but the childish efforts of mortal minds to grasp the secret of the Infinite. Such efforts have always failed and will always fail, from the very nature of the task. One pursuing such inquiries travels around and around in the labyrinth of thought, until he is lost to all sane reasoning, action or conduct, and is utterly unfitted for the work of life. He is like the squirrel which frantically runs around and around the circling treadmill wheel of his cage, traveling ever and yet reaching nowhere—at the end a prisoner still, and standing just where he started.

 

And still more presumptuous are those who attempt to ascribe to THE ALL the personality, qualities, properties, characteristics and attributes of themselves, ascribing to THE ALL the human emotions, feelings, and characteristics, even down to the pettiest qualities of mankind, such as jealousy, susceptibility to flattery and praise, desire for offerings and worship, and all the other survivals from the days of the childhood of the race. Such ideas are not worthy of grown men and women, and are rapidly being discarded.

 

(At this point, it may be proper for me to state that we make a distinction between Religion and Theology—between Philosophy and Metaphysics. Religion, to us, means that intuitional realization of the existence of THE ALL, and one's relationship to it; while Theology means the attempts of men to ascribe personality, qualities, and characteristics to it; their theories regarding its affairs, will, desires, plans, and designs, and their assumption of the office of '' middle-men'' between THE ALL and the people. Philosophy, to us, means the inquiry after knowledge of things knowable and thinkable; while Metaphysics means the attempt to carry the inquiry over and beyond the boundaries and into regions unknowable and unthinkable, and with the same tendency as that of Theology. And consequently, both Religion and Philosophy mean to us things having roots in Reality, while Theology and Metaphysics seem like broken reeds, rooted in the quicksands of ignorance, and affording naught but the most insecure support for the mind or soul of Man. we do not insist upon our students accepting these definitions—we mention them merely to show our position. At any rate, you shall hear very little about Theology and Metaphysics in these lessons.)

 

But while the essential nature of THE ALL is Unknowable, there are certain truths connected with its existence which the human mind finds itself compelled to accept. And an examination of these reports form a proper subject of inquiry, particularly as they agree with the reports of the Illumined on higher planes. And to this inquiry we now invite you.

 

"THAT which is the Fundamental Truth—the Substantial Reality—is beyond true naming, but the Wise Men call it THE ALL.” — The Kybalion.

 

"In its Essence, THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE.” — The Kybalion.

 

"But, the report of Reason must be hospitably received, and treated with respect.” — The Kybalion.

 

 

The human reason, whose reports we must accept so long as we think at all, informs us as follows regarding THE ALL, and that without attempting to remove the veil of the Unknowable:

 

1) THE ALL must be ALL that REALLY IS. There can be nothing existing outside of THE ALL, else THE ALL would not be THE ALL.

 

2) THE ALL must be INFINITE, for there is nothing else to define, confine, bound, limit; or restrict THE ALL. It must be Infinite in Time, or ETERNAL,—it must have always continuously existed, for there is nothing else to have ever created it, and something can never evolve from nothing, and if it had ever "not been," even for a moment, it would not "be" now,—it must continuously exist forever, for there is nothing to destroy it, and it can never "not-be," even for a moment, because something can never become nothing. It must be Infinite in Space—it must be Everywhere, for there is no place outside of THE ALL—it cannot be otherwise than continuous in Space, without break, cessation, separation, or interruption, for there is nothing to break, separate, or interrupt its continuity, and nothing with which to "fill in the gaps." It must be Infinite in Power, or Absolute, for there is nothing to limit, restrict, restrain, confine, disturb or condition it—it is subject to no other Power, for there is no other Power.

 

3) THE ALL must be IMMUTABLE, or not subject to change in its real nature, for there is nothing to work changes upon it nothing into which it could change, nor from which it could have changed. It cannot be added to nor subtracted from; increased nor diminished; nor become greater or lesser in any respect whatsoever. It must have always been, and must always remain, just what it is now—THE ALL—there has never been, is not now, and never will be, anything else into which it can change.

 

THE ALL being Infinite, Absolute, Eternal and Unchangeable it must follow that anything finite, changeable, fleeting, and conditioned cannot be THE ALL. And as there is Nothing outside of THE ALL, in Reality, then any and all such finite things must be as Nothing in Reality. Now do not become befogged, nor frightened—we are not trying to lead you into the Christian Science field under cover of Hermetic Philosophy. There is a Reconciliation of this apparently contradictory state of affairs. Be patient, we will reach it in time.

 

(Here the author of the Kybalion is already going a long way off the rails in his reasoning, which is quite twisted because he is not taking into account that all finite things are also part of THE ALL, and that is why he confuses the unknowable aspect of God with everything what exists, that is, a real jumble.

 

But also, for someone who intends to repudiate theology and metaphysics, the definitions that he gives about God are exactly the same as those given by those two systems of thought: "that God is infinite, that God is absolute, that God is eternal", etc.

 

But it turns out that those are not the explanations that the masters gave about God and this shows me that the author of the Kybalion was not a true initiate, nor did he know much about esotericism.)

 

 

We see around us that which is called "Matter," which forms the physical foundation for all forms. Is THE ALL merely Matter? Not at all! Matter cannot manifest Life or Mind, and as Life and Mind are manifested in the Universe, THE ALL cannot be Matter, for nothing rises higher than its own source—nothing is ever manifested in an effect that is not in the cause—nothing is evolved as a consequent that is not involved as an antecedent.

 

(What he says is false because the masters explained that matter is the substance of God that densified until it became matter, and therefore is part of THE ALL.)

 

And then Modern Science informs us that there is really no such thing as Matter—that what we call Matter is merely "interrupted energy or force," that is, energy or force at a low rate of vibration. As a recent writer has said "Matter has melted into Mystery." Even Material Science has abandoned the theory of Matter, and now rests on the basis of "Energy."

 

Then is THE ALL mere Energy or Force? Not Energy or Force as the materialists use the terms, for their energy and force are blind, mechanical things, devoid of Life or Mind. Life and Mind can never evolve from blind Energy or Force, for the reason given a moment ago: "Nothing can rise higher than its source—nothing is evolved unless it is involved—nothing manifests in the effect, unless it is in the cause." And so THE ALL cannot be mere Energy or Force, for, if it were, then there would be no such things as Life and Mind in existence, and we know better than that, for we are Alive and using Mind to consider this very question, and so are those who claim that Energy or Force is Everything.

 

What is there then higher than Matter or Energy that we know to be existent in the Universe? LIFE AND MIND! Life and Mind in all their varying degrees of unfoldment! "Then," you ask, "do you mean to tell us that THE ALL is LIFE and MIND?" Yes! and No! is our answer. If you mean Life and Mind as we poor petty mortals know them, we say No! THE ALL is not that! "But what kind of Life and Mind do you mean?" you ask.

 

The answer is "LIVING MIND," as far above that which mortals know by those words, as Life and Mind are higher than mechanical forces, or matter—INFINITE LIVING MIND as compared to finite "Life and Mind." We mean that which the illumined souls mean when they reverently pronounce the word: "SPIRIT!"

 

"THE ALL" is Infinite Living Mind—the Illumined call it SPIRIT!

 

 

(The divine substance also creates the mind and life in all its degrees of existence, and the author of the Kybalion continues to make a tremendous mess with words, because just as we humans are composed of seven principles that are:

 

 

And our divine spirit, which is our highest principle, is not the same; than our mind, which is our fifth principle; than our whole being, which are the seven principles together.

 

In the same way it is not the same: the Spirit of God, the Mind of God, the All of God, since "as below is above". So the author of the Kybalion made the great mistake of not using in his own reasoning the principle of correspondence that he vaunts so much in the rest of his book.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OBSERVATIONS

 

In this chapter the author of the Kybalion tried to describe Divinity more deeply, but he does it in a very wrong way.

 

First, it is noted that he did not like to use the word GOD and that is why he preferred to call it "THE ALL", but unfortunately he mixes the different natures of God causing a real mess.

 

The masters explained that God is not a single entity, but He is composed of different natures, and the two main ones are:

 

The manifested God and the unmanifested God.

 

 

The unmanifested God is the most mysterious aspect of God, and to illustrate it, imagine a space where there are no dimensions, there is no time, there is no energy, there are no vibrations, there is not a shred of manifestation, there is nothing.

 

It is such an abstract form of existence that for us it is more like non-existence. And this nature of God, which is so unknown, is what the masters refer to as: the Absolute, the Unknowable, the Eternal, the ultimate Reality, etc.

 

And in a way that goes beyond our understanding, cyclically the unmanifested God will create the manifested God, but it is a deep mystery how that happens.

 

What we do know is that the manifested God continues to be as enigmatic as the unmanifested God, only with the difference that He does manifest his existence. And to illustrate them better, imagine that the dimensionless space that I mentioned before, but from being completely black (when it represents the unmanifested God), now became completely white (thus representing the manifested God).

 

 

So we can imagine the manifested God as an immense White Light endowed with Consciousness that will densify a part of its substance to form a slightly lower plane of existence, which will be a little less divine and a little more material.

 

And this new plane of existence will in turn densify a part of its substance to form another plane of existence, which will be a little less divine and a little more material.

 

And so on, in the form of a cascade, the different planes of existence will be formed until reaching the densest plane of existence that is the physical plane.

 

And each of these planes is a new nature of God that is created, and in each of these planes there will be numerous beings with different levels of consciousness. And in reality what is called "THE ALL" is the set of all those planes of existence. While the author of the Kybalion incorrectly uses this word to designate the manifested God and the unmanifested God.

 

Now, if we practically cannot say anything about the manifested God and the unmanifested God, because very little has been revealed to us about Them, wanting to talk about THE ALL is even more difficult because apart from the fact that we know almost nothing either, the differences that exist between the different planes of existence, which would be the equivalent of wanting to describe all the diversity that you can imagine, and even those that exceed your imagination.

 

In other words, there is no way to cover so much variety, and that is why it is only usually explained that the ALL is the manifested God when it has been transformed into the numerous planes of existence that make up Creation.

 

And what has been revealed to us is that later, when the cycle of existence ends, the reverse process will take place, where each one of those planes will be absorbed by the plane that is superior to it and that created it, until that finally only God manifested at his highest level remains.

 

Then the manifested God, in turn, will also be absorbed by the unmanifested God, and thus He will cease to exist for a whole cycle, until later He will re-emerge in a new cycle of manifestation.

 

And that is why it is said that only the unmanifested God is the only  that is really eternal (and therefore is the most transcendental reality) because everything else, although it can be immeasurably long, has its cycle of existence and in the end it will end up being reabsorbed by the unmanifest God. While the unmanifest God has neither beginning nor end, he always has been and always will be.

 

_ _ _

 

 

And this is only a small summary of the explanations that the masters gave about God, but in the blog I am detailing more about this theme, and as you can see for yourself, there is a big difference between what the masters taught and the hodgepodge that the author del Kybalion wrote, so my advice is to forget about what that individual lucubrated and better concentrate on what the true esoteric instructors explained.