The Evolution of Human Consciousness | Dr. Robert Gilbert
Added: Jan 31, 2024
Dr. Robert Gilbert, a leading scholar in Rosicrucianism, Gnosticism, sacred geometry, and the process of self-awakening, discusses the evolution of human consciousness and its impact on spiritual traditions in a podcast. He explains that in the past, human beings were effortlessly clairvoyant, but over time, this ancient form of clairvoyance began to die out as human consciousness evolved. The development of logical, linear thinking led to a disconnection from non-physical beings and life forces, resulting in a more materialistic and individualistic society.Key takeaways
Human consciousness has evolved from effortless clairvoyance to logical, linear thinking, leading to a more materialistic and individualistic society.
The Rosicrucian tradition is rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge and focuses on attaining a clear understanding of non-physical realities.
Modern society faces challenges such as over-identification with the rational mind and the trivialization of spiritual knowledge.
Self-observation and mindfulness are crucial for spiritual development, helping individuals become aware of detrimental thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Balancing love and freedom is essential for spiritual growth, as individuals navigate the influences of Luciferic and Ahrimanic forces.
Evolution of Human Consciousness
Dr. Gilbert explains that human consciousness has evolved from a state of effortless clairvoyance to a more logical, linear thinking process. This shift has led to a disconnection from non-physical beings and life forces, resulting in a more materialistic and individualistic society. However, he also notes that there is a current movement towards regaining some of the old skills at a higher level, providing an opportunity to create a new golden age.
Rosicrucian Tradition
The Rosicrucian tradition is described as the latest appearance of a perennial tradition that has evolved over thousands of years. It has roots in ancient Egypt, Jewish and Greek Kabbalah, and the Holy Grail tradition. The tradition is seen as a group of non-physical spiritual beings working with human initiates to bring forward spiritual knowledge and practices. Dr. Gilbert emphasizes that the tradition focuses on attaining a clear, concise understanding of non-physical realities and the sources of all physical existence in the spiritual world.
Challenges of Modern Society
Dr. Gilbert discusses the challenges of modern society, including the over-identification with the rational mind and the trivialization of spiritual knowledge. He notes that while there is an abundance of information and wisdom available, there is a need for discernment and the ability to reunite fragments of knowledge into a coherent whole. He emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual knowledge into one's life and embodying it through practice.
Structuring the Subtle Body
The structuring of the subtle body is highlighted as a crucial aspect of spiritual development. Dr. Gilbert explains that there are different planes of existence, including the physical, aetheric, emotional, mental, causal, spiritual, and divine planes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and working with the energy in the body and the energy flows in a productive way. He also discusses the expansion of the energy body outside of the physical body and the challenges of integrating spiritual knowledge into one's life.
Psychedelic Renaissance
Dr. Gilbert acknowledges the current Psychedelic Renaissance and its impact on expanding the energy body outside of the physical body. He explains that certain psychedelic substances can induce forms of clairvoyance by expanding the energy body, but emphasizes the importance of properly purifying and structuring the subtle body before engaging in such experiences. He also notes the need for discernment and caution when exploring non-physical realms through psychedelic substances.
The Blessing and the Curse
The accessibility of spiritual knowledge is described as both a blessing and a curse. While it provides the opportunity to access deep initiatory knowledge, it also requires discernment and the ability to integrate fragmented information into a coherent system. Dr. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of discerning between true, partially true, and false information, and the need to put knowledge into a larger context for real spiritual growth.
The Importance of Self-Observation
Dr. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of self-observation and mindfulness in spiritual development. He explains that observing one's thoughts, feelings, and actions with complete neutrality is essential for understanding the content of one's consciousness. Through self-observation, individuals can become aware of detrimental or unskillful thoughts, feelings, and actions and work towards directing beneficial thoughts, emotions, and actions. This process involves both receptive and active meditation, where individuals cultivate a clear mind state and generate beneficial thought forms, emotions, and actions.
Premature Purification
The discussion also touches on the concept of premature purification, where individuals suppress their sexual nature and experiences in favor of spiritual development. Dr. Gilbert warns against premature purification, as it can lead to unaddressed issues and toxic energy structures in the subtle body. He also highlights the importance of integrating the sexual forces with healthy emotions, mind, and consciousness to avoid toxic manifestations of sexual energy.
Six Essential Exercises in Rosicrucianism
The conversation delves into the six essential exercises in Rosicrucianism, which focus on the observation and direction of thinking, feeling, and will forces, as well as maintaining unbreakable positivity and radical openness. These exercises are designed to harmonize and develop the six Lotus Petals of the heart, which are essential for spiritual development. Dr. Gilbert explains that the Rosicrucian tradition follows a center-out method, where the heart chakra is activated first before moving on to other chakras and centers.
The Illuminated Will and Cultivating Spiritual Development
Dr. Gilbert introduces the concept of the illuminated will, which involves activating the three primary centers of the body - the head center as the function of light, the heart center as the function of love, and the lower abdominal forces as the function of life. The illuminated will requires individuals to observe the initial impulse before taking action and run it through the powers of the three centers to ensure it aligns with their highest ideals and goals.
He also discusses the challenges individuals face in cultivating the illuminated will, particularly when they are held captive by addictive tendencies. He suggests mindfulness practices, changing the association of pleasure with addictive behaviors to pain, and the potential use of psychotropics in therapy to interrupt addictive patterns.
The Role of Luciferic and Ahrimanic Forces
Dr. Gilbert delves into the concept of Luciferic and Ahrimanic forces, which represent unbalanced spiritual and material impulses, respectively. The Luciferic forces pull individuals towards unbalanced spirituality, leading to illusory forms of spiritual development and constant ecstatic processes. On the other hand, the Ahrimanic forces promote materialism and the belief that everything spiritual is an illusion, emphasizing the survival of the fittest and the absence of spiritual purpose.
He explains that these forces are essential for human freedom and development, as they provide the option to go off the pathway to one side or the other. The balanced path, represented by the Christ Mikael, is the middle pillar that aligns with the central channel in the human energy body. Dr. Gilbert emphasizes the need to balance love and freedom, as the human race is currently undergoing its self-aware state to become independent beings, known as spirits of love and freedom.
The Influence of Spiritual Beings
Dr. Gilbert also discusses the influence of spiritual beings, such as the Paraclete or the Parian spirit, which represents the redeemed Lucifer. He explains that these beings have a magnetic pull towards their respective impulses, and their presence is essential for human freedom and development. Additionally, he highlights the role of higher Angelic ranks in guiding human spiritual evolution, emphasizing the need to balance love and freedom in the alchemy of spiritual development.
Ahrimanic Influence in the West
Dr. Gilbert points out that in the Western world, there is a prevalent influence of Ahriman, which leads to materialistic tendencies. He refers to America as Ahriman's flagship and highlights the imbalance in the West, where materialism often takes precedence over spiritual values. He also notes that the East tends to exhibit more Luciferic tendencies, emphasizing the need to understand the different energy systems at play in different parts of the world.
Understanding Lucifer and Satan
Dr. Gilbert clarifies the distinction between Lucifer and Satan, stating that they are not the same being. He explains that Lucifer is a being of light, while Satan is a corrupt, gnarly entity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these beings without sensationalism and acknowledges their influence on human behavior.
Luciferic Inflation and Egoic Inflation
The conversation delves into the concept of Luciferic inflation, where individuals may develop an inflated sense of spiritual superiority. Dr. Gilbert warns against claiming authority and positions of higher spiritual advancement, as it can lead to toxic behavior and a disconnect from authentic spiritual growth. He encourages authenticity and humility, urging individuals to be aware of their own imbalances and work towards finding the middle path.
Spiritual Evolution and Teleological Destination
Dr. Gilbert discusses the concept of spiritual evolution and the teleological destination of individuals. He emphasizes the need to remember who we are and why we are here, including the recognition of past incarnations. He highlights the unique journey of each individual and the importance of aligning with one's teleological destination to fulfill one's karmic contract and contribute to the greater good.
Opportunities and Challenges in the Current Era
The conversation touches on the current era as a time of both crisis and opportunity. Dr. Gilbert acknowledges the potential for a new golden age but also emphasizes the need for individuals to wake up and take advantage of the opportunities for spiritual growth and service to the world. He encourages mindfulness and the observation and direction of one's thinking, feeling, and willing as essential practices for spiritual advancement.