Serie A brev nr 20

Magazine Overview

This issue of BREVCIRKELN, Serie A, Brev Nr 20, features the article "MÄSTAREN AV DEN BLÅ MANTELN" (The Master of the Blue Mantle), drawing from the teachings of Manly Palmer Hall, described as a prominent metaphysical teacher and storyteller.

The Alchemist's Quest

The narrative begins with an alchemist diligently working in his laboratory, seeking the elixir of life and the solution to life's mysteries. Despite forty years of study and effort, he feels he has failed, lamenting that either the ancient texts were unclear or he lacked the true understanding. In his despair, he prays for guidance from the ancient alchemists and the mystics.

The Brother of the Blue Mantle

Suddenly, a voice asks, "Brother, what do you seek?" The alchemist is startled to find a tall, slender man, cloaked from head to foot in a peculiar indigo-colored mantle, standing behind him. This figure introduces himself as the "Brother of the Blue Mantle." He reveals that he knows the alchemist and has been subtly helping him for years, but could only appear when called upon. The Brother explains that the alchemist has focused on the material world, using books, pentagrams, telescopes, and retorts, but has not grasped the true mysteries of alchemy. He advises the alchemist to set aside his books and flasks and learn the path to enlightenment.

The True Alchemy

The Brother of the Blue Mantle explains that all of alchemy's secrets are hidden within the "blue mantle." It is not merely a stone or a liquid, but the indigo-colored mantle itself that is the true object of the alchemist's search. He draws a parallel to the Father in Heaven whose blue mantle envelops all His children, and how masters, under their mantles, gather the hearts of humanity. The Brother states that alchemy is the process by which a person forms this mantle, and only those who bear this mystical garment can truly understand alchemy's formulas.

He further elaborates that the forces of the universe carry these wonderful mantles in many colors, with indigo encompassing all hues. In life, these shades are called compassion, purity, and service. It is under the mantle of compassion that the Father's servants gather His wayward children. The work in the Father's name for the blue heavens is an infinite mantle that lovingly envelops creation. This mantle must be woven into a living garment, which, when perfected, reveals the clear truth. All masters wear these mantles; their lives are mantles, their hearts so vast they seek to encompass all living beings within their radiant love. These mantles are also protective garments, the robes of wisdom, more precious than any earthly attire.

The Path to Wisdom

The Brother explains that every truth woven into the soul's living garment brings a great step forward, leading to increased awareness of spiritual consciousness. Thousands work for humanity, including beings from Venus and Jupiter, who are bound to Earth by its needs. These noble souls from unknown worlds are chained by human ignorance and are compelled to fulfill tasks that humans should undertake. Masters must come from their cosmic missions to clarify misunderstandings and difficulties. They gather countless souls under the protective folds of their mantles, woven from the light, knowledge, and power of truth. When a soul willing to bear the world's sorrows and work for the benefit of others is found, the master takes off his own mantle and places it over the disciple's shoulders, freeing himself for greater and more important tasks.

The Coming Days and the Alchemist's Realization

The text foretells a future where the children of Earth must bear the responsibility that the gods have laid down. The powers of light seek those whose souls are large enough to wear the blue mantles, with a reach wide enough to gather the weakest on Earth under their folds.

The alchemist's eyes close, and he hears the voice as if in a dream. Suddenly, his entire being is filled with a great flood of light. He sees the truth that had eluded him for so long flowing into his longing soul. He exclaims, "I have found it! I see the light of the Philosopher's Stone radiating from the depths of my own soul. I have found the Water of Life, and it flows over me from the rivers of living water. I know the balm of Gilead and the healing balsam, how drop by drop it falls upon my wounded heart. I understand! I understand!"

The mystic confirms, "You have understood correctly. The healing remedy for the world's suffering flows from your own being: the kind act, the gentle touch, the small smile in moments of sorrow—all this is the Water of Life for your fellow humans. From the one who serves life and learns its lessons, the Philosopher's Stone shines in its full glory. The word of comfort for the sorrowful eye, as well as selfless compassion in times of need, is also this Water of Life. Your search is over, brother. You have found all that you sought. Your years of work have borne fruit. Your perseverance and diligence have not been in vain."

The Alchemist's New Mission

The mystic then asks the alchemist what he will do with this newfound understanding. The alchemist rises, his eyes glowing, his steps firm. He points towards the houses outside his cave and declares, "I shall return! For all these years I have hidden myself here in this cave, but now I see that my place is out in the world. I will go out and tell everyone the truth as you have revealed it to me. I will go out and live the Philosopher's Stone."

The Brother smiles and leads the alchemist back to his chair. "Rest, brother," he says, "you have reached your goal. Your soul is filled with great compassion. You will truly serve your fellow humans to the glory of God and the liberation of the masters." As the alchemist rests, the mystic whispers, "Rest, brother, for your search has been long and your research intensive. Rest, for before you lies work for all eternity. From this day forward, there will be no more rest for you. Sleep, for your eyes, now closed, will be open through the ages. Be happy now, for before you, far away on Golgata, the shadow of a cross rises."

The mystic then kneels, praying, "Father, I thank You for another soul finding the light; that a wandering soul has found the path to freedom. I thank You, for I am now free and ready for a greater task. I thank You, Father, for this soul has found what it sought today. And, eternal God, help me in my unending search for the keys to the mysteries, in the name of Your blessed Son."

The Master then removes his mantle and places it around the shoulders of the sleeping alchemist. "Brother, this is the cloak I have worn. A short time ago, I found you in its folds; now I give it to you with all its joys and all its sorrows. Under its folds, you shall gather the souls of humanity in the name of the Great One whose blue mantle encompasses creation."

The mystic then walks away, his expression one of peace and divine compassion. He looks up at the light streaming from the heavens and says, "Father, I am ready for Your greater assignments."

From somewhere, two hands reach down, and a large blue mantle is laid over the mystic's shoulders—a mantle far more encompassing and burdensome than the previous one. He falters under its weight, much like Jesus faltered under the weight of the cross. But with divine strength, he raises himself and spreads the mantle's folds, as if embracing all of creation. With a commanding voice, he calls out to a world in pain: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Within this great mantle, which enclosed and protected thousands of living beings, the mystic silently floated over the world, gathering the souls of humanity beneath its folds. The old alchemist had taken on the lesser task and freed the master for a greater one.

When the old alchemist awoke, he could not see a blue garment, but his soul, having seen it in a vision, was clothed in the compassionate indigo mantle that forever envelops the sorrows of the world.

This text is from Manly Hall's book "The Ways of the Lonely Ones."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spiritual alchemy, the search for inner truth, and the importance of selfless service to humanity. The editorial stance, as presented through Manly Palmer Hall's teachings, emphasizes that true spiritual understanding comes from within and is manifested through compassion and service, rather than external rituals or material pursuits. The "Blue Mantle" serves as a powerful metaphor for universal love and divine protection, accessible to all who dedicate themselves to higher spiritual principles.