Preface

Preface written in Barcelona in 1987. In this section, Vicente Beltrán-Anglada establishes the framework for the book, focusing on the universal nature of the Ashrams and the shifting spiritual landscape of the 20th century.

The author states that the purpose of the book is to clarify the spiritual relationship between a disciple and his Master within an Ashram of the planetary Hierarchy. Because esoteric investigation relies on the Hermetic principle of analogy, he affirms that what is said about his own Ashram can be applied—except for Ray‑specific variations—to all Ashrams of the Great White Brotherhood.

He explains that the current planetary conditions—the transition from Pisces to Aquarius, the intensified First‑Ray energies from Shamballa, and the profound initiatory crisis of the planetary Logos—have produced major changes in the structure of Ashramic teaching. These cosmic pressures have heightened the sensitivity of aspirants and disciples and required the Hierarchy to reform its methods of spiritual training.

The great planetary Regents—the Manu, the Bodhisattva, and the Mahachohan—have worked together to introduce these reforms. Over the past forty years, the educational systems within the Ashrams have shifted, increasing the energies available to each specialized group and accelerating the spiritual development of their members.

The author reminds readers that disciples receive instruction in three hierarchical Halls:

  • Hall of Learning

  • Hall of Knowledge

  • Hall of Wisdom

Although he will mention all three, the book focuses primarily on the Hall of Knowledge, for three reasons:

  1. He himself is a pledged disciple trained in this Hall.

  2. Understanding this Hall sheds light on the other two.

  3. The Hall of Knowledge is occultly directed by the Bodhisattva, the planetary Lord of Love and the Master of Masters, Angels, and Men.

He hopes that readers, by understanding these principles, will be inwardly inspired toward the “august solitudes” of their own being, where the true values of discipleship are forged and where the inner force arises that draws each soul toward its destined Ashram and its guiding Master.

The Preface closes with a gesture of fraternity, expressing the hope that author and readers may meet in a shared embrace of right understanding.

Keynotes

  • The Principle of Analogy: Following Hermes Trismegistus, the author asserts that the experiences and teachings within one Ashram are mostly identical to all others, differing only in specific "Ray techniques."

  • Shamballa and Global Crisis: The world is undergoing a "tremendous initiatory crisis" as it transitions from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius. This is driven by powerful first-ray energy projections from Shamballa.

  • Reforms in Teaching: Due to these cosmic shifts, the Great Lords (the Manu, the Bodhisattva, and the Mahachohan) introduced significant reforms to the Ashrams' educational systems approximately 40 years prior to the writing \[1987\], increasing the intensity of spiritual development.

  • The Three Halls: Esoteric teaching is divided into three "Halls":

    1. Hall of Learning (Aula del Aprendizaje)

    2. Hall of Knowledge (Aula del Conocimiento)

    3. Hall of Wisdom (Aula de la Sabiduría).

Summary

Topic Detail
Primary Focus The book specifically details the Hall of Knowledge, as the author is a pledged and accepted disciple currently receiving training there.
The Bodhisattva The Hall of Knowledge is occultly directed by the Bodhisattva, the "Master of Masters," who serves as the fusion point for all three Halls.
Universal Application Because of the Law of Analogy, the author’s specific experiences are intended to be applicable to any accepting disciple in any Hierarchical Ashram.
The Disciple's Journey The author aims to trigger the "internal force" of the reader, moving them from darkness to light and toward their own encounter with a Master.