Many long-time students of AMORC may well have asked themselves, in quiet moments of solitude, just how far they have come in mastering their own lives…
When one begins the Rosicrucian path, one often has a few “highlights” in mind regarding what one considers a “successful” life and in which areas one wishes to achieve mastery: namely, above all, happiness in as many areas of life as possible, professional success, and recognition from one’s fellow human beings.
And then comes the student’s harsh confrontation with reality.
Obstacles, setbacks, and defeats pile up in one’s daily life, so that one may often despair and wonder whether one is, after all, a failure on the path to mastery.
Yet these are the true trials along the way, the tests they must overcome: the fire into which they are thrown again and again, which toughens them and makes them resilient for greater challenges—and at the same time opens their hearts.
If they accept this and do not shy away or even leave the path, they may soon receive support and help from the invisible world. This is a deeply gratifying, inspiring experience, confirming that he is on the right path.
Now, many students think that the longer they are members of AMORC and study diligently and conscientiously, the more they believe that after overcoming the initial obstacles, they have finally earned the prize of “mastery”—the magic wand with which one can henceforth wave away difficulties.
Oh dear, what a mistake! The fact is that the path of spiritual evolution follows a spiral. Time and again, it seems as though one is facing a new, insurmountable wall or a greater challenge that one thought had already been left behind. Maybe there is not really any progress yet?
Until one day, an inner light dawns, and one accepts that as a member of AMORC, one will always remain a student. This realization brings humility, and at the same time, gratitude, for now one recognizes the blessings of inner guidance and development in one’s life so far.
The lofty Rosicrucian ideal of the “mastery of life,” is not expressed in ruling, but in serving.
Apparently in spiritual development things are turned upside down. The one who serves best is the greatest master.
May the Rosicrucian studies prepare each of us, whatever our situation in life is, to become a humble co-worker, an instrument of the Cosmic, for the advancement of all that is.