The word "alignment" is used much in modern esoteric training. I would point out that in making his alignment, the aspirant is only establishing the first stage of his process of realization; he is establishing in his own consciousness the fact of his essential dualism. I would also point out that the critical aspect of this process is only arrived at when the distinction is sharply defined and recognized between the integrated and potent personality and the soul. It is an occult truism to state that the aspirant is to be recognized by or triplicity; the disciple by or recognized duality and the initiate by or unity. Note that the symbol of duality for undeveloped humanity is in which the separation of the higher nature from the lower is depicted; in the case of the disciple, it is showing the "path across" or the [471] narrow razor-edged Path between the pairs of opposites, forming later the antahkarana. These symbols, simple as they are, embody and convey vast truths to the illumined mind.

Students would do well to consider the building of the antahkarana as an extension in consciousness. This extension is the first definite effort made upon the Path to bring in the monadic influence with full awareness, and finally directly. This process constitutes the individual parallel to the present inflow of force from Shamballa, about which I have elsewhere spoken. That highest Center of energy upon our planet is now having a definite effect upon that center which we call Humanity. This is brought about by direct alignment, and not via the Hierarchy as has hitherto been the case. When the individual antahkarana has been successfully started, and there is even a tenuous thread of living energy connecting the threefold personality and the Spiritual Triad, then the inflow of the will-energy becomes possible. This, in the early stages, can be most dangerous when not offset by the love energy of the soul. Only one thread of the threefold antahkarana passes through the egoic lotus. [472]

The other two threads relate themselves directly with the Triad, and hence eventually with the Monad, the source of the triadal life. This is true of the individual and of humanity as a whole, and the effects of this alignment can be seen demonstrating in the world at this time.