Shiva and the Primordial Tradition by Alain Daniélou

Author:Alain Daniélou
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Published: 2011-06-27T16:00:00+00:00

Monastic or Hermetic Initiation

In the four castes, initiation refers to the social person’s participation in the cosmological rite, in the work of the Creator, in maintaining society, and improving human conditions as a whole on the spiritual level. Monastic initiation is quite another kind and is placed at a different level. Its aim is the full realization of the individual on the spiritual level, beyond all contingencies.

Monastic initiation can only be granted to people chosen to transmit the highest secrets of knowledge and of the final human destiny. They belong to no caste, no social circle. Their hierarchy is secret and at its head is that omniscient being, who has sometimes been called the King of the World. They only belong marginally to the society of humankind, in their public teachings and directives. It is only when the survival of traditional society is threatened that some of them may be delegated to take part in the action, “go down with the brahmans to the field of battle,” as the law of Manu says.

When the King of England, India’s legitimate suzerain, betrayed his treaties with the princes and gave up sovereignty in favor of a political party, there appeared in India persons clothed in the monastic dress, of astonishing intelligence and culture, who, within a few months, set up a traditionalist party, magazines, newspapers, and youth movements, which rose against Gandhi, Nehru, and the Indian Congress Party. Today they form a strong opposition, which, at the right time, will take power and reestablish the traditional order, if, however, humanity as a whole can still be saved from the catastrophe that looms.

When part of humankind is deemed to be heading for destruction, the hermetic tradition may close up within its shell and stay there unknown until a new humanity arises that is deserving of its message. Usually, in India, the bearers of esoteric tradition don the orange robe of the saddhus, the wandering monks, who have no family, no attachments, no fixed dwelling, nor material possessions. They mix with the crowds of pilgrims and begging monks, and it is difficult at first sight to recognize them. Their powers are immense, their knowledge incredible. They possess the gift of languages, and an extraordinary memory. They can quote, without the slightest error, any of the sacred texts, which, in India, form a vast literature. They can speak even with the most savage animals, which do not fear them, and come to lie down at their feet. It is their duty to teach, wherever they may be, the myths, the moral virtues, elementary wisdom, whatever will help consolidate traditional society. This has nothing to do with their true role, however, which is magical and mysterious. They can read minds and see the future. They know human destiny and do their best to aid a society that is racing to its destruction. They are the guardians of a secret treasure of knowledge for the future of humankind.

When world conditions demand and some form of action is

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