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Spiritualizing Politics
for the Greater Good of All
by Thomas G. Gulick
Before, during and after the recent national elections of 2004 in the United States,
the U.S. media, and even the foreign press, have continually focused on how "divided"
Americans are politically. This is the so-called "red and blue" polarization
of the U.S. electorate along party lines and the alleged future ill portents of such
a great divide among Americans. Naturally, because of the wealth and power of the
United States and its commitment to freedom, including freedom of religion, America
will continue to attract the attention of the world community. What then can be done
by us, the citizens of the U.S., to forge a more perfect spiritual union for our
nation that transcends party politics and that clears the way for a true "progressive
politics," emphasizing locally, nationally and internationally that "I
am my brother's keeper?"
To offer a modest beginning into that great dialogue of hearts and minds, I turn
to the writings of a paragon of spiritual wisdom in the realm of government and politics,
the Ascended Master El Morya. This ascended being was last embodied as El Morya Khan,
the Rajput prince who went West to study in England and who became one of the founders
of the Theosophical Society. He was also embodied centuries ago in England as St.
Thomas More, "the man for all seasons," who was martyred for principle
and integrity by Henry VIII, with whom he served as Lord Chancellor. Thomas More
was also the author, you may remember, of that very eloquent and imaginative discourse
on the spirit of true government called Utopia.
In this age, El Morya has dictated two documents through his messengers Mark and
Elizabeth Prophet that are directly related to the question of how to develop a spiritualized
government. This, then, is a blueprint of "progressive politics" that is
founded on spiritual principles that will, if followed, eventually lay the foundation
for a golden age civilization of peace and social harmony.
In his "White Paper to the Planet Earth," delivered in July 1961 through
his messengers in Washington, D.C., El Morya noted that, "at inner [spiritual]
levels" a "God-beauty in government" already exists and that it is
mankind's task to grasp this inner vision through their higher consciousness and
then to externalize this vision of spiritually-centered government in the physical
plane. He said: "It is intended that this government shall outpicture the government
of God, and every star in the [American] flag is intended to be a love star, and
every state is intended to be in a state of love. Do you see? Therefore I say to
you, every individual is intended to be in a state of love, the world is intended
to be a planet of love. Who among you can say today that it is?...."
Then, in April of 1963, El Morya issued another seminal document on government, which
included many concrete proposals on how to physicalize this idea of a "God-government"
on earth. He called this his "Encyclical on World Good Will: A Report to the
Earth." In his encyclical, he praises the great documents of political progress
and freedom, from the Magna Carta to the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights
and the U.S. Constitution, but noted that, just as modern communications and transportation
methods have accelerated and reshaped society, so also there is "a parallel
need for a modern approach to world unity and good will in order to actively preserve
hard-won liberties."
This encyclical covers subjects much too far-flung to be summarized in this short
article. There are fascinating sections, for instance, on planning a higher level
education program for the world's children with a greater emphasis on ethical training,
courtesy, thoughtful regard and respect for others, etc. El Morya envisions the eradication
of crime by using the vast modern communications networks of radio, television (and
today he would no doubt include the Internet) to convey to the population "proper
cultural and spiritual training."
But the crowning touch in this encyclical is a "Nine-Point Program" for
world change. This includes developing a consciousness of international citizenship
through education, developing an exposure to and respect for customs, folklore and
languages of a variety of nations and cultures from childhood. El Morya proposes
essay contests on the topic of "Why Integrity Is Essential to World Good Will."
He suggests international forums investigating "the major causes of the present
lack of world harmony." He calls for encouraging "mass participation in
political and cultural affairs" as in the ancient golden age of the Greek city-states,
while avoiding the disunity and rivalry that finally brought down the Greek civilization.
El Morya also recommends international cultural exchange programs for young people
in schools, universities and in work situations. In addition, he encourages these
exchanges in the business and professional fields as well as in the fields of science,
music, art and "good theater." He sees a need for a reorganization and
examination of what is wrong with international and national monetary systems. He
recommends the establishment of a culture of "the Ombudsman," like that
used in Scandinavian countries, to mitigate the clogged up court systems hindering
the administration of justice. He suggests "universal equality before the law
[worldwide] through the Public-Defender system." As a world community we must
establish, says El Morya, the "byword of Universal Good Will: "I AM My
Brother's Keeper."
"The universal key," notes El Morya, "sought after by all religions
is to be found in an understanding love which not only tolerates progress in another
but also encourages it. Let all then, in a spirit of compassion and liberty, remain
their brothers' keepers."
In these documents, I submit, is the seed for the politics of true progress and a
civilization no longer burdened with the constant threat of terror and destruction,
perhaps even that fabled Utopia glimpsed centuries ago by St. Thomas More.
The Twin Cities Order of the Diamond Heart focuses on practical spirituality and
making a reality the key points espoused by Master Morya. Members of this Order hold
Ashram Ritual meditations to help alleviate world suffering and serve the cause of
world enlightenment. They put into practice local community action projects such
as Habitat for Humanity, donating food and clothes to homeless shelters and literacy
programs. The Order of the Diamond Heart meets Tuesday evenings. For more information,
call (952) 926-4385 or e-mail holyorders@tsl.org.
Thomas G. Gulick is a freelance writer based in the Twin Cities.
Copyright © 2005 Thomas G. Gulick. All rights reserved. |
| January 2005 |
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