The prime thing in spiritual life is a living example. But there are other helps, and Matheno now explains them to John.
“Men comprehend the inner life by what they see and do. They come to God through ceremonies and forms. And so when you would make men know that sins are washed away by purity in life, a rite symbolic may be introduced. In water wash the bodies of the people who would turn away from sin and strive for purity in life. This rite of cleansing is a preparation rite and they who thus are cleansed comprise the Church of Purity.
“And you shall say, You men of Israel, hear; Reform and wash; become the sons of purity, and you shall be forgiven. This rite of cleansing and this church are but symbolic of the cleansing of the soul by purity in life, and of the kingdom of the soul, which does not come from outward show, but is the church within.
“Now, you may never point the way and tell the multitudes to do what you have never done; but you must go before and show the way. You are to teach that men must wash; so you must lead the way, your body must be washed, symbolic of the cleansing of the soul. John said, Why need I wait? May I not go at once and wash? Matheno said, ’Tis well, and then they went down to the Jordan ford, and east of Jericho, just where the hosts of Israel crossed when first they entered Canaan, they tarried for a time.
“Matheno taught the harbinger, and he explained to him the inner meaning of the cleansing rite and how to wash himself and how to wash the multitude. And in the river Jordan John was washed; then they returned unto the wilderness.” (Aquarian Gospel 15:17-28).
Teaching through ritual
Men comprehend the inner life by what they see and do. Humans learn by example better than by any other way. Even a printed book is a compilation of symbols. Language itself is symbol. Therefore to decry symbolic ritual is to ignore human nature. It the duty of those performing the rituals to explain their meaning, for in many instances ritual is performed like a magical superstition without perceivable meaning. But once a rite is explained people can learn much from it, just as we have to learn a word before we can meaningfully use it.
They come to God through ceremonies and forms. But ritual is also reality. That is, ritual can have a definite spiritual and even material effect on the participants, sometimes visible and sometime invisible. As Matheno says, ceremonies and forms can be pathways and bridges to very real God-contact. All conscious people engage in ritual, even if it is only brushing their teeth, taking a bath, dressing or cooking. And spiritually conscious people are very aware of the value–and even the necessity–of ritual. For a religion to “work” it must have ritual of some kind. It cannot be denied that excessive elaboration of ritual can distract seekers and turn into nothing but holy show; but that is no argument against ritual any more than misuse of a tool could be turned to its condemnation. Rather than engage in elaboration of this subject, I recommend that you read The Yoga of the Sacraments, The Science of the Sacraments, and Liturgy and Personality.
And so when you would make men know that sins are washed away by purity in life, a rite symbolic may be introduced. In water wash the bodies of the people who would turn away from sin and strive for purity in life. This rite of cleansing is a preparation rite and they who thus are cleansed comprise the Church of Purity.
Baptism was originally done by total immersion in water like a bath, so its symbolism was obvious. However, it has an inner dimension far beyond mere appearance, for it is a vehicle for cleansing and empowerment of a person’s total being. Nevertheless, it is only a beginning, an initiation and preparation for much more to follow. The Yoga of the Sacraments and The Science of the Sacraments explain the total meaning and effect of the ritual.
And you shall say, You men of Israel, hear; Reform and wash; become the sons of purity, and you shall be forgiven. This rite of cleansing and this church are but symbolic of the cleansing of the soul by purity in life, and of the kingdom of the soul, which does not come from outward show, but is the church within. The first step is reformation and the continued purpose of reformation. “Reform” comes before “wash.” The next great principle is: “Become the sons of purity and you will be forgiven,” because only through purifying ourselves can we be in such a condition that our negative karmas and samskaras can be expunged. (Karmas are our past actions, and samskaras are the mental impressions and behavior patterns produced by those actions.) Finally Matheno makes it clear that no rite is of value if there is no corresponding inner change for the better.
Be an example
Now, you may never point the way and tell the multitudes to do what you have never done; but you must go before and show the way. If only all leaders in all segments of society would know and follow this principle, things would be ideal. When Saint John was told this he instantly asked: “Why need I wait? May I not go at once and wash?” This and this alone is the attitude of one who is going to succeed in spiritual life. No delay; immediate compliance with the divine precepts. Those who grudgingly drag their feet and do the least they can should not even be bothering, for they will never attain any good whatever. Nor should spiritual teachers waste their time with them. As the saying rightly goes: “Never try to teach a pig to sing; it only annoys the pig and wastes your time.” Humanity is much more than walking upright and having a flexible thumb.
Further instruction
“Now in Engedi’s hills Matheno’s work was done and he and John went down to Egypt. They rested not until they reached the temple of Sakara in the valley of the Nile. For many years Matheno was a master in this temple of the Brotherhood, and when he told about the life of John and of his mission to the sons of men, the hierophant with joy received the harbinger and he was called the Brother Nazarite. For eighteen years John lived and wrought within these temple gates; and here he conquered self, became a master mind and learned the duties of the harbinger” (Aquarian Gospel 15:29-31).
So while Jesus was spending his formative years in India, Saint John was in Egypt with the sages there.
Read the next section in the Aquarian Gospel for Yogis: The Law Behind All Laws