Mechanics of the Master/Chela Relationship

November 1966

Dear Friends:

Occasionally a letter comes across the desk asking what is meant by the phrase, "I am always with you," that is used at the conclusion of my communications to you. Well, it does have a definite meaning for everyone who is in touch with me, and I will try to explain.

The teacher, as myself, must work with all those who are willing to be with him in studying the science of Soul Travel, in helping them to connect to the cosmic power that flows from him to themselves. This means that the Cosmic Spirit touches the chela as quickly as he makes contact with the teacher for the first time and he will start working out his karma and problems on various planes. In other words, the Spirit will begin to lift that Soul into the higher planes. Many times he will not recognize this fact, but certainly knows that something is taking place for his own benefit. His mind is clearing, and the material aspects of his life are making gains instead of losses. His spiritual life seems to be progressing, whereas he was at a standstill.

The teacher is the instrument or the hub through which the Cosmic Spirit flows in like a tremendous stream to those around him; it is like a wheel the teacher stationed at the center and the chelas at the rim with the spokes representing the spiritual lines that run from teacher to each one of them. This is the method in which all Masters work with their chelas, allowing the Cosmic Spirit to pour through himself via each line to each chela. Hence, the teacher can be in touch with thousands of chelas via his spiritual body, whereas his physical self is working on a plane of limitation. Speaking in the universal language, this means that i am always with you in the Atma Sarup (Soul body), no matter where you might be and what you might be doing.

You will find that all Masters who know their spiritual ABC's of the Divine Knowledge speak in the universal language, meaning that they are talking from the inner planes and not with the physical senses. It can be pointed out that Christ said, "Lo, I am always with you." He was saying in the spiritual language that he, as Spirit, could always be with his followers at any time, any place, whether it is on the physical plane or the inner ones. Buddha, Pythagoras, Appolonius of Tyana, Mithra, Zoroaster and others, who were true teachers of the universal knowledge, said the same but in some other way. They were speaking from the inner planes and not of the physical self which their disciples were viewing at the time with the outer eyes.

So it means that whenever anyone starts the study of ECKANKAR, a specific spiritual line is established between themselves in Spirit and the Atma Sarup of myself. Therefore, we are within the circle and all people who are dwelling in it can be taught the inner knowledge by the Master as they would be via the telephone. The teacher establishes himself with the chela the moment he comes into the works and is able to be seen on the inner planes as well as the outer. The chela cannot be passive and must have a certain amount of inner action to help with being receptive to the teachings.

The teacher begins to reach the chela via the inner way as well as the outer. He is available on the physical plane for instruction and answers to satisfy the chela's mental quests. Not all teachings and replies are given on this outer plane, for the Master must use the Illuminated Way of the inner planes to reach the chela because he is more receptive here. First, we know the teaching comes via the dream state, but as the chela starts receiving more and becomes open to the sacred knowledge, he can be taught consciously through the inner via the Master's inner form and directions. Eventually he will be able to make contact with Spirit Itself and establish himself in the realm of the Divine Reality.

Hence we use the expression, seek first the Kingdom of God, because in the beginning we are in need of the higher knowledge. It comes to the chela because Spirit is the essence of the Divine Source, and wishes to use him as a channel. Therefore, the right teacher is needed who can teach us on the inner as well as the outer plane. I give the outer teaching through the voice and writings. But in the other planes, it is given by the inner form of myself working with the Cosmic Spirit, appearing to all concerned or giving it by impressions for those who are yet unable to see the inner form. All is done by the spiritual lines that flow between the chela and myself.

The true universal message cannot be given by a physical channel in its pure state, but it can be given when working through the Atma Sarup with the spiritual bodies of others. As the connecting link between the Cosmic Spirit and the outer world, I, while working in the subtle form, can do all things, but in the physical body i am limited. The teachings are given to all who ask for any help on any plane. So Spirit flows through the teacher's subtle body to reach the chelas, and impresses Its message upon the spiritual senses of those who are receiving it.

This is essential to all who are studying the spiritual life. We cannot use the outer form and have the outer rituals to reach the higher stages of spiritual development. Nor can we have only the inner and expect to gain all esoteric knowledge and progress. We need both as a fulfillment in reaching God. Few can unfold in the early states unless he has a teacher who can reach him in both ways. He must show a certain amount if progress in the physical life as well as his inner and have the ability to pass his knowledge on to others.

I am always with you.

Affectionately,

Paul Twitchell