To advance spiritually, we must embark on a journey that exists within us—a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation. This path begins with self-observation, quiet reflection, and the practice of not identifying with life’s external events. It involves meditation and other inner disciplines. Known as the vertical path, this is the path for rebels and revolutionaries who seek true freedom and strive to fully integrate with life itself. However, integration is not the same as identifying with life’s problems. Integration means maintaining full attention, whereas identification signals a lack of awareness. For instance, when we encounter problems without reflecting on them, or when we view them through the lenses of memory, preconception, or unconscious bias, we are identifying with them.
The First Mountain: The Mountain of Initiation
The inner journey begins much like climbing a mountain—the first mountain, which is the mountain of initiation or purification. To ascend this mountain, we need energy, particularly the energy of our sexual forces, which must be carefully preserved. This climb can only be successful through the magic of love, the only force capable of raising this energy up through the spine. Without this magic of love, even if we conserve sexual energy, it will descend and contribute to our degeneration. This is why love in marriage is so crucial—it must be true love. Likewise, the love for humanity must be cultivated in our hearts through genuine charity.
At a certain point on this mountain, we can choose the spiral path, which is slower and requires less effort. The spiral path often places personal concerns ahead of the collective good. While it is possible to develop spiritually on this path, the Christic force, which is required to fully awaken the Kundalini, is not incarnated. The Kundalini rises triumphantly up the spine, vertebra by vertebra, in seven stages, through our seven bodies—physical, vital, astral, mental, will, Buddhic, and atmic. Those who choose the direct path, rather than the spiral path, incarnate the Christic force and face greater challenges. They must learn to love unconditionally, expecting nothing in return, and even welcoming the poor behavior of others with grace. This Christic force is the force of love itself.
The Second Mountain: The Mountain of Resurrection
With the power of love, those who choose the direct path can ascend the second mountain, known as the Mountain of Resurrection. This mountain is even more difficult, for it requires us to dissolve the deepest roots of our defects—those hidden within the unconscious. The power of love, carried within the heart, illuminates these dark corners of the psyche and dissolves the inner beasts that lurk there. The summit of this mountain demands that we settle all debts with the great cosmic Law. A deep purification is necessary, which may take years or even lifetimes, and often involves sacrificing our most cherished attachment—the physical body itself, which has accumulated sin and must also be purified. Only then can resurrection occur, whether in the same body or in a new one, depending on the circumstances.
The Third Mountain: The Mountain of Ascension
After resurrection and a more profound purification, the master embarks on the ascent of the third and final mountain—the Mountain of Ascension. This mountain serves as a preparation for entry into the eternal reality of the Absolute. It is here that one learns to integrate and endure the immense power and energy of the Absolute, preparing for an existence beyond the physical realm.
The first mountain is the Mountain of Binah, or the Holy Spirit, deeply connected to the mysteries of sex and the element of fire. The second mountain is linked to Chokmah, the Christ or Son, and the force of love that helps us dissolve the deepest elements of our being. The third mountain is associated with Kether, the Father, and prepares us for union with the Absolute.
Conclusion
The spiritual journey through the synthesis of these three mountains represents the ultimate path of transformation and enlightenment. The first mountain purifies us, the second mountain resurrects us, and the third mountain prepares us for the great reality beyond. Each step of the journey requires deep work, love, and sacrifice, as we strive to achieve freedom from our lower selves and integrate with the divine forces of the universe.
