This is a wide generalization, and the process is not carried forward in any sequential fashion or smoothly and in order as the tabulation above might suggest. The process involved is spread over many lives of unconscious transmutation in [215] the earlier stages, and as a result of bitter experience and of conscious effort in the later stages, and becomes increasingly dynamic and effective as the various stages upon the Path are trodden by the aspirant. The five rays with which a disciple has to work (two major conditioning rays and three subsidiary rays) have a definite active effect; karmic adjustments provide opportunity or hindrance, and the intricacies of the entire process (within the relatively limited experience of the disciple) are so confusing whilst in process that all that he can do is to grasp the general outline as here given and not pay too much attention to the immediate factual detail.

2. The downward trend - producing Transformation.

Once the head center is awakening and the disciple is consciously active in the work of directing the energies to the centers and thereby governing his personality life, there is a scientific undertaking of energizing the centers in a certain ordered rhythm which is again determined by the rays, by circumstance and by karma; thus all the bodily energies are swung into correct spiritual activity. With the process involved we cannot here deal, beyond pointing out that this downward trend can be roughly regarded as falling into three stages:

1. The stage of energizing the creative life, via the throat center, thus bringing:
   1. The head center and the throat center,
   2. These two and the sacral center,
   3. All three, consciously and simultaneously, into conscious relation.

This relation, when properly established, will solve the individual problem of sex, and without recourse to either inhibition or suppression, but by bringing [216] about right control and making the disciple, at the same time, creative in a worldly sense, and therefore of use to his fellowmen.

2. The stage of energizing the conscious life of relationship via the heart center, thus bringing:
   1. The head center and the heart center,
   2. These two and the solar plexus center,
   3. All three, simultaneously and consciously, into close cooperation.

This serves to establish right human relations, right group relations, and right spiritual relations throughout a man's entire life expression. Just as the stage of regulating the creative life has a paramount effect upon the physical body, so this stage affects the astral vehicle with great potency; emotional reactions are transformed into aspiration and service; selfish individual love is transformed into group love, and then divinity rules the life.

3. The stage of energizing the entire man, via the basic center thus bringing:
   1. The head center and the basic center,
   2. These two and the ajna center,
   3. All the three, simultaneously and consciously, into rhythmic, coordinated expression. This is a final stage of great importance, and only takes place in its completeness at the time of the third initiation, that of the Transfiguration.

Transmutation - Transformation - Transfiguration. [217]