The secret of all true meditation work in its earlier stages is the power to visualize. This is the first stage to be mastered. Disciples should lay the emphasis upon this process; in it lies eventually the ability to use the creative powers of the imagination, plus mental energy, as a measure to further the ends of the Hierarchy and to carry out the Divine Plan. All the new processes in meditation techniques (for which the New Age may be responsible) must and will embody visualization as a primary step for the following reasons:

1. Visualization is the initial step in the demonstration of the occult law that "energy follows thought." This, of course, everyone interested in occult study recognizes theoretically. One of the tasks confronting disciples is to achieve factual knowledge of this. Pictorial visualization (which is a definite feature of the work in many esoteric schools) is simply an exercise to bring about the power to visualize. In the work of those disciples who are being trained for initiation, this external aspect of visualization must give place to an interior process which is the first step towards the direction of energy. The visualizing of pictures is intended to focus the aspirant within the head at a point midway between the pituitary body and the pineal gland. In that area, he draws pictures and paints scenes and thus acquires facility to see - in large and in detail - that which he desires and for which he intends to work. The visualizing of what might be called "directed process" goes on in a more focused manner and in the area directly around the pineal gland. The pineal [90] gland then becomes the center of a magnetic field which is set in motion - in the first place - by the power of visualization. At that point, energy is gathered by the disciple and then directed with intention to one or other of the centers. This focused thought produces inevitable effects within the etheric body and thus two aspects of the creative imagination are brought into play.

2. The power to visualize is the form-building aspect of the creative imagination. This process falls into three parts, corresponding somewhat to the creative process followed by Deity Itself:

1. The gathering of qualified energy within a ring-pass-not.
2. The focusing of this energy under the power of intention, i.e., at a point in the neighborhood of the pineal gland. The energy is now focused and not diffused.
3. The dispatch of this focused energy by means of a pictorial process (not by an act of the will at this time) in any desired direction - that is, to certain centers in a certain order.

This process of energy direction can become a spiritual habit if disciples would begin to do it slowly and gradually. At first, the visualizing process may seem to you to be labored and profitless but, if you persevere, you will find eventually that it becomes effortless and effective. This is one of the most important ways in which a Master works; it is essential, therefore, that you begin to master the technique. The stages are:

1. A process of energy gathering.
2. A process of focalization.
3. A process of distribution or direction.

The disciple learns to do this within himself and later to direct the energy (some chosen and particular kind, according to the demand of the occasion) to that which lies without himself. This constitutes, for example, one of the major healing techniques of the future. It is also used by the Master in awakening his disciple to certain [91] states of consciousness, but with these you have naught to do.