We now come to the time when the disciple moves on to the much coveted position of a "Son of the Master." He is then a part consciously and at all times of the Master's consciousness. The interplay between the Master and disciple is being rapidly perfected, and the disciple can now consciously and at will link up with the Master and ascertain His thoughts. He can enter into His plans, [272] desires and will. This he has won by the right of similarity of vibration, and because the shutting off process (necessitated earlier by discordant vibration) is practically superseded; the disciple has so purified himself that his thoughts and desires cause no disquietude to the Master, and no contrary vibration to the group. He has been tried and not been found wanting. His life of service in the world is more concentrated and perfected, and he is daily developing his power to give, and increasing his equipment. All this concerns his relationship to some Master and to some one group soul. It is not dependent upon his taking initiation. Initiation is a technical matter and can be expressed in terms of esoteric science. A man can take initiation and yet not be a "son of a Master." Discipleship is a personal relationship, governed by terms of karma and affiliation, and is not dependent upon a man's status in the Lodge. Keep this clear in your mind. Cases have been known when a man has acquired - through diligence - the technical requisites for initiation before becoming affiliated with any particular Master.

This later relationship of "son" to some Master has a peculiar sweetness all its own, and carries with it certain privileges. The disciple can then lift some of the burden off his Master's shoulders, and relieve Him of some of His responsibilities, thereby setting Him free for more extended work. Hence the emphasis laid on service, for it is only as a man serves that he advances. It is the keynote of the vibration of the second abstract level. The Master at this period will confer with His "Son" and plan the work to be done upon their united point of view. In this way He will develop His pupil's discrimination and judgment, and lighten His own load along certain lines, thus setting Himself free for other important work. [273]

The final period of those under discussion can have but little submitted about it. It covers the period when a man is mastering the final stages of the Path and is entering into closer and closer touch with his group and with the Hierarchy. He is not only vibrating in tune with his group and with his Master, but is beginning now to gather out his own people, and form a group himself. This group will be at first only on emotional and physical levels and on the lower mental. After the fifth initiation he will enclose within his aura these groups and those on egoic levels who are his own. This in no way prevents his being one with his Master and group, but the method of interblending is one of the secrets of initiation.