Dear Forum:

This month’s report is based on the Wesak lecture about the cycles of the NGWS. When Gita stepped away from the podium and asked us (paraphrased) “What does consolidation have to do with crisis?” I became curious and wanted to understand these cycles better.

What are some ways of conceptualizing the cycles and their co-relationships?

A crisis is a situation that no longer works.  It is precipitated by a change.  Sometimes this change comes years before the crisis is recognized. Once the unworkable, unsustainable situation is recognized, it requires consolidation.  In popular expression – we regroup. Crisis is a call to action. The consolidation is the rethinking - asking what does and does not work, and what can be done. It is a period of discriminative analysis.

Consolidation leads to a focused concentration on the solutions based on a future vision. It uses the “scrubbed” data, information, insights from the consolidation. It is a period of tension charged with a purpose. It is a focused search for solutions in spite of opposition. Most importantly, this period of tension must not create the same situation in a new way.

From this focused intention a new way of action emerges - an expansion. 

The implementation of the expansion is its emergence. It is the practical application. It is the establishment of the vision in a better way, a progressive unfoldment.

What are some examples of some of the ways of looking at this process ?

Meditation

            Precipitant – seed thought

            Crisis – insufficient understanding

            Consolidation – integration (of the physical, emotional, and mental levels)

            Tension – alignment (with the highest in us)

            Expansion – new insights

            Emergence – journaling and the practical application in our everyday lives

            Or

            Precipitant – soul’s search for Self

            Crisis – a feeling that there is more to life

            Consolidation – focused thought – recognizing past understandings

            Tension – asking questions to move beyond the past

            Expansion – getting the answers, new insights

            Emergence – actualization of the new insights in everyday life

A Math Problem

            Precipitant – need to locate a criminal

            Crisis – too many contradictory sighting

            Consolidation – graph data and determine logical points

            Tension – using scrubbed data, find an appropriate predictive mathematical algorithm

            Expansion – apply it – a pattern emerges

            Emergence – criminal is found

An Illness

            Precipitant – begin to smoke

            Crisis – shortness of breath, coughing, heart problems

            Consolidation – truthfully looking at outcomes

            Tension –searching for solutions – medical, psychological, etc.

            Expansion – using those solutions

            Emergence – the habit is broken, better health

A Family Dynamic

            Precipitant – children move out

            Crisis – the mother’s role changes and needs readjustment

            Consolidation – she explores what she would like to do now

            Tension – she goes back to school

            Expansion – she gets a degree

            Emergence – and re-enters the work force

World Situation – The Climate Crises

            Precipitant – using fossil fuel on a large scale

            Crisis – global warming/pollution and economic disruption

            Consolidation – recognition of the need to find alternatives

             Tension – a vision of a beautiful and viable civilization, focus and investment in scientific and financial solutions to support that, and               getting the buy-in of governments

            Expansion – local, national, and internation plans for cooperative efforts

            Emergence – putting the plans into place, resulting in a world in harmony with the natural world and a better and healthier planet

World Harmony

            Precipitant – a co-dependent world economy

            Crisis – separatism in its many, many forms no longer works

            Consolidation – international think tanks

            Tension – drafting of multi-national policies

            Expansion – gradual implementation of these policies and treaties

            Emergence – the common good is realized – health, happiness, and prosperity become a reality world-wide

First comes the will to do something, then exploring how to do it, then its intelligent application.

What are some examples of how these cycles can be or might be interrupted?

At every step, these cycles can be sabotaged. There are many, many ways at and during each stage that the cycle can be short-circuited. Here are few examples:

At precipitation – failure to recognize it as a precipitant. For example, the Teaching explains that WWII was made inevitable because of the punitive policies against Germany designated in the treaty ending WWI.

During a crisis – failure to recognize the situation’s unsustainability. Denial. For example, continuing to smoke and still thinking you are not hurting yourself.

At consolidation – rationalization and looking at the past instead of the future for solutions. For example, saying, “there is no need to change. We’ve always done it this way.” Or, “there is no immediate need to change, we will just adjust.”

During tension – losing sight of the future vision. For example, losing concentration during meditation.

At expansion – fear, inertia, selfishness. For example, a politician might know that something is wrong but that opposing it would be political suicide. They want to stay in power and so do and say nothing.

During emergence – lack of money. For example, the Tibetan Master says that a large and major  obstacle to the Plan’s implementation is lack of funds.

Implications

Since the current spiritual cycle for men and women of goodwill and for the NGWS is one of crisis/consolidation within a larger cycle of tension/expansion, I can focus on news and knowledge that illustrate humanity’s response to Hierarchy’s influence, thus energizing it.  For example, we find scientists and concerned people everywhere looking for solutions to global warming. There was the international conference in Columbia last month, the international meeting in Europe this month, and the recognition several years ago that the economists must be part of the dialogue. I see in this one example the recognition of the crisis (precipitated years ago with the proliferation of the use fossil fuel as energy and to make plastic), the analysis of the data, the sincere search (in spite of opposition) for solutions, and the consequent negotiations for their implementation.

Also, aside from any greater understanding I may believe I have gained, I think that the energy of our striving to create a better world, both personal and as whole, can be used by Hierarchy. It is this energy that propels progressive unfoldment. I am humbled by the sincere labor of so many people in so many ways everywhere. And inspired to do better.

Other Work

Participation in discussion/study groups, use of the weekly Bailey meditations, doing visualizations to help purify my three vehicles.

In gratitude,

Joanne

May 2026 TSG Ashrams Report

Gita Saraydarian

My report is taken from World Discipleship, p. 385: “…Let me see how successful you will be in not thinking about yourself.”

1. What is the meaning of thinking about oneself?
2. What is the result?
3. What to engage in instead?
4. Implications

This Chapter was a transcription of an introductory lecture Torkom gave before the start of the annual Conference. Torkom was giving guidance to participants to teach them what a spiritual Conference is all about and what we are together to accomplish.

What is the meaning of thinking about oneself? It means to constantly think about how I feel, what do I want, let me check my messages, I wonder what is happening in the world, what shall I eat today? What shall I wear today? Whom do I want to have lunch with or dinner with? What is happening at home, at work, my contacts; what do I need to do when I get back. Or, to anticipate what the topic will be all about and think, I need to hear this, I wonder how I will feel about it, and so on. To forget oneself means to focus on the topic, the daily process of learning and absorbing and to face oneself. And, it means to clear all expectations, and be open!

What is the result? When we are at a meeting or Conference and all we think about is ourselves, we are focused on our personality life and being absorbed in it. In doing so, we do not have a space in our bodies to consider the implication of the process of attending a Conference. And, being absorbed with ourselves, when we hear something from the Teaching that challenges us, or needles us in some way, we feel hurt and we recoil back. An opportunity is thus lost! A Conference that is high level, is meant to confront oneself and begin the transformation process. It should be a time of solitude, deep thinking, meditation, study, and joy. By leaving the personal life behind for a few days, we are able to bring new life into our bodies and lives. If we mix our daily life with the days of the Conference, the topic and power of the topic and teacher will have short term effect and only on the personality. When we focus on ourselves, it is at the expense of utilizing the group dynamic, the teacher’s words, the Teaching, and even the attraction to the events by higher beings and higher inspirations. All the gifts of a Conference are lost. Remembering that when we gather together in the name of higher values and Great Teachers, these very same Teachers are among us. Why miss the chance of a lifetime?

What to engage in instead? Silence, inner and outer silence is the key to start a dynamic participation. Then, daily quiet time to meditate and consider the topics to be delivered. Then, do not dwell on one’s shortcomings, problems, angst, worries. Put them aside so they do not act as filters to the Teaching. Next, set an intention: what do I want from this event? What questions do I have for my life that need clarification? How can I use my time best with my coworkers, friends, and find the joy of reconnecting with friends? What do I want to hear about the future? What problems and questions do I have that need clarity? When we have that concentration and inner poise, the life will unfold for us and we will not be reactive when something from the Teaching exposes an area in our life that needs consideration.

Implications: These guidelines Torkom gives seem so simple; yet are the most dynamic guidance to all of us. Gathering together is sacred; it is meant to produce something for us that is both unique to us individually and as a group and as part of the humanity and even the planet. We all remember these days with fondness and deep memory. If an event created a spark that later became a source of service, it is the group synergy and the focus that did it. Torkom was guiding people into expectation; to help us ask: why am I here? What do I want out of this time together? What is my responsibility? What is the best way to get the most out of this event? What do I need to hear about my life so I am more focused, and so on. Leaders, teachers, lecturers, all need to set the pace and guide participants and model how to achieve transformation through this participation. Participants need to be focused, ready, and committed to engage in a transformative process. The whole world gains by our focus; the Teaching is spread; the Higher Worlds find worthy companions.

I meditated every day; Sunday and Thursday meditation began once again.

Thank you, Dear Friends, for your love and companionship on the path.

With love and gratitude,

Gita

@joannethurmond1 Dear Joanne...a clear and deep analysis of this process. We can apply this to our lives. Thank you for your deep thinking and explanation. Gita

“The energy of Aquarius is in the pitcher of the 1000 petaled Lotus. Once this center is unfolded and filled with the energy of Aquarius, the law of service begins to operate and manifest the energy of Aquarius through the man.“ The Creative Fire p. 383

Each petal represents a distinct vibration or aspect of consciousness. The pitcher vibration is available largely because our sun is passing through Aquarius in both the greater and lesser zodiacs.

I am reporting on the local signs of this cosmic reset by asking these questions:

What is “water pouring from the pitcher” in a worldly sense?

What is “water pouring from the pitcher” in an esoteric sense?

What is “water pouring from the pitcher” in terms of inner life?

Implications

………………………………………………………………………………………….

What is “water pouring from the pitcher” in a worldly sense?

The water that pours out of the pitcher is liquid fire, the creative fire. This is especially useful in bringing beauty and unity out of cleavages. Thus, the talents of many souls are inspired to service the need. Interestingly, a change can be noticed in the spiritual landscape, with more interest in the esoteric. Heros of this culture exist and their stories are easily accessible.

What is “water pouring from the pitcher” in an esoteric sense?

We can take our perspective through the rays of influence.  Some of the energies now available are: a chance for unselfishness, grand mindedness, and the realization of unity. This is a nice alchemy that is being mixed for human suffering. These qualities are well suited to create a new civilization on our planet.

What is “water pouring from the pitcher” in terms of inner life?

The natural outpouring of growth, joy, and creative energy can give our lives meaning. It suggests an evolution-affirming spirit, where joy is inherent and life is shaped by an amazing synchronization of good influences. It also reflects the mutual experience of human seekers, as people encourage one another’s aspirations and plans. In this sense, the flowing water represents a kind of creativity that feels wonderfully inevitable—arriving just when it is most needed, bringing renewal, hope, and inner abundance.

Implications:

It is important to create true art on many levels. These are works that evoke challenges and solutions, that remind us of our spiritual family, fellowship and greater existence. If our creations underscore opportunity, enlightenment and brotherhood they will be in tune with the Aquarian Age. They will be masterpieces.

Blessings to all, Chuck

I participate in prayer, creative fire and triangle groups, study for full moons, read the Teaching and meditate.

Thanks to Those who guide us.

May 2026

Challenge for Discipleship CH 46 

P. 395

The Importance of Speech

“A  Great One said that if a person can control his speech, he can reach perfection. In these words, He emphasized the importance of speech.”

1. How to control speech/ use right speech?

    This is my focus for 2026, and I have been studying this chapter since Wesak. First, start your day in prayer and/or meditation to set your dial to higher thoughts and motives. When a situation comes, take time to think about it and run it through the virtues and lessons we have learned from TSG. This helps me alot. What virtue would help in this situation? Beauty, goodness, righteousness, joy or freedom? I recently resolved an issue with a neighbor just having peace as a goal. I did not want to spend years driving by and shooting daggers out of my mind and it all worked out! (He quit poisoning animals, and I got the straw from his barn to mulch my crops- that way he could give back to Nature. Old-fashioned Catholic penance.) 

Do not speak out of anger or negative emotions, which amplifies negativity. Come from your heart.

2. What is control?

Not reacting. Not being an effect but a cause. This is where consciousness pays off. Be watchful. When thoughts come that try to motivate me to react, I have to sit back, think, ask for higher guidance, and wait. I have been thinking more of what outcomes do I want. For years I used harmony or love as an outcome, and walked into difficult conversations asking for angels’ assistance and this works like magic! I call it my white magic wand. Like Gita says, keep that disruptive puppy in order!

3. What is perfection?

To start with, it is not discord. It is bringing in the light, wisdom and guidance toward love and light. With the discipline of Right Speech, we can raise awareness, bring in joy, light and love. If I remember perfection is what we are made of and our ultimate destiny, the whole process becomes simplified and more fun.

Implications: I am very grateful I am working on right speech this year, Gita featured it in her lesson at Wesak, and I am studying the chapter in Challenge for Discipleship. I have been known to be blunt, and I like direct speech, but this gives me a lens of more gentleness, beauty, joy and love to filter my words through to take closer steps to perfection.

Although I get meditation time most every day, my service April through mid-June is to get plants started to create more joy and beauty in the world. I am missing some online classes I would like to attend these days. I study the everyday book, Challenge for Discipleship, the Full Moon Meditations, sadly missing some of the Stepping Classes and integrating the teaching into my every day life.

Thoughts from Wesak on the                                                                                                                                                               Group of New World Servers

I view myself as a striving disciple and a long way off from being at the level of the GNWS.                                                                           I saw them as distant, advanced humans, who took many initiations or are preparing to take initiations. I do pray for them and am inspired by them and make the intention to connect energetically with them while saying the Great Invocation. I see that as supporting them.             But the Wesak  lectures made me think a little broader and deeper about this relationship.

One-ness and unity principles state we are connected to this group and every group and every person and life form. So I changed my thoughts about, not how distant I was, but how close I am to the GNWS. As a striving world disciple and willing to serve I can contribute towards the plan.The Hierarchy will work with those that can work.

There are many levels of GNWS. There are subjective and objective groups, and those aware and unaware of the Hierarchical work they are doing. There are those who have taken initiations and those that are on the path of discipleship. A keynote for the GNWS is that there           is no separation in their thoughts or actions.

The plan and purpose of the GNWS is to help bring change.To help humanity to shift from the old into the new. To change world forms and advance humanity’s consciousness. Teach and show individuals/humanity how to receive and express the incoming energies in safe and harmless ways. Then the changes can be used for the good and for the beneficent of the whole. Helping to move all life forms on this planet forward. They need us and we need them and humanity needs everyone.

 In ashrams there are inner and outer layers or levels of members.There is always movement to advance to higher ashrams and new advancing disciples coming into the outer spheres of an ashrams. The contact with a Master is relative to the level of consciousness.           This is how I see the model of the GNWS. Especially since there are Ashrams for the seven fields of human endeavor. People of good will, co-workers spreading the teaching, those who service with compassion in all fields, striving disciples, are all a part, at some level, of the GNWS. Also the GNWS reminds me of the Golden Chain, or the Golden Ladder, where the person above helps the person below and that person helps the one below them and so it goes.The Hierarchy says they want to help people, humanity, to surpass them. And Christ said you will do greater things than Me. That is the evolutionary plan. All new forms will surpass the previous forms.

So the work is on going, to keep adjusting to change, and knowing what to let go of and what to keep. And to help each other to advance, in new ways, without imposing, because we can’t help advance ourselves or others if we use the old ways of force or coercion. Keep striving and increasing self discipline. There are people now able to express good will towards all with love and kindness. They can sense the frequency emitted from the Hierarchy and the Solar Angel and are sensitive to promptings of the heart.

When we recognize a world server we will be touched and resonate with that beauty. And we should try and help support them in anyway we can. We pray for them and their field of service. We can continue to spread the teaching in our spheres of influence. And be inspired to adjust our life to become more like them. See their qualities we would like to cultivate and that will help reach and effect people around us.

Torkom says in “Challenge for Discipleship”,  "..that we are part of a greater whole and we need to try to live as part of that greater whole in closer and closer cooperation.’’

Torkom  teaches  us to how to become our true selves but that also prepares us to become part of the GNWS. He teaches this step by step in all his books, but especially in “World Discipleship - Challenge for the Future of Humanity” and “Challenge for Discipleship”.

I  am striving to do my individual shifting from personality toward soul consciousness, group consciousness, community group consciousness, national and global, planetary etc. I can offer what my capacity to help is now.  Accepting help and giving help.  Always working to increase the capacity to serve in new ways. Saying the Great Invocation daily to support and connect with other servers and the Plan.

Change isn’t easy, you know what you have and don’t know what you will get. It often takes a leap of Faith, Courage and Patience in Perseverance.

Thank you everyone for an inspiring Wesak, its so energetically rewarding to gather in a group,

Cathy

Dear Co-Workers

From Soul Consciousness and its Social Effects (Meditation course):  “Once a person recognizes himself as a soul and affirms that he is a soul, an immense change takes place in his life. The first effect of this change is that energy accumulates in him. Because he does not misuse it, he no longer has any leakage due to wrong thinking. . . “

What is Thinking? Thinking is using the mind to satisfy our needs and wants. At the basic level, our needs are to survive, food, water, sleep, clothing, and a roof over our heads.  As those needs are met, we continue striving to satisfy our needs and wants for safety, security, belonging, comfort, acceptance, relationships, friendships, self-worth, to be respected, recognition from others, the desire to reach our full potential, to develop our gifts and talents, and to achieve personal growth. With conscious striving, our needs and wants focus on being of service to others, being a contributor, an uplifter, serving and supporting humanity’s upliftment; to transcend the illusion of separation and experience alignment with our purpose and reason for being, to evolve and become a Soul-Infused personality where the Soul is in the driver’s seat. Thinking creates our inner state of being.

What is wrong thinking? Wrong thinking creates upheaval and disharmony in our aura. Wrong thinking is fear, anger, resentment, and negativity. Wrong thinking is magnetic, and we attract and are attracted to icky vibrations that resonate with our disturbed state. Wrong thinking makes us cranky, complainers, condemners, and victims, and creates a vicious cycle of negativity. Wrong thinking makes us vulnerable to psychic attacks and emotional outbursts that lead to physical illness. Physical toxins make us ill.  Wrong thinking creates toxins in our body and aura. Wrong thinking keeps us from attracting higher light, love, and wisdom. Wrong thinking is spiritual ignorance.

What is right thinking? Right thinking is aligning with truth, love, developing a higher mind, and soul consciousness. Our aura radiates our light, love, and power.  Right thinking is aligning with Cosmic Truths. With right thinking, we become the virtues of beauty, goodness, truth, striving, harmlessness, service, and joy.  Our Soul is the governor of the Mind – the Thinker. It chooses wisely what to give our attention to. Right use of our mind. Right motive. It guides our thoughts constructively and positively. Right thinking is thinking independently.

What are the implications of both?  Wrong thinking creates a disconnection from our Real Self. We become slaves to ugly thoughts and habits. Wrong thinking is shirking responsibility and wasting our time on playing the “ain’t to awful game,” instead of being a part of the solution. Wrong thinking is making others wrong and “thinking” (ha) that we are right. Wrong thinking makes us feel icky, sad, purposeless, and this throws us into impulsive habits to feel better – addictions.

Right thinking is mindful living that frees us from the illusions, vanities, glamours, and vices that enslave us to a life of suffering and desperation.  Quoting Henry David Thoreau, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”  Discipline is paramount to right thinking.  Since thinking is using the mind to satisfy our needs and wants, we must have goals and aspirations to keep our minds focused. We make the right choices about where to show up, which group to join, and where to spend our time and money. Right thinking is asking our Solar Angel to reveal what we need to work on, to reveal our blind spots. Then we listen and implement at the speed of instruction!