THE ARCANE ARCHIVE
	a cache of usenet and other text files pertaining to occult, mystical, and spiritual subjects.

[from ftp://ftp.dragon.org/pub/pfcase/archives/ ]


Subject: THE OPEN DOOR

     Life is a succession of open doors.  We pass through some and others we
pass by. The decisions we make before these open doors are the arbiters of
our destiny thenceforth.  This volume is an open door before which you now
stand.  Look within and consider well what you see there, for this portal
leads from outer darkness to Inner Light.

                     May that Light be extended upon you.


                                MYSTERY SCHOOLS

     For you it is given to understand. For others, I speak in parables.
 
     In every age and in every country there are always those few
individuals who seek more satisfying answers to the great questions of Life
than they find in their local churches and temples or through science.  If
their quest is sincere and they persist, they will eventually be drawn into
contact with one of the world's Mystery Schools, where they may be
instructed and trained.  There have always been these centers, called
Mystery Schools, responding to the cry for understanding from aspirants
throughout the ages.  Here, a secret knowledge called The Ageless Wisdom
has been known and used for many centuries in enlightening the spiritual
aspirants of each epoch.  It is called Ageless because it is not
susceptible to the mutations of time nor is the Ageless Wisdom primarily a
product of man's thinking.  It is written by God upon the face of nature,
there for all to read, if they can.  Hitherto, the great practical secrets
have been guarded carefully from spiritual dabblers and have only been
given to duly initiated men and women under the strictest pledges of
secrecy.  In the past, this secrecy has been necessary because of the
ecclesiastical and legal restrictions upon freedom of thought and worship. 
Today such close secrecy is no longer necessary.  Much may now be given out
openly which formerly could be imparted only in private and by word of
mouth.  

     The greatest secrets, however, can never be transmitted by written or
spoken word. That secrecy which guards the deepest esoteric knowledge is
not imposed by the custodians of Ageless Wisdom but by human ignorance. It
is the kind of secrecy which shrouds the work of great scientists such as
Einstein, Eddington, Jeans, Millikan, and others.  This secrecy does not
result from any deliberate withholding, but rather from a mass ignorance
and consequent inability to understand the concepts and reasoning required
by advanced science.

     The custodians of Ageless Wisdom can no more disclose their
     knowledge to untrained men and women than great scientists can
     explain their theories of the universe to children who are still
     in kindergarten.

     The work of these schools is intensely practical.  The student is
given theoretical knowledge together with experimental work so that he
learns both by precept and experience.  As he continues with the process of
self-unfolding, he gradually increases mastery of himself, first in small
things, then in greater.      


                             BUILDERS OF THE ADYTUM

     BUILDERS OF THE ADYTUM (B.O.T.A.) is a true Mystery School and an
international, non-profit, teaching and training Order; an outer vehicle of
the Inner Spiritual Hierarchy, sometimes called the Inner School, which
guides the evolution of Man.  Adytum is an ancient Greek word designating
the innermost part of the Temple, the Holy of Holies, that which is not
made with hands.  Its system is that of the Western, Qabalistic-Hermetic
tradition, and its teachings have been handed down from Adepts to Initiates
since very ancient times.  The founder of B.O.T.A., Dr. Paul Foster Case,
was such an Adept.

      As a recognized world authority on the Tarot and Qabalah, he was
given the task by the Inner School of reinterpreting the Ageless Wisdom
into modern idiom.  Devoting his whole life to this project, he abandoned a
successful career as a musical conductor and founded B.O.T.A. in the mid-
twenties.  Because of his close contact with the Inner School and total
commitment to serving mankind, he became a fountain of living wisdom,
disseminated through his tracts, lessons, lectures and books.  After his
death in 1954, his colleague, Dr. Ann Davies, extended his published work
to its present state and initiated the international expansion of the
Order.  The lessons and some of the books of these two spiritual Adepts
have also been published in French and Spanish, and other translations are
in progress.  At the present time, B.O.T.A. has centers in Europe, South
and Central America, New Zealand, Canada, and throughout the United States. 
     The Work of B.O.T.A. does not bid for your interest on the grounds of
mere antiquity but because it has met the tests of centuries of
application.  However, lest you think that the spiritual attainment
possible through following these teachings is to be had in some miraculous
manner, B.O.T.A. declares to you at the outset that your sincerity, your
desire, and your willingness to work will be the sole measure of your
accomplishment.  The teaching now offered by B.O.T.A was offered only to
selected students in the past.  For you to be successful in our Work, your
personal goals must correspond to those of the Order: personal
enlightenment, self transmutation, and service to Life.  To only desire
healing and wealth is not enough and will surely result in failure.  So we
seek individuals of superior qualifications that will persist in our Work
and not just skim the surface.  B.O.T.A. does not offer to remake your
world for you.  It does offer you the keys to knowledge that will enable
you to do it for yourself, with the inner help that linkage with a true
Mystery School confers.

     Our name, Builders of the Adytum, indicates that we propose to help
you build the Inner Temple wherein conscious contact with the Higher Self
may be made and your true spiritual heritage may be realized.  


                                   OBJECTIVES

     There is a fundamental impulse within you to seek Light,
understanding, wisdom, true knowledge of yourself, nature, and the
universe.  The Mystery Schools are and always have been the repositories of
special knowledge that is the key to the realization of all that you seek. 
It is our objective to place this key in the hands of those who are ready
to receive and act upon it.  This special knowledge enables you to know
yourself and your creative powers, and to make for yourself the kind of
world you want to live in.  The problems that you face in life are not
really obstacles but are like a closed door to a room that holds special
knowledge.  B.O.T.A. gives you the key that will unlock the problem doors
of your life, and in their opening, your health, prosperity, and the
mastery of your life and environment will increase.

     The practical work of B.O.T.A., which includes study, meditation,
imagery and ritual, initiates a series of subtle but important changes in
your inner world, not the least of which is an expansion of your conscious
awareness.  Even a slight increase in this area has a remarkable effect on
your mental/emotional capacities.  Your intelligence increases and you
become more aw [cut off; apparently "aware."]

 
                                   OBJECTIVES

     There is a fundamental impulse within you to seek Light,
understanding, wisdom, true knowledge of yourself, nature, and the
universe.  The Mystery Schools are and always have been the repositories of
special knowledge that is the key to the realization of all that you seek. 
It is our objective to place this key in the hands of those who are ready
to receive and act upon it.  This special knowledge enables you to know
yourself and your creative powers, and to make for yourself the kind of
world you want to live in.  The problems that you face in life are not
really obstacles but are like a closed door to a room that holds special
knowledge.  B.O.T.A. gives you the key that will unlock the problem doors
of your life, and in their opening, your health, prosperity, and the
mastery of your life and environment will increase.

     The practical work of B.O.T.A., which includes study, meditation,
imagery and ritual, initiates a series of subtle but important changes in
your inner world, not the least of which is an expansion of your conscious
awareness.  Even a slight increase in this area has a remarkable effect on
your mental/emotional capacities.  Your intelligence increases and you
become more aware of your motivations. You become more observant, which
improves your memory.  Your ability to anticipate future effects of present
causes is enhanced, improving your discrimination in making choices. 
Objectivity is increased, aiding the ability to think more logically and
clearly, which increases control over your environment and helps you define
your goals.  Through B.O.T.A. training, you cease to regard problems as
indications of failure but as the means to gain new levels of understanding
and control that you need in your spiritual journey.  You learn the vital
creative relationship between thinking and feeling so that you can use this
knowledge to re-create your world.  The spiritual imperative that is
elaborated in B.O.T.A. members is "Man, know thyself, and as thou knowest
thyself, thou knowest thy Creator."

     Through the lessons, meditations, and practices of B.O.T.A., you are
brought to a higher state of consciousness where you can have direct
knowledge of the answers to the age-old questions of the soul, "Who am I? 
What am I?  What am I supposed to be doing?"  The process that leads to a
direct, experiential knowing of the answers to these questions dissolves
the fear of death and establishes an intuitional certainty of the rightness
of the Path you have chosen.  

     Over the ages, hundreds have realized their spiritual goals through
exactly this same training so that you can depend on its being thoroughly
tested and proven.  If you faithfully follow the instructions that are sent
to all members of this Order, you will find yourself becoming increasingly
receptive to the guidance of the Higher Self, which is the beginning of the
transformational process.  B.O.T.A. fully realizes the implications of such
assertions and the responsibility incurred in making them, yet they are
made deliberately and are intended to be taken literally.  


                         HIGHER STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS

     That you may understand what is meant by "a higher state of
consciousness", consider the various kingdoms of nature.  Each has a
progressively wider range of awareness.  These different ranges of
awareness are clearly defined, from the apparent unconsciousness of
minerals through the subconscious life processes of plants to the first
glimmerings of self-consciousness in higher animals.  Self-consciousness
reaches its fullness in man, and he is able to reason, to formulate speech,
to use tools, and to modify his environment deliberately.  HIGHER
consciousness goes even beyond self-consciousness.  It has been called the
consciousness beyond thought--the level of intuition. It is through this
level of consciousness that direct knowledge of the answers to Life's
questions are realized and one's path, past, present and future, is clearly

seen.

     B.O.T.A. seeks to disclose to all earnest seekers the means whereby
they may induce a higher state of conscious awareness.  This aim is
identical with all the great spiritual teachings throughout the ages.  ALL
spiritual attainment comes through the expansion of conscious awareness,
which is sometimes called an awakening, and in a larger sense--
illumination.  B.O.T.A. offers you keys to such expansion and provides you
with the necessary training methods and the techniques for its realization. 
These methods are clearly formulated to help the earnest seeker discover
the means whereby higher or expanded states of consciousness may be
experienced. Possession of such expanded states of consciousness will
unerringly bring you closer to what you want to be and do in the world.

     Corresponding with the evolution of form upon this planet is the
evolution of consciousness.  It can be postulated that in the natural
course of events, all mankind will ultimately possess a higher state of
consciousness.  Almost incomprehensible periods of time elapse, however,
before such changes occur in the slow processes of nature.  Yet, speed-ups
are possible as man is endowed with special mental and physical faculties
which, with proper training, enable him to bring this about much sooner. 
This spiritual forcing process is the work of the Mystery Schools, and it
is to this purpose that our curriculum is structured.


                                   CURRICULUM

     The Western presentation of Ageless Wisdom is composed of the QABALAH
and what is usually known as the HERMETIC arts and sciences.  The Hermetic
System is named after Hermes Trismegistus, the reported founder of the
esoteric tradition of the Western world.  Thus, with the Qabalah, we
include--spiritual Alchemy, esoteric Astrology and Tarot.  Nearly all these
esoteric arts and sciences, falling into the hands of materialistic
opportunists, have been misused for financial and power-seeking purposes. 
Astrology and Tarot, in particular, have been abused.  The high spiritual
aim of true alchemy has been confounded with the greed of gold-seekers. 
The Qabalah has been abused by those who misinterpret the letter of the
Scriptures.  Yet, properly instructed students know that these Hermetic
arts and sciences are by no means deluded imaginings or nonsensical
superstitions that some persons suppose them to be.  On the contrary, they
constitute an interlocking system of studies and practices which has served
as the foundation of the Western Mystery training for many generations.  It
is in their true sense, as a system of spiritual instruction, that these
subjects are treated by B.O.T.A.  Its particular potency lies in its use of
symbols, which are in reality a universal language that directly instructs
subconsciousness with its pictorial wisdom, regardless of language
differences. 

     However mysterious and esoteric it may sound, the new student is not
plunged into a maze of obscure and complicated teachings.  Although
B.O.T.A. is considered the university level of esoteric teaching and
training systems in the world, the work is taught in easy stages and with
practices that are perfectly safe, in a form that any intelligent adult can
understand.  All students are required to take the same subjects, which
provide the necessary foundation of the principles of the Ageless Wisdom. 
Membership in B.O.T.A. does not require you to relinquish affiliation with
your religion or other Orders.

     The daily life of the Western aspirant is his schoolroom, his
     meditation place, and his alchemical laboratory.

     After you become a member, the first two months of instruction are
spent in study and experiments in Hermetic psychology.  These first lessons
lay the foundation of theory and practice upon which the superstructure of
all subsequent work is erected.  It includes a detailed explanation of a
practical method which you can use over and over again for the solution of
the various problems of everyday life as well as for awakening the
realization of what your inner powers are and always have been.

     When you finish this preliminary work, you will receive a set of Tarot
Keys.  Becoming acquainted with these Keys in preparation for detailed
instruction as to their meaning and use constitutes the next three months'
study.  This builds the foundation of an intensely interesting and
important phase of B.O.T.A. work in the fundamentals of Tarot, which
occupies the teaching for the following year.  Tarot has well been called
one of the foremost aids to spiritual transmutation as the series of Tarot
Keys is, in reality, a complete record of the inner secrets of the Wise in
picture form.  Here is recorded the way the Wise regard the Universe and
Man in a manner that impresses the consciousness of all who use the Tarot
in the proper meditational way.

     The only difference between an Adept and a natural, unawakened
     man, is the way the Adept thinks, regarding himself, the
     universe, and his Creator.

     As an instrument of mind training, the Tarot is designed in accordance
with basic laws of human psychology.  It was originally devised as a means
of conveying universal principles regarding Man's structure, place and
purpose in the Cosmos, through the use of symbols.  Symbols are the
language of subconsciousness in that they communicate ideas to all
individuals, regardless of their native tongue.  No matter what your
present situation, no matter what your past history, if your aspiration is
sincere, the right use of Tarot can bring a change for the better in your
life.  Lest you misunderstand the "right use" of Tarot, we do not refer to
its use in fortune-telling or divination.  Its right use is in study,
meditation and imagery, for which it was created.  Training in the use and
meaning of the Tarot is the essential foundation from which you can safely
proceed to the more advanced courses of our curriculum.

     When you have completed the course in the fundamentals of Tarot, you
will be ready to undertake more advanced instruction in subjects which will
disclose to you methods and information that have been kept secret for
centuries, and which have only recently been made available to students who
are not pledged initiates of esoteric orders.  These subjects include the
art of healing and balancing the personality by the use of color and sound;
methods of Tarot meditation which lead to the opening of the higher
consciousness; explanation of the ancient Qabalistic diagram called the
Tree of Life, which is the Key Symbol to the understanding of the mysteries
of man, nature and the universe; revelation of the secrets of Alchemy as
understood by the Fire Philosophers of antiquity--the secrets of the
process of spiritual unfoldment.


                When the teaching appears the student is ready.

     In the old tradition of imparting spiritual teachings, the seeker
always sought out the Teacher, often at great hardship, danger and expense
in money and time.   Now, due to modern methods of communication, thousands
can receive these teachings that were the privilege of few in past epochs. 
B.O.T.A. utilizes modern methods wherever these prove superior to older
ones, and in the work of its outer school, B.O.T.A. has adopted the modern,
extension method of teaching by correspondence.  This permits you to do
your studying in your own time and in privacy.  The time you spend on your
studies, meditations and exercises is an individual determination, but be
aware that what you receive will be in exact proportion to the effort you
put into it.
     
     Application for membership in B.O.T.A. may be made by any man or woman
who is sincerely interested in its aims and objectives.  When an
application has been duly accepted, the applicant is enrolled as an
Associate Member of B.O.T.A.  As such he is entitled to all the privileges
that go with this class of membership.  These are as follows:   

1. Associate Members receive graded instruction in the various subjects of
our curriculum. These instructions are in the form of printed lessons and
are mailed every two weeks from B.O.T.A. Headquarters.  THE LESSONS CANNOT
BE PURCHASED, BUT ARE A PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP.

2. Associate Members may communicate with the teaching staff or advisory
council by letter regarding misunderstandings of lesson material and its
practical application.  They may thus have access to the experience and
knowledge of a group of our more advanced members should a sincere need for
this service be required.

3. Associate Members may avail themselves and their families of the healing
benefits emanating from our regular ritual work performed at various
locations throughout the world.

4. Study Group participation is also available to Associate Members and any
interested person in many cities in the U.S. and Canada.  Information on
Study Group locations and responsible persons to contact (Regional
Coucilors and Study Group Coordinators) is sent to each person when they
become a B.O.T.A. member.  Members names are protected and are not given
out without prior permission.

5. Associate Members, if they live near a Pronaos, may qualify to be
initiated into active membership of this special ritual Group after
completion of certain lessons and demonstrating requisite inner qualities. 
They would then be entitled to participate in the various rituals of
Pronaos.  These ceremonials are powerful aids in expanding conscious
awareness and control in establishing a true sense of brotherhood and
kinship with all Life.

6. B.O.T.A. lessons have been translated into Spanish and French.  For
those who prefer to take their lessons in either of these two languages,
the addresses of our foreign groups may be obtained from our Los Angeles
Headquarters. 

     These are the privileges of membership in B.O.T.A.  They are not
purchased and no additional charge is made for them with the exception of
Pronaos and Study Group dues, which are set by each group.  Membership
itself is a privilege because it links one with the highest spiritual
forces and with individuals, called the Great Companions, who have been
dedicated to serving those forces for centuries.

     Such membership naturally entails responsibility for the support of
the Order.  The Builders of the Adytum is strictly a non-profit
organization.  Its Stewards perform a dedicated service solely for the
privilege of extending the teachings of the Ageless Wisdom to a world which
so sorely needs them.  Membership dues therefore approximate that which
will pay the actual costs of producing the instruction in its physical form
and of properly carrying on the work of the Order.  Dues may be paid
monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

     Donations are always welcome and will only be used for extending the
work of B.O.T.A.  Gifts, legacies, contributions, etc., are tax deductible
in accordance with legal statutes.

[Membership form omitted.]


                          Builders of the Adytum, Ltd.
                             5105 No. Figueroa St.
                           Los Angeles, Calif. 90042

                        Copyright 1938 Paul Foster Case
                     Copyright 1956 Builders of the Adytum
                     Copyright 1979 Builders of the Adytum
                     Copyright 1988 Builders of the Adytum

EOF