Three Degrees of Initiation
Every nation had its exoteric and esoteric religion, the one for the masses, the other for the learned and elect. For example, the Hindus had three degrees with several sub‐ degrees. The Egyptians had also three preliminary degrees, personified under the “three guardians of the fire ” in the Mysteries. The Chinese had their most ancient Triad Society: and the Tibetans have to this day their “triple step ” ; which was symbolized in the Vedas by the three strides of Vishnu. Everywhere antiquity shows an unbounded reverence for the Triad and Triangle — the first geometrical figure. The old Babylonians had their three stages of initiation into the priesthood (which was then esoteric knowledge); the Jews, the Kabbalists and mystics borrowed them from the Chaldees, and the Christian Church from the Jews. “ There are Two”, says Rabbi Simon ben Jochai, “in conjunction with One; hence they are Three, and if they are Three, then they are One.” (TG).
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- Quotes: H. P. Blavatsky
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Shortly: Every nation had its exoteric and esoteric religion, the one for the masses, the other for the learn...