Mediation – The Heart Of Service - December 2019

Imagine a battlefield. Between two foes, temporarily withdrawn, stands a torn and wasted landscape. Right in the middle, a lone figure appears – a mediator. The mediator’s goal – to build a true and lasting peace. How does this happen?

Consider first where the mediator stands – at the midway point. Then, reflect on how, if the mediator is raised above this point, he or she can see revealed not just the opposing forces, but also the landscape surrounding them. Extending this image a little further, we might say that it’s important the mediator is not raised too far above the opponents, as then their points of view might become lost in the wider context. The symbol of the equilateral triangle seems the best compromise.

While there are indeed people of tremendous goodwill who dedicate their lives to the work of mediation in physical conflict situations, mediation actually describes a much broader spiritual dynamic. For in the mental world, the conflict between opposing forces is continuously in motion. The extreme tension between nationalism and internationalism is just one example currently stirring both peoples and their leaders. And so it is that the deeper work of those called the New Group of World Servers becomes evident. For it is this group who, by standing in consciousness just a little above the strife, illuminated by a higher, more complete vision, can discern ways to reconcile the warring currents of thought.

Thus, the New Group can be seen to mediate in two different ways – ‘vertically’, between the potent spiritual energies of the kingdom of souls and struggling humanity; and ‘horizontally’, in helping to unite conflicting forces into coherent patterns of beauty within human societies. They do this by two powerful spiritual processes: the radiant power with which they impress others with the Ideas of the Plan; and the dynamic expression of these Ideas in their own initiatives and projects.

There is also a third sense in which the New Group mediates: between the symbols and practices of the past, and their replacements in the emerging future. Thus the New Group, standing firm at the midway point, must be masters of the art of spiritual compromise. This art is referred to as follows: “There is an ‘art of spiritual compromise’ which must be learnt and which it is difficult to master, because it negates fanaticism, requires a trained and intelligent understanding of applied measures and truth, and also negates evasion of responsibility; it involves also a comprehension of the time equation, of differing points in evolution, plus experience in the process of discarding the outgrown and unnecessary—no matter how good it may appear to be.” *

In one sense, the work of Triangles forms an integral and specialised part of the role of the New Group. The mediating work of all Triangles members connects the etheric body of the planet with the higher planetary ethers, with the ultimate goal of fusing inner and outer realities. This redemptive task of charging the planet with light and love is both simple and deeply profound. It requires patient conviction and steadfast striving. It is completely unglamorous deep background work, which nevertheless forms the rock-solid foundation upon which all service work can safely build. With its persistent positive energising of the whole climate of thought, it reinforces every act of service, and gives servers everywhere increased strength to stand in the many difficult midway points that exist today in all societies. Thus Triangles stabilises all mediators, and lies at the heart of service.

 

* Discipleship in the New Age Vol.II, p.278.