Of all the problems which beset humanity there is none greater than the problem of glamour. It provides the basis for all our difficulties and dangers, and holds the vast majority of humanity in thrall. It is at the root of every division and cleavage and the source of every dimension of pain and suffering. It has its roots in the ancient past of mankind and all but a very few are held under its sway.

Essentially, glamour originates in man's sensuous, feeling apparatus - the emotional or astral body - and in man's identification with its action. Through wrong identification with his feelings and emotions - his desire nature - he has surrounded himself with, and lost himself in, thick fogs of illusion and unreality. This constitutes the glamour in which most people live out their lives. Glamour is illusion on the plane of the emotions and provides the greatest obstacle to progress, for the individual and for the race. It throws a multitude of misconceptions across the path of the unwary, and the loftiest idealist is no freer from its influence (nay, he is frequently more prone) than the hardened cynic.

To come to grips with glamour, humanity must recognize its mechanism, by which means the central heresy - that we are separate - is created and maintained. All that tends to reinforce the sense of separateness is the result of the action of glamour, and all that seeks to undermine that heresy works for its destruction. Glamour resides in the notion that man's desires are real, that they have their own intrinsic validity and purpose, whereas, in truth, they are the cause of all unhappiness; no more real, no less transient, than the mirage of the desert.

Many are the ways to God but the quickest and the surest is the path of Service. No other path so fully embodies the nature of God. Take your place on this path and carry out the dictates of your soul. Follow the promptings of your heart and awaken to the needs of the world. Know that as you enter on the path of Service you accept your place within the Plan, and find yourself well set upon the path to God.

Ready, then, will be the response from us, your Elder Brothers. Quickly shall We seize the opportunity to help you on your way through stimulus and proffered fields of service. Thus can you join Us and aid Us in Our work. Make this your aim and join the ranks of the Servers of the world. Take your place at Our side and work with the Forces of Light. Victory is assured but must be fought for and won.

Be not afraid in the midst of the chaos and tension. Fear has no place in the present situation; rather, see it as a challenge to your faith.

From the April 1984 issue of Share International

The Master – is a senior member of the Hierarchy of the Masters of Wisdom; His name, well-known in esoteric circles, is not yet being revealed for various reasons. Benjamin Creme is in constant telepathic contact with this Master Who dictates His articles to him.