At that event, we’ll refine our understanding of the vital skill of Concentration with a short discourse and experiment on the skill.
Are you like me, and have you aspired to have the calm, cool, concentrated sureness of a Jedi Master? Well, one of the first things any aspirant to mental powers must perfect, is CONCENTRATION.
It is a building block that leads a practiced Rosicrucian to the ability to perform Mental Creation.
Bonus tip, you’ll also be reminded how to energize water, which Grand Lodge claims is why some of its retired employees are almost centenarians!
(I don’t know about you, but I know I am excited for the reminder around magnetizing water. I look forward to the discussion that emerges around the topic in sharing your experiences and expectations.)
Afterwards, bring healthy drinks and refreshments to share with each other for a social time and discussion.
Schedule
1:30 PM – Doors Open
2:00 PM – Doors Close for Atrium Convocation
3:00 PM – Refreshments
Best wishes for Peace Profound to you all, Frater Aaron ‘Lightbringer’ Howard
Friends and members visited Vietnamese Chau Nam-Quang Buddhist temple. This temple complex has been in the works since 1996, and the community has built a symbolic garden around Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment, Teaching and Death. The extensive grounds have four comfy meditation gazebos, a mausoleum, a library, a practice hall, a lunch hall, and many other buildings. What you see in these photos are a few of the people who attended the tour, standing in front of the statue group representing the birth of the Buddha. Elsewhere on the grounds, the community is using huge logs, cut into disks, as pathways between gardens in a side yard about two acres in size. Buddhist community host Master Kevin took us into the library and gifted many of us with books his Master had written explaining the sutras, in both Vietnamese and English. In English, Master Kevin informed us that one of the most important lessons the Buddha imparted was to NOT believe anything he said until we did the practice he (the Buddha) recommended, and proved for ourselves that he was right. That is So Much like the Rosicrucian teachings that say, read the monographs, do the exercises and meditations, but do NOT believe anything we teach until you prove it for your self.
The man wearing the yellow and green top is being reverent in the courtyard that has statue deities rejoicing at Buddha’s enlightenment. Behind him is another member who is contemplating something different. The woman with long thin braids is looking over at the statue of Kwan Yin, who represents compassion, healing and the essence of female energy. The man in the meeting hall with red carpeting is examining the decorations on the huge bell that a person may ring, after composing a prayer in their mind as to what negativity they want removed from their life. The sound of the bell, whose name is “Meditation”, is supposed to fragment and break up the negativity for you. This hall also has huge drums that will be beaten in a ceremony in May to celebrate the Buddha’s birthday. Look on the Temple website: https://namquangtemple.org and for most of their events, the public is welcome. The man and woman posing for photos in the entry for the meditation hall. This Temple is the location of next month’s Sound Healing Workshop, for member’s only. (For more information on that, see https://sites.google.com/amorc.rosicrucian.org/rosicruciansinoregon/ and look for events on May 3rd and 4th.) The last photo is of the sculpture representing the Death of the Buddha. I took this close-up first, because there is a stripe of darker marble under the Buddha’s chin that goes down the length of its clothed body and I wondered why the sculptors chose to leave in this Yin to the glittering white marble Yang. Also, there was a very small flower, blown from a nearby tree, in the palm of the Buddha sculpture’s hand.
Convocation and Experiment on Vibroturgy @ Frogpond 2pm
April 27th – Sunday- Experiment in Vibroturgy at Wilsonville @ 2PM
What is vibroturgy you may ask? Have you ever picked up something that belonged to someone else and got an impression as to who that person is?
Well, that’s what Rosicrucians call vibroturgy.
“Broadly speaking, vibroturgy is an ability that consists of harmonizing oneself with the “memory’ of a place or an object.”
Every time we’ve done this experiment in the past, members have had impressions of the people behind the objects that are wayyyyy beyond chance guesses.
The Order has many many lessons to help you develop your intuition, and encourages you to practice your intuition often, so you gain confidence in it. This is one more way you can tap the information that is in the vibrations around you. This experiment explains scientifically, EXACTLY, how vibroturgy works and why you need to have been continuously developing your psychic centers.
Please bring some piece of jewelry that is not gender specific that belongs to you or a loved one, and that is worn often.
By this, we mean, no ring that is obviously for a woman, or a man. It could be a small chain, a simple neutral ring that either a guy or a gal could have worn, a watch, or a lapel pin. The Master will choose from the jewelry offered and use them in the experiment.
First time members please arrive by 1:30 so we can show you around and things you need to know for the ritual.
For those that may have missed it, we wanted to share the success of the experience with you from last year:
“At today’s vibroturgy experiment, every person who participated as the one who sensed vibrations from their individual item, and was surprised to find how accurate their impressions were. One held a bracelet, and sensed images of moss, trees and a bridge. The former owner (now deceased) of that bracelet, loved taking photos of moss and trees. One held a necklace, and sensed water, waves and wind. The former owner (now deceased) was a windsurfer. This exercise benefits from being repeated, and accordingly, we’ll schedule it again.”
Schedule 1:30 PM – Doors Open 2:00 PM – Doors Close for Convocation (members only) 3:00 PM – Refreshments
Mark your calendars and get ready for a immersive event as we gather at Chua Nam Quang Temple in Portland for the “Fundamentals of Sound Healing” workshop. If you attended last year, you’ll be excited to know there is so much more in store for you this year with additional instructors and content!
When: May 3-4 9-5 on Saturday, 2-6 on Sunday (early arrival for lunch Sunday at 12:00 noon). Optional Vegan Lunch each day has be arranged. The cost of the meal is $10 on Saturday and it is complimentary on Sunday.
Lunch attendees must provide the organizers a head count by April 25th. Respond to Oregon@amorc.rosicrucian.org.
Cost: AMRA: “As you receive, so you shall give”. (No one turned away for inability to pay.)
Schedule of Events for the “Fundamentals of Sound Healing” Workshop
Note: These healing methods work in support of any other care you are receiving and youshould always continue to follow the instructions from your physicians.
Agenda:
Day 1- Instructor Sr. Courtney Sappington
9:00-10:30 PM Lecture One- The Physics of Sound Healing
Q&A/Discourse
10 minute break
10:30-12:00 PM Lecture Two- The Fundamentals of Vibrational Healing
1:00 – 2:00 PM Open meditation & Rosicrucian vowel intoning
2:00 – 2:50 PM Sharing the Rosicrucian connections between ancient instruments from around the world like giant, real gold singing bowls, sacred geometry chimes, gongs, Mayan ceremonial animal whistles, tuning forks & more. Showing how the same sounds and sacred geometry are shown in our Rosicrucian teachings. Personal experiences with the sound healing instruments as we guide the group in doing self sound healing and balancing our energy. Frs. Chaz and Vincent will guide people through self activations with the singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and Mayan animal whistles for unlocking internal transformations and preparing for group activation.
10 minute break
3:00 – 3:50 PM We will explain the science and mysticism behind using Sound to increase and support the vitamins and minerals in the body as well as sharing the health benefits of vitamins D3, A & E. Then we will perform a 20-minute vibrational sound experience to help increase and balance these vitamins in our body.
10 minute break
4:00 – 5:00 PM The grand rising of the musical We will be using sacred information from the AMORC books to perform a very special sound healing concert. Performed by Frs. Chaz and Vincent. Highlighting the strengthening elements of Magnesium, Copper, and Oxygen. Creating a musical score developed from the Cosmic keyboard. Participants will enjoy learning about the healing compounds and the elements and can also sit back and enjoy a healing concert to infuse these elements and structures into their bodies.
Participants can sit on a chair for this sound journey or, we Recommend bringing something to create a cozy spot on the floor like a yoga mat and a couple of blankets and a pillow, or a sleeping mat pad or camping mat. The more comfortable you will be, the deeper the sound will go.
10 minute break
5:10 – 6:00 PM Questions & sharing. Clean up.
We look forward to your attendance!
Fraternally yours, Frater Aaron ‘Lightbringer’ Howard
Bring your mystically-inclined friends and join us on April 12th, 2 pm, at Frogpond for our Atrium Convocation.
While Pronaos can be translated as “the entry to the Temple” an Atrium can be translated as “the entry to the Pronaos”. In the Rosicrucian world, the groups have different names according to the number of people who regularly attend the meetings there. First, there are Discussion Groups, with three or more attendees, discussions, but not convocations.
Convocations can be translated as “coming together to work together” only, in our case, the work is done on both the physical & mystical planes. “They are based on a traditional ritual and have the purpose of setting into motion positive energies for humanity, while allowing the members in attendance to benefit from those energies as well.”
After the convocation we will have a discussion on Rosicrucian Healing.
Atrium Groups have at least 7 regularly attending members, Pronaoi have 13 regularly attending members, Chapters, 20 and Lodges 30.
As well as bringing friends, bring a refreshment or two to share!
Join Us for a Special Visit to Nam Quang Temple – April 13th @2:00 PM
Dear Fraters and Sorores, bring your family and friends,
We are pleased to invite you to a special tour of Chua Nam Quang Temple in Portland, Oregon, on April 13th at 2:00 PM.
This beautiful Buddhist temple, nestled in a 3.5-acre garden sanctuary, is a place of tranquility and connection with nature. We will have the opportunity to experience the transformative space that has been lovingly cultivated over the past four years, from a bare landscape to its current log covered paths and lush edible vegetation.
What to Expect:
A Guided Tour: After the temple’s Sunday service, we’ll be guided through the grounds, exploring the 4 Holy Places, four spaces thoughtfully designed to represent significant Buddhist sites. The garden, rich with diverse flora and a growing network of mycelium beneath the mulch, also features rare mushrooms and abundant birdlife, which are cherished daily by the caretaker, Lynn.
Beautiful Pagodas & Rest Areas: We will have time to pause at one of three pagodas on the property, where we can relax on hammocks or chairs and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Images: Visit a gallery of the temple on Yelp photos here
Duration: The tour will last approximately 1 hour
Dress Code: We will ask that you remove your shoes when entering the temple itself.
Photos: Feel free to take photos during the tour, but please be respectful of the sacredness of the space.
Early attendees: We have been invited to enjoy a vegetarianlunch cooked by Lynn the caretaker. Master Kevin Pham has invited all of our members to join after their service which commences at 12:00 noon (lunch begins). I have had the opportunity to enjoy several lunches after service and throughout the week. You won’t be disappointed! With seating indoors as well as outdoor options, you can find yourself at a table within or outdoors at a hand crafted log table. Enjoy the craftsmanship of the members.
After the Tour: We’ll conclude our visit by enjoying a meal at your choice of the local food trucks nearby for those that did not join the lunch at the temple. You can choose from a variety of cuisines to suit your taste. Some suggestions are listed below. The food trucks are within a very short drive from the temple down Sandy Blvd.
Accessible Restrooms are available on-site.
Although there is no entrance fee, the temple graciously accepts donations.
Accessibility Notes:
The walking paths are made from logs, providing solid footing but are not completely level. While elderly visitors regularly navigate these paths, please use caution if you have any mobility challenges.
For more information about the temple, visit their website: Nam Quang Temple
Agenda for the Visit
1. 12:00 PM noon: Early arrival (optional lunch)
Vegetarian lunch in the temple with the masters and members
2:00 PM: Arrival and Welcome
Meet at the temple entrance beneath the large Buddha Statue
Brief introduction to Chua Nam Quang Temple and its history
2:10 PM: Guided Tour of the Garden Sanctuary
Exploration of the 4 Holy Places and exposure to the Noble Eightfold Path teaching via strategically place plaques at each of the 4 Holy Places displays
Insights into the collaboration with the city and volunteer efforts in garden maintenance
Overview of the mycelium network and unique mushrooms (you might see some rare species)
2:40 PM: Rest and Reflection at Pagodas
Time to sit, relax, and reflect in the pagodas on the property
2:50 PM: Return to the Temple for a Q&A (if applicable)
Optional conversation with the garden master or temple elder (if available)
3:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Departure
End of formal tour
Group meal at local food trucks (optional, at your discretion)
All Rosicrucian members are invited to celebrate the start of the Rosicrucian New Year 3378 at our New Year’s Ritual, a beautiful ancient mystical ceremony performed at the time of the Spring Equinox. The Installation of Officers for the upcoming year will follow.
We look forward to sharing the mystical experience with you on March 20! Members, please bring your current membership credentials to this meeting.
This Thursday’s Convocation is a member’s-only convocation.
1:00 PM – Harmonization Ceremony with GL Council of Solace (members only) 1:15 PM – Meditation period before Convocation 2:00 PM – Convocation and Officer Installation (members only) 2:30 PM – Master briefly outlines plans for the coming year, then leads a discussion in the use of the Cycles of Life book and coin. 3:00 PM – Adjourn
Fraternally Yours, Frater Aaron Howard
A briefing from our most recent open meeting:
A wonderful event, thanks in great part to Chaz who fortuitously had his large portable speaker to augment the movie projector (note to self, add speaker to our presentation equipment shopping list) and his demonstrations of the whistles (some of which I yearn to hear again), and explanations of the artifacts!
Thanks to Aaron for the delicious macaroni and cheese! And thanks to all who attended and made things better with their questions. And we had two non-members who said they will soon become members.
We hope you’ll enjoy these photos as much as we enjoyed being there. We had 11 members and non-members in attendance where many met for the first time.
Your Master/Servant,Anjala
You can look forward to our next open meeting at Chua Nam-Quang Temple in Portland on April 13th where we tour the beautiful garden and temple grounds of a Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Portland Oregon. Stay tuned for the schedule and address.
Soon we will have the pleasure of performing the highly symbolic New Year ritual, initiating two new officers and starting new activities for our new Rosicrucian year. I will announce our teams and committees at that time.
Our ATTENDING membership is growing rapidly (we’ve always had a mailing list of nearly 300 members, but many live too far away to participate and attend)
Because of this delightful number of new attending members, we can now offer a few more activities:
IF YOU WANT THEM, YOU SHALL HAVE THEM!
Respond to this email if you are interested in serving in one or more of these roles. Respond also if you’d like to attend and participate, but not serve. Judging from your responses and your desires for certain activities, I’ll amend the year’s schedule accordingly.
To have these activities we want:
Hugely and immediately!
4 members to join our Regional Communications Team. There are six Rosicrucian groups in our Rocky Mountain, Pacific NW region that have events and rely on the Regional Communications Team members to post a variety of communications. The people who volunteer for this will become official volunteers with Grand Lodge with access to sites and abilities that will help the region post events, fascinating stories, and news online on Rosicrucian places, Facebook, and elsewhere. We have all sorts of training for these positions. It’s about 5 hours of volunteering a month at most, and the more of these volunteers we have, the lighter the load for all.
4 members who’ll be part of the team I call Greet and Teach (they can rename it later to something more scintillating ).
Greet and Teach members will be trained by me in the four most important things to show new visitors and members, and also in the temple fundamentals: proper behaviors in the temple, the skill of AMORC apron tying, proper salutations (both Atrium and Pronaos) and proper temple walking.
Once trained, they’ll make newcomers feel welcomed and at ease in our meetings.
2 members who are past the 9th degree in their studies, who would be trained by me to lead the monograph reviews and discussions that are called Degree Forums. Recently I’ve had a couple of members worriedly tell me that they got behind in their monograph studies, and these Degree Forums could help such members. In them, we will review Neophyte and early degree monographs.
I share, as someone who twice got really far behind on my studies, all is not lost. When I told my class master how I got far behind, she suggested that I double up on my monographs for a while, until I caught up. Another benefit of Degree Forums is that you’ll get to ask questions and receive answers from long-time member/students. And those who attend our meetings can verify this; you will learn things in our discourses and ritual experiments that sometimes jump you forward in your studies.
Also, those who serve the Order often start receiving unexpected benefits in their lives.
I would love to have one or two volunteers to work with me and resume the monthly Zoom broadcasts which allowed our members who couldn’t attend to join us in discussions online.
And I’d welcome any number of people who like planning fun events for us to have at either of our locations, or to go to.
Please let me know what you want this new year to be like! Your very fond Master/Servant,
Here was the insightful review of the Mystic Maya movie by our Grand Councilor Bill Hallett–Here is my review:
I think the film “Mystic Maya” looks great for a Rosicrucian Open/Public Meeting. To me, it is absolutely fascinating. I’m sure our local AB’s would benefit from having it for a public meeting, especially if the discussion is especially focused on the several Rosicrucian aspects shown. I think most Rosicrucian students who view the film would recognize a connection to a number of Rosicrucian principles and teachings. In particular:
1. Pyramids!
2. A repeating 7-year cycle for personal growth and initiation (just like what is discussed in Self Mastery and Fate With the Cycles of Life)
3. Sacred geometry of the Square and the Circle (the symbol of Hunab Ku), and associated numerological values (I think this is covered in the fourth degree?)
4. The cross and how it symbolizes cardinal directions, four elements, a universal energy (a postulant lesson). In spite of being kept out of “school”, Hunbatz Men seems very well educated!
5. The portals at Cahal Pech as thresholds for initiation; vowel sounds (and the “om” sound of the universe); symbolism of the East (covered throughout AMORC lessons)
6. Face-angles of different Mayan pyramid designs and the correspondence of these pyramids to the visible planets (though planetary energies do not get much mention until the higher degrees of AMORC)
7. The Holy of Holies as a state of attunement with the universe, and the notions of Worthiness and Knowledge of Self. I have heard the Grand Master say that the Shekinah is actually the sacred space above the altar in a Rosicrucian temple.
8. Chakras (although Rosicrucian lessons don’t call them that, and the RC system differs a little from most chakra systems)
9. The divine feminine
10. The breath of life (a neophyte lesson)
11. Kybalion (hermetic laws) and the law of manifestation (discussed in many AMORC lessons and publications)
12. “Programming” the subconscious mind through repetition by the conscious mind (a second-degree lesson)
13. The concepts of Underworld, Middle World, Upper World in the Mayan Popol Vuh are much like those found in the Egyptian Book of the Dead
14. Initiations and trials (again, prevalent throughout AMORC teachings)
15. John McCullum mentions initiations of masonic orders, but it seems that he uses “masonic orders” in the context of “initiatic orders” in general
16. Raising one’s vibrational level to attune with the Cosmos (Liber 777)
17. God as an individual concept. McCullum in fact uses the phrase “god of their heart”
18. Eternal nature of the Soul (a neophyte lesson)
19. (I love the alchemical and hermetic images included at about 57 minutes)
20. Symbolism as a universal language
PS – when I turned on closed captions in Vimeo, I thought it was hilarious that “Master Adept” became “Master of depths”. Though this is not entirely an incorrect translation!
Rosicrucians In Oregon 