Power Of Karma

Here's a comprehensive summary of Dr. Alexander Cannon's "The Power of Karma: In Relation to Destiny," based on the provided text:

Overall Premise:

Dr. Alexander Cannon's "The Power of Karma: In Relation to Destiny" explores the profound influence of karma, reincarnation, magic, and spiritual development on human lives. Drawing on Eastern philosophies and occult teachings, Cannon aims to reveal the unseen forces that govern existence and empower individuals to understand and potentially influence their destinies. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things through vibrations and the power of the human mind, particularly imagination and will.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Law of Karma:

  • Cannon presents karma not as a speculative theory but as a fundamental, irrefutable law of the universe.
  • Every thought, action, and word creates vibrations that shape both the individual and the cosmos.
  • These vibrations inevitably determine future thoughts, actions, and circumstances, creating a chain of cause and effect.
  • Misfortune is not due to chance or external forces but is the precise result of one's own past actions and "defects of will or judgment."
  • The book advocates for understanding and accepting this law as a means of personal transformation.

• Reincarnation:

  • Cannon discusses reincarnation as a widely held Eastern belief and presents evidence suggesting it occurs for individuals in fulfillment of the Law of Karma.
  • While not universal, reincarnation provides opportunities for souls to learn, atone for past mistakes, and further their development.
  • The book shares several anecdotal accounts of individuals seemingly recalling past lives, often under hypnosis or through psychometric impressions.
  • The ultimate goal of reincarnation is purification and the eventual liberation of the soul from the limitations of physical matter.

• Magic and Spiritual Powers:

  • Cannon asserts that magic, as understood in ancient traditions like those of Egypt and Atlantis, involves a deep understanding of natural laws and vibrations.
  • He distinguishes between higher magic (controlled by Masters) and lower magic or sorcery, which manipulates fear and uses darker forces.
  • Powers like clairvoyance, telepathy, astral projection, and even control over elements are discussed as attainable through disciplined development.
  • The author highlights the power of the mind, particularly imagination and focused will, as the basis for these abilities.
  • The concept of "Energy Follows Thought" is central to understanding magical workings.

• The Power of the Mind (Will, Imagination, Thought):

  • Cannon strongly emphasizes that the power of the imagination, supported by auto-suggestion, often overrides the will.
  • He argues that a focused, continuous use of will, guided by a clearly defined ideal, is essential for achievement.
  • The ultimate development of the will involves subordinating the individual will to the Divine or Universal Will, as exemplified by Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane.
  • The text suggests that "cattle" are those who lack a focused ideal and surrender their will to others.

• Vibrations and Rays:

  • The universe, according to Cannon, is a unified whole governed by vibrations and rays.
  • He discusses cosmic rays, thought-waves, and the vibrational frequencies of colors, sounds, and even perfumes.
  • These vibrations influence our emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being.
  • The concept of a "Third Eye" is presented as an organ of spiritual perception that can be developed through disciplined practice and inward focus.

• The Astral and Etheric Bodies:

  • The book explains the existence of the astral and etheric bodies as subtle vehicles that accompany the physical body.
  • The etheric body is described as the "etheric double" or aura, and the astral body as the seat of emotions and consciousness.
  • These bodies are involved in dreams, astral projection, and communication between planes.
  • The disruption or "short-circuiting" of etheric vibrations can lead to illness, and corrective measures like static treatment are mentioned.

• Spiritual Healing:

  • Cannon suggests that spiritual healing, as practiced by Jesus, is rooted in specific, understandable metaphysical principles.
  • This healing involves understanding and addressing the spiritual or mental cause of disease, often by taking on the patient's suffering intellectually and then releasing it.
  • The remission of "sin" (understood as error or false belief) is presented as equivalent to physical healing.

• The Heritage of the Aryan Peoples:

  • The book touches upon the origins of human thought and civilization, tracing them back to ancient Aryan peoples in Central Asia.
  • It discusses the migration of these peoples and the development of languages like Sanskrit and Zend, and the foundational religious and philosophical ideas found in texts like the Vedas and the Zend-Avesta.
  • This section emphasizes the early reverence for natural forces like light and fire.

• Yoga and the Way of Attainment:

  • Cannon advocates for a deliberate approach to life, emphasizing "Take your time." Haste is seen as detrimental to health and spiritual progress.
  • He connects the concept of time to the cosmic order and the Law of Karma.
  • Yoga systems are presented as paths to spiritual attainment, focusing on the perfection of human attributes and the acquisition of knowledge.
  • The ideal is to achieve a state of unity with the Divine, similar to the "Kingdom of Heaven."

• The Philosopher's Stone:

  • The search for the Philosopher's Stone is reinterpreted not just as material transmutation but as a symbol for spiritual transformation and the attainment of divine wisdom and immortality.
  • True alchemists sought higher spiritual understanding rather than mere wealth, recognizing that the highest use of their knowledge was in spiritual growth and service.
  • The "first matter" of alchemy is linked to the Universal Mind, and its secrets are revealed through divine illumination, not just material processes.

Author's Perspective:

Dr. Alexander Cannon presents himself as an investigator and interpreter of occult and spiritual phenomena. He draws upon his own experiences, extensive correspondence, and research into ancient texts and modern scientific discoveries to support his arguments. He aims to bridge the gap between spiritual understanding and scientific inquiry, asserting that many ancient wisdoms are now being validated by modern science. He encourages readers to explore these concepts themselves through focused thought, will, and a deep understanding of the universal laws governing existence.