Welcome To A Memorable Encounter RAYMOND BERNARD

Welcome To A Memorable Encounter

RAYMOND BERNARD:
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MAN AND HIS WORK

An Interview with Raymond Bernard, Founder of CIRCES/OSTI

EDITOR'S NOTE: Since this interview was given in 1991, many important and far-reaching changes have taken place within CIRCES-OSTI under the direction of its founder and First Grand Master, Raymond Bernard. On June 15, 1997, after having fulfilled a nine-year mandate, Raymond Bernard retired as Grand Master and Member of the Board of the OSTI, and no longer has any involvement in the current administration of the Order which he founded. As a consequence, the new Grand Master of the OSTI is entirely free to administer the Order after his own fashion and, as such, is entirely free of any and all influence or direction from Raymond Bernard.

THE MAN: IN HIS OWN WORDS

Q. How would you describe the direction of your life?
A. I believe the direction of my life was established from the beginning, from childhood. My parents were extremely liberal and open. They were, above all else, extremely tolerant even though they brought up their children along the strict moral lines which were in force among the liberal class into which I entered this physical life. I was born Catholic and, in accordance with this tradition to which my family belonged, the custom was to follow that which was done in the past. I therefore pursued the normal studies of a child in the Catholic dogmas as they were transmitted by the priests of that period. This, of course, was in addition to the studies which I pursued for the sake of a future profession.

From the beginning, even in early childhood, I was vary attracted by all that dealt with the mysteries of life including the religious aspects, in the broadest sense of the term, as they relate to Creation and to the existence of an invisible world peopled by beings who responded to our questions concerning life. Thanks to my mother, I was able to enter into relationship with certain Professors on vacation in the region of France where we lived, the Alps, and I remember a professor of philosophy, an older woman, who had instructed me in Greek mythology. Above and beyond the purely academic, she revealed to me their particular relation to the facts of Tradition which greatly surpassed all questions limited to history as this is commonly known. I also studied piano and violin, and I must say that the practice of music throughout my life has been for me an element of great stability and inspiration.

At the time of the Second World War, in 1940, an older Englishwoman, Mrs. Edith Lynn, who had directed a large college in England, came to the Alps and was stuck there because of the war. As I was learning English at the time, thanks to my mother, I became friends with this person and considered her a Master who was able to point me in the right direction and to answer many of my questions. I was particularly struck by the following event: Wanting to leave France by illegal means to go to England to join the war effort with a polish refugee who was about my age, I asked Mrs. Lynn's opinion in this enterprise. I noticed that she consulted a book made up of pictures and from these pictures she gave me advice that I was to follow. It turned out that the attempt failed and I was obliged to return home to pursue my studies, so I remained in contact with Mrs. Lynn.

On my seventeenth birthday she brought me a brochure entitled "Secret Heritage" which corresponds to a current brochure of the Rose+Croix now called "The Mastery of Life". I would say that in the realm of spirituality, Mrs. Lynn molded me. She instructed me in the teachings of different schools and opened my mind to Sri Aurobindo and Eastern thought, all the while comparing it to the world's religions and also having me read the writings of Rose+Croix and the Rosicrucian Digest which she had in her possession. I was, therefore, prepared without really knowing where I was being directed, for I was heading toward a profession in political science and later toward the diplomatic corps. When the war ended, after being in the "Chantier de Jeunesse", a secret para- military group without weapons, and after being mobilized to do my military service in the last months of the war, I came home to find a note from Edith Lynn saying: "I have done everything I had to do for you. Now you must continue on your Path and make contact with Jeanne Guesdon who is the representative for Rose+Croix".

This then was my initial training. I was in contact with Jeanne Guesdon for a long time. I never saw her in person, but I knew what was happening at Villeneuve-St. Georges insofar as the establishment of the Order was concerned, and I became the first member of Rose+Croix in the French Language Jurisdict- tion. Later I became a member of the Militia Crucifera Evangelica (No relation to OMCE - Ed) . After Jeanne Guesdon's death, Ralph Lewis gave me the opportunity of taking on her respon- sibilities but this was somewhat delicate for me due to my professional position. I was later told that before her death, Jeanne Guesdon, when questioned by Ralph Lewis, had indicated that she knew someone who could continue the work after her but she wasn't certain if in my position I would be willing to consider such a proposition. I therefore found myself at the head of the Rose+Croix and was faced with the real task of having to very quickly establish branches in many parts of the country.

I had great success, thanks to work I had done previously through my connect- ions with other traditional movements which could render the necessary assistance. In Rome, and then in Paris, I was received among the Freemasons and became a Master Mason, but bit by bit I had to put this activity aside as I was too busy trying to re-establish the Rose+Croix. I was later elected to the Supreme Council of the Rose+Croix and filled several functions, in particular as Supreme Legate, first for Europe and then for the entire world. Eventually, the time came when I relinquished these responsibilities to my son.

This then, in very summary fashion, is the direction of my life. You see then why I said from the very beginning that from early childhood until the moment when I was called to serve in a particular domain, all my life was indeed foreseen from childhood. This is probably the result of the past as I believe in Reincarnation as it relates specifically to human progression as opposed to metempsychosis or regression into animals etc.

Q. Who are some of the persons, events, or books which most influenced your life?
A. My parents, my mother in particular, professors, Edith Lynn, Jeanne Guesdon, Ralph Lewis. I later met many others in the literary, diplomatic, and Masonic worlds with a great openness of spirit. They inspired me to originate the motto often used in the Rose+Croix: "The greatest tolerance in strictest independence; the greatest understanding with absolute openness of spirit." These encounters were very useful. I established great friendships in many areas that were not specifically mine and which helped me to understand human beings in all parts of the world.

My greatest friends were in England and the U.S.A. I have a great attachment for the United States where I have often travelled. While there I find myself in an ambiance which is closer to me than that of my own country. I have an innate understanding, a sympathy, and love for the country itself, but also for the people, whatever their origin or the state in which they live, and naturally, quite beyond all limitations of race, nationality, or religion. I feel privileged to have been, from childhood and throughout my entire life, extremely open to all things, without ever having the least particle of racism. Quite to the contrary, I have never been separated from others by race, religion, or nationality. I feel for human beings, all beings, an immediate sympathy. And, I must say, in the United States in particular I found an inner joy which is sometimes felt only when we find ourselves in especially beneficent situations and in harmony with oneself. I also know the Orient, India, Japan. I know Africa from top to bottom. I love all these countries. There is not even an effort needed to understand each other. We only need to look at others as they are to understand that life can be lived and understood only if what we think and do is in harmony with what others do, with respect and even admiration for all those who surround us.

Q. What contribution do you most wish to make to humanity?
A. I would like to participate in the work of those, wherever they may be, who make possible a better understanding between people. I also wish for greater fellowship and an openness to others, as well as a participation in a certain endeavor which corresponds to humanity's most profound aspirations for the good of all. I have always attempted in my relationships with government leaders, persons in the scientific world, and others, to be the defender of this very necessary understanding and of this cooperation which must transcend races and national boundaries.

Humanity is one in its reality under the Fatherhood of God. This is what we must each feel and help others to understand. This alone will bring increased happiness, more equality and greater participation in the wealth of humanity. This is possible only when egoism is transcended. I believe it is important, and this is what I want to attempt to bring about with the help of others, to better understand the bonds which unite us all. This is so innate in human beings and is seen so clearly when there is some great need, when solidarity is called for, then every one responds. Everyone is ready to offer something. I believe that if people are well educated, if the facts are presented to them, if the media can emphasize those elements which elevate the true value of humanity, then a great step will have been taken toward the contribution to the happiness of every human being.

Q. After being so prominent in the Rosicrucian Order, serving it in a variety of important positions, why did you found CIRCES?
A. It is true that I occupied important positions in the administration of the Rose+Croix but, as I have said before, the time came for me to relinquish these responsibilities to someone younger. However, because of the relations I have maintained with certain persons throughout the world, it happened that it became necessary to consider filling a void left by the existing organizations. Thanks to the contacts that I had, it seemed possible to establish a new movement which would permit large numbers of individuals, despite divergent interests, to come together as seekers and doers. It is in this manner that the idea of CIRCES was born and the first steps taken at the beginning of 1988. CIRCES has a dual activity: an outer phase and an inner phase. In its outer activities it brings together men and women who, insofar as action in the outer world is concerned, have extremely varied interests but are not content to simply reflect, contemplate or even meditate. They are not content simply to receive without having to give. Instead, having reflected, having thought of solutions to real problems, they are prepared to act and put into effect - in the real world - their ideas, thereby becoming the builders of a better world. In other words, CIRCES is a place of work as well as reflection.

No one will doubt that certainly in the world today there is a desire to participate, to express oneself, and to act. I think that contrary to popular opinion, man is not passive. He has a need for activity, a need to serve others, a need to give what he can to others. In this CIRCES has responded to a veritable need to express oneself effectively in the world and, in the years to come, we will see this need expressing more and more whether socially, politically, or simply as contributing to the betterment of the human condition. As I have said earlier, not only by reflection but by action in the world shall we be known! As for the inner phase of CIRCES this consists of individuals who wish to revive a spirit of chivalry as it was known in the past and which continues to exist in certain movements.

But within the framework of CIRCES this activity does not only involve the aims of chivalry, but the idea, the spirit of The Order of the Temple. A more advanced level involves the Pythagorean School and, finally, the ensemble is surmounted by that which was known in secret and in times past as the Order of Melchissedech. It is worth pointing out that the interior aspect of CIRCES is absolutely non-sectarian being open to all ideas and with an absolute respect for all that exists. This is a central feature of Templar thought which will be expressed inmodern form but with the full import of the past insofar as the Spirit of Chivalry is concerned.

Q. In this context what do you mean by the "Spirit of Chivalry"?
A. The Spirit of Chivalry naturally implies all of the great virtues which have always been recognized as being those of Chivalry. That is to say, in the context of today's world, respect for others; defense of the most noble ideals; to take part in the struggles of the world in the name of that which is recognized as being for the common good; not to remain passive in the face of others being attacked; the defense of the weak, the defenseless, and the destitute; to come to the aid of those in need of consolation; etc., etc. This idea of Chivalry which expresses through the Order of the Temple actually surrounds and protects an inner research which takes the form of the International Order of Pythagoreans which has existed in secret for a long time. It has been perpetuated by a variety of movements notably in Nice, Belgium, Switzerland, and elsewhere. In this regard we have all the necessary documents which give us the authority to perpetuate the truth of the secret thoughts of the Pythagoreans in its appeal to those who are ready to receive it. And finally, as intimated earlier, above all is the Universal Order of Melchissedech (Now an entirely inner aspect of the OSTI - Ed.) which is open to those who have found The Way and, having found it, have no further questions of Self. Here there are no further need for answers but simply a receptivity and an openness in a world where each human being is a cell in one body - the Body of God. This is the Non-Way! Thus if one human being suffers then the entire body suffers; if one experiences joy, love, and happiness, then the others share in that as well. You could say, therefore, that I founded CIRCES in order to be able to achieve the aims outlined earlier by working with those sharing the same motivations; to help individuals become conscious of their potential, and to assist in their training on the basis of universal principles coupled with their personal experiences so as to allow them to go beyond themselves to become true builders of a better world.

Our success has come quickly but we must continue to build solid foundations while at the same time advancing CIRCES toward its purpose for being: to help those who are ready to participate in our activities in complete harmony of understanding with all others who can contribute to the common goal. CIRCES is useful in today's world because it takes into account all the values of this world, and gathers them in a new vision in order to be of service to humanity.

Q. Certain people seem bent on collecting initiations like others collect decorations. You yourself have been initiated into the Masonic Order, the Rosicrucian Order, the Martinist Order, the Order of the Temple and, apparently, you have even been received into the most closed Esoteric Societies in Africa. What is it that pushes you to open yourself so completely to the initiatic world? Is it because you know no boundaries, because you were brought up with such openness that you are received so openly in Africa, in America, and other parts of the world?
A. First of all let me say that initiation implies personal research, a seeking for oneself - a personal research which I began when I was very young. I believe that today those who have undertaken this personal research also began when they were very young. True research always takes place on an interior level. To this need for inner research many traditional organizations have already responded and continue to do so quite effectively. This is certainly the case with Masonry, Rosicrucianism, and Martinism, to site but a few, as well as by other ancient organizations in different ways. They are all dedicated to the awakening of all faculties latent in Man. My research has been done in this sense, and such research is always an initiation in the most noble and profound sense of the term. Never forget that the word initiation is derived from the term "initium" which implies beginning - i.e. to begin something, but in the context of the Traditional Schools this means that with "initiation" one undertakes to conquer oneself, to develop one's faculties, and subsequently to use them not only for oneself but to serve others.

Returning to your question, the idea of CIRCES came at a time when, having not collected but, instead, partaken of the knowledge of various Traditions which, incidentally, express the same idea but in different forms, it occurred to me that in these changing times it is necessary to arrive at an effective synthesis. Such a synthesis must respect all that continues to bring effective help to large numbers of people in the world; permit one to extract something special to present to the world; and with the initiations already received and the positions attained by those in my immediate circle, to arrive at giving effective aid to the world by contributing to the advancement of humanity.

Q. What are your goals for CIRCES?
A. The goals are to establish better fraternal bonds between people beyond all limitations which might otherwise separate them and, at the same time, to mold those who are with us in the spirit of service. This larger social participation is to be accompanied by a becoming conscious of the possibilities hidden within us. We seek to develop them in accordance with our principles which are in no way contrary to those upheld elsewhere and which are based on respect for all that has been done not only by the Rosicrucians for whom we have tremendous respect, but also by the Freemasons and others among whom are people seeking to establish these same bonds among all people.

CIRCES, which has been recognized as a non- governmental organization within the framework of the United Nations, will ultimately be seen as an organization serving the public interest. Its work will be transformed into a more intense consecration to humanity, a devotion and service to the people of the world. On the other hand, the work of the Order of the Temple (The OSTI) offers the possibility of acquiring that which is necessary for a useful and efficient service which is truly worthy of human beings.

Q. Do you see this era as one of special opportunity?
A. Certainly. This new era with all that it brings in discoveries and newness offers an opportunity which is exceptional - even unique. It is an opportunity which occurs extremely rarely in the history of humanity for the realization of the great divine aims on earth - divine not so much as the Presence of God but in the sense of the application of His qualities as divine principles in everyday life. This is an era of transformation. We see this in the downfall of certain false values in the East and in the birth of a desire for new understanding. Who could have imagined that these changes could have occurred in a matter of a few months if this era did not represent the realization of certain universal principles?

Q. What then are the dangers and the possibilities?
A. I believe that the dangers will be transcended by the possibilities. The great danger is human egoism which makes people think first of the fulfillment of their own purposes. Egoism, with its consequences of cupidity, avarice, hardness, lack of respect for others, is a danger. But it remains limited in relation to all that is unfolding. There will be interruptions and failures resulting from egoism and the desire to possess material goods to the detriment of everyone else. But nothing, absolutely nothing, can keep truth from prevailing. One only needs to look at history, particularly in the last few years, to know this.

Q. Why are the Knights Templar so important to you and why are they important to contemporary persons?
A. The Order of The Knights Templar was a very powerful manifestation of the Primordial Tradition placed in the service of humanity. We need only know their history to see the contribution of the Knight Templars to the world as it has become. They are the ones who opened things up to civilization in the whole world. They transcended the limits of their initial goals in the Crusades when they developed relations with the Jewish and Muslem worlds. They were unifiers respected by those who externally might have been their enemies.

The Order of the Knight Templars has greatly affected my life. Through it, I have participated in great experiences. I learned that it was good to return with vigor to the great principles and high ideals held by the Templars. So I included the Order of the Temple in the inner part of CIRCES which, as an organization, serves as an entry way into something deeper. The Templars are very important in the world. We need only look at how important the Spirit of Chivalry is for the world of today. There is a development of this idea, a return if you will, a becoming conscious of the permanence of the qualities of the Order.

Now, thanks to all that I was able to accomplish in the past, it is very quickly becoming established worldwide. The foundations are set and the work will develop rapidly and effectively. I believe that the Order in its modern formulation, which puts aside its warrior aspect or at least transmutes it into spiritual warfare, will help us to become truly human. There are many movements which call themselves Templar. We represent one of them and, I must say, the most important one as it is rooted in the past and especially aligns itself with the great principles established by the Order of the Temple. The Order of the Temple is essential in our time and for those whom it attracts. Through it, and the work that it can accomplish, much can be done for the world as a whole.

Q. What do you think the future holds for Western Civilization and the religion which most influenced it?
A. First, religions have evolved. They are no longer what they were in the past. Even the Roman Catholic religion which was by far more intolerant and which unfortunately delayed civilization by condemning men like Galileo and Bruno, has changed. But today religion is still very useful to transmit certain values. It must, however, transform itself, and has already begun to do so. This applies not only to Catholicism but to the others as well: they must adapt themselves to the modern world. There are some religions, nevertheless, which are permanent - Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam. These religions, understood not in their fundamentalism and excesses, but in what they represent, can adapt themselves and maintain, for those who are called to delve deeper, the spiritual principles necessary to this life.

The future will be less tied to religion per se, but more to religion in the etymological sense of the word, that is, religion which we build personally from eternal foundations, will be more present and will lead people to an awakening, making it possible for them to adapt themselves to the new world. The future is based on an understanding and a unity of the world. It is remarkable that, after having rushed into the arms race, we now seek to go backwards, which is very difficult because the stockpiles of weapons are so great. But the idea is there.

There will always be those who are motivated by ideas which are restrictive, negative, or even criminal, seeking personal power whose results are contrary to the good of humanity. But, in the end, they will not succeed. There will be failures and delays, certainly, but the path is fixed and there is no longer a need to be in constant fear of the inevitability of world conflict. The greatest difficulty now resides in pollution and that is why ecology is of immense importance and will become more and more so. Everywhere, ecological political parties are becoming more powerful which proves that the whole population is concerned about it. This is what the media should be portraying: the dangers of pollution, how important it is to respect Nature, and assisting people to live in it wisely. This will allow civilization to become more harmonious. But if the great insights of CIRCES and the Templars are recognized and shared with others then this danger could be easily avoided. I am very optimistic about the future while recognizing the difficult stages that must be passed through.

Q. Where do you find the unity in our "global village" and how can it best be brought about?
A. In becoming conscious that all people form one humanity. This unity is within each of us and in our understanding and consecration to our ideals - the ideals of humanity. Solidarity, equality, fraternity, are the three key words which will make it possible to realize this unity in a definitive way.

Q. What do you make of the spiritual search in our time and what do you feel is most urgent for seekers to find?
A. The spiritual search must lead to the discovery of being. The seeker must find being within him or herself. We are each real "being" expressed through the physical body. We must, therefore, place ourselves higher within ourselves. This is the same quest as in the past. However, we are now capable of better understanding it and better accomplishing it. The eternal question and the eternal answer, that which is extremely urgent for us to find and to which the spiritual search must consecrate itself, is the discovery of the Presence of God in every person. And more, the Presence of God in all that surrounds us. In other words, we must become conscious of God in ourselves and see God in all others and in all realizations of Nature. As the Templars say: "God - First Served!"

Q. Are there certain disciplines that you find particularly helpful for the awakening of higher consciousness?
A. The disciplines are always the same as in the past. Man does not change. He remains similar to himself and has within himself immense possibilities - of which only a small portion is developed. These disciplines are first moral: a code of life. In CIRCES and the Order of the Temple (The OSTI) we have such a code which contains the essentials for a straight and proper life. We must always remember the great statement: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and all else shall be added unto you." In other words, if there are rules to be applied and exercises of concentration, contemplation, meditation to be undertaken, there is also some- thing else: taking action for the good of others because if we act in this way everything else will follow. We can do it within a movement for in working with others we not only help ourselves but we help humanity a great deal as well. Or we can do it alone by following certain principles: to be in inner joy and harmony, so that they put us in communion with others. It is in this service to others that is born the qualities and possibilities that are within us.

Q. Do you believe that esoteric paths are the most likely ones to lead to human wholeness?
A. They are one way to reach this global and total realization of humanity. I must say however, that all that is neither known nor applied by man, even if it is at his disposal, becomes esoteric - that is to say "hidden". But the esoteric paths to which I refer are those that are well understood, and not the incoherent ramblings we sometimes see manifested in movements and associations, though they may be based on a fundamentally good idea, which is why we should not reject them or judge them. Nevertheless, it is true that authentic esoteric paths are founded on profound experiences, principles, and laws which are critical for leading humanity to its goal of wholeness. Esoterism is often a misunderstood word, but it is a word which can express a rich understanding, the richest there is, because it helps us "to be" and not merely to think and to possess.

Q. How do you understand the idea of God?
A. We must never reject words because of what they may have meant in the past. That is why I am not among those who say that we must set aside the word "God" because of all that was done in this name. God, as such, is unknowable. And that is why I understand the agnostics who do not seek to define God. We simply cannot define Him! I do believe, however, that atheism as such does not exist. Agnosticism can exist. It recognizes that a total perception of God is impossible. God cannot be defined or described for He transcends human intelligence and if He did not, He would not be God. However, the fact that the universe is ordered proves that God exists. God IS! We can place ourselves in harmony with Him, participate in His work, be in relationship with His creation. We can know Him in a particular way: experience Him in communion with Nature, with the Cosmos and with the laws which are permanent and established by God. There is an origin to all things and nothing that exists, such as a clock for instance, can exist without there being a clock maker. When we look at the time on a clock, the idea of the clock maker can come to us even if we use the creation of the clock as our reference. We can admire and commune with the clock maker through the intermediary of his creation. Similarly, in moments of cosmic communion, we can feel the presence of God. We read in the Gospel: "Ye are Gods" and these words are placed in the mouth of Jesus Christ who represents the ideal for humanity. For such a declaration to be made, it means that there is within us a fragment of God. We participate in God without being the unique Godhead Himself. We are gods who are part of the one God. In the philosophy and practice of CIRCES and The Order of The Temple (The OSTI), God is the keystone which dominates our principles as It does the Universe. For this reason Templars say: "God - First Served!"

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