In the pursuit of spiritual mastery and self-realization, there is one essential truth that stands above all others: Your beliefs shape your reality. The world you experience, the circumstances you face, and even the person you become are all a direct result of the beliefs you hold. The ancient wisdom of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood, combined with the profound teachings of the Koran, the Talmud, and other sacred texts, points to one undeniable conclusion: Your belief is the foundation upon which your life is built.

Grandmaster WaXhira of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood teaches, “The strength of your belief is like the sharpness of an axe. The more you sharpen it, the easier it becomes to cut through the illusions that hold you back. As you believe, so you become. To master your life, you must first master your belief.” This is why it is so important to dedicate yourself to sharpening the axe of your belief. Just as a sharp axe can chop through a forest of trees with ease, a sharp, focused belief can carve through the barriers that block your spiritual progress and material success.

The Power of Belief in the Scriptures

In the Bible, it is written, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). This verse reveals the deep truth that our thoughts and beliefs define our identity and our experience of the world. If we believe that we are weak, limited, or incapable, we will manifest those beliefs in our lives. On the other hand, if we believe in our infinite potential and divine nature, our reality will shift to reflect that belief.

The Koran offers a similar teaching. In Surah Al-Imran (3:154), it is written, “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” This verse underscores the principle that change begins within. To transform our outer world, we must first transform our inner world, and this transformation starts with the beliefs we hold. If we want to change the circumstances of our lives, we must first change the beliefs that shape our actions and choices.

In the Talmud, we find another key teaching: “Everything is in the hands of Heaven, except for the fear of Heaven.” This wisdom reveals that while external circumstances may be influenced by higher forces, our beliefs and choices are within our control. The fear of Heaven here refers to reverence for the divine, a profound belief in the sacredness of life, and a commitment to live in alignment with spiritual truth. This reverence, or belief in the divine, becomes the cornerstone of our lives, shaping our decisions, actions, and experiences.

Belief and Creation

The act of creation itself is rooted in belief. In the Book of Genesis, it is written that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). God created the world through divine belief — the belief that all things were possible. He spoke the world into existence, and with every word, He shaped the reality around Him. This divine act of creation was not a passive event but an intentional and powerful manifestation of belief.

As human beings, we too have the ability to create our reality. The power of belief allows us to shape the world around us just as God shaped the universe. Our thoughts and beliefs are the “words” we speak to the universe. The more sharply we hone our beliefs, the more powerful our ability to create becomes. We are co-creators with the divine, constantly shaping and molding our experiences through the beliefs we hold.

Imagine standing at the edge of the ocean. You have a small container in your hands, and you’re ready to take in the vastness of the sea. But here’s the catch: the size of your container limits how much water you can carry. No matter how vast the ocean is, you can only take with you what your container can hold. The bigger the container, the more it can carry, and the more it can experience.

This metaphor is a powerful reflection of how our lives work. Our achievements, our capacity to experience joy, peace, and success, are directly limited by the size of our inner container — our ability to perceive, believe, and receive. The larger our mental and spiritual container, the more we can receive from life, the greater our experiences will be, and the more we can accomplish in the physical world.

Grandmaster WaXhira of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood teaches, “Your life is a reflection of your inner container. If you fill your container with small beliefs, limiting thoughts, and fears, you will only be able to carry a small portion of what the universe has to offer. But when you expand your inner capacity to perceive, to believe, and to receive, the universe will pour forth its abundance into your life.”

The Container of Belief

Everything in life is governed by belief. Belief is the shape and size of your inner container. If you believe that the world is a place of limitation, scarcity, and hardship, then your container will be small, and you will only experience the world through those lenses. You will filter your experiences through the belief that life is restrictive, and thus, your achievements and potential will be limited by those beliefs.

However, if you choose to expand your belief system — if you begin to believe in your infinite potential, in abundance, in love, and in possibility — your container grows. You begin to see life differently. You begin to see opportunities where others see obstacles. You begin to believe in your ability to create and achieve, and the universe responds accordingly.

In Saying 2 of the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus said, “Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will reign over the All.” This teaching reminds us that the search for truth and spiritual wisdom is about expanding our internal capacity — our container — to receive greater understanding and knowledge. The more we seek, the larger our container becomes, and as we expand, we are able to reign over our lives, mastering our thoughts, actions, and experiences.

The Container of Perception

The size of your container also governs your perception of the world. Perception is the lens through which we view everything in our lives — our relationships, our career, our spiritual journey. If your container is small, you will perceive the world through a narrow lens. You may see others as competitors, view the world as hostile, or believe that resources are scarce. You will see only what your container allows you to see, and your experiences will be confined to that narrow scope.

On the other hand, if your inner container is large, you will perceive the world as abundant, full of opportunity, and rich in possibility. You will see potential in every situation and every person you meet. You will recognize that the world is a reflection of your own inner state, and as you grow and expand, the world around you will begin to mirror that expansion. Your ability to see the interconnectedness of all things increases, and you become more open to receiving the gifts life has to offer.

The key to mastering your life and your reality lies in understanding the relationship between three essential elements: Consciousness, Imagination, and the Body. These three forces together shape everything you experience, from your thoughts to your actions, and even the very world around you.

In the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood, we teach that Consciousness is the master — the guiding force, the origin of all creation. Imagination is the tool, the creative force that allows consciousness to shape the world, and the Body is the plastic material, the vessel through which the divine vision is brought into the physical realm. These three elements work in tandem to bring forth your life’s experiences.

Consciousness: The Master

At the core of all creation is Consciousness. It is the divine intelligence, the higher self, the source of all being. Consciousness is not bound by time, space, or physical limitations. It is limitless and eternal. It perceives all things, and through its perception, it creates and shapes reality.

Grandmaster WaXhira of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood teaches, “Consciousness is the seed of all creation. It is the divine spark within you that holds the power to manifest anything. Your thoughts, your emotions, your desires — they are all expressions of your consciousness, shaping the reality you experience.” This is why our first task is to master consciousness, for it is the foundation of everything that exists.

In the Gospel of Thomas, Saying 3, Jesus said, “Jesus said, ‘If your leaders say to you, ‘Look, the kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fish will precede you. But the kingdom is within you and it is outside you.” This profound teaching reveals that the kingdom of heaven, or true understanding of the divine, is within our own consciousness. The kingdom we seek is not somewhere out there, but right here, within the field of consciousness itself.

Imagination: The Tool of Creation

Imagination is the tool that Consciousness uses to shape the world. It is the bridge between the unseen and the seen, the creative spark that translates spiritual thought into physical reality. Imagination is not merely daydreaming or fantasy; it is the active force that shapes your experience, the blueprint for your reality.

In the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood, we emphasize the importance of honing and directing the power of imagination. Your imagination is the tool that takes the vision of your soul (the truth held within your consciousness) and forms it into a tangible reality. What you imagine, you can create.

The Talmud teaches, “The world is created by the word of God, and by the word, the world endures.” The word is an expression of thought, and thought is a product of imagination. Everything that exists in the physical world was first imagined in the mind. To create your reality, you must begin by imagining it clearly and vividly.

Saying 77 of the Gospel of Thomas also reflects this principle: “I am the light that is over all things. I am the All. From me did all come forth, and unto me all return.” This saying highlights the creative nature of consciousness and imagination, suggesting that all things come into being through divine thought and creative force. Imagination is the tool through which the divine will flows into the world, shaping it in alignment with the higher truths of existence.

In the journey of self-mastery and spiritual awakening, there is one guiding principle that can completely transform our lives: commitment. But true commitment is not just about setting goals or creating resolutions — it's about aligning our words, thoughts, and actions with our highest purpose. One of the most profound statements you can make to yourself is: “I will never say a thing about myself that I do not want to see realized.” This statement is more than just a declaration; it is a vow — a powerful commitment to control the energy you put into the universe with your words and thoughts.

Grandmaster WaXhira of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood teaches, “Words are spells, and your thoughts are the intention behind those spells. When you speak of yourself, speak only what aligns with your highest vision. The moment you allow a negative or limiting thought to pass through your lips, you are invoking it into existence.” This is the essence of spiritual commitment — to be mindful of your words and the energy they carry.

In a world where external circumstances and others’ opinions often try to shape us, true power lies in our ability to control our own narrative. Every time we speak about ourselves, we are sending a message to the universe. We are setting an intention. Whether it’s about our abilities, worth, health, or future, the words we use create vibrations that shape our reality.

To say, “I will never say a thing about myself that I do not want to see realized” is to claim authority over your thoughts, your words, and ultimately your destiny. Commitment is not simply about acting or trying; it’s about the alignment between our intentions and what we speak into existence. It means that, even in moments of doubt or frustration, we refuse to speak words that contradict the vision we hold for ourselves. If we accidentally do speak those words, we must immediately unsay them with greater conviction, reinforcing our commitment to the highest version of ourselves.

This practice is rooted in the ancient teachings of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood, where mindful speech is one of the cornerstones of spiritual mastery. In the Initiate degree, we begin by learning to align our thoughts and words with the frequency of divine truth. The Ship, as the working tool of the Initiate, helps us understand that our body and speech are the vessels that carry our thoughts into the world. The Wave, which represents the flow of consciousness, teaches us to ride the wave of intention rather than being swept away by external forces. We begin to discipline our words so that they align with our highest goals and spiritual truths.

The importance of commitment is reinforced in Saying 106 of the Gospel of Thomas, where Jesus says, “When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside, and when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that the male not be male, and the female not be female... then will you enter the Kingdom.” This saying calls us to integrate all parts of ourselves — to align our inner thoughts with our outer expression, and our words with our actions. True spiritual advancement comes when there is no contradiction between who we are inside and what we express in the world.

Commitment to a goal is also a commitment to our highest truth. It is about understanding that the words we speak about ourselves have the power to shape our identity. Every time we speak words of self-doubt or negativity, we are distorting the image of ourselves that we are meant to embody. On the other hand, by speaking words of truth, love, and power, we step into the highest version of ourselves and begin to live it.

In every walk of life, we are called to grow — not just as individuals but as a collective. The most profound growth happens within a supportive environment where we practice patience, understanding, and tolerance toward others. In the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood, this is the essence of spiritual community. Members not only engage in deep teachings and rituals but also practice the art of simulating life — preparing themselves for the greater challenges of existence by first learning to interact harmoniously with one another.

Grandmaster WaXhira teaches, “The greatest test of spiritual mastery is not found in isolation, but in the relationships we foster with others. The Brotherhood offers a space where you can simulate life, where patience, understanding, and tolerance are not just ideals, but practical tools for personal and collective growth.” The Brotherhood provides an environment where these principles are not only discussed but practiced regularly, allowing members to develop the inner strength needed to navigate the complexities of the outer world.

One of the unique aspects of being part of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood is that it provides a safe space for simulation — a place where we can try out our responses to life’s challenges, face our fears, and experiment with different ways of engaging with the world. In this environment, we are not only learning spiritual principles but also testing them in real-time interactions with our fellow members. This practice becomes a kind of spiritual rehearsal for life, where we get to experiment, stumble, and rise again without fear of judgment.

Through regular practice, members learn patience — the ability to remain calm and composed, even in difficult situations. In a world that often prioritizes instant results and fast-paced action, patience is a rare and valuable skill. It is the foundation upon which true wisdom and understanding are built. By cultivating patience in a supportive community, members of the Brotherhood gain the strength to face external challenges with grace and poise.

Tolerance is another cornerstone of the Brotherhood’s teachings. When we practice tolerance toward our fellow members, we learn to accept differences, let go of judgment, and allow each individual to walk their unique path. This is especially important in spiritual communities, where people from various walks of life and diverse backgrounds come together. By learning to tolerate and understand one another, we create a space where every member can thrive without fear of being misunderstood or judged.

One of the most powerful aspects of community in the Brotherhood is the opportunity to practice public speaking skills in a friendly and nurturing environment. Public speaking is a valuable skill that many fear, yet it is essential for those who wish to share their knowledge and wisdom with others. The Brotherhood provides opportunities for members to practice speaking in front of a group, share their insights, and present ideas in a supportive setting. Over time, this helps to build confidence, clarity, and eloquence, preparing members for the day when they will speak to the wider world about the truths they have discovered.

By practicing patience, understanding, tolerance, and communication, members of the Brotherhood develop the emotional and spiritual resilience needed to navigate life with wisdom and grace. These qualities are not simply idealistic virtues; they are practical tools that help us succeed in our personal and spiritual growth. The more we practice these qualities in our interactions with others, the more they become ingrained in our character, shaping the way we respond to the world around us.

In a world that constantly pulls us in countless directions, we often find ourselves chasing shadows — elusive desires, fleeting pleasures, and empty goals that promise fulfillment but never deliver. We are conditioned to look outside ourselves for meaning, for happiness, for success. But what if everything we seek is already within us? What if the path to true peace, purpose, and enlightenment lies not in the pursuit of external things, but in the cultivation of the inner kingdom of God?

The Bible speaks directly to this truth in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” These profound words remind us that the true source of all abundance, peace, and joy is found within — not in the material world or external circumstances. The key to unlocking this divine truth lies in understanding that when we focus on mastering the inner world, everything else will fall into place. The external is but a reflection of the internal.

Grandmaster WaXhira of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood teaches, “Stop chasing shadows. The external world is an illusion, a mere reflection of the state of your inner being. When you focus on mastering the self, the world around you will transform effortlessly. It is the law of the universe: what you become within, you attract without.” This powerful teaching echoes through the centuries, urging us to shift our focus from the outside world to the inner sanctum of our own consciousness.

So, what does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God? It means turning inward, focusing on the spiritual center that resides within each of us — the divine spark, the soul, the essence of who we truly are. When we align with this inner truth, we tap into the limitless potential of the universe. The outward world, with its distractions and illusions, loses its grip on us, and we find ourselves living in harmony with the higher laws of the cosmos.

In the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood, we understand that the inner kingdom is not a distant place, but an experience that we cultivate within ourselves. It is found through practices like meditation, self-awareness, and alignment with divine wisdom. The first three degrees of the Brotherhood — Initiate, Navigator, and Captain — guide us step by step toward mastering the inner realm.

In the Initiate degree, we are introduced to the essential tools of spiritual mastery: the Ocean, the Wave, and the Ship. These symbols represent the vastness of the cosmos, the power of thought, and the physical vessel of the body. Through these tools, we begin to understand that mastery of the self starts with understanding the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit. When we focus on aligning these elements, we begin to see the truth of our inner kingdom.

As we move into the Navigator and Captain degrees, the tools become more refined. The Captain’s Wheel, Compass, and Anchor in the Navigator degrees teach us to navigate the five senses, the rational mind, and our breath. These tools help us maintain our focus on the inner path, regardless of the distractions around us. The Blazing Star, Sextant, and Bell in the Captain degrees guide us further into the inner realm, helping us access intuition, inner vision, and conscience, which are all essential for understanding the kingdom of God within.

To the spiritually awakened, there is a profound truth that transcends the physical world and reveals the interconnectedness of all life. “As above, so below” — this ancient maxim reflects the idea that all levels of existence mirror each other, from the divine to the earthly, from the macrocosm to the microcosm. In essence, everything in life is a reflection, a copy-paste of a higher, unseen truth. From the relationship between a mother and her child to the connection between God and man, the same fundamental patterns play out, showing us that the divine is expressed in the mundane and the spiritual is manifested in the physical.

Grandmaster WaXhira of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood teaches, “The entire universe is a series of mirrors, reflecting back to us what we believe, think, and feel. To understand one thing deeply is to understand all things, for everything is a reflection of the same source. Life itself is a constant act of copy-paste, repeating the same sacred truths in different forms.”

Let’s begin by looking at one of the most intimate relationships in life: the bond between mother and child. A mother cares for her child, nurturing, protecting, and guiding them through the earliest stages of life. This relationship is the first and most direct expression of unconditional love and connection. What the mother offers to the child — love, warmth, protection, and wisdom — is mirrored in countless other relationships in life. Just as a mother gives to her child, so too does the husband provide for the wife, and the divine provide for mankind. This is not a coincidence — it is the same pattern operating at different levels of existence.

The relationship between husband and wife also embodies this copy-paste pattern. The dynamic between them, the balance of giving and receiving, the mutual support and sacred union, echoes the relationship between God and man. In the same way a husband is called to love his wife unconditionally, to protect and guide her, so too does God offer His love and guidance to humanity. Just as a wife responds to her husband with respect, devotion, and partnership, so does humanity respond to the divine presence with faith, worship, and service. These relationships, from the human to the divine, are all expressions of the same law of interconnectedness.

This copy-paste principle goes beyond human relationships. It is embedded in every aspect of life. As above, so below applies to the cycles of nature, the movements of the planets, the rise and fall of civilizations, and even the journey of the soul. All of life reflects a divine blueprint, an eternal repetition of patterns that remind us of the unity and interconnectedness of the universe.

In the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood, we teach that understanding these patterns is crucial to spiritual awakening. When you grasp the principle of “as above, so below,” you begin to see that every experience you encounter in the physical world is a reflection of a deeper spiritual truth. Whether you are facing challenges in a relationship, struggling with personal growth, or seeking answers to life’s mysteries, the key lies in seeing the mirror of your experiences. The divine pattern is always at work, and it is reflecting back to you the lessons you need to learn.

The Spiritual Reflection in the “As Above, So Below” Principle

The idea of “copy-paste” is not just a metaphor for relationships, but a spiritual law that applies to all aspects of life. In fact, it is the foundation of the work in the Brotherhood. In the Initiate degree, we begin with the Ocean — the cosmic ocean of consciousness — and learn that the same divine wisdom that exists in the cosmos is within us. The Wave, which represents thought and becoming, is the first manifestation of this principle. Our thoughts and actions create waves that ripple out into the world, affecting everything around us, just as the energy of the cosmos flows through the universe, shaping everything in its path.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded by sensory input and mental distractions, there exists a profound truth: the only hard work we truly need to do is the hard work of seeing through the illusion created by the senses and the mind. The senses constantly feed us information — we see, hear, taste, smell, and touch, yet these inputs often create a distorted picture of reality. Our minds take these sensory impressions and weave them into stories that seem true, but in reality, they are mere illusions. The true work, then, is not to act or exert effort in the traditional sense, but to awaken from the dream, to see through the illusion and recognize the deeper truth that lies beyond the veil of our sensory experience.

Grandmaster WaXhira of the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood teaches, “The senses and mind are powerful tools, but they are also the greatest deceivers. The physical world can appear solid, real, and permanent, yet it is nothing but a reflection, a projection of consciousness. The true work is to pierce through the illusion and recognize the divine truth that lies beneath.” This is the essence of spiritual awakening: the realization that the world we perceive with our senses is not the ultimate reality. It is, in fact, a mysterious play that hides the divine truth from our eyes.

The physical world is in constant flux, constantly changing. The body ages, relationships shift, and even the earth itself moves. Yet, behind all these fluctuations, there is a constant — a timeless, unchanging truth that lies beyond the mind's grasp. This truth is the essence of our higher self, the eternal soul, or what the Sacred Atlantean Brotherhood refers to as the Christos. The work, then, is not in the outer world but in seeing beyond the outer world, in discerning the illusion from the truth.

The Illusion of the Senses and the Mind

From a young age, we are taught to trust the senses. They are our primary means of navigating the world, and we rely on them to form our understanding of reality. We trust what we see, hear, and touch, and in doing so, we become anchored in the material world. However, the senses are limited — they only capture a fraction of the true reality. As Saying 3 of the Gospel of Thomas reminds us, “Jesus said, ‘If your leaders say to you, ‘Look, the kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fish will precede you. But the kingdom is within you and it is outside you.” This profound teaching reveals that what we seek externally has always been within us. The illusion of separation — the idea that we are apart from the divine, from the kingdom — is an illusion of the senses and mind.

The mind, too, plays a crucial role in this illusion. It takes the sensory input and creates concepts, judgments, and beliefs that shape our perception of the world. But the mind is often clouded by desires, fears, and attachments, which distort the truth. The mind’s natural tendency to categorize and label creates a world of duality — right and wrong, good and bad, here and there. This duality can keep us trapped in the illusion, constantly chasing after things that seem to bring happiness, but never quite fulfilling us.