Seekers Campaign

How to Talk About the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC

How can I explain the Rosicrucian Order in ways people will hear and understand, and without turning them off? When talking to friends, family, and strangers about the Order, the most effective thing you can do is tell about your personal experience. Feel free to talk about the general content of the monographs, and about how you feel you have changed or been helped by them. And if you feel it would be helpful, you can show one or two of your monographs so the person with whom you are talking can see what they are like. We ask, however, that you not share monographs that include rituals or specific exercises. After all, we dont want to spoil the coming rituals or exercises should the person decide to become a Rosicrucian student. In suggesting this, please understand that we are not giving monographs to non-members to study. We are simply sharing one or two lessons during our conversation with those who might have misgivings or great curiosity about the nature of the monographs themselves. Also the Manifestos, which are occasionally sent with the monographs during the lst-9th Degrees may be lent to sincerely interested non-members, as noted in the introduction to each of these booklets. It is also important to give people honest facts about what being a Rosicrucian student is all about. To do this, it helps to know what nonRosicrucians commonly find most appealing about studying the teachings of the Orderand it helps to know what some of the buzz words are that can turn people off.

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What do people find most appealing about the Rosicrucian studies, and our advertisements about the studies? People are strongly attracted to the fact that the Rosicrucian Order allows its students to develop a personal philosophy of growth, and that students are encouraged to maintain their own independent thought throughout their studies. They like the idea that they will be allowed to form their own conclusions about what they study and experience. People are also strongly attracted to the fact that the Order believes the answers to lifes questions are already within each one of us. They feel this gives people credit for being complete within themselves, and that all they need is fine tuning. This appeals to the independent thinker. Therefore, it is helpful to focus on the fact that the Order helps students tap into the knowledge that is already inside of them. The theme of discovery of self is very appealing to many. This is consistent with the teachings of the Order and strikes a responsive chord within the sincere seeker. People appreciate knowing the Rosicrucian Order is not a religion; that there is no fixed belief system that will be imposed on them. People see as very positive the fact that the Rosicrucian studies are timetested, that they have been around for a long time. People react favorably to phrases such as ancient wisdom and time-honored techniques. People appreciate that no one will call on them if they request a Mastery of Life. For most people it is a big concern that they may send away for information and then be hounded for years to join. The Order never pressures anyone to study the teachings, and our commitment to not do so is much appreciated. The Mastery of Life honesdy tells the public that we gradually develop our inner abilities. This is seen as being realistic and honest, and is well received. People react negatively to claims that seem to offer simple solutions. People respond favorably to phrases such as self-discovery, selfenhancement, and internal discovery. They are also attracted to the word ancient in Ancient Mystical Order; and they respond favorably to the idea of ancient mysteries and what one person described as the ancient mysteries that we have known (and known and known), and forgotten.

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People enjoy hearing about what the Order is. To this end, they often enjoy a short summary of the history of the Rosicrucian Order, including the fact that the Order traces its teachings back through history and that the Rosicrucian studies have been added to over the centuries. A glimpse into the studies themselves can be helpful. For example, it may help the prospective student to know that the Rosicrucian studies cover a review of philosophy, natural law, and the meaning of life, and they include many exercises and experiments. What kinds of things can turn people off? People dont like being put down. They dont want to be told that something is missing in their life, that they lack something, or that life is not going well for them. Some feel that this is a standard ploy for a religious or self-help group, and they have little patience with this approach. Therefore, it can be very irritating when a person is told something such as The Rosicrucian Order has a satisfying answer for you. This comment infers that the individual doesnt have the answers, and must look outside himself or herself to find them. Therefore, this kind of comment is described as pushy and religious. Besides, this kind of statement is not true. Each of us has all the wisdom we need already within ourselves. What we can use is some help in recalling it, which is exactly what the Rosicrucian studies offer. People react negatively to anything that smacks of elitism or infers that the Order is not open to all. Indeed, this is one of the big areas of difference between the Rosicrucian Order and some other groups. The Rosicrucian Order offers its studies to all sincere seekers. People react negatively to the idea that the Rosicrucian Order is a secret organization. Therefore, anything that even loosely refers to secrecy is dislikedincluding words such as Membership, Order, and so forth. It is more helpful to talk about becoming a student of the Rosicrucian studies, rather than joining or becoming a member of the Order. And it is best to talk about the Rosicrucians, rather than constantly mentioning the Order.

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The idea of membership, or belonging, which is sometimes communicated during public lectures, suggests to some people a longtime commitment, and the responsibility to keep that commitment even if one doesnt want to. This is perceived as a negative. There sometimes seems to be a fear that the person will become stuck in the group and will not be able to break away. These people appreciate our making it clear that no one will call on them. It is helpful to specifically state that once they start receiving the studies, students are under no obligation to continue with them and can leave the organization at any time. While people appreciate knowing the Rosicrucian Order is not a religion, many feel that this phrase used on its own may bring up a negative without really saying what the Order is in the first place. People want to know what the Rosicrucian Order is, not what it isnt. To this end, we feel the phrase worldwide philosophical and initiatic tradition is an accurate description. The notion that the Rosicrucian Order is a school is also an explanation that goes over well. A school does not imply secrecy, and the concept of a school is certainly consistent with the Rosicrucian Orders heritage. In short, people find the following phrase most helpful: The Rosicrucian Order is a worldwide philosophical and initiatic tradition. It is not a religion and does not prescribe a set code of beliefs or conduct. People are naturally turned off by jargon they dont understand. Nothing is more alienating than sitting in a lecture hearing words such as: Prater, Soror, Grand Councilor, Regional Monitor, Master Within, monographs, sanctum, and so on. In talking with people, we must be sensitive to using words that have meaning for everyone, or explaining words so everyone can understand them. I feel awkward and uncomfortable approaching some people about the Order. Am I supposed to be telling everyone about the Rosicrucian studies? Of course not! We would never insist on talking about politics, sports, or literature with someone who is not interested. By the same token, we wouldnt insist on discussing mysticism or metaphysics with someone who has no interest in those subjects. In general, we have discovered that individuals who might be interested in the Rosicrucian studies usually have a clear curiosity about the esoteric,
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mysticism, and similar subjects. Such persons were most likely born with this longing. It is a fundamental part of their being. These are the people who feel they are at home after they have been in the Order for a while. By the time they are young adults, these individuals have probably shown some interest in the paranormalbe it ESP, UFOs, mystical literature, or similar subjects. They may have even read widely among esoteric and mystical subjects or joined other groups. It is this type of personthe individual who is looking for something more, something to put meaning into lifewho often finds the most satisfaction in the Rosicrucian studies. These people are often searching for this special something and may find exactly what theyre looking for in the Rosicrucian studies. You can discover through casual conversation whether you share common interests with someone. If so, you can allow those interests to lead you into a conversation about the Rosicrucian studies. If someone were interested in metaphysics and mysticism, why would they want to become a student of the Rosicrucian studies instead of joining some other group? Over the years, Rosicrucian students have told us time after time how the Rosicrucian studies have helped them in their lives. The following benefits are strong reasons why people are attracted to the Rosicrucian studies. Physical Benefits: Many students report better overall health and stress reduction. Students report experiencing improved general health andwellbeing when they follow the suggestions offered in the Rosicrucian studies. They feel better, eat healthier, relax more effectively. A series of exercises and health tips are an important part of the teachings. The use of visualization and other techniques is beneficial in healing, weight reduction, stopping smoking, etc. Emotional Benefits: There is joy in associating with others who share the same curiosity about the world. There is a sense of wonder and confidence in participating in a centuries-old school of learning. There is happiness and self-assurance in knowing that you are on the right path, a trail that has been well worn by some of the greatest minds of the past. Participation in the Rosicrucian Order offers a unique opportunity to meet other
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like-minded individuals. Weekly meetings that you can participate in are held at local lodges. Being a Rosicrucian student provides a sense of security, and fulfills the need for something to believe and participate in that is greater than ones self. It provides the powerful emotional sense of coming home. Rational Benefits: The Rosicrucian studies provide instruction on a wide variety of interesting and informative topics from philosophy to science, to practical advice on improving your life and moving ahead. Students learn more about themselves and others. They learn the best of what the great philosophers have taught; they learn about natures laws and how they can be of practical assistance in life; they learn various philosophies of life. The studies help develop a fuller understanding of ones world and ones life. The Rosicrucian Order is not a religion. It is not dogmatic in its teachings and often presents many sides of an issue to the student for consideration. This aspect of the teachings satisfies many who feel a need for a left-brained approach to mysticism. It is a Western-oriented approach that depends upon the scientific method. Psychic Benefits: Many students find that their intuition and extrasensory psychic perception improves as a result of membership. This aspect of the studies satisfies those who are attracted to psychic phenomena. Spiritual Benefits: Many students experience mystical attunement and find a greater sense of oneness with the universe. They feel a greater connection with others, with nature, and with the Cosmic. They develop a greater sense of wholeness and completeness through contact with the Inner Self. They seek Cosmic Consciousness and the mastery of life through the Rosicrucian teachings. Through the studies, they experience the deeper aspects of self; they discover the transforming power of mind. Through the studies, they create prosperity, joy, success, and mastery, which is each persons inalienable right. There are other groups that can make the same claims about benefits. How are the Rosicrucian studies different? What is unique about what the Order offers? Five aspects of the Rosicrucian approach set it completely apart from other organizations. These aspects make the Rosicrucian teachings unique.

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Harmonious, balanced development: It is important to recognize that the Rosicrucian studies do not focus on one human function to the exclusion of others because this would be an unbalanced approach. The Rosicrucian approach develops our functions harmoniously at a pace that produces the best results long term. The studies offer a balanced, safe approach to psychic and mystical development. A school of instruction: Self-knowledge needs to be taught and practiced. One can only go so far by reading books; to acquire a skill, one must practice. The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is a true mystical school of instruction that is directly linked to an ancient tradition, but has been continually improved and modernized over the centuries right up to the present day. It offers not just ideas, but exercises and techniques that support the development of self-control and mastery. With this approach, students experience a great degree of success in reaching their spiritual objectives. Convenience: The lessons are mailed regularly and the minimum requirement is an hour a week to study the monographs. This method is geared to the modern mysticin other words, all of us who are required to live and participate in society. The Rosicrucian studies do not require an ascetic retirement from life. The student does not have to travel to some faraway place, climb a mountaintop, find the right cave, or endure any hardships. Nor is the non-joiner required to participate in group activities. If desired, one can limit their study to the privacy of ones own home. Freedom of thought: The Rosicrucian studies are not a personality cult or a religion. They are not bound by an inflexible creed or dogma. Students are encouraged to be walking question marks. Men and women members have always been treated as equals. No hypocrisy in regard to the financial obligations of students: Students dues are nominal to cover administration expenses. The Rosicrucian studies are extended freely to every active student. There are equal dues for all students, and all students are treated alike.