will stand out and in emerging will create a great landmark in religious history. But there are many who are never heard of, for their missions are executed in secrecy within the inner spheres of man's consciousness.

In the West some thinkers like William James have postulated the possibility of a plurality of Cosmic Beings who stand behind the great forces operating in the world. The Sufis refer to these beings as Panjatan (the five bodies) and according to Hindu tradition as well, they belong to the "hidden hierarchy" behind the scenes which executes the purpose of creation.

The famous Sadguru Sai Baba [1] was said to be the Kutub or Axis of the Hierarchy at the beginning of this century. Another member of this august assembly was Hazrat Babajan who was a Moslem Kutub. There is a well-known story about her that her constant affirmations that she was God and the source of everything so enraged some orthodox Moslem soldiery of a Baluchi regiment that they buried her alive, only to discover her some years later — safe and well—holding court amongst her devotees at Poona. She had used super-normal powers to escape her entombment.

The Hierarchy has a direct divine influence and can bring about great changes in world affairs, musing the rise and fall of nations, and of economic systems, in keeping with karma, as may best suit the Divine Plan as a whole. Towards this goal, statesmen, politicians and great figures in public life are more directly, though unconsciously, influenced to bring about the adjustments of social and economic life. All human suffering, whether individual or collective, caused by wars or great natural catastrophes, is neither accidental nor coincidental, for man has to conform to the laws which govern the universe. Meher Baba [2] has disclosed some hitherto unknown facts regarding the nature and organization of this group of Masters, for in this sophisticated age, the time is approaching for more knowledge on the inner esoteric construction of man and his functions.

Modern metaphysical wisdom suggests that God is within us and that there are no limitations to our possibilities. Eastern and Western wisdom have always taught the ultimate union of man with his Divine Soul, the Oversoul or God. The relation of man to God has ever been the subject of endless conjectures by theologians and philosophers of no matter what faith; but Christian and Moslem pundits, while assuming that God is the

1. “The Incredible Sai Baba” by Arthur Osborne, Longmans Orient, 1955 .

2. "God Speaks," by Meher Baba. Dodd Mead Co., 1955.