What characteristics of the eagle should we use to achieve self-realization?

Answer from the V.M. Samael Aun Weor.

Man must have the four characteristics of the sphinx: The claws of the lion – courage and nobility. The tenacity of the ox –represented by the ox's legs–. The wings of the eagle – these are the wings of the spirit and intelligence of man – represented by the head of the sphinx.

Man must be serene before the worst enemies. Man must be tenacious in his purposes, and not lose heart in the face of obstacles and inconveniences that arise. Man must have the majesty of the eagle so as not to succumb to the worst failures. Man must develop his intelligence to know how to adapt to all the circumstances of life without any difficulty.

And when man has already developed the four characteristics of the sphinx, then he is ready to pass the four tests of earth, fire, water and air. Through these four tests the morale of the disciple is examined. This is, then, a symbolic examination, which corresponds exactly to the morality of the disciple.

He who has not developed serenity will not be able to pass the litmus test. He who succumbs to economic failure will not be able to pass the air test. He who has not developed altruism and adaptability to life will not be able to pass the water test. He who has not learned to be tenacious will not be able to pass the ground test either.

The sphinx is the same man. Man must have the wings of the eagle, the intelligence of man, the claws of the lion and the tenacity of the ox. Those four characteristics of the sphinx allow man to pass the four tests of earth, fire, water and air.

Samael Aun Weor. Book: The Perfect Marriage of Kindergarten.

Answer from the Magazine "The Wisdom of the Being".

All knowledge has two aspects: the public or exoteric for the common man and the hidden or esoteric for the adept, and it is obvious that we must first introduce ourselves in the exoteric circle so that later, if we so wish, gradually advance towards the final goal, which is release our essence.

The eagle is symbolically associated with the Sun, the sky, sometimes also with lightning and thunder, considered the queen of birds, alludes to royalty and divinity of very remote times, for example accompanying Zeus (Jupiter) the father of all the gods.

There are four virtues that are needed to be able to reach the intimate self-realization of the Being. One must have the courage of the lion, the intelligence of man, the wings of the spirit and the tenacity of the bull. These four elements are within us: the air in the lungs, the fire in the blood, the water in the seed, in the libido and the earth in the bones. We need to master these four elements here and now.

The Wisdom of Being Magazine 93, Chapter: "The Eagle."