Citadel

The experience of this new dimension of Will is of being supported in a specific way. One feels one does not need ego defenses, because one now has the real “defense.” This aspect of Essence is sometimes specifically experienced as the defense of Essence. This is one reason why we call this aspect the Citadel. The sense is of being supported, protected, defended by a Presence that is as formidable and invulnerable as a citadel. It is the presence of Essence as the defender of the Truth. (The Pearl Beyond Price, pg 383)

The Citadel gives one a sense of solidity and support, with no grandiose ideas. One is clearly aware that it is an essential Presence, and not a physical or mental power, that it is a support for Being and not for ego. (The Pearl Beyond Price, pg 383)

So to recapitulate, we need objective perception to see, to understand, that Essence is the answer, is the fulfillment, is the Ridwhan. And from that will result the true value of Essence, in yourself, in others, everywhere. And then, with that understanding and valuing, there will arise the true discipline, the true protection, for your Essence and for the essential life. The world we live in does not support this. People around us do not support this. There are pressures everywhere against this orientation and when you do experience Essence, it needs to be protected. You have to find your own citadel, your own fortress. Your citadel has to do with the true discipline, is the true discipline. There is an actual aspect of Essence, which we call the citadel, which is the protection for who you are and your Essence, so that it will be preserved, so that it will develop, so that it can be used for others. This is the right way of living. It has to be there. It’s not that you’ll experience your Essence and you automatically get out of the swamps. You have to take action, to live your life in accordance with the truth, the truth of your Essence, the truth of who you are, your situation, who you happen to be, what your limitations are. (Diamond Heart Book 1, pg 129)

As the Citadel is realized, it provides the soul with all the essential aspects as specific supports for leading a life of truth. We call it the Citadel because it can manifest as an enormous, solid presence – like a mighty fortress – that supports and protects the truth as it manifests in our life. The various defensive ego functions that have helped us operate without the ground of our true nature are replaced by this immense and powerful support of Being itself. The more we learn to bring our awareness of truth into the functioning of our life, the more we gain access to the essential grounding, guidance, and protection of the Citadel. To activate this new dimension, the process of exploration needs to extend into all areas of our life. We begin to explore our work, our relationships, and our behavior in terms of whether they reflect truth or not. This process brings in an integrity, a self-respect, and a valuing of the truth – all of which invite the arising of the Citadel dimension. (Spacecruiser Inquiry, pg 354)

Citadel and guidance

The aspect of the Citadel provides guidance for how to live one's life according to the Truth of Being. It is referred to as "objective conscience", for it is like the conscience of Essence. It gives one support and protection that is present and available, only when one is living according to the Truth of Essence. In other words, its presence (realization) is equivalent to living according to the laws of Being. Realizing this aspect means many practical things. One must change one's practical life in a way that supports essential life, rather than impeding it. One's activities, interests, associations, relationships and so on, now have to be according to the Truth, in the service of, and in harmony with, Essence. (The Pearl Beyond Price, pg 384)

Citadel and inadequacy

The realization of the Citadel actualizes the Merging Essence right at the site of the inadequacy. This then brings about the Presence of the Personal Essence, along with the heart qualities and the Diamond Guidance. This resolution is not final, because it is not complete... Nevertheless, the state becomes much less intense, less significant, more understood and easily tolerable. Basically, with this resolution, one attains a much greater measure of disidentification from the state of inadequacy. (The Pearl Beyond Price, pg 386)