This sign of the triad which is to be found all over the world may have several meanings. Some interpret it as a symbol of past, present and future, enclosed in the ring of Eternity; others consider that it refers to religion, science and art, held together in the circle of Culture. But whatever be the interpretation the sign itself is of the most universal character.

The oldest of Indian symbols, Chintamani, the sign of happiness, is composed of this symbol and one can find it in the Temple of Heaven in Peking. It appears in the Three Treasures of Tibet; on the breast of the Christ in Memling's well known painting; on the Madonna of Strasbourg; on the shields of the Crusaders and coat of arms of the Templars. It can be seen on the blades of the famous Caucasian swords known as "Gurda".

It appears as a symbol in a number of philosophical systems. It can be found on the images of Gessar Khan and Rigden Djapo; on the "Tamga" of Timurlane and on the cost of arms of the Popes. It is to be seen in the works of ancient Spanish painters and of Titian, and on the ancient ikon of St. Nicholas in Bari and that of St. Sergius and the Holy Trinity.

It can be found on the coat of arms of the city of Samarkand, on Ethiopian and Coptic antiquities, on the rocks of Mongolia, on Tibetan rings, on the breast ornaments of Lahul, Ladak and all the Himalayan countries, and on the pottery of the neolithic age.

It is conspicuous on Buddhist banners. The same sign is branded on Mongolian steeds. Nothing, then, could be more appropriate for assembling all races than this symbol, which is no mere ornament but a sign which carries with it a deep meaning.

It has existed for immeasurable periods of time and is to be found throughout the world. No one therefore can pretend that it belongs to any particular sect, confession, or tradition, and it represents the evolution of consciousness in all its varied phases.

When it is a question of defending the world's treasures, no better symbol could be selected, for it is universal, of limitless antiquity and carries with it a meaning which should find an echo in every heart.

"The ruler of Shambhala is the Crest of the Banner and the Summit of Life. Accept the Ruler of Shambhala as the manifestation of life; thrice I say- of life !" – HIERARCHY § 5

This Banner is the "mark of the Saviour" (rule 12 in Rays and Initiations) and one may hang it. It will give inspiration to many and evoke an inner sense of balance, fullness and strength.

Yet we may assimilate it in consciousness too. As said HIERARCHY § 324, "Thus, with the entire strength of one’s spirit, one should unfurl the Banner of Peace, in which are contained all the abutments of culture."

The cross of the disciple – the fixed cross (Esoteric Astrology p 560) – draws as a vertical line going from Spirit to matter and an horizontal line going from method to achievement or, if you prefer, from conditionning to outer relationship. At the center of the cross is superposed a small circle, symbolizing the radiation. This fixed cross and specially its circle of radiation is sustained and fed by the symbol of the triad.

Inside the circle of radiation works this mark of the Saviour. The background representing the Presence, the circle the radiation or sphere of influence, the three points the emerging three aspects. This is a new way of working of relating and creating. We may train ourselves in this way and so serve more intensely. 

On the planetary scale this symbol has also a meaning. Not only the New Group of World Servers is responding to the inspiration of the planetary Heart, the One Self, not only is it responding to the need, thanks to the creativeness of humanity, it is also responding to the cosmic Principle expressing Itself through this planet and sustaining:

- The focus of Life, the center where the will of God is known, named Shamballa in the East.
- The focus of the One Self giving consciousness and spreading Love.
- The focus of creative intelligence, expressing through humanity.

We are part of this Work, of this creation, of this Existence.

The outer radiation and the inner assimilation are synthesized in the One furnace of Spirit, where the 3 roots are latent.

Through Presence the unity of Being is achieved. One cycle, one action synthesizing Abstraction (out of manifestation) Assertion (in manifestation) and the link of this abstract Source and movement: Peace.

This sign runs through all cultures, through all peoples and pertains to all humanity, therefore no group can claim that it belongs to it. As said Nicholas Roerich : "this sign is of the most universal character, … it carries with it a deep meaning. It has existed for immeasurable periods of time and is to be found throughout the world. No one therefore can pretend that it belongs to any particular sect, confession, or tradition, and it represents the evolution of consciousness in all its varied phases. … it carries a meaning which should find an echo in every heart"

Let us remember:

"Thus, when We introduce into life a new affirmation, one should strive with the entire spirit on the path of fulfilment of the Highest Will. Hence, when We affirm the great significance of the Banner of Peace, it must be adopted in spirit." – HIERARCHY § 339

"Thus, during the Epoch of Fire, when Light battles with darkness, the manifestation of the Banner of Peace is that fundamental sign which will give a new step to humanity." – HIERARCHY § 377

"Those who do not comprehend the new ways are greatly in need of understanding the Epoch of Maitreya. The banner of Peace and of the Lords will open all ways!" – HIERARCHY § 390