Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00275)

February 20th 1998

Several MSGS have been posted on this.

In India there are current two levels (at least) of astrological =
calculations.

    1.    starting with conception, and

    2,    starting at the physical birth of the baby physical form.

Theosophically:  Are we not dealing with the periodical incarnations of =
an immortal being ?
[ SD I 570 - 574 ] seems to point to this fact.  It involves several =
"monads" each on its pilgrimage and development of ever-increasing =
panoramas of awareness, consciousness, intelligence -- either to enter =
the fresh stage of an incarnation into a physical and psychic =
environment provided by its Karma as an "individuality" =
(Atma-Buddhi-Manas-Antaskarana) , or as in the case of the Higher Self, =
to continue one of the many periods of monitoring and serving this =
developing Intelligence by serving as its "Voice of Conscience."

The three lines of evolution (condensed from the seven) are sketched for =
us in SD I 181.
=20
The nature of the MONAD is sketched in footnotes in SD I 174-5 -- and =
there are many more interesting references to be found in the INDEX to =
the SD for those who desire to develop their vision of this grand =
scheme.

Some of us wonder what the link between the doctrine (theory), and the =
practice (ethics) of Theosophy are.  To me, as I have looked over this =
view provided by the SD and Theosophy it seems that we live in a vast =
sentient universe where the main laws are BROTHERHOOD, tolerance of our =
co-immortals, ASSISTANCE when we have learned something valuable to all =
we contact.  And then this would lead to personal application.  If we =
view the idea that Law is the same for all, that it is not to be =
"escaped from;"   i.e.:  the consequences of our thoughts, desires, and =
acts will always produce results.  Effects follow causes. =20

Some of us desire to master those Laws of nature -- already in place -- =
and harness them for various reasons.  There is much theoretical =
information to be acquired concerning the hidden side of nature.

This hidden side is both:  1.)   psychic (desire, passion, selfish, =
acquisitive, domineering sometimes, but essentially it can be =
characterized as "Me vs.. the World")  and, 2.)  the "Spiritual" -- =
where we find universal ideas and ideals, where the reign of Universal =
LAW is recognized as an inescapable Whole;  it places as a cooperative =
and inter-active Being with others of the same potential and capability. =
 It is inclusive and helpful, instead of exclusive and isolationist. =20

Where then, as immortals, are we going ?  The decision on this is called =
the "TWO PATHS" and is very well described in THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE.  =
In fact we could suggest that this small book which HPB translated from =
stanzas in THE BOOK OF DZYAN, offers the most reasonable and =
comprehensive ethical practices a student of Theosophy could consider. =20

Self-progress and self-development follow exactly the same process that =
we became familiar with in School and College.  In any class there are =
those who are bright, there are those who work hard to become bright and =
there are those who are indifferent for various reasons.  Each group and =
every individual within such a group can change from any group to =
another, but only by way of his or her own exertions.  WE advance or =
retard ourselves according to our desires and efforts.

So in ASTROLOGY.  Our lives are moved from one group of correlates to =
others.  The process of reincarnation, consequent upon the workings of =
Karma on various planes of our own being, and those of Nature, will =
determine the appropriate family, time of birth, nation, religion (or =
lack of it) and other kinds of situations. =20