Theos-Talk Archives (November 1998 Message tt00140)

In a message dated 11/11/98 9:13:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, Dallas writes:

<< But this claim that theosophy has "evolved" is to me a "put
 down."  >>

Let's say, then, that the understanding of theosophy
has evolved and with it, new and more appropriate
terminology.  William Quan Judge uses the term "ethereal
double" on p. 38 of THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY
which is not so different from the "etheric double"
of Annie Besant, CWL and Col. Arthur Powell.  Judge
seems not to prefer the use of the word "ethereal body"
as explained on p. 39 but that's his choice.  The Astral
Body is referred to by later writers as the Desire
Body or Emotional Body.  We use the astral sheath
(Kama Rupa) WHILE we are still in embodiment.  If
we didn't, we wouldn't have any emotional life.

Ever heard of Astral Projection ?  OBEs are usually
Astral Plane experiences.  Etheric Projection, on the
other hand, is a rare and rather limited experience
using a different body (the Etheric Double or Linga
Sarira) operating on the subtle levels of the Physical
Plane only.....two different bodies, two different planes
of consciousness (physical/etheric and astral).

The perennis philosophia is inexhaustible so there
will always be new expressions of it as well as
fresh insights by those who study those expressions.

Best Wishes,
Augoeides