Theos-Talk Archives (January 2000 Message tt00052)

Jan 18

Dear Maureen:

I found that in the SD Vol. 1, pp. 570-575 HPB speaks of the
"rays" to which every Monad (whether human or otherwise, in terms
of experience)  on the great scale of evolution belongs

The Origin of the idea of the "Rays" rests in the 7 original
Dhyani Buddhas, the COSMOCRATORES who, after manifestation
begins, serve to assist Nature in the general differentiation and
reconstruction of the universe.  Man's physical form as well as
his various "principles" are included in this process.

Every MONAD (conjoined ATMA-BUDDHI, or Spirit and Primordial
Matter) originates under Karma generated in an earlier Manifested
Universe and is placed by affinity and that individual Karma in
one or another of the Rays -- all are equal in potency and are
only the necessary basic needs for a total evolution that leads
when the stage of "man" (or the MIND stage) to the possibility of
an unlimited and total view of the workings of the Universe.

This is a spiritual achievement, not a psychic one.  The rules
concerning such a self-advancement are to be found in THE VOICE
OF THE SILENCE and in the PRACTICAL SECTION of the KEY TO
THEOSOPHY

It is because there are SEVEN that the whole of Nature and Man is
said to be composed of seven "principles."  There is no
assignment of the peculiarities of human nature to specific
"rays."  However one might infer that if there are these 7
principles that are distinguishable both as "vehicles," and as
"states of consciousness" there must exist a correspondence.

But, ask yourself apart from such information, what value does
this have to us in practical life?  does it make us better
people?  Does it inspire us to serve our fellow men better?  Does
the information actually add to our ability to learn better how
to handle our Karma or to make good choices for the future?  The
practical side of personal life is emphasized in Theosophy and
not only the theoretical study and learning.

Those Principles are listed in SD I 157-8 and SD II 596 and 603.
In the KEY TO THEOSOPHY, HPB also goes into this in detail and
explains the nature of each of those principles.  Nowhere have I
found her to explain how any of us can determine specifically
which of the "rays" we belong to.  In other words in the EYE
DOCTRINE there are hints but no definite statements.  In THE
VOICE OF THE SILENCE and in some of her articles she gives these
hints.  Students are left to find them for themselves.

In the "BHAGAVAD GITA" at one point Krishna asks Arjuna:  "But
what have you to do with knowledge such as this?  I (the SUPREME
SPIRIT) established this whole Universe with a single PORTION of
MYSELF, and remain SEPARATE."  In other words, the whole of
manifestation is only a part of the ABSOLUTENESS (or SUPREME
SPIRIT), and that remains "separate" from the struggling
individual MINDS that seek to reach to a full understanding of
the Great Mystery of Life and living.
The "Supreme Spirit" in us is the Teacher, and is also named the
HIGHER SELF.  And the Mind is Arjuna the disciple.  We are all
Arjunas. Inspired with this potential as a concept we compel
ourselves to advance in study and in practice till we transform
ourselves into Divine Beings.  We can become one with the HIGHER
SELF.

After HPB died, some later students tried to develop the concept,
of the "7 Rays," and relied on psychic messages that were
attributed to "authorities" which in the life-time of HPB were
not mentioned as responsible for any such teachings (as far as I
can determine).  HPB always said that the "authority" was within.
It is our Higher Self and the Voice of Conscience that speaks to
us.

In any case, one ought to always approach statements of any kind
in Theosophy (or from any source) with a large question mark.  Is
it reasonable?  Is it true?  How do I verify this ?  Does it
relate to the personality and its many desires, speculations,
ambitions, etc. ?  Or, does it relate the Spiritual Individuality
and the moral quality of our living?   What is the universal Law
that applies in such cases ?  And, so on.

To me, Theosophy has always presented a coherence that reflects
the harmonious operations of the Universe and or Nature all
around and within me.  Hence one ought to approach all statements
with an attitude of inquiry and a willingness to relate the new
to the old -- to see if they cohere and add to our general
perception of things.

Best wishes,

Dallas.



dalval@nwc.net

===========================

-----Original Message-----
From: Maureen Fitzgerald
[mailto:maureen.fitzgerald@hartfordlife.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2000 12:44 PM


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