Theos-Talk Archives (February 2000 Message tt00044)

Feb 20 2000

Dallas offers:  The question of "Wisdom" makes me think of some
statements made in Theosophy



A wise man once said:  "Do not ask a question unless you intend
to listen to the answer and inquire into its value."	(WQJ Art. II
501)

One of the basic ideas of Theosophy is:  "Every living creature,
of whatever description, was, is, or will become a human being in
one or another Manvantara."  [Transactions. p. 23]  This implies
that all being are in essence immortal and carry with them the
indelible imprint of their experiences in terms of their present
intelligence and capacities.  In fact here is another statement:
"Your only true greatness lies in your inner true self, and it is
not desirous of obtaining the applause of others."   [WQJ Art II
501]  This is one reason why :  "A 'trained intellect' may not be
wholly opened to spiritual perceptions."  And,  "It is not
necessary to be conscious of the progress one has made." 	[WQJ
Art II 505]

Since the human form is often considered to be an index of its
achievements,  Theosophy observes:
"Man is a perfect animal, the vehicle of a fully developed monad,
self-conscious and deliberately following its own line of
progress."  [Transactions, p. 14]

This "Monad" in Theosophy is the conjoined Spirit and Primordial
Matter, or "Atma-Buddhi."   [In this regard we could consult :
SD I 172-5fn, 571-5 638-9, Trans. 39.]  Atma is considered to be
the permanent "ray" around which accumulate the "principles" that
link it to the material being we call ourselves.  Hence, it is
said:  "These principles are all aspects of one principle, and
even this principle is but a temporary and periodical ray of the
One eternal and in-finite Flame or Fire."  Where does the "monad"
come from?   HPB answered this inquiry :  "...the never
manifested Monad which lives in solitude and darkness;  when the
hour strikes it radiates from itself ONE, the first number.  This
number descending, produces TWO, the second number, and TWO, in
its turn, produces THREE, forming a triangle, the first complete
geometrical figure in the world of form.

It is this ideal or abstract triangle which is the Point in the
Mundane Egg, which, after gestation, and in the third remove,
will start from the Egg to form the triangle.  This is
Brahma-Vach-Viraj in the Hindu Philosophy and
Kether-Chochmah-Binah in the Zohar.

The first Manifested Logos is the Potentia, the unrevealed Cause;
the second, the still latent Thought;  the third, the Demiurgos,
the active Will, evolving from its universal Self the active
effect which in turn, be-comes the cause on a lower plane."
[Transactions,  p.  83]
(see also SD I 130 - the "TWO ONES")

This idea leads us to consider the metaphysical, cosmical
Universal Plan for manifestation and the Universal Mind in which
that Plan resides.  As a natural concomitant to that are those
perfect Men who are able to help implement this universal
program.  They are what we can make ourselves into if we will it.

"Universal ideation was as soon as the Ah-hi appeared, and
continues throughout the Manvantara...The "Ah-hi" pass though all
the planes, beginning to manifest on the third.  Like all other
Hierarchies, on the highest plane they are arupa, i.e., formless,
bodiless, without any substance, mere breaths.  On the second
plane, they first approach to Rupa, or form.  On the third, they
become Manasa-putras, those who become incarnated in man.  With
every plane they reach they are called by different names--there
is a continual differentiation of their original homogeneous
substance;  we call it substance, although in reality it is no
substance of which we can conceive.  Later, they become
Rupa--ethereal forms."  [TRANS 22-24, see also SD I 213-222]

"Universal or Absolute Mind always is during Pralaya as well as
Manvantara;  it is immutable.  The Ah-hi are the highest Dhyanis,
the Logoi...those who begin the downward evolution, or
emanation...The Absolute is dormant, latent mind, and cannot be
otherwise in true metaphysical perception;  it is only Its shadow
which becomes differentiated in the collectivity of these
Dhyanis."  [Transactions, p.  20]   "Universal Mind, being only
another name for the Absolute, out of time and space, this Cosmic
Ideation, or Mind, is not an evolution at all (least of all a
"creation"), but simply one of the aspects of the former, which
known no change, which ever was, which is, and will be."
[Transactions, p.  22]  these statements are introduced here
because they form the framework and background for any
consideration of WISDOM.  Wisdom is a knowledge of and a
compliance with the great Law of karma, -- which rules the worlds
and all living things.

Wisdom and perception are related.  But our world is one of
constant change.  Perception is that quality that identifies
events and fixes them in memory.  Concerning our present capacity
to perceive and record, HPB said:  	"Maya is the perceptive
faculty of every Ego which considers itself a Unit separate from,
and independent of, the One infinite and eternal SAT, or
"be-ness." ... not only we, ourselves, but the whole visible and
invisible universe, are only a temporary part of the one
beginningless and endless WHOLE, or that which ever was, is, and
will be."	[Transactions,  p.  31-2  -- see also SD I 37, where
the question of time an perception are explained.]

Theosophy considers that the whole Universe is orderly and its
order is the result of vast and minute Laws that operate
incessantly, everywhere and administer the relations between all
beings.  This area can be accessed by the human mind.  Therefore
HPB states that there is a  Universal Mind.  And she adds:  "He
who would profit by the wisdom of the universal mind, has to
reach it through the whole of Humanity without distinction of
race, complexion, religion or social status.  It is altruism, not
ego-ism even in its most legal and noble conceptions, that can
lead the unit to merge its little Self in the Universal Selves.
It is to these needs and to this work that the true disciple of
true Occultism has to devote himself, if he would obtain
theo-sophy, divine Wisdom and Knowledge."  [HPB Art. II 107]

One can observe that the whole of human life revolves about some
necessary acts -- duties, responsibilities -- which have a
primary part in sustaining our life and that of others around us.
In fact one could say that the whole of life is cooperative -- a
brotherhood in fact and action.

Theosophy holds that the Brotherhood of the Adepts -- a band of
men who have perfected themselves -- offer an example of this
kind of attitude and work.  Mr. Judge in an answer said:
"We should emulate the great Brotherhood in its constant efforts
to help Humanity...new ideas are projected among men and all good
reforms are fostered...  They offer to all men the truths of the
Wisdom-Religion...leaving results to the law... Our plain duty is
to present the truths of Theo-sophy to all men, leaving it to
them to accept or reject."	 WQJ--FORUM ANS. 7  This actual Living
Brotherhood is described in ISIS UNVEILED II 98 -103, SD II
202-3.]

Theosophy also holds it to be a fact that the Spiritual Soul of
each human being is in fact an aspect of the great Ideal -- the
UNIVERSAL ONE SPIRIT -- of all Nature.  In its nature and ability
it contrasts sharply with the habitual selfishness and
self-centerdness of the average individual.  We might observe
that potentially we are all Spiritual beings and our embodiment
in a material form is an attempt by this spiritual "Self " to
raise the quality and nature of the physical to its level of
awareness.  "Spirit" has not yet incarnated fully...towards the
moment of this grand incarnation we are hastening...to settle the
quest, whether we will become fit...  Adepts or Mahatmas are men
who are incarnated spirits. "Mr Judge wrote in answer to a query.
[WQJ FORUM ANS. 2]  And, HPB observes:  "Only the homogeneous,
the absolutely purified unalloyed spirit, can be reunited to the
Deity or go to Brahma."  [Transactions, p. 139] Wisdom and its
acquirement is a process which purifies our embodied
consciousness and makes compatible with the Universal Spirit and
its all  enveloping CONSCIOUSNESS .  We are embraced in this, but
we are not yet fully aware of it.  To become "wise" is to deepen
our awareness, and sharpen our application of this knowledge in
daily and hourly living.

On this subject HPB wrote further:  "The "Master" in the
Sanctuary of our souls is "the Higher Self"--the divine spirit
whose consciousness is based upon and derived solely...from the
Mind, which we have agreed to call the Human Soul (the "Spiritual
Soul" being the vehicle of the Spirit).  In its turn the former
(the personal or human soul) is a compound in its highest form,
of spiritual aspirations, volitions, and divine love;  and in its
lower aspect, of animal desires and terrestrial passions imparted
to it by association with its vehicle, the seat of all these.  It
thus stands as a link and a medium between the animal nature of
man which its higher reason seeks to subdue, and his divine
spiritual nature to which it gravitates, whenever it has the
upper hand in its struggle with the inner animal.  The latter is
the instinctual "animal Soul" and is the hotbed of those
passions, which, as just shown, are lulled instead of being
killed, and locked up in their breasts by some imprudent
enthusiasts."		[HPB Art II 105-6]

Mr. Judge put it very simply, he said: "As the Great Adepts live
in the plane of our inner nature, it must follow that they might
be actively helping every one of us and we, as physical brain
men, not be conscious of it on this plane."	   [WQJ Art. II 505]

All this relates to the presence of the "Wise principle"
(Buddhi) within each of us.  How are we to acquire a deeper
knowledge of it and its capabilities?   HPB suggests that in
Theosophy reside some of the great and important rules of
Occultism.  She wrote:  	"He who would be an occultist must not
separate either himself or anything else from the rest of
creation of non-creation.  For the moment he distinguishes
himself from even a vessel of dishonor, he will not be able to
join himself to any vessel of honor.  He must think of himself as
an infinitesimal something, not even as an individual atom, but
as a part of the world-atoms as a whole, or become an illusion, a
nobody, and vanish like a breath leaving no trace behind.  As
illusions, we are separate distinct bodies, living in masks
furnished by Maya...Everything, from spirit to the tiniest
particle, is part of the whole, at best a link.  Break a single
link and all passes into annihilation;  but this is impossible."
[ Transactions, p. 138]  the actual progress of anyone up the
ladder of spirituality is through self-effort.  We have to choose
to do that, so we find HPB says:  "The key in each degree is the
aspirant himself."   [HPB Art. II 97]

In Occultism there is a process of development that draws student
together and this HPB says is named "chelaship."  We could use
the English word:  "Discipleship."   It is a process of moral
discipline and is entirely self-imposed.  HPB states:  "Chelaship
is a state of mind, rather than a life according to hard and fast
rules of the physical plane...the first and chief necessity of
Chelaship is a spirit of absolute unselfishness and devotion to
Truth;  then follow self-knowledge and self-mastery."   [HPB Art
II 99]   "...practical Occultism, which is but the lowest form of
applied
Metaphysics."   [Transactions, p.  128[


To better understand the possible steps in development for a
human mind we need to consider how Consciousness is to be
defined.  HPB states:

"Maya is the perceptive faculty of every Ego which considers
itself a Unit separate from, and independent of, the One infinite
and eternal Sat, or "be-ness."...not only we ourselves, but the
whole visible and invisible universe, are only a temporary part
of the one beginningless and endless WHOLE, or that which ever
was, is, and will be."  [Transactions 31-2]   The whole
development of knowledge that leads to wisdom occurs in our
environment of space and time.  "Space is neither a limitless
void nor a conditioned fullness, but both."	[Trans. p. 29]

"Time is only an illusion produced by the succession of our
states of consciousness as we travel through eternal duration,
and it does not exist where no consciousness exists in which the
illusion can be produced;  but, "lies asleep."  The present is
only a mathematical line which divides that part of eternal
duration which we call the future, from that part which we call
the past.  Nothing on earth has real duration, for nothing
remains without change--or the same--for the billionth part of a
second;  and the sensations we have of the actuality of the
division of "time" known as the present, comes from the blurring
of that momentary glimpse, or succession of glimpses of things
that our senses give us, as those things pass from the region of
ideals which we call the future, to the region of memories that
we name the past…The real person or thing does of consist solely
of what is seen at any particular moment, but, is composed of the
sum of all its various and changing conditions from its
appearance in the material form to its disappearance from the
earth.  It is those "sum totals" that exist from eternity in the
"future," and pass by degrees through matter, to exist for
eternity in the "past." … persona and things … dropping out of
the to-be into the has-been, out of the future into the
past--present momentarily to our senses a cross section, as it
were, of their total selves, as they pass through time and space
(as matter) on their way from one eternity to another;  and these
two constitute that "duration" in which alone anything has true
existence, were our senses but able to cognate it there."  [SD  I
37]  We need to meditate and assimilate the meaning of these
ideas if we are to make progress and better understand ourselves
and our environment.  The only stability we have and know is our
SPIRITUAL SELF.  All else changes, and yet, memory identifies
what we have been right up to the last moment.  Everything we do
in the present is a choice that leads us into the "future."  We
shape our own future every instant.

One might naturally ask:  What is a Theosophist ?  HPB answers:
"...a Theosophist [is]...any person of average intellectual
capacities, and a leaning toward the metaphysical;  of pure,
unselfish life, who finds more joy in helping his neighbor than
in receiving help himself;  one who is ever ready to sacrifice
his own pleasures for the sake of other people;  and who loves
Truth, Goodness and Wisdom for their own sake, not for the
benefit they may confer--{he or she} is a Theosophist."    [HPB
Art. II 91]

What then are our responsibilities as we acquire wisdom ?  Mr.
Judge answers:  "Our plain duty is to present the truths of
Theosophy to all men, leaving it to them to accept or
reject."[WQJ FORUM ANS. 7

We might surmise that any increase in knowledge can lead to
wisdom.  But the actual barrier to wisdom is found to exist in
our own motives for learning.  We can easily acquire masses of
data.  But, how will we use them?  The test is of the moral fiber
and the purposes we consider essential for ourselves, and this is
true for each individual.  Therefore we find that HPB wrote:
"...it is the motive, and the motive alone, which makes any
exercise of power become black, malignant, or white, beneficent
Magic.  It is impossible to employ spiritual forces if there is
the slightest tinge of selfishness remaining in the operator.
For, unless the intention is entirely unalloyed, the spiritual
will transform itself into the psychic, act on the astral plane,
and dire results may be produced by it."	[HPB Art. II 92]

It has been said in all ancient philosophies that the Goal for
mankind is Perfection.   HPB observes cryptically:  "only the
homogeneous, the absolutely purified unalloyed spirit can be
reunited to the Deity or go to Brahma."	[Transactions, p. 139]
At the very end of the third Fragment of the VOICE OF THE
SILENCE, the devotee, the chela who has remade himself, and is
faced with Perfection is offered a final question and choice
Will he elect to retire into selfish Nirvana?  Or, will he elect
to remain involved in Nature's vast School, and be of continued
assistance to his fellow men.  Eventually this choice will face
us all.

Offered in the hope that this will evoke questions and further
dialog.

Best wishes,

  Dallas

dalval@nwc.net


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