theos-talk.com

[MASTER INDEX] [DATE INDEX] [THREAD INDEX] [SUBJECT INDEX] [AUTHOR INDEX]

[Date Prev] [Date Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next]

Theos-World Square versus Oblong Square???

May 05, 2000 02:03 AM
by LeonMaurer


Daniel,

Thanks for pointing out this very interesting essay.

With reference to your opening question, I suppose, if you measure the 
dimensions of the oblong square (architecturally speaking) that is drawn on 
the chakrafield (or Tai Chi) diagram, you will probably find that they are 
"oblong numbers" (2 x 3), and that its diagonal forms two Pythagorean right 
triangles.

Therefore, it's possible that HPB's inadvertent use of the phrase "oblong 
square" referred to the dimensional ratio of the palm leaf sheets.  However, 
that would be confusing in the context of the particular statement in the 
VOS, since this wrong English usage (in such a case) would be totally 
irrelevant to its solely factual informational meaning, and technically 
confusing to a reader who might think HPB was illiterate.  Remember, the VOS 
is an instructional handbook pertaining to the "Heart Doctrine," a yoga 
practice -- and not, as the SD, a metaphysical textbook. Thus, again, 
justifying WQJ's correction, since he very well knew the difference.

LHM


In a message dated 05/03/00 12:49:26 PM, blafoun@azstarnet.com writes:

>Some of you may find this essay BELOW quite interesting.
>
>Notice what the author writes:
>
>
>
>"An Oblong number can be arranged in a rectangle
>
>whose width and height differ by one unit."
>
>
>
>Is that an oblong square? See illustrations below and
>
>see web page listed at end of this essay for an undistorted
>
>view of the illustrations.  Pasting the illustrations into
>
>this email has distorted some of them.
>
>
>
>Daniel
>
>

-- THEOSOPHY WORLD -- Theosophical Talk -- theos-talk@theosophy.com

Letters to the Editor, and discussion of theosophical ideas and
teachings. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message consisting of
"subscribe" or "unsubscribe" to theos-talk-request@theosophy.com.


[Back to Top]


Theosophy World: Dedicated to the Theosophical Philosophy and its Practical Application