Theos-Talk Archives (May 2000 Message tt00068)

Maybe we dwell too much on the science of theosophy, and too little on the
art. Isn't "unfoldment" as growth one of the basic understandings of
evolution? Whether the begining of a universe or the first step on the
path, the movement will continue whether we carry a measuring stick or
simply take in the view. One can appreciate the symmetry of a cube without
understanding the mathmatics involved in creating it -- or  those like me
of the not so good mathmatical minds -- have no chance of advancement! 
Each step taken -- each lesson learned -- must be acted upon to bring about
unfoldment I suppose. But to be expected to measure each step before taking
it will surely make some of us stop moving! Perhaps it already has is why I
cannot see the significance in the debate over the words oblong square. The
words in any book are only doors to open the mind of the reader to the
writer's thoughts. 
To read HPB, is to enter her circle of thoughts -- these will, I believe,
permeate the mind of the sincere reader to whatever degree they can be
understood.
Apparently I am not to the point of understanding to do the math, although
the vision of an "oblong square" is perfectly comfortable in my mind's
eye.Maybe I'm just missing the whole point here. 
nancy 

----------
> From: Peter Merriott <caduceus@dial.pipex.com>
> To: theos-talk@theosophy.com
> Cc: Jerome Wheeler <Jwheele@co.santa-barbara.ca.us>
> Subject: RE: Theos-World Square pegs that have difficulty fitting in
round holes.
> Date: Friday, May 05, 2000 7:20 PM
> 
> Hello Nancy,
> 
> Yes, I think we should also consider that as a possibility, along with
the
> others and decide for ourselves which is right.  For myself,  I would say
> one of the arguments against it being an oxymoron is that HPB points out
> there are also "oblong cubes".  Futhermore there are also 'squared
circles',
> or rather at a certain stage one has to 'square the circle' - another
> symbolic phrase.
> 
> It seems to me that if we could get on with the study of Theosophy the
other
> side issues will either fall away or fall into place, and we would have a
> chance of finding it rewarding rather than an just an "endurance".
> 
> For example, we might ask - is an "oblong cube" the cube unfolded? 
Looking
> at page 321, vol 1, of the SD where the cube unfolded is mentioned, we
read:
> 
> "the evolution and correlation of the mysteries of Kosmos, of its growth
and
> development -- spiritual and physical, abstract and concrete -- were
first
> recorded in geometrical changes of shape." (SD I 321)
> 
> In a recent post to Leon, I offered the view that each of us contains the
> "oblong square" within ourselves, the true work of 'the Lodge' being
carried
> out in the "chamber of the Heart" wherein we meet the Master, the Higher
> Self.  Th three halls mentioned in "the Voice of the Silence" as the
Halls
> of Ignorance, Probation and Wisdom are within each one of us.  Does the
> following on the unfolded cube add anything to this?
> 
> "The phenomenal world receives its culmination and the reflex of all in
MAN.
> Therefore he is the mystic square -- in his metaphysical aspect -- the
> Tetraktis; and becomes the Cube on the creative plain. His symbol is the
> cube unfolded** and 6 becoming 7, or the [[diagram]] three crossways (the
> female) and four vertically; and this is man, the culmination of the
deity
> on Earth, whose body is the cross of flesh, on, through, and in which he
is
> ever crucifying and putting to death the divine Logos or his HIGHER
SELF."
> (SD II: 36)
> 
> There is a valuable phrase in the SD:
> 
> "..the traditional methods of teaching, generally followed, aim at
> impressing every fresh idea on the memory by provoking the perplexity it
at
> last relieves."
> (SD I: 162)
> 
> best wishes
> 
> Peter
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-theos-talk@theosophy.com
> > [mailto:owner-theos-talk@theosophy.com]On Behalf Of N.Malcom
> > Sent: 05 May 2000 13:52
> > To: theos-talk@theosophy.com
> > Subject: Re: Theos-World Square pegs that have difficulty fitting in
> > round holes.
> >
> >
> > I've been reading this list and finding out more about oblong squares
than
> > any human should have to endure. I am not an expert on anything...but
as a
> > writer I thought I'd make a timid contribution.
> > Perhaps oblong squares is an oxymoron, like "friendly debate"??
> > Maybe if I knew more, I could appreciate the details of this ongoing,
and
> > occassionally rather warm discussion. I suppose I should  be quiet and
> > "lurk" but I just love the energy you all throw out with these
discussions
> > and will hate to see this one come to some kind of conclusion too soon.
> > Please, carry on. nancy
> > "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" to theos-talk-request@theosophy.com.
> 
> 
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