Theos-Talk Archives (September 2000 Message tt00036)

Sept 27th 2000

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your inquiry.


As far as I can determine, the basis for "Individuality" is said
to be the "Causeless Cause" whereby the ONE UNIVERSAL SPIRIT
seeks to "Know Itself."  This sounds very paradoxical.

It is "The Sundering of the One" that produces all individual
units, the word "individual" being limited to an expression of
"unity with the One Spirit."  The "ONE" may represent SPIRIT in
its unqualified wholeness and quality-less-ness.

Yet, (here in our condition of manifestation and differentiation)
we are faced with the actuality of this duality:  UNIVERSALITY
that is undefinable.  And PARTICULARITY which is equally
undefinable.  [The indivisible 'great,'  and the indefinable
'small.']

As evidence of REALITY we are compelled to visualize (mentally)
our own SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS.  We can never do entirely away with
that one fact.

Enshrined in that are the highest, (spiritual ?), most
impersonal, compassionate and virtuous qualities.  These have to
be universal and without particularities, and yet the existing
particularities (you and me and all other developing MONADS
(units of Spirit/Matter) ) have to have the same opportunities.
This is Universal Brotherhood in the most fundamental sense.

Hence, in "manifestation" when the UNIT becomes MANY UNITS, their
potentials are equal, yet each differs, depending on the power of
their INDIVIDUAL effort (choice) to "return to the ONE."

I can only express this metaphysically and must agree that in
terms of our limited logic this appears most faulty and
paradoxical.

It is said that the first "evil" (error, confusion, etc...) is
the "Sundering of the ONE."  It Is the error of a limited
time-sense -- when a projected result is not Carried out (in
terms of thought-anticipation) to its ultimate RESULT --  in
terms of effects imparted to other sentient beings which will
become part of the on-going Karma of the causative Unit.  It is
this on-going Karmic effect that causes future linkages and the
successive impact of what we call "good" and "bad" karma.

The eternal MONAD (and eternal MONADS) which emerge into
"manifestation" are emanations from this motion of the "Causeless
Cause" which under KARMA (infinite, immutable, timeless and
impersonal) marks in cycles the ever recurring Manvantaras (where
Spirit and Matter intermix).  Being eternal the process of
manvantaric succession like that of reincarnation are continuous.
Karma (whether Universal or particular) rules all these changes.
Individual choice modifies them.

In considering the 7-fold nature of the Universe and Mankind, one
notices that the first differentiation is termed SPIRIT.  Then,
associated with that, is BUDDHI (Wisdom -- a knowledge of Law
(Karma) and the effect of fresh "causes").  Buddhi, however is
also termed MULAPRAKRITI (or the "Root of Matter").  It is not
our ordinary physical stuff, but a highly refined energy which
forms the energic basis for all differentiations of matter.
Then, associated with ATMA-BUDDHI ( the MONAD in manifestation)
is MAHAT (the UNIVERSAL MIND).  This carries the universal plan
of all evolutionary development/s as well as serves as the Akasic
basis of relationship that pervades the Monadic condition,
whether in essence or differentiated.  All operations of Karma
are associated with Mahat as well as with Atma and Buddhi.  One
might call these the ever-present Tetraktys.

This may prove a very unsatisfactory answer, but it is as I see
it from a close study of Theosophical doctrines.

Best wishes,

Dallas

D. T. B.

-----Original Message-----
From: StrStudio@aol.com [mailto:StrStudio@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2000 3:32 PM
To: dalval@nwc.net
Subject: Individuality?

Dallas-

You stated in your previous email:

3.      The actuality (reality) of the ONE is also the actuality

and potential of every other Unit as of the whole.  [ Hence the

SD teaches that all MONADS are united and affect each other. ]

This is a statement that sets parameters for universality and

individuality, . . .

------------------------------------------------------------
My Question:
I can see the association and basis here for Universality,
however, where is
the basis for Individuality?

If it is realized (actuality of the ONE) then there can be no
sense of
individuality. This brings me to Buddha, who refused to answer a
direct
question, "Is there a soul". How is Individuality made clear
Theosophically.

Jim Stratos


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