Theos-Talk Archives (December 2000 Message tt00078)

December 24, 2000

Re: CELEBRATION When? How? Why?

Dear Friends:

If we assume that special dates (in manifested time) are indexes
(and reminders) whereby certain MAGNETIC effects are renewed,
then there is a reason for "celebration."

I always think that the reason for any "celebration" ought to be
carefully sought for and exposed to (first) our own
understanding, and (second) give us an opportunity to check and
review the "teachings" and "information" given concerning the
"CELEBRATION."

If we find that we can acquire greater understanding, providing
that this data or information illumines or awakens ancient
innate "memories," and causes (in ourselves) the Human EGO (Manas
and Buddhi-Manas) to awaken to their duty of monitoring and
controlling the LOWER MANAS ( our level of present consciousness
(mind enmeshed in passions and desires) then the inner
"Heart-Doctrine" aspect of a "celebration" is achieved.

If, on the other hand we use the physical plane "celebration" as
a period of rest and enjoyment, we may loose the real value of
the event. If the 'disciple' has as one of his/her duties to
maintain a close ATTENTION over the doings of its "LOWER SELF
(Kama-Manas)" then such research can prove beneficial.

Every ancient religion had "Lesser Mysteries." True. But beyond
and behind them lie important truths, which students of occultism
look for. For example. In S.D. II 488 we are given a survey of
the Zoroastrian (Magian) theogony and survey of the metaphysics
of evolution. This contains information relevant to the
description of the MAHATMA named: "GREAT SACRIFICE" -- as
described on S.D. I 208.

It indicates that among the great "Creators" (Agents of the
LOGOS) there is one who assumes the duty of remaining for a whole
MANVANTARA (or MAHA-MANVANTARA (?) at the threshold of SUPREME
and universal WISDOM. So, too the student who is also a
burgeoning occultist stands to others at the threshold of a
higher degree of wisdom.

Wisdom is not personal knowledge, but, rather a knowledge of
those cycles of celebration and also of the right information and
duties to be communicated to others at some crucial time in the
Earth's on-going pattern of history and development. The period
125 to 100 years ago evidently marked such a period. If, as
taught, there is a 100 year cycle in place for the increase of
the enlightenment of our world, then we have just been through
such a period in the last 25 years. From such a time, what has
emerged in each of us? What are the duties that will now be
ours?
Is this not an example of the kind of "celebration" we ought to
consider ?

One might say that the modern Theosophical Movement, and the
publication of those books and essays which have as authors the
Masters and H.P.B. are samples of the kind of "celebration" which
it was their duty to offer -- to us.

An illustration of this true kind of celebration which sets a
pattern and marks the influence of Those who can set such things,
will be found in one of Mr. Judge's stories concerning
reincarnation -- "An Occult Novel" -- which he urged Jasper
Niemand to write. [ see ULT Edn. of W. Q. Judge: LETTERS THAT
HAVE HELPED ME -- 1946 p. 256-7 -- On the consecration of the
ancient "Temple" of Conjeveram (about 40 miles out of Madras) in
South India, near the East coast. ]

Another such set of "celebration" marking events will be found in
Damodar's A HINDU CHELA'S DIARY -- reprinted in the 1st Vol. of
PATH in 1896 (and then reprinted elsewhere as in:
THEOSOPHY MAGAZINE [ Published by ULT, in Los Angeles, USA ] ---
Vol. 3, pp. 218 265 305 356. also in THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT
Magazine [ Published by ULT, Bombay, India] ---
Vol. 10, pp. 89 98 ] Also reprinted in the book DAMODAR (A
biography, and reprints of his writings) published by the TPS,
London, Wheaton, Adyar.

Thanks, Reed , for raising this point for our consideration.

Best wishes to all,


Dallas

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Wes Amerman [mailto:amerman@pacbell.net]
Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2000 1:10 PM
To: basic@blavatsky.net
Subject: [bn-basic] Re: celebrations?

Dear Friends,

Reed asks:


At this time of year do Theosophists celebrate? Do they ever
celebrate? Is
their heart in it?


And Geeky replies: "Why not? We must try to remember that the
study of religion is not
religion. We can all be joyous, each in his own unique way, in
any and all "seasons"

Well, why not indeed? Why would "Theosophists" be exempt from
this? If
anything, we should strive to find the real joy in every season,
and not
suppose that because so many of our fellow humans celebrate
poorly, that
there is not a "proper" spirit in which to celebrate any
occasion.

The so-called "Lesser Mysteries" of antiquity were public
festivals,
collective celebrations wherein spiritual messages were
communicated to the
people in ways they could understand.

Appropriate symbolisms were used -- the fir tree, star,
interlaced triangle, a newborn infant, etc. -- as
reminders of our spiritual heritage. Many no doubt listened, and
fewer
heard, but that did not stop the teachers from continuing to
share their
message.

After all, how much of what we regard as "spiritual" do we really
understand?

Are we ready to undergo the higher celebration of the Greater
Mysteries?

We may only get but an uplifting feeling, without really
understanding why, but that should not stop us from seeking the
highest
meanings we can. Just a thought from one student who tries to
celebrate the
Winter Solstice.

Best Regards,


Wes


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