Theos-Talk Archives (March 2001 Message tt00079)

Friday, March 09, 2001


Re: A Theosophical view of Evolution, its Causes and Processes


Dear Friend:


METAPHYSICS

The theosophical presentation starts of course with the
metaphysics of evolution as a general thesis involving the
reincarnation of worlds, solar systems and galaxies.


SPIRIT the FUNDAMENTAL SOURCE of EVERYTHING

The fundamental Idea (as I understand it) is the SPIRIT and all
associated with it is the universal basis for all individual
evolution.

When manifestation re-occurs (it is continuous and never stops)
it is similar to a sleeper awakening after a nap, with the
exception that the previous Universe having been dispersed, it
takes half of the renewed manifestation (waking up) to restore
complete order to the reawakened forces, individuals, life-units
(Monads), forms, and manifold processes that an integrated
organism, such as we see in our World, and Universe has. Then
with Man-Mind on the scene the next great advance (which is
developing self-consciousness (perception, intellection,
forethought, etc..., by self-induced efforts) begins.

In this process, the original re-awakening impulse in UNIVERSAL
SPIRIT is seen developing in a seven-fold manner (details to be
found tabulated in SECRET DOCTRINE Vol. II, p 596, Vol. I 157,
200, and elsewhere in that book -- use INDEX to trace them down)
In every Earth, planet, Solar System, galaxy and Universe the
process is similar. To assist in this MEN-MINDS who have become
WISE on a Universal scale, assist by voluntarily supervising the
necessary guidance of Nature's reawakening forces, and channeling
them into the cooperative that cocoons all beings and mankind
specially, today.


EVOLUTION on a KOSMIC SCALE is UNIFIED by INNATE SPIRITUAL
INTELLIGENCE

It is held that this evolutionary process on a universal scale as
well as a mundial and individual, also on the sub-atomic levels
is analogous. All of these beings (like the atom) are held to be
imperishable life centers. Each of these shows the observer the
level to which they have developed in this immeasurable and
endless process. The basic life-unit, the Monad is said to be an
indissoluble compound of SPIRIT and MATTER -- or Intelligence and
the FORMS that it uses. The forms alter and change while the
Monad remains as an undetectable center to all those changes, yet
it has always the capacity to record and register with complete
accuracy the events of its long pilgrimage. (see S.D. II 68-70
for time periods).

All the components are therefore undetectable (from the physical
standpoint) as to their SPIRITUAL SOURCE, yet the forms used, may
or may not leave a physical impression. It is to be noticed that
the time-scale which Theosophical records speak of (S.D. II
68-70) is immense, compared to the limited time-scale which
theorist geologists, archaeologist and paleontologists are
continually revising. [ One must remember that these sciences
are only about 250 to 350 years old and from their discoveries in
terms of artifacts, fossils, etc., many theories were and are
generated.


AN IMPERISHABLE COLLEGE OF THE WISE

The Theosophical view is dependent on a College of Wise men who
along with their pupils have examined and watched the development
of the Earth and Mankind and have kept careful and extensive
records of their findings and observations. It is held that the
Spirit in Man (including his discrimination, mind and
individuality) are truly immoral. Hence such a record is
possible. [ If one reads the introductory pages of Mme.
Blavatsky's ISIS UNVEILED and THE SECRET DOCTRINE, and
additionally reviews theosophical Literate during the period of
1875 - 1896, one finds this alluded to in several places -- see
ISIS UNVEILED Vol. 2, pp 95 -103. ]

The process of evolution (through the time periods designated in
Theosophy as Rounds, globes, Races and sub-races) is intimately
connected with pre-existence of the INDIVIDUAL Spirit/Mind and
reincarnation as an actual process devised and used by Nature to
facilitate this. Evidence for this may be seen in the character,
capacities and inclinations, genius, talent or their lack, in all
children and adults. We are all similar, but the process of
personal development has left its ineffaceable stamp on all of
us. Each has developed their own personality and behind it lurks
ever the INDIVIDUAL MIND which is the "Real man (or Woman)."

Nature is held to operate by rule and regulation in a perfectly
harmonious and definite way. It is held to be ruled by the
general law of compensation named in ancient India KARMA.


KARMA the Universal Law of COMPENSATION also works INDIVIDUALLY.

The idea is that whatever a sentient being chooses or alters in
his life progress by thought, will, feeling, word and deed
affects first, the components (life-atoms) of his own body and
personal nature, and then, all other beings around him, and
eventually these life-atoms and impressions return to him and
bring that atmosphere with them, thus returning it to its
original source the impression for good or bad which was stamped
on them by our choices. Motive is judged to be all important in
our progress. But motive is generated by free-willed choices..

Thus the rule of harmony in diversity, of infinite sensitivity to
all living components, and of individual progress of the
component life-units (named MONADS) is seen to be harmonized.


ROUNDS, GLOBES, RACES and SUB-RACES

These mark time and stages in the evolutionary process (S.D. I
200, S.D. II 68-70).

The first volume of the SECRET DOCTRINE deals with the first half
of the evolutionary scheme whereby the stage is set for HUMAN
EVOLUTION, not as a bodily form, but as an intelligence, a MIND,
which can exercise free-will and determine its own field of study
and rate of progress. It shows how the Earth is prepared for the
return of the MINDS that will use the bodies Nature has provided
for them. This also shows there are three lines of evolution
operate constantly: the SPIRITUAL (or MONADIC), 2, the
Intellectual (of MIND) and 3. the physical (of the bodily
aggregate of life-units who are under tuition). [S.D. I p.
181-2]

The second volume of the S.D. then reviews the various rounds,
globes of material density, races and program of evolution in
which we are presently engaged actively. It is held that from
this stage the program envisages a return to the spiritual and
elevated or noble qualities. It is held to be a journey of
purification whereby all selfishness and passion will be sloughed
off as the individual man-Mind realizes that it is an
imperishable pilgrim in search of Universal Wisdom.


SOURCES

The chief ones are three:

THE SECRET DOCTRINE & INDEX --H. P. Blavatsky (ORIGINAL EDN.)
THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY & INDEX -- Wm. Q. Judge
MAHATMA LETTERS & INDEX

Added to these are sundry articles of explanation published in
THEOSOPHIST, LUCIFER and PATH Magazines. A list of these can be
provided. All this material is available "on-line" through
BLAVATSKY.NET. But, to my mind the acquirement of an
understanding of this scheme is an arduous one, as most of our
ideas, acquired through modern education, will have to be
revised.

As far as I know the subject of the Theosophical scheme of
evolution on our Earth is concerned starts with some hints given
in MAHATMA LETTERS to Mr. A. P. Sinnett. The INDEX bound with
the book (Trevor Baker's edition ) is not complete, and one ought
to look in this book under


IN MAHATMA LETTERS INDEX one finds relevant subjects such as:

AKAS, AKASIC LIBRARY,
ATOM, ATOMIC DISTRIBUTION,
EGO, EGOS,
ETERNAL, ETERNITY,
FREE-WILL (pp. 211 393-396,)
HUMANITY
IMMORTALITY,
INCARNATION, REINCARNATION,
INDIVIDUALITY AND PERSONALITY,
INITIATE, INITIATES, ADEPT, MAHATMAS, DHYAN CHOHANS, BUDDHA,
BUDDHAS, "BROTHERS,"
KARMA, LAW, LAWS,
KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM,
INDIVIDUALITY,
LAND - DISTRIBUTION OF,
LIFE,
MACROCOSM,
MAN, MANAS,
MICROCOSM,
MOLECULE, MOLECULES,
MONAD (S),
MOTION,
NATURE,
PERSONALITY,
PLANET, PLANETS, PLANETARY,
PRINCIPLE(S),
PSYCHIC NATURE, etc...,
RACE, RACES, first race, p. 69; Second R., Fourth race, Fifth
Race, Seventh R.,
RING(S),
ROUND, ROUNDS, first round, pp. 76, 86-7, 95; Second R., third
R., Fourth Round,
SCIENCE,
SEVEN GLOBE, RINGS,
SKANDHAS,
SOLAR SYSTEM & beyond,
SOUL, MIND, SPIRIT,
SPHERE(S),
SPIRIT,
SUB-RACES,
SUBJECTIVE / OBJECTIVE,
SUN (and extra terrestrial bodies),
UNIVERSE, NATURE, SPACE, CHAOS, KOSMOS, COSMOS,
WORLD,

This list, taken from the INDEX to MAHATMA LETTERS will give an
idea of the scope covered or affected by this study.


MAN IS AN IMMORTAL -- EVOLUTION HELPS HIM TO DEVELOP FURTHER

The whole Theosophical scheme is based on the concept that the
spiritual soul (or MIND) in Man is immortal, and that the
evolutionary program on any world or earth is provided by Nature
for his development and individual progress. The whole and
central KEY to this concept is that Man is a MONAD who has
reached the stage of self-determination, of free choice. At that
point two alternatives open before him: 1, selfishness and
isolation, and 2. universality and service in cooperation with
Nature and her laws.


NATURE ALREADY CONTAINS EVERYTHING --Science studies it.
It is to be recognized that Nature (our Universe and our Earth)
provides us with everything. And, to support the individual life
(spiritual life of every entity, from the sub-atomic particle up
to the wisest of Men -- or "gods in human flesh" ) it is
endlessly cooperative.

GENEROSITY, SERVICE, COOPERATION on a Universal Scale = LIFE
In general, most of us thoughtlessly abuse this generosity. It
is also to be recognized that Nature already has everything set
into patterns, laws and order, so that every being (who is one of
her components) is supported, as an automatic service, by all the
rest that surround it. Example: we draw, food, air, living
space, clothing, warmth, etc... from Nature, and rarely do we
question what we ought to do in return. Our Science examines
Natures laws and arrangements in all her departments and from
those observations and discoveries she records the harmony and
sensitivity of Nature as her laws. Such Laws relate to
mathematics, astronomy, physics, biology, chemistry, and in fact
there is not a place to be found by us which is no under the
sensitive supervision of Nature -- a supervision that ends more
to preserve than to destroy needlessly.


A RECAP

As you see the whole survey of Man's evolution through the
Rounds, Globes, and Races, starts from the non-physical. This is
called by various names but the SPIRITUAL SOUL or the Higher Mind
in Man are useful name/ideas to carry. It states that as the
spiritual permanent Individual descends into "matter" it acquires
essential "principles" as a normal process. These enable him to
deal with the advancing changes in physical, psychic,
intellectual and moral situations that confront him under the
general and particular law of KARMA. And this is only so far
dealing with the "descent of spirit into Matter. We will now for
the next few millions of years be confronted with an ascent from
Matter back to pure spirit, plus all the experience we will have
gained.

Best wishes,

Dallas

-------------------------------------------




-----Original Message-----
From: Blavatsky Archives [mailto:info@blavatskyarchives.com]
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 10:22 AM
To: info@blavatskyarchives.com
Subject: Request for Info & Comments from Brigitte Muehlegger

SUBJECT: Request for Info & Comments from Brigitte Muehlegger

Brigitte Muehlegger has asked me to forward
the following to all interested parties. Please
note that Brigitte is willing to publish on her web
site "any comments, based on historical research,
presenting also alternative viewpoints." Some of
my own correspondents have complained about some of the
views expressed in articles on her site. Here is an
opportunity to voice "alternative viewpoints" hopefully
backed up with evidence from historical research.
Brigitte's message is below.

Daniel

-------------------------------------------------

Querie; I am looking for information regarding the
sources of Blavatsky's teachings of root races, sub
races, and so on. I have placed an editorial covering
this and related subjects at;
http://www.unet.univie.ac.at/~a7502210/hpb.html
Also a new article by K. Paul Johnson. Any comments,
based on historical research, presenting also
alternative viewpoints, will be placed on my web page
as "note", title, by "your name'. Brigitte Muehlegger.
You can mail me at bri_mue@yahoo.com
-------------------------------------------------
end of Brigitte's message

---------------------------------------
Daniel H. Caldwell
info@blavatskyarchives.com