Theos-Talk Archives (March 2001 Message tt00107)

Friday, March 16, 2001


Dear Moderator:


I have read your next selection for study and comment. It reads:


(5.) The Universe was evolved out of its IDEAL PLAN, upheld
through Eternity
in the unconsciousness of that which the Vedantins call
Parabrahm.

This is practically identical with the conclusions of the highest
Western
Philosophy -- "THE INNATE, ETERNAL, AND SELF-EXISTING IDEAS" of
Plato, now
reflected by Von Hartmann.

The "unknowable" of Herbert Spencer bears only a faint
resemblance to that transcendental Reality believed in by
Occultists, often appearing merely a personification of a "FORCE
BEHIND PHENOMENA" -- an INFINITE AND ETERNAL ENERGY FROM WHICH
ALL THINGS PROCEED, while the author of the "Philosophy of the
Unconscious" has come (in this respect only) as near to a
solution of the great Mystery as mortal man can. Few were those,
whether in ancient or mediaeval philosophy, who have dared to
approach the subject or even hint at it.

Paracelsus mentions it inferentially. His ideas are admirably
synthesized by Dr. F. Hartmann, F.T.S., in his "Life of
Paracelsus." (SD I 281-282)

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

DTB offers:

1.	IDEAL PLAN

Considering these points we first see that the Universe is
credited with an IDEAL PLAN.
If we wonder how and when this was originated, our mind is
confronted by Theosophy with a recessive eternity which is
undetermined as to length, or any starting point other than that
posited for our present Universe. Theosophy speaks of the
Universal Mind (Mahat) and declares the human Mind is a "ray"
from this immortal and primordial FACT.

2.	INNATE, ETERNAL and SELF-EXISTING IDEAS

The duty of perpetuating the Plan for re-manifestation is so
detailed and accurate that Nature needs the assistance of Great
Souls (called the Primordial 'Builders') to assist in supervising
the many details . Each Planet, Solar-System, Galaxy and
Universe has a series of 7 primordial divisions which form the
basis for the evolution of each unit in its proper place and of
the whole.

AWARENESS OF ALL NATURE, WISDOM, MUTUAL HELP

And this is shown (by these Great Teachers) to be only
approachable in metaphysical, and not physical terms. That is,
the limits we currently have accepted or have set to our
thinking. We now live under them, because we have agreed to
accept them. It is sometimes quite painful to alter or change
those. But there is to be recognized an innate urge to
self-perfection, which seeks Wisdom so as to employ it
righteously and generously.

UNIVERSAL PLAN IS IMPRINTED ON EVERY SOUL

It is said that in their essence, in the Spiritual Soul of each
being, the imprint of the Universal Plan exists. Those forms
that make up the "lower Kingdoms of Nature (up to Man) are said
to be NON-SELF CONSCIOUS. (Not unconscious, for they are
individually intelligent, (as chemistry, biology, physiology, and
all the life sciences demonstrate)

3.	ENERGY -- INFINITE AND ETERNAL BEHIND ALL FORMS

Of this we may only say: "It always was, and so it will continue
to be (as eternal "Monadic Pilgrims" are portions of this ONE
ALL." And hence the ONE EXISTENCE comprising all these
diversities is as eternal and as immortal as that indescribable
ONE, which synthesizes (in manifestation) the Life-Force that is
found to be the essence of all Beings (whether we call them
"life-units," sub-atomic components of the ATOM, minerals,
crystals, plants, animals and finally men). The "Atom" has been
called a perpetual motion machine. -- is innate energy, destiny
and interactive patterns are yet to be studied individually or in
detail.

HUMANITY, MIND, INSTINCT, FORETHOUGHT
A THINKING MONAD

Humanity consists of those MONADS around whom the personalities
of mankind are formed, the chief of these energies being the
personal desires and passions (Kama). Kama exhibits the highest
faculty of evolution through the "lower kingdoms" (elementals,
minerals, vegetables and animals) of Nature as instinct. But
instinct is found to be limited to past experience exclusively.
It lacks the capacity to anticipate the possibility of multiple
results from the actions it projects. Alone the MIND has this
faculty which is derived from the association of its highest
aspect with Buddhi (and the universal records of Akasa, where
analogetic situations and problems are show to have been
historically solved.

TEACHERS OF MANKIND AND AGENTS OF NATURE

Then, further, we have been told of all those NOBLE and SUPREME
BEINGS (Men of superior, of SPIRITUAL MIND) whose individual
achievements have placed them so far beyond our small attainments
that we have no present basis to classify Them (Adepts,
Mahatmas, Masters of Wisdom, Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, Dhyan
Chohans, Dhyani Buddhas, Planetary Spirits, etc...).

To illustrate their value to the Universe, they are said to
remain voluntarily in our world for the sole purpose of being of
assistance to us. They have adopted the title of "Servants of
Humanity." Of these functions we find that teaching the actuality
and nature of the "Eternal Verities" is their prime duty. Then
they speak of and illustrate the reality of the Universal LAW
(Karma), and its application to our personal lives.

REINCARNATION AND TRANSFORMATION

The cycle of Reincarnation is shown to be a necessity for the
emancipation of the human mind, as it passes from life to. Life
in pursuit of Perfection.. They show how the attainment of
immortality (for the personality) is conditional upon its seizing
control of the desire nature (Kama), controlling and guiding its
great force towards self-control and assistance to others. This
entire system is epitomized in the concept of UNIVERSAL
BROTHERHOOD.


SCHOLARLY OBSTINACY AND BREAKING FRESH GROUND.

In another section of the SECRET DOCTRINE Vol. 2 pp. 645 to 655
HPB outlines the problems confronting the reconciliation of
modern hypothetical science with the Historical facts and records
of antique Humanity (as secured and recorded by the Adept and the
Maters of Wisdom and their devotees).

She writes there of the great problem of tenacity exercised by
modern Scholars (as a class) in regard to perpetuating the
preconceived ideas of their predecessors. This line of scholarly
self-limitation appears to be a great stumbling block, except for
those who are ready to stack demonstrable facts against old but
inaccurate theories. And, continue to make guesses and
extrapolations from inadequate evidence. (S.D. II 650-1)


SUMMARY

1. The Universe operates under a wide assortment of immutable
and impersonal laws. These are generally called KARMA. Those
are Nature's EDUCATIONAL program. It has been in existence since
the beginning of TIME. Our Earth is a School. Wise MEN are its
Teachers. The course is self-determined by every pupil within
the parameters of LAW.

2. By exercising free-will and choosing Man creates his own
personal Karma. He affects not only himself, but others. The
Universe is a vast interactive and infinitely sensitive unity.
It is ONE WHOLE, and the term "Universal Brotherhood" indicates
the actuality of this uniting bond. Out of ignorance and
impatience, Man has the potential of choosing in error. That
which is called Bad Karma" results.

3. Each Universe is a reincarnation of an earlier one. The
Energy to proceed is spiritual and innate to every being as well
as to the Whole. It is epitomized in the urge to advance, to
progress. Mutual service cooperation and intelligent
inter-action are the key notes to its operation. Men, to learn
these facts have to see the logic of working WITH NATURE. No one
can live entirely in isolation. Nature is generous and supports
with life energy the existence of even the most depraved, in the
hope that they will, through their suffering, and meditation on
their condition of deprivation, reform themselves.

4. Desire is not thought. But these two may be united in the
search for personal "advantages." Thought is the power to
remember, forget , anticipate and construct. It is focused in
the Human Monad. Both desire and Mind are separate "principles"
in Mankind's incarnate psychological make-up, but must be
distinguished. Desire is not THOUGHT. Desire is NOT wisdom.
Desire is usually a senseless and therefore is often a
self-destructive urge. Since both "desire" and "mind" are two of
the 'tools' of the INNER EGO, they can be controlled and directed
by IT.

5. The records of past actions present illustrations (in the
Akasa) of the results of choices made by us in the past -- and
their results. This gives the Chooser (Mind) analogies, whereon
to value in advance the probable results of any chosen path of
action. It also indicates what an IDEAL CHOICE ought to be, so
as to harmonize with Nature's vast LAWS (Karma). Buddhi
(WISDOM - the 'vehicle' of ATMA - the HIGHER SELF) includes a
view of Karma and its records. To pre-view Karmic action leads
to Wisdom. We call this the "Voice of Conscience." Buddhi is the
Source of innate wisdom. It is a portion of the MONAD). To be
able to view the akasic records one has to become pure morally
with no residual thought for any self-advantage.

6. The perfection of mankind is always a matter of self-choice.
Man has innately the mental power of "free-will." Earth and the
Universe are schools for the development of a TRUE MAN out of the
personal elements drawn together which today form his
"Personality."

7. Matter provides all the necessary "forms" for the Mind to
work through and to survey. Matter {as the universal and eternal
MONADIC ESSENCE (S.D. I 619) } is immortal and provides the
basis for self-education and progress. The Universe periodically
dies, rests and is reborn. Thus Manvantara is succeeded by
pralaya and a fresh Manvantara springs from the proverbial
"ashes" of the older one. It is the eternal Pelican or Phoenix
feeding its children from its own substance.

8. In brief one must learn (as an imperishable Ego) that we have
to TRUST NATURE in its cooperative support of ourselves and all
other beings. We have to recognize that without this support
(already in place) we and no other being could have any
existence. We infrequently recognize this prime fact. But now
becoming aware of it, we ought to examine our existence in the
light of this vast gift.

9. We are "Gods" in potential. Every power and force of the
Universe is in us. Becoming aware we need to study and then
apply this wisdom with compassion.

10. There is no other true way to real Perfection and Progress..
any selfishness leads to the destruction of all advance we have
so far made, and we will. Have to begin again. The VOICE OF THE
SILENCE is a valuable guide we could use to assist I our
self-determined future.

I hope this may prove useful,

Best wishes,

Dallas

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



-----Original Message-----
From: Moderator [mailto:nous@btinternet.com]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 12:56 PM
To: sd@blavatsky.net
Subject: [bn-sd] "The Ideal Plan of the Universe" SD I 281-282

Dear Friends,

Some of you will have noticed that I have relaxed the parameters
around the
focus of study. This is to allow more freedom of expression and
exploration
of ideas and questions that arise from our study topic.

I would simply ask you to keep in mind that one of the
characteristics of us
Secret Doctrine students is that we have the peculiar knack of
enthusiastically debating everything except the specific topic
under study.
So, when sharing your questions and ideas, please take
responsibility for
coming back to the topic.

We have had problems with the new membership on the BN web page.
If you
know anyone who has tried to join this discussion list without
success,
please give them my email address and I will subscribe them.

Our next study passage is below. As it is a long passage I will
post the
remaining parts of it over the next few days. Thanks for the
excellent
contributions and questions over the last weeks.

Happy studying,

Peter Merriott

=============
(5.) The Universe was evolved out of its ideal plan, upheld
through Eternity
in the unconsciousness of that which the Vedantins call
Parabrahm. This is
practically identical with the conclusions of the highest Western
Philosophy -- "the innate, eternal, and self-existing Ideas" of
Plato, now
reflected by Von Hartmann. The "unknowable" of Herbert Spencer
bears only a
faint resemblance to that transcendental Reality believed in by
Occultists,
often appearing merely a personification of a "force behind
phenomena" -- an
infinite and eternal Energy from which all things proceed, while
the author
of the "Philosophy of the Unconscious" has come (in this respect
only) as
near to a solution of the great Mystery as mortal man can. Few
were those,
whether in ancient or mediaeval philosophy, who have dared to
approach the
subject or even hint at it. Paracelsus mentions it inferentially.
His ideas
are admirably synthesized by Dr. F. Hartmann, F.T.S., in his
"Life of
Paracelsus."
(SD I 281-282)
============


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