Theos-Talk Archives (March 2001 Message tt00131)

March 24, 2001


Dear K-=---a:

Many thanks.


May I interject some comments below?


Dal

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



-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 10:25 AM
To: Theosophy Study List
Subject: RE: Enlightenment WHAT MIGHT THEOSOPHY SAY ABOUT IT ?

Hi Dallas,

you wrote:

> As Theosophy depicts it, it seems related to a state of mind
> consciousness where one's average intelligence opens to a far
> wider, a more universal view and concept. Is it not possible
to
> say: "If there is not already something in me that is
compatible
> with a new experience, then I will not be able to understand
it.
> " In other words if there is Wisdom and true Knowledge in us
> (even if latent) we have a basis from which to understand such
an
> event. But the we would start, perhaps, by wondering who "We"
> are !

I agree that we can only know those states of consciousness that
we have
allready an inkling of an experience of, so what I am asking is
really
that each of us give a small glimmer of what they have found out
so far on
the path.
===========================

DTB	I think that most experiences are highly personal, an at
best you may secure some generalities, such as I offered.

Are not the principles involved in such things the most important
learning aspect?

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



> To the Higher Man, the Real Ego, [Buddhi-Manas united to ATMA]
> there are no barriers. It is the forms on this plane of our
> Kama-Manasic living that establish separateness, differences
and
> opinions. If we seize those lower-manasic images as our basis
> for life, then we do the limiting ourself. From those limits
> ensue all the many kinds of confusion (Maya).

I agree with this.

> Still others who have a deep rooted desire to "save others,"
may
> use this as a basis to start a new sect or religion -- and call
> it a "Revelation." As a result some become "convinced," and
> others remain "unconvinced." What is the actual gain in such
> cases? How are useful explanations to be arrived at ? What
> effect should an "Illumination" have on us, as embodied
> intelligences ? In my esteem, if one is not able to explain
(or
> understand) to one's self clearly such a personal event, then
it
> ought to be well guarded and not exposed to the wonder or
> skepticism of others.

How can an illumination be explained. Are you saying that being
enlightened is the same thing as having a mystical experience?

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

DTB	Some might call it that. But there is a gradual increment
in ability to express Theosophy that comes only with protracted
study. That is when one understands the functions that H.P.B.
has exposed form us to study and learn from.

That too is a form of "enlightenment," even though it might be
only an enhancement of the Lower Manas -- as it becomes ever more
sensitized to divine and universal truths. The voluntary
incarnation of a Divine Tutor -- whose power is limited t advice
only -- as through the "Voice of Conscience" (Higher Ego) in the
"Personal Man" seems to be for the purpose of encouraging it to
enlighten itself. The struggle is always for the "lower, or less
experienced" to rise depending on its own determination and
growing discrimination. (see S.D. II 167, 230, 254-5, S.D. I
573 )

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

In my opinion the first is as to the second as a lamp to the sun.
I mean,
spiritual experience, especially when the mind is capable of
explaining
it, is not the essence of what was experienced. Also, it is
something very
different from being enlightened - which seems to come down to,
very
simply, being awake, or fully conscious. That is obviously very
different
from an experience of say extacy, which is what most spiritual
experiences
amount to, whether including visions or not.
But perhaps that is precisely what you were trying to say.

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

DTB	Yes, we all say things a little differently. But the idea
is pretty well as e have expressed it. And it is always wise to
review and mediate on another's gift. For which I thank you.
Best wishes as always,

Dal
----------------------------------------


K-----a