Theos-Talk Archives (August 2001 Message tt00203)

Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Dear friend G---g:


Permit me to say a few words about your response to Wes's answer.

Theosophy does use some words like "trance, "astral" "elemental,"
and "elementary" in a specific way and you will find these
definitions not only The THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY but they are used
in the KEY TO THEOSOPHY (HPB) and the OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY (Mr.
Judge).

You will also find that Mr. Judge wrote a series of articles on
psychic conditions and "visions" in CONVERSATIONS ON OCCULTISM.
These are reprinted in the W. Q. Judge Articles Vol. I pp. 377
to 467. [ On-line at http://.www.blavatsky.net ]

If you refer to the OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY, you will find that Mr.
Judge employs Chapters 5, 6, 12, 16 and 17 to give extensive
explanations of the astral and the psychic planes and of the
denizens thereof -- also he explains what one is likely to
contact (or be contacted by) when one's consciousness either
visits deliberately, or falls into those planes.

H P B wrote several key articles on the subject:

ELEMENTALS [LUCIFER, Vol. 12, p. 537] (H P B Articles. T Co.
Vol. II 127)

THOUGHTS ON THE ELEMENTALS [LUCIFER, Vol. 6, p. 177] H P B Art
Vol. II, p. 164

ELEMENTARIES	A MODERN PANARION, p. 146 and 152

PSYCHOLOGY -- The Science of the Soul [LUCIFER 19, p. 97] H P B
Articles II p. 1

PSYCHIC and NOETIC ACTION [LUCIFER Vol. 7, pp. 89, 177] H P B
Art. Vol II p. 7

DIALOGUES BETWEEN THE TWO EDITORS [Lucifer, Dec 1888] H P B Art.
Vol II, 38

DIALOGUE ON THE MYSTERIES OF AFTER-LIFE [ LUCIF. Jan. 1889]
(H P B Art. Vol II 194)

MEMORY IN THE DYING [Sleepwalking, etc.] [LUCIF. Oct. 1889] H P
B Art. Vol. II, 375


There are of course many more references that can be offered for
consideration, and I can do this if you desire and after you have
acquainted yourself with the articles and chapters mentioned
above

Let me add some more comments:

What has also struck me as important, is the fact that Nature
(our earth, and the Universe) which science continually studies,
reveals, as its secrets are unveiled, the general existence of
Law, laws, and purposes for every material phenomena. This
suggests to me that the claim made by the Adepts to having
studied (and recorded their investigations) may very well be
possible. (S D I p. 272-292)

At least I feel they have enough usefulness, and there is
sufficient testimony concerning them, to permit their retention
as a possible explanations for Universal and individual
inter-relation. And the "sensitivity" that I notice, pervades
the kingdoms of Nature, including humanity, and their other
components, both physical and metaphysical, or invisible and
causal..

Chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, astronomy, evidence
of the sequence of ancient cataclysms and geological change, the
origin of philosophy and metaphysical thinking, the fact of the
common antiquity of concepts that underlie the origin and
formation of various religions, all, seem to have relevance. At
least, if taken as a whole, it tends to support and explain the
information given in a condensed way through H.P.Blavatsky's
books: ISIS UNVEILED and The SECRET DOCTRINE.

This field of study is admittedly vast, and may be partially, to
my own experience and ability to verify, speculative. But I do
sense a rationality and a vast logic that underlies these
expressions of doctrine and teaching. I think we have also, an
adequate basis for extending our many areas of study, and to make
that study and the interest that many students of Theosophy have,
to continue it. It also seems to me that there is special room
for an effort to verify it, encourage others to study and, do
some of the "proving," which is valuable to individual credence,
especially in an ethico-moral sense, and also, from the economic
and health aspects of living.. I believe the need for a
non-coercive, and non-regulated association, such as the U.L.T.,
seems justified.

So, one might surmise, any ethical consideration has to be
appended to the unveiling of any (and all) of the "secrets" of
Nature. In practical industrial, economic and social life, it
may take years for the superficial hints that an attentive
researcher notes as product and processes are developed, to be
translated into the necessary safety procedures that enable the
safer production of a dangerous substance

In the meantime what has Theosophy stressed? To me these are:

1. A logical, coherent and continuing base for all evolution
when viewed in its entirety.

2. Nature's components participate in this development.

If considered immortals, as Science considers the atoms
(with their uniform and diverse properties to be) then there is a
continuous increment of experience stored as memory {if
intelligence and consciousness of either a rudimentary (or a
complex nature) is granted to them}. Humans represent a
mid-stage development between the pole of ignorance and
inexperience, and that of a perfect and complete knowledge of all
the intricacies of the Universe. [But it would take immortality
to provide the necessary "time" to complete these individual
projects. Many repetitive "lives" imply reincarnation or
reembodiment (metempsychosis) as a process.].

3. The "Cause" or "reason" for existence and evolution
whether Universal, worldly, or personal is evident -- existence,
life, intelligence -- are all conditions that provide for
individual development.

Our Universe (from small to large, from visible to invisible,
from Causal to Perfection, seems to me, to exist for the
educations of the individual perceptive faculty of every
component of the Universe. These "components" have also been
called Monads. [ This may be called "Self-consciousness," or the
power of self reflection and consideration. These terms, being
used in their Theosophical sense, of course.]

I was recently rereading pages in H P B's : FROM THE CAVES AND
JUNGLES OF HINDOOSTAN, (Theosophical Publishing House, 1975 Edn.
with newly included translations of some of her articles into
English). I was struck by what was then being said in regard to
the invisible and secret side of the "Laws of Nature." It said
to me that psychology ( the human implication and the human
"situation" ) was a most important component of any discovery and
its development, or of any review involving historical reports on
events, and their probable causes. How much always remains
unsaid? How much does the reader need to explain and discover
for himself?

And in psychology, an understanding of the continuity of a
human's consciousness that alters nightly into realms of
unconsciousness, deep sleep, dreams, altered states, changes in
egoic perception, etc... is yet to be fully grasped or finalized,
in spite of all the information that relates thereto available
from Theosophy.

The introduction of the concept of individual immortality, that
there is in each human a single, a continuous [un-dying (S D II
pp. 275fn, 281-2)] CONSCIOUSNESS, which serves to record and
remember all experiences, would cut leagues off the tedious
effort to discover that man has essentially (at core) an
ethico-moral existence, and that while one aspect of the
"personality" [called in Theosophy the Lower Ego -- Kama-Manas]
represents our earth-oriented perception, something inside
ourselves, simultaneously represents the "INDIVIDUAL" [ or, the
Higher Ego -- Buddhi-Manas ] and continuous development of the
immortal, eternal and divine Ego [Atma-Budhi] in each of us --
called, the Monad, or, "the Eternal Pilgrim" by some mystics.
Man, viewed as an immortal, and Karma viewed as the force and
cause that makes reincarnation a necessity, are (as I see them)
psychological components of man's purpose for existence and his
realty in the "here and now." Gradually, I see these two
concepts taking root in the mind of thinking inquiring people.
The form is of course the body that we see and deal with, and
through, all the time we are awake.

To this, one might add that "reincarnation" and the immortality
of the Egoic Consciousness are still remote concepts to the
average person. It is not unseemly that they be taken seriously,
researched, and such factual information (as is already
available) sifted and stored for on-going consideration.

What do we know (outside of speculation and theory) of the causes
for the formation of our Earth, or the Universe? What is the
purpose of the Universe? If the nature of Man and that of the
Universe have resemblance, is this being investigated and
seriously traced? It is so easy (and un-scientific) to push
these considerations off into the lap and hands of a totally
unprovable Personal God, or, if one is an agnostic, into the
realms of chance, luck and maybe. Somewhere where we no longer
need to think about it. But that does not eliminate them from
the need for definition and consideration.

I would like to add the following, and I am sure this is not a
unique observation.

The study of the texts we have before us, the great books like
ISIS UNVEILED, The SECRET DOCTRINE, KEY TO THEOSOPHY, The VOICE
OF THE SILENCE, H.P.Blavatsky's many articles and letters, Mr.
Judge's books, articles and letters probably contain within them
the occultism (secrets of Nature) that many seek. I sense from
time to time, that veiled hints are offered, in these books,
articles, and letters of an "occult universe" which exists, as
cause, within the visible physical universe we live in and sense
continually. Occasionally, "seers" have visions which can only
be explained by an ability, either controlled or spontaneous, to
break through the neutral envelope that divides such planes from
each other. And they are able to perceive either clearly, or
partially, in actuality or in retrospect, things and events which
can only relate to the living forces and powers that reside in
such places.

The brain mind, in trying to relate to itself those events then
casts them in configurations, colors, shapes, things, which it is
accustomed to seeing when "awake." This may give rise to
confusion. If one has read Bulwer-Lytton's ZANONI or his other
book A STRANGE STORY one begins to secure an idea of these
variant experiences, which are neither hallucinations nor
fancies, but very real. H P B wrote some stories published under
the general title of NIGHTMARE TALES in which she sketched some
of these strange events. This collection was recently reprinted
under the title THE TELL-TALE PICTURE GALLERY. I know that it is
available through the U L T .

I believe (I can only use this badly abused word to indicate that
I seek confirmation) that only the attentive student may pick
them up, as they are probably not seen as identical for all. And
one of the keys, as I think of it, is the one that stresses the
need for a total personal harmlessness, generosity, and a
protective spirit. And, this ought to be coupled with an attitude
of careful regard for the well being of others. In short it is
brotherhood in actual practice. And it manifests in action as a
protection extended by such as have knowledge to others who are
seeking for that.

I sense that this alone will open Nature's so tightly closed
"doors." Apparently the principles and secrets of Nature (which
already contains and uses them all) will become apparent to those
who perceive that no important "secret" will ever be revealed
except to those who will not abuse such secrets for selfish
benefits under any circumstance. I may be wrong, but I believe
we are faced here with the great paradox: How does the free-will
of "man" (and woman) exist in a universe (and earth) entirely
governed by immutable laws ? In answer I sense that this freedom
is the freedom to choose to cooperate, because those laws are
just and fair, and not because of any unethical or immoral
compulsion.

I have no ready-made answer for all this in some other direction,
but I am seeking to learn more of what is already available. I
see those Laws expressed or implied everywhere, and I also see
them broken and transgressed -- and not always do I see
retribution in action. One wonders about "accidents, infections,
epidemics, cataclysms, "illnesses," "sudden deaths," etc. What
are their true causes? Why are some affected and others are not?
Why is it that some received warnings to avoid an area or a visit
(as in the historical instances relating to the "Titanic?" ).

I am sorry, I can only write of what I know. and what I have
thought about and observed. For me, the freedom to study, and to
hold interfaced inquiry, co-examination and co-research, has been
one of the most important aspects of my living. This is what I
value in the U.L.T. and what I would like to see continued.

I am content that I am not weighted down with any structure of
external procedures and compliances (rites, rituals, dogmas,
etc...) which have, to my mind, no important bearing on the
personal, practical and important work of my living, so as to
learn more of this marvelous world and universe we live in. I
hope that others will also perceive this value. Of what value
would be personal "decision making power," or the manipulations
of a "managed environment" if the end in view is acquiring
knowledge and this is coupled with an opportunity for the free
individual to seek for it, and to use such assistance as he may
be able to get?

To me the U.L.T. is a convenience, and I am glad it is there --
to assist and to be assisted, as I believe that it has important
uses for the future. If the unadulterated, pure TEACHINGS of
THEOSOPHY (emanating through H P B) can be made available to our
"successors" in time, it (U.L.T. ) will have served a great
purpose. And we may take some comfort from having provided some
of the continuing impetus towards that end.

As I see it, it (U.L.T. ) has done much in the past 90 years.
One of its great services was in the first 50 years of this
century: to force (by example) the various Theosophical bodies
(some with divergent and "secret" editing of H.P.Blavatsky's
original texts), to refocus on the ORIGINALS, and to provide them
for the study of their members and adherents.

U.L.T. does not subscribe to or recommend alternative, or
co-existent organizations, of a religious or philosophical
character, it recommends an attentive awareness, and for those
who elect to do so, an individual study of various world
religions, philosophical and psychological discoveries and
workings. ISIS UNVEILED and The SECRET DOCTRINE are full of
those as a starter.

It is very interesting indeed to watch the relative approaches of
our sciences to the basic concepts and original teachings that
Theosophy has already put forward -- abstracted by experiment and
experience, and often offered in the shape of history -- of
events They have witnessed -- by the Great Lodge of the Wise Men
for our consideration. [ S D I 272-3, I U II 97-103 ]

I trust that this answers some of your observations and will
encourage you to persevere in your work. The information sources
referred to above may well help you to verify some of your own
observations and answer some of your puzzles.

Best wishes,

Dallas.


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


-----Original Message-----
From: a--- s----

Sent: Friday, August 17, 2001 1:27 AM
To:
Subject: Psychic Plane and Astral Visions


Wow, it is so nice to be back on BN. I like the thing on
dreams. I used to dream all the time as a child (when
sleeping). By the time I got about 17 years old, my
sleeping dreams were generally what could be
called "Nightmares".
Many of these "Nightmares" of the past dreams have
since become documented real-world experiences.


CUT