Theos-Talk Archives (January 2002 Message tt00184)

Thursday, January 10, 2002

Dear M S

Re Parabrahm.

Briefly: in my esteem and understanding.

Parabrahm (the ABSOLUTE) Is not outside or beyond KARMA which is
an essential component of its wholeness. Parabrahm and KARMA are
ONE.

Every MONAD is derived directly from the ABSOLUTE and has a
continuous link with it. It is, so to say, the PARENT OF ALL.

Reincarnation as a process of initiation and development, of the
ONE SPIRIT getting to KNOW ITSELF is eternal -- it goes on
forever. First under “natural impulse,” and after graduation
from the “Human stage” voluntarily. The reincarnation of worlds
is as sure as the reincarnation of humans. A manifested form
retires to its interior SELF when its term of externalization is
over. The purpose of manifestation is singular: that the
UNIVERSAL SPIRIT may serve. That it may serve trough its
SERVANTS. that those SERVANTS my imbue and enthuse every “Monad
of lesser experience” with the aspiration to become one with the
absolute whole.

The eternal duality of WISDOM and IGNORANCE is also expressed as:
SPIRIT and MATTER. These two in manifestation are symbolized in
the “Egg of Brahma.” Brahma is given a mystic title: KALAHANSA
(Glos. p. 169) “the swan” in and out of time.”

Time is a factor of the limits of embodiment in matter. DURATION
is a concept that includes all the divisions of “time.”

Space is a term that includes everything. It is untouched by its
contents. It is ALL INCLUSIVE, and also indefinable. The
objects (temporary, mayavic, cyclic, etc…) do not define SPACE,
even if they occupy it.


An answer to be useful is of necessity (in my way of looking)
incomplete if it does not show the “pathways” of fact and logic
that others can verify. So you may consider this “long.”

I know as little or as much as you or any one else does.

The whole of the article: OCCULTISM VS THE OCCULT ARTS shows the
wide difference between the UNIVERSALITY OF REALITY, and the many
faceted concepts derived from extending any one of the many
milliards of personal and selfish opinions available, and, based
on some partial desire or whim.

In short, as the VOICE OF THE SILENCE says it is the difference
between the DOCTRINE OF THE HEART, and the “Doctrine of the Eye”
( or “Head-learning.” ) In The THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY look on
p.23 at what is said there of the ANTAHKARANA -- then turn to p.
25 and read what is said about ANUPADAKA and ANYAMSAM, ANIYASAM..
Go to p. 33 and read about ASAT. May I continue using the
THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY to help unravel some of the strands of the
grand old puzzle ?

But no one is able to “direct” any one else in this matter. The
propositions of esotericism and Occultism are outline -- as
H P B has done -- and the curious inquirer, student, or devotee
is required to do his own research. He has to check, verify and
prove that which millions of ancient pilgrim MONADS have had to
do, each on his own, and independently. Yet this required
independence is never an imposition as it educes from within the
SPIRITUAL YEARNINGS every human feels however indistinctly.
Perhaps the greatest barrier of all for us at this place in time
is our education which has assumed two things: 1) we are ONLY
material beings. Everything stops or is lost and destroyed at
the time of physical death. 2) The psychic and the Spiritual
are figments of diseased or hopelessly deluded minds. Better
still they have no reality. Only idiots, and the insane have
anything to do with them. [ H.P.Blavatsky has questioned that
from the outset and most of ISIS UNVEILED is devoted to show how
wrong this assumption is. In the KEY TO THEOSOPHY (HPB) she
speaks repeatedly of the effect that “materialism” has on our
thought and prejudices us against the consideration of certain
evidence and testimony. I could add a third item: 3) we are
NOT TAUGHT TO THINK. But this accusation is one which demands a
very strict approach, as it appears contemptuously accusative to
most of us. Our first response is generally, denial, and
secondly: attack. Whereas it ought to make us hesitate and ask:
“Have I missed something? If so, Why ?”

H P B who is for all of us in this incarnation, the teacher of
THEOSOPHY, says that it (PARABRAHM) is:

Literally: “beyond Brahma.” Which we all know. She adds: “ The
Supreme Infinite Brahma, “ABSOLUTE” -- the attributeless, the
secondless reality. The impersonal and nameless universal
Principle.” [The THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY p. 248; S D I p. 15
top; ]

In The SECRET DOCTRINE, Vol. I between pp 326 and 341, and then
on S D I 536, are some of the most profound and comprehensive
definitions relating to THAT which antecedes “Manifestation,”
THAT, which prevails through the entire “life-cycle,” and THAT,
which remains when all else is dissolved away from any kind of
limits into the LIMITLESS. It is said in Sanskrit philosophy to
be TAD, and its sole attribute is SAT. All inclusively, I would
say: it is the eternal and all pervasive AUM, or OM -- the exact
pronunciation of which is secured only through wisdom and
practice of UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD. It is the final secret of the
highest initiates. {See ISIS UNVEILED Vol. II, pp 98 - 103; see
ADI-BUDDHA, The THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY, p. 6) In The THEOSOPHICAL
GLOSSARY p. 43 one finds another cluster of words centered
around ATMA (ATMAN). This relates to the universal SPIRIT which
is ONE but which is already in Manifestation as the highest
aspect of Wisdom, Divinity, Perfection. Essentially, it is us
and everybody, as well as every “thing” else -- since the process
of evolution demands that the universally present SPIRITUAL
SUBSTANCE [see Suddha Sattwa - Glos. p. 311]

Recall that always, in Theosophy, one starts from the Spiritual.
It is never outside us, but always INTERIOR. We, on the
“outside” are material forms--expressions of the inner Ruler,
but always restricted by our own past decisions and choices which
may mar our present vehicles. And our MINDS are the result of
the evolution of many millions of incarnations through every
aspect of nature up to now, and including the present stage of
being a HUMAN BEING in which our Monad has, and is progressing.
The physical Brain is made of such complexity by us, over
millions of incarnations, that it may serve to link physical
existence and perception with the psychical and then, finally
spiritual levels. ( see S D I p. 181-2 )

The SECRET DOCTRINE has to be truly and humbly studied again and
again. There, resides the entrance to the “Path.” And if The
SECRET DOCTRINE is based on the ancient stanzas of DZYAN recorded
in that universal secret sacerdotal scripture and tongue, recall
also, that the verses in the VOICE OF THE SILENCE are derived
from the same source.

>From our own limited perceptions in the “here and now” we tend to
mentally endow all “things that are named” with a form, a
substance and a limit in terms of TIME for their existence.
Witness: in The THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY pp. 6 and 7 the number
of philosophical words clustered about the word (or sound) ADI.
Look next on p. 21 at ANANDAMAYAKOSHA

Parabrahm, or the ABSOLUTE defies all such limits or attempts at
definition.

Hence those philosophers who may call themselves either
Buddhists, Mahayanists or Adwaitees try in vain to plumb those
depths. The only ones who seem to be able to secure a tolerant
concept agree with H P B’s propositions -- and those are derived
she says from the MASTERS OF WISDOM. -- Who have initiated
themselves, as we are invited to do. The means and methods are
exposed for our consideration.


Excuse if this long and rambling -- it merely shows that there
are several ways of approaching this study and H P B has covered
them.

Hope this proves to be helpful.

{some more notes below in the body of your text)

Best wishes,

Dallas.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: M S
To:

Subject: Re: SHANKARACHARYA-- his writings.



Hi Dallas and all of you,

Dallas: The below answer of yours is to me just too weird - and
too small.
Please be more specific Dallas.
But I recommend, that you don't throw - a 'whole book' - of
writing in an email - to an answer on this question.

Do you think or do you know - if ParaBrahman is beyond the law of
Karma - i.e. that ParaBrahman has transcended Karma ?


DTB NO


And do you think that - or do you know if - reincarnation
continues forever ?


DTB YES


What do you know - and what do you think on the issues -
discussed ?


DTB See above


Idea: You could answer with yes or no.


(I claim, that even 1000 mavantaras, even though they are very
important, is less than a second to the - high master.)


DTB Sounds reasonable as we don’t know what are the limits of
that “TIME”


Maybe the following from HPB's article "OCCULTISM VERSUS THE
OCCULT ARTS" could help - on the views. The sentence highlighted
in bold and green - I find important :


FOUR VIDYAS -- ASPECTS OF KNOWLEDGE


There are four (out of the many other) names of the various kinds
of Esoteric Knowledge or Sciences given, even in the esoteric
Purânas. There is

(1) Yajna-Vidya, knowledge of the occult powers awakened in
Nature by the performance of certain religious ceremonies and
rites.

(2) Maha-vidya, the "great knowledge," the magic of the Kabalists
and of the Tantrika worship, often Sorcery of the worst
description.

(3) Guhya-Vidya, knowledge of the mystic powers residing in Sound
(Ether), hence in the Mantras (chanted prayers or incantations)
and depending on the rhythm and melody used; in other words a
magical performance based on Knowledge of the Forces of Nature
and their correlation; and


(4) ATMA-VIDYA, a term which is translated simply "knowledge of
the Soul," true Wisdom by the Orientalists, but which means far
more.

This last is the only kind of Occultism that any theosophist who
admires Light on the Path, and who would be wise and unselfish,
ought to strive after.


DTB CORRECT Since ATMAN is that transcendent reality that
covers all aspects and kinds of manifestations.

But bear in mind that all VIDYAS or KNOWLEDGE are/is relative to
the time, space and cycle in which it prevails. It is
essentially descriptive of the relations of BEINGS in
MANIFESTATION. ATMA Vidya is the only exception because it
covers far more. The reason for this is it includes the others


All the rest is some branch of the "Occult Sciences


DTB CORRECT it is limited and has an end.


," i.e., arts based on the knowledge of the ultimate essence of
all things in the Kingdoms of Nature--such as minerals, plants
and animals--hence of things pertaining to the realm of material
nature, however invisible that essence may be, and howsoever much
it has hitherto eluded the grasp of Science. Alchemy, Astrology,
Occult Physiology, Chiromancy, exist in Nature and the exact
Sciences--perhaps so called, because they are found in this age
of paradoxical philosophies the reverse--have already discovered
not a few of the secrets of the above arts. But clairvoyance,
symbolised in India as the "Eye of Siva," called in Japan,
"Infinite Vision," is not Hypnotism, the illegitimate son of
Mesmerism, and is not to be acquired by such arts. All the others
may be mastered and results obtained, whether good, bad or
indifferent; but Atma-Vidya sets small value on them. It includes
them all and may even use them occasionally, but it does so after
purifying them of their dross, for beneficent purposes, and
taking care to deprive them of every element of selfish motive.
Let us explain: Any man or woman can set himself or herself to
study one or all of the above specified "Occult Arts" without any
great previous preparation, and even without adopting any too
restraining mode of life. One could even dispense with any lofty
standard of morality. In the last case, of course, ten to one the
student would blossom into a very decent kind of sorcerer, and
tumble down headlong into black magic. But what can this matter?
The Voodoos and the Dugpas eat, drink and are merry over
heca-tombs of victims of their infernal arts. And so do the
amiable gentlemen vivisectionists and the diploma-ed
"Hypnotizers" of the Faculties of Medicine; tube only difference
between the two classes being that the Voodoos and Dugpas are
conscious, and the Charcot-Richet crew unconscious, Sorcerers.
Thus, since both have to reap the fruits of their labours and
achievements in the black art, the Western practitioners should
not have the punishment and reputation without the profits and
enjoyments they may get therefrom. For we say it again, hypnotism
and vivisection as practiced in such schools, are schools, are
Sorcery pure and simple, minus a knowledge that the Voodoos and
Dugpas enjoy, and which no Charcot-Richet can procure for himself
in fifty years of hard study and experimental observation. Let
then those who will dabble in magic, whether they understand its
nature or not, but who find the rules imposed upon students too
hard, and who, therefore lay Atma-Vidya or Occultism aside--go
without it. Let them become magicians by all means, even though
they do become Voodoos and Dugpas for the next ten incarnations.

BUT THE INTEREST OF OUR READERS WILL PROBABLY CENTRE ON THOSE WHO
ARE INVINCIBLY ATTRACTED TOWARDS THE "OCCULT," YET WHO NEITHER
REALISE THE TRUE NATURE OF WHAT THEY ASPIRE TOWARDS, NOR HAVE
THEY BECOME PASSION-PROOF, FAR LESS TRULY UNSELFISH.



DTB THIS IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT (above said, last 3 lines)
One has to use one’s INTUITION and that is derived from the INNER
SPIRITUAL SELF. That alone is ETERNAL. that is the “Real WE.”



How about these unfortunates, we shall be asked, who are thus
rent in twain by conflicting forces? For it has been said too
often to need repetition, and the fact itself is patent to any
observer, that when once the desire for Occultism has really
awakened in a man's heart, there remains for him no hope of
peace, no place of rest and comfort in all the world. He is
driven out into the wild and desolate spaces of life by an
ever-gnawing unrest he cannot quell. His heart is too full of
passion and selfish desire to permit him to pass the Golden Gate;
he cannot find rest or peace in ordinary life. Must he then
inevitably fall into sorcery and black magic, and through many
incarnations heap up for himself a terrible Karma? Is there no
other road for him?

Indeed there is, we answer. Let him aspire to no higher than he
feels able to accomplish. Let him not take a burden upon himself
too heavy for him to carry. Without ever becoming a "Mahatma," a
Buddha or a Great Saint, let him study the philosophy and the
"Science of Soul," and he can become one of the modest
benefactors of humanity, without any superhuman powers.


DTB LET ME CAPITALIZE THESE:


SIDDHIS (OR THE ARHAT POWERS) ARE ONLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO
"LEAD THE LIFE," TO COMPLY WITH THE TERRIBLE SACRIFICES REQUIRED
FOR SUCH A TRAINING, AND TO COMPLY WITH THEM TO THE VERY LETTER.



Let them know at once and remember always, that TRUE OCCULTISM OR
THEOSOPHY IS THE "GREAT RENUNCIATION OF SELF, " UNCONDITIONALLY
AND ABSOLUTELY, IN THOUGHT AS IN ACTION. IT IS ALTRUISM, AND IT
THROWS HIM WHO PRACTICES IT OUT OF CALCULATION OF THE RANKS OF
THE LIVING ALTOGETHER. "NOT FOR HIMSELF, BUT FOR THE WORLD, HE
LIVES," AS SOON AS HE HAS PLEDGED HIMSELF TO THE WORK.


DTB That which is given below is also true, and stands as a
warning to all true aspirants.


Much is forgiven during the first years of probation. But, no
sooner is he "accepted" than his personality must disappear, and
he has to become a mere beneficent force in Nature. There are two
poles for him after that, two paths, and no midward place of
rest. He has either to ascend laboriously, step by step, often
through numerous incarnations and no Devachanic break, the golden
ladder leading to Mahatmaship (the Arhat or Bodhisatva
condition), or--he will let himself slide down the ladder at the
first false step, and roll down into Dugpaship. . . . "

(One could read the whole article..) YES, YES,
YES AND MUCH MORE


------------------ Here is a good
------------------------------------




Raja-Yoga articles by H.P.B.



CHELAS AND LAY-CHELAS . . HPB Articles
I 308
Theosophist, July 1882
THE THEOSOPHICAL MAHATMAS . HPB Articles I
301
Path, December 1886
PRACTICAL OCCULTISM . . . HPB Articles
II 91
Lucifer, April 1888
OCCULTISM vs. THE OCCULT ARTS . HPB Articles II
100
Lucifer, May 1888
LODGES OF MAGIC . . . . HPB
Articles I 287
Lucifer, Oct. 1888
WHAT OF PHENOMENA? . . . HPB Articles
I 79
Lucifer, Feb. 1888
PSYCHIC AND NOETIC ACTION . . .HPB Articles II
7
Lucifer, Oct & Nov. 1890
THOUGHTS on the ELEMENTALS . . HPB Articles II
164
Lucifer, May 1890
ELEMENTALS . . . . HPB
Articles II 127
Lucifer, Aug. 1893
CHINESE SPIRITS . . . . HPB
Articles II 348
Lucifer, Nov. 1891
ANCIENT MAGIC IN MODERN SCIENCE HPB Articles II 431
Theosophist, Oct. 1886
ANIMATED STATUES . . . HPB
Articles II 337
Theosophist, Nov. 1886
THE SCIENCE OF MAGIC . . . Modern
Panarion 54

THE SEARCH AFTER OCCULTISM . Modern Panarion 159

DIALOGS BETWEEN 2 EDITORS Astral Bodies HPB Articles II
38
Lucifer, Dec. 1888
- do - Inner Man
HPB Articles II 194
Lucifer, Jan 1889
HYPNOTISM AND ITS RELATION TO FASCINATION
Lucifer, Dec. 1890
HPB Articles II 477

MAHATMAS AND CHELAS . . HPB Articles I
293
Theosophist, July 1884

Reprinted in a book titled RAJA-YOGA or OCCULTISM, also available
in
BLAVATSKY: Collected Works (TPH)

Theosophy Co. Bombay, India 1931, 1959







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

Feel free to comment.


DTB I CAN ONLY ENDORSE H P B WITH ACCLAIM. DTB

from


Sufilight



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