Theos-Talk Archives (August 2002 Message tt00048)

Aug 4 2002

Dear Friends:

We look on it as a system. Why? The universe looks on
itself as CONSCIOUSNESS. In ancient times the expressions
was used:

SPIRIT UNIVERSAL desired to KNOW ITSELF. Whereupon it split
itself into two parts: SPIRIT and PRIMORDIAL ROOT MATTER.
Matter offered SPIRIT a mirror, But SPIRIT could not 'SEE'
itself without INTELLIGENCE. The UNIVERSAL MIND sprang up
as this LINK between the two as a multiple faceted tool of
intelligence. Its range was made universal from sensation
to INTUITIVE WISDOM. The process of the creation of this
tool of intelligence is EGOIC EVOLUTION. Evolution is of
three kinds: Spiritual, Intellectual, and physical. Each
of these is a duality in itself for the sake of contrast.
Harmony contrasts with discord; discord is a lapse from
harmony.
This is Law UNIVERSAL AND IMPERSONAL.

This produced the "SIX PRINCIPLES" and over these the SPIRIT
ever remains unmodified as the SEVENTH, the SUPERNAL.

Man is a part of this evolutionary trend. To be an Ego
implies the power of choice. Ego is choice; no choice, no
Ego.
---

For several weeks the question of exoteric vs. esoteric has
been written about.

Going to the dictionary we learn:

EXOTERIC is that which is "external," "superficial,"
"suitable to be imparted to the public, hence readily
comprehensible." We may say that anything expressed in
words, on paper, etc.. becomes at that moment, exoteric.
Theosophy does not recommend "exotericism." It recommends
deep, impartial, free and conscientious search and
application.

The degree of study and application depends on the
determination of the student to learn and evaluate. If this
is applied then we realize that every such devotee has
within him or herself the power to perceive that which is
true and distinguish it from that which is not. If any one
accepts and adopts "knowledge" without such personal effort
and checking, then indeed we may say there is "blind faith"
and "blind belief" present. In such case the danger of
going astray is magnified. It is important for the devotee
to identify in such cases the "cause" for such a dangerous
decision and course. Is it impatience, is it ignorance, is
it deliberate, is it carelessness ? Only the individual can
answer these questions to himself.

ESOTERIC is: "abstruse, designed for the circle of
initiates," private, withheld from open expression." The
language of medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, physics,
mathematics, engineering, astronomy, atomic sciences,
music, poetry, etc. may be said to be esoteric to the
average person.

Any one who reads and then studies ISIS UNVEILED and The
SECRET DOCTRINE will emerge a much more learned, if not a
wiser person. All information thereafter, will be viewed in
that light that only an awakened Mind employs. It
universalizes the person. It makes the many "secret"
processes of Nature (the Deific Powers present in all things
and events) clearer.

But we live in an age where any one can study these, and
learn and understand, using published texts that explain
these systems and their laws, and so, such students may join
the circle of "initiates" in those abstruse sciences.
Individual effort and perseverance is the sole key.

What does Theosophy offer? We could say it offers: A
reasoned view of our Universe, world and our personal lives.
Its reasoning appeals to that which we already know or
suspect.

What is the difference from the average view? It speaks of
purpose and process, and posits choice and motive to
actually be in each of us, the great magic initiators of
every mind that desires to know WHY. Who desires to leave
the surface of effects and delve into the CAUSES that make
those effects possible.

One might say for instance, that the "astral body" is
esoteric to the physical body. The "astral" is used for
everything beyond the physical. As on the physical plane we
have earth, water, air and fire as divisions, so on the
astral plane there are similar divisions The astral form
that corresponds to the earth remains with the physical body
and dissipates with it. The one that corresponds to water
is that state of astral substance which forms the
"kama-rupa" (after death of the physical); the one that
corresponds to the air is the "manasic body;" and the one
that corresponds to fire is the "seat of consciousness."
(the Buddhi - Manas), or the body of the THINKER (the
MONAD). Our earthly fire is the lowest grade of divine
substance. ( from: A to Q, p. 248 ) (see also S D I
372, II 107-8).

In The SECRET DOCTRINE , Vol. I p. 207-8, we are given a
glimpse of a Great Teacher, an Avatar, who incarnates on
Earth among mankind for the purpose of lighting the fire of
Mind.

In SECRET DOCTRINE Vol. I pp 272-3 we are given a view of
the source of our Wisdom, and the proves whereby those who
"taught" our present Race (the fifth) learned before
teaching. This inspires us with the information of the
continuity of the process, the scheme, and the material to
be learned and applied. It is not exclusive, but all may
come and learn..

If we turn to SECRET DOCTRINE Vol. I 267 (top) We learn that
The SECRET DOCTRINE teaches HISTORY. And periodically,
through the pages of the 2 volumes, we find H P B reminding
us of this fact. Perhaps we ought t make an abstract of
these statements and, joining the together, make for
ourselves a chronology with which to measure the evolution
of which we are the growing tip at this time. (The table of
eras, Kalpas, Manvantaras, Yugas, etc... given in S D II
68-70 is also valuable to keep in mind.)

Applied to the teachings of the Kaballa and the
Rosicrucians, as also to the Hindu Vedas and Puranas, we
find in SECRET DOCTRINE II pp 235-251 a survey of the
infusion of consciousness into the developing forms of
mankind -- and get some idea of the nature of the Personages
and High Entities responsible for this education which now,
we call "evolution." [ H P B will be found to speak at some
length of these in several articles:

THE ESOTERIC CHARACTER OF THE GOSPELS -- H P B Articles
III p. 169,
THE ROOTS OF RITUALISM IN CHURCH AND MASONRY III 203,
THE KABALAH AND THE KABALISTS III
235,
STAR-ANGEL WORSHIP IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH III 401
TIBETAN TEACHINGS
III 337
THE HISTORY OF A PLANET [ VENUS - LUCIFER ] III
376


In the course of the past weeks the nature and influence of
the Moon has been spoken of.

The various kingdoms coming over to the earth chain (see S D
I 152-182) would remain just what they were on the moon, if
it were not for the beings who have become perfected
spiritually, intellectually, and physically, and who guide
the whole evolution. They map out the field as such, as it
were. In the first Round we may see: the lower kingdoms
begin their work, with no connection between them, and no
touch with the higher beings. They are all working for
themselves, on their own basis. Then comes the next Rounds
and the whole scheme changes. It is brought into tune,
through the Forms of the Higher Beings. When once all the
kingdoms have become amalgamated, then comes solidification,
and the beginning of the general earth cycle....the seven
classes of beings who deserted the moon as a worked-out
planet, so far as they were concerned, had their own organic
forms, and carried forward the type of humanity. They
represented the humanity of the moon, and the highest
expression, according to that class, and all the other
classes present there (the "lower kingdoms" of the moon).

The seven classes work first each in its own way, that is,
there is a separation into sub-classes; then, with the
guidance of the Higher Classes, they come to work together,
that is, there is a gradual amalgamation. Finally there
comes Perceptive differentiation, that is, each to its own
class again, plus all it has gained from the other classes.
Thus Consciousness progresses, by contact with others, and
spreading the knowledge of the whole.... Masters declare
there is nothing "unconscious," and matter may be called
"inorganic" only in the sense that it does not have the same
organs of perception which other life has.-- a power of
thought and action possessed by the higher kingdoms. (
extracts from A to Q pp. 198-9 )

It is hoped this may prove of some use,

Best wishes,

Dallas

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

-----Original Message-----
From: M S
Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2002 5:54 AM
To
Subject: Does Theosophy Have Core Doctrines?


Hi L and all,

Here is a view to consider:

I few days back I wrote the following, which is an excerpt,
in an email at theos-talk:
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theos-talk/message/7441)


"Q: But surely there is a system?

A: You do not know what a 'system' is. The work is really
systematised at a
level much higher than intellect as you know it. Any
apparent systematisation
is merely a working frame, concocted for the purpose of
bringing the teaching a
little nearer to you. It does not have universal validity.
The system is known
by the teacher and equally developed people, just as you
know something so well
that you act in accordance with it inevitably. This work is
natural, organic
and changes form, not content, in accordance with the needs
of the people, the
work and the teacher. What serves as a system in one phase
of the work is not a
system in another."

The work is of course spiritual. It is ongoing right now. It
is covering cosmos as a whole.
It is immense and also beyond ordinary or lower thoughts.
Let us stay tuned for Cosmic Consciousness.
Why deny your self and others wisdom ?

The saying goes: The initiated walks in the world, but is
not of the world.
On could say that to ParaBrahman or the Initiated "the
Fundamental principles" is only an inferior or lower kind.
To base ones view ONLY on these "Fundamental principles" -
would certainly be wrong

OR of a lower level. Let us transcend time and space and
see truth as it really is.

Nothing highlights the non-spiritual but very social
character of many relationships so much as the need for
contact, association, relationship. People feel that they
should be near someone of sanctity; and that they should
impart their blessing to others; that some sort of frequent
or constant contact has some spiritual dimension.

The fact is, of course, that there are times and places
where it is more important for people with mutual spiritual
interests to be apart rather than together. Those who
understand this and have experienced it are the spiritual
people. Those who have not, are part of a sociological
phenomenon: herding.
The origin of this desire to herd together is not far to
seek. Those who lead the herding are inadequate: they feel
doubts and discomfort when they are not in contact with
like-minded people. Those who flock at the behest of the
'herders' are equally inadequate. But, in their case, there
is more hope - that they can be taken to a position where
they no longer have to be dependent upon others; where their
inadequacy is cured, rather than being reaffirmed by
herding.

To be social in an organisation with certain so-called
core-teachings, which quite often bases the social behavior
mainly on emotions - is only an activity of a limited kind.
A great number of so-called spiritual organisations or some
of their branches of today only reaches the level I tend to
call "Tee, talk and emotional feelings".

from


M. S with happy eeh...motions...


CUT