Theos-Talk Archives (October 2002 Message tt00082)

Oct 11 2002

Dear Friend:

You consider such interesting points:
-
-----------------------------

Seems like I have yet to strike the spark that will kindle a
conversation
on this topic.

Let's try this...

We have thought, speech and action.

Why do people restrain themselves at all?


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May I offer the following thoughts?

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Your inquiry is an important one.

Let us look at the statement.

If one can use restraint in answering, then there is the contrast:
Blabbing everything.

Experience shows we have the power to control speech.

That implies the power to think of consequences

Apparently it is part of our memories that lose speech has in the past
caused trouble, so we learn to be cautious about what we say.

We then ask: Why is there a difference between control and no
control?

Where does the impulse to speak originate? How is speech framed? Who
edits it?

Apparently there exists in man's consciousness two factors: that of
the mind and that of the impulse or desires and instincts, passions,
etc...

Which then gives the most trouble?

Is it impulse or is it the mind?

On examination we find that the mind is superior in force and control
to the impulses and desires. It (the mind) is able to figure out
potential disasters, which the impulses and passions alone do not.

Theosophy speaks of the constitution of man and says that there are a
number of distinct principles in all humans:

The classification is:
1. The Body, or Rupa. (physical form, molecules, cells)
2. Vitality, or Prana-Jiva. (Life principle)
3. Astral Body, or Linga-Sarira. (electro-magnetic form, atoms and
energies)
4. Animal Soul, or Kama-Rupa (Lower Manas & desires)
5. Human Soul, or Manas. (logic and ratiocination - (Higher manas)
6. Spiritual Soul, or Buddhi. (discrimination, intuition, wisdom)
7. Spirit, or Atma, (HIGHER SELF overshadows the other 6)

The Sanskrit language has a wider sense than the English terms.
This classification stands to this day for all practical
purposes, but it is capable of modification and extension. For
instance, a later arrangement which places ASTRAL BODY second
instead of third in the category does not substantially alter it.
It at once gives an idea of what man is, very different from the
vague description by the words "body and soul," and also boldly
challenges the materialistic conception that mind is the product
of brain, a portion of the body.

No claim is made that these principles were hitherto unknown, for
they were all understood in various ways not only by the Hindus
but by many Europeans. Yet the compact presentation of the
sevenfold constitution of man in intimate connection with the
septenary constitution of a chain of Globes through which the
being evolves, had not been given out...

Considering these constituents in another manner, we would say
that the lower man is a composite being, but in his real nature
is a unity, or immortal being, comprising a trinity of Spirit,
Discernment, and Mind which requires four lower mortal
instruments or vehicles through which to work in matter and
obtain experience from Nature.

This trinity is that called Atma-Buddhi-Manas in Sanskrit,
difficult terms to render in English. Atma is Spirit, Buddhi is
the highest power of intellection, that which discerns and
judges, and Manas is Mind. This threefold collection is the real
man; and beyond doubt the doctrine is the origin of the
theological one of the trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The four lower instruments or vehicles are shown in this table:
=========================
I insert this here from the OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY as it gives a quick
review of man nature and the various controls that we all have and can
use.

Best wishes,

Dallas.

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-----Original Message-----
From: Nisk98114
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2002 7:34 AM
To: study@blavatsky.net
Subject: [bn-study] RE:Sayings of Jesus I


Seems like I have yet to strike the spark that will kindle a
converstion
on this topic.

Let's try this...

We have thought, speech and action.

Why do people restain themselves at all?


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


Perhaps , faint glimmerings of wisdom stemming from pain and death.