Theos-Talk Archives (June 2003 Message tt00029)

Thursday, June 05, 2003


Dear L R A and Friends:

Thanks for the comments.

I particularly enjoyed your observation:


“In light of Theosophy, one can take the attitude of accepting
one's karma with increasing joy while developing the faculties
that in due course will make one KNOW, rather than just believe.”


Anything used to an excess is detrimental, T V has positive and
useful aspects also. Balance is to be desired, I think.

I think we can say that concentration on our task eliminates
encroachments and annoying intrusions.

As I see it, the present day popular music is designed to
separate the active and positive control of the REAL EGO from the
body’s brain-mind. If successful, many deleterious things can be
implanted when it (the brain-mind) becomes passive -- which
rhythms, drugs and alcohol do admirably.

I recall reading Dr. Frankl’s book and believe he is right. As he
recall one of the successful resistances to the atrocious
conditions was an impersonal, but fully dedicated care by some
individuals to alleviate the sufferings of others.


Regarding Karma let me offer that which I have learned from
Theosophy:


Theosophy states that our Karma is “attached” to us as soon as we
make a choice.

This is explained as a magnetic adherence of the “virtue”
inherent in our thoughts and feelings that affect the living
atoms of our bodies (as well as our environment) . We momentarily
change this quality -- so whatever we do, think or feel, remains
as an indelible impression in and on OURSELVES. [To be specific,
the molecules and atoms and sub-atomic particles that are
assembled by Nature to provide us with a physical body to live
and experience in.] This is not generally realized, but a moment
’s thought will enable us to see the justice of this.

For example take a tennis player receiving and returning the
balls in his court. He serves, and if the ball is returned, he
receives the impact of his original delivery, plus the return
impression of the opponent, and so on, until a finality is
achieved. Every return is compounded of several choices and
impressions -- thus we may generate something and receive it back
plus the impressions that others may have added or taken from it.
This is a kind of moral action that is very real in the dynamic
balance that Nature maintains in all departments. And in the
course of a day or a life innumerable such combinations are
settled and created. This is what induces reincarnation, as many
remain “unfinished business” that only a fresh life permits
adjustment in. These two laws Karma and reincarnation work hand
in hand. [By “Nature” I mean the whole UNIVERSE -- some call it
“God.” But then that cannot be a “Being,” but only a Principle of
LIFE (JIVA), that is UNIVERSAL, and impersonally supportive of
all living things.]

Since we may not have thought of Nature as being alive and
sensitive, this action is usually not noticed -- hence, not
considered. But our ignorance does not destroy this force, which
is active always all around, and in, and through us. How else
could Nature support our living and maintain our “position” in
her marvelous complexity?

This activity in nature’s hidden laboratory is yet to be
identified and accurately analyzed by our science, but it has
always been known in Theosophy.

As far as “knowing” goes, it seems to me that this is always a
self-generated task. One has to study and become Master of the
data already accumulated. That requires patience and devotion to
a task assumed.

Take our various sciences. They all are based on the observation
of change, hence on the measurement of change. Any measurement
employs mathematics. So we have mathematics as one of the
fundamentals.

Next we have “Reality.” This varies enormously depending on the
“sense” we use. But fundamentally the senses record
vibrations -- they all record change, and the vibration at the
point when changes occur. Reality is a puzzle as it alters from
level to level. Yet, we call our memories of events “real.”

The electro-magnetic spectrum includes a full range form unity to
infinity. There appears to be only a one-way infinity
here --forward. One has to take into account the “past” that has
been - that PAST which is the CAUSE of our “present.”
Theosophy declares that one aspect of Nature is recording medium
[Akasa] in which every act, thought, feeling or deed of any of
the countless entities that constitute Nature are recorded
indelibly and ineffaceably. The ability to interpret rates of
vibration give us first SOUND, then HEAT, then changes in
physical density and texture relate to emanations, then come
LIGHT and COLOR. But importantly all “changes” will bear
reference on a single point which of necessity is stable, basic
and motionless. This is to be sought for “in the beginning.”
There it has been called the “Causeless Cause of all Being.”

These are followed by “radiation,” -- the various Rays --
infra-red, ultra-violet, X-Rays, Beta-Rays, Gamma-Rays, etc… up
to “Cosmic Rays.” We pass in review, through the range of radio
waves, High and Ultra-high frequencies. Following this are the
still undefined area of plasma physics, and the seemingly
inexhaustible torrents of energy poured forth by the stars and
their possible (theoretical ?) absorption in “Black Holes.”

To continue, in psychology for instance we have as basis, our
consciousness and awareness in the physical body and brain when
it is awake. In fact one might say that all phenomena (both
those of the past, as memories, and those of the present as
current observations) are reduced to motion, images that change
and alter -- perceived by the mind -- and vibrations that the
physical senses detect and are able to record and report to the
Mind. We have memory of the dream states, of pleasant
experiences, of nightmares, chaotic dreams, and of “deep sleep”
and such experiences as might occur there are rarely recorded.
There are induced sleep such as general anaesthesia, when the
consciousness is blanked out, of stupor, of drunkenness and of
drug induced emotional states that are difficult to be precise
about.

This gives us only a small portion of the field of “change” and
of “vibration” and of “Perception.” Theosophy states there are
seven chief layers, or planes, or spheres -- where the
interlinked chain (Nidana) operated eternally.

Thus a few things seem to emerge.

1. We the “PERCEIVER” (Master of the Mind) are a stable
something. Some have used the word “spirit,” ATMA, Real Me, Ego,
Wise-Mind, etc… This appears to be a universal factor a “ONE “--
stable and permanent.

2. The “Perceptions” are activities it sees and
records -- as MEMORY.

3. Modes and rates of VIBRATION are the main aspects of
contacting and noticing “change.”

4. These can be expressed in mathematical terms -- where
there is greater impersonality.

5. Nature(our environment, and our body) is in constant
change. Yet our Consciousness remains unitary. Some claim it is
immortal and as such it reincarnates and uses many bodies in a
program of self-education that leads to PERFECT UNIVERSAL
KNOWLEDGE.

6. Nature always keeps a record of the power of choice,
so we are “creators” to that extent, yet, being in, and a part of
Nature, our interaction sets off counteractions. Some call this
interplay for good or bad: KARMA. It is said to be THE LAW OF
NATURE and imperishable as well as ineffaceable.


7. If such is the case our destiny and future is always
in our hands according to our decisions, so we progress or
retrograde.

Have a look at these ideas and see if they have any merit.

Best wishes,

Dallas


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


-----Original Message-----
From: L.R. A
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2003 3:01 PM
To: study@blavatsky.net
Subject: [bn-study] RE: Seeing the Surface

Thanks, Dallas,

It does help. I got a pair of earplugs, have not given up hope of
finding more serene employment, and already have done what I can
to shut off television at work or at least remove annoying
channels and commercials.

I once talked to a guy in Central America who said, "Television
is one of the greatest enemies of humankind." If I had my way,
television would be removed from our society. Unfortunately, one
can't have one's way all the time. But yes, certainly one can do
one's best to keep others' horrible, and hypnotic, as you put it,
noise from disturbing one's serenity.

Most of all I like what you say about learning to use one's will
in order not to pay attention to the offending noise or
situation. Something to be worked on. While on a brief retreat
recently, I read Dr. Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning."
He survived Auschwitz and other camps largely by finding meaning
in the suffering. I believe he said that the last of the human
freedoms is one's ability to choose one's attitude in any given
set of circumstances.

In light of Theosophy, one can take the attitude of accepting
one's karma with increasing joy while developing the faculties
that in due course will make one KNOW, rather than just believe.

Anyway, that's all been said before. I also like the word "try."

Thanks and best wishes,

Louis








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