Theos-Talk Archives (December 2003 Message tt00400)

Dec 30 2003

Re: Studying the SECRET DOCTRINE 


Dear Friend:


Glad you are enjoying the SECRET DOCTRINE as we have for years.


Recently another friend asked about its study wrote (in part):


"My own private view about regular work with The Secret Doctrine, is its
ability to clear and strengthen the will, and, as a side-effect, to
strengthen one's contact with higher planes of consciousness. Yet, this
is a ...private view, and there are great thinkers who held that the
S.D. can also clarify the lower mind if one is persistent.

Franklin Merrell-Wolff ...had this to say:
 
"The extensive side-excursions one finds in The Secret Doctrine are not
intended to increase confusion but mainly to build up presumptive
evidence not only to support but also to render more acceptable the
primary thesis. To be sure, the excursion that helps one may not help
another and vice versa, but the announced purpose is to help all, as far
as may be, and not merely a preferred few. Further, the central
doctrine is largely in the form of fragments and hints, partly because
there were reasons why all could not be given explicitly, and also
partly because the student must earn the right to understanding by work.
 
Part of The Secret Doctrine is ... a cross-sectional view of western
science [which] now is different when compared with what it was in 1888.
As a result quite an amount of the polemical material would no longer be
needed or would have to be changed as to form. The writer is convinced
that the positive help or support from science today would be far
greater, but all this involves no change in the meaning of the central
Doctrine.
 
.... The one all important question is:  

"Is Theosophy what it claims to be?"  

... Let us recall the primary thesis of Theosophy that it is a
formulation of a portion of the Esoteric Doctrine COMMON to the great
religions and philosophies. Assuming the truth of this thesis, does it
not follow that traces of the Doctrine will be found in the different
systems? Naturally we would expect identity of conception underlying
different terms and different approaches and organizations. Let us not
forget that Theosophy aims at integration rather than an exclusive
approval of one preferred extant system."
JW

--------------


Another asked:

"How familiar are you with theosophical literature? The modern
representation of ancient Theosophy, as a "stream," started in 1877
with ISIS UNVEILED, and this was followed by the queries and answers in
articles printed in THEOSOPHIST (1879---). The SECRET DOCTRINE was
published in 1888, and for new-comers The KEY TO THEOSOPHY was
published in 1899. 

The SECRET DOCTRINE brought out many inquiries focusing on the obvious
fact of a secret ancient School of the Wise. These were discussed in
LUCIFER magazine by HPB (1877 - 1893)  

For those who sensed the Inner SELF the booklet The VOICE OF THE SILENCE
was issued (1889) -- indicating the lines of inner discipline that
leads the "personal self" -- the mask we presently wear as our
"personality" -- to the INNER, the IMMORTAL SELF (the immortal
Individuality)."
DTB

---------------------------------------


Another friend said:


"[Let's observe] ...the Secret Doctrine was not a religious or spiritual
book, nor a 
manual of theosophical practice.  

Although it is a deep textbook as well as a primer designed to give us a
clearer understanding of the fundamental forces and energies, as well as
degrees of consciousness behind the metaphysics that determines the
evolution of both the Cosmos and of Mankind. 

As strictly a reference book, which serves as an aid for obtaining an
understanding of Cosmogenesis and Anthropogenesis, it was not concerned
(other than being superficially implied as a consequence of the
metaphysical teachings) with the ethical, moral, spiritual or heart
doctrine teachings -- that are well covered in the VOICE OF THE SILENCE
and in many articles by HPB and her coworker, WQJ, among others.  

We also should be aware that almost all discoveries of modern science
from 
relativity to quantum physics and the latest multidimensional
superstring 
theories were also well covered, if not completely presaged in the
Secret Doctrine. 
 
The problem is that the one's who speak out about this added knowledge
of the 
metaphysics and its correlation's with modern science, that may serve as
a 
proof of theosophy for ordinary people steeped in the current
materialism and 
believing in physical science, or caught up in religious beliefs, are
not really 
being heard by most theosophists, or anyone else... 

Actually, these so called "new" teachings would still have to be based
on the 
fundamental truths that determine the laws, mental processes, and 
applications of will behind the higher magic that is the basis of
Cosmogenesis and Anthropogenesis, including the involution of conscious
and evolution of matter, described in the SD.  

All this was thoroughly explained symbolically by HPB -- along with many

"blinds" and sidetracks... Since, such knowledge was intended solely
for those 
who have passed the highest levels of initiations and have taken the
Bodhisattva 
vow (even though it could be acquired by others capable of reading "in
and 
around the words and between the lines").

So, who is there, as a fully avowed theosophist, ready to expose such
deeper 
teachings to the common herd? ... How can that lead to a "Universal
Brotherhood"? Didn't HPB say that it was necessary for everyone to
understand the rationale behind reincarnation and karma before that
could happen spontaneously in our hearts based on our own unshakable
conviction in our minds. Isn't this what the Jnana yoga of Secret
Doctrine study mediated 
by the practices outlined in the Voice, all about? 

Actually, there cannot be any new teachings of the Heart Doctrine. But,
the 
complete Eye Doctrine that underlies and justifies it, is yet to be
fully 
explained in both scientific and lay terms that both the scientists and
the 
average people can understand and accept. When that would be
accomplished, an understanding and belief in Karma and Reincarnation
would become a reality for everyone... And, the application of the Heart
Doctrine will follow automatically ... Leading to a Universal
Brotherhood of all Humanity in actuality, rather than in our dreams and
hopes. ...

In any event, I think that this... has already been given out, in 
part, to some...through their own self devised and self determined 
efforts, [who] have come in touch with the Master within. ... And it's
now up to those to come together, consolidate that message, and find the
means to 
present and spread broadcast it to the rest of the world -- in a manner
that 
will be credible to every level of consciousness and intelligence ..."
LM

-----------------------------

Let me add:  


In considering the question of basic (or core) teachings in THEOSOPHY,
one is struck with the multitude of inter-relations that are continually
relative to philosophy and practical life.  

The body we have, the world we live on, the solar-system and the vast
galaxy show how Laws exist and are acted on by many diverse beings
(atoms, molecules, cells, and many other structures -- all controlled by
what science might call force fields) -- these form a vast
life-supporting harmony. A harmony of diversities planned to interact
beneficently -- a BROTHERHOOD in fact and in expression. 

The word THEOSOPHY is said to have its origin with Pythagoras, 2,500
years ago. In meaning it says there is a divine purpose underlying all
beings and living things. This demands intelligence and consciousness
of various types and kinds, but in general, these are all amicable and
cooperative.

In essence the questions are:  

Is Philosophy (as the core teachings of Theosophy) useful?  

Is there a Philosophy of Fact and Truth in our environment and Universe
?  

Have we "free-will" to discipline and control our emotional and desire
nature ?  

Where do we begin to explore, to prove, to demonstrate the usefulness of
metaphysics, philosophy, science, and daily life -- as a whole?

One might say the questions are evidence of the independence and
free-will of the questioner. If we take a unitary CAUSE as such
evidence, then we begin with the observation of Nature around us.

One thing springs to attention immediately: Nature presents us with a
vast tissue of active interrelationships that support our life. [
Nature already contains everything. Nature has provided laws of extreme
subtlety to guide control and nurture everything that is alive. ]

We do not necessarily know all of these, (nor are we convinced that
these statements are true) but, using our powers of observation and
reasoning we can decipher most, if not all of those.  

Our WILL is limited only by our imagination. Imagination is one of the
king-faculties of the human mind. But where does that spring from?
What gives it its unique position?

We all have a tendency to say : "Why try? It is so complex that a
life-time would be needed in each department of scientific investigation
to secure any real knowledge or do adequate testing. So, as a
"short-cut," may we assume that the reports of academics and professors
in those various departments are honest, complete and valuable. Let us
for a moment accept them on "faith." And again we adopt these
statements of "authority" without adequate personal investigation. In
other words we now make of Science a "religion" and scientific
pronouncements are deemed to be a "credo."

Theosophy commences by offering for our consideration some fundamental
concepts -- it traces their presence to all great religions of the
present and past, to myth, legend and modern psychological investigation
of the nature of human mind, human feeling and emotion, human fears and
aspirations.

It is interesting to see how much these great foundation tenets of
Theosophy are to be found giving an understanding of Immortality of the
Spiritual Soul, of Reincarnation, of Karma and of co-evolution are
involved IN PRACTICE in all daily affairs.

The basic fundamental ideas and patterns are universal. They are
ethico-moral applications made individually under free-choice,
voluntarily, by individual who select, identify and idealize them --
they set out to test them by daily practice and experiment.

If we truly grasp the idea that the entire Universe is composed of
basically the imperishable MONADS and they are engaged in an ever more
elevated pathway of experience, then our responsibility to assist
becomes one of great depth and importance to all. It becomes a question
of what information ought to be released at what point in a cycle. And
that is not easy to decide.

The first point that is made in Theosophy and emphasized by innumerable
examples in The SECRET DOCTRINE, is that metaphysics underlie and
support the physics of our "form" existence in this world of "forms."


1.	SPACE is everywhere and has no limits. 

2.	LAW is all pervasive, is established in NATURE (SPACE) to
provide minute as well as complete support for the evolution of
INTELLIGENCE in all Monads (FORMS- MATTER).

3.	EVOLUTION is a complete and interactive process whereby over
almost infinite TIME each Monad ( ATMA-BUDDHI or SPIRIT-MATTER )
acquires, as a final achievement made possible by its own self-effort,
of "SUBLIME PERFECTION." "The "part" acquires a knowledge of the
"WHOLE," and limits itself to voluntary service of and work within that
WHOLE."

This is metaphysical, intellectual, a mental ideal.

But this is also a basis for ethical and moral conduct.

It leads to an understanding of what is called "virtue." VIRTUE is a
practical application of metaphysics. An exaggerated example is (in
mathematics) the 4 simple rules of addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. One cannot start with ZERO, although that
is useful when the cycle of 10 digits, and
multiples of 10 are considered. - 0 - is essential in dealing with
METAPHYSICS, just as numeration ( 1 to 9 ) is essential to the
mathematics of measurement and of forms, geometry and the
materialization of algebra or calculus and these deal with the
definition of forms, time, location, and continuity.

This COMPUTER operates on variants of the simple concept of 1 and 0 --
or the infinitude of numbers. In practice it deals even more simply
with the values of +1 and -1. A value (in these simple terms) is
assigned to each member of an alphabet and to each digit. The Computer
operates by applying mathematical LAWS to anything that is imposed on
it. It is interesting to note that with 7 "bits" is formed a particular
definition, a BYTE. An 8th "bit" is reserved for special functions and
actions.

The LAWS of any country are based on certain uniform principles of
equity as ought to ideally regulate all interaction between people
everywhere. We note that the written, or accepted, formulation of those
adopted LAWS are under constant amendment and refinement. But even when
not written they are deemed to be superior to the pedestrian statutes
and decisions made by legal actions.

THEOSOPHY exposes for our consideration the fact that NATURE (the
Universe) is pervaded by many laws. And, that LAWS, such as
cooperation and interaction underlie the reality and existence of the
physical forms and situations that are under continual revision through
the application of universal friction. Change is ubiquitous and
prevails everywhere. But for forms to change there has to be some
underlying CAUSE which serves to establish the parameters of ex-istence.
The outer appearance is supported, limited and employed by the inner
Intelligence. Intelligence is CAUSAL.

It therefore posits the eternal, and immortal MONAD (an infinitesimal
and indefinable speck of intelligent "Spirit-Matter.") It follows the
progress of this entity. It declares that although forms may change,
die and be reformed, the innate SPIRITUAL ENTITY never dies, but is in
effect an "eternal pupil (or an "Eternal Pilgrim"). [ Monad =
SPIRIT-MATTER intertwined ]

The Laws we apply to human relationships are automatically deemed to
apply universally and by analogy to all beings, and, with the life-atoms
at one end and the irresolvable limits in theory of an infinite UNIVERSE
of GALAXIES, there is a vast range for experience over many
transformations, reincarnations, and reformations. All are essential to
each other and all deserve recognition and respect. The inner
Intelligence is causal and immortal. The forms are mortal and
constantly changing.

LIFE is therefore considered universal, and entitative in it components.
But it is noticed that between periods of activity there are periods of
rest, inactivity and "sleep." Hence the LAWS, while universal, operate
in one way in dormancy, and in another in the period of evolutionary
activity. But the LAWS do not disappear, nor do the "life-atoms" and
the all-pervasive relationships that are inter-established between them.
We are in effect examining ourselves and the purpose of our living, of
our being "Here." Life is Energy. Hence the metaphysical world
considers the energies, forces and powers that underlie the physical
appearance of things.

These Laws of inter-relationship have been named KARMA. It is a word in
Sanskrit that means "action (and re-action)." It is Universal in scope
and so delicately attuned that it considers and attends to the needs of
the smallest sub-atomic particle or energy. As "cause / effect" it is
the basis for the Universe.

If one takes the widest view, then Manifestation (or Evolution) is not
"Creation out of Nothing," but a "re-formation" out of pre-existing,
ineradicable and eternal materials, laws and Intelligences of the next
period of learning. There is a continuous link of life and of cause, as
well as meaning, in this that unites all disparities and the problems of
quality, character and relationship. Each day, each life-period, may be
considered to be a experience in the vast SCHOOL OF LIFE. We are the
"Eternal Pupils."

This single concept serves to bridge the gap of many scientific
observations as it relates disparity to an intelligent CAUSE. Taking
all causes into account and one has the Karma of an atom, a cell, a
person, their family, a nation, a World, a Solar system or all the
galaxies of the Universe.

It is the key to living and is called simply BROTHERHOOD.

------------------------------


"Daily life ? And "Theosophists" are no different from other people.
They have (or ought to have) a deeper sense of responsibility, and of
purpose, if they consider themselves immortals, and for this reason,
they ought to be able to understand, rationalize and then, put into
practice the virtues that mark the progress of the immortal Being
internal to each of them. This is one of the processes of learning
(teaching ones' self) self-control.

All "personal conflicts" are thus seen by the practical Theosophist to
be a matter of self-discipline -- a matter of disciplining their
fractious personalities. A matter of making wisdom, and the spiritual
nature, an actual part of our lives.

But why is this so? Theosophy shows us that the "Personality" (the
"mask" we wear this life-time) is essentially a matter of "feeling."
Feeling relates directly to our Kamic (desire) nature. And this can be
traced to our past lives and the habits we set up then, as well as to
our conduct earlier in this life.

What is Kama? In a way it is the "karma" of our past choices. It is:
our capacities, character, and qualities taken as a whole, it is our
passions, desires and inclinations. It is NOT the Mind.

Theosophy holds that in the "Monad," the Mind capacity is mid-way
between SPIRIT (Wisdom) and MATTER (Kamic desires and passions). Mind is
dispassionate but can be used by either of the eternal opponents
represented by WISDOM and FOLLY.

It should be noted that "virtues" can always be rationalized. "Vices"
cannot, and they are then hypocritically hidden under the surface of
apparent virtue.

"Vice" cannot be planned, used, or conceived of, unless there is a
corresponding "virtue."

The capacity of the mind to project forward in time to potential results
and effects, is the tool that the "personal Kamic nature" uses to devise
its nefarious plans. If the Mind (the real WE) permits such a
miscarriage of talent, then vice (fueled by desire) becomes active. If
on the other hand Mind supported by the WISDOM of earlier experience
controls the Desire Nature (Kama) then vice is destroyed and virtue
reigns. The Law of equity manifests, and "chaos," "doubt," and
"uncertainty" are destroyed.

Theosophy views all problems in this light as the eternal conflict
between SPIRIT (wisdom and experience) and it is the polar opposite to
MATTER (selfish, isolationist, passion, desires, confusion and
ignorance).

Spirit is considered to be CONSCIOUSNESS and eternally dynamic and
progressive it seeks cooperation, generous assistance, continuous
service and attention top the support and needs of other beings. It
sees no reason to "defend" itself as it known it is eternal.

Matter is considered to be INERTIA and the power of retardation and the
retrogressive, seeking to retain a "form" that is already passing away
in time. It is always selfish, isolationist, and defensive because it
knows itself to be only a passing phase -- a temporary manifestation of
an evolving immortal INTELLIGENCE. This brings on the confusion that
exists in having two "Selves" (two Egos) in every human : "the Self of
SPIRIT and the self of Matter."

One may list a few of the objectives that attract the attention and
concern of the "Personality" -- the temporary Ego-intelligence of this
life, which has a name, form, race, religion, economic situation, etc...
but death and dissolution faces all personalities. That finality cannot
be rejected, no matter how unpalatable.

The only alteration that a student of Theosophy would make to his daily
outlook is that he would try to make it (the outlook) of one who never
dies, BUT LIVES TO BE OF BENEFIT TO MANKIND. And that is not easy, as it
changes the whole of a person's attitude to life. It is the view and
discipline adopted by one who knew he was immortal, and had eternity
within which to learn all that could be known concerning life and
Nature. He was also aware that others around him were also immortals,
and with those he has always lived and shared his understanding and
views.

Jesus as reported in his exhortations captured in THE SERMON ON THE
MOUNT, Krishna as discoursing with his pupil Arjuna in the BHAGAVAD
GITA on a battlefield, Gautama the Buddha, as speaking to us through
the words of the DHAMMAPADA (the Footfalls of the Law), and Mme.
Blavatsky through The VOICE OF THE SILENCE, have all touched on the
practical side of the metaphysical fact that every human is an immortal
being using a temporary emotional disguise -- called the "mask" or
"personality."

Our modern developing science of psychology is beginning to come to this
as a basis for understanding the Intelligent CONSCIOUSNESS that is the
REAL human being (not his form, or the tool, the brain) but his
ever-evolving MIND.

The simple way to express this is to make UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD our way
of living.

I hope this will prove of interest, and if there are more questions,
please ask, someone will be sure to answer.

Best wishes,

Dallas

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

-----Original Message-----
From: paspden 
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 2:55 PM
To: BN 
Subject: hello everyone reading this


I live in the UK and am really enjoying reading The Secret Doctrine. 
I bought it about 19 years ago, on the advice of my teacher, and all 
these years later am glad I did so.

What I like about it is that it helps me to synthesise my learning 
todate, especially regarding christianity, buddhism ism, and gaia. It 
also enables me to sense oneness with the earth and from there, the 
stars. We are all one, arn't we? Isn't that great? Being alone never 
felt so good.

Well, hope some of you reply.

Thanks