Subjects for Discussion
Aug 26, 2004 05:18 AM
by W.Dallas TenBroeck
Aug 25 2004
SUBJECTS FOR Discussion
Dear Friends:
In my opinion, here is a valuable assistant to our thinking and discussions.
Bet wishes,
Dallas
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Arranged by Subject
"SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION"
AMONG THEOSOPHISTS
IN May, 1895, Mr. Judge announced that the Theosophical Forum, (a small
monthly pamphlet containing questions and answers on Theosophy) "enters upon
a new life and era." Henceforth, he said, "it will be issued from the office
of the President and under his direction." In other words, Mr. Judge, then
the president of the Theosophical Society in America, took total
responsibility for the Forum. He also said there would be changes:
Editorial treatment of topics by W.Q.J., C. F. W. [Claude Falls Wright], and
others who hold similar views, will also vary from the past; and as to this
it can now be observed that if the treatment of several subjects shall seem
inconsistent with what was said in the old series, the inconsistency will be
due to a present more definite and rigorous application of theosophical
theories to the questions in hand rather than the mechanical and narrow view
formerly obtaining.
This is the primary reason why "Forum" Answers, published by the Theosophy
Company in 1982, consists only of the answers made by Mr. Judge to questions
sent to the Theosophical Forum from 1889 to February, 1896.
In October, 1895, the sixth issue of the new Forum series, Mr. Judge
inserted the following note:
"Some members have taken the statements of these syllabuses as being
didactic and authoritative teachings. They should not be so taken as they
are merely analyses of theosophical subjects made by different persons and
are intended simply as suggesting certain lines of thought, study, and work.
They are an attempt to fill a long-felt need among the Branches and to give
each center a good outline for discussion at its meetings; but nothing more
is intended, and they should not be taken as authoritative." -- W Q J
==========================
At the end of the first issue of the "new" Forum, Mr. Judge inaugurated a
section titled
"SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION;'
consisting of condensed paragraphs on various subjects considered useful for
discussion and study by individuals and Branches of the Society.
In view of Mr. Judge's statement that the Forum was under his direction, it
may be assumed that he either wrote or approved of these items. Present-day
students of Theosophy will find them of value.
They are reprinted here as they were presented in the Forum, from May 1895
through March 1896.
In every issue, the following statement preceded the topics for discussion:
"In articles and addresses never use Sanskrit or foreign terms without also
giving the English meaning; use English terms preferably:'
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A B C by SUBJECT
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ANTASKARANA
The link between the higher and lower manas. Important for study as being
the one approach to spirituality in the mind of man. Only acts when the
consciousness is nor mal. During sleep it has no existence. A mode of
consciousness, not a principle. Higher manas and lower manas separated
during the period of incarnation, save in the case of an Initiate.
Antaskarana, the link between them, is a projection of the lower manas
toward the higher. All per sons project this condition of soul into
spiritual regions. The link increases in power if the energy which produced
it is steadily maintained. Liable to be temporarily cut off however if not
energized perpetually. Antaskarana the "battlefield" of the personality,
spoken of in the Voice of the Silence. Battlefield disappears when the term
of struggle ends. Through Antaskarana come all the higher impulsions during
any life. Music, art, poetry, if truly spiritual, come from this source as
much as philosophy. Careful distinction to be made between sentimentality
and true inspiration. Antaskarana may be so strengthened as eventually to
awaken the full nature of the human being, and a link thus formed between
higher and lower manas cannot be readily broken. If once accomplished it is
always possible for the lower manas to unite itself with its "father" again
at any moment.
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ASTRAL LIGHT
1 THE ASTRAL LIGHT
The "soul of the world' The vortex of physical life. The lowest
differentiation of akasa or fine substance. The sphere of occult currents
and the odic force. Two aspects, the spiritual and the material. Mediums see
upside down and from below. The Initiate sees from above in the astral
light. Astral light the abode of elementaries, nature spirits, and human
elementals. The active residence of black magicians. Weak persons pass into
this sphere unconsciously during sleep. Etheric waves and life currents in
astral light. Philosophy of the Lotus; roots in the earth (physical world),
stalk in the water (astral light), flower in the atmosphere (the spiritual
world).
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2
The ether of occult science. Lowest plane of the Hindu akasa. The
World-Soul, that out of which all visible manifested nature proceeds. Akasa
is the fine substance out of which is spun and constructed every visible
form and invisible being. The action of the Purusha or spirit in the akasa
produces the manifested universe. The astral light is the sphere of akasa
nearest our physical earth. Therefore, the playground of unseen forces
producing all the growths and movements and evolution of the vegetable and
other kingdoms. Efficient comprehension of the astral light and its
properties enables the seer to understand all the workings of nature.
Dangerous because also the receptacle of mind forces and conscious and
subconscious thoughts. Mediums influenced by its forces liable to lose
mental grip. True occultist will never allow any astral power to over come
his intelligence. Clairvoyants and psychics, not possessed of occult power
or union with the Supreme, utterly untrustworthy. Astral light has two
phases; looked at from above, seen aright; looked at from below, all powers
and elemental beings and sights inverted. Theosophists inclined to dabble in
mediumship and desiring sight-see- ing, should remember the statement of
H.P.B. that some of the highest occultists never look into the astral light
at all; they would not degrade themselves by passing into that region. The
sphere of evil thoughts and desires. The abode of elementals and nature
spirits. The sphere of disintegrating "shells," elementaries, spooks, earth
bound souls; looked at from the physical sphere of ordinary human life, the
degrader of intelligence and the soul. Aim of the student to get rid of its
influence. All men, save occultists, influenced by it more or less. One aim
of Theosophy to instruct men in coming age of psychism to avoid astral
influences. This is done by giving the real philosophy of Astral Light.
Hence Theosophists should study carefully the doctrine, but not experiment
in these regions.
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3 NATURE'S FINER FORCES [ Psychic ]
Intelligent appreciation of the finer forces of nature necessary. Science
takes no account of the action of these forces, it merely observes their
effects. The growth of trees and animals resultant from action of
intelligent energy. Ancient Aryans taught that there were seven different
forces corresponding to the seven senses - two of which are not now known to
the ordinary man, - called the mahabhutas or tatwas by the Hindus. The
action of Purusha or Spirit in Prakriti or Matter throws it into seven
different conditions and causes it to generate in seven different ways. On
our planet this produces the seven kingdoms, i.e., the three elemental,
mineral, vegetable, animal and human. In the Cosmos it produces the seven
hierarchies of spiritual beings and planets. All nature an outbreathing and
inbreathing. Man only lives by such action. The finer currents of nature
also subject to the same law, hence positive and negative. Astral light the
field for play of grosser forces exercising in this sphere; hence not
recognized by ordinary men. Many finer currents in the body than those
passing through the veins, arteries and nerves. Hypnotism indicates the
existence of some of these; clairvoyant sight, that of others. The mind the
great controller and exciter of these currents. By controlling the mind the
body can be overcome, and through that the whole of nature; placing all
under the dominance of spiritual perception.
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4 MEDIUMSHIP
Definition of the term. A spiritualistic one, meaning the characteristic of
one who gives himself up to psychic influences and becomes the medium for
their play. Medium is controlled by astral forces. Many with psychic power
not however mediums. Mediumship more common than suspected. Does not always
consist of seeing clairvoyantly or being psychically controlled, but often
manifests in other ways. Drunkards, and those unable to control their
passions, probably mediumistic. Persons uncontrolled generally, come under
the title. Mediumship overcome by creating positivity of character, and
particularly by pre venting the mind from wandering and from general
passivity of disposition. Spiritualistic mediums and those "sitting" for
control, become disorganized nervously and physically in a very short time.
Astral body is separated from the physical body and given up to the mercy of
the shells of the dead. Practice demoralizing in every aspect. External
forces rush in and the brain becomes affected. Hence lying, and falsifying
generally, often goes hand in hand with the more complete phases. Part of
the work of the Theosophical movement to cure the world of medium- ship in
all phases. United States a "hot-bed" of psychism, and philosophy alone can
cure the condition. Warning against being misled by mediumistic
communications instead of by interior intuition.
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ASTRAL ENTITIES
ASTRAL ENTITIES (Elementals & Elementaries)
Space full of them. Nearly all persons more or less affected by them, though
unseen. Study of them and their actions, the work of many great minds of the
past. Elementals - the individualized nature's forces. Elementaries - the
shells of the dead. Effort of the student to prevent psychic influences.
Dangers resulting from attending spiritualistic seances. Real souls of the
dead not in the astral light. Its denizens largely the effect of the action
of thought on the part of human beings. Four kinds of "nature's spirits,"
called by the Rosicrucians those of earth, water, air and fire. This refers
to the intelligences behind all things, and the true science of the spirit
of the different conditions of nature. Those four "elements" of the ancients
were not really elements as the term is now understood, but states of matter
- physical, liquid, gaseous, and etheric or fiery. The laws governing these
states are the expression of the intelligences behind the astral entities.
Ether, part of the astral light. Materializations, spirit rappings,
independent voice, mediumship, obsession, possession all explained in
Theosophical literature. Students should fully comprehend the explanations
given so as to have intelligent knowledge of the subject.
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BHAGAVAD GITA
Part of the great Hindu poem, the Mahabharata. One of the most metaphysical
treatises extant. Consists of eighteen discourses, eighteen being the number
of this yuga or age. Arjuna the lower ego, Krishna the higher ego. The
conversation between these two signifying the thought which every man
induces who is thinking about his own nature. Effort of the treatise is to
show how to obtain Nirvana or Yoga-union with the spirit. First six chapters
describe the nature of the individual soul, the second six describe the
nature of the universal Spirit, and the third signify the condition of him
whose soul is united with the Deity. Each chapter has a special meaning in
connection with the growth of the soul. Students should understand that
there are many interpretations according to the stage of advancement of the
reader. The various names in the book refer as much to conditions of the
mind as to actual persons and places. What is meaning of action and
inaction? The hostile armies meeting on the plain of the Kurus are the two
collections of faculties tending to raise up and draw down the human soul.
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BUDDHISM
Theosophy is not Buddhism, which is one of the great exoteric
world-religions. Founded by Gautama Buddha, once prince of Kapilavastu, who
was born about the year 621 B.C. Maya, his mother, commonly believed by
Buddhists to have been a virgin, like the mother of nearly every "Savior,"
but the Buddhist Scriptures do not state this. He performed many "miracles,"
but never claimed to be more than all men might in time become, stating he
had reached enlightenment through his own exertions. Belonged to the
Kshatriya or warrior caste, the old teachers of the Brahmans. Did not found
a new religion, but was a reformer of priest-ridden Hinduism, substituting
for it the old trans Himalayan and Kshatriya doctrines. He taught that only
a knower of Brahma was a true Brahman and that birth in the Brahman caste
did not confer any moral privilege. Incurred the hatred of the orthodox. Had
an exoteric and esoteric doctrine, the latter (Theosophy) the same as the
esoteric side of every true religion. This fact denied by Max Muller and
other Orientalists, but is clearly stated in the Saddharma-Pundarika,
chapter v, verses 1-4, and elsewhere. The Southern Buddhism of today the
outcome of Buddha's exoteric teaching. It is materialistic compared to
Northern Buddhism, which is the outcome of Buddha's esotericism, though
corrupt and overgrown with Indian and Bhon exotericism. Buddhism the only
bloodless religion. Never persecuted others, but its followers were
persecuted by Brahmans. Buddha, like Jesus, left no writings known to the
world. The "Triple Basket," or Buddhist canon, arranged at the first council
after Buddha's death. The Vinaya-pitaka, or discipline; the Sutta-pitaka, or
discourses of Buddha; the Abhidamma-pitaka, or metaphysics (not yet
translated). These teach Karma, Reincarnation, the purest ethics. Are
pessimistic in regard to earth life. Buddhism followed today by over
one-third of the human race.
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CHELAS & MASTERS
True Master the higher Self. Initiates always the guiding teachers of those
souls not yet progressed. Masters in contact with the Higher Egos. Chelas
the disciples of all Masters at first; not until near the end of probation
do they come under the direct guidance of individual teachers. Chelas do not
see their spiritual teachers until after initiation. Seven years probation,
the fixed law of growth. Seven years chelaship necessary because of the
change of atoms and astral connections. Masters under the same spiritual
rays as their chelas. Nirmanakayas the helpers of men. Many degrees of
teachers. Masters in America and other countries.
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CONCENTRATION
CONCENTRATION [ & Meditation ]
Literal meaning "with the center," i.e., balance. To hold the mind on any
object without thinking of anything but it. One of the practices of
occultism. Does not consist in staring at a spot on the wall or anything in
particular, but in keeping the mind free from thoughts and desires that draw
it away from that upon which it should be placed. Difficulty of
concentration in the West, owing to thought indulgences, and want of
strength of character. Concentration results from ability to keep the mind
fixed upon what ever duty it has to perform. To think of results is to
destroy the concentrative power. Hence duty without desire for reward is one
phase of it. It differs from meditation, in as much as the latter consists
in revolving a matter in the mind in order to understand it, whereas
concentration is merely the holding of the mind on the object. Concentration
however is a necessary adjunct to meditation. Vanity, egotism, individual
affections and preferences, personality of all kinds, the desire for
position and wealth, hate, jealousy, fear, are all destroyers of the
concentrative faculty. Hence they are to be avoided by the student. Through
concentration lies the power of raising the Kundalini or spiritual force.
When the mind can hold itself upon its karmic duties without any tendency to
flee therefrom to other objects, then it will discover how to unite itself
with the spirit.
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DUTY
The continuous teaching of the Bhagavad-Gita. The ethical teaching of this
book is scientific. "If thou wilt not per form the duty of thy calling and
fight out the field, thou wilt abandon thy natural duty and thy honor, and
be guilty of a crime:' One's "natural duty" the result of Karma. This must
be worked through. When worked through it falls off, as the old skin from a
serpent. In the general economy of nature, to attempt the duty of another
creates confusion. No action is perfectly pure, and one's own natural duty,
as the result of one's own thoughts and acts in this life and in past lives,
should be performed even though it be stained with faults. If performed as a
duty, unselfishly and without attachment to results, good will ensue for
oneself and for all men. For it is not sufficient to do one's own duty; it
must be done as a duty owed to the supreme Self, with that motive in view.
All this especially applies to thought, as every act originates in the mind.
Especially avoid the duty of another in thought. The homely saying, "To mind
one's own business," should be taken as applying chiefly to the mind. The
results of an action once performed cannot be altered; the law deals with
results. Therefore the results should be mentally left to the law; or
"offered to the Supreme." The folly of worrying over results; of regrets, of
fears and hopes in regard to them. Beyond our reach; why then waste time and
force on such things if no practical object is to be gained? The difficulty
of discovering one's duty in many cases due to an attempt to do so before
the necessity has arrived. When in doubt as to a duty one should stand
still. The result of living according to these rules is a purification or
clarification of the mind, which is the vehicle of the soul. Following this
clarification comes illumination, from within outwards.
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ELEMENTALS & ELEMENTARIES
ASTRAL ENTITIES
Space full of them. Nearly all persons more or less affected by them, though
unseen. Study of them and their actions, the work of many great minds of the
past. Elementals - the individualized nature's forces. Elementaries - the
shells of the dead. Effort of the student to prevent psychic influences.
Dangers resulting from attending spiritualistic seances. Real souls of the
dead not in the astral light. Its denizens largely the effect of the action
of thought on the part of human beings. Four kinds of "nature's spirits,"
called by the Rosicrucians those of earth, water, air and fire. This refers
to the intelligences behind all things, and the true science of the spirit
of the different conditions of nature. Those four "elements" of the ancients
were not really elements as the term is now understood, but states of matter
- physical, liquid, gaseous, and etheric or fiery. The laws governing these
states are the expression of the intelligences behind the astral entities.
Ether, part of the astral light. Materializations, spirit rappings,
independent voice, mediumship, obsession, possession all explained in
Theosophical literature. Students should fully comprehend the explanations
given so as to have intelligent knowledge of the subject.
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IMMORTALITY
CONDITIONAL IMMORTALITY (SOULLESSNESS)
Doctrine of soulless beings. Important to know that one's immortality is
conditional. Meaning of the phrase "loss of the soul"; bad term because not
fully expressing what is intended. It is entire separation of the higher
manas from the lower manas and consequent absence of all that is spiritual
in lower man. Lower manas is the only part of the lower man incarnated in
the body and associated with earth that can achieve immortality. And this is
only done by its uniting itself with its other half, the higher manas. Life
in Devachan only results from this. But strictly by immortality is meant the
eternal life of the self, the human personal being. This will live
throughout the ages if fully absorbed into its higher nature. Meaning of the
phrase in Isis Unveiled, "We elbow soulless men and women in every walk of
life." Such beings after death, not being united to their spiritual egos,
live but a short while in some of the various inner regions. The spiritual
ego creates a new lower manas or vehicle and commences again a new
incarnation. This is the new personality and is frequently attacked by the
dying remnant of the past. This produces all those unaccounted for desires
and impressions in everybody. It has been said that a single pure aspiration
during one incarnation will insure the immortality of the lower ego and
spiritual possibilities in the future.
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CYCLES
A comprehensive law of nature. To be found without exception in the growth
of all beings. A key to the future. Vibration the basis of it. Originates in
the ever-seeking of the two poles of nature to unify. The separation of
spirit and matter at the commencement of existence causes a tendency of the
one to pass to the other and vice versa. From this results vibration. To be
found in all departments of nature; day and night, summer and winter, heat
and cold, waking and sleeping, light and darkness, life and death; a
perpetual series. Hence reincarnation the necessary conclusion. Application
of the law to racial development, to wars, to famines, etc.; also to the
growth and fall of civilizations. Men, races, planets, universes, cosmos
ruled by this absolute, immutable law.
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DEATH
1 DEATH
A comprehension of the causes of death and of its fundamental nature
requires an understanding of the whole theosophical philosophy. Its physical
cause the separation of the astral body from the material body. Death often
takes place years before the mere physical body ceases to act: e.g. second
childhood, where the soul has fled. Brain the last organ active; often
active after the heart has ceased to beat or the body to breathe. States
after Death. Is it possible to communicate with the dead? What are
elementary shells? One cannot live forever; the body will be destroyed when
its time comes. Occult meaning of the elixir of Life. Wrong to disturb the
dead and draw the souls away from Devachan; this interferes with future
incarnations. Philosophy of the separation of the principles; the four lower
dividing up, Atma-Buddhi-Manas drawing the lower Manas to the condition of
Devachan.
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2 DEVACHAN
A state - not a place. The heaven of the lower self united to its spiritual
half after death. Corresponds with the Christian idea of Heaven.
Spiritualist conception of the "Summerland" an erroneous idea. Length of its
duration variable. Normal length for men of this humanity, from 1000 to 1500
years. Soul only enters it after throwing off the connection with the
earth-life. A state in which the memory of the spiritual side of the
previous lives is awakened. Earth-bound souls, i.e., those who die with
powerful ambitions and desires, debarred from entrance there into.
Communication with those on earth possible through the medium of the higher
Manas
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DESIRES AND PASSIONS - KAMA
Different classes of desire. Those related to physical existence; bodily
appetites
and tendencies. Those of the mind, such as pride, ambition, etc. Higher
desires for spiritual progress. How all these are often intermixed. From
what does desire arise?
Is it from polarity or what? Desire expressed in animal and other kingdoms.
Correspondence or likeness between chemical affinity and desire. The
difference between the two. The position and relation of desire to and among
the other human principles. Compare this with the view of modern psychology.
Relation between will and desire. What is weak will? Is there absolutely
such a thing, or is the "weak willed" one who has many desires pulling in
various ways?
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DEVACHAN
A state - not a place. The heaven of the lower self united to its spiritual
half after death. Corresponds with the Christian idea of Heaven.
Spiritualist conception of the "Summerland" an erroneous idea. Length of its
duration variable. Normal length for men of this humanity, from 1000 to 1500
years. Soul only enters it after throwing off the connection with the
earth-life. A state in which the memory of the spiritual side of the
previous lives is awakened. Earth-bound souls, i.e., those who die with
powerful ambitions and desires, debarred from entrance there into.
Communication with those on earth possible through the medium of the higher
Manas
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EGO
Two phases, higher and lower. In theosophical terminology differs from the
Higher Self. Key to Theosophy should be carefully studied for such
definition. The Ego commonly called Manas or human mind or Soul. Lower ego
the personality with its desires. The higher ego that phase of the human
soul united to the spirit. Object of attainment to unite the higher and
lower egos. This is accomplished after death by most persons. The aim should
be to complete the union before death. Initiation.
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EVOLUTION
Known to the ancients. Modern science has merely revivified it. Cannot be
properly understood unless the soul is considered as a factor also. The
Secret Doctrine teaches three kinds of evolution - body, soul, spirit.
Meaning of "the stone becomes a plant, plant an animal, animal a man, man a
god." Links between the kingdoms not found by science. Exists on other
planets and globes. To understand evolution properly the inner spheres or
heavens must be studied. Man's progenitors, astral and spiritual. Evolution
of the mind and soul. Relation to Karma.
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FUNDAMENTAL PROPOSITIONS OF THE "SECRET DOCTRINE"
THE FUNDAMENTAL PROPOSITIONS OF THE
"SECRET DOCTRINE"
Their metaphysical basis. To be found indirectly in all great religions and
philosophies. Their universal application.
(a) Necessary to postulate fundamental unity. Religion, science and
philosophies concur. Study of unity under three aspects of consciousness,
life (spirit or force) and matter. This applies to man, atom and universe.
These three aspects are interchangeable, for ethics can be stated in terms
of force and science in terms of consciousness. Events, doctrines and
humanity should be considered from each standpoint. Impersonality helped in
this way, for man is seen as a center through which the One mani fests as
any of the above universal principles.
(b) On this the doctrines of reincarnation, Karma, cyclic law, etc., are
based. General theory of cyclic law: that of expansion and contraction, of
periodicity and vibration. As applied to universe, to earth, races, man,
daily life. The cause of birth and death. Habits. The connection of the
"pairs of opposites" with this law.
(c) The dependence of this proposition on the two preceding. A deduction
drawn from them. The pilgrimage of the monad; and of the Ego. The difference
between these. The three streams of evolution: that of monad, of Thinker, of
matter. Their meeting in man. The superiority of this to materialistic view.
Are souls separate from each other? When will the "pilgrimage" cease?
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HEART DOCTRINE
Misunderstood by many members of the Society. Not the doctrine of sentiment
or emotion. Should be studied as taught by the Voice of the Silence. The
real basis of all religious teaching. The only road to progress. The
doctrine of true understanding as differing from mere intellectual
perception. Differs from "feelings" because unassociated with personality.
The Secret Wisdom. Mind was needed to "embrace the universe," not to dwarf
it; hence needed to verify and to interpret intuition, the resulting
experience being the true doctrine of the heart. So it is "doctrine of
experience" as witnessed from the heart. Relation of heart and head.
Intellect by itself fails. The Higher Manas the true inspirer. Theosophists
should be careful not to imagine the heart doctrine as inspiring mere
personal preference and affections. True "love" includes all-friends and
enemies alike. Great difficulty for the ordinary man to decide between the
love which springs from personal magnetism and emotion, and that which
arises from the heart. So-called enemies often our best friends because they
develop us the most quickly. To the occultist there is neither friend nor
enemy nor distinction of persons nor personal antagonism; and this is not
because of the mere emotion of a day, but as a result of the true heart
doctrine which embraces all things in nature, and studies and learns from
all.
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HYPNOTISM
Modern exhibition of black magic or sorcery. Increasing year by year. The
Theosophical philosophy opposed to it. Not understood by science; nor can it
be understood with out a knowledge of Occultism. Consists in the injection
of auric or odic fluid of one person into the system of another, thus
upsetting the vibrations of the atoms of the other's body. The name
"hypnotism" a misnomer, for all subjects do not sleep. Difference between
hypnotism and mesmerism explained by article, Lucifer, December 1890
["Hypnotism," H.P.B. Articles II, 477].
Theosophists above all, should not practice it, for it destroys the
stability of the mind. Diseases cured by hypnotism liable to be transferred
to the hypnotist. Hypnotism of all degrees the one thing which the world is
striving to rid itself of. A dangerous practice because interfering with the
soul development of both the hypnotist and the hypnotized. Theory of
vibrations in connection with it. A great deal of it the result of
"suggestions" and what used to be called "fascination." The student of
Occultism should above all things prevent his mind being controlled by
another. To give himself up to hypnotic suggestion is to throw back his
possibilities of advance many years, if not for a whole lifetime. The errors
of hypnotism lie fundamentally in the interference with the free-will of the
soul, and secondarily in the upsetting of the psychic currents of the body.
===========================================================
INTUITION
Not to be confused with impulse, which is kamic. Impulse is always towards
action. Intuition rarely so. May be tested in that way. It is synthetic and
not analytic; will often instantaneously explain a series of events, ideas,
actions. The action of Buddhi on this plane. Both reason and intuition
necessary; reason to be used as interpreter and verifier.
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KAMA
DESIRES AND PASSIONS - KAMA
Different classes of desire. Those related to physical existence; bodily
appetites
and tendencies. Those of the mind, such as pride, ambition, etc. Higher
desires for spiritual progress. How all these are often intermixed. From
what does desire arise?
Is it from polarity or what? Desire expressed in animal and other kingdoms.
Correspondence or likeness between chemical affinity and desire. The
difference between the two. The position and relation of desire to and among
the other human principles. Compare this with the view of modern psychology.
Relation between will and desire. What is weak will? Is there absolutely
such a thing, or is the "weak willed" one who has many desires pulling in
various ways?
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KARMA
KARMA OR COMPENSATION
The law of Justice; of action and reaction. The doctrine in different
religions such as Buddhism, Brahmanism and Christianity; responsibility of
each man; responsibility of races. Does Karma govern the constant rebirth
into one race until full compensation is made and similarity in race
tendencies exhausted? Is Karma fate? What kind of fate is it?
==========================================================
MASTERS AND CHELAS
True Master the higher Self. Initiates always the guiding teachers of those
souls not yet progressed. Masters in contact with the Higher Egos. Chelas
the disciples of all Masters at first; not until near the end of probation
do they come under the direct guidance of individual teachers. Chelas do not
see their spiritual teachers until after initiation. Seven years probation,
the fixed law of growth. Seven years chelaship necessary because of the
change of atoms and astral connections. Masters under the same spiritual
rays as their chelas. Nirmanakayas the helpers of men. Many degrees of
teachers. Masters in America and other countries.
===============================================================
MEDITATION & CONCENTRATION
Literal meaning "with the center," i.e., balance. To hold the mind on any
object without thinking of anything but it. One of the practices of
occultism. Does not consist in staring at a spot on the wall or anything in
particular, but in keeping the mind free from thoughts and desires that draw
it away from that upon which it should be placed. Difficulty of
concentration in the West, owing to thought indulgences, and want of
strength of character. Concentration results from ability to keep the mind
fixed upon what ever duty it has to perform. To think of results is to
destroy the concentrative power. Hence duty without desire for reward is one
phase of it. It differs from meditation, in as much as the latter consists
in revolving a matter in the mind in order to understand it, whereas
concentration is merely the holding of the mind on the object. Concentration
however is a necessary adjunct to meditation. Vanity, egotism, individual
affections and preferences, personality of all kinds, the desire for
position and wealth, hate, jealousy, fear, are all destroyers of the
concentrative faculty. Hence they are to be avoided by the student. Through
concentration lies the power of raising the Kundalini or spiritual force.
When the mind can hold itself upon its karmic duties without any tendency to
flee therefrom to other objects, then it will discover how to unite itself
with the spirit.
========================================================
MEDIUMSHIP
Definition of the term. A spiritualistic one, meaning the characteristic of
one who gives himself up to psychic influences and becomes the medium for
their play. Medium is controlled by astral forces. Many with psychic power
not however mediums. Mediumship more common than suspected. Does not always
consist of seeing clairvoyantly or being psychically controlled, but often
manifests in other ways. Drunkards, and those unable to control their
passions, probably mediumistic. Persons uncontrolled generally, come under
the title. Mediumship overcome by creating positivity of character, and
particularly by pre venting the mind from wandering and from general
passivity of disposition. Spiritualistic mediums and those "sitting" for
control, become disorganized nervously and physically in a very short time.
Astral body is separated from the physical body and given up to the mercy of
the shells of the dead. Practice demoralizing in every aspect. External
forces rush in and the brain becomes affected. Hence lying, and falsifying
generally, often goes hand in hand with the more complete phases. Part of
the work of the Theosophical movement to cure the world of medium- ship in
all phases. United States a "hot-bed" of psychism, and philosophy alone can
cure the condition. Warning against being misled by mediumistic
communications instead of by interior intuition.
=========================================================
MEMORY
Phase of the mind important to understand as an aspect of the imagination.
Its
relation to psychism. A cause of rebirth. Fatal to concentration or living
in the present. Difference however between observing the past and living in
the past. Its relation to future selfish hopes. The cause of desires.
Teaching of all sages summed
up in "look not behind or thou art lost' Distinction between reminiscence,
recollection and memory. Why do most people not remember past lives? Memory
of events to be distinguished from memory of experience. Memory one great
cause of the sorrows of the world. Uselessness of remorse. Students should
practice to prevent the mind turning over and over again the past.
Difficulty of this. Past, present and future unknown to the seer; all
absorbed in the Eternal. Memory may be defined as a getting into the old
astral currents. Dangers of this. Daydreaming and vacancy of mind an effect.
To the extent one lives over his past mentally does he tend to act it over
again externally; hence, memory the great cause of habits. Memory not only
con fined to the mind, but also exists in the bodily organs and atoms. Hence
great difficulty of purifying the body. Seven years often necessary.
Relation of memory to knowledge.
=============================================================
NATURE'S FINER FORCES [Astral, Psychism]
Intelligent appreciation of the finer forces of nature necessary. Science
takes no account of the action of these forces, it merely observes their
effects. The growth of trees and animals resultant from action of
intelligent energy. Ancient Aryans taught that there were seven different
forces corresponding to the seven senses - two of which are not now known to
the ordinary man, - called the mahabhutas or tatwas by the Hindus. The
action of Purusha or Spirit in Prakriti or Matter throws it into seven
different conditions and causes it to generate in seven different ways. On
our planet this produces the seven kingdoms, i.e., the three elemental,
mineral, vegetable, animal and human. In the Cosmos it produces the seven
hierarchies of spiritual beings and planets. All nature an outbreathing and
inbreathing. Man only lives by such action. The finer currents of nature
also subject to the same law, hence positive and negative. Astral light the
field for play of grosser forces exercising in this sphere; hence not
recognized by ordinary men. Many finer currents in the body than those
passing through the veins, arteries and nerves. Hypnotism indicates the
existence of some of these; clairvoyant sight, that of others. The mind the
great controller and exciter of these currents. By controlling the mind the
body can be overcome, and through that the whole of nature; placing all
under the dominance of spiritual perception.
===========================================================
OBJECTS OF THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT
THE THREE OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY
(1) Universal Brotherhood without any distinctions whatever. Why no
distinctions? Brotherhood in all kingdoms of nature. The true meaning of
caste. Relation of West to East. Relation of man to animals, and animals to
man. Difference between Christian and Theosophical ideas of Brotherhood. One
Universal Spirit underlying all manifestations. Theosophy works to change
man's inner nature rather than to arrange for socialistic communities or to
give him food and clothing. The latter work, however, necessary also to help
those thrown down by Karma.
(2) Study of ancient and modern religions, philosophies and sciences;
demonstration of the importance of such study. How best to study these.
Ancient religions are the remnants of ancient occult bodies. The Aryan
philosophy. Has the Theosophical Movement begun with the Theosophical
Society? Proper conception of God. Modern Science tending to reflect the
teachings of ancient Wisdom. The East the storehouse of wisdom. India has
much of it, but the Hindus do not understand their own philosophy. Vedas the
oldest books of the Aryan race. Why should Theosophists understand and study
Buddhism? Necessity and importance of investigating the origin of
Christianity so as to destroy priestcraft, error and superstition. Work of
the Theosophical Society in this field.
(3) Investigation of the unexplained laws of nature and psychical powers
latent in man. All signs and thought tending in this direction. The object
of the Theosophical Society is to investigate, not to experiment. Only
students of occultism can comprehend the laws of nature. All Theosophists
not Occultists. Hypnotism, mental telepathy, mediumship and psychic feats to
be avoided by the student who seek higher wisdom. Why is this? Necessity for
the Theosophical Society to explain modern discoveries in this field by the
ancient Occult Wisdom.
========================================================
OCCULTISM
Meaning of term. Difference between the occult arts and true occultism.
Chelaship and adeptship. Necessity for understanding the true meaning of
occultism so as to avoid foolish ideas about this. Occultists in all ages;
mentioned in Bible and other sacred books. True occultism consists in
understanding the inner workings of mind and soul and not in psychic
experiments. Occult schools in the East. The West the future of occult
science. Great school of Occultism forming in America. No initiates in
India, as Mme. Blavatsky taught. No value in running after personalities;
the student must find his spiritual teacher in him self. Difference between
modern Christian teaching and the ancient occultism of the followers of
Christos. Necessity for purity and aspiration and meditation in order to
achieve any occult knowledge. Theosophical Society an occult movement. One
must understand the philosophy of Theosophy before he can advance.
===============================================================
PERSONALITY
FOURFOLD LOWER MAN
Is called the Quaternary. Composed of (1) body, (2) vital principle or jiva;
(3) astral body, ethereal double, linga sarira; (4) desires and passions,
kama rupa, kama manas or mind ensnared in and tinctured by desires and
passions.
Body is a limitation and not a cause. Is the physical instrument needed for
this plane? All bodies belong on this plane, our instrument therefore is
wholly animal. Its particles constantly changing as admitted by scientific
observers.
Vital principle, Jiva, Life. It is universal; pervades every point of space;
is derived from the supreme jiva and hence universal; exchanged among all
living beings.
Astral body; the ethereal double; Linga Sarira. Its functions and powers:
the form or matrix on which the physical is built; it partakes of the nature
of the astral matter; describe the latter. Is the seat of the purely
personal, but there is reflex automatic action on it from the body as a
person. New astral body general rule for each birth, but some carried over
from prior birth.
Desires and passions, Kama, and Kama Manas. The turning point; shared with
animals, except that, they have but little if any manas. This battlefield
for man, resembling the Earth itself. Reincarnation; the wheel of rebirth
due to the action and reaction of desire and passion.
===========================================================
PHYSICAL BODY
Built onto and into its prototype, the astral body. No hard and fast
division between these two "sheaths The nervous system closest in touch with
the astral body. The brain and nervous system one form of the Ashwattha
growing "with its roots above and its branches below." Body composed of
millions of "lives," of which the microbes of science are one form. These
"lives" compose all things in nature, from a tree to an elephant. Their
ceaseless motion. They arrange themselves as cells. Cells are ideal forms.
The body the most illusionary of the principles; momentary changes in its
composition. On the death of the body, these "lives," no longer correlated,
run riot as destructive agents, having become separative. Every "life" has a
consciousness of its own, with certain tendencies and desires. Selective
action of the cells, taking from the blood what they need, rejecting the
rest, proves this. The healing of a wound by these "lives;' without the
conscious participation of the human mind. Every cell has a centralized or
specialized consciousness. In combination these produce a further
centralization of consciousness in the organs, each with its "presiding
deity." All these with habits and desires of their own. One meaning of the
Hindu "crores of gods." The heart the particular organ of manas; the liver
and spleen the organs of kama. Many desires and tendencies of man arise from
foolish identification of himself with these bodily desires. The effect of
heredity, family and national, on the moral and physical character of the
body. Possible to greatly extend the life of the body through knowledge of
its occult properties and the laws governing it.
==========================================================
PRACTICAL THEOSOPHY
THEOSOPHY APPLIED TO LIFE
The Theosophist should apply his theories to practice. Intellectual
Theosophy is not
of any use to the individual though it may be to others. It leads to
hypocrisy. The spiritual or heart doctrine must be learned. The personal
element must be understood and conquered. Folly of running after psychic or
occult powers. Necessity for virtue, impersonality, charity, etc., in one
who evokes any psychic powers. Hence need for performance of every duty in
life. Meaning of duty. Our duty to others and to the race. Application of
fable of the hare and tortoise to this subject.
===============================================================
PSYCHIC FORCES IN NATURE [Her FINER FORCES]
NATURE'S FINER FORCES
1
Intelligent appreciation of the finer forces of nature necessary. Science
takes no account of the action of these forces, it merely observes their
effects. The growth of trees and animals resultant from action of
intelligent energy. Ancient Aryans taught that there were seven different
forces corresponding to the seven senses - two of which are not now known to
the ordinary man, - called the mahabhutas or tatwas by the Hindus. The
action of Purusha or Spirit in Prakriti or Matter throws it into seven
different conditions and causes it to generate in seven different ways. On
our planet this produces the seven kingdoms, i.e., the three elemental,
mineral, vegetable, animal and human. In the Cosmos it produces the seven
hierarchies of spiritual beings and planets. All nature an outbreathing and
inbreathing. Man only lives by such action. The finer currents of nature
also subject to the same law, hence positive and negative. Astral light the
field for play of grosser forces exercising in this sphere; hence not
recognized by ordinary men. Many finer currents in the body than those
passing through the veins, arteries and nerves. Hypnotism indicates the
existence of some of these; clairvoyant sight, that of others. The mind the
great controller and exciter of these currents. By controlling the mind the
body can be overcome, and through that the whole of nature; placing all
under the dominance of spiritual perception.
2 MEDIUMSHIP
Definition of the term. A spiritualistic one, meaning the characteristic of
one who gives himself up to psychic influences and becomes the medium for
their play. Medium is controlled by astral forces. Many with psychic power
not however mediums. Mediumship more common than suspected. Does not always
consist of seeing clairvoyantly or being psychically controlled, but often
manifests in other ways. Drunkards, and those unable to control their
passions, probably mediumistic. Persons uncontrolled generally, come under
the title. Mediumship overcome by creating positivity of character, and
particularly by pre venting the mind from wandering and from general
passivity of disposition. Spiritualistic mediums and those "sitting" for
control, become disorganized nervously and physically in a very short time.
Astral body is separated from the physical body and given up to the mercy of
the shells of the dead. Practice demoralizing in every aspect. External
forces rush in and the brain becomes affected. Hence lying, and falsifying
generally, often goes hand in hand with the more complete phases. Part of
the work of the Theosophical movement to cure the world of medium- ship in
all phases. United States a "hot-bed" of psychism, and philosophy alone can
cure the condition. Warning against being misled by mediumistic
communications instead of by interior intuition.
3 THIRD OBJECT OF THE SOCIETY (Psychic Nature)
"To study and investigate the psychic and other powers latent in man'
Generally misunderstood. Taken as applying only to astral powers, which are
of the least importance. Psyche means soul or breath, and "psychic powers"
here mean soul powers. The power of mind over matter. The power of the soul
over the mind and kamic nature, of self-restraint. The power of
concentration. The power of the will and of the imagination to create forms
on all planes of form. The power of the mind generally to generate force.
Thought as a power. The power to understand one's real motives. The power to
trace a thought to its source. The power to discriminate between the real
and the unreal; between right and wrong. The power to "hear from within" by
making the mind receptive to higher impressions. The great power of keeping
silent in speech and thought. The last is rarely cultivated; yet it is of
the first importance. Of much more value than astral clairvoyance or
clairaudience. And these are not usually "powers," since they are spasmodic
and entirely beyond control as a rule. The best way to cultivate any of
these real powers is in the small affairs of life. The highest powers that
are used by the Adept are latent in ordinary man, who uses many of them
unconsciously, for the higher is present in the lower though not fully
expressed or understood. The powers all men exercise in dream; in daily
instances of mental telepathy. "Brain-waves' These powers should be studied
and investigated. The importance of observing one's daily experience. Too
many people learn nothing from it because they are in too great a hurry and
because they have not realized that the things and events nearest to them
are often the most mysterious. No need to go to seances or to some other
part of the world to study occult powers. They are within us. They surround
us. The laws governing them should be discovered. So every member who
studies and properly investigates himself is following the third object of
the Society.
===========================================================
REINCARNATION
REBIRTH AND PREEXISTENCE
History and prevalence of the doctrines. Taught by early Christian Fathers,
especially Origen. Anciently taught in the East and continued to this day.
Prevails over most minds, countries and religions. As taught by Jesus in St.
Matthew, xi, xvi, xvii, regarding John the Baptist; if he was the
reincarnation of Elias this must have been under a law of nature. Evolution
of soul and character require the doctrines. Something cannot come from
nothing; and thus force and variety of character must be accounted for.
Rebirth explains many problems. Opportunities offered for growth and
discipline. As applied to nations in rise, decline, fall and disappearance.
In respect to great geniuses such as Mozart, Bach, Napoleon, and others.
Also applied to exceptional cases such as Blind Tom, musical prodigies, and
many mathematical geniuses. Without the doctrine the miseries of life, the
differences in character and opportunity, the handicaps of birth are not
explicable.
=================================================================
"SECRET DOCTRINE"
THE FUNDAMENTAL PROPOSITIONS OF
"SECRET DOCTRINE"
1
Their metaphysical basis. To be found indirectly in all great religions and
philosophies. Their universal application. (a) Necessary to postulate
fundamental unity. Religion, science and philosophies concur. Study of unity
under three aspects of consciousness, life (spirit or force) and matter.
This applies to man, atom and universe. These three aspects are
interchangeable, for ethics can be stated in terms of force and science in
terms of consciousness. Events, doctrines and humanity should be considered
from each standpoint. Impersonality helped in this way, for man is seen as a
center through which the One mani fests as any of the above universal
principles. (b) On this the doctrines of reincarnation, Karma, cyclic law,
etc., are based. General theory of cyclic law: that of expansion and
contraction, of periodicity and vibration. As applied to universe, to earth,
races, man, daily life. The cause of birth and death. Habits. The connection
of the "pairs of opposites" with this law. (c) The dependence of this
proposition on the two preceding. A deduction drawn from them. The
pilgrimage of the monad; and of the Ego. The difference between these. The
three streams of evolution: that of monad, of Thinker, of matter. Their
meeting in man. The superiority of this to materialistic view. Are souls
separate from each other? When will the "pilgrimage" cease?
----------------------------
2
STUDY OF THE "SECRET DOCTRINE"
Contains general information directing thought of the world to spiritual
nature, sufficient for centuries. Volumes should be first studied so as to
discover general laws: all nature alive; evolution; no death in the
universe; cycles; astral, psychic and spiritual spheres; progression Of
planets, continents, races and men. Each volume divided into three parts:
(a) the philosophy, (b) proofs by religion, (c) proofs by science. In
studying to grasp the teachings and science effort should be made to get at
the spirit rather than to learn all the statements and Sanskrit names.
Secret Doctrine not the last word. Statement of H.P.B. that she only started
the thought of the world in this direction. The work intended to awaken the
intuitions more than the analytical mind. Apparent contradictions in it
stand out as such only to those who read with preconceived notions. Students
should try to get to the center of standpoint from which the work was
written. Secret Doctrine can only be fully understood by those who can reach
to the same development as the writer of it. Effort to be made to reach to
that plane.
===========================================================
SOULLESSNESS ( Loss of soul )
CONDITIONAL IMMORTALITY
Doctrine of soulless beings. Important to know that one's immortality is
conditional. Meaning of the phrase "loss of the soul"; bad term because not
fully expressing what is intended. It is entire separation of the higher
manas from the lower manas and consequent absence of all that is spiritual
in lower man. Lower manas is the only part of the lower man incarnated in
the body and associated with earth that can achieve immortality. And this is
only done by its uniting itself with its other half, the higher manas. Life
in Devachan only results from this. But strictly by immortality is meant the
eternal life of the self, the human personal being. This will live
throughout the ages if fully absorbed into its higher nature. Meaning of the
phrase in Isis Unveiled, "We elbow soulless men and women in every walk of
life." Such beings after death, not being united to their spiritual egos,
live but a short while in some of the various inner regions. The spiritual
ego creates a new lower manas or vehicle and commences again a new
incarnation. This is the new personality and is frequently attacked by the
dying remnant of the past. This produces all those unaccounted for desires
and impressions in everybody. It has been said that a single pure aspiration
during one incarnation will insure the immortality of the lower ego and
spiritual possibilities in the future.
=============================================================
SPIRITUAL MAN
Three principles; Atma, Buddhi, Manas. Called the Higher Triad: the Monad.
Atma; the Spirit; the Higher Self. Meaning of the word. Is part of man, yet
universal. Can you say "mine" or "thine" of it? Basis of all manifested
nature. The Higher Self cannot manifest without Buddhi, its vehicle. It is
to man as Brahma is to the universe.
Buddhi. Atma-Buddhi, the monad not self-conscious. Atma-Buddhi in minerals,
plants and animals, as well as man. Buddhi called the spiritual soul. Cannot
exist without Atma. It is the vehicle or first veil of Atma. Atma-Buddhi
passes through all kingdoms of nature and only when it succeeds in evolving
the man stage, becomes self-conscious or manasic. The most mystical of all
the principles. Buddhi, the spiritual Will.
Manas. Two phases, higher and lower. Higher, Manas linked with Buddhi.
Lower, Manas linked with Kama. Buddhi-Manas and Kama-Manas. Self-conscious
in man. Lower Manas the lower self. Lower Manas joined to Kama and the
astral body, the personality. How can the lower Manas be united with the
higher? Lower Manas a ray of the higher Manas. Called the Father and Son.
Have animals Manas? How did Manas originate in the human kingdom? Secret
Doctrine teachings concerning the Pitris (Fathers).
State the relation of Atma-Buddhi-Manas to the fourfold lower man.
================================================================
SPIRITUALISM
SPIRITUALISM AND THEOSOPHY
Difference between the two. The elementaries of the séance rooms not the
souls of the dead. Spiritualists the great materializers of spiritual
things. "Spirits" an improper term; only one Spirit. What is the cause of
the manifestations? Philosophy of this. No student of occult ism will attend
séance rooms on account of astral currents and evil influences. The "worship
of the dead." The medium is the opposite end of the pole of development to
the occultist. The occultist controls, the medium is con trolled. All
religions legislated against the raising of the dead. Called sorcery.
Mediumship the main tendency to be conquered by western occult students.
Summerland, a wrong and pernicious philosophy. Explain why. Difference
between the calm of yoga and the excitement arising from communications from
the dead. Evils resulting from spiritualism.
===============================================================
SYMBOLISM
Necessity for the study of this. Nature's productions all symbols of an
underlying intelligence. Symbolism of the Hindus and Egyptians, Serpent
symbolical of wisdom; square, of matter; triangle, of spirit; crux ansata,
of life. Meaning of interlaced triangles, of svastica, of pentagon, of
caduceus. Seal of the T.S.A. Symbolism of cross and circle. Christianity
full of uninterpreted symbols. Reasons for the power attaching to certain
forms, such as five- pointed star.
===========================================================
THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT
1
Theosophy in all ages and religions. The present T.S. only one manifestation
of the movement. Occultism in connection with it. Historical evidences of
its existence in
the past. Revivification of the movement once every hundred years or
thereabout.
Duties of workers and members towards the movement. Non-attachment to forms
and mere organizations as such. Similarities existing between Masonic bodies
and the present movement. Many societies, autonomous, with but one
philosophy and aim - all parts of one whole. What is the real effort of the
movement? How far is it possible to form the nucleus of Universal
Brotherhood?
---------------
2 THE THREE OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY
(1) Universal Brotherhood without any distinctions whatever. Why no
distinctions? Brotherhood in all kingdoms of nature. The true meaning of
caste. Relation of West to East. Relation of man to animals, and animals to
man. Difference between Christian and Theosophical ideas of Brotherhood. One
Universal Spirit underlying all manifestations. Theosophy works to change
man's inner nature rather than to arrange for socialistic communities or to
give him food and clothing. The latter work, however, necessary also to help
those thrown down by Karma.
(2) Study of ancient and modern religions, philosophies and sciences;
demonstration of the importance of such study. How best to study these.
Ancient religions are the remnants of ancient occult bodies. The Aryan
philosophy. Has the Theosophical Movement begun with the Theosophical
Society? Proper conception of God. Modern Science tending to reflect the
teachings of ancient Wisdom. The East the storehouse of wisdom. India has
much of it, but the Hindus do not understand their own philosophy. Vedas the
oldest books of the Aryan race. Why should Theosophists understand and study
Buddhism? Necessity and importance of investigating the origin of
Christianity so as to destroy priestcraft, error and superstition. Work of
the Theosophical Society in this field.
(3) Investigation of the unexplained laws of nature and psychical powers
latent in man. All signs and thought tending in this direction. The object
of the Theosophical Society is to investigate, not to experiment. Only
students of occultism can comprehend the laws of nature. All Theosophists
not Occultists. Hypnotism, mental telepathy, mediumship and psychic feats to
be avoided by the student who seek higher wisdom. Why is this? Necessity for
the Theosophical Society to explain modern discoveries in this field by the
ancient Occult Wisdom.
========================================================
THEOSOPHY APPLIED TO LIFE [Practical]
The Theosophist should apply his theories to practice. Intellectual
Theosophy is not
of any use to the individual though it may be to others. It leads to
hypocrisy. The spiritual or heart doctrine must be learned. The personal
element must be understood and conquered. Folly of running after psychic or
occult powers. Necessity for virtue, impersonality, charity, etc., in one
who evokes any psychic powers. Hence need for performance of every duty in
life. Meaning of duty. Our duty to others and to the race. Application of
fable of the hare and tortoise to this subject.
===============================================================
THOUGHT
Action of the ego in a material vehicle. Different kinds of thought,
spiritual, intellectual, and animal. The last is little more than desire.
Presence of the lower manas in the human animal causes the passions of the
latter to be mixed with the mind and to become vices. Difficulty of
preventing the mind so mixing with the ordinary animal nature. Should
control it and not be controlled by it. The mind discolored by whatever it
focuses itself upon. This is the so- called thought of most persons.
Difficulty of discovering a pure thought. Influences coming from the
presence of other people, from our training and education, and from our
desires to be avoided. The only correct thought is that which comes from the
spiritual being, the higher ego. Patanjali's Yoga Aphorisms necessary for
study. Few Theosophists, any more than other people, consider the necessity
for going into their natures and discovering the true causes of their
various actions, endeavors and aspirations. Thought the most fleeting and
uncontrolled action of all. To hold it steady upon one object, and that a
spiritual one, the one in accord with the destiny of the man, should be the
endeavor.
2 CONCENTRATION
Literal meaning "with the center," i.e., balance. To hold the mind on any
object without thinking of anything but it. One of the practices of
occultism. Does not consist in staring at a spot on the wall or anything in
particular, but in keeping the mind free from thoughts and desires that draw
it away from that upon which it should be placed. Difficulty of
concentration in the West, owing to thought indulgences, and want of
strength of character. Concentration results from ability to keep the mind
fixed upon what ever duty it has to perform. To think of results is to
destroy the concentrative power. Hence duty without desire for reward is one
phase of it. It differs from meditation, in as much as the latter consists
in revolving a matter in the mind in order to understand it, whereas
concentration is merely the holding of the mind on the object. Concentration
however is a necessary adjunct to meditation. Vanity, egotism, individual
affections and preferences, personality of all kinds, the desire for
position and wealth, hate, jealousy, fear, are all destroyers of the
concentrative faculty. Hence they are to be avoided by the student. Through
concentration lies the power of raising the Kundalini or spiritual force.
When the mind can hold itself upon its karmic duties without any tendency to
flee therefrom to other objects, then it will discover how to unite itself
with the spirit.
3 MEMORY
Phase of the mind important to understand as an aspect of the imagination.
Its
relation to psychism. A cause of rebirth. Fatal to concentration or living
in the present. Difference however between observing the past and living in
the past. Its relation to future selfish hopes. The cause of desires.
Teaching of all sages summed
up in "look not behind or thou art lost' Distinction between reminiscence,
recollection and memory. Why do most people not remember past lives? Memory
of events to be distinguished from memory of experience. Memory one great
cause of the sorrows of the world. Uselessness of remorse. Students should
practice to prevent the mind turning over and over again the past.
Difficulty of this. Past, present and future unknown to the seer; all
absorbed in the Eternal. Memory may be defined as a getting into the old
astral currents. Dangers of this. Daydreaming and vacancy of mind an effect.
To the extent one lives over his past mentally does he tend to act it over
again externally; hence, memory the great cause of habits. Memory not only
con fined to the mind, but also exists in the bodily organs and atoms. Hence
great difficulty of purifying the body. Seven years often necessary.
Relation of memory to knowledge.
=====================================================
YOGA
English equivalent - union. Signifies the linking of the personal self to
the universal Self. "Concentration," its greatest feature. Concentration
best achieved by getting rid of those elements in the nature which prevent
its accomplishment. Patanjali's system. Different kinds of yoga. Raja Yoga
the highest - white magic. Tantra Yoga the lowest - black magic. Hatha Yoga
sometimes called grey magic; the worst of all, because most delusive.
Thousands of Yogis in India. Most of them students of Hatha Yoga; following
mere forms and ceremonies, posturings, breathing
exercises and the like. A true yogi can as well be in "communion" at an
office desk as in a cave. To be "in the world but not of the world;' the
position rightly to be attained by the real anchorite.
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ZOROASTRIANISM
Wrongly called Fire-Worship, Mazdaism, Parseeism. Magism, and Sun-Worship.
Founded by the first Zarathustra or Zoroaster, prehistorically. Thirteen
Zoroasters are mentioned in the Dabistan, one of their sacred books.
"Zoroaster" being a generic name like "Christ." The last of them lived about
2000 B.C., but the date is very uncertain. The Bible is called the
Zend-Avesta and is divided up into the Vendidad, the Yasna, the Gathas,
etc., the last named being the oldest portion. Gathas written in Zend,
probably a form of the Zensar [Senzar], from which the Stanzas in the Secret
Doctrine were translated. In the historical period Zoroastrianism was the
religion of Bactria and Persia for many centuries, until the latter country
was over-run by Mohammedans about 642 A.D. Many Parsis then emigrated to
India, from that time gradually losing the original meaning of their
scriptures. About 90,000 of them in India today. Zend-Avesta teaches that
Unity is at the root of all things; that this Unity manifests as a duality
called Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu (modernized as Ormuzd and Ahriman),
symbolizing the good and evil, positive and negative, and other opposite
principles in nature. These are absorbed into the Unity at the close of the
Manvantara. Reincarnation is taught and the Seven Principles of man.
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I hope this will help
Dallas
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