Theos-Talk Archives (October 2004 Message tt00322)

Oct 19 2004

Dear Jerry:

Excuse brevity. But I ask some (to me) pointed questions and need your
help.
May I insert some notes below in your text?


Questions:  

1	Does evolution for the individual encompass his own advancement
alone? In other words is it selfish and self-satisfying?  

2	How should we define an "individual?" 

3	Is "Liberation" only considered in terms of pleasure and pain? 

As I understand it, THEOSOPHY speaks of 

(1) brotherhood, as a basic moral attitude, and,  

(2) The VOICE OF THE SILENCE (as I read it) indicates that all individual
human mind incarnations are for the benefit of the "monads of lesser
experience" which cluster around that Monad which is on its special and
culminating ascent to the "Goal." In other words such incarnation is an act
of sacrifice [see S D II 167]. Is this reasonable in our universe under
Karma.

Is it because all Monads being immortal are in fact "brothers" because
derived from the ONE ESSENCE ? 

Is it an illusion (maya) to consider ourselves isolated and separated from
others -- so that we may "enjoy," while thy do not? 

The example of the great Buddha, whom we all revere, and that of the "Great
SACRIFICE" [S D I 207-8 ] are displayed for us to consider -- I ask if
the condition of the human mind is not in parallel or in emulation of these
great examples? -- and their line of progress made ages ago? 

Thanks,

Dallas

(see notes below please)

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald 
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 11:31 PM
To: 
Subject: Minds and Monads

[Dallas wrote:] <<The whole of evolution has a single object: it is to
develop in
every Monad the MIND as continuous and inseparable consciousness that is
harmless to all and beneficent and life-giving to all it contacts. In a word
it is
BROTHERHOOD. In that it makes itself a true representative of the ONE. >>


G S answers:

Wow! Where do I start? The above paragraph needs some esoteric
clarification. Let me make some brief statements which may help:

The whole of evolution has a single object: to self-express and to have
fun. Along with Karma and Love, Joy is one of those illusive "universal
laws." When we are joyous, we are in sync with Love and Karma.

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

DTB	To me this is an expression of emotion and desire -- it also
isolates us from others. I do not detect in the sayings of the Buddha any
such expression

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

GS
A Monad is an indivisible unit. A Monad with a mind is no longer monadic.


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

DTB	In evolution the MONAD is said to be ATMA-BUDDHI-MANAS

Manas or mind is the necessary link or bridge between these two extremes.

Original duality becomes three-fold. The "Mono-verse" (perhaps the
proto-verse ?) -- is posited as an intangible background {Absolute or
ABSOLUTENESS) -- and is said to be totally indefinable, but as a concept it
is essential to the logical mind (in the here and now) as a "starting point,
and also a probable end-point -- as you suggest."

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

GS
The goal of evolution is not to produce Mr or Mrs Goody-Two-Shoes although
this would likely be a worthy endeavor.

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

DTB	"Goody Two Shoes" seems preferable to me than any "Baddy Multi-pede
or Mono-pede."

Why does "evil" always seek to cloak itself with a veneer of "good?" 

What is the origin of evil?

Why is "good" respected, but rarely investigated? 

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

GS
Our mind is already continuous and inseparable consciousness. It already is
harmless to all and beneficent and life-giving to all it contacts. Manas is
the Slayer of the Real, but manas is not mind but rather an "adornment" of
mind.

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

DTB	Adornment ? How? Its logical development and position is what?

Who or what perceives this?

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

GS
Brotherhood already exists as a fact. There is not a wit of difference
between "my" Monad and anyone else's. It can not be an evolutionary goal.

Mind is not in evolution here. "My" mind and "your" mind already exist in
complete perfection as monadic consciousness-centers. 

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

DTB Then why are acts of benevolence on this physical plane of being so
scanty?  

Why is the daily "news" most always one of horrors, tyranny, and atrocities
such as the injustices of men to other humans weaker than themselves. And,
why is there any apparent pleasure for some in the inflicting of pain and
sorrow on others?

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

GS
Evolution can only be understood in comparison with involution, its
dualistic polar opposite. As we go down the Arc of Descent our minds become
impure with thoughts of selfhood and of individuality and difference and
division. As we go up the Arc of Ascent our minds are stripped of all such
"adornments" until at the end of the 7th Round our mind once again is pure
or "naked."

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

DTB	It is agreed that cyclically (under KARMA) there is forever polarity
in manifestation. The "Great Breath" illustrates this. 

Coupled with that is an area of perception that is detached and uninvolved.

When and how did this divisive tendency arise and for what purpose?


Dear Jerry: 

These question are those that I ask to myself and seek genuine answers.

Perhaps you can help me.

Best wishes,

Dallas

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

Jerry S.