Theos-Talk Archives (December 2005 Message tt00035)

2

 

 

December 7, 2005

 

 

ESOTERIC AND EXOTERIC ( 2 )

 

 

 

A study of our world and its constitution, shows that the 

"esoteric" is always embodied in the exoteric.

 

It cannot be expressed or explained. It has no "FORM" of

existence. But it forms the "Unknown Root" or, the basis for life

and ex-istence, and of the community of relationships we have

with all beings in our universe, whether human or others.

 

We cannot "live" in this Earth without air, water, food, clothing,

habitation and companionship. But these are made up of the

elements supplied by a supportive Nature. [ Do we stop to

enquire why we deserve this support? How is it possible for

us -- and every other being -- to co-exist? Why do we live at

all? What is the benefit? and, to whom? Is this one of the

“proofs” of our previous incarnations and our experience ?]

 

These "elements" are made up of innumerable components: cells,

molecules, atoms, and a host of sub-atmic particles of surprising

electro-magnetic strength and organization. It is a real marvel.

 

How is this done? We don't know, and with our limited

knowledge and abilities, we don't manage, except very

superficially -- we are, a kind of "Tennant" to whom a

wonderfully intricate mechanism (our body) has even entrusted.

[But how many of us look at themselves in this way ?]

 

Cannot we call this the esotericism of our being, or our

existence?  

 

And does this yet explain clearly what the difference

between "thought" and "feeling, or emotion" is? Who are WE ?

 

Is that not the eternal "esoteric" puzzle? And although it

confronts us momentarily, we don't recognize it as a fact.

 

Ancient Hermes said: Man Know Thyself." -- there is

"esotericism."  

 

It is not a "think-object" it is an IDEAL. It is not an object 

or a system, it is an immortal BEING IN ITSELF. We

are It, but yet, we don't recognize IT. 

 

We however have a suspicion of its existence. How do we set 

about proving it? The attempt to study ourselves, our essentials 

and faculties, gradually reveals to us our inner base. We can

mentally penetrate behind the physical to the elctro-magnetic

lattice of forces on which physical molecules are arranged (the

"astral body") . We can "see" that behind this is a series of

"life-currents" -- of breaths peculiar to ourselves and to our

Karma, (the “Prana”). Then behind that are the many subtle

emotions, desires, feelings, wants, and needs (generally grouped

under Kama.

 

As yet (in our analysis and thinking) we have only approached to

the MIND -- the OBSERVER the THINKER -- Mind may be seen as a

tool of the PERCEIVER, and also as the ruler of the Personality,

but, also, occasionally its victim. This is a condition in which

we all at present are.

 

But there is a Power that transcends the Mind -- called BUDDHI --

defined as the Universal Wisdom and perception of all the

Laws and Purposes of the vast Universe ( of which we are an

integral part).  

 

Finally it dawns on us that there is a ONENESS in all things – 

a SPIRITUAL CHANGELESS ESSENCE or ROOT.  

 

This is the ATMA the SPIRITUAL SOUL of the UNIVERSE – 

and even if, is periodical in manifestation, as “thought, memory 

and planning,” it never "dies" –it emanates from the inconceivable 

and immutable ABSOLUTENESS which always is, whether there 

be timeless manifestation, or the interminable sleep of Pralaya. Yet

this endlessness is ruled overall by KARMA and CYCLES.

 

Each student has to seek for meaning based solely on the ETHICAL

/ MORAL equity, balance, impersonality and the universality of

LAW, justice, impartiality and uniformity, and if he is diligent

he will find that this LAW (and its many sub-laws) is completely

diffused throughout the manifested and totally sensitive Universe.

 

As one may read it, Theosophy states: Every being is ruled by this

condition; and by its uniform and universal existence, they, as

seeming individual and separate, are all inter-related on the 

several planes of force and energy that underlie the physical..

 

Hence the first object of the THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT is UNIVERSAL

BROTHERHOOD. If we are able to appreciate, and adopt this as our

view, then, from that point on, we affirm our belief in the unity

of all beings and also in their IMMORTALITY -- as "Eternal

Pilgrims," each at the level of evolution, where the faculties

being developed by their own self-effort, are an index of the

ethical and moral WISDOM of that being. Yet, in every being the

divine Potential is present. Eventually it will manifest.

 

As one may study it, Theosophy states, that: if this is not grasped,

there can be no real understanding of Theosophical propositions,

tenets, or doctrines.-- which, as HISTORY, preserved by the Great

Lodge of Adepts since the beginning of time, underlie all systems

of religion, philosophy or science at their ROOTS and ORIGINS.

At their "roots" they are all ONE and unified.

 

One may try to penetrate to their own individual source to

prove this for themselves. It can never be a matter of physical

plane instruction or impartation, it always is a matter of

self-generated effort. We “initiate” ourselves.

 

The Mind, when purified of passion, distraction, maya and

ignorance, becomes the storehouse and the repository of universal

knowledge. (Study PATANJALI) Yet, each one has the capacity of

expressing their understanding and perhaps of showing others the

"doors" and "windows" that, individually, they have discovered

which have afforded them a view of the "INFINITE GOAL” -- of

SUBLIME PERFECTION -- which is common for all of us. It is NOT

outside somewhere, but always interior. We are the Immortals.

We are the eternal students, We seek the "esotericism" of which

we are the shrine and the temple. "Look inward, thou art

Buddha."

 

Ceremonial magic, mantrams and postures of discipline are not in

any way the equivalents of the inner search for TRUTH. And TRUTH

is the possession of no one. No one can by some single method

induce in others a knowledge of themselves. It is an individual

effort and has to be entirely honest and sincere if any lasting

result is to be attained.

 

The 3 FUNDAMENTAL PROPOSITIONS of The SECRET 

DOCTRINE (Vol. 1, pp. 14 -19) have to be fully grasped by all 

(any one) who desire to understand and penetrate to the Divine 

Monad (Atma-Buddhi) which is the root-base of our present ex-istence.

 

The whole of The SECRET DOCTRINE demonstrates this as a fact, but

we have to make the effort to read, to correlate, and to study --

discussion, speculations, doubts and opinions have no permanent

existence -- as any one can see. But there is such a thing as

the MEMORY (Mind faculty) and the INTUITION (a Buddhi-Manasic

faculty) which we can all access IN OURSELVES.

 

The "esoteric" always relates to BUDDHI-MANAS and is interior at

the root base of our own Spiritual SELVES -- the HIGHER SELF

(the Atma) the Divine tutor (see SECRET DOCTRINE I 207-210).

It is not "outside," nor can it be taught in some discipline, or

system of meditation, nor is it expressible "by outside

language."

 

Mysterious this may sound, but every Adept, every Initiate, every

Prophet has attested to this as fact.

 

 

TERMS

 

 

There are a number of terms used here and one ought to go to the 

THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY to secure a more accurate description of them.  

That is the starting base we all need. Next would be to go to the SECRET 

DOCTRINE INDEX and look up all the references that throw light on this 

subject. It is best that each student do this work for himself -- there are no

"short-cuts."

 

Allow me to offer this to be checked out and considered:

 

The SPIRIT (ATMA) which is universal (as MAHATMA) already exists as a basis

in every smallest aspect of Nature and also in Man, as the ATMA [a “Ray” of

the ABSOLUTE] is the base for the 6 + 3 other principles which extend

between SPIRIT and the “MATTER.” of which our physical bodyis a

representative.

 

Our Consciousness is ONE. Yet it is said to pierce up and down the 7 planes

of being and serves to uphold the memory of the Souls' experience on any

plane and in every state. The vehicle USED BY THIS One Consciousness on

any plane or any state of matter, depends on the effort made by the

Individual to refine and purify the matter that he uses there in each of

those states or planes.  

 

It seems that our personal life always shields and secretes the moral

Chooser who is the eternal PERCEIVER [ATMA-BUDDHI] that resides within. It

is the employer of the human Mind [BUDDHI-MANAS], the Psyche [KAMA-MANAS]

and Astral-Physical body as its amanuensis. [And these in turn are composed

of innumerable immortal Monads, each at its appropriate position in this

enormous and all encompassing evolutionary scheme [ see S D I 632 ] -- a

scheme that is based on an individual balance point of exactitude so

sensitive, that any and all deviations from harmony reverberate throughout

the vast whole and affect the advance of all the rest.  

 

If this is true, then nothing is unimportant. The "Moment of Choice" is

always Now, and is a moral imperative which no one can escape. 

 

This is the "magic" or, the WISDOM of the esoteric or that which is called

"occult wisdom," and, we may try to begin to grasp some of its parameters. 

 

One might consider that the real magic is wisdom and is obtained from

within, shunning any exoteric practices or “magic” whatsoever. By focusing

on the Divine ATMA within, we allow the spirit of Divine Universal

Compassion and Love to work in us and then we may diffuse it amidst

humankind. We may, without personal expectations, serve the processes of the

great Law of Karma.

 

What is Truth for us the “embodied minds”? Is it an endless quest ?

 

If one takes Karma and Reincarnation into account, and the concept that the

REAL MAN is an eternal Monad, the paradox unravels.

 

An immortal being [Monad, such as we all are fundamentally] is not concerned

with time -- as he uses many bodies in which to assist any brother Monad (as

a reference source) to "perfect" its own Wisdom. This for it, is true

independence with wisdom and responsibility. It seeks to make of its

organism a useful helper in Nature’s continual struggle to provide an

equilibrated harmonious flow of existence, and assist in the process of

general evolution. This is brotherhood in action.  

 

It seems to be based on the free gift of mutual assistance and service. An

example of this kind of sublime SERVICE is offered to us to consider in

SECRET DOCTRINE, Vol. I, pp. 207-210. There the nature, function and

devotion of a Planetary Spirit is described.  

 

An impersonal channel of Karma is opened by acting for a just desire, when

that is seen in another Yogi’s mind.

 

This effort marks the evolution and progress of Nature and the important

service that each human performs in this process. 

 

Consider the task as outlined in the SECRET DOCTRINE :

 

It is the process of lifting the whole mass of "matter" up to the

condition, nature and stature of CONSCIOUS GOD-HOOD.  

 

t is the “gift of mind” passed on by the Dhyanis to the host of Monads that

are “ready.” Are they thus not encouraged to become again the true "Gods"

that they were before they plunged into the experiences of diversified

material existence, where the "maya" of illusion makes all that is real

appear as evanescent and seemingly incomprehensible.  

 

One has always, when presented with an event or a report to ask: 'What

caused this ?" What Laws are involved? Why am I involved? What should be

the ideal reaction? -- In other words, we have to universalize and

impersonalize our concepts. One of the best guides will be fund in the

close study of PATANJALI'S YOGA SUTRAS translated by Mr. W. Q. Judge, and

The VOICE OF THE SILENCE by H P B . 

 

Shall we say: The problem is now identified. How do we-all, as embodied

Minds, forced to work in and use a brain of matter, view the period and

condition of living beyond the birth and death of the personality it is now

living in.? It becomes clear that the Personality of this present existence

has limits to its memories and views, but no limits to its intuitive

potentials. These it derives from the immortal BUDDHI. Buddhi-Manas is

then the “link.” We may well ask ourselves: "How did I derive the

knowledge, character and capacities I have, surrounding me the Perceiver and

the Thinker, as my abilities and disabilities? We can logically derive their

source as having been fashioned in previous lives. 

 

Theoretically, may we consider: our INDIVIDUALITY (ATMA-BUDDHI-MANAS)

periodically illuminates (when appealed to) with its wisdom the Personality

-- when this latter seeks for DIVINE WISDOM. All true wisdom comes from

within. I (our INDIVIDUALITY) is one with the UNIVERSAL OCEAN of BUDDHIC

WISDOM which are manifesting through the great LAWS of KARMA, Evolution

and Eternal Life.

 

Because our embodied mind is a spark of the UNIVERSAL MIND [or MAHAT] --

which is an attribute of the ABSOLUTE, there are no barriers that it cannot

traverse or planes that it may link to, as needed.

 

We find it taught that the records of the great Buddha's teachings show us

that our present limitations and incapacities are explained by the concept

of "universal MAYA" -- when the UNIVERSE is in its temporary phase of

"manifestation." The “vestures” come and go as ages of experience pass by

and we work in and through them – the SELF is always stable and ONEwith the

WHOLE. But why does this occur? Is not the concept of mutual assistance and

cooperation, bathed in the light of COMPASSION ABSOLUTE, a good basic

reason? 

 

The "maya" is dispersed by the (wisdom) innate to the BUDDHI principle (when

linked to MANAS). Every component of Nature (the UNIVERSE in manifestation)

has this as a part of its essential constitution.  

 

If we can consider using the designation Monad for these innumerable

constituents, and grasp the concept that they are of seven "grades" of

"primordial differentiation," [S D I 570-575] then the Monad that is in

the human stage (or grade), is at present undergoing the trials and

tribulations of self-mastery, self-knowledge and learning the unlimited

extent of its true responsibility.

 

To consider that the UNIVERSE, as radiated from the ABSOLUTE operates under

universal, immutable and compassionate LAWS cannot be demeaning to any

Monad, since each is a radiation of the same qualities from that one single

source? Is it not, for itself, in its essence, an administrator of the same

universal impersonal and altruistic LAWS? 

 

Are we not also faced with a seeming paradox, as the material of which our

evanescent and mayavic forms are composed are themselves Monads each in its

own level and place of perfect need. How is this to be regulated in such an

incomprehensibly vast SPACE where incomprehensibly small units swarm? --

Unless each is both a mirror of the grand WHOLE, and in itself, is a

UNIVERSE to still more minute forms and aspects of LIFE ? 

 

It seems this ever existent balancing point of consciousness, intelligence

and progress synthesizes the actual work that a period of Manvantaric

evolution for the entire WHOLE demands. No wonder that a grasp and

comprehension of this as a pattern, a schema, a living WORK is startling and

almost incomprehensible as our present brain-mind equipment is very much

attached to our recent personalities and their very limited experience this

life around.   

 

It seems that what we (as human minds) are discovering this fact and

beginning to acquire a concept of how responsible we actually are. We not

only receive our "karma," but as Spiritual beings, resident in material

forms, we are also one of the many out-posts of KARMA – and thus we

represent the ever-active LAW of cooperation, benevolence and BROTHERHOOD. 

 

"There is only one Perceiver [ATMA-BUDDHI]; the sights are modified by the

channels [ principles ] through which the Perceiver looks...

 

The power of seeing is the Soul [BUDDHI-MANAS] the power of the Soul [

CHOICE, DISCRIMINATION, WILL ] goes into the seeing, hence what It "sees"

are to it real, because seen; as sights, each is a reality;  

but the nature of the Soul is different from any and all "sights."  

 

A study of the seven-fold Constitution of Man finds that there is of

necessity a constant definition of the relations between any one “principle”

and the rest, which serve in several cooperative relations to it. Some

duplication of references is inevitable. Interactions constantly occur.

 

The following references to Buddhi and its function as an active link

between Atma and Manas in man. They are Buddhi made “active.” It has a

“passive” aspect as the ‘vehicle’ (sheath, kosha, sthula) of Atma, without

which, Atma would be forever an abstraction to matter.

 

Yet we find, HPB in the SECRET DOCTRINE, draws attention to a secondary base

of a “desire” in the aggregation of "Matter.”  

 

“Kama (the Makara-ketu) is "Aja" (the unborn), and "Atma-bhu" (the

self-existent), and Aja is the LOGOS in the Rig-Veda, as he is shown therein

to be the first manifestation of the ONE: "Desire first arose in IT, which

was the germ of mind," that "which connects entity with non-entity" (or

Manas, the fifth, with Atma, the seventh, esoterically) say the Sages. " S

D II 167, Glos 170-1.

 

This might be called the first stage. 

 

And we could consider the second, on the following plane of manifestation,

that shows Brahma (whom we select as a representative for all the other

first gods of the nations) as causing to issue from his body his mind-born

sons: "Sanandana and others," who, in the fifth "creation," and again in the

ninth (for purposes of blind) become the Kumara. “ 

S D II 578-9

 

“Let us note one more thing in relation to the mysterious number five. It

symbolizes at one and the same time the Spirit of life eternal and the

Spirit of life and love terrestrial — in the human compound; and, it

includes divine and infernal magic, and the universal and the individual

quintessence of being. Thus, the five mystic words or vowels (vide infra)

uttered by Brahma at "creation," which forthwith became the Panchadasa

(certain Vedic hymns, attributed to that God) are in their creative and

magical potentiality, the white side of the black Tantrik five "makaras," or

the five m's. "Makara," the constellation, is a seemingly meaningless and

absurd name. 

 

Yet, even besides its [MA] anagrammatical significance in conjunction with

the term "Kumara," the numerical value of its first syllable and its

esoteric resolution into five has a very great and occult meaning in the

mysteries of nature. 

 

Suffice it to say, that as the sign of Makara is connected with the birth of

the spiritual "microcosm," and the death or dissolution of the physical

Universe (its passage into the realm of the Spiritual) *; so the Dhyan

Chohans, called in India Kumara, are connected with both. Moreover, in the

exoteric religions, they have become the synonyms of the Angels of Darkness.

Mara is the God of Darkness, the Fallen One, and Death †; and yet it is one

of the names of Kama, the first god in the Vedas, the Logos, from whom have

sprung the Kumaras, and this [ Death of every physical thing truly; but Mara

is also the unconscious quickener of the birth of the Spiritual. connects

them still more with our "fabulous" Indian Makara, ] S D I 580-1

 

“The five words (Panchadasa) of Brahma have become with the Gnostics the

"Five Words" written upon the akasic (shining) garment of Jesus at his

glorification: the words ZAMA ZAMA OZZA PAXAMA, OZAI , translated by the

Orientalists "the robe, the glorious robe of my strength." 

 

These words were, in their turn, the anagrammatic blind of the five mystic

powers represented on the robe of the "resurrected" Initiate after his last

trial of three days' trance; the five becoming seven only after his

S D I 579-80

 

 

 

 

ESOTERICISM AND ETHICS / MORALS

 

 

 

Jesus ? He did live and lives now. No one dies and is wiped out. Likewise,

each of us has to "save themselves " using virtue as our guide. There is no

alternative except as you suggest, the path of evil and of lies. 

 

According to THEOSOPHY ( the universal ancient science of right living) each

of us has in our own ATMA (our 7th, the highest principle, a share of and in

the UNIVERSAL ONE GOD) an ever-living equivalent of Jesus the WISE and

COMPASSIONATE ADEPT.  

 

We are each of us potentially a "Jesus."  

 

But we have to determine and WILL to live as HE did. That is difficult.

 

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

 

 

I find that THEOSOPHY teaches : 

 

 

WE EACH HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO "ESOTERIC TEACHINGS."  

 

They are not hidden. They are simply the ethics and morals of right and

fraternal living. They have to be practised ALL THE TIME. Here they are, in

a brief way:

 

 

 

QUESTION "Virtue leads only to heaven. Wisdom leads to union with

the whole.” What is here meant by virtue?

 

ANSWER —According to the dictionaries the radical meaning ofvirtue is:

strength. Other meanings are: bravery, efficacy, valor, moral goodness, the

abstaining from vice, or conforming to the moral law. In this last sense the

word is used. 

 

There is nothing synonymous between virtue and wisdom. 

 

In the Christian scheme "fear of God" is the beginning of wisdom. There is

the mere wisdom of erudition, but properly wisdom means having knowledge or

to know; or skilled in arts, science, or philosophy, or in magic and

divination. (2 Samuel XIV.) 

 

 

[DTB I ask: why should one "fear" GOD ?  

 

If the Law of the UNIVERSE is justice, then the "hands that smite us are our own."  

 

A wise One said:

 

"Cease from evil. Do good. That is the "Way." ]

 

 

"In homely language, then, to be virtuous is to be good; to be wise is to possess knowledge.

 

If the kingdom of God is the perfectness of evolution, then knowledge is what leads to it sooner than virtue. 

 

Of course these terms are used with the

theosophical scheme of man and nature in view, and in that light it appears

that in addition to virtue we must have knowledge, for a life of virtue

leads to pleasures of devachan, with good karma for next life and thus

through many lives; but knowledge added to virtue shows how to use virtue

and its results in finding and treading the path leading to the Supreme

which is ALL." F. Ans., pp. 27-8

 

 

 

 

ESOTERICISM

 

"“Subtle perception, spiritual knowledge, right judgment, patience,

truth, self-mastery; pleasure and pain, prosperity and adversity; birth and

death, danger and security, fear and equanimity, satisfaction, restraint of

body and mind, alms-giving, inoffensiveness, zeal and glory and ignominy,

all these the various dispositions of creatures come from me. … 

I am the origin of all; all things proceed from me; believing me to be thus,

the wise gifted with spiritual wisdom worship me; their very hearts and

minds are in me; enlightening one another and constantly speaking of me,

they are full of enjoyment and satisfaction. To them thus always devoted to

me, who worship me with love, I give that mental devotion by which they come

to me. For them do I out of my compassion, standing within their hearts,

destroy the darkness which springs from ignorance by the brilliant lamp of

spiritual discernment." B G pp. 70-1

 

 

"My devotee who is free from enmity, well-disposed towards all

creatures, merciful, wholly exempt from pride and selfishness, the same in

pain and pleasure, patient of wrongs, contented, constantly devout,

self-governed, firm in resolves, and whose mind and heart are fixed on me

alone, is dear unto me. He also is my beloved of whom mankind is not afraid

and who has no fear of man; who is free from joy, from despondency and the

dread of harm. 

 

My devotee who is unexpecting, pure, just, impartial, devoid offear, and

who hath forsaken interest in the results of action, is dear unto me. He

also is worthy of my love who neither rejoiceth nor findeth fault, who

neither lamenteth nor coveteth, and being my servant hath forsaken interest

in both good and evil results. 

 

He also is my beloved servant who is equal-minded to friend or foe, the same

in honor and dishonor, in cold and heat, in pain and pleasure, and is

unsolicitous about the event of things; to whom praise and blame are as one;

who is of little speech, content with whatever cometh to pass, who hath no

fixed habitation, and whose heart, full of devotion, is firmly fixed. But

those who seek this sacred ambrosia― the religion of immortality― even as

I have explained it, full of faith, intent on me above all others, and

united to devotion, are my most beloved." 

B G pp. 91-2

 

 

“Fearlessness, sincerity, assiduity in devotion, generosity,

self-restraint, piety, and alms-givings, study, mortification, and

rectitude; harmlessness, veracity, and freedom from anger, resignation,

equanimity, and not speaking of the faults of others, universal compassion,

modesty, and mildness; patience, power, fortitude, and purity, discretion,

dignity, unrevengefulness, and freedom from conceit― these are the marks of

him whose virtues are of a godlike character. ...Those, ...who are born

with demoniacal dispositions are marked by hypocrisy, pride, anger,

presumption, harshness of speech, and ignorance. The destiny of those whose

attributes are godlike is final liberation.” B G p. 110

 

 

“Honoring the gods, the teachers, and the wise, purity,rectitude,

chastity, and harmlessness are called mortification of the body. 

 

Gentle speech which causes no anxiety, which is truthful and friendly, and

diligence in the reading of the Scriptures, are said to be austerities of

speech. 

 

Serenity of mind, mildness of temper, silence, self-restraint, absolute

straightforwardness of conduct, are called mortification of the mind. This

threefold mortification or austerity practiced with supreme faith and by

those who long not for a reward is of the highest spiritual quality. “

B G pp. 117-8

 

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

 

 

DTB unfortunately there are those who lend their living to evil methods. But, better still:  

 

Consider then, that an active and living "Elder Brother" [The ATMA] residesinside us.  

 

We have to let Him/ IT run our living. We have to deny our living to any and all evil. 

 

Otherwise, we are hypocrites. 

 

We will not make any true progress. And this I would consider an "esoterictruth." 

 

 

At first hand I know little, but THEOSOPHY offers much.  

 

 

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

DTB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dallas

 



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