Fellowship of Cosmic Fire
Commentary Semester VIII Section I
TCF 925 - 936: S8S1
15 – 29 October 2008
(Most of the Tibetan’s text is put in font 16, to
provide better legibility when projected during classes. Footnotes and references from other AAB Books and from other pages of
TCF are put in font 14. Commentary appears in font 12. Underlining, Bolding and Highlighting by MDR)
It is suggested that this
Commentary be read with the TCF book handy, for the sake of
continuity. As analysis of the text is pursued, many paragraphs are divided,
and the compact presentation in the book, itself, will convey the overall meaning of the paragraph. So please read an entire paragraph and then
study the Commentary
1. We have been studying the devas of the
ethers. Now we look closely at the etheric constitution of the microcosm and
how these devas may affect the etheric part of that
constitution.
The Devas of the Etheric Double. The
subject that we are to deal with now concerns those devas who are etheric
doubles of all that is.
2. We have been studying the "Transmitters of the Word" and
the “Transmitters of Prana”—the first two of three major types of devas which
have been under discussion in the foregoing pages.
3. We now begin a study of a lower form of deva—the “devas who are
etheric doubles of all that is”. DK has also described them as follows:
those devas
who form the etheric bodies of every form in manifestation. These constitute the bulk of the lesser
devas. (TCF 915)
It is full of profit
therefore to the wise student, for it reveals the method whereby all
forms materialise upon the physical plane.
4. This is the magical process.
5. The Aquarian Age will be an Age of scientific magic. Knowledge of
the lesser devas (by whatever name science may call them) will be necessary.
It is not the purpose of this treatise to trace the
materialisation of a form as it originates upon the archetypal planes, through
the agency of divine thought, and from thence (through directed streams of
intelligent energy) acquires substance as it is
reproduced upon each plane, until eventually (upon the
physical plane) the form stands revealed at its densest point of manifestation.
6. DK has just described the entire magical process. Note the
descending subtle form is reproduced on each lower plane and acquire substance
on each of those planes.
7. The book, A Treatise on White Magic, goes a long way to
trace this descent and materialization, but in that book, the descent is not
traced from the “archetypal planes” but only from the plane of soul.
No form is as yet perfect, and it is this fact which
necessitates cyclic evolution,
8. Through cyclic evolution new opportunities are offered for the
improvement of the form. Saturn (the major third ray planet) governs rotary
motion. Saturn is also the “god of opportunity”—cycles of opportunity.
9. DK is saying that cyclic evolution leads, eventually, the
perfection of form.
and the continual production of forms until they approximate reality in fact and
in deed.
10. All forms are approximations to an intended archetype. Nature
proceeds through repetition, through cyclic opportunity, to produce ever more
faithful approximations of that intended archetype.
11. This naturally involves the birth, growth, expression, decline and
death of forms.
The method of form production may be tabulated as follows: [Page 926]
FORM PRODUCTION
1. Divine
thought...The cosmic mental plane.
12. When the word “Divine” is used in this context, it indicates the
life and process of the Solar Logos.
13. The Solar Logos as a Divine Thinker is increasingly focussed on the
cosmic mental plane—the plane whereon He is seeking polarization.
14. We see that when DK was speaking of “archetypal planes”, He was not
limiting himself to the cosmic physical plane.
2. Divine
desire.....The cosmic astral plane.
15. On this plane is found the astral body of the Solar Logos.
3. Divine
activity....The cosmic physical plane (our seven systemic planes).
16. This is really the only plane which concerns us directly and upon
this plane that we (at this time) call “spiritual development” proceeds.
17. Usually the term “divine” relates to the Spirit/Monad. In this
context we see that DK elevates the meaning to embrace cosmic Beings such as
the Planetary Logos and Solar Logos.
The logoic Breath...First plane...The Sound85 A.
18. The letter “A” is associated with the first aspect, the “Father”
aspect.
19. The first aspect is associated with that which underlies the
Sound—namely the Breath. Unless there is a flow of Breath, there will be no
sound.
20. We often read of the great “Sound” into which all other sounds are
absorbed. Usually this Sound is named as the “O”, the sound, from one
perspective, of the monadic plane. The “O” suggests a combination of the first
and second rays.
21. A Sound even more fundamental than the “O” is the “A”. The “O” has
already moved towards a ‘rounding’ promoted by second aspect. The “A”
represents the uncompromised first aspect.
Footnote 85: Mantric
Sounds.
A mantram is a combination
of sounds, of words and of phrases that, through virtue of certain rhythmic
effects, achieve results that would not be possible apart from them.
22. While rhythm is definitely important, it would seem that the combination of sounds, words and phrases are of paramount importance (when intoned or
chanted in the proper rhythm).
23. The second, third and seventh rays are peculiarly related to the
creation, enunciation and effects of mantrams.
The most sacred of all the Eastern
mantrams given out as yet to the public is the one embodied in the words: "
Om
mani padme hum." Every
syllable of this phrase has a secret potency, and its totality has seven
meanings and can bring about seven different results.
24. The literal meaning of this venerable mantram has been translated
as “Hail, oh Jewel in the Lotus”.
25. The mantram has four words and seven effects or results—one result,
presumably, for each of the seven planes on which it can be sounded.
26. We can understand that its use will lead towards the fourth
initiation.
27. Further, it stands as an invocation to the Monad, which is the true Jewel in the Lotus.
28. The potency of this mantram is esoteric and no casual scholar can
hope to penetrate its inner meaning, which can only be determined through
correct use.
There are various mantric
forms, based upon this formula and upon the Sacred Word, which, sounded
rhythmically and in different keys, accomplish certain desired ends,
29. The “formula” is the “
Om
mani
padme human”. The Sacred Word is the
OM
:
30. Much may also depend upon which of the words is emphasized.
31. As well, some words can be sustained longer than others, and this
can create diverse effects.
32. There are within the Vedic tradition certain meters or rhythms
which may be applied to the necessary rhythmic sounding of the Sacred Word.
33. There are seven prominent keys in the normal music scale. Each of
these keys is to be associated with a different ray or rays, planet or planets , zodiacal sign or signs and plane or planes.. It
would seem that when sounding the mantrams or the Sacred Word on different
planes, the key associated with a particular plane would be used.
such as the
invoking of protective angels or devas, and definite work, either
constructive or destructive upon the planes.
34. We see that mantra are used in angelic
invocation. Angels, too, are called “keys” and certain musical keys will be
associated with certain angels or devas.
35. Certain mantric forms infallibly invoke certain angels or devas who
must, according the law, obey the invocatory summons.
36. We note that mantra can be constructive or destructive. One senses that the rhythm and emphasis of delivery will related
to constructive or destructive effect.
37. There are so many possible combinations that (presently, at least)
the only safe and effective way to enter into Mantra Yoga is through aural
instruction from some truly qualified teacher. Ignorant experimentation is
clearly dangerous.
The potency of a mantram depends
upon the point in evolution of the man who employs it.
38. This may be for some an unexpected statement.
39. Obviously, the one who utters is coming into interactive
relationship with the mantram he utters.
40. We are familiar with lesser examples of the same great principle.
Suppose certain famous lines in a Shakespearian tragedy are uttered by an
accomplished actor or by an average individual. What will be the difference?
What will be the difference in the effect upon the listeners? What will be
evoked from them? Perhaps the actor will ‘move’ us deeply. Perhaps the ordinary
individual will speak his lines in such a way as to “leave us cold”—ordinary,
unenlightened declamation carrying no invocatory potency.
Uttered by an ordinary man it serves to stimulate
the good within his bodies, to protect him, and it will also prove of
beneficent influence upon his environment. Uttered by an adept or initiate its possibilities for good are
infinite and far-reaching.
41. We gather that all authentic and truly constructive mantrams are
good in their effect when uttered. A beneficent result will occur whether
uttered by one who is ordinary or one who is an initiate or adepts. It is in
the degree of the beneficence that the real difference is
to be seen.
Mantrams are of many
kinds, and generally speaking might be enumerated as follows:
42. We are entering, only very slightly, into one of the greatest of
all the ancient sciences—the Science of Mantra Yoga.
1. Some very esoteric mantrams, existing in the original Sensa, in
the custody of the Great White Lodge.
43. Here is the definition of Sensa or Senzar as found in IHS.:
Sensa, or Senzar. The name for the secret sacerdotal language, or the "mystery
speech" of the initiated adepts all over the world. It is a universal language, and largely a
hieroglyphic cypher. (IHS 224)
44. The following is also fascinating:
There are
a few very esoteric mantrams that exist in the original Sensa, and that have
remained in the knowledge of the Brotherhood from the early days of the
founding of the Hierarchy. They were
brought by the Lords of Flame when They came to earth
and are only thirty-five in number. (LOM 163)
45. This language is older than the coming of the Lords of the Flame
more than twenty-one millions years ago.
46. From this perspective, we may think of Sensa as related to Venus
(i.e., to the Venus chain of the Earth-scheme and, perhaps, to the planet
Venus, itself, since the origin of the Lords of the Flame is proximately
Venusian.
47. For all its ancient age, there is a peculiar statement about Senzar
(assuming that it is the same language as Sensa) which suggests that certain of
the Atlantean languages may be even older:
This is a
faint effort to express in English these ancient Atlantean phrases, older than
Sanskrit or Senzar, and known only to a mere handful of the members of the
present hierarchy. (TWM 547-548)
2. Some Sanskrit mantrams employed by initiates and adepts.
48. Sanskrit is a language pertaining to the fifth rootrace and is
obviously a more recent language than Sensa.
49. We note that one need not necessary be a Master of the Wisdom in
order to employ such mantrams.
3. Mantrams connected with the different rays.
50. These are mantrams, we may presume, that are uttered in original
form and potency by the Ray Lords, and have been transformed and adapted for
the use of highly evolved human beings attuned to the rays.
51. We can being to intuit the lawfulness of the creative process. True creativity occurs under divine law.
4. Mantrams used in healing.
52. In His book, Esoteric Healing DK has said nothing about
these mantrams, but one can understand that their proper use would certainly
augment the efficacy of the healer who had learned to abide by the Laws and
Rules of healing.
5. Mantrams used in the departments of either the Manu, the Bodhisattva, or the Mahachohan.
53. These are not specifically ray mantrams, but rather, ‘Departmental Mantrams”. They must be connected with the three great aspects of divinity, and
must bring about the results intended by the Heads of those departments.
6. Mantrams used in connection with the devas and the elemental kingdoms.
54. When people study what they usually call “magic”, it is these kinds
of mantrams which they seek to learn and to use.
55. These mantrams cannot be safely used unless the would-be magician
has purified himself greatly and has established firm self-control (i.e.,
control of his lunar vehicles which are so easily influenced in a potentially
negative manner by the lower devas and elementals). As well, the inner or
seeing single eye should have been opened so that he can ‘see’ the results of
the mantrams he uses.
7. Special mantrams connected with fire.
56. Master M. speaks of certain rhythms of fire—“Mahavan” and
“Chotovan”. Perhaps these rhythms will be connected to the manner in which
these fire mantrams are pronounced.
Mahavan and Chotavan are the most characteristic rhythms of
Fire. Possessing these rhythms one can
easily approach the element of fire. This is not a coercive invocation, but only the conscious entrance into
the sphere the meaning of which you consider essential. One must understand rhythms, for how else do
we bring convincingness to actions? Even
the half-dead sand arranges itself into special designs in response to
vibration. To how much greater an extent
is man influenced by rhythm! Not sorcery
but knowledge will give man the way to transfiguration; an undelayable way,
because thus was humanity urged during the days of the end of Atlantis. (Agni
Yoga 357)
All these
mantrams depend for their potency upon the sound and rhythm and upon the
syllabic emphasis imparted to them when enunciating and intoning. They depend too upon the capacity of the man
who uses them to visualise and to will the desired effect.
57. Let us tabulate those factors which determine the potency of these
various mantrams:
a. Their potency is dependent upon the sound
used
b. Their potency is dependent upon the
rhythm with which they are pronounced
c. Their potency is dependent upon the
syllabic emphasis imparted to them when enunciating or intoning
d. Their potency is dependent upon the
capacity of the user to visualize the desired effect
e. Their potency is dependent upon the
capacity of the user to will the desired effect
58. Here ends the lengthy footnote on mantrams.
59. We reinsert the statement which belongs to the text immediately
below:
The logoic Breath...First plane...The Sound85 A.
This is the first etheric appearance of a solar system upon the
atomic subplane of the cosmic physical plane.
60. The systemic logoic plane is the first or atomic ether of
the four cosmic ethers.
61. Whatever can be said here about a solar system can be said of man
the microcosm.
The seeds of life are all
latent. Faculty inheres from an
earlier solar essence.
62. We are dealing with the stage of seed. All is latent and potential.
Potential has not yet been unfolded.
63. “An earlier solar essence” suggest quality
which has been retained from an earlier solar system.
64. The note FA relates the “F” of the previous solar system to the “A”
which will characterize the next. The third ray and, to an extent, the first
ray are related as the foundation of this solar system for FA is the
foundational note of our present solar system. Three and one are always
related.
65. An earlier solar essence is related to what is called the “Primary
Ray” as distinct from the “Divine Ray”—the second ray.
The logoic Sound...Second plane...The
Sound
A
U.
66. First the Breath and then the Sound. Even though that which occurs
upon the plane Adi is called the “Logoic Breath”, it still has a sound associated with it. It would seem that any vibration has its tonal
correspondence.
67. In this sevenfold sequence, that which occurs on every one
of the systemic planes has a sound associated with it.
68. If plane one features the ‘Breath of Fire’ within the “Sea of
Fire”, plane two, the monadic plane, is that upon which the sevenfold monadic
Sound is sounding.
69. We are given a combination of the Sound of the Father “A” and the
‘Sound of the Son”, “U”.
70. The “A U” is a twofold sound and correlates with the second ray. The
numerology of AU is 22 or 1 + 21. The 22 suggests the soul and personality rays
of our Solar Logos and is, we well recognize, a master number.
71. “He who hath seen Me hath seen the
Father”.
72. The letter “U” suggests the ‘Divine Pilgrimage’ and also the Second
Outpouring. It symbolizes a descent and a return.
73. The “U” is, in a way, an incomplete “O”. The arch upon the “U” is
missing. Perhaps that is conferred later, upon the return of the Monad to his
‘H-O-me’.
74. The “U” also suggests the chalice of receptivity which correlates
with the second ray and second plane.
75. We note that in the descent from the logoic plane, the “A” is
retained upon the first three planes. The Father remains within the Son and
within the Holy Spirit. The atmic plane can be seen as the origin of the Holy
Spirit. From this perspective, it is the buddhic plane which correlates with
the Mother—the fourth who is, in a way, the third.
76. Interestingly the “U” is the 21st letter of the English
Alphabet and so repeats within itself, the idea of the union of the 2 and the 1
which is suggested by the union of the Father letter, “A” and a letter
suggestive of the Son, “U”. The monadic plane represents the union of the
Father and the Son.
77. The “U”, interestingly, is also a Saturnian note, for Saturn
suggests ray three and in the system of vowel symbology originated by Rudolf
Steiner, the constrained “U” is given to Saturn. We find a sevenfold constraint of pure Spirit upon the monadic plane, with the division into seven vibrational
centers. (cf. TCF, Chart V, 344) It is
easy to relate Saturn to the number seven (as it rules the seventh systemic and
even seventh cosmic plane).
78. From another perspective, the “U” suggests
Neptune
,
in which the “u” sound is prominent.
Neptune
,
we understand, can easily be related to the Monad and to the second ray. And
yet,
Neptune
is the Trident with its three prongs, relating it to the “U” (the number of which is 21 or 3) in yet another
way.
79.
Neptune expresses much of the
second ray (monadically) but is closely related to the first ray through its
rulership over pralaya or dissolution.
This is the body of the solar system in the second
ether. This plane is the
archetypal plane.
80. The “U” suggests receptivity. The Mother is of the third and second
aspects—the One Who hold third place but comes second in order. The Son is of
the second and third aspects—the One Who holds second place but comes third in
order.
81. The seven monadic Sounds are the seven embodiments which hold the
archetype for the sevenfold solar system.
82. They are ‘vessels in sound’ for the ‘seed’ descending from the adic
plane.
83. The monadic is justifiably called “the archetypal plane”, but that
term is also assigned to the logoic plane and the buddhic plane in different
references.
The seeds of [Page 927] life are vibrating or germinating.
84. They vibrate or germinate within the seven fields of formative
sound.
The seven centres of
energy are apparent.
85. The second plane of the solar system is also the seventh of the
planes on which are to be found the twelve Creative Hierarchies. The number of this plane are 2, 7 and also 6. It is a Jupiterian
plane (Jupiter, the planet signified by the rounded “O”.)
86. We see the seven centers of energy portrayed if we look at Chart V,
on TCF, 344, but we have to look to the cosmic monadic plane rather than to the
systemic monadic plane. Yet, "As Above So Below". We are justified in
taking the structure we have on the cosmic monadic plane ‘down’ onto the
systemic monadic plane.
87. The monadic plane is truly one of the most important archetypal
planes, but the first or logoic plane is also called by that name.
The
etheric body of man holds hid the secret of his objectivity. It has its correspondence on the archetypal
plane,—the plane we call that of the divine manifestation, the first plane of
our solar system, the plane Adi. (TCF 79)
88. Yet the following is also given:
What we
call the archetypal plane in connection with the Logos (the plane
whereon He forms His ideals, His aspirations and His abstract conceptions) is
the logoic correspondence to the atomic abstract levels of the mental plane,
from whence are initiated the impulses and purposes of the Spirit in man,—those
purposes which eventually force him into an objective form, thus paralleling
logoic manifestation. (TCF 397)
The one deva Agni is seen
as seven. The form is now potentially
perfect.
89. Determining the ‘location’ of that “one deva Agni” is elusive. Here
are some areas of expression:
a. The cosmic lower mental plane and both
the cosmic astral plane and cosmic physical plane as well. Agni, then is the Personality of the Solar Logos.
b. The Ruler of the “
Sea
of
Fire
”
and in differentiated form, the Ruler of all the subplanes of the cosmic
physical plane.
c. The Ruler of the systemic mental plane.
90. Upon the monadic plane the form is not yet perfect but only
potentially so.
91. In His discussion of “the one deva Agni”, DK seems to hint that His
initial focus is upon the logoic plane from whence He differentiates into
seven.
92. This differentiation into seven relates the Solar Logos to the seven major Planetary Logoi (Who have their major focus
upon the monadic plane rather than the logoic).
93. The ‘Sound Forms” on the systemic monadic plane are “potentially
perfect”. They are archetypal forms and represent both the originative past and
the destined future.
The logoic triple Word…The third plane…The Sound A U M.
94. Now the “M” of matter has been added. From one perspective, this is
the letter for the Mother aspect, and yet the plane concerned is the plane of
the Holy Spirit.
95. The Father is in the Son, and the Father and Son are in the Mother.
96. We began with the Logoic Breath on the logoic plane. We moved to
the Logoic Sound on the monadic plane. On the third systemic plane we have the
“logoic triple Word”. That Word is the A U M.
97. In many ways, this is the Word of the Holy Spirit. The third plane
is the plane of Spiritual Will. It is, therefore, likely that we will have to
connect the Spiritual Will with the Holy Spirit.
98. The following reference is of importance when summarizing the
nature of the A, the U and the M:
a. The sacred sound A to Shiva, He Who embodies the spirit or will
aspect. It is the Word through which God
the Father works.
b. The sound U to Vishnu, God the Son. He is the form-builder and provides the body
which the spirit must occupy, thereby making divine incarnation possible. A is the life sound, U is the form
sound.
99. Remember, the second aspect creates form.
c. The sound M to Brahma, Who, in His work of Energy-provider,
links in active intelligence, spirit and form, or the self and not-self. (IHS
153)
100. The next reference is also
of tremendous importance demonstrating how the various kingdoms are created and
sustained by sound in different combinations and intensities of combined
sounds.
In connection with the first three kingdoms it may be of interest
to note that they are based upon two sounds, the U sounded on the basic key
tone of the M. In the fourth kingdom the
M tone is dying down and the two notes sounded forth are the U and the A. In the fifth kingdom the M has subsided into
a distant undertone, the U is blended with it so as to be indistinguishable,
and the A, or Shiva note, is pealing forth in power, and is practically the
only note heard. By
the sounding of this note,—that of Shiva the Destroyer,—the not-self is
negated, and all that is not of spirit passes into dissolution. It is the coming in of the A sound which
affects the severance or liberation of the initiate from the three worlds.
The body of the solar system in substance of the
third etheric plane is seen, and the three function as one.
101. The “body” of the solar
system exists archetypally in sound on the second plane.
102. On the third plane this
body becomes substantial.
103. This is the first plane of
the Trinity—the “Three in One”. All
three aspects (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) function simultaneously.
104. The astrological sign for
this plane is Libra (the symbol of which is the triangle—an abstraction of the
more concrete symbol of the Scales).
105. Relative to the first two
systemic planes, the third plane is material or, better, substantial.
106. On the third plane we have
entered the realm of Brahma, Whose number is five. The atmic plane is
the crowning fifth plane in the realm of Brahma.
The triple energy of the
Logos is co-ordinated,
107. Coordination is one of
Libra’s chief functions.
108. This fifth, third or eighth
plane (depending upon our point of departure when counting) is a plane of organization.
109. The Word A U M organizes form and provides a (relatively) material/substantial expression
of that which is potential (potentially perfect) upon the monadic plane.
and nothing now can hinder the work of evolution.
110. The third aspect of the
Will is the Will-to-Evolve. Due to developments upon the third plane, evolution
can now go forward under this third aspect of the Will.
The three groups of devas
are active, and the archetypal form is in process of materialization.
111. Great groups of devas are
to be found on each of the higher three systemic planes.
112. We remember that
"Transmitters of the Word" are found on each of these higher systemic
planes. Yet here we speak of the “Breath”, the “Sound” and the “Word”.
113. The inference is that the
“Word” transmitted comes from a higher dimension than the cosmic physical
plane. Perhaps it is a “Word” sounding within the egoic nature of the Solar
Logos upon the cosmic higher mental plane.
The logoic septenary word...The fourth plane...The seven syllabled
Word. The logoic etheric Centres
become active
114. The Word is threefold or
triple upon the atmic plane and sevenfold upon the buddhic plane, the fourth
systemic plane.
115. We may infer that the Word
emerging on the atmic plane is three syllabled just as
the buddhic Word is seven syllabled.
116. When thinking of how the
seven syllabled Word is derived, we should remember the derivation of four Rays
of Attribute from combinations of the three Rays of Aspect.
117. Are all logoic
etheric centers to be found upon the buddhic plane. If
we follow analogy from TCF Chart VIII, there is reason not to think so.
118. Perhaps, there are seven
centers of force on the fourth cosmic ether, but there are, we would think,
also logoic chakras on the atmic, monadic and logoic planes. Think this
through.
119. Even when dealing with the
systemic fourth ether, we see that only four microcosmic chakras are to be
found on that ether, with the higher three found upon the higher three systemic
ethers. (Chart VIII, again.)
120. The numbers four and seven
are closely interrelated. The seventh or
lowest systemic plane is also the fourth from the buddhic plane. The number
four (suggesting the square) is a number of manifestation and so is the number seven.
121. Once the buddhic plane is
reached, the process of manifestation (through the logoic dense physical body)
is irresistible.
122. Upon the monadic plane
seven great Sounds. Upon the buddhic plane a sevenfold Word. There is a close
relation between the two.
The etheric body of the solar system is now complete,
123. This etheric body consists
of the four cosmic ethers.
though it will not be perfected till the end of another manvantara.
124. Is DK being loose with His
terms at this point. By “manvantara” does He really
mean “mahamanvantara”?
125. It would seem that we must
look forward to the next solar system even for the perfecting of the buddhic
plane not to mention the higher three cosmic ethers.
The greater body of
vitality is ready to energise the dense physical vehicle.
126. The “greater body of
vitality” consists of all four cosmic ethers.
127. Only when the fourth cosmic
ether, the buddhic plane, is fully energized is the greater body of vitality as
a whole ready to energize the dense physical vehicle of the Solar Logos consisting
of the three lower cosmic subplanes—our lower three worlds (including the
higher mental plane).
The seven centres with their forty-nine major petals are
vibrant, and consciousness thrills through every atom in the system.
128. It would seem that DK is
speaking of the major chakras of the Solar Logos. Each one of them has,
apparently, seven major petals, just as our solar system has seven major
planets.
129. We could wonder whether the
microcosmic heart center has seven major petals out of the twelve. The
same for the twelve-petalled heart in the head center. And of course, the
implication is that the twelvefold zodiac has seven constellations or signs
which are to be considered major.
130. Whether the solar logoic
chakras are to be found only on the buddhic plane, or distributed
throughout the cosmic etheric planes, it appears that each one of them is majorly or principally sevenfold, making a total of forty-nine petals when all chakras
are considered. This will be the case if we read the phrase—“the seven centres
with their forty-nine major petals”—as a collective seven. In other
words, it is the collectivity of the seven centers which has the forty-nine
major petals and not each chakra. Really, numerologically,
it would not make sense for each chakra to have forty-nine major petals,
though within each chakra forty-nines may be found (just as they are, for
instance, on the Earth and other planets).
131. One problem exists,
however. When looking a the microcosmic
correspondence, we notice that there are chakras which do not have even seven
petals. The base of the spine center has four, and the sacral center has only
six. Are the seven major petals to be found only in centers including the
ten-petalled solar plexus and the chakras above the solar plexus?
132. All this is to say that the
manner of counting forty-nine major petals is not as easily determined as might
be thought.
An interlude or period of pause is to be found at this stage of development;
133. Always at the middle point
there is an “interlude or period of pause”.
134. The fourth plane is the
central plane of seven just as Libra (ruling the concept of “interlude”) is
considered to be the point of balance.
135. It is time for another
breath before the process of manifestation is breathed forth from the arupa
worlds into the rupa worlds.
in it the processes of co-ordination and of stabilisation are carried on; the energy or the vibration is increased until it becomes
possible, by a simultaneous effort, emanating from all the three aspects,
to bring into objectivity that which is as yet subjective.
136. DK is describing the
dynamics of the creative process as they occur upon the buddhic plane.
a. Coordination
b. Stabilization
c. Increasing the energy or vibration
d. The bringing forth into objectivity of
that which is subjective
137. We notice how all three aspects of divinity are mobilized at this point.
138. The emergence into
objectivity, therefore, is not due only to that which occurs on the buddhic
plane. All the higher planes are mobilized to work through the buddhic at the
point of emergence. This is another way of saying that all seven chakras
representing the three major aspects work together simultaneously.
This is paralleled by man on the physical plane in the
applied effort he has to make to bring through and materialise, that
which he has conceived and desired.
139. Presumably man does this by
employing the fourth ether as a formulating expression of his mental intention
and astral desire.
140. Man, too, pauses before
releasing the impulse towards materialization.
141. We are speaking of two
types of creative process: one by the Logos (planetary or solar—a cosmic
process) and the other by man (a systemic process).
The reason so many
people fail in materialising their concepts, and hence come to be
reckoned as failures,
142. One fails if one fails to
materialize. Success is related to manifestation.
is owing to the fact of their inability to make a co-ordinated
applied effort,
143. The “coordinated applied
effort” is engineered, microcosmically, from the fourth ether and
macrocosmically from the fourth cosmic ether.
144. When dealing with the word
“application”, the number four is so often involved. “Listen. Touch. See. Apply,
Know” (the five injunctions from Rule XIV for Applicants to Initiation).
and thus set in motion substance of the three lower subplanes of the
physical plane.
145. The release of energy is to
be organized and coordinated. A chaotic release of energy will not lead to
successful manifestation.
146. The buddhic plane is the
plane of harmony and intuitive coordination.
147. In reflection, we can infer the that the fourth systemic ether is also central to
any coordinated effort to manifest upon the three lower systemic subplanes.
They succeed [Page 928] in bringing their concept through from the
mental plane (as does the Logos on cosmic levels) as far as the fourth etheric
level of the physical, and there their energy becomes exhausted owing to
three things:
148. DK is speaking of failure
in the magical process. He elaborates this greatly in His later book, A
Treatise on White Magic.
149. Presumably, the Logos knows
more than to become exhausted!
a. Lack of sustained will or concentration,
150. This involves the willful
use of the concrete mind. The mind is the instrument of the will but the source
of the energy of will is higher than the mind. The first ray and the fifth ray
are intimately related.
151. Notice the factor of
sustainment. Brief and sporadic
application of will and the concentrated mind are insufficient to overcome the
inhibitory forces. Only sustained application will suffice.
b. Lack of alignment with the Ego,
152. Whether the Ego on the
higher mental plane or the triadal Ego, it holds the blueprint for what must
happen and is the source of sustaining strength. It offers the energizing
quality of inspiration, so needed in arduous processes of externalization.
c. A weakness of co-ordination between the two parts of the physical
vehicle.
153. The etheric pattern simply
cannot make sufficient impression upon the dense physical subplanes.
154. One of the earliest
initiations of the human being involved the mastery of the dense physical
subplanes by the etheric subplanes. The processes of mastery demanded in the
first initiation require etheric dominance over dense physical tendency.
155. Presumably, knowing the
words of manifestation—the seven syllabled Word, will
be of great value at this point. This is another way of saying that one must
not forget the purpose for which on is undertaking manifestation.
156. To work with the sevenfold
Word is to work within an Ashram. Each Ashram can be thought of as representing
one syllable of this sevenfold Word.
157. Obviously, the Ashrams are
great and necessary sources of continued inspiration and, therefore,
sustenance.
The logoic Phrase...Fifth plane...The plane of the logoic mantram
of 35 stanzas. The gaseous body.
158. We have reached the fifth
systemic plane, the mental plane.
159. This is the plane whereon
the Solar Angels express through the medium of the causal body.
160. First we had a logoic
Breath. Then a Sound. Then a threefold Word. Then a sevenfold Word or Word of
seven syllables. Now we have a “logoic Phrase”. The complexity is growing. We
have moved from Words to combinations of Words as found in phrases.
161. The Solar Angel, it must be
realized, is a creator of mantrams. We have already studied the relationship
between a transmitted “Word of Power”; solar angelically created mantrams based on that Word; and formulas based upon those mantrams.
162. Mantrams are magical
incantations to bring about the externalization of divine patterns.
163. The numbers 3 and 5 are
significant, for the Solar Angels express primarily upon that systemic plane of
the solar system for which these numbers are representative. The mental plane
is the third counting from below and the fifth counting from above.
164. Assuming that in all these
seven forms of logoic expression the atomic subplane of each systemic plane is
important, we find in Letters on Occult Meditation that there are 35 egoic groups to be found on the first or atomic subplane of the mental
plane.
165. Some theorists have also
concluded that the number 35 is the number which particularly represents the cycles
of the fifth ray, of which the Solar Angels are a major expression on the fifth
plane.
166. We have, therefore--the
fifth plane; the number 35 representing the fifth ray; the Solar Angels Who
‘speak’ in mantrams (phrases).
167. We might say that upon the
fifth plane complete thoughts are formulated—thoughts which “make sense” under
the influence of the logical fifth ray.
168. Phrases, sentences,
mantrams—these appeal to the mind. These suggest a subject, verb and object.
The separation of the subject and object (united upon and within the cosmic
ethers) occurs in this realm of the mind.
The gaseous form of the solar system now appears,
and the energy centres become veiled and hidden.
169. DK is speaking of the
creative process from the solar logoic perspective.
170. How interesting to think of
gas as a veil upon the energy centers. From the cosmic point of view this is
like saying that thought veils the pure intuition of buddhi.
171. We might also wish to
create a link between the gaseous envelope of the chakras and the etheric webs
which protect the chakras and are sometimes mistaken for the chakras
themselves.
Accretion and concretion
rapidly proceeds.
172. The fifth ray is the ray of
concretion. There is a rapid concretization of the intended idea.
173. On microcosmic levels, that
which is in process of precipitating becomes more substantial and enters a
dense physical form.
174. Accretion occurs under the
influence of magnetism. Upon the fifth plane, the second ray or ‘Ray of
Magnetism’ is also influential, for the fifth plane is the plane of the soul
(governed generically by the second ray).
The three groups of builders co-ordinate their efforts afresh and a new influx of energy — bearing devas
from the logoic head centre — pours in.
175. The "Transmitters of
the Word" seem to fit into this category—carriers of the first ray and,
therefore, probably to be associated with the logoic head center.
176. We may expect to find the
logoic head center principally on the logoic plane, though it is probably
reflected on every plane subsidiary to the logoic plane. We must remember that
the seven chakras are to be found on all the planes—on the four higher
levels of the cosmic physical subplanes and on the four higher levels of the
systemic physical subplanes .
177. We remember (as we learned
in a previous commentary) that this high group of devas originate within the
"One About Whom Naught May Be Said", are
transmitted through three great constellations and even through the seven major
stars of the Great Bear (a constellation which, as a whole, has a first
ray quality).
178. When speaking of “three
groups of builders” there are different ways to approach the interpretation of
the phrase, but the idea, as developed in foregoing chapters, has emphasized
transmitters, building (manipulating) devas, and building essence.
179. The first and fifth rays
are, we know, intimately related as are the first and fifth planes.
180. It is also well to remember
when dealing with the fifth plane and with Solar Angels, that certain Solar
Angels do emanate from the logoic Central Spiritual Sun (naturally connected to
the “logoic head centre”) and other Solar Angels emanate from the logoic Heart
of the Sun.
181. We are seeing that
“Transmitters of the Word” and ‘Enunciators of Mantrams” are closely
interactive. Thus the numbers one and five are closely interactive.
The lesser builders [lunar pitris?] respond
to the logoic mantram chanted anew at each manvantara,
182. Will this mantram be
chanted by great Solar Angels as found upon the cosmic mental plane? If
a human incarnation is impulsed largely from the systemic mental plane then the
incarnation of a Planetary Logos or Planetary Logos should be impulsed from the
cosmic mental plane.
183. When we examine a term like
“lesser builders” we must realize its relativity.
and the seven streams of energy from the seven logoic centres are directed
downwards.
184. We seem to be speaking of
the creative process of the Solar Logos.
185. May we assume that these
“seven streams” are directed from the logoic plane? May it be that on that
plane the seven solar logoic centers are likely to be found? It is on
the monadic plane that the seven major centers of a Planetary Logos are
to be found. This is a possible distinction here which needs careful examination.
We would have to know the planar ‘location’ of the seven major head centers of the
Solar Logos. Very possibly it is a ‘location’ on the systemic logoic plane.
186. In any case, it seems that
the logoic mantram is sevenfold and must (by a series of transformations) reach
the distributing chakra which are responsible for
objectification.
187. When we speak of the fifth
ray, we speak of concretion. The number 35 is derived from the product
of 5 x 7. If there is a sevenfold “logoic mantram”, then much of that which
concretizes this mantram into form within the dense physical body of the Solar
Logos is accomplished on the fifth or mental plane (the higher mental plane
specifically). On the highest level (subplane) of the higher mental plane there
are 35 groupings of Egos, each responsible for materializing some aspect of the
logoic mantram.
The logoic Song of Love or Desire...The Sixth plane...A poem in
forty-two verses. The logoic liquid body.
188. We are no longer talking
about the ‘Science of Mantra’ requiring the fifth ray and the fifth plane. Our
emphasis has become decidedly more ‘emotional’ (if we can use such a term as we
speak of a Solar Logos) when we descend to the systemic astral plane.
189. We are contrasting
“phrases” which appear on the fifth plane with “verses” (with their emotive
appeal) which appear on the sixth. We are moving from science to art, from
logic to poetry.
190. The planet
Neptune
becomes important. Interestingly, the number 42
sums to 6, and it is the sixth plane we are
discussing. It is the reverse of 24 which relates intimately to Shamballa (the
number of which is 24).
191. That which began on the
highest planes now develops magnetic appeal.
192. The soft-line rays are the
ones in expression on the sixth plane. There is also a resonance to the second subplane of the higher mental plane, with its 42 groups of Egos.
This song or vibration causes the bringing in of a body of
devas from the logoic heart centre to swell the efforts of those already
active.
193. Just as the number one and
five are closely related, when considering the dynamics of the logoic creative
process as it reaches the fifth plane, so the numbers two and six are closely
related.
194. We must remember the
influence of Neptune Who is the “Divine Singer”, Vishnu.
195. The number one suggests the
logoic head center; the number two, the logoic heart center.
196. The astral plane, the
buddhic plane, the monadic plane, and the cosmic astral plane all have a close
relation to the Heart of the Sun. As for the logoic heart center where may we
find it? If analogies from TCF Chart VIII hold good,
we would look for it on the systemic monadic plane with reflected expressions
on the systemic buddhic plane.
197. There will be activity
‘native’ to or characteristic of every one of the systemic planes, and this
activity can be augmented by inflows from the major vehicles of the Solar
Logos. In this case the natural activity upon the astral plane is augmented by
the energies from the logoic heart center (active, for practical purposes, on
the monadic and buddhic planes). Naturally, there will be a higher
correspondence to this logoic heart center on the cosmic astral plane.
The liquid body of the solar Logos appears, and the form exists
in its six differentiations.
198. We see that the vehicles of
any entity appear progressively, presumably through the emanative process.
199. Even on the monadic plane,
seven proto-forms existed (seven monadic Sounds within the One Sound).
Why, then, only six forms? Or are we dealing with one form in six differentiations?
200. Perhaps full
differentiation of form only appears as we descend through the planes, and
perhaps the number of differentiations is closely related to the number of the
plane concerned. This is true for the first, second and third planes, but not
to the fourth and fifth planes. On the sixth plane the number 42 sums to 6.
Even on the second plane, however, there is a strong presence of the number
seven.
201. Probably the better way of
way of understanding the thought here presented is that the single form
descending as a result of the cosmic magical process is now sixfold.
Concretion is very rapid, and
activity is considerably more violent owing to the greater density of the
accruing substance.
202. Rays five, six and seven
are all rays of concretion.
203. We know the reputation of
those upon the sixth for forming rapid conclusions based on emotional impulse,
and their reputation for violence (especially if influenced by the Martian
aspect of the sixth ray). Perhaps the dynamics of this sevenfold creative
process, once that process reaches the sixth plane, explain somewhat these
character traits.
204. In any case, DK is telling
us that rapid concretion is associated with the sixth plane and the sixth ray.
The logoic Book of Life...Seventh plane...Exists in forty-nine
chapters.
205. Finally we reach the lowest
level in this creative process. We have moved from the Breath, to the Sound, to
the threefold Word, to the Word with seven syllables, to the Mantram with
thirty-five phases, to the “Song of Love or Desire”, a poem in forty-two
verses, and finally to the expression in form of a “Book of Life”…”in
forty-nine chapters”.
206. The following numerical
sequences bears study: 1—2—3—7—35—42—49.
The entire form stands revealed.
207. It is the purpose of the seventh ray to make full revelation. Jupiter is the planet of fulness and also a major seventh ray
planet.
208. We have reached a point of
fullest objectivity.
209. The seven above (on the monadic plane certainly, and perhaps, from the solar logoic standpoint, on the logoic plane) are manifested in seven below, each with its seven divisions.
210. The 4 and the 9 of 49 (the
number of expressed differentiations on the seventh plane) sum to 13 and then
4, thus showing the relationship between the four and seven, as suggested in
relation to the fourth plane and its sevenfold Word.
During evolution it must
manifest its purpose and its nature.
211. The purpose behind the form
must be revealed.
A third group [Page 929]
of devas from the logoic throat centre appear, and cooperate with their
brothers.
212. The higher devas come forth
to cooperate with devas whose process is already in progress.
213. We have seen the first ray
related to the fifth plane, the second ray related to the sixth plane and now
the third ray related to the seventh plane.
214. The third and seventh rays
are intimately related. This has worked out in a practical manner through the
relation of the Mahachohan, Master R. to both the third and seventh rays.
215. Where shall we find the
logoic throat center? Some might point to the buddhic plane, but it remains a
strong possibility that we are to look for it upon the third plane or atmic
plane.
216. Saturn is the ruler of the
atmic plane and Uranus (veiled by the Moon) of the seventh plane. There is
distinct relationship between Saturn and Uranus.
217. When looking at the logoic
creative process, we may link the first and the fifth planes; the second and
the sixth planes, and the third and the seventh planes. The origin of
creativity on the lower planes is to be found on the three highest planes.
All the fires are burning, all the centres are active, and every
petal, forty-nine in number, on the fourth plane of
Buddhi is producing a reflex activity upon the dense physical plane.
218. We have two perspectives.
There may be seven solar logoic centers of force on the buddhic plane (as here
suggested, but three of those centers of force may have originated on planes
higher than the buddhic, although they may be represented on the buddhic. By analogy, we have seven etheric chakras, and seven astral chakras.
Eventually we shall have seven, not four mental plane chakras, and there is
every reason to believe that there are seven chakras on the buddhic and atmic
planes as well (and perhaps beyond)
219. We have seen how the “A”
originating on plane one is transposed to plane two to join the “U”, “A U”.
This same additive approach carries on to plane three where we have “A U
M”
220. Maybe this is the way that
chakras work as well. Perhaps those chakras on higher subplanes (head center on
the first subplane, heart center on the second, throat center on the third) all make their vorticular impression on the fourth subplane, thus making it
possible to say that all chakric vortices are to be found on the fourth
subplane). In fact, if higher vortices are to appear as vortices on the buddhic plane,
then it may be that these higher vortices descend through planes higher than
the buddhic on their way to the buddhic. In such a case, the logoic head center
would have a vorticular presence on the monadic plane and the atmic plane
before reaching the buddhic plane. The logoic heart center would
on the monadic plane would have a vorticular presence on the atmic plane
before reaching the buddhic plane. The logoic throat center, presumably on the
atmic plane, would have it originating vortex there, but would also have a
vorticular presence on the buddhic plane. We can see some of the possible
intricacy.
221. When looking at the cosmic
physical plane from the cosmic perspective, and when studying the various Planetary Logoi as if they were chakras within
the energy system of the Solar Logos, it is clear that each one of these
planetary lotuses does not have forty-nine petals, but, rather, seven major
petals.
222. How many petals there are
to be found in each etheric planetary lotus is probably one of the secrets of
initiate. Usually the number twelve is used when referring to planetary or even
solar lotuses; this usually has a heart center connection or perhaps a causal
body connection.
223. When it comes to the human
being, of course, we are given different numbers of petals for each of the
chakras, and there is no reason to suspect that the planetary chakric lotuses
appearing on the cosmic ethers would be identical in petal number or formation.
To solve this intricate problem, we simply will have to wait until more is
known.
224. Again the count of
forty-nine petals on the buddhic plane is not easily determined, though it
seems logical enough before one starts to go into the details.
Men, when occupied in creation of any kind, and in the process of
producing forms on earth which embody an idea, work along similar lines. The analogy is perfect.
225. And this is the analogy
which is so thoroughly developed in A Treatise on White Magic.
226. Even when dealing with the
human magical creative process, this descent from the Breath to the forty-nine
chapters should be studied carefully as, once more is known along a practical
line, it would hold many hints regarding how to proceed—magically.
In connection with those human beings who create nothing,
227. Though they will always be
capable of procreation…
but who are only swept into activity under the urge of circumstance—
228. They are simply reactive
rather than proactive…
and they are the bulk of the human race—
229. We must not forget just how
few human beings are really personalities or advanced in any way. So few have
the higher functions of the throat center developed.
it should be pointed out that they are a part of the creative
activity of some greater, and more advanced, entity.
230. Deliberate creativity is
occurring on many systemic and cosmic levels and necessarily, even if human
beings are unconscious of it, they are involved as tiny units in some
greater creative process.
231. Tiny elemental lives are,
analogously, involved in the creative process of higher devas who sweep these
lesser lives into various patterns and relationships.
As self-conscious evolution proceeds, more and more of the
human family will become creators and intelligent workers in connection with
deva substance.
232. This means that their
throat center will become activated. Man, as he advances, will no longer become
the plaything of the devas and lesser lives.
In the initial stages, therefore, of their dissociation from a
passive attitude, there will be found a revolt against law and order, a refusal
to be governed, and an ability evidenced to follow out an individual concept at
the expense of the group, great or small.
233. DK offers a certain
assessment of an inevitable stage of the process--rebellion.
234. The sequence seems to be:
passivity—rebellion—conformity (to higher or spiritual requirements).
235. In the stage under
discussion, it seems that one becomes an ‘outlaw’.
236. The personality at some
stage always rebels against the soul and the individual against the group.
This apparent defect, evolution itself and experience will
remedy, and as the consciousness becomes alive to higher vibrations the man
will become aware of the purpose and plan of the Intelligence of his group.
237. Correction is built into
the evolutionary process.
238. DK calls the rebellious
attitude an “apparent defect” because He knows that it is an inevitable and
temporary part of the evolutionary process.
239. Pain and the inevitable
sensitization that it brings will also render the man more capable to
cooperation with the group.
He will awaken to the
beauty of that plan and will begin to submerge his own interests in the
greater, and to co-operate intelligently.
240. What is suggested is that
the realization of beauty translates into self-discipline. Perhaps intelligent artists
understand this.
241. Every evolving human being
must learn how to submerge the lesser in the greater.
The creative power which had before been of a separative nature
will be offered as a willing sacrifice to the greater energy,
242. The story is ever the same;
the part sacrifices for the whole—eventually.
and his small plans and ideas will be merged in the greater ones. He will no longer, however, be a passive
unit, swept hither and thither by the energy of his group,
243. Man, himself, passes
through long periods when he is analogous to an elemental life. He is
unconsciously “swept” by greater forces, and in
general by the energy of his group.
244. The use of the word “swept”
is graphic and appears throughout the teaching when this type of dynamic is
being described. The suggestion is predominantly that the entity or unit that
is swept has no control over the direction in which it is moved nor of the degree of force with which it is moved in that
direction.
"Amid the whirling forces, I stand confused. I know them not,
for, during all my past, they swept me up and down the land wherein
I moved, blinded and unaware. From place to place and point to point, they
drove me up and down the land and nowhere was there rest.
I know them now and here I stand and will not move until I know
the Law which governs all this movement up and down the land. I may revolve and
turning face the many different ways; I face some wide horizons and yet today I
stand.
I will determine for myself the way to go. Then onward I will
move. I will not travel up and down the land nor turn in space. But onward I
will move." (EA 20)
but will become a positive, active potent force, self-immolated through intelligent recognition of the greater plan.
245. Thus the destiny of man is
described in arresting terms—abstractly, in terms of energy.
246. Self-immolation is usually
the way of release followed by those whose souls are focused on the sixth ray,
but the terms has general applicability as well.
247. It is always that mistaken
notion of identity called the “lower self” which must be immolated. The true
Self is fire and is the cause of self-immolation.
He will become alive to the fact that there are living [Page 930]
forces in nature.
248. And not only so-called
“blind forces”…
As the greater energy
thrills through him, his own latent powers are awakened.
249. The greater energy awakens
the lesser. This is why we must put ourselves in touch with that which is
greater. Our faculties will be awakened.
He sees and knows the deva
forces and can consequently work with them intelligently.
250. So far, much so-called
‘work’ undertaken with the devas is blind engagement and, therefore, dangerous.
Some he
will control and manipulate, with others he will co-operate, and others still
he will obey.
251. This is one of the great
statements in the Teaching regarding man’s relation to the
devas.
252. Man is to control the
elementals—the elemental forces of nature. He is, probably, to learn how to
control some of the lower manipulating devas and cooperate with those which are
equally intelligent and experienced as he. And there are certain great deva
Lives which man must simply obey. The "Transmitters of the Word"
certainly come into this category.
253. Before we can accurately
assess the devic lives which man must control, or with which he must cooperate,
or which he must obey, we have to know a lot more about the nature, scope and
variety of such lives. Modern man’s effective study of the deva kingdom is
relatively in its infancy.
It is in the realisation of these facts anent deva substance, the
power of sound, the law of vibration, and the ability to produce forms in
conformity with law, that the true magician can be seen.
254. We are speaking of that
which makes the true magician. Let us tabulate for clarity and impact:
255. The true magician must—
a. Realize certain necessary facts anent
deva substance
b. Realize the power of sound and what may
be called the ‘laws of sound’
c. Realize the nature of the Law of
Vibration
d. Possess the ability to produce forms in
conformity with law
256. These are just a few of the
requirements.
Herein too lies one of the distinctions
to be found between magicians of the Good Law, and those of the Left-hand
Path.
257. Distinctions between these
two types of workers—workers with matter/form and workers principally polarized
in Spirit/soul, are frequently given by DK. When we
are learning to “play with fire”, He wants to be assured that we know the
dangers involved.
A white magician can control and manipulate deva substance, and he
proceeds to do it through an intelligent co-operation with the greater
builders. Owing to the purity and
holiness of his life, and the height of his own vibration, he can contact them
in some one or other of their grades.
258. The white magician can
certainly control all manner of deva substance but he does so through
intelligent cooperation with the greater builders.
259. While the white magician
can contact the greater builders (because he is qualified to do so) the black
magician cannot.
The magician of the shadows
260. This term suggests that
such magicians can work effectively on the systemic etheric plane, the realm of
the “shadows”.
261. The term “shadows”,
however, when extended, suggests all that transpires upon and within the
lower eighteen subplanes.
controls and manipulates deva substance on the astral and physical plane and on the
lower levels of the mental plane
262. Only with the lower three
worlds…
through the force of his own vibration and knowledge, but not through co-operation with the directing builders.
263. The black magician is, as
it were, interrupting the natural chain of command. He is selfishly intervening
in an otherwise integrated process for the sake of fulfilling his own desires, which are separative and uncooperative.
He cannot contact them, as
his character is impure through selfishness, and his vibration is too low; his
power therefore is limited and destructive, yet immense within certain
restrictions.
264. The limitations of the
black magician are given. His own impurity, selfness and insufficiently rapid
vibration prevent him from contacting the greater builders.
265. However, his power is not
to be underestimated “within certain restrictions”. He works, apparently,
entirely within the three lower worlds and has particular interest in the
matter inherited from the previous solar system—unprincipled dense physical
matter.
The devas of the etheric doubles fall
into two groups.
266. As we enter this
discussion, we must keep constantly in mind the need to differentiate between
lesser devas and elementals (some of whom can be called “elementals” and, those
who are merely “building essence”.
267. We are now going to speak
principally of the “devas of the etheric doubles” and must not confuse them
with elemental builders who work within the dense physical
subplanes—dense-dense, liquid-dense and gaseous-dense.
They are those who are the lesser builders, and who, under direction from the greater
builders,
268. In this discussion we are,
essentially, discriminating between lesser builders and greater builders.
form the etheric doubles of all that can be seen and all that is
tangible on the dense physical plane.
269. Let us again recall our
discussion of three principal types of devas—
a. Devas who are "Transmitters of the
Word"
b. Devas who are “Transmitters of Prana”
c. Devas (or lesser builders) who form the etheric doubles of all that Cancer be seen. Our question will revolve
around the degree of passivity of such lesser devas and their degree of
intelligence (even if it is unconscious intelligence).
270. The devas who form the
etheric doubles should not be called “building essence” or passive substance.
They are formulators rather than passive lives.
They exist in vast hosts and are omnipresent; they gather and build the
material needed to form the etheric double of everything, and they
do this under certain laws and work under certain restrictions.
271. There is an important
distinction here. These lesser builders “gather and build the needed material”.
They are not entirely passive. The “needed material” is passive and elemental
essence. It is “building essence”-
272. This section of text has
allowed us to discriminate between such devas and the passive substantial lives
(the “material”) which they gather and build into form.
273. We gather the impression
that they are extremely numerous and not at all individual. They are subjected
to group life and group law.
274. They do work under law and
restriction. The planet Saturn will be important in relation to them.
They are called in occult
phraseology "the listening devas," for they are the
ones who pick up that particular note and tone from the transmitters of [Page
931] the physical plane sound which is needed to gather the substance for
any intended material form.
275. Via activity on the etheric
plane, the dense physical substance (in its three grades) is magnetically
gathered.
276. These “listening devas”
seem to have a particular relation to the “transmitters of the physical plane
sound”—presumably, a high group of devas. Such transmitters are related to the
first ray and these “listening devas” to the third ray. Rays three and one are
always reciprocally related being along the same line.
277. The “listening devas” are
elementals but are not “elemental essence”, “building essence”, “passive
lives”, “material”.
278. Saturn, we know, is the
principal ray three planet and is peculiarly related to the sense of hearing
which allows a human being, for instance, to locate himself in space—a very
Saturnian act.
279. If the listening devas do
not receive the needed note or tone from the transmitters, they cannot “gather
the substance for any intended material form”.
280. We know that the sense of
hearing is the first sense to emerge, and so it is correspondentially fitting
that this first and lowest group of devas be related to the first and
lowest sense.
Again, they are spoken of as "having ears but seeing not."
281. The sense of sight emerges
only long after the sense of hearing.
They work in
close co-operation with the elementals of the dense
physical body [who may or may not be etheric devas
but who live in or “exist in” the three subplanes of density].
282. Presumably, the elementals
of the dense physical body are a lower form of building life than the
“listening devas”..
283. We have to keep these two
types of elemental builders separate—those working in the ethers (“listening
devas”) and those working in dense physical matter—in its three states
(“seeing elementals”). Notice here the contrast between listening devas and seeing elementals.
284. We have to proceed
carefully here because the elementals of the dense physical plane are not substance (or elemental essence), per se. They have a kind of building, devic
function in relation to substance as we shall see below.
This second group [the elementals of the
dense physical body] are spoken of as the "seeing elementals,"
for they exist in matter
of the three lower subplanes and can therefore see on
the objective plane in the occult sense which always implies an
analogy between sight and knowledge.
285. We are to infer that the
“listening devas” work etherically, but that the “seeing elementals” work within the three dense physical subplanes. If this is true, it is an important
distinction.
286. We shall definitely have to
understand whether the words “exist in” means that these “seeing elementals” are dense physical entities and not etheric builders, or whether they are etheric
builders who can still, somehow, “exist in” matter of the lower three
subplanes. As we read ahead, we shall see why this question is of real consequence.
287. The sense in which the
elementals of the dense physical body are “seeing elementals” is an “occult”
sense. They do not literally ‘see’, but have the capacity to function on those
subplanes—the lowest systemic three.
288. There is always an analogy
between sight and knowledge. It was only as pre-individualized animal man was
individualized, that he began also to see.
289. We note that these
“elementals “ are builders who build but are not
‘built into’.
The "listening builders" [also called “listening devas”] gather
the material;
290. They are called, then, both
“listening devas” and “listening builders”.
291. It is interesting that the
first way a human being contacts the soul is through the sense of hearing—for
instance, hearing the voice of conscience.
the "seeing elementals" take that gathered material, and build it into any
specific form.
292. So we see, that the “seeing elementals” are also “builders”. We must link sight, the
second ray and the power to build—a capacity of the second ray.
293. It seems necessary to
distinguish between elementals and elemental essence (which is the “material”
to be gathered), just as it is necessary to distinguish between devas and
elementals (though the terminological overlap is not always utterly clean).
294. Thus, as it appears,
elementals of all kinds are builders; and “material” (i.e., substance,
elemental essence, even monadic essence) is built into form by the
builders.
295. Elemental essence or “material”
could, conceivably, be called “passive elemental lives”, but we must proceed
carefully when attempting to make the necessary differentiations.
296. We see why these
distinctions are so important. There are in frequent use a number of similar
terms which have distinctly different meanings.
297. Both elementals and devas
are builders, but devas appear to be higher than elementals; elementals are
lower builders, and elemental essence is built.
They [the “seeing elementals”,
presumably] exist in many groups according to their point in evolution, and
some of them might be tabulated as follows:
298. We are speaking of the
elemental builders of the dense physical plane, of those who exist in matter
of the three lowest subplanes. Yet, are they fundamentally etheric
(building etheric doubles also) as well as working within the densest subplanes
and upon the building of the dense physical form?
299. Since we are in a section
discussing “etheric builders” we must hesitate to consider them only as densely
physical entities.
300. There follows a sixfold
tabulation (even sevenfold) and it seems to concern the building of the etheric
vehicles of various beings and objects. Much of our interpretation will depend
on how we regard “elementals of the dense physical body”. In light of the way
this tabulation is structured, it seems wisest to regard them as those who
build the etheric mould upon which the dense physical body is formed, and not
to regard them only a entities who do no
etheric building and are dense physical entities only.
1. The builders of the human vehicle.
This is the highest group of lesser builders [elemental builders rather
than deva builders], who are highly specialised. These will be dealt with somewhat in detail later.
301. We appear to be speaking of
the “lesser builders” who work specifically within the systemic dense
physical substance in its three grades—dense, liquid and gaseous. Yet,
apparently, though existing in dense physical matter, they are also
building the etheric forms upon which the dense physical vehicle is structured.
302. We are not speaking of all lesser builders (found also on the astral plane and mental plane), but
specifically of those who work within the lowest three systemic subplanes and
upon the etheric counterparts of the structures found on those lowest subplanes..
303. Within the three lower
worlds, the human being is the macrocosm for the three lower kingdoms. The lesser
builders of the human vehicle, (in this case, those “seeing elementals” who
work in relation to the dense physical body of the human being and also, we
cannot help but infer, in relation to the human etheric vehicle) are naturally
higher than those who work as builders in relation to the lower three kingdoms.
304. We must remember (no matter
how often DK refers to the dense physical subplanes), that we are in a section
dealing with etheric builders, so the building of two kinds of
vehicles seems to be under discussion—the building of etheric doubles and the
building of dense physical forms.
305. Thus, when the human
vehicle is discussed, it appears that it is not only the densest portion of
that vehicle but also the etheric portion.
306. In the foregoing text,
there is considerable ambiguity concerning etheric building vs. building upon
the dense physical planes.
2. The builders of the forms in the three kingdoms of nature in their
two divisions.
307. We continue to speak of
builders of dense physical forms and, it would seem, of etheric forms.
308. Perhaps the two divisions
include builders within the etheric field and builders within the dense
physical field.
First. The
builders of the mineral kingdom. These are the workers occultly called "the elemental
alchemists." They are in
many groups connected with the differing elements, metals,
chemicals, and minerals, and with what are called active and radioactive
substances.
309. We may infer that these
builders work very much under the seventh ray, as the Ray Lord of the seventh
ray is called the “Divine Alchemical Worker”.
310. We can see that these
elemental builders have their specialties involving different elements and
chemical compounds.
311. They are building
physically though, in order to do so, etheric building in necessarily involved.
They are the custodians of two secrets, that of the immetalisation
of the Monad, and the secret of the transmutation of metals.
312. When thinking of these two
secrets we must think of the involutionary and evolutionary arcs. The
immetalisation of the Monad involves the anchoring of the Monad into the depths
of matter. For the Monad (or rather the attenuated extension of the Monad which
accounts for its presence in the lowest worlds) this immetalization is
achieved through involution and is part of the “Second Outpouring”, yet the
moment it occurs, the beginning of an evolutionary process is indicated.
313. The transmutation of metals
into higher metals and higher metals is a definitely evolutionary process
within the mineral kingdom.
314. It seems these elementals
(“seeing elementals” of various kinds) are in charge (no doubt under
intelligent direction) of this immetalization and transmutation process.
315. When it comes to describing
the distinction between devas and elementals, it might be suggestive to think
of elementals as ‘devas without wings’.
Second. The
builders of the vegetable kingdom.
316. These, so we might infer,
are of a higher order than the elementals who work only with the densest of the
physical subplanes.
They exist in many groups
and are termed "the surface alchemists" and "the bridging
units."
317. So we have had “the
elemental alchemists” associated with the mineral kingdom and now “the surface alchemists”
or “bridging units” associated with the dense physical forms of the vegetable
kingdom. The “elemental alchemists” associated with the dense physical forms of
the mineral kingdom.
318. Plant life, of course,
exists on the surface of the Earth. The “elemental alchemists” can work within
the deep places of the Earth.
319. We note that these two
types of builders are both called “alchemists”, so the seventh ray will
be connected with both types. The “surface alchemists” however, will have more
of the sixth ray potency, according with the second kingdom.
320. The soft-line rays are
bridging rays and make relational interplay possible, hence the term “the
bridging units”.
321. One wonders if the bridging
to occur is between the mineral and animal kingdom, or is it between the truly
dense physical subplane and the gaseous subplane of the systemic physical plane? Apparently, we have been speaking of elementals who are
working within the dense physical subplanes even while building
etherically.
They build the doubles of every
form of vegetable life, and just as the "alchemists" of
the mineral kingdom are mostly concerned with the action of fire,
these other alchemical workers are concerned with the liquid action of
divine [Page 932] manifestation.
322. Here we come to a
point of real potential confusion. We have been discussing, so it
seems, those elemental builders who work within the dense physical
subplanes, and are called “seeing elementals”.
323. Yet now we seem to
be speaking of these same groups as if they were building the etheric
doubles of the dense physical forms.
324. So which is it? We do see
that the two kinds of “alchemists” are, indeed, associated with fire and
“liquid action” (both of which are dense). But we also are told that
they “build doubles”, which would make them etheric!
325. Maybe one solution is
that they exist in “many groups” and that some of these alchemists work solely
within the dense physical subplanes and others do work in the ethers.
326. We now see why the words
“exist in” (which I pointed out above) were of such importance. Is it possible
to “exist in” matter of the three lower subplanes, and
still be a builder of etheric doubles!? The subject is not yet entirely clear
due to the apparent twists and turns to be found within the foregoing sections
of text.
327. The “elemental alchemists”
work with the systemic densest physical subplane (so it would seem),
but also with the gaseous level (definitely, as indicated below).
The “surface alchemists” work largely within the liquid medium which is a
reflection (within the systemic dense physical body) of the systemic astral
plane. Biological life as we know it depends upon this “liquid action”.
328. Fire pertains not only to
the mental plane but to the physical plane as well. Fire also pertains to the
systemic gaseous subplane and, in some sense, to the densest of all the
subplanes.
329. We are left with the
question whether these “alchemists”—“elemental alchemists” and “surface
alchemists” or “bridging units” are building etheric doubles or are
building forms within the dense physical subplanes, or, somehow, both. The matter is not entirely easy to resolve.
330. Because we are in the midst
of a section of text dealing with the builders of etheric doubles, we must not
remove these “alchemists” from the ranks of etheric builders simply because we
are told that they “exist in” matter of the three lowest subplanes.
They work, therefore, in
co-operation with the devas of the
waters, or liquid substance, whilst the earlier mentioned group work
with the gaseous devas.
331. We are given a description
of elementals working with devas. The “surface alchemists” work in cooperation
with the devas of the waters or liquid substance. The
“elemental alchemists” work in connection with the gaseous devas.
332. Within this elemental
kingdom, the term “deva” and “elemental” seem somewhat to overlap. It is
easy to consider the lowest form of devas as elementals. DK’s use of terms in
various contexts has to be examined carefully if valid distinctions are to be
made.
333. Are there no ‘devas of
density’ involved in these processes, just as there are devas of the waters and
gaseous devas?
334. When these “alchemists”
“work in cooperation with” are they working on the same levels as the
“devas of the waters” and “gaseous devas” (and thus within the three densest
systemic subplanes), or are they working from ‘above’ (building doubles from
the etheric level). As stated, this is the problem to solve
335. From this latter
perspective, we would be speaking of those elementals (“alchemists”) who build
etheric vehicles, who work with elementals within the dense physical
subplanes, and who respond to higher categories of devas—higher than those who
work within the strictly etheric levels. In this case the “alchemists” would
not live within the three lowest physical subplanes, but would work also within
the ethers.
336. From such a perspective, for
instance, the “surface alchemists” would build etheric doubles of the vegetable
forms of life, but they would work in cooperation with the devas of the
waters (who would be lower forms of life than they are) and presumably, would
also work in relation to the devas of the astral plane who are higher than they
are.
337. Additionally, from the same
perspective, the “elemental alchemists” would build etheric counterparts of the
mineral kingdom and work in cooperation with the gaseous devas (who would be
lower forms of life than they are). If there are elementals, (“seeing
elementals”?) who work in the densest physical subplane, it would seem that the
“elemental alchemists” would also work in cooperation with them.
338. BUT, we cannot be sure that
the perspective just unfolded is correct, for, after all, the “alchemists”
(both “elemental alchemists” and “surface alchemists”) could be forms of
elemental life who live within the three dense physical subplanes and
who are lower than the “listening devas” (which are those who are definitely etheric in nature).
339. One reason we might think
the former perspective to be correct (i.e., that these “alchemists” are
builders of etheric doubles) is that we are in a section of the book
definitely dealing with etheric builders. Work on systemic
dense physical builders was presented in an earlier section.
340. But certain seemingly
ambiguous statements make certainty here not yet achievable.
A hint is here conveyed,
341. Does this hint concern the
control of dense physical processes through the use of the gaseous state of
matter? What have breathing and breathing exercises to do with influence upon
the dense physical level?
but greater expansion of the statement is not possible, owing to the
danger of the knowledge to be reached.
342. Usually, when the “ancient
fires” of the dense physical subplanes are involved, there is always danger, as
articulated in the white magical process.
343. Is this danger the reason that
the information given in this section of text seems so ambiguous and difficult
to interpret?
With them [presumably, the “surface
alchemists”] is hidden three secrets: One is concerned with the earlier solar
system, or the green solar system;
344. We are into the realm of
scientific occultism as it is applied to the lowest systemic physical
subplanes. We are focusing on the mysteries of matter.
345. Dense physical matter is
the residue of the earlier solar system.
346. It is not for nothing that
Master DK is referencing the previous solar system as the green solar
system.
347. One wonders if the
so-called “secret of life” (or of the emergence of biological life from mineral
life) is not one of the secrets.
348. The plant kingdom upon
which the “surface alchemists” work is closely association with the color
green.
349. In any case, only one of
the three secrets concerns the earlier solar system, the other two, presumably, this one.
another deals with the laws of bridging, or the
interaction between the kingdoms of nature,
350. Here we have the something
about the second secret and the processes connected with it
occurs apparently, in this solar system.
351. DK has sometimes pointed to
certain intermediate forms of life which act as “bridges” between the kingdoms
of nature.
352. This type of bridging is
essentially transmutative, promoting the elevation of the members of one
kingdom into the next higher kingdom.
and the third is connected with the history of the second round;
353. We remember that the
reptile kingdom has a particular connection with the second round as do all
mythological serpent and dragon symbols.
354. The second round and the
second kingdom have a close interrelation.
355. Our relation to the Solar
Angels (or “wise serpents”) may be promoted by a vegetable died.
356. We must also bear in mind the
close relation between Venus, the second round and the vegetable kingdom.
this secret when revealed will make clear why man (under the law) should be a
vegetarian and not carnivorous.
357. We see there are very deep
reasons why vegetarianism is indicated as desirable, perhaps even necessary.
358. The reasons will be buried
deep in a form of alchemy of which we presently have no notion. Perhaps we
should simply take Master DK’s word for it when considering the nature of our
diet.
359. Let us tabulate the three
secrets in the possession of the “surface alchemists”:
a. The secret of the earlier solar system, the “green” system
b. The secrets surrounding the “laws of bridging”
c. The third secret which is connected with the history of the second
round
Scientists are learning already certain things
connected with the second secret, and they may hope, as the knowledge of the
significance of colour is extended, to glean hints as to the
first.
360. We sense the profundity of
the hints. DK is suggesting that scientists are beginning to understand
something of the bridging processes between kingdoms. Certainly, they have
located certain forms of life which seem to carry the characteristics of
adjacent kingdoms.
361. As for the knowledge
concerning the first secret, DK did mention the color green. One suspects that,
in relation to this blue-green planet, the relationship between green and blue
must be understood. The other colors, as well, cannot be left out of
consideration.
362. Perhaps this secret is
related to two types of matter or substance—one characterized by the color
green and the other by the color blue. Certainly, there must be profound
differences between the matter of the previous solar system and the substance of this one.
The third secret will not be indicated more clearly till the sixth
race is living upon earth.
363. This may well be in
thousands of years. The sixth rootrace will not come to an end until
approximately ten million years from now.. We do not
know how long it will take to be established, but it will not be anytime soon.
Today it is only incipient.
Third. The builders of all animal etheric forms.
364. Point number three suggests
to us that (as regards points one and two) we have definitely been talking
about etheric builders, even if they ‘work with” and “exist in” the
three densest subplanes.
365. We have been speaking (so
it would seem) of the elementals responsible for building the etheric doubles
of the members of the mineral and plant kingdoms (and also, initially, of the
etheric double of the human form). Now we focus on the builders of animal
etheric forms.
366. We are still dealing with
the “elementals who see” and who work on and from within the densest three subplanes—even though, perhaps, they may be more etheric than dense.
These are a group
closely allied with those who build the human form.
367. The animal and human form have close similarities. This is especially so between
the mammal and human forms.
368. Notice that when speaking
of the “human form”, DK seems not to be speaking only of the dense physical
form, but of the etheric-physical form.
They came in force
from a reservoir of energy which was kept in a quiescent condition
until the physical condition of any particular scheme warranted their activity.
369. The phrase “came in force”
suggests the involvement of Mars which is the planet ruling the animal kingdom.
370. All is superbly timed and
no influx of energy is left to chance.
With them came in much that accounts for the present sad condition,
for much of the fear, hatred, and destructive condition to be
found among the animals is caused by their bodies being built, and the work of
evolution carried on by the "imperfect gods" (as H. P. B.
expresses it) working in imperfect matter as yet imperfectly manipulated.
371. We speaking of fear, hatred
and destructive conditions, we do seem to be speaking of the Martian influence.
372. Mars is one of the
“imperfect gods” and so it Earth.
373. The two “satellites” of
Mars are “Phobos” and “Demos”, fear and dread or terror.
374. Three imperfections exist.
Let us tabulate them:
a. There are “imperfect gods”—imperfect
Planetary Logoi. They are Great Builders, though imperfect
b. The matter in which these
imperfect gods work is, itself, imperfect (unredeemed,
and coming largely from a previous solar system).
c. The manner in which these
imperfect gods work is also imperfect. Their manipulative skills are not yet
fully developed.
375. In this tabulation of
imperfections we will recognize one of the leading causes of disease upon our
planet and, presumably, upon the other non-sacred planets.
The secret of fear is hidden in the etheric
body, and the particular type of substance out of which it may be
built.
376. This is an extraordinary
statement. DK does not seem to be speaking about certain chakras within the
etheric body—such as the sacral center or solar plexus center. He has already
discussed the ancient racial fears hidden in the sacral center.
377. He seems to be speaking in
a more general sense about the etheric body as a whole and the quality of
substance out of which it may be built.
378. Fear is an action of recoil
and that dynamic may exist on a very fundamental level—such as the relation
between dense physical matter and etheric substance.
379. The Moon is also connected
with the “secret of fear” and we do remember that the violet colored devas of
the four systemic ethers carry the crescent moon upon their foreheads.
3. The builders of the planetary etheric web.
380. We have discussed the
builders of the human vehicle; the builders of the forms of the three kingdoms
of nature; and now the builder of the planetary etheric web.
381. We are, therefore, speaking
principally of etheric building, even though very definite effects occur
in relation to the dense physical forms with which the etheric structures are
connected.
382. We are dealing with that
etheric something which relates the etheric bodies of all members of all
kingdoms if those kingdoms are manifesting upon the systemic physical plane.
383. We are also dealing with
the etheric matrix which connects the etheric doubles of so-called “inanimate
objects”.
Their work is exceedingly obscure and exists in three
divisions:
[Page 933]
a. The
materialisation of the web. This is only perfected by the fourth round,
384. There is a suggestion that
the etheric web (presumably, of the planet) was not completed during the
earlier three rounds.
and was purposely hurried in connection
with our planet owing to karmic conditions, and under the law of
spiritual necessity.
385. We are reminded of the
Moon-chain failure and the need to make up for lost time.
386. It would seem that the “law
of spiritual necessity” is related to the manner and timing of the
externalization of the purpose of the Planetary Logos.
A correspondence to this can be seen in the
case of man himself. The etheric web was
very loosely co-ordinated in man at the beginning of the fourth rootrace.
387. Presumably this allowed for
much contact between the astral and physical planes.
388. The suggestion is that as
the fourth rootrace continued, the materialisation proceeded and the web became
far more coordinated—shall we say into a system of squares? This may
have resulted in the reduction of the rampant psychism prevalent during the
Atlantean period.
Spiritual necessity forced its rapid consolidation, and it is now
so constituted that it forms a barrier between the physical and the astral
plane.
389. Perhaps the early Atlantean
race was more psychic than the later Atlantean race.
390. The barrier created was a
deterrent to psychism and a method of promoting the development of the mind.
b. The preservation of the planetary web.
391. First the materialisation of the web and then the preservation of that which had been
materialized.
This will be continued until the sixth
round.
392. The web, we have been
seeing, acts as a barrier to contact between the astral and physical planes. If
during the fifth round the continual development of manas is required, one can
see why the web would have to be preserved until the sixth round.
During this period spiritual evolution proceeds with a certain degree of
planetary safety, for the web protects from certain solar influences, and
acts largely as a sifter and a distributor of solar forces.
393. We see, however, that it is
not only from astral influences that protection is needed but from certain
unspecified “solar influences” which would not be helpful in the planetary
evolutionary process. One wonders if these influences would relation to the
Heart of the Sun.
394. The sixth round, the sixth
principle,
Neptune
and buddhi (the principle
to be strongly developed during the sixth round) all have a relationship to the
Heart of the Sun.
395. It becomes clear that it is
necessary to sift a large number of influences which, if admitted, would
overwhelm the evolutionary process.
396. We can also infer that by
the time the sixth round supervenes, psychism of all kinds will be largely
refined and human beings will be far more safely open to subtle influences
(including highly refined astral influences) than is now the case.
c. The destruction of the web.
397. We have had the materialisation of the web, the preservation of the web and now the destruction of the web.
398. We gather that there are
certain elemental lives (presumably working within the ethers) who are responsible for all three of these processes.
This takes place towards the end of planetary
evolution,
399. Just as it does at the
conclusion of a human incarnation.
thus permitting the escape of the imprisoned planetary life
and the absorption of the life essence into its synthesiser.
400. We are discussing the phase
of synthesizing which follows upon planetary obscuration.
401. Note how synthesis occurs:
it is the “life essence” which is absorbed into the synthesiser—the
appropriate synthesizing planet.
402. We have been assured that
the physical nature of the planet to be synthesized is not absorbed into
the synthesizing planet. In this section of text, we are told that it is “life
essence” that is absorbed. We need to understand exactly what is comprised by “life
essence”. Certainly, all the quality which has been gained and gathered by the
Planetary Logos during His expression through the planet to be synthesized
would be included in this “life essence”.
The
process of destruction can only be described in the words perforation and disintegration.
403. When we think of
perforation, we think of the dynamics of the first and fifth rays. Recall the
manner in which the fifth ray soul proceeds with the destruction of the causal
body. Perforation of the causal periphery is involved.
404. As for the first ray, its
destructive nature ensures the possibility of release for the imprisoned
planetary life.
4. The builders of the etheric body of the planetary Entity.
405. We have been describing a
number of types of builders. Have we been proceeding in an ‘upward’ or
‘downward’ direction? It seems that we have been moving from building vehicles
for specific life forms to the building of the general matrix from which those
life forms are derived.
This great involutionary life must remain for many aeons a mystery.
406. Again, the definition of an
“aeon” is left indeterminate. Presumably, we are dealing with developments yet
to occur within this mahamanvantara though finality, as indicated below,
must await the next solar system.
407. We are now definitely
speaking of an involutionary life. Some of the elementals, it seems, are
of an evolutionary nature.
408. Not only must we learn to
discriminate finely between those builders who can be called devas and those
which can only be called elementals, but we must discriminate between those
elementals which are evolutionary and those forms of life (or essences?) which
are only involutionary.
His etheric body is now
in process of building, and only in another solar system will he
assume definite physical form. Sufficient
energy has not yet been generated to permit of his manifestation
objectively. He remains as yet
subjective. He has his solar
correspondence. [Page 934]
409. The occultism here offered
is almost impenetrable.
410. There is a great
involutionary life called the “planetary Entity”. He has not yet assumed
definite physical form and will only do so in the next (or “another”) solar
system. Meanwhile, his etheric body is in process of being built.
411. We know there is a planetary Moon and also a “cosmic Moon”.
412. Now we learn that there is
an involutionary “planetary Entity” and its higher correspondence, presumably,
a ‘solar Entity’—no doubt also far from objective materialization.
413. We know that involutionary
forces draw us backward and downward. Perhaps that is what it is practical to
know about such Beings. There is nothing we can do about them and their
tendencies. Their development is all part of a vast process uninfluenced by our
will.
5. The builders of the planetary body.
414. This is the fifth category:
a. The builders of the human vehicle (in its
dual aspect—etheric and dense?)
b. The builders of the forms in the three kingdoms of nature in their
two divisions
c. The builders of the planetary etheric web
d. The builders of the etheric body of the
planetary Entity
e. And now the builders of the planetary
body
f. And shortly will come the builders of the
etheric forms of all that man creates
415. As we work through this
complicated material, we have to determine when the building is occurring upon
etheric levels and when upon the dense physical subplanes.
416. Although we are in a
section discussing etheric builders and building, there is also much here about
the building of dense physical forms.
This proceeds under the same law as that of the solar system and
of man, but, as in the solar system, it proceeds upon the higher planes.
417. Are we speaking here is
building upon the higher etheric planes—the cosmic etheric planes?
418. What is the “planetary
body”. If we think in cosmic terms, it must be the
lower eighteen cosmic subplanes, our lowest eighteen systemic planes.
Students are here
recommended to trace the relation between the solar and cosmic planes in this
specific connection.
419. For every type of systemic
building occurring upon the systemic dense physical plane, there is a type of cosmic building occurring upon the eighteen (or twenty-one) cosmic dense physical
plane. The analogy should be quite exact.
6. The etheric doubles of all that man creates.
420. Finally we come to what is
probably the lowest type of building and builder.
These are a special group of etheric builders who, under karma,
are forced to act in conjunction with human beings.
421. How interesting that they
are “forced” to work in conjunction with man.
422. Man creates many objects.
It is his creative right and destiny to do so, and each of these creations must
have its etheric counterpart.
423. It seems to be the fates of
this group of builders to work with man in this creative process.
These are but a few out of the many groups possible to touch upon;
424. Clearly we are talking
about a series of “etheric” builders. Ambiguity entered when we spoke of
“seeing elementals” existing in the densest subplanes of the systemic physical
plane, but the general theme and the continuity found in the tabulation,
demonstrates that our subject definitely is etheric builders.
425. For all the many examples
given (so many, over the course of the book, that we wonder if we can remember
or assimilated them all), DK always assures us that there are far more examples
that He has not mentioned.
it is needless further to enlarge, as no substantial profit will
eventuate from the impartation of further information.
426. Although ‘insubstantial’
profit might arise. In given this information, DK must work under the Law of
Economy.
Only the briefest
indications can be given and touched upon.
427. DK is outlining for us a
vast perspective on the pattern of our local cosmos. He must be most
discriminate in regard to that which He offers for our consideration.
It is neither safe
nor advisable as yet to impart to men knowledge anent the workers in etheric
matter, which would enable them to contact them,
428. During the Aquarian Age (a
seventh ray Age) our knowledge of these workers will grow and hopefully our wisdom
will also grow.
nor is it wise as yet to link up coherently the scattered facts already given in
different occult books.
429. Here we might have a
problem. Students will proceed to seek greater light on these matters.
Discretion is needed, however, in the manner in which these revelations are
shared. The linking-up of information on these matters should not be
indiscriminately shared with the general public.
Science is treading on the borderland of discovery, and trespassing already into the domain of the building devas. Caution is needed.
430. The use of the word
“trespassing” is very interesting. It is as if the scientists are entering the
devic domain uninvited, and yet we know that a closer interplay with the devas is and emerging part of the Divine Plan.
Yet if the hints given above are studied, if the various secrets
of the builders are pondered upon, and if the esoteric side of Masonry is
carefully and persistently meditated upon, the work of the Great
Architect and His many assistants will stand forth in a clearer and a fuller
light.
431. The “Great Architect” is
the name given for the Third Ray Lord. In studying the devas,
we have entered, principally, this third ray domain.
432. Masons are builders and the devas and elementals are builders. We
can see why a study of esoteric Masonry (in which many secrets are revealed)
would reveal much about the workings of the deva kingdom.
433. We are to—
a. Ponder on all the Master DK has given on
these matter
b. Ponder on the various secrets of the
builders
c. Meditate carefully and persistently on
the esoteric side of Masonry
434. Then, we are told,
revelation may come regarding the devas, and on a
larger scale, regarding the Great Architect. The devas are His many assistants.
435. Remember that the Great
Architect of the Universe is the Universal Third Ray Lord and thus controls,
largely, the B/builders of all kinds.
One hint may here be given, forgetting
not that the work is twofold:
436. For the twofoldness of the
work we must search…
The construction of the tabernacle, or the building of the temporary forms is the work of the Divine
Carpenter,
437. These forms are the ever
changing vehicles of the reincarnating soul.
438. Creating the personality
and its vehicles is the work of the “Divine Carpenter”.
439. It is not to be forgotten
that Jesus was a carpenter. We may associate the “Carpenter” with Capricorn and
the third ray. Is Christ, the, the “Master Builder”?
whilst the building of the
Temple
of
Solomon
, or the
construction of the more permanent structure is the work of the Supervising
Architect.
440. Builders of the causal body
(the
Temple
of
Solomon
) is under the supervision of the
Supervising Architect, and different and higher builders are involved than in
the task of building the threefold outer Tabernacle.
441. The greater builders of the
Temple
are the
Solar Pitris or Solar Angels.
442. However, it must not be
forgotten, that the “Architect” is largely upon the third ray and as the
“Master Builder” or “Great Geometrician” is upon the second.
443. From the solar logoic
perspective, the Great Architect is a cosmic Being, and so, under His
supervision would surely come the building of the causal body of man.
One concerns operative, and the other speculative Masonry
in the true esoteric significance of the word. [Page 935]
444. Here is a marvellous
distinction which will mean much to those who practice in the Masonic Lodges of
the world.
445. Operative Masonry concerns
activity and the third aspect of divinity.
446. Speculative Masonry
concerns consciousness and the second aspect of divinity.
The devas who form
the etheric doubles of all objects out of their own substance must also be
considered.
447. These “devas”, we must
infer, form a group additional to those which have already been discussed.
448. The sixth group of devas
formed the etheric body of all the man creates. But there are also other
objects which are not man-made. Is it these objects of which DK is speaking?
These builders are
the sumtotal of all physical plane substance,
449. Presumably, not manipulators of substance…
450. Substance, we must recall,
is not matter in its densest form.
and constitute the matter of the
etheric levels of the physical plane.
451. It is statements like the
one above which can produce confusion in our minds if we are not careful.
452. DK is speaking of the
“devas” who are matter/substance.
453. We must ask, “Should they
be called ‘devas’ at all?” Should they not be called “elemental essence”? Or,
in the highest grade, “monadic essence”.
454. We have to discriminate
three orders of lives:
a. Devas
b. Elementals
c. Elemental substance or essence, the
substantial “material” of which all forms are to be built.
455. We have already discussed
the evident overlaps in terminology. We see such overlapping when DK calls
devas the “sumtotal of all physical plane substance”.. “the matter of the etheric levels of the physical
plane”.
They exist, therefore, in four groups, and each group has a
curious karmic relation to one of the four kingdoms in nature:
Group. Plane. Kingdom.
First...........One.......Human
Second......Two.......Animal
Third..........Three.....Vegetable
Fourth........Four......Mineral
456. We are considered four
groups of such ‘substantial’ ‘devas’.
457. Each of the four groups is
associated with one of the kingdoms.
458. What is being said is that
the substance of the life-forms in the four kingdoms is distinct.
459. Basically, we are speaking
of the grades of etheric substance.
The substance of the highest physical form of a human being is
therefore atomic. The Master's physical
body is made of atomic matter,
460. If the Master has a
physical body, it is an etheric body and is part of a mayavirupa. Upon this
will-created etheric body, the Master can build a dense physical vehicle.
and when He wishes to materialise it on the dense physical plane, He forms a
sheath of gaseous substance upon that atomic matter, perfect in its delineation
of all the known physical traits.
461. Here we have some of the
most explicit information on the formation of the mayavirupa.
462. We see the gaseous body as a
most necessary intermediary between the etheric body and the densest levels of
the dense physical body.
463. Usually when thinking of
gas we think of that which is amorphous and diffuse, yet according to the
Tibetan the sheath of gaseous matter which the Master forms upon etheric atomic
matter is “perfect in its delineation of all the known physical traits”. In other
words, it must be a perfect replica of the body to be materialized.
The substance of the highest form of animal body is that of the
second ether,
464. Does this tell us something
about domestic animals with “heart” or, in general, about animals with heart?
and herein is to be found a clue as to the relation between all sea and watery
forms to the animal.
465. The second ether has
resonance with the second plane from ‘below” the astral plane.
466. It also has resonance to
the second or liquid subplane of dense physical matter.
467. Perhaps the Tibetan is
alluding to the thought that animal life emerged. from the sea.
468. The astral plane is ruled
by both Mars (the ruler of the animal kingdom) and by Neptune, the ruler of the
sea. We see the connection.
469. We note that in astrology,
a number of the animals have the tail of fish- the Capricornian “sea goat” and
the combined animal form which shows the head of a ram with the tail of a fish.
The highest form of body
possible for the vegetable form of life is that of the third ether.
470. All is sequential and
progressive.
471. Interestingly, the third
ether is to be associated with the throat center and with the color green, the
color prominent above all in the vegetable kingdom, and linking it to the
previous solar system.
These facts will be demonstrated in the seventh round when the
present three kingdoms of nature—the human, the animal, and the vegetable will
objectively exist in etheric matter; that will be for them
their densest manifestation.
472. We are being offered a
picture of the etherealization of the kingdoms of nature on our planet.
473. The life waves in these
three kingdoms will have turned ‘upward’ and dense physical matter will no
longer be needed for their life demonstration.
474. Again, we see the relation
between the seventh ray (seventh round) and the ethers, for it is only in that
round that etherealization will have occurred.
475. One is led to speculate
whether what we presently call dense physical matter will be needed at all in
the next solar system.
The mineral kingdom will find its highest manifestation in matter of the fourth ether, and this transmutation is already taking place, for
all the radioactive substances now being discovered are literally becoming
matter of the fourth ether.
476. VSK remarks: “This is
quite a hint, that the matter of the fourth ether is at least partially
composed of radioactive material.”
477. Radioactive minerals are
the highest manifestation of that kingdom. Transmutation of the mineral kingdom
means that its highest examples are becoming radioactive and are etherealizing.
478. The highest members of the
mineral kingdom are, therefore, from the strictly physical perspective, decomposing. Their composition (as we usually perceive that composition) is disintegrating,
and a new locus of expression is found.
The mineral kingdom is relatively nearing its possible manvantaric perfection,
479. We must think of
“manvantaric perfection” as related to a round or “Day of Brahma”.
480. DK is not talking about any
kind of complete perfection but only a “possible” perfection.
481. There will be other
manvantaras and greater perfection will be possible in the, let us say, the
fifth round than had been possible in the fourth.
482. Of course, if by
“manvantara” DK is alluding to a scheme-round, then, perhaps, in this
fourth scheme round the mineral kingdom is actually reaching “manvantaric
perfection”.
and by the time the seventh round is reached all mineral lives (not forms) [Page
936] will have been transferred to another planet. This will not be so with the other three
kingdoms.
483. These are simply amazing
statements.
484. Our planet will enter a
state of obscuration. Mineral forms may remain in the seventh round, but the
inner lives will have been transferred to another planet.
485. One gets the sense that the
planet Vulcan is part of this transference. From Vulcan have come certain lives
to gain experience on Earth—so we may hypothesize.
486. The mineral kingdom,
therefore, will not be of great moment in the seventh round. It is well nigh
reaching perfection in this round.
The etheric deva substance is acted upon in two ways:
487. DK is still speaking of
substance or “material”, i.e., of “building essence”..
It is awakened into a specific activity by the sounding of the
physical plane word, and it is built into forms by the lesser builders.
488. We are speaking of the
manner in which etheric devic substance responds to the influences which ‘move’
it:
a. It is awakened by the sounding of the word for the physical plane
b. It is built into forms by the lesser
builders.
489. Again we see that it is
indispensable to distinguish matter/substance (or as DK has it here, “etheric
deva substance”) from the lesser builders.
490. This type of discrimination
must always be on our minds if we are to avoid confusion.
It will, therefore, be apparent that it comes under the influence
of two types of force or energy.
491. This will be discussed in
the next commentary.