Fellowship of Cosmic
Fire
Commentary Semester VIII Section IV
TCF 974 - 977 : S8S4 Part V
28 November – 13 December 2008
The third or spiritual eye has
several functions.
1.
We will want to note these carefully.
2.
We have a wonderful compilation on “Eye”. It has some 280 pages. Go
to the AWC Group and reference it. In it, of course, are a great many reference
to the third eye.
Amongst others,
3.
Other functions will be discussed.
it
is the organ of illumination, the unveiled eye of the soul,
through which light and illumination comes into the mind, and thus the entire
lower life becomes irradiated.
4.
If the third eye is the organ of illumination and the third
initiation is called by many the “Enlightenment” or the “Illumination”, we can
infer the role of the third initiation in this initiation.
5.
The soul-in-incarnation sees, usually, through veiled eyes. Sight through the functioning
third initiation is unveiled. Even on
the Path of Discipleship, however, that third eye is relatively veiled.
6.
If we consider the third eye to be an etheric evocation arising
from the interplay between the crown center, the ajna center and the alta major center, then the mind into which illumination
comes is the mind as it expresses in the brain consciousness of the
personality.
It is also the organ through
which pours the directing energy [Page 975] which streams out from the conscious
creating adept to the instruments of service, his thought-forms.
7.
We see and understand that the adept serves largely through
thoughtform building.
8.
As the “organ of illumination” the third eye serves largely a
second ray function. As the organ through which directing energy pours, it
exhibits a first ray function.
9.
We understand the association of the number five with creativity (and the creative sign Leo). The Adept of the
fifth initiation is, above all, a creative
being.
10.
We also understand that the adept (an initiate of the fifth degree)
is possessed of a third eye even though His personality apparatus is, in most
cases, no longer a vehicle produced by ordinary generative means but by the
power of Kriyashakti. This means that within the mayavirupa, the spiritual
organ called the “third eye” does, indeed, exist.
The little evolved do not, of
course, employ the third eye for the stimulating of their thought forms.
11.
The power of the third eye is not available to the little evolved.
12.
We remember that the insight of the soul is revealed through the third
eye and thus, thoughtforms stimulated by the third eye will be built in
accordance with those perceived soul patterns.
13.
It is obvious that disciples such as we are, are increasingly to
use the third eye for the stimulating of thoughtforms. This means, of course,
that we have to evoke the potency of this “eye” in our lives.
14.
The work of Taurus suggests how we are to do this. The ‘Bull of
Instinct’ must become the “Bull of Illumination”.
15.
There will be no use of a functional third eye until we change our
desires and our values, and thus redirect occult energies to the head where the
third eye resides.
The
energy used by them in the majority of cases originates in the solar plexus,
and works in two directions, either via the organs of generation, or through
the physical eyes.
16.
Do we realize the profound occultism which is being taught here?
17.
DK is telling us that the majority of human beings energize
thoughtforms with energy arising in the solar plexus.
18.
Apparently many thoughtforms deal with the sexual life of humanity and
are expressed, eventually, in relation to or through the organs of generation.
19.
Some occult functions of the physical eyes are suggested. Many
thoughtforms relate directly to what is “seen” and to that which, being seen,
is desired.
20.
We note that the physical eyes (two organs, which together,
symbolize dualistic perception) are the eyes in use and not the unitive third eye.
In many people these three points—the lower organs, the
solar plexus, and the physical eyes—form a triangle of force,
21.
This triangle involves the planets Mars, Venus and Mercury in their
lower expressions in man.
22.
Man desires what he “sees” and seeks to possess it. Possession of those
objects to which sexual energy attaches itself, (i.e., “sex-objects”) is part
of this process.
23.
The whole process is very dualistic:
man as an egoistic self (i.e., man identified as a lower ego) desires the
‘other’ and goes forth (Mars) to possess that other. Such as man has no notion,
alter revealed by the unitive “Eye”, that he is the other.
around which
the stream of energy flows before
going out to the objectivised thought form.
24.
Thus, we learn that most thoughtforms are servants of
egoistically-based desire.
25.
From another perspective, “why do most human beings create
thoughtforms”? Largely, in order to fulfill their lower desires within the
dualistically perceived lower three worlds.
26.
We learn that forces circulates between the sacral center, the
solar plexus center and the two eyes before
attaching itself to the “objectivized thoughtform”—the thoughtform in process
of construction.
In the aspirant, and the man who
is intellectual,
27.
DK seems to distinguish between these two. The aspirant is not
necessarily the man who is intellectual. Ray difference may distinguish
them—the intellectual found more on the hard line rays (especially three and
five) and the aspirant upon rays six, four and two. Nor is one type necessarily
higher than the other, though usually
the aspirant is seen to be more spiritually receptive and advanced than the man
who is merely intellectual.
the triangle may be from the solar
plexus, to the throat centre and thence to the eyes.
28.
As long as the two physical eyes are involved, dualism has not yet
merged with the unitive vision of the third eye.
29.
We thus far have two triangles and a third will be discussed.:
a.
The generative organs, the solar plexus and the two physical eyes
b.
The solar plexus center, the throat center and the two physical
eyes.
30.
Note that there is a progression here, as energy seems to go from
the lower centers towards the higher
31.
We note that the in these two triangles, two of the centers are the
same, but the throat center has replaced the sacral center. Thus, in the
aspirant and intellectual man, a higher creativity is demonstrating instead of
ordinary sacral procreativity.
Later, as the aspirant grows in
knowledge and purity of motive,
32.
Thus, becoming, shall we say, a disciple…
the triangle
of energy will have the heart for its lowest point instead of the solar plexus, and the
third eye will begin to do its work, though
as yet very imperfectly.
33.
DK is describing the incipient working of the third eye in the life
of the disciple.
34.
The triangle here involves the throat center again, apparently.
35.
These triangles can be compared with the triangles of chakras
active in the case of human beings at different stages of evolution. (TCF 170)
36.
Even at the third initiation it may be that the working of the
third eye cannot be considered perfect. We may infer this because the Master,
Himself, uses the third eye as a “conscious creating adept”.
37.
We will want to associate the opening of the third initiation with
heart energy, which tends towards unification, just as the third eye tends
towards singleness of vision.
Just as long as the "Eye" is directed to the created
form, the current of force will be transmitted to it, and the
more one-pointed the man may be the more this energy will be centralised and
effective.
38.
We are speaking of how to maintain the vitality of any created
form. An eye must be upon it, or its
coherence and vitality will fade and dissipate.
39.
This makes one wonder who
or what is observing the thoughtform
called “man”. The answer is, in a way, obvious—“the eye of the soul”.
40.
At the same time, from a practical perspective, we are being
informed of the technique for keeping our own creations coherent and vital.
Much of the ineffectiveness of people is due to the fact that their interests
are not centralised but very diffuse, and no one thing engrosses their
attention.
41.
Without one-pointed vision, a would-be creator remains ineffective.
Diffuse attention (refusal or incapacity to pay attention) guarantees
ineffectiveness—i.e., lack of success of bringing intentions through into manifestation.
42.
We are discussing the relation between correct thoughtform building
and effectiveness upon the physical plane.
They scatter their energy and
are attempting to satisfy every wandering desire, and to dabble in everything which comes
their way.
43.
The point is clear: dabblers cannot help but be ineffective!
44.
This thought should incline us to strengthen our point of tension.
45.
It is as if we are told of how the early expression of Gemini must
be transformed into the one-pointedness of Sagittarius if effectiveness is to
be achieved.
46.
Obviously discrimination is needed—the ability to choose where
attention will be ‘paid’. This requires the work of Saturn and Libra.
Therefore, no thought they think ever assumes a proper form, or
is ever duly energised.
47.
We are discussing the haphazard creation of weak, inchoate thoughtforms.
We are speaking of those who have not yet learned to be true creators.
They are consequently surrounded by a dense cloud of half-formed
disintegrating thought forms and clouds of partially energised matter in
process of dissolution.
48.
The image presented is one of a noxious atmosphere in which clear
sight and even the ability to ‘breathe’ is compromised.
49.
Obviously, this is not how we wish for our mental body to appear!
50.
Have we ever felt such a surrounding cloud—within ourselves? In a
gathering of people?
This produces occultly a condition similar to the decay of a physical
form, and is equally unpleasant and unwholesome. It
accounts for much of the diseased condition of the human family at this time.
51.
What an amazing thought! Our inability to create (accompanied by
the unconscious tendency constantly to create) produces a poisonous, decaying
atmosphere which affects the health of our physical vehicle and probably the
health of our emotional and mental vehicles as well.
52.
Because we are not really conscious on the mental and astral planes
(at least not conscious of many conditions existing there) the unwholesome
condition of which Master DK speaks is not a ‘reality’ to us and we do not
think of its presence as especially dire. The occult perspective, however,
reveals how serious the situation really is.
53.
Obviously, our entire planet is presently surrounded by such an
unwholesome atmosphere.
Failure in thought creation is
due also to the fact that [Page 976] the laws of thought are not taught,
54.
Scattered throughout Master DK’s books we can find statements and
hints regarding these laws. Work with the Fifteen Rules of White Magic reveals
some of the laws of thought as does the list of Fifteen Injunctions found in A
Treatise on White Magic. The Yoga Sutras bear heavily on the question of
the correct creation of thought. The study of illusion in Glamour: A World Problem touches directly on the matter.
55.
What do you think to be
some of the laws of thought? Certainly the very first occult Point of
Revelations from the “Five Points of Revelation”—“Energy follows thought and
the eye directs that energy” is one of the very first laws of thought.
and men do not know
how, through meditation, to
create those children of their
activity to carry on their work.
56.
In other words, men do not understand and cannot practice occult
meditation.
57.
The “children of one’s mind” are meant to serve one’s intentions.
Our thoughtforms are intended to be our servants.
58.
One remembers the regulatory power of the star Regulus, so closely
associated with the creative activity of Leo. That activity must be submitted
for first ray/seventh ray restraints.
59.
The hint: one never acts alone. One is intended to scientifically
create an army of thoughtforms to carry forth one’s work.
Results on the physical plane are much more quickly achieved
through scientific thought creation than through the directly physical plane
means.
60.
Perhaps we find this to be a surprising statement. If we accept it,
we will hasten to purify and control our thoughtform-making apparatus.
10. For thee, the aspirant on the way of
life, the way of conscious building is not yet the goal. The work of cleaning out the atmosphere of
thought, of barring fast the doors of thought to hate and pain, to fear, and
jealousy and low desire, must first precede the conscious work of
building. See to thy aura, oh traveler
on the way.
11. Watch close the gates of thought. Sentinel desire. Cast out all fear, all hate, all greed. Look
out and up. (TWM 473-474)
61.
We are still a long way from the scientific creation of effective
thoughtforms in line with the Divine Plan.
62.
Perhaps another two or three hundred years of close training and
supervision may see us in a position to be trusted.
This is becoming more realised, but until the race has reached a point of
greater purity and unselfishness, the more detailed explanation of the
process must necessarily be withheld.
63.
One studies A Treatise on White Magic only to realize that
the most practical instructions on the magical process have been withheld. It
is obvious from DK’s statements here why this is the case.
64.
“A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” and this applies to premature knowledge as well. It is
surprising but true that the Masters labor to withhold from man premature
knowledge of the Plan. If too much is discovered too quickly, the plans leading
towards the manifestation of the Plan could be ruined.
Another reason for creative ineffectiveness is owing to the currents
which emanate from the majority of people being of such a low order that
the thought forms never reach the
point of independent action, except
through cumulative group work.
65.
We are being given reasons for “creative ineffectiveness” and this
is an interesting one.
66.
Apparently energy currents animating thoughtforms must be of a
relatively high order if thoughtforms capable of real independence are to be
generated.
67.
It is arresting to realize, however, that a group in which the majority of members are relatively low grade
creators can, nevertheless, together create thoughtforms which are
capable of independent action. This points to a
certain danger. We come to understand something of the menace of mob or mass
psychology and the relative effectiveness of public opinion even of a low order
(as was seen in Nazi Germany and more recently in countries under the grip of
religious fanaticism).
Until
matter of the three higher subplanes of the astral and physical planes finds
its place in the thought form, it has to be energised principally by mob energy.
68.
Yes, here is Master DK giving us a strong hint in His use of the
word “mob”—a powerful and suggestive word. We understand now, from the occult
perspective, the reason by demagogues can be so effective and so dangerous.
They can shape the thought of the mob and use its energy to render their own
thoughts effective on a mass scale.
69.
We are learning that an individual can create independent
thoughtforms if that individual can
work on the higher etheric and astral subplanes.
70.
We must note, when considering the potencies to be found on these
levels (etheric and astral), that the senses of smell, taste and sight are
necessarily involved etherically, and the siddhis called emotional idealism,
imagination and clairvoyance are involved astrally.
71.
What is really interesting, from the etheric perspective, is that
that the capacity of the individual creator to use the fourth ether is
insufficient to vitalize thoughtforms to the point of independence.
When the higher substance begins
to find its way into the form, then it can be seen acting independently, for the individual Ego of the man
concerned can begin to work through the matter—a thing before impossible.
72.
We are being told that the individual Ego can only work through
thoughtforms which have matter of the three higher subplanes.
73.
We are being told that unless
the Ego can work through the thoughtforms of the individual creator, those
thoughtforms cannot achieve
independent action.
74.
This stands to reason, as the individual Ego is found on the third
and second subplanes, and, some say, the first subplane of the mental plane as
well.
75.
The higher three subplanes of the etheric and astral planes
correspond to the higher three subplanes of the mental plane (the subplanes
from which soul energy emanates), and thus the resonance and the ability of the
Ego to be influential on these subplanes.
The Ego cannot work freely in the personality until third subplane
matter is found in his bodies; the correspondence
consequently holds good.
76.
Yes, we understand this, do we not?
77.
Still more effective work can be accomplished when second and first
sub-plane matter is found in the vehicles and in the thoughtforms being
created.
Once the thought form has been
vitalised and its etheric form is completed or "sealed" as it is
called, it can attain the dense physical form if desired.
78.
So many occult hints! Here we have the sealing of the etheric form of the thoughtform. How is this to be
done? One imagines that there are certain symbolic gestures (undertaken in the
ethers) and Words of Power which can accomplish the task.
79.
All this knowledge was once in our possession, but through misuse
it has been withdrawn.
This does not mean that
the individual thought forms of every man take dense substance upon the etheric, but they will eventuate in activity
upon the physical plane.
80.
DK offers an important qualification for our understanding.
81.
Some thoughtforms, we are to understand, do take dense substance upon the etheric
subplanes.
82.
The agglomeration of similar thoughtforms is part of the eventual
dense physical plane activity which such thoughtforms achieve.
A man, for instance, is thinking a kindly
thought; he has built it up and vitalised it; it is objective to the
clairvoyant and exists in etheric matter close to the man.
83.
Such a thoughtform has not yet been released, hence its actual
closeness to man.
84.
Notice that it takes time to build such thoughtforms.
It will, therefore, find physical
expression in an act of kindness or a physical caress. When the act is over, the
caress consummated, the interest of the man in that particular thought form
fades out and it dies.
85.
We find described the motivating power of thoughtforms and their
outworking in particular physical plane expressions.
86.
The expression of a
thoughtform seems to remove the motivating power from that thoughtform. The
modern phrase, “Been there. Done that” illuminates the process.
87.
As interest fades and the gaze of the eyes is removed from the
thoughtform, the thoughtform dies of attrition.
88.
Some thoughtforms are very strong, however, and continue to
reappear and, thus, continue to be expressed in the manner described above.
Eventually, however, desire for such expression will die, and an expressed thoughtform
will not be re-constellated and reinvigorated by desire.
Similarly with a crime—the [Page
977] thought form has been built up and inevitably it will find its
physical expression in some deed of one kind or another.
89.
We have here the plotting and planning of those who nurture and
harbor evil within themselves. In EP II, DK discussed this form of brooding anti-social behavior as
particularly related to abnormal individuals upon the second, fourth or sixth
rays.
All activity of every kind is the result:
90.
DK will present the main cause of activity.
a. Of
thought forms built consciously or unconsciously.
91.
This is very interesting because is makes us question the activity
of man before he was capable of much
thought.
92.
What of the activity of man before He was individualized? Surely
there was activity. Who then was doing the thinking?
The same question could be asked re the activity animals.
93.
Of course, there are many grades of thinkers and un-self-conscious
lives are responsive to them rather than only to their own individualized
center.
94.
Below it will be shown that thoughtforms alone are not the cause of
all activities. Lesser impulses also play their role.
b. Of
self-initiated thought forms or of the effect of the thought forms of others.
95.
Here we realize that a particular form of life may respond as much
to the thoughtforms of others as to its own
thoughtforms.
96.
Given the non-individualized man, response to the thoughtforms of
others (of other and higher beings) is certainly possible.
97.
Response to his own lower impulses also
actuates activity.
c.
Of
responsiveness to one's own inner impulses, or of responsiveness to the impulses
of others, and therefore to group
thought forms.
98.
Here the cause of activity no longer resides in the world of
thought but in the world of impulse. Within this world we find impulses from
the actor and impulses from others.
99.
It is clear that un-individualized man is certainly possessed of
astral and etheric-physical (i.e., instinctual) impulses, and it is these, rather than thought, which impel him
into activity.
100. DK hints at the idea that
“group thought forms” are created by combining the impulses of a group. This
hearkens back to the creation of independent thoughtforms through mob energy.
101. We can summarize this
little section by saying that activity is caused both by thoughtforms and by
lesser impulses (from within the individual or from within a group).
It will be apparent, therefore,
how vital is this matter,
102. We are speaking of
thoughtform vitalization and
manifestation.
103. We are speaking of the
sources of those conditioning factors and impulses which drive any being (great
or tiny) into action.
and how
influenced men and women are by the thought forms they themselves create, or
the mental children of other men.
104. We hear the note of
responsibility sounding. Day in and out, night after night, we create
thoughtforms and desire forms—mostly unconsciously.
This condition must be rectified if we are to become true white magicians.
105. We are being told that it
is not only what we do that counts
for good or ill, but what we desire
and most of all, what we think—for
thinking is the seed of all that transpires on the two lower planes. This is
especially true of disciples.
106. We are being encouraged to
take responsibility for our creative life and realize that the whole matter of
creation of far more subtle than we may have thought.
107. The life of the occultist
becomes ever more subtle and his responsibility exists on levels which others
believe non-existent.
108. Great caution is demanded
of us. Our creations determine our karma and that, collectively, that of the
human race.