Fellowship of Cosmic Fire

Commentary Semester IX Section III

TCF 1097-1102: S9S3 Part I

 

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

 

 

V. MOTION AND THE FORM-BUILDING IMPULSE

1. Motion and the Mental Sheath.

In the first section of this treatise we dealt somewhat with various phases of activity when considering "fire by friction," and the fiery motion of substance itself.

 

1.            We must always remember that Master DK differentiates “substance” from “matter”. Both are forms of energy-force, but when differentiated, substance is more subtle and substands that which is considered to be matter.

2.            The two words, however, are not always used with perfect discrimination.

 

 We will only touch on some further aspects of the matter, for it is necessary that the student should bear in mind certain [Page 1098] things.  He should endeavour to ascertain the relationship between the universal mind (or the systemic mind)

 

3.            We see here that the term “universal” does not relate to the entire Universe, but only to our solar system. We must be alert to this specialized use of this word.

 

 and cosmic mind,

 

4.            In this case “cosmic mind” is of a nature vaster than “universal mind”.

 

and seek to comprehend the purpose of the mental sheath, which is one of the most interesting of the various bodies on account of its fiery gaseous constitution.

 

5.            Given the evolutionary status of the modern disciples, the mental sheath is of greatest importance.

 

He should also seek to bring about through meditation that mental control and alignment which will result in stabilisation, and a responsiveness to causal impression.

 

6.            If the fiery, gaseous condition of the mental vehicle is too volatile, there will be insufficient mental stabilisation to receive causal impression.

7.            In the system of Raja Yoga, one of the first requirements is the achievement of mental control and alignment.

 

 This will lead to the transmission of egoic instruction to the man on the physical plane.

 

8.            If there is to be “egoic instruction” there must be the necessary stabilization and causal impression. I wonder if we have pondered with sufficient care the question of causal impression. Do we actually receive it? Do we recognize it when there is impression?

 

Certain points in connection with the mental sheath require emphasising, though it is not our purpose to do more than call attention to their nature.  Under the law of correspondence, the student should be able to arrive at certain conclusions and judge wisely the assignment of purpose and place to the particular set of lunar pitris who form the vehicle.

 

9.            It would seem that Master DK is speaking specifically of the lower manasic vehicle, though we must remain alert to see whether He includes the three higher subplanes of the mental plane.

10.         We note the plural: there is more than one lunar pitris involved in the constitution of the mental vehicle.

 

The mental body is composed of only four types of essence, whereas the astral body and the physical are formed of seven types.

 

11.         No, it is clear that by “mental sheath” He means only that which we call the “lower mind”.

12.         When speaking of the various types of devas, the term “essence” is often used to characterize them. Perhaps this is because such devas are an essential aspect of any form within the three lower worlds.

13.         Can we say that the “set” of devas who compose the mental vehicle is a fourfold set?

 

 The devas who compose this body are grouped together as "the cohorts of the fourth order"

 

14.         The term “cohorts” is also frequently used to denote associated devas.

15.         There are certainly four categories of such devas.

 

and have a close connection with that group of cosmic Lives who (through the impress of their influence upon solar matter) are responsible for the fact that our solar system is a system of the fourth order.

 

16.         Are we to suppose that the cosmic Lives here mentioned have a close association with the four lower cosmic subplanes of the cosmic mental plane?

17.         We must search the meaning of “solar matter”. May it be that type of matter utilized by our Solar Logos as He demonstrates His solar system upon the cosmic physical plane?

18.         We are looking for the nature of the parallel suggested.

 

This group of Lives is manipulated and controlled, in the macrocosmic sense, from cosmic mental levels via the central spiritual sun, and through what is called in esoteric parlance "the fourth solar cavity."

 

19.         The occultism is profound. When we speak of the Central Spiritual Sun in this context, we do not mean Alcyone, but rather the monadic nature of the Solar Logos.

20.         The word “via” is very important. One could almost think that that which the Tibetan calls the “central spiritual sun” is on a level hierarchically lower than the cosmic mental plane, though logically this cannot be the case.

21.         On the other hand, the Central Spiritual Sun may simply be part of a chain of command, perhaps receiving energy from a still higher center and conveying it to the Lives on the concrete levels of the cosmic mental plane, and thence to the “fourth solar cavity”.

22.         The “fourth solar cavity” may have a reference to the ‘head’ structure of the Solar Logos, relating specifically to the seven head centers of the Solar Logos as found upon the cosmic physical plane. If we analogize from the brain structures of man, we recognize that within the brain are certain cavities of real occult importance.

23.         There is always one of the seven head centers which is most related to each of the chakras of the normal chakric system. In this case, we can imagine that the “fourth solar cavity” (if it is found within the head structure of the Solar Logos) is most related to the etheric heart center of the Solar Logos.

24.         The planet Vulcan (estimated as having a fourth ray Monad) may be involved with this “fourth solar cavity”. It is a planet which has a connection with both head and heart. It is said to be related to the Heart of the Sun.

25.         The relation of the “fourth solar cavity” to the four-chambered heart of man is also a strong possibility. The “fourth solar cavity” may relate to the fourfold heart itself and represent one of the two atria or two ventricles.

 

In anatomy, the heart valves maintain the unidirectional flow of blood in the heart by opening and closing depending on the difference in pressure on each side. They are mechanically similar to reed valves.

There are four valves in the heart (not counting the valve of the coronary sinus, and the valve of the inferior vena cava):

 

If students will meditate upon the nature of the human heart and its various divisions, and particularly upon one of the valves, light upon this complex problem may be forthcoming.

 

26.         From what is said here, it is evident that DK is focusing upon the heart—whether the human heart or the solar logoic heart and its chambers.

27.         The following material may help orient us to our subject.

 

Structure of the Heart

The human heart is a four-chambered muscular organ, shaped and sized roughly like a man's closed fist with two-thirds of the mass to the left of midline.

The heart is enclosed in a pericardial sac that is lined with the parietal layers of a serous membrane. The visceral layer of the serous membrane forms the epicardium.

Illustration of an internal view of the heart

 

 

Layers of the Heart Wall

Three layers of tissue form the heart wall. The outer layer of the heart wall is the epicardium, the middle layer is the myocardium, and the inner layer is the endocardium.

Chambers of the Heart

The internal cavity of the heart is divided into four chambers:

The two atria are thin-walled chambers that receive blood from the veins. The two ventricles are thick-walled chambers that forcefully pump blood out of the heart. Differences in thickness of the heart chamber walls are due to variations in the amount of myocardium present, which reflects the amount of force each chamber is required to generate.

The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from systemic veins; the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.

Valves of the Heart

Pumps need a set of valves to keep the fluid flowing in one direction and the heart is no exception. The heart has two types of valves that keep the blood flowing in the correct direction. The valves between the atria and ventricles are called atrioventricular valves (also called cuspid valves), while those at the bases of the large vessels leaving the ventricles are called semilunar valves.

The right atrioventricular valve is the tricuspid valve. The left atrioventricular valve is the bicuspid, or mitral, valve. The valve between the right ventricle and pulmonary trunk is the pulmonary semilunar valve. The valve between the left ventricle and the aorta is the aortic semilunar valve.

When the ventricles contract, atrioventricular valves close to prevent blood from flowing back into the atria. When the ventricles relax, semilunar valves close to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles.

Pathway of Blood through the Heart

While it is convenient to describe the flow of blood through the right side of the heart and then through the left side, it is important to realize that both atria and ventricles contract at the same time. The heart works as two pumps, one on the right and one on the left, working simultaneously. Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle, and then is pumped to the lungs to receive oxygen. From the lungs, the blood flows to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle. From there it is pumped to the systemic circulation.

Blood Supply to the Myocardium

The myocardium of the heart wall is a working muscle that needs a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to function efficiently. For this reason, cardiac muscle has an extensive network of blood vessels to bring oxygen to the contracting cells and to remove waste products.

The right and left coronary arteries, branches of the ascending aorta, supply blood to the walls of the myocardium. After blood passes through the capillaries in the myocardium, it enters a system of cardiac (coronary) veins. Most of the cardiac veins drain into the coronary sinus, which opens into the right atrium.

 

Atrioventricular valves

This is an explanation of the echocardiogram above. MV: Mitral valve, TV: Tricuspid valve, AV: Aortic valve, Septum: Interventricular septum. Continuous lines demarcate septum and free wall seen in echocardiogram, dotted line is a suggestion of where the free wall of the right ventricle should be. The red line represents where the upper left loop in the echocardiogram transects the 3D-loop, the blue line represents the lower loop.

An artificial heart valve may be used to surgically replace a patient's damaged valve.

These are small valves that prevent backflow from the ventricles into the atria during systole. They are anchored to the wall of the ventricle by chordae tendineae, which prevent the valve from inverting.

The chordae tendineae are attached to papillary muscles that cause tension to better hold the valve. Together, the papillary muscles and the chordae tendineae are known as the subvalvular apparatus. The function of the subvalvular apparatus is to keep the valves from prolapsing into the atria when they close. The subvalvular apparatus have no effect on the opening and closure of the valves, however. This is caused entirely by the pressure gradient across the valve.

The closure of the AV valves is heard as the first heart sound (S1).

Mitral valve

Main article: mitral valve

Also known as the bicuspid valve contains two flaps. The mitral valve gets its name from the resemblance to a bishop's mitre (a type of hat). It allows the blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. It is on the left side of the heart and has two cusps.

A common complication of rheumatic fever is thickening and stenosis of the mitral valve.

Tricuspid valve

Main article: tricuspid valve

The tricuspid valve is the three flapped valve on the right side of the heart, between the right atrium and the right ventricle which stops the backflow of blood between the two. It has three cusps.

Semilunar valves

These are located at the base of both the pulmonary trunk (pulmonary artery) and the aorta, the two arteries taking blood out of the ventricles. These valves permit blood to be forced into the arteries, but prevent backflow of blood from the arteries into the ventricles. [1] These valves do not have chordae tendineae, and are more similar to valves in veins than atrioventricular valves.

Aortic valve

Main article: aortic valve

The aortic valve lies between the left ventricle and the aorta. The aortic valve has three cusps. During ventricular systole, pressure rises in the left ventricle. When the pressure in the left ventricle rises above the pressure in the aorta, the aortic valve opens, allowing blood to exit the left ventricle into the aorta. When ventricular systole ends, pressure in the left ventricle rapidly drops. When the pressure in the left ventricle decreases, the aortic pressure forces the aortic valve to close. The closure of the aortic valve contributes the A2 component of the second heart sound (S2).

The most common congenital abnormality of the heart is the bicuspid aortic valve. In this condition, instead of three cusps, the aortic valve has two cusps. This condition is often undiagnosed until the person develops calcific aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis occurs in this condition usually in patients in their 40s or 50s, an average of over 10 years earlier than in people with normal aortic valves.

Pulmonary valve

Main article: pulmonary valve

The pulmonary valve lies between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery and also has three cusps.

 

28.         The hint given by DK is fascinating but can probably best be left to those knowledge of human physiology is sufficient to elucidate the hint.

29.         The human heart has four divisions and four major valves.

30.         When attempting to interpret the anatomical analogy, we may be correct in thinking that the dynamics concern the mitral valve which receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the system. It is the only valve which receives from a superior organ—superior in terms of anatomical ‘position’.

31.         The mitral valve has two flaps and is connected, therefore, to the second aspect of divinity. The tricuspid valve has three flaps and is involved of the return of blood to the right atrium from the circulatory system as a whole.

32.         By analogy, the inflow that we are speaking of (i.e., from the cosmic mental plane) is not ‘within’ the system, but comes from higher Sources associated with the Spirit—i.e., the Central Spiritual Sun. The lungs relate to the Spirit aspect (first aspect) and also to the throat center (the mental plane and the third aspect).

33.         We can see how profitable it could be to follow these analogies in fifth ray detail. I have only given a few hints. The entire picture can be put together by an esoteric anatomist/physiologist waiting to respond! J

 

There is a constant inflow of energy from these great Entities on cosmic mental levels;

 

34.         The thought of “inflow” suggests valves which are involved with the receptive function rather than with pumping blood to various parts of the system.

35.         Oxygenated blood is received into the left atrium. As we follow the analogy and think cosmically, we can imagine this oxygenation as descending from points of inspiration on the cosmic mental plane (though instigated from still higher levels where the solar Central Spiritual Sun is focussed).

36.         The “great Entities” are likely to be associated with cosmic ‘solarity’ than with cosmic ‘lunarity’ and hence with planes higher than the four lower cosmic subplanes of the cosmic mental plane.

37.         When we think of oxygenation we think of the second aspect. Oxygen and the second aspect are correlated. When considering the mental plane, the second aspect is far more closely associated with the higher mental plane than with the lower mental plane.

 

 this inflow is the very life itself of the solar units who are the sumtotal of the four lower subplanes of the mental plane,

 

38.         DK does seem to be talking about the systemic mental plane otherwise He probably would have used the term “cosmic mental plane”.

39.         It is, however, interesting that DK speaks of “solar units” as being the sumtotal of the four lower subplanes of the mental plane. Perhaps they are solar units simply because they are aspects of the solar system.

40.         The devas of all subplanes of the systemic mental plane may well be Agnishvattas (and not only the devas of the three higher subplanes of the mental plane). If this is the case, we can understand why these devas of the concrete levels would be called “solar units”. It is not easy to determine whether Agnishvattas extend their focus to the concrete levels of the systemic mental plane.

41.         The two lower systemic planes are in a class by themselves and are definitely lunar. The mental plane is a transitional plane. Its highest three subplanes can definitely be called “solar”, and its lower four subplanes may, perhaps, be called either “solar” or “lunar”.

42.         In any case, He seems to be saying that the solar lives on the systemic mental plane are vitalized by the cosmic lives on the concrete levels of the cosmic mental plane. The Life of these cosmic lives, however, should be thought of as arising from levels higher than the concrete levels of the cosmic mental plane.

 

 and consequently the life [Page 1099] of the individual units who form the mental bodies of all human beings.

 

43.         We have to contrast the meaning of “solar units” with “individual units”.

44.         It would seem that we are contrasting solar and lunar devas.

45.         In this presentation, it appears that “individual units” are of a lower order than “solar units”.

46.         The “individual units” could, in this context, be considered “lunar pitris”.

47.         DK is contrasting the construction of entire mental plane with the construction of individual mental bodies found upon that plane.

 

It will be apparent to all careful students

 

48.         Careful with regard to the understanding of the Law of Correspondences…

 

that on all the planes, the fourth subplane has a peculiar and close relation to the fourth Creative Hierarchy, that of the human monads, and this is peculiarly the case in connection with the mental body.

 

49.         We have been alerted to the thought that the Monad expresses itself particularly in relation to the mental body of man. Within that lower mental vehicle, the fourth layer is particularly the focus.

50.         Upon the fourth subplane of the mental vehicle of man, the personality finds its focus. There is a distinct link between the Monad of man and the personality as a whole. In astrology, one is represented by the Sun-sign (i.e., the personality) and the other by the point opposite the Sun—what we can call the ‘monadic point’.

51.         In sum, we find the fourth subplane of the mental plane a place for the meeting of important forces—monadic and personal.

 

Through the medium of the plane number (five), and the subplane number (four), the possibility of initiation for the human being becomes a fact and that particular form of activity which distinguish­es his progress is brought about.

 

52.         There is no initiation for man unless he has achieved a requisite degree of personality integration upon the fourth subplane of the mental plane (the fifth systemic plane, counting from above).

53.         We have the implication, as well, that initiation is for those who are integrated personalities. An integrated personality has a strong focus upon the fourth subplane of the mental plane.

 

There are, therefore, two main streams of energy responsible for the form of the mental sheaths,

 

54.         Why does DK use the plural here—“sheaths”. Is He speaking about the mental sheaths of all human beings, or is He suggesting that there is (within the concrete mental vehicle of man) more than one mental sheath?

 

a.  That emanating from the fourth subplane of the cosmic mental plane, including consequently the remaining three subplanes.

 

55.         Just as there is a link between the cosmic higher mental plane and the systemic higher mental plane, so there is between the fourth cosmic subplane of the cosmic mental plane and the fourth subplane of the systemic mental plane.

56.         The ultimate Source of energy forming the causal body of man emanates from the higher cosmic subplanes of the cosmic mental plane. Likewise, the formation of the lower mental sheath of man derives from the fourth cosmic subplane of the cosmic mental plane.

57.         Notice the hint that the nature and power of the lower three concrete subplanes are subsumed within the fourth subplane. This is apparently true cosmically as well as systemically.

 

b.  That emanating from the aggregate of those lives who form the fourth Creative Hierarchy.  As we know, the esoteric number of this Hierarchy is nine, the exoteric number being four.

 

58.         We find the Monad involved directly with the formation of the lower mental sheath of man for the aggregate of lives forming the Fourth Creative Hierarchy is an aggregation of human Monads.

59.         The number nine, being a number closely associated with the third ray, is appropriately associated with the formation of the lower mental sheath. Mentality is particularly connected with both the third and fifth rays.

60.         We see also that there must obviously be a link between the Entities found on the fourth level of the cosmic mental plane and the fourth Creative Hierarchy of human Monads.

61.         If we think about planar structure, we will see a connection between:

a.            Lives upon the fourth cosmic subplane of the cosmic mental plane

b.            Human Monads found upon the second cosmic ether

c.            Human Monads expressing as the Fourth Creative Hierarchy upon the fourth cosmic ether

d.            The lives upon the fourth systemic ether (and lower mental subplanes) who go to the formation of the human mental body

 

It is the blending of these two streams of force which (within the confines of the three worlds) results in the progressive activity of man.

 

62.         We are given a highly occult origin for the ability of man to make progress. We realize that without his thinking principle, his lower mind, man could make no rapid progress.

63.         Human progress, then, depends upon cosmic stimulation, monadic stimulation and stimulation from the buddhic plane where the Fourth Creative Hierarchy of human Monads is focussed.

 

 When this is coupled with the self-engendered action of the individual atoms of any sheath, we have spiral-progressive motion.

 

 

64.         Let us tabulate those energies and streams of energies which are responsible for the progressive activity of man:

a.       A energy stream emanating from the fourth subplane of the cosmic mental plane

b.      An energy stream emanating from the Fourth Creative Hierarchy of human Monads, presumably on the systemic monadic plane.

c.       A energy stream emanating from the principal focus of the Fourth Creative Hierarchy of humanity Monads, presumably upon the systemic buddhic plane.

d.      A stream of force arising from the individual atoms of the mental sheath (also, it seems including the lower sheaths).

65.         It would seem that three aspects of divinity are involved here, producing “spiral-progressive motion”. Usually this is called “spiral-cyclic motion”.

66.         It is interesting to realize that without the individual action of the atoms of the sheaths there would be no spiral-progressive motion.

67.         Spiral-cyclic motion requires stimulus from above and an upward urging from below (i.e., aspirational stimulation from the third aspect).

 

This is true macrocosmically and microcosmically, for the activity of the cosmic physical plane (our seven systemic planes),

 

68.         Here DK is speaking of the general of macrocosmic spiral-cyclic activity.

 

 is largely dependent upon the co-ordinated activity of certain force manifestations, which might be enumerated as follows:

 

a.  That of the fourth Creative Hierarchy, who, in their aggregate, form the force centres.

 

69.         This is the microcosmic correlation to the macrocosmic energy of the Central Spiritual Sun which works through energies on the cosmic mental plane, as mentioned above.

70.         We remember that the Monads of the Fourth Creative Hierarchy form the force centers of the Planetary Logos—which of these centers have yet to be established—all of them or some of them.

 

b.  The emanating influences of the fourth cosmic ether, the buddhic plane, upon which is dependent, [Page 1100] throughout the system, the manifestation of that which is tangible and objective.

 

71.         This group of emanating influences can, in this context, be considered of a lower order than the first mentioned—the force manifestations of the Fourth Creative Hierarchy though the focus of the Fourth Creative Hierarchy is the buddhic plane.

 

c. The opening up, both macrocosmically and microcosmically,

 

72.         We see that DK is asking us to understand what He is saying in both the microcosmic and macrocosmic sense.

73.         If we take the macrocosmic analogy for point “a.” above we shall be dealing with energies found upon the cosmic monadic plane.

74.         If we take the macrocosmic analogy for point “b.” above, we shall be dealing with energies of the cosmic buddhic plane.

75.         The macrocosmic point of view for point “c.” involves the "Jewel in the Lotus" of the Solar Logos on the highest subplane of the cosmic mental plane.

 

of the fourth aspect of the solar and human egoic lotus; this is the revelation of the "Jewel in the Lotus,"

 

76.         There are two principle ways to consider the “Jewel in the Lotus” as the fourth aspect.

a.       Each tier of petals in the egoic lotus is considered as one aspect, and the "Jewel in the Lotus" with its three enclosing petals is considered the fourth.

b.      Or, as follows:

                                          i.    The members of the atomic triangle (actually found within the egoic lotus) as the first aspect.

                                        ii.    The outer nine petals of the egoic lotus as the second aspect.

                                       iii.    The inner three synthesizing petals as the third aspect.

                                       iv.    The "Jewel in the Lotus" as the fourth aspect.

                                        v.    From another perspective the "Jewel in the Lotus" should be seen as the first aspect within the egoic lotus and the numbering reversed.

 

 and macrocosmically is the perfect co-ordination of the three aspects through the medium of substance; this is the completion of logoic purpose, which is that of the fourth group.

 

77.         If there is a macrocosmic "Jewel in the Lotus" for the egoic lotus of the Solar Logos, it is probably involved in this process.

78.         The three aspects are the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva of the Solar Logos—the Three Persons of the Logoic Trinity.

79.         This revelation of the solar logoic "Jewel in the Lotus" would represent a significant step along the way towards the synthetic summation of the three major solar systems.

80.         The Solar Logos as a Logos “of the fourth order” is a member “of the fourth group”.

81.         The revelation of the solar logoic "Jewel in the Lotus" would necessarily occur before solar logoic consummation which, we may judge, will occur in the sixth (or even seventh) solar system through the sixth cosmic initiation and perhaps initiations beyond the sixth—perhaps the seventh.

82.         We must also ask whether the fourth initiation in the case of the human being represents the perfect coordination of the three aspects of divinity or only a significant step along the way. We might say that Mastership is a more likely indication of the perfect coordination of the three.

 

        It might be expressed otherwise:

"When all is known of the significance of fourth dimensional existence,

 

83.         This will mean that the process of initiation is completed, for through the initiatory process, all chakras come to rotate in, at least, a fourth dimensional manner.

84.         An initiate of the fourth degree knows much of “fourth dimensional existence” or buddhic existence, but it cannot be said of the fourth degree initiate that all is known.

 

then the fourth order with the fifth will complete the sacred nine."

 

85.         Above, DK spoke of achieving the nine by combining the number of the fifth plane with the number of the central subplane on that plane. Here He derives the nine differently.

86.         From another perspective, fourth dimensional existence is existence upon the buddhic plane. Fifth dimensional existence is existence upon the mental plane.

87.         One way of interpreting this is to combine the buddhic impulse of the Solar Angels with the manasic impulse of man, in order to derive the perfection of that which stands for man on any plane. Thus we would be speaking microcosmically of the completion of the Fourth Creative Hierarchy and, macrocosmically, of its higher correspondence cosmically considered.

88.         The number of the manifested Fourth Creative Hierarchy is nine as well as four. We can imagine a cosmic correspondence to this numbering.

89.         When dealing with “orders” the lower the number the ‘higher’ the order, from a spiritual perspective.

 

d. The specific alignment, interplay or free circulation of force simultaneously through the following manifestations of the one life:

 

90.         We remember that we are speaking of the origin of spiral-cyclic activity or of “spiral-progressive motion” both macrocosmically and microcosmically.

91.         This fourth point, “d.”, deals with alignment and circulation.

92.         We are dealing with systemic and cosmic alignments.

 

1. The logoic Quaternary and equally the human.

 

93.         DK continues to treat this subject both microcosmically and macrocosmically.

94.         The human quaternary is found upon the lower eighteen systemic subplanes. The “logoic Quaternary” is found upon the lower eighteen cosmic subplanes

 

2. The fourth systemic ether.

 

95.         The fourth systemic ether is within the dense physical body of the Solar Logos and Planetary Logos. In taking the macrocosmic correspondence, the ether involved should be the fourth cosmic ether or systemic buddhic plane.

 

3. The fourth cosmic ether, the buddhic.

 

96.         For the microcosm, the buddhic plane is part of the alignment. For the Solar Logos, the fourth super-cosmic ether, or cosmic buddhic plane, is involved.

 

4. The fourth Creative Hierarchy.

 

97.         Microcosmically the highest of the four factors to be aligned are the Monads of the Fourth Creative Hierarchy. For the Solar Logos, the cosmic monadic plane is involved, as would be the cosmic Creative Hierarchy of which the Solar Logos is a part.

 

When this has been completed, the goal universal

 

98.         This is the goal of the Solar Logos.

 

will have been reached,

 

99.         The achievement of this vast goal involved the alignment (to varying degrees) of the personal consciousness of the Solar Logos and His egoic consciousness with His monadic consciousness.

 

and the Logos will have assumed the desired control of His physical body;

 

100.      This means more than the logoic first initiation which is already past. It signifies the requisite control of the entire solar system.

101.      Does a human being achieve complete control of his physical body at the first initiation? Rather, it would seem that such control as is achieved must be considered a beginning. Complete control is more likely achieved at the fourth initiation at which time the physical body and all other personality vehicles (four of them from one reckoning) can be relinquished.

 

the human units will be then functioning upon the buddhic plane,

 

102.      The model for this is given in the Table of Creative Hierarchies (EA 34-35)

 

and the groups of lives who form the mental bodies of the human beings

 

103.      These are devic lives—lunar pitris stimulated by Solar Pitris.

 

(who are numerically allied with the above progression)

 

104.      The number here is four. Our Logos is of the fourth order. The Creative Hierarchy of human Monads is the fourth (manifested Creative Hierarchy). And the groups of lives forming the mental bodies of human beings are found in four groupings—one for each of the subplanes of the systemic mental plane.

 

 will have equally achieved.

 

105.      Master DK is drawing for us a picture of solar logoic and human consummation.

106.      The lunar pitris will be ready to take another step along the path towards individualization.

 

Certain influences and forces play upon the mental sheath of any human being, and produce in it that activity which is termed "spiral progressive."

 

107.      This is the second time, in this context, that DK has used the term “spiral progressive” instead of “spiral cyclic”. We can assume that they are roughly equivalent terms—spiral-cyclic activity is “progressive”.

108.      What we are learning is that a number of factors are involved in producing spiral-cyclic activity or “spiral-progressive motion”.

 

 These forces might be briefly considered as comprising the following:

 

109.      We will find in the enumeration below that DK continues to offer both microcosmic and macrocosmic parallels.

 

1. The energies of the atoms of substance which compose the mental body.

 

110.      This is the lowest of the groups here enumerated. These types of energies are elemental essence.

111.      If we seek the macrocosmic parallel, as listed in the two following points, we will speak of the energies of the atoms of substance which compose the planetary and systemic mental plane—really a part of the dense physical body of the Planetary Logos and Solar Logos.

112.      The truly macrocosmic parallel would take us to the “atoms of substance” of the cosmic mental plane? Are there “atoms of substance” on the cosmic mental plane?

 

2. The energies of the lunar father who is the coherent [Page 1101] life of the mental group body.

 

113.      Here we are apparently speaking of a large lunar Entity embracing a collective of mental bodies.

114.      We must pause to consider whether this “lunar Father” must be considered a “cosmic” Being.

115.      There must also be a “lunar father” who is the coherent life of the individual mental body.

116.      In point “2.”, DK is either speaking of the aggregate of mental bodies of a number of human beings or of all human beings, or He is considering the mental body of man as a “group”, which, in a way, it is.

 

 These two groups concern the Not-Self, the third aspect of monadic manifestation.

 

117.      The “third aspect of monadic manifestation” concerns the lower eighteen systemic subplanes. The third aspect of solar logoic monadic manifestation concerns the eighteen cosmic subplanes.

 

3. The energies of the solar Angel, or Father, which is the co-ordinating principle behind manifestation in the three worlds.

 

118.      From the macrocosmic perspective, this, again, would be a very great Being (probably having its origin on the cosmic mental plane).

119.      Just as the individual Solar Angel is the coordinating principle of the manifestation of individual man in the three worlds, so a type of cosmic Solar Angel (Who plays the role of Solar Angel to the Solar Logos) is the co-ordinating principle behind manifestation (of the Solar Logos or Planetary Logos) in the three worlds.

120.      As we follow this fivefold enumeration, we see that Master DK is presenting the same picture He presented above, though from a different angle.

 

4. The energies of the intelligent lives who form the body egoic. 

 

121.      There is a great all-coordinating Solar Angel on the microcosmic level and a number of subsidiary Solar Angels.

122.      Naturally, we will look for macrocosmic parallels.

123.      The egoic body is a group phenomenon—certainly microcosmically and, we can suspect, macrocosmically.

 

 

These lives find their emanating source on other levels than the systemic.

 

124.      This is true even for the major Solar Angel and lesser Solar Angels related to the human being. The cosmic mental plane is their ultimate source of emanation. The Solar Angels connected to the individual human being are parts of these greater Solar Angel manifesting on the higher cosmic mental plane.

125.      The emanating Source of the cosmic Solar Angels (Those Who serve as Solar Angels to such Beings as a Solar Logos) is to be found upon the super-cosmic mental plane, for which we have no maps drawn by Master DK, though perhaps drawn by some students.

 

 These two groups concern the egoic principle, the middle principle which links the above and the below, and is the second aspect of monadic manifestation.

 

126.      We have, thus far, listed two groups—two correlated to the Brahmic aspect and two to the aspect of Vishnu—the egoic aspect.

127.      In both cases we have had a greater group E/entity and a number of lesser entities included within the greater.

128.      Expanding the foregoing list, it should be said that there are really several levels to be considered in relation to both the lunar and solar perspectives:

129.      From the lunar perspective:

a.            The energies of the atoms of substance which compose the lunar pitri(s) of the lower mental body.

b.            The energies of the four lesser lunar pitris and the collective larger lunar pitri of the lower mental body of the individual human being.

c.            The energies of that greater lunar pitri which contains the expression of all lunar pitris expressing through the lunar pitris of all human beings

d.            The energy of what might be considered a cosmic lunar pitri on the fourth level of the cosmic mental plane which is the inspiring source for all systemically expressing lunar pitris. This cosmic lunar pitri subsumes all the cosmic lunar pitris of the three lower levels of the lower cosmic mental plane—cosmic subplanes five, six and seven counting from above.

130.      From the solar perspective:

a.            The energies of the atoms of substance which compose the solar pitri(s) of the egoic lotus or causal body.

b.            The energies of the three lesser (or perhaps nine or even twelve lesser) Solar Angels and the collective larger Solar Angel which ensouls the entire egoic lotus of the individual human being.

c.            The energies of that very great Solar Angel which contains the expression of all  greater and lesser Solar Angels expressing through the egoic  lotuses of all human beings.

d.            The energy of what might be considered a cosmic Solar Angel on the higher levels of the cosmic mental plane, which is the inspiring source for all systemically demonstrating Solar Angels. This cosmic Solar Angel subsumes all the cosmic Solar Angels of the three higher levels of the higher cosmic mental plane—subplanes one, two and three counting from above.

 

5. The energy emanating from the "Jewel in the Lotus" itself, the focal point of energy in the Upper Triad.  This concerns the Self, the highest aspect of monadic manifestation.

 

131.      This fifth energy is correlated with Spirit—either microcosmically or macrocosmically.

132.      The "Jewel in the Lotus" is really an extension of the Monad (the true Jewel). This is true microcosmically and can be inferred to be true macrocosmically.

133.      We recall from studying the earlier part of TCF that the third fire representing the Spirit is still to be found with its focal point upon the highest point of the higher mental plane, even though it represents the monadic plane.

 

The effects produced by the play of these five types of energy upon each other produce (through the medium of the mental unit) that which we term the mental sheath.

 

134.      So all these five energy sources are responsible for the production of the mental sheath. We note that the medium of the mental unit is employed in the production of this sheath. We remember that the mental unit arose before the Solar Angel intervened to produce self-conscious mentality in animal man.

 

the mental unit, which has appeared upon the fourth subplane through innate instinct approximating mentality. (TCF 709)

 

135.      Another simplified way of listing these five energy sources is as follows:

a.            A variety of lesser constituents of the lower mental body

b.            The integrative life of the lower mental body

c.            A variety of lesser constituents of the higher mental body

d.            The integrative life of the higher mental body

e.            The energy of the "Jewel in the Lotus" representing the Monad.

 

This sheath is after all only the aggregate of those atoms within a specific area with which the Thinker has to do, which he holds magnetically within his ring-pass-not,

 

136.      We can say that the mental unit is the source (at least on the lower mental plane) of the magnetism which holds these atoms in aggregation).

 

and which serve as the medium for his mental expression, according to his point of evolution.

 

137.      The mental sheath is a medium of expression for the power of thought.

 

This same definition will be recognised as true of all atomic sheaths,

 

138.      Each sheath is the medium of expression for a certain power or principle.

 

 and one of the things which students of the occult sciences will eventually do is to investigate the nature of the informing lives of the sheaths,

 

139.      There are a great number of these, from the tiniest atomic units to lives which are on their way towards individualization.

 

the qualities of the energies influencing such lives,

 

140.      Influencing from ‘above’…

 

 and the character and force of the basic underlying principles. 

 

141.      Each sheath is animated by an underlying principle.

142.      The mental sheath is underlay by the principle of manas.

143.      The lines of future scientific investigation are indicated.

 

They will thus arrive at facts concerning energies in the human kingdom which will prove of inestimable value.

 

144.      For the moment the true nature and structure of our energy system is “terra incognita” for all but initiated occult investigators.

145.      Eventually we will understand our ‘instrumentation’ far more than we presently do.