Fellowship
of Cosmic Fire
Commentary
Semester VII Section XIII, Part III
TCF 904-910
: S7S13
15 - 29 September 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
The Devas of the Gaseous Subplane.
1.
We now start the third in our series of explorations of the lesser
devas—both “recipients of force” and manipulating devas.
2.
We are still focussed within the dense physical subplanes of the
systemic physical plane.
In dealing with the elementals, or lesser devas,
3.
The term “elementals” does not mean only one thing. “Recipients of
force” are lower elementals and manipulating devas on the evolutionary arc can
be thought of as higher elementals.
4.
It will be necessary to discriminate between elemental lives,
elementals and elementaries. None of these terms has one and only one
significance. Perhaps, the term “elementary” as indicative of disembodied souls
upon the astral plane has the most specific meaning.
5.
Overlapping in the use of terms can be confusing, but that overlapping
cannot be ignored or clarity of thought will be compromised.
under the
manipulatory devas of this extensive group,
6.
We remember that this group of lives outnumbers the
devas of water and of earth.
we are dealing with
the devas of fire,
7.
The devas of the systemic gaseous plane are “devas of fire” and so
are the devas of the
mental plane.
and with the fiery
essences of substantial nature which can be seen manifesting in
myriads of forms.
8.
The phrase “fiery essences of substantial nature” is quite precise.
All “recipients of force” are essences of substantial nature. There are, we
presume, watery essences of substantial nature and earthy
essences of substantial nature.
9.
Are the manipulatory devas on the evolutionary arc to be considered
“of substantial nature”. In one respect, yes.
10.
It is as if the manipulating devas manipulate from within
the forms with which they are associated.
Certain of the subdivisions of
this group are known to students, such as:
The Salamanders, or the
fiery lives which can be seen by clairvoyants leaping in the flames of a
furnace or of a volcano;
11.
It would seem that the Salamanders are not the flames themselves
but work within the field of flames. At least, this is what the language
here used suggests.
12.
In a certain respect it seems that the Salamanders tend the
flames or give form to the flames.
13.
Salamanders are to be considered as gaseous devas.
this group can be
subdivided into four groups according to color—red, orange, yellow, and
violet—the last of which approximate very closely to the devas of
the fourth ether.
14.
VSK states: “This is an interesting order given of the colours:
red, orange, yellow and violet. A more probably spectral or order given in the
chapter on colour in LOM, would be yellow, orange, red and violet. Perhaps the
order doesn’t matter, but a relation of colour to subplane would be buddhi to
yellow, orange/mental, red/astral, and violet, as mentioned here, to etheric. I
don’t suggest these higher subplanes are related to the salamanders, but there
could be some resonance to the etheric subplanes.”
15.
It seems that DK is categorizing the Salamanders as
physically-fiery substantial lives, particularly associated with the physical
gaseous subplane.
16.
Although the mental plane is, technically, the plane of fire, it
does not seem correct to associate the Salamanders with the mental plane,
though on that plane there may be higher correspondences to Salamanders.
17.
It appears that the Salamanders in their violet category, while
approximating the devas of the fourth ether, are not
those devas. We can imagine that the classifications of these many lives are
complex. Between some there may be similarity without identicality.
18.
It is clear that Master DK ‘sees’ these lives.
19.
We will be tempted to correlate the colors given above with various
subplanes of the systemic physical plane.
20.
The following can be said of a sequential treatment of the
subplanes and colors. These thoughts can be added to and compared with the
insights given by VSK above.
a.
Red can easily be associated with the first ray and the first
subplane of the systemic etheric plane.
b.
c.
From another perspective however, orange is the complement of blue,
which could connect it with the second subplane. We know that often a given
colour is expressed in terms of its complementary colour.
d.
Yellow often represents both the third and fifth rays, and so its
connection with the third subplane (which is also the fifth from below) is
reasonable.
e.
Violet has a definite connection with the lowest levels of
manifestation. All the etheric subplanes are of a more or less violet hue, the
fourth subplane having the darkest shade akin to purple.
The Agnichaitans; this is a term applied to
the fiery lives, which are the sumtotal of the plane substance, [we are speaking primarily
of the systemic physical plane] as seen in the first part of our treatise, and also to the tiny
essences which compose the fires of manifestation. As the nature of physical plane
electricity is understood and studied, and its true condition realised,
the reality of the existence of these agnichaitans will stand revealed.
21.
It seems that, in the matter of Agnichaitans, we are dealing with a
vast array of lives.
22.
When DK speaks of “plane substance” He may be speaking not only of
the lowest levels of substance—the “recipients of force” but of all devas, not
only of the systemic physical plane but of the cosmic physical plane as an
entirety. This latter perspective would be a more comprehensive way of
understanding the nature of Agnichaitans.
23.
The plane with which the Agnichaitans are usually most closely
connected is the systemic physical plane.
24.
Are we, according to the text given, to differentiate “the plane
substance” from the “tiny essences which compose the fires of manifestation”. The word “also” makes it seem as if we must.
25.
Because the Agnichaitans are involved in the manifestation of
physical plane electricity, it is clear that there are Agnichaitans which are
definitely etheric in nature.
26.
We may presume that different strata of Agnichaitans can be found
in relation to latent fire, akashic fire and also to pranic/radiatory fire.
27.
If Agnisuryans are to be found on both the buddhic and astral
planes, then (following the probable pattern of reflection) Agnichaitans are to
be looked for not only on the systemic physical plane but on the atmic plane.
Also, as stated, from the cosmic perspective, all the
devas of the cosmic physical plane can be considered Agnichaitans.
28.
This entire section of the book presents a vision of living
substance.
As the race becomes clairvoyant, as it surely will
in a great degree before
the close of this rootrace,
29.
We are speaking of the close of the fifth rootrace which may occur
many thousands of years into the future. We find ourselves, now, at the
beginning of the sixth sub-race of the fifth rootrace.
30.
We must remember that our particular rootrace is closely related to
the development of both mind and vision.
these gaseous devas will stand
revealed,
31.
It is confirmed that Salamanders and Agnichaitans are gaseous
devas—devas of the systemic gaseous subplane. Agnichaitans, however, come in
more subtle categories related to the etheric subplanes of the systemic
physical plane. Whether this is true of Salamanders has yet to be determined.
and men will
realise that they are working with fiery lives,
32.
At the present time, we call these fiery lives by the crude term
“matter”.
and that they are
themselves closely allied to these lives through the fires of their own bodies.
33.
The fires of the human body are devic in nature. How shall we
discriminate the latent and radiatory fires within the human being from the
Salamanders, Agnichaitans and “tiny essences” of a fiery nature—all now under
discussion?
34.
VSK inquires: “Does this suggests that gaseous level bodies require
clairvoyance to be seen?”
35.
To this one might respond—“How well, presently, does one ‘see’ the
air—the effects of pollution notwithstanding?”
The clairvoyance which is in process [Page 905] of developing in this rootrace
is entirely physical,
36.
There are obviously other more refined types of clairvoyance.
37.
This physical clairvoyance is naturally a demonstration of etheric
perception.
and, under
the law, its development is to be anticipated, for the Aryan rootrace is
that one wherein man—in this fourth round—comes to full self-consciousness.
38.
By “full self-consciousness” we may mean (ideally) consciousness of
the processes of all lunar vehicles and also of those processes which occur
within the causal body. However, such full self-consciousness may have
to be deferred until other rootraces have elapsed.
39.
Obviously, etheric perception is only the beginning of “full
self-consciousness”.
40.
It is also to be remembered that the Aryan rootrace is a very physical
rootrace and not, particularly, at first, a psychic rootrace. The physical
plane is a reflection of the mental plane on which the Aryan consciousness
focusses.
This involves complete
physical vision, and the use in perfection of the three physical plane
senses of hearing, touch, and sight.
41.
The “use in perfection” of the three physical plane sense of hearing, touch and sight seems to apply principally
to the extension of these senses onto the systemic etheric planes.
42.
Perhaps we might say that in the Aryan rootrace, man is to come to
full self-consciousness on both the physical and etheric subplanes, but
that truly full self-consciousness will have to be deferred until later
rootrace development (except in the case of more advanced souls).
In the next
rootrace, astral clairvoyance will be prevalent,
43.
We are speaking of the sixth rootrace. This statement almost
certainly confirms that the type of clairvoyance to be widely developed
during the Aryan root race will be of the physical-etheric kind.
44.
Yet, of course, many disciples will achieve the second and third
initiations during the Aryan root race, and so the types of clairvoyance
available to them (as examples of more advanced types) will be deeper and more
extensive.
though not universal,
45.
Many, after all, will, even then, not yet be upon the Path.
and thus
contact with the buddhic
plane will be more easily achieved.
46.
DK is telling us that if astral clairvoyance is achieved, contact
with the buddhic plane will be more easily achieved.
47.
We may infer from this that if etheric clairvoyance is achieved,
contact with the mental plane and higher mental plane will be more easily
achieved. The Aryan root race is a developmental period in which a significant
number of human beings should be achieving causal consciousness.
In the earlier rootraces of the next round, the fifth, there
will be a recapitulation of the activities of this round,
48.
This is ever the case. As nature progresses, recapitulatory periods
occur at the beginning of every cycle.
49.
We can look for such periods even in the microcosmic life of tiny
man.
until, in the fifth
rootrace [of
the fifth round], the sumtotal of that achieved in this round will be seen.
50.
So the entire fourth round will be mirrored in the fifth round and
probably in the fourth rootrace of that round—if the numerological
correspondences hold.
51.
Each cycle demonstrates´(in one of its
smaller cycles) the entirety of a previous greater cycle.
52.
If this is the case, then probably in the fourth sub-race of our
present Aryan root race, the entirety of the fourth rootrace should have been
mirrored.
53.
Since we are now in the fourth round, may it have been the case
that the entirety of the third round was demonstrated in the third rootrace of
the present round?
54.
We must also question whether this full demonstration or mirroring
of the previous round must await appearance on a globe the number of which is
at least one greater than the number of the round. In other words, we are on
the fourth globe of the fourth round. Perhaps the full mirroring of the third
round could not have occurred on globes one, two or three of this round, but
only on globe four, as its number is one greater than the round to be mirrored.
55.
One could also ask whether that which occurred in the third round
would not be mirrored in the processes of the third globe of this round
(the fourth round)?
56.
Rounds can be mirrored in rootraces, but also, it would seem, on globes
of a corresponding number in the succeeding round.
Men will then begin to demonstrate mental clairvoyance.
57.
It is fitting that this occur in the fifth
round, the number of which correlates with the fifth or mental principle.
Thus the cycles mingle and overlap, in
order that no unit of life, however small and unimportant, may fail in
opportunity.
58.
Since the principle of repetition is so firmly established in the
developmental process of nature, it should also be employed in the teaching
process so that no student may “fail in opportunity”.
59.
We can see from what is said that if full development of some
quality was not achieved during a particular cycle, opportunity for completion
of development will be re-presented in a lesser cycle which has the same number
as the cycle in which development was to have taken place.
These agnichaitans of the third subplane come particularly under the
influence of Saturnian energy.
60.
We might presume that DK is speaking of the third subplane number
from above. This would mean that He is speaking of an etheric subplane.
Yet we cannot be certain of the direction in which DK may be counting. Evidence
gathered from text which follows suggests that He is speaking of the third
subplane from below.
61.
The third subplane from below must also, in one respect, be called
the “third subplane”, and the two subplanes mentioned will have a reciprocal
effect upon one another.
They are the great fusers
of substance, and it is in connection with them that the transmutation of metals
becomes possible.
62.
When speaking of “transmutation” the ethers are usually involved.
Uranus, the planet of transmutation, is the planet representing etheric
substance, whereas Saturn represents more physical substance.
63.
We are given the hint that in alchemical processes, there is to be
found a fusion process applied to substances.
They have a relationship to the mineral
kingdom analogous to that which the watery devas have to the vegetable and
animal.
64.
The “watery devas” here discussed are definitely material in
nature, ‘inhabiting’ water (considering water as the central aspect of the
three systemic dense physical subplanes). This being the case, perhaps the
Agnichaitans discussed above are also (systemically considered) material in
nature. In this case, the subplane involved would be the third from below or
gaseous subplane.
65.
There are, of course, Agnichaitans of the etheric planes.
They are, as will be apparent,
connected with the throat
centre of a planetary Logos and of a solar Logos, and it is through
their activity that the transmission
of sound through the air becomes possible.
66.
Yes, it appears we are speaking of Agnichaitans related to the
gaseous subplane of the systemic physical plane.
67.
DK is reasonably connecting Saturn (a third ray planet) with the throat
center, with sound and the sense of hearing.
68.
This is one of those piece of occult
information which would not be suspected—the involvement of the Agnichaitans in
the transmission of sound through the air.
69.
We can see that various devas are involved the proper functioning
of the senses. They serve as a kind of relation or bridge between the
senses and the not-self which the senses detect. The devas,
in this respect, are relational.
70.
If these devas are involved with the transmission of sound, we must
suspect that other devas are involved with the transmission of light, with
other devas playing their role in the kind of contact which produces the
registration of smell, taste and, in general, touch.
It might surprise students and
inventors could they but realise that the present rapid growth of wireless communication
everywhere is due to the swinging into contact with the human vibration
of a group of fiery deva lives hitherto uncontacted.
71.
We think we are dealing with so-called ‘blind forces’, but,
instead, subtle intelligent lives are at work. Are these lives to be found on the
gaseous or on etheric planes? The answer is not given, but as we have been
speaking of the gaseous subplane, these lives may be found on that
level.
72.
Whether these lives ‘inhabit’ the systemic gaseous subplane or the
lowest etheric subplane, they can be considered “fiery deva lives”.
Just as each plane has its seven
subplanes, so likewise each subplane can be subdivided,
73.
This subdivision is presumably into seven.
74.
Since there are certain devic lives associated with each of the
subplanes and sub-sub-planes of the cosmic physical plane, the number of such
lives is considerable.
thus making
forty-nine fires on every plane,
75.
On each systemic plane...
76.
Above, we have been told that each subplane can be divided into
forty-nine subdivisions!
The devas of the sixth
physical subplane can be divided into three groups, and these again into seven
and into forty-nine, thus corresponding with all groups in the solar system.
(TCF 902)
or the three hundred
and forty-three fires of the solar system.
77.
The solar system exists on the cosmic physical plane. This means
that on the cosmic physical plane there are three hundred and forty-three
fires, and presumably an equal or greater number of kinds of devic lives.
78.
The number three hundred and forty-three is derived by dividing
each systemic subplane into seven division rather than forty-nine.
79.
If we subdivide each subplane into forty-nine sections, then the
cosmic physical plane will have 2401 subdivisions.
Herein can be found the clue to
the mystery of the "fourth between the three" [Page
906] which has at times bewildered students of the occult records.
80.
The “fourth between the three” can have, therefore, three meanings:
a.
The buddhic plane as the fourth or central plane between two sets
of three systemic planes
b.
The fourth subplane found on any systemic plane
c.
The fourth sub-subplane found on any of the forty-nine systemic
subplanes
There are several ways of reading
these figures, 3 4 3, but the only occult method which can be hinted at here,
81.
Obviously, there are other occult methods. We note also that
nothing explicit is being offered—only hints.
lies in the
recognition of the three higher planes, the three lower planes, the fourth
plane of meeting between them. This
fourth plane has occultly been called "the meeting place."
82.
This is as suggested above.
83.
Could this “meeting place” that “place” in the magical process
“where land and water meet”?
Let the magician guard himself from drowning
at the point where land and water meet.
The midway spot, which is neither dry nor wet, must provide the standing
place whereon his feet are set. When
water, land and air meet, there is the place for magic to be wrought. (TWM
xiii)
When it is remembered that the goal for these gaseous devas
is the fourth cosmic ether, or the buddhic plane
84.
The buddhic plane eventually…
and that they (in their major and minor
groups) are the internal macrocosmic and microcosmic fires, some idea may be
gained as to the true significance of the eventual at-one-ment between the two
lines of evolution for the goal for man likewise is the buddhic plane.
85.
The eventual at-one-ment between man and deva is to occur on the
buddhic plane. We see however, that the gaseous devas, after having been
elevated to the fourth etheric subplane, have for an eventual
destination the buddhic plane, whereon the human and deva evolutions become
reconciled. It is clear that the development of the gaseous devas (the
macrocosmic and microcosmic fires) tending as it does towards the buddhic
plane, is part of this reconciliation.
On the third subplane, therefore,
86.
And we are, indeed, speaking of the third subplane from below—the
gaseous subplane of the systemic dense subplanes…
in its
fifth division of deva essences,
87.
Shall we again count from below, and thus focus on the fifth
sub-sub level of the systemic gaseous subplane?
certain groups are
now being contacted in this, the fifth rootrace;
88.
We see the infallible working out of numerical correspondences…
the result of this
contact can be seen in the stimulation of responsive vibration, which is
demonstrated already in the discovery of wireless intercourse and of radium.
89.
We are speaking of developments upon the fifth sub level of the
systemic gaseous subplane.
90.
We have learned that what is loosely called “wireless” or, perhaps,
radio waves, are concerned with the systemic gaseous
subplane.
91.
It would be surprising if the fourth etheric plane were not also
involved, at least in the case of radium. Also with regard to what we usually
call “electrical phenomena”, the fourth ether should be involved. DK speaks
elsewhere of its influence.
the fourth
ether of the physical systemic plane is likewise assuming its rightful place in
the minds of men, and the electrical force of that subplane is already being
adapted and utilised by man in the assistance of the mechanical arts, for
methods of transportation, for widespread illumination, and in healing.
(TCF 320)
There
will also be seen a paralleling increased vibration of the human spirillae which
will result, before the end of the round, in the awakening to full activity of
the fifth spirilla of
the human physical permanent atom.
92.
This awakening will indicate that many human beings will be
entering the kingdom of souls.
93.
We are still in the fourth round but are speaking of the awakening
of the fifth spirilla. Probably this awakening will occur on a massive
scale during the fifth round, but even now, in our fifth rootrace, many will
find their fifth spirilla awakened as they pass through a transition from the
fourth into the fifth kingdom.
94.
It seems that those spirillae already awakened will also be further
stimulated—“a paralleling increased vibration”. There seems to be an
implication that it is the increasing vibration of the lower spirillae which
contributes to the awakening of the fifth spirilla.
Hence the work of the Mahachohan
at this time in connection with seventh ray (which is temporarily acting as
the synthesis of the five types of energy over which He presides), might be
summed up as follows:
95.
We note in the seventh ray a temporary synthesis of the five
rays over which the Maha-Chohan presides.
96.
The third ray holds the greater synthesis over time, but due to the
prominence of the seventh ray in the particular Age of Aquarius into which we
are passing, the seventh ray now holds the synthetic position.
97.
It is probable that at the time TCF was written, the Master R. had
not yet assumed the role of Mahachohan.
First, He is
utilising the seventh type of energy in order to further the recognition by the
human unit of the subtler substance of the physical plane.
98.
The seventh ray is particularly associated with the etheric
subplanes of the systemic physical plane.
This seventh ray is a primary factor in the
production of objectivity.
99.
By this, in this context, we mean dense physical
objectivity.
100. This type of objectivity is
precipitated from the systemic etheric planes.
The energy of the planetary Logos of the
seventh scheme dominates the seventh plane;
101. For the time being we may
presume this Logos to be the Logos of Uranus.
it is the
ray whereon deva substance and Spirit can meet and adapt [Page
907] themselves to each other with greater facility than on any other
ray except the third.
102. The two magical rays are
the seventh and the third. The seventh ray rules ritualism, per se, and the
third ray rules magic in a general sense.
103. We have an alignment here
between the logoic, atmic and systemic etheric planes. The logoic plane is the
ultimate plane of Spirit; the atmic plane is the plane most closely associate
with the third ray; the etheric subplanes are most closely associated with the
seventh ray.
104. The meeting of Spirit with
deva substance is required for the highest magical processes.
105. On the seventh ray, then,
the “Highest and the Lowest Meet”, but Spirit meets deva substance on the third
ray as well. From a more general perspective, Spirit is the “Highest” and the
third ray represents objectivity or the “Lowest”.
106. The seventh ray, we
realize, is the objective expression of the first ray (the ray most closely
associated with Spirit).
Man, at present, is fully
conscious, through some one or other of his senses, on the three lower
subplanes; it is intended that he shall be equally conscious on the four
higher.
107. This will mean the
development of etheric consciousness, even though DK has emphasised that
consciousness does not really exist on the etheric planes.
I would have you
note that I did not say the etheric levels of consciousness, for there is no
such thing as consciousness upon the etheric planes. (R&I 178)
108. The situation with respect
to consciousness on the etheric planes remains ambiguous. There is certainly an
attempt to help man consciously register etheric phenomena.
109. When man becomes conscious
on the higher four subplanes of the systemic physical plane, he will be aware
of the activities of his chakras on all those four levels, and of the
transmission of force via the nadis and meridians.
This has to be brought about by the stimulation
of the deva substance which composes his bodies.
110. With greater stimulation,
greater vision appears.
This will be accomplished through the
dynamic will of the transmitting devas as they energise the manipulatory devas,
and thus affect the myriads of lesser lives which compose man's
body,
111. We have a threefold
progression—
a.
Transmitting devas with dynamic will
b.
Manipulatory devas energized by the transmitting devas
c.
The myriads of lesser lives who are the “recipients of force”, the
tiny substantial essences of the various planes.
112. How interesting that the
development of human clairvoyance is dependent on a line of transmitted energy
emanating from the transmitting devas on the higher planes.
and also
by an increased responsiveness of the indwelling man or thinker to the contact
made upon his body.
113. It is not the threefold
deva transmission alone which accounts of the growth of human clairvoyance. The
increasingly close relation between the Ego on the higher mental plane and the
etheric-physical body is also responsible.
114. Presumably, the Ego-as-spiritual-triad
will also be involved in promoting etheric awareness. That Ego inhabits the
cosmic ethers and is thus in position to stimulate the systemic ethers.
This
increased awareness will be brought about by the arousing of the fifth spirilla,
by the unfolding of the fifth petal in the egoic lotus,
115. The arousing of the fifth
spirilla gives entré into the
116. The opening of the fifth
petal signals that the first initiation is in process. By the time the fifth
petal is fully unfolded the first initiation has been taken.
117. It is advisable that the
student grasp the many parallel processes occurring at specific stages
of spiritual development.
118. In any case, this arousal
and this opening accompany the opening up of etheric vision.
and by the
gradual opening of the third eye through the arousing and uniform activity of
five factors: the centre at the
base of the spine, the three channels in the spinal column, and the pineal
gland.
119. Here we have an important
statement. The third eye opens as a result of the following five
activities:
a.
The measured arousal of the base of the spine center
b.
The activation of the three channels in the spinal column
(presumably this includes etheric activation.
c.
The stimulation to a certain degree of the pineal gland
All these
factors involve the activity of deva essence, plus the resultant awareness of
the thinker.
120. So the ability to be aware
on the higher etheric planes involves the activity of deva essence and the
awareness of the thinker or Ego on the higher mental plane which, as a result
of the activity of the deva essence in the five processes noted, becomes
sufficiently aware to affect the process of increasing awareness on the etheric
planes.
This will be followed by the conscious use of
the newly-awakened powers.
121. First new consciousness
must emerge. Then that which has emerged must be deliberately used.
122. We can see how many parallel
processes are occurring and how retardation in any one of them could retard
the entire process.
In this manner the close interrelation
and interdependence of the two lines of evolution becomes magnificently
apparent.
123. This has been one of the
main points advanced in these sections of text—that human and deva development
are parallel, interrelated and interdependent processes. Their mutual influence
is inescapable.
124. As each grows or move forward, the growth and forward movement of the other
is supported.
Second, the
Mahachohan is working specifically at this time (in co-operation with the
Manu), with the devas of the gaseous subplane;
125. Thus, are rays one and
three represented and ray seven as well (since that is the present emphasis
during the emerging smaller Age of Aquarius).
this is in
connection with the destroying work they are to effect by the end of this
rootrace, in order to liberate Spirit from constricting forms.
126. The fifth rootrace will be
destroyed by the combined efforts of the Manu and the Mahachohan.
127. The rootrace is not yet in
process of destruction, but speaking relatively, the time will not be too distant.
128. We note that the intended
destruction is an act of beneficence. The Spirit must always be liberated from
its involvement with form.
129. If the gaseous devas are
involved in this destruction, the destruction will, perhaps, be by fire.
Volcanic action therefore may be
looked for, demonstrating in unexpected localities, as well as within the
sphere of the present earthquake and volcanic zones.
130. These will be, presumably, largely
under the control of the Manu.
131. The thought of
demonstration in “unexpected localities” is arresting. Some earthquake activity
has already demonstrated in zones far from those usually associated with
earthquakes.
Serious disturbance may be looked for in
132. We are not to assume,
however, that the end of the fifth rootrace coincides with the “end of the
century” (the twentieth century).
133. They may have been “looked
for” but did they actually occur? There have been some disturbances, but
nothing to rival the great
134. Have plans been deferred
due to other serious situations which needed attention? We are not in a
position in a position to know.
135. Apparently the Mahachohan
is also involved in such earth changes, although it is usually the
Department of the Manu which is noted for inducing such changes.
The work
of the Mahachohan can also be seen in the [Page
908] effect that the devas of the kundalini
fire are producing upon man.
136. It would seem that there
will be an increase in kundalinic demonstrations.
These are a peculiar group of
Agnichaitans
137. There are so many varieties
of Agnichaitans largely unknown to humanity.
who have reached a
stage of evolution which permits of their being separated off from their
group into a group connected with a certain fire in man's bodies.
138. Yes, it is clear that the
Agnichaitans are usually to be considered as separate from the fires in man’s
bodies. This particular group, however, is separated off and being brought into
closer contact with certain such fires. This
represents an approximation of certain devas of the systemic physical plane to
devas within the energy system of man.
This fire owing to its present
activity, and the direction of that activity, is responsible for the reaction
against physical marriage, and for the desire evinced by highly evolved men
everywhere to evade the marriage relation, and confine themselves to creation
upon the mental or astral planes.
139. We must be speaking of an
upward tending Agnichaitanic effect which elevates the fires of men’s physical
frame, focusing fire in the higher chakras and their corresponding vehicles.
140. These particular
Agnichaitans must be involved with the transfer of energy from the sacral
center to the throat center.
141. Simply because the marriage
relation is evaded does not mean that there sexual response has been
neutralized, through during periods of creative intensity upon the astral an mental planes (and even the physical plane), sexual
response may be transmuted or subdued.
This is due to the present inclination of the manipulatory
devas of the lower generative organs to seek the throat centre,
142. This is easily said, but
what, precisely, does it mean?
143. There seems to be an
alliance between such manipulatory devas and this special group of
Agnichaitans. The tendency of the manipulatory devas seems promoted or
energized by the Agnichaitans.
144. May it be that the first
intensified effect of devic life upon the human being will affect primarily the
etheric-physical body?
and to function
there, utilising the strength of the kundalini fire to bring this about.
145. Three factors seem to be
involved in this type of elevation:
a.
The natural tendency of the manipulatory devas usually associated
with the generative organs. It is their inclination, now, to function
increasingly through the throat center.
b.
A sufficient activation of the kundalini fire
c.
The new impact of a special group of Agnichaitans which have been
separated off from other Agnichaitans and which have a powerful effect upon the
lower fires of the human body.
146. It is clear that the
kundalini, in some respect, is the means by which the fires of the sacral
center reach the throat center.
All this is under the law of evolution, but in
the interim between cause and justified effect much harm, evasion of the law,
and consequent suffering can be seen.
147. Even when transitional process occur under the law or according to law, certain
developments may arise which cause harm, distress and suffering. All
transitions, even lawful ones, are not yet smoothly accomplished on our planet
within which Spirit/soul is out of right adjustment with matter. In short, the
type of matter to be found on the lower levels of our planetary life is too
resistant.
148. We are reminded that the
pressure which the soul/Solar Angel placed upon its personality can be the
cause of acute distress and even disease within the personality.
Owing, therefore, to the violent
reaction at this time against the safeguarding laws of civilisation,
149. These safeguarding laws are
those which protect the generation of the race and the formation of families to
promote this safeguarding.
150. The violent reaction can be
understood as unadvisedly Uranian in nature.
151. Man is unwisely asserting
his individualism and is rejecting that which has guarded the racial form and
the social order.
it has been decided
that the nature and functions of the devas must be somewhat revealed to man, and
that their place in the scheme of things, and man's close connection and
dependence upon them, must be given out.83
152. We see the problem with
which Hierarchy is faced. Man begins to misuse energy and so the risk must be
taken to demonstrate to his consciousness the error of his ways. Additional
harm, however, could arise if the knowledge imparted is used to promote further
rebellion and perversion of the intended use of force.
At the same time, the means whereby they can be contacted, and the words
whereby they can be controlled, will be withheld.
153. It would be extremely
ill-advised to allow humanity to come again into that kind of contact with the
deva kingdom which was possible in Atlantean days. Humanity, by in large, is
still far too selfish.
Footnote 83:
If man can be brought to a realisation of the nature of his own being and of
his constitution, and can be led to comprehend the rationale of that which can
be seen occurring, and if the thinkers of the race can be shown the risks
incident upon present happenings in the deva evolution, much danger may be
averted.
154. It is clear that there is
much unwitting abuse, today, of the deva kingdom. This is laying up many
problems which will have to be solved in the future.
155. The emphasis upon
environmentalism today is, at a preliminary level, attempting to address at
least some of these abuses.
156. So, at least we understand
why this type of information is being released to humanity at this time. It is
not simply for the accumulation of knowledge, but to be used to avoid dangers
imminent in the present relationship between man and the deva kingdom.
Hence the decision to
extend the scope of this book to include more detailed information anent the
deva evolution.
157. One could wonder what was
originally intended. The book is presently of great length (relatively) though
DK has told us He is writing with brevity.
158. Of all the books by the Tibetan,
A Treatise on Cosmic Fire is the one
with the most detailed information concerning the deva kingdom.
Laxness in the marriage
relation, due to this particular cause, is only seen amongst the highly
evolved and amongst the independent thinkers of the race.
159. Presumably this means that
there are many highly developed individuals who do not engage sexually.
160. It could also mean that a
degree of promiscuity exists among some of the more highly evolved and thinkers
of the race because they avoid the more traditional kinds of social/sexual
forms of relationship—i.e., marriage, traditionally considered.
Similar laxness amongst the masses, and the
low types of humanity, is based upon a different reason, and their
promiscuity is due to certain developments of the animal nature in its lowest
manifestation.
161. DK does appear to be
speaking of promiscuity when He speaks of “laxness”. There can be laxity in
honoring ones physical commitments and laxity in honoring ones moral
commitments. They lead to different results.
162. Promiscuity among the less
evolved human beings has a basis in the animal nature. This is not the case
with promiscuity among the highly evolved which has, it would seem, a more
psychological basis and is related, as well, to the association with such
individuals of the group of Agnichaitans under consideration.
These two causes [Page
909] will bear consideration by those who have the present needs of
civilisation at heart.
163. The needs of all kinds
of people must be met by the wise leader. One type of approach cannot be
recommended for all, so great are the differences between human beings.
They can then co-operate with the Mahachohan
in the work of effecting the very necessary transfer of force from a
lower to a higher centre, and prevent (through knowledge), the incidental
license.
164. So we have two kinds of
sexual license. One type is incidental to the stimulation of the animal nature
and occurs in the lives of low grade individuals.
165. The other type of license
occurs in the lives of those who are highly evolved and who are effecting a transference of energy from the sacral center to
the throat center.
166. The Mahachohan (being the
spiritual Executive Who wields the third ray) is involved in this first type of
transference—from the sacral center to the throat. This type of transference
has particular connection with the third aspect, just as the transference from
the solar plexus center to the heart center involves the second aspect and the
transference from the base of the spine center to the major head center
involves the first aspect.
167. If human beings know what
to expect as a result of such transference (from the sacral center to the
throat center), they can be prepared to counter the inevitable effects with
knowledge, understand and will.
This will bring about a refusal to besmirch
the great love or sex impulse of nature.
168. This is a very strong
statement using a rather ancient and pictographic word—“besmirch”. It means to
“make dirty”—really dirty, to the point where cleaning that which has
been dirtied becomes very difficult, even impossible. The term is used usually
in terms of reputation.
169. DK combines the love
impulse and the sex impulse, though elsewhere He distinguishes between them.
The ceremonial ray has been often
called "the marriage ritual of the Son,"
170. Such an important name for
this ray! One can see the relation to the sign Libra, the seventh sign and the
sign of marriage.
because upon this ray
Spirit and matter can meet and have union.
171. Interestingly, the ritual
occurs between “Father” and “Mother”, (Spirit and Matter) and the result is the
birth of the “Divine Son”.
This fact also should be borne in
mind during the next one
hundred years, for they will see great changes in the marriage laws. The present laxity will inevitably
bring a reaction, and the laws will become more stringent,
in order to safeguard the race during a transition period.
172. VSK states: “This has yet
to be seen, obviously”.
173. Yet in more traditional
cultures, there is a type of social conservatism which tends in this direction.
We are looking for a similar type of neo-conservatism in our more advanced
nations and cultures.
174. The race will definitely
need protecting and various types of degeneration are to be seen on all hands.
It reminds one of the “uprising of lawlessness” which
is a harbinger of the coming of
175. The pairs of opposites
always counterbalance each other. Such is the condition on our planet
especially, for it is here that there occurs the adjudication “between the
pairs of opposites”.
176. Libra, the sign of
marriage, is growing stronger in the planetary horoscope. With this
strengthening will come, we may suppose, changes in marriage laws. Saturn (the
planet of law and of discipline) is, let us remember,
is very strong in Libra. Uranus, the planet of ‘change in structure’ is an
esoteric ruler of Libra.
These laws will not be along the
line of making escape from the marriage relation more difficult,
177. In conventional
Catholicism, divorce is extremely difficult. This is not what DK is suggesting.
but will take effect
at the other end, so to speak; the rising generation will be properly taught
and guarded, and indiscriminate, hasty marriage will not be permitted,
178. Social norms and laws will
militate against this.
nor will juveniles be
allowed rashly to enter into the marriage obligation.
179. The marriage relation will
be treated with the utmost respect and seriousness. Today’s frivolous attitudes
will be dropped. The Saturnian factor of discrimination will be strengthened
and the approach to such decisions will be based on much clearer mentality.
There is no need to enlarge further upon this, for in working out their
own problems men learn, and all that those upon the inner side are permitted to
do is to give a hint or an indication.
180. DK cannot elaborate fully.
To do so would take from men the opportunity to learn their own lessons.
181. The Master hints in a
general direction and the intuition of those who receive the hint must serve to
direct thought along the line indicated.
182. Notice that we are talking
about the Mahachohan. One gathers that this great Being,
or His office at least, is very connected with the sign Libra responsible for the
preservation of the balance—in civilization and culture.
Another angle of the Mahachohan's
work at this time is connected with sound,
and therefore with the particular devas whom we are considering.
183. We have discussed the
transmission of voices “through the air” via radio waves and other newly
discovered wave forms.
Through the mismanagement of men, and their unbalanced
development, the sounds of earth, such as those of the great cities, of the
manufactories, and of the implements of war, have brought about a very serious
condition among the gaseous devas.
184. Libra is a sign of beauty
and peace, closely related to the third ray and thus to sound. We can see that
a condition of greater quiet and peacefulness must be brought to bear to
restore balance to this gaseous devas.
185. If they remain in an
unbalanced condition, it will not be possible to transmute the emotional nature
of the human being.
This has to be offset in some way
and the future efforts of civilisation will be directed towards the spreading
of a revolt against the evils of congested living and to the dissemination of
an impulse of a widespread [Page 910] nature to
seek the country and wide spaces.
186. Maser M. predicted this as
well. He called men’s tendency to city living, “fratricidal crowding”. Animal
experiments have revealed the ways in which aggression is stimulated among
animals who are crowded too closely together.
187. Again, we can see the
coming influence of the planet Venus, planet of beauty and ruler of Libra which
is growing consistently stronger in the planetary horoscope.
One of the main interests in the future will
be a tendency towards the elimination
of noise, owing to the increased sensitiveness of the race.
188. Noise is discordant sound
and has a disintegrative effect upon the relationships which create form. If
the integration of the personality is to occur and its fusion with the soul, a
degree of harmony within the vehicles of man must supervene and enough silence to
allow for harmonious rapport between soul and personality. Otherwise,
personality noise cancels the impression of the soul.
When the energy of water and of the
atom is harnessed for the use of man, our present types of factories, our
methods of navigation and of transportation, such as steamers and railway
apparatus, will be entirely revolutionised.
189. We are already in process
of harnessing the power of the atom, though our understanding of how to do this
is still relatively primitive.
190. One gathers that DK is
pointing to certain kinds of ‘water technology’ which have not yet been brought
into functioning.
191. He also speaks of the “energy
of water”. Presumably vast quantities of much-needed energy are locked within
this common substance.
This will have a potent effect
not only on man but on the devas.
192. The fifth ray will grow in
potency during the Aquarian Age. The Aquarian Age will be an ‘Age of Wings’.
Man’s contact with the angels will become real and his greater understanding of
the use of devic energies and forces will meet his energy needs, meanwhile
advancing the evolution of the deva kingdom.
193. In the Aquarian Age men and
devas will advance together, and will meet for reconciliation upon the
buddhic plane.